Day 1: Overnight FlightJoin Collette Vacations and explore Croatia and the countries of the Adriatic. This is a “must see” region filled with ancient cities, medieval architecture, unique cultures, rolling hills and stunning coastal scenery.
Day 2: Venice, Italy - Tour BeginsUpon arrival into Venice you will transfer to your hotel near the city. Before dinner you are free to take the train into Venice to explore this island city on your own. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner.
Day 3: VeniceTravel by train into the city where your day begins with a boat trip (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an intimate and informative glass making demonstration. Next, return to Venice and visit charming St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city’s activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark’s Basilica, a stop outside the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors.
Day 4: Venice - Bled, SloveniaAfter breakfast, board your coach for a drive through the Mediterranean countryside crossing the border into neighboring Slovenia. Along the way, you will stop at a charming winery where you have the opportunity to sample some locally produced varieties. Upon arrival into Bled, you will have time to relax before enjoying a fine dinner.
Day 5: BledToday you’ll explore Bled from the water. Enjoy the old-world charm of taking a “pletna” boat to the island on the lake to visit the 17th century cathedral, St. Mary’s Church and the “wishing bell.” The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and explore charming Bled on your own.
Day 6: Bled - Plitvice Lakes, CroatiaAfter breakfast, travel into Croatia and visit its most beautiful national park, Plitvice Lakes, a stunning example of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy awe-inspiring scenery as you travel through this natural phenomenon of sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by forests and thick vegetation. A series of waterfalls and free flowing cascades connects each lake to the other. A short cruise on the lake takes you into the heart of this natural wonder.
Day 7: Plitvice Lakes - DubrovnikThis morning, continue south through the heart of Croatia, towards the medieval city of Dubrovnik. Along the way, enjoy some breathtaking views of the beautiful blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Day 8: DubrovnikJoin an expert local guide on a tour of “Old Dubrovnik,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy lies; Rector’s Palace, the City Walls, and many more historical sites. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city on your own or join us for an optional excursion outside the city.
Day 9: DubrovnikThe day is at leisure to explore Dubrovnik, enjoy the rocky coastline and crystal blue waters, or to join your fellow companions on an optional trip to Montenegro. This evening, travel to the culturally rich Konavle region for a countryside dinner. While visiting with your host family, you will learn about life in the Croatian heartland, while the servers, dressed in traditional costumes, serve you a culinary feast prepared in the customary way of their ancestors.
Day 10: Dubrovnik - SplitToday, enjoy stunning sea views as you travel up the winding coastal road, hugging the sheer cliffs that drop into the aquamarine Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a stop in a quaint village in the Croatian countryside. You will have time to taste the local specialties and perhaps walk through the village square. Later, continue on to your hotel located in the center of Split.
Day 11: SplitToday you experience Split’s impressive Roman Palace of Diocletian, one of the most significant late-Roman historical monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, see the peristyle of the palace and the Temple of Jupiter. The remainder of your day is free for you to explore the winding streets of the old city.
Day 12: Split - OpatijaTravel up the coast to the seaside community of Opatija, summer retreat for Roman Caesars and Hapsburg monarchs. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour of the town center before proceeding to your hotel in the heart of Opatija. The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy Croatia's “Riviera.” Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions on how to spend your day.
Day 13: Opatija - Venice, ItalyEnjoy a relaxing morning in Opatija before boarding your coach for a return trip to Italy. This afternoon you can travel into Venice on your own or relax at your hotel before joining your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of a marvelous journey around the Adriatic.
Day 14: Venice - Tour EndsYour tour ends in Venice this morning.