Alps to the Adriatic – Zagreb to Dubrovnik

"I didn't tell half of what I saw, because no one would have believed me."
Marco Polo (1253-1324), born island of Korcula, Croatia

If only Marco Polo had had a camera with him, he could have shown Kubla Khan how beautiful it is in Croatia. Our comprehensive tour of Croatia’s extensive coastline and Slovenia’s alpine towns was designed with Marco Polo in mind, but we think you’ll find the accommodations (new boutique hotels that are impossibly charming) and the cuisine (the freshest seafood anywhere in Europe) to be much better than what Marco Polo enjoyed in his day.

We will focus on this region’s profound influence on history, art, architecture, wine, and gourmet food. The Alps to the Adriatic itinerary is an enlightening journey for the senses and the mind. Experience the best of Croatia and Slovenia on this exciting trip through a region just now opening up to the more demanding traveller.

Zagreb
Zagreb first appeared on the map of Europe in 1094. Since that time the city has experienced all of the tumults that have characterised the history of the Balkans. Yet, despite this, the ensemble of Baroque buildings within the Upper Town and Kaptol are unique, even within Europe, for their preserved state.

The city boasts a world-class art collection in the Mimara Gallery, with a roll call of great artists: Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Gogh and Da Vinci- we will be introduced to the museum by one of its top curators on a private tour. But if you really want to get to know Zagreb, to feel the pulse of the city, then the way to do it is simply to sit down in one of the many cafes encircling Ban Jelacic Square, Zagreb's meeting place, and watch the world go by.

Highlights of our tour in Zagreb include a visit to Gornji Grad, the cities historic Upper Town. The funicular will then take us down to Donji Grad (Lower Town) where we will walk the cobble-stoned streets and venture through the small boutiques and cafes. Tonight, if scheduling permits, we will enjoy a performance at the Croatian National Theatre (opera, ballet or symphony, according to schedule).

As we travel through the northern Croatian countryside we will then cross the border to Slovenia.

Bled and Ljubljana in Slovenia
Ljubljana itself can fairly be called an ancient city, dating back to the Roman Empire (when it was called Emona). It has High Renaissance architecture, elegant streets created during the rule of the Hapsburgs, art nouveau from the late nineteenth-century, and, most fascinating of all, the early post modern buildings, bridges and embankments designed by Joze Plecnik, whose triple Dragon Bridge is the symbol of Ljubljana.

We will stop for a tour of the Mokrice Castle’s wine cellar led by the sommelier before arriving at Tito’s Summer Vila for our overnight stay in Bled.

The next day we will enjoy a boat ride on the majestic Lake Bled which will take us to the Church of Assumption- a tiny church set atop a small island in the middle of the lake. Later, we will see Bled Castle, before arriving in Ljubljana and exploring the city. In the afternoon, we travel back into Croatia for our stay in Novigrad located in the heart of Istria.

Istria
Istria is famous for its olive groves and vineyards. During our time here we will explore the historic settlements of Rovinj and Porec before being invited on a truffle hunt in Livade. Later, we will enjoy a truffle tasting at the famous Zigante Restaurant. In Motovun we’ll climb the steep hill to the top of this medieval town for magnificent views of the countryside.

May departure only – Each May, Motovun hosts Istria’s annual hot air balloon festival. During this festival, we will have the option to take an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over Istria’s dramatic countryside.

October departure only- In October, Livade holds its annual White Truffle Festival. Livade is home to the Istrian white truffle and once a year “foodies” from around the world gather to enjoy them, and enjoy the region’s other delicacies: wine, olive oil, cheese and herb brandies.

Split
Olive oil is a staple in the diet of a Croat. On our way to Split we will stop to enjoy a private tasting of award winning olive oil and wine at the family-owned Marcetta Winery. After a short stop in Zadar, we arrive in Split. During our time in Split, we will explore the city’s historic district including the Diocletian Palace, enter the Mestrovic Gallery for a VIP visit led by the museum’s curator, and witness a performance at Split’s National Theatre (according to schedule).

Brac
The island of Brac is a perfect example of Adriatic island life. We will visit the small, quaint town of Skrip before arriving in Bol on the far side of the island. In Bol, we’ll visit Croatia’s most famous beach, Zlatni Rat (the Golden Cape)- a beach known for changing its shape as the wind blows. The late afternoon brings us back to Split for a special dinner and Acapella concert.

Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. It has everything: a magnificent natural setting, an old town unspoiled by development, and a lively cultural life, but, perhaps more than anything, it has an atmosphere about it that not even Venice can rival.

Southern Dalmatia is famous for its rich vegetation, untouched islands, white pebble beaches and crystal clear water. As we travel south along the coast, we will visit the ancient archaeological site of Narona and enjoy a boat safari along the Norin River.

Please contact us for day-by-day itinerary.

Accommodation
Regent Esplanade in Zagreb
Villa Bled in Slovenia
Nautica Hotel in Novigrad
Le Meridien in Split
Villa Argentina in Dubrovnik

Single Supplement: £1,030.00
All prices per person, sharing.
Meals: Breakfast Daily, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Cost of flight not included.