Overview
Take your ensemble on an exciting performance tour through the beautiful scenery and rich culture of Eastern Europe. Your musicians will explore the picturesque castles of Lake Bled, tour the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, and experience the magic of the Zadar Sea Organ. Your students will also perform for international audiences and have the opportunity to participate in local school cultural exchanges.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Slovenia (Zagreb)
Day 2
Arrive in Zagreb
Meet your Tour Director, travel to Ljubljana, and check into hotel
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
National Museum of Slovenia visit
You will visit the Narodni Mezej Slovenije (National Museum of Slovenia). This museum houses the oldest instrument in the world ona permanent exhibition, a Stone Age bone flute. The museum also features ceiling frescoes, a Celtic pail from the 6th Century BCE, as well as Roman artifacts.
Lake Bled excursion
Lake Bled, Bled Castle visit
Ljubljana Performance
Day 4
Travel to Zagreb
Zagreb was a former stop on the Orient Express, where Eastern and Western Europe meet.
Zagreb city walk
Take a walking tour of Zagreb, including stops at Dolac Market, offering everything from groceries to local craftwork, and the Trg Ban Jelačić, where musicians often gather to play.
Croatian National Theatre visit
Tour the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, where opera, ballet, and theatre are performed. The Baroque style of the building appears in tiny details, from hand crafted curtains to miniature swans on the railings.
Zagreb Performance
Preferred venue is the American Embassy.
Day 5
Travel to Zadar via Plitvice
Zadar, on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsular Old Town. There are several Venetian gates in the city walls. Surrounding the Roman-era Forum is 11th-century St. Mary's Convent, with religious art dating to the 8th century. There's also the grand, 12th-century St. Anastasia's Cathedral and the round, 9thcentury pre-Romanesque Church of St. Donatus.
Plitvice Lakes National Park guided tour
Spend today exploring the Plitvice Lakes. See the Lower Lakes, which are open year round. The national Park contains 16 lakes, all inter-connected by cascading waterfalls. The turquoise blue lakes are listed among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
Sea Organ
The Zadar Sea Organ is exactly what its name implies: a real musical instrument built into Zadar’s harbor and played by the lapping waves of the Adriatic Sea. With roughly 35 organ pipes built into the concrete, the Sea Organ can be heard by passersby and offers the listener a truly unique aural experience each and every time.
Sun Salutation
The Sun Salutation, a series of solar cells that absorb the sun's energy during the day, convert the sun's energy into electricity to illuminate the waterfront with colorful lights at night.
Day 6
Travel to Dubrovnik via Trogir
Trogir guided sightseeing tour
Nicknamed the Adriatic's Venice for its labyrinthine narrow streets and a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Hellenistic buildings, Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been well maintained since Venetian times.
Cathedral of St. Lawrence visit
Stop at St. Lawrence Cathedral and climb its tower for sweeping city views. Admire the Romanesque Portal built in 1240 by master sculptor Radovan, one of Croatia’s greats.
Day 7
Fort Imperial visit
Take a cable car up to Mt. Srd and visit Fort Imperial, built between 1806-1816 during the Napoleonic Wars. This mountain was home to one of the fiercest battles.
Museum of the Croatian War of Independence visit
Visit the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence and learn about the conflict of Serbia and Montenegro and Croatia in Dubrovink in 1991.
Dubrovnik performance
Venue options for groups includes the 14th century Rectors Palace. The Palace atrium has the finest acoustic in Dubrovnik and is used regularly for concerts including the annual International Late Summer Music Festival. We can also arrange joint performances and cultural interchange with the Luka Sorkocevic Music School whose orchestra regularly performs at the Palace. Subject to final confirmation.
Day 8
Return home
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Scenes from Croatia and Slovenia
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.