Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy

Explore Dubrovnik with your Tour Director and discover why this walled city is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Walk along its magnificent medieval city walls, built between the 12th and 17th centuries, offering sweeping views of the sea and terracotta rooftops below. Visit the Dominican Monastery, a 14th-century gem blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, and the nearby Franciscan Monastery, home to one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, open since 1317. Pause at Onofrio’s Fountain, a 15th-century masterpiece still providing fresh water, and conclude at the elegant Rector’s Palace, a symbol of Dubrovnik’s rich artistic and political history.

Discover Split, a dazzling city on the Adriatic coast where ancient history meets seaside charm. Explore Diocletian’s Palace, built in 305 AD and considered the world’s best-preserved Roman palace. Step into Peristil Square, once the imperial courtyard, and visit the stunning Cathedral of St. Duje, one of the oldest in the world. As you wander through the narrow stone streets of Split’s UNESCO-listed historic center, you’ll experience layers of Roman, medieval, and modern life coexisting in remarkable harmony.

Experience the coastal beauty and layered history of Zadar on a guided walk through its marble streets. Explore the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Zadar, surrounded by medieval churches and Venetian façades that tell stories of shifting empires. Listen to the melodies of the Sea Organ, a one-of-a-kind instrument played by the waves of the Adriatic, and marvel at the Sun Salutation, a dazzling solar installation that captures sunlight by day and transforms it into a vibrant display of color at night.

One of Croatia’s most breathtaking natural wonders, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a landscape of waterfalls, lakes, and forests. Stroll along wooden pathways as you admire the park’s sixteen interconnected lakes, whose colors shift from turquoise to deep green. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Plitvice offers a serene and unforgettable immersion in nature’s artistry.

Discover the charm of Ljubljana (pronounced lee-yoob-lee-yana), Slovenia’s welcoming capital. Explore the beautifully preserved Old Town, where cobbled streets reveal a mix of Baroque, Art Nouveau, and modern architecture. Cross the elegant Triple Bridge, one of architect Jože Plečnik’s masterpieces, and admire the fierce statues guarding the Dragon Bridge, a beloved city symbol. Visit Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hill with panoramic views, and stroll through Republic Square, a hub of civic life that reflects the city’s 20th-century history and spirit of independence.

One of Italy’s lesser-known yet equally enchanting destinations, Trieste is a seaside city rich in culture and history. Overlooking the Adriatic, it offers grand architecture, sweeping views, and a mix of Italian, Slavic, and Austrian influences. Explore its museums, castles, and cathedrals, then unwind in lively plazas, cozy trattorias, and historic cafés that capture Trieste’s welcoming spirit.

Discover Venice, a city built on more than 100 islands in a lagoon off the Adriatic. Begin in St. Mark’s Square and tour St. Mark’s Basilica, completed in 1094 and home to the relics of Venice’s patron saint. Continue with a guided visit of the Gothic Doge’s Palace with its ornate arches before continuing to a glass-blowing demonstration, showcasing the centuries-old tradition of Venice’s most famous craft.