ALPS TO THE ADRIATIC ITINERARY:
Days 1 and 2: Zagreb
Zagreb first appeared on the map of Europe in 1094. Since
that time the city has experienced all of the tumults that have
characterized 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. There
is no doubt that this was a stronghold of the Austro-Hungarian
Empire.
The city boasts a world-class art collection in the Mimara
Gallery, with a roll call of great artists: Raphael, Rembrant,
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
thrilling performance at the Croatian National Theater (opera,
ballet or symphony, according to schedule).
Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Days 3 and 4: Bled and Ljubljana: Slovenia
Llubjlana 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
postmodern buildings, bridges and embankments designed by Joze
Plecnik, whose triple Dragon Bridge is the symbol of Ljubljana.
As we travel through the northern Croatian countryside we will
stop for a tour of the Mokrice Castle’s wine cellar by its own
sommelier before arriving in the alpine village of Bled. A boat
ride on the majestic Lake Bled takes 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 retiring to
Tito’s Summer Vila for our overnight stay. The next day, we
travel through Ljubljana for a overview tour, then back into
Croatia for our stay in Novigrad located in the heart of Istria.
Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Day 5: 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.
<> Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch
Day 6, 7 and 8: Split and Brac
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 thrilling
performance at Split’s National Theater (according to schedule).
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. Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Day 9 through 11 : 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 - the perfect finale to the trip of a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- Private Lunch at the Mimara Gallery in Zagreb
- Special Tour of the Mokrice Castle’s Wine Cellar by a
wine sommelier
- Truffle Hunting and Tasting in Istria
- Private Wine and Olive Oil Tasting on the Olive Road
- Exclusive Tour of the Mestrovic Gallery in Split with a
Museum Curator
- Private Wine Tasting at the Matusko Winery on the
Peljesac Peninsula
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