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               CROATIA AND SLOVENIA

CROATIA & SLOVENIA ITINERARY:

1. Arrive Dubrovnik, Croatia
Tour begins: 6:30 PM, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik.  A transfer is included from the Dubrovnik International Airport to the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik.  Please join us for a welcome reception and dinner this evening. Meals D

2. Discover Colorful Dubrovnik
Surrounded by 10th-century walls, the splendid medieval city of Dubrovnik is one of the world’s great treasures – and most sought-after destinations. The historic Dalmatian Coast port was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979; extensive restoration efforts began following the early 1990s Serbian war. A walking tour reveals the success of those efforts on visits to the Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Dominican Monastery and the Franciscan Monastery, as well as to the beautiful main square. Time to explore at leisure precedes a lecture on the 1990s war and Croatia’s future. Attend a wine tasting and dinner tonight featuring entertainment by a local guitar group. Meals BD

3. Along the Dalmatian Coast to Hvar
The coastal road through lower Dalmatia is one of the most scenic drives in Croatia. Ferry to Hvar, a jewel of an island with a long and fascinating history. A drive explores its rocky coastline, quaint villages and harbors where small fishing boats bob on the tide. Admire the views of Hvar Town from historic Hvar Fortress, high on a hill overlooking the town, before arriving at your waterfront hotel. Meals BLD

4. Explore Fascinating Hvar
On Hvar, visit the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the Franciscan Monastery. Travel through olive orchards and fragrant fields of lavender, for which the island is known, en route to the abandoned village of Malo Grablje for a traditional lunch in a scenic setting, weather permitting. Later, admire the views of Hvar Town from the historic Hvar Fortress, high on a hill overlooking the town. The rest of the day is free to pursue what interests you most on Hvar; you’ll find many restaurants to choose from for dinner on your own this evening. Meals BL

5. Sail to Split
Take in views of the islands of Brac and Solta during a three-hour ferry cruise to Split. This remarkable town grew up in and around the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, within whose walls the entire historic center of Split was built – and where approximately 2,000 people still live today. A guided visit to Diocletian’s Palace includes the Cathedral that was the emperor’s mausoleum prior to its consecration in the 7th century. After time at leisure, arrive at your hotel, Le Méridien Lav, Split, a newly built luxury beachfront resort in nearby Podstrana. Meals BD

6. Salona (Solin) / Omis
Visit the art gallery of one of Croatia’s most famous sculptors, Ivan Mestrovic, before traveling on to the ancient Roman ruins of Salona (Solin) - the home town of the emperor Diocletian, whose palace dominates the city of Split.  See Salona's remarkable 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre before continuing to Omis.  With its maze of twisting alleys, this small seaside town was once home to legendary pirates.  Drive through the dramatic Cetina River Canyon for lunch, and return to your resort for some free time to spend as you please.  Meals BLD

7. Krka National Park / Zagreb
Discover the natural beauty of Croatia at Krka National Park during a walking tour past ancient water mills, peaceful forests and cascading waterfalls. Continue your journey by boat to Skradin, for lunch at Zlatne Skoljke. Arrive late afternoon at your landmark hotel in Croatia’s capital city, The Regent Esplanade Zagreb. Meals BLD

8. Zagreb, Croatia’s Lively Capital
Croatia’s capital since its independence in 1991, historic Zagreb has played a major political and cultural role for centuries. Endowed with myriad museums, libraries and theaters, its cultural life is enviable. Visit Mirogoj Park Cemetery, whose sculptures and pavilions by architect Hermann Bollé make it one of Europe’s most beautiful memorial parks; the Cathedral of St. Stephen, with roots dating back 1,000 years; the colorful, open-air Dolac Market.  Spend the rest of the day as you wish in Zagreb, pursuing what interests you most.  Meals B

9. Ljubljana, Capital of Slovenia
A drive through the Croatian Highlands from Croatia to Slovenia reveals splendid alpine scenery, medieval castles and lovely vineyards. The city of Ljubljana is famous for its diverse architecture – including legacies of the Roman, Baroque and Art Nouveau eras – but owes much of its grand style to native-born architect Joze Plecnik, whose vision early in the 20th century transformed his provincial hometown into the capital of the Slovenian nation. You have a choice of four different architectural themes to explore during this afternoon’s sightseeing before checking into your century-old landmark hotel, ideally located in Ljubljana’s Old Town. Meals BL

10. Beguiling Bled
View Vintgar Gorge en route to the charming resort village of Bled, set in the mountains overlooking Lake Bled Island.  Join us tonight for a farewell reception and dinner at a historic restaurant in Ljublijana.  Meals BLD

11. Journey Home
Tour ends: Ljubljana, Slovenia. Transfers from Grand Hotel Union Executive to the Ljubljana Airport are included. Allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

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