Alps to the Adriatic

Touring

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, 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