Venice to Dalmatia Superior - 13 Days

Welcome to Mestre, the gateway to Venice’s enduring charm and captivating canals. Upon arriving on the mainland, you’ll check in to your hotel, with time to relax and settle in.

Later in the evening, we’ll gather as a group, where your guide will introduce the itinerary and provide a travel card offering unlimited access to Venice’s land and water transport, giving you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.

If you wish, the guide will accompany you into Venice to soak up its enchanting evening atmosphere. For dinner, feel free to choose from local restaurants, enjoying this experience at your own leisure.

Today, we embark on an enchanting journey through Venice, starting with a scenic ride along the Grand Canal. We’ll soak up the energy of St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice, and admire St. Mark’s Basilica with its stunning mosaics and architecture, a symbol of the city’s medieval grandeur. Nearby, the majestic Doge’s Palace stands as a testament to Venice’s rich history of art, politics, and intrigue.

As we explore the labyrinthine streets, we’ll cross the Rialto Bridge, offering captivating views of the city. Picture the days of Casanova as we wander through narrow alleyways, uncovering hidden courtyards and artistic treasures.

After the tour, if you wish, a gondola ride will make your day even more memorable as you glide through the canals.

Venice - Murano - Burano - Ljubljana (Slovenia). After check-out, we continue to the famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon. First, we visit Murano, renowned for its glassmaking. At a local factory, we'll witness skilled artisans creating stunning glass pieces and learn about the centuries-old techniques.

Next, we head to Burano, known for its colourful houses and traditional lace-making. We’ll explore Galuppi Square, wander the streets, and admire the intricate lacework passed down through generations.

Afterwards, we travel to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital, where we check in to the hotel. Your evening is at leisure.

Ljubljana - Lake Bled - Ljubljana. Nestled between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Ljubljana is one of Europe’s greenest capitals. On our tour, we'll stroll along the riverfront, discovering Ljubljana’s iconic landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, medieval Mestni Trg (Town Square), Robba’s Fountain, the bustling central market, and the renowned Triple Bridge.

Later, we head to Lake Bled and its iconic island, the most photographed spot in Slovenia. We’ll take a pletna boat to the island, where you’ll have time to explore the Church of Saint Mary. Use your free time to visit Bled Castle, perched atop a cliff with stunning lake views. Don’t miss the famed Bled krempita, a cream cake best enjoyed against the scenic backdrop. We return to Ljubljana for the night.

Please note: Additional travellers may be joining the tour in Ljubljana - the maximum group size will never be exceeded.

Ljubljana - Postojna Cave - Goriska Hill - Portoroz. Say goodbye to the capital of Slovenia after hotel check-out. Just an hour from Ljubljana, Slovenia offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the spectacular limestone Postojna Cave. Board an electric train to explore this unique underground landscape, where we will encounter awe-inspiring stalactites, stalagmites, limestone pools, subterranean gorges, and mesmerising underground waterfalls. As one of Slovenia's most beloved tourist attractions, a visit to this cave is an absolute must on our journey through Slovenia.

For a full immersion into Slovenian charms, we will head towards the Goriska Hills, a region shared between Slovenia and Italy, seamlessly blending with the neighbouring Italian countryside. This area is famous for its wine production, particularly white wines such as Rebula and Sauvignon. The highlight of the region is the medieval village of Smartno, dating back to the 14th century, where we can travel back to captivating and picturesque stories of the past and uncover the essence of Brda's warmth and hospitality. Here, amidst rolling vineyards and charming views, we will visit an authentic winery to sample some of the region's finest wines.

Finally, we will arrive in Portoroz, an attractive Istrian town in Slovenia and one of the largest tourist centres in the Slovenian coastal region, where we will check in to our hotel.

Portoroz - Porec (Croatia). Today, we head to Groznjan, a charming hilltop village known for its vibrant arts scene and medieval architecture. We will explore the town's galleries and workshops, enjoying a drink and soaking in the local atmosphere before moving on to our next destination.

Next, we can participate in a truffle-hunting demonstration in a nearby forest famous for its white and black truffles. Guided by an expert and his trained dog, we will learn how to find these culinary treasures and enjoy a tasting of local truffle-infused cheese and sausages with a glass of Istrian wine.

Later, we visit Motovun, an ancient town perched on a hill with stunning views of the Motovun Forest and Istrian countryside. As we walk through its narrow streets, we will admire the medieval architecture, including the town walls and the Church of St. Stephen. Finally, we check into our hotel in Porec.

Porec - Rovinj - Pula - Porec. Today, we explore the historic town of Rovinj, known as the gem of Istria. We will wander through the picturesque old town, where 18th-century Venetian architecture and cobblestone streets create a captivating blend of history and romance. As we stroll through the winding alleys and vibrant squares, we will experience the charm of Grisia Street, famous for its local art and shops, along with stunning views of the Mediterranean.

We indulge in an oyster and seashell tasting at a seaside restaurant near Lim Bay, an 11-km-long estuary teeming with marine life. Here, we will sample fresh oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops, followed by a wine tasting at a family-owned winery that embodies Istrian winemaking.

Our gourmet journey continues as we uncover more of the region's delightful treasures, its exceptional wines. We enjoy a wine tasting at a family-owned winery, where we’ll discover the artistry and passion behind Istrian winemaking. Following a guided tour, we’ll immerse ourselves in the process, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Istria's rolling hills.

Our journey continues to Pula, home to remarkable historical sites, including the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, the sixth-largest Roman coliseum in the world. We will also visit the Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of Sergius, and the Twin Gates, immersing ourselves in the town's rich history. As evening approaches, we return to Porec.

Porec - Opatija - Plitvice Lakes. Bid farewell to the beautiful Istrian peninsula and, after check-out, head to Opatija, an elegant town known for its rich history, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. We can enjoy a leisurely coffee break while strolling along the famous Lungomare promenade, which offers stunning panoramic sea views. As we continue our journey, picturesque countryside unfolds before us, showcasing charming villages and rolling hills, with glimpses of the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Next, we explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, home to 16 interconnected cascading lakes. Once known as "Devil's Garden," it was the first site in the Balkans to receive UNESCO World Heritage status. Our 3-hour guided tour will cover both the upper and lower lakes. While swimming is not permitted, there will be time to relax at one of the nearby restaurants amidst this lush paradise. Afterward, we check into our hotel, allowing time to rest and unwind.

Plitvice Lakes - Trogir - Split. As we leave Plitvice Lakes and check out, our tour continues to the coastal region of Croatia, starting with the charming town of Trogir. Located on a small island, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features stunning architecture, beautiful sea views, and palm-lined promenades. As we stroll through its medieval streets, we'll immerse ourselves in a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Key sights include the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, the Clock Tower, the Loggia, the Land Gate, Kamerlengo Castle, and Saint Mark's Tower.

The day concludes in Split, Dalmatia's largest city, steeped in 1,700 years of history. We enter through the Golden Gate and wander the narrow cobblestone streets, discovering bustling markets, charming cafés, and hidden courtyards within Diocletian's Palace. We'll visit the former Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the oldest Catholic cathedral in its original structure. As we stroll along the lively Riva promenade, we can soak up the Mediterranean sun and vibrant atmosphere. Split captivates with its unique charm and dynamic energy.

Split - Hvar - Split. To start our day, we will take a short drive to the ferry port and board a high-speed catamaran that brings us to the queen of the Croatian islands—Hvar, so much more than just the glitz and glamour of its main town. We'll take in the azure blue seascape as we journey through the Splitska Vrata to Hvar Island.

A town built in wonderful Venetian architectural style, the island-city of Hvar is famous for its traffic-free cobbled streets, filled with nice restaurants and bars. During our walking tour, we'll see the harbour, Renaissance Cathedral, Benedictine Convent, Franciscan monastery, and Church of Our Lady of Mercy.

We have set aside plenty of free time for you to fully enjoy all that the island has to offer. Based on your interests, we recommend embarking on a boat excursion to discover the enchanting Pakleni Islands, relaxing on the sun-kissed beaches, exploring the picturesque trails to Milna Bay for a memorable adventure, or enjoying a delightful Mediterranean lunch at a local restaurant.

In the late afternoon, we'll head back to Split. *Please note that the departure timing may vary depending on the season.

Split - Peljesac Peninsula - Dubrovnik. After check-out, we drive along the picturesque Dalmatian coast, taking in stunning views of Croatian islands, lush vineyards, olive groves, and charming stone villages. We arrive at the Peljesac Peninsula via the impressive Peljesac Bridge, renowned for its breathtaking vineyards and celebrated wines.

At a local winery, we’ll taste the robust Plavac Mali, the region's signature red wine. We’ll relish its rich, complex flavours and learn about the centuries-old winemaking traditions, with hand-tended vines growing in rocky terrain. Local vintners will share the secrets behind their craft, transporting us to the heart of Dalmatia with notes of sun-ripened berries.

Next, we stop briefly in the city of Ston to savour its famous oysters and admire the iconic Ston Walls. We then arrive in Dubrovnik, check into our hotel, and enjoy the evening at leisure. You can explore the city on your own or indulge in a Mediterranean dinner at a local restaurant.

Experience the essence of Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," as we visit its iconic sights, including Stradun, the main street, Placa Square, Pile Gate, and the Rector's Palace. We’ll explore the City Walls and the picturesque city port, uncovering hidden gems along the way. Immerse yourself in the magic of Dubrovnik, where stunning locations from "Game of Thrones" come to life, revealing the city’s rich history and fantastical allure. You'll hear intriguing stories about the Republic of Ragusa and the enchantment that makes Dubrovnik one of the world’s most captivating destinations.

After our city tour, make the most of your free time by enjoying lunch at a restaurant atop the city walls, where breathtaking views await. Alternatively, consider taking a cable car to Srđ Hill for stunning panoramas of the Old Town and the Adriatic coast, or walk along the 2 km stretch of City Walls for a unique perspective of Dubrovnik from above. In the evening, you could choose to set sail on a sunset cruise aboard the Karaka, a replica of a traditional 16th-century wooden galleon, and admire breathtaking views of the Old Town and its centuries-old impregnable walls from the sea.

Our tour ends after breakfast, wishing you a safe onwards journey!