Best of

— , Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, — TOUR DETAILS

Best of Croatia Highlights • Price: $3,395 USD • , Capital of Croatia • Discounts: • , Capital of Slovenia • 5% - Returning Volant Customers • Lake • National Park • Duration: 17 days • Postojna Cave • Date: November 3-19, 2017 • Lone Bay • Date: May 20 - June 5, 2018 • Arena of • Difficulty: Easy • Plitvice National Park • National Park Inclusions • Split • All accommodations (2-3 star) • Island • All meals • Korcula Island • • Transportation throughout tour • Fortress • Airport transfers • Mostar • Personal guide • Stari Most Exclusions • Blagaj Tekija • , Capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina • International airfare • Banja Luka • Entrance fees to museums and other attractions not listed in ‘Inclusions’ • Personal items: Laundry, shopping, etc. • Traveler’s insurance ITINERARY Best of Croatia - 17 Days / 16 Nights Itinerary -

DAY ACTIVITY LOCATION - MEALS

• International Flight Zagreb, Croatia 1 • Arrive: (ZAG) • Transfer to hotel and enjoy a warm welcome dinner Welcome Dinner & Orientation

Zagreb, Croatia • Full day walking tour of Zagreb highlights; Upper Town, Trg Jlacica, Zagreb's of the 2 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, , Gric Tunnel, Lower Town, Park Welcome Dinner & Orientation

• Transfer to Ljubljana (90m) Ljubljana - Bled, Slovenia • Half day walking tour of Ljubljana's hghlights; Old Town, Opera House, Cathedral, Ljubljana 3 Castle, Navje Memorial Park, Hercules Fountain, Sticna Mansion, Ljubljana River, Tivoli Castle Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Continue to Bled, Slovenia (1hr)

• Explore the natural wonders in and Triglav National Park; Vintar Gorge, Iglica Falls Bled, Slovenia 4 • Tour the Bled Castle; strategically perched atop a precipice overlooking the lake and Julian • Ring the "Wishing Bell" Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Transfer to Postojna Cave (90m) Pula, Croatia • Tour the fantastic web of tunnels, galleries and halls 5 • Continue through Robinj; explore Lone Bay (1hr40m) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Transfer to Pula (40m)

Pula, Croatia • Enjoy a walking tour of Pula's roman ruins; the Arena, Temple of Augustus & the Arco dei Sergi 6 • Evening light show of the "Lighting Giants'; decorated industrial cranes that dance Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Transfer to Plitvice National Park (3.5hrs) Plitvice National Park, Croatia 7 • Spend the remainder of the day exploring the park; 16 interlinked lakes, cascading waterfalls & lively green forests Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Transfer to (2hrs) • Explore the iconic waterfalls within the park; Skradinski buk, Roski slap & Bilušića buk Krka National Park 8 • Enjoy the easy trail system within the forests and over the Krka River • Tour the Krka ; built above ancient Roman catacombs Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Transfer to Split, Croatia (1hr)

Split, Croatia • Full day sightseeing tour of Split's highlights; the Diocietian's Palace & the Temple of Jupiter 9 • Scale the Marjan Hill for sweeping views of the city Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Climb aboard the ferry to Stari Grand for a day trip on Hvar Island (105m) Split - Hvar, Croatia • Explore Hvar highlights; Bishop's Palace, the Hanibal Lucic Summer Residence, Tvdalj Castle, 10 & the Benedictine Monastery Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • In the evening head back to Split

• Embark on the scenic transfer to the historic town of Korcula via car & ferry (4hrs) Korcula - Dubrovnik, Croatia • Tour Old Town, the Town Museum, St. Marks Cathedral, St. 's & the alleged 11 childhood home of Marco Polo Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Continue to Dubrovnik via car & ferry ride (3hrs)

• Full day sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik's highlights; Lovrijenac, Old Town, Bell Tower, Rolan's Dubrovnik, Croatia 12 Column & Big Onofrio's Fountain • Walk atop the famous city walls that run for over a mile around the Old Town Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ITINERARY

DAY ACTIVITY LOCATION - MEALS

• Day trip to Kotor (1hr50m) Kotor, Montenegro - Dubrovnik, • Explore the beautiful natural scenes as well as the historical man-made sights; , Croatia 13 , Lovcen National Park & the Cat's Museum • Return to Dubrovnik, Croatia (1hr50m) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Transfer to Mostar (2hrs15m) Mostar, Bonia & Herzegovnia 14 • Walking tour of Old Town & the Old Bridge Area • Tour Blagaj Tekija; Dervish Monastery that resides along the Buna River & under a cliff Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Transfer to Sarajevo (2hrs) Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovnia 15 • Sightseeing tour of Sarajevo's highlights; Bascarsija, Vrelo Bosne, Tunnel of Hope & the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Transfer to Zagreb, Croatia (5.5hrs) Mostar, Bonia & Herzegovnia 16 • Stop in Banja Luka; Bosnia's most modern and up-and-coming cities • Continue to Zagreb Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Zagreb, Croatia 17 • Depart: Transfer to Zegreb Airport (ZAG) Breakfast TOUR MAP

AUSTRIA

Bled Lake SLOVENIA ITALY Ljubljana

Zagreb Postojna Cave CROATIA

Rovinj Plitvice Lakes National Park

Pula BOSNIA and Banja Luka HERZEGOVINA

Zadar Krka National Sarajevo Park

Sibenik

Split Mostar

Hvar MONTENEGRO ITALY Korcula Podgorica

Dubrovnik

Kotor

V ALBANIA V O L A N T ITINERARY

DAY 1: BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

Board your flight to Zagreb Airport (ZAG) – not included. Your Volant guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner and a leisurely evening.

DAY 2: WELCOME TO ZAGREB

Enjoy a full day walking tour in the fourth most polite city in the world. Stroll through the quaint network of streets in Upper Town and explore Trg Jlacica (central square). Witness the medieval beauty of Zagreb's Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Taste the scrumptious fruits and vegetables at the Dolac Market. Walk through the bohemian streets of Tkalciceva and discover the Gric tunnel; the once bomb shelter used in WWII. Continue to Lower Town for great shopping opportunities, spacious parks and historic museums. Climb abroad a short tram ride and walk through the oldest park in Croatia; Maksimir. Not only is Zagreb, Croatia's capital but it is also Croatia's largest city and as such it offers an invaluable insight into Croatian culture. ITINERARY

DAY 3: LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

Today will be dedicated to the exploration of the capital and largest city of Slovenia; Ljubljana. Spend the day in Old Town which is separated into three squares; town, old and upper. Explore all three for a holistic view of the historic sights in Ljubljana. Notice the medieval and baroque themes when you view the Opera House, Cathedral, Ljubljana Castle, Navje Memorial Park, Hercules Fountain, Sticna Mansion and National Museum. Cross the winding Ljublijanica River at Triple Bridge to peer into the commercial hub of the city. Be sure to visit the vast Ljubljana Central Market for a taste of the local culture. Stroll through the large green space at Tivoli Park to visit the Tivoli Castle. End your time in Ljubljana with a thorough appreciation of Jože Plečnik, a Ljubljana native whose creative opus had a significant impact on the architecture in the area as well as in and Prague. In the evening continue to the magical town of Bled. ITINERARY

DAY 4: BLED

Located just south of the Austrian border and in the foothills of the , the town of Bled comes with many incredible natural wonders. Spend the day among the romantic scenery surrounding Lake Bled and explore the wide open spaces of Triglav National Park. Walk through the jaw-dropping , explore the Iglica Falls and follow the passage at Pokljuka ravine for sights of a cave and natural bridge. Continue into town and scale the steep staircase at the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria to the bell tower. Explore the medieval, Bled Castle. Perched atop a steep cliff above Lake Bled, this castle's history dates back to the early 1000s. Ring the "Wishing Bell" at The Church on the Island and believe, to make your dreams come true. Take the iconic swan photo as these birds grace the lake with their presence. Complete your magical day by watching the sun dip behind the surrounding hills. ITINERARY

DAY 5: POSTOJNA CAVE - DAY 6: PULA ROBINJ - PULA Located on the tip of Croatia's Istrian Once your thirst for Bled has been quenched Peninsula, this town known for its protected rise early and head to the iconic Postojna harbor, gorgeous coastline and roman ruins. Cave. Created by the River this 24,120 Enjoy a full day walking tour and explore the m long cave system was first discovered in iconic roman ruins in the area including: the the 17th century. Though inherently for Arena in Pula, Temple of Augustus and Arco tourism the Postojna Cave was also used to dei Sergi. Built between 27 BC and 68 AD, store aircraft fuel during WWII. Once you the Pula Arena is the last remaining Roman have explored this fantastic web of tunnels, amphitheater to have all four side towers and galleries and halls, continue to the coastal three Roman architectural orders still intact. town of Robinj. Robinj is considered to be In the evening after a relaxing stroll along the nicest town in Istria, the largest the beach watch as the industrial cranes peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. Be sure to along the waterfront light up the skyline and explore Robinj's pride and joy; Lone Bay. In dance to a series of tunes. Called the the afternoon transfer to Pula, a town just 'Lighting Giants" these cranes have been south of Robinj. Watch the sunset over the decorated by Dean Skira, a world-famous turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea as you lighting designer, and perform every hour settle in Pula for the evening. starting at 9pm. ITINERARY

DAY 7: PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK

Get an early start to the day and enjoy the scenic road trip through the Istria Peninsula and Croatia's mainland to the largest and oldest national park in the country. Made an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a stunning example of the Croatia's natural beauty. Known for its system of sixteen interlinked lakes, lively green forests and stunning waterfalls the wonders in this park are worthy of your desktop's screensaver. ITINERARY

DAY 8: KRKA NATIONAL PARK - SPLIT

Enjoy a relaxed day in Krka National Park for continued exposure to Croatia's natural beauty. Explore the iconic waterfalls within the park, namely, the Skradinski buk, Roski slap and Bilušića buk. Hike along the impressive footbridges and discover some of endangered flora and fauna. Continue into town () and tour the . Dedicated to the Archangel Michael, this convent is considered to be the most important Serbian Orthodox monastery in Croatia and has been built above ancient Roman catacombs. If time permits, tour Visovac Island. In the evening transfer to Split. ITINERARY

DAY 9: SPLIT

Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Split's highlights. As Croatia's second largest city, this stunning port town provides a fascinating history lesson as well as incredible sights. Stroll along the white sandy beaches or scale the Marjan hill for sweeping views of the city. At the end of the day all that really matters is that you have explored Split's most noteworthy sight; The Diocietian's Palace. Made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 the ruins of this palace make up over half of Split's Old Town. Visit the temples of Jupiter, Cybele and Venus as well as the Cathdral to St. Domnius. As the lights dim in the evening watch as the cobbled streets of the palace quickly transform into one of Croatia's most romantic scenes. ITINERARY

DAY 10: SPLIT - HVAR ISLAND

Hop aboard the ferry out of Split and begin your day trip on Hvar Island. View Hvar Island highlights including: Bishop's Palace, the Hanibal Lucic Summer Residence, Tvdalj Castle, Hvar Cathedral and both the Benedictine & Franciscan . Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural beauty that the island offers its guests. In the evening take the ferry back to Split.

DAY 11: KORCULA ISLAND- DUBROVNIK

Embark out on your second day among the Dalmatian islands. Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to the historic fortified town of Korcula. Within Old Town explore the Town Museum, St. Marks Cathedral and St. Michael's Church. Tour the alleged childhood home of Marco Polo and splash in the turquoise waters along the immaculate beaches. Continue to Dubrovnik, The Pearl of the Adriatic, for the next several nights. ITINERARY

DAY 12: DUBROVNIK

Spend a full day sightseeing tour in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Put on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979, Dubrovnik is also considered to be one of the most prominent tourist locations of the Mediterranean. Tour the Lovrijenac, a fortress and theater sometimes referred to as "Dubrovnik's Gibraltar. It is this site that was used in several Game of Throne scenes. Walk where Joffery walked and stand where Arya Stark stood in this iconic landmark. Explore Old Town for views of the Bell Tower, Roland's Column, palaces and Big Onofrio's Fountain. Examine the damage made to the cobblestone streets from the Yugoslav Wars of the 90s, that has since been heavily repaired. Complete the day with a walk along the Walls of Dubrovnik for dramatic views of the Adriatic Sea and an incredible sunset. ITINERARY DAY 13: DUBROVNIK - KOTOR

Leaving Croatia in the dust for just a moment embark on today's day trip to Kotor, Montenegro. Be sure to visit the Kotor Cathedral, view Our Lady of the Rocks, explore the Lovcen National Park and spend time at the beloved Cats Museum. Located on the coast in a secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor, this city provides its guests with beautiful natural scenes as well as historical man- made attractions. Spend the day exploring both and make your way back to Dubrovnik in the evening. ITINERARY

DAY 14: DUBROVNIK - MOSTAR

Enjoy a scenic drive through southern Bosnia to the historic town of Mostar. Explore the Old Town and Old Bridge Area; both made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. The 400 year old bridge that was destroyed during the Yugoslav Wars of the 90s was rebuilt in the early 2000s. Today Stari Most stands as an iconic symbol of peace and a celebration of the coexistence of diversity. Be sure to check out Blagaj Tekija. This Dervish Monastery resides along the Buna River, under a cliff and is considered to be one of Bosnia's most holy and ancient sites. ITINERARY

DAY 15: MOSTAR - SARAJEVO

After a mid morning arrival in Sarajevo, use the remainder of the day exploring the highlights of this nation's capital. Stroll through Bascarsija (Old Town), visit Vrelo Bosne, a spring of the River Bosna, witness the Tunnel of Hope and tour the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. Immerse yourself in a city rich in history and cultural diversity. Sometimes referred to as the "Jerusalem of Europe," Sarajevo is the only major European city to have a , Orthodox church, and mosque in the same neighborhood.

DAY 16: SARAJEVO - BANJA LUKA- ZAGREB

Get an early start to the day and embark on a scenic quest though Bosnia & Herzegovina back to Zagreb, Croatia. Pass trough Bosnia's most modern and up-and-coming cities; Banja Luka. Enjoy sights of the vibrant Vrbas River, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Banski Dvor Cultural Center. Continue to Zagreb where the tour will come to its end.

DAY 17: TOUR ENDS - DEPART HOME

Although no group activities have been scheduled today your Volant guide will ensure timely arrivals to the Zebreb Airport where you will depart home. Thank you for choosing Volant and safe travels! CONTACT VOLANT

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