Belgrade to Dubrovnik - 13 days

Welcome to Serbia! Upon arrival in Belgrade, our driver will greet you at the Nikola Tesla airport and take you to the hotel. After checking in at your hotel, you will have free time to rest and prepare for the tour.

On our first day in Serbia, we embark on a walking and driving tour around Belgrade, starting at Knez Mihailova Street, the bustling pedestrian zone filled with shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Known for its diverse architectural styles and dynamic history, Belgrade sits at one of Europe's largest river confluences.

We’ll visit the city’s oldest tavern, known as “?”, where we will taste Serbia's traditional drinks: coffee and rakija. Our guide will share fascinating stories about local customs and the art of making "sljivovica," Serbia's famed plum brandy.

Next, we explore the historical Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, enjoying views of the Sava and Danube rivers. This spot beautifully contrasts the old and the new.

Crossing Branko's Bridge into New Belgrade, our panorama tour showcases the bold Brutalist architecture and the emerging Belgrade Waterfront, symbolising the city’s modern transformation. We'll gain insight into Serbia’s history, from its 19th-century independence struggle to the tumultuous 1990s. Our journey includes visits to the iconic Ada Bridge, the elite Dedinje residential area, and the Museum of Yugoslavia, culminating at the stunning Temple of Saint Sava, the fourth-largest Orthodox temple in the world.

Our tour concludes at Republic Square, offering a glimpse into Belgrade's vibrant culture and heritage.

Belgrade - Zagreb - Ljubljana. After check-out in Belgrade, we head to Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital.

Our Zagreb sightseeing tour includes Kaptol, the medieval area, the Franciscan monastery with its 13th-century Church of Saint Francis, and Dolac, the city's famous farmers' market. We’ll admire the baroque architecture of the 18th-century Church of Saint Mary and conclude at Ban Josip Jelačić's monument in the central square.

After lunch, we drive to Slovenia, the world's first green destination, stopping at Otocec Castle, Slovenia's only water castle, for a refreshing break.

Next, we arrive in Ljubljana, the enchanting capital known for its mix of historic architecture and modern sustainability. After checking into our hotel, we have free time to relax and explore the city's lively atmosphere and diverse restaurant options.

Ljubljana - Lake Bled - Ljubljana. We begin our guided tour of Ljubljana, a picturesque city known for its lush greenery, stunning architecture, and relaxed atmosphere. Nestled between the majestic Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Ljubljana is one of Europe’s greenest capitals, boasting numerous attractions, including delightful dining experiences and fascinating museums.

As we stroll along the riverfront, we'll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, the medieval Mestni Trg (Town Square), Robba's Fountain, the vibrant central open-air market, and the famous Triple Bridge. The true essence of Ljubljana unfolds along the banks of the Ljubljanica River, where charming bridges span its waters, enhancing the city's allure.

A visit to Lake Bled, the alpine gem of Slovenia, is a must. Known for its beautiful island, which is the most photographed sight in Slovenia, this enchanting lake has captivated visitors for centuries. We'll take a traditional pletna boat ride to the Church of Saint Mary, where we can step onto the sacred island and explore its historic church. During free time, consider visiting Bled Castle, perched high on a rocky cliff overlooking the lake, and don’t miss trying the famous Bled "krempita," a delicious cream cake best enjoyed against the stunning backdrop. We return to Ljubljana for the night.

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. 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.

Next, 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 - Lim Bay - 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.

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 opt 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!