DAY 1

Arrive Zagreb (2 Nights)
Immerse yourself in the cultural diversity and scenic beauty of the Balkans, starting your journey in the Croatian capital, Zagreb. Spend your day wandering through the Old Town on your own before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception and an orientation drive.
Hotel: Westin
Meal: Welcome Reception

DAY 2

Zagreb Sightseeing and At Leisure
Join a Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour through the paved squares and steep alleyways of Zagreb. Explore the city’s rich medieval heritage and see such sites as the Cathedral on Kaptol, the Archbishop’s Palace and St. Mark’s Church, with its vividly coloured tiled roof. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city at leisure. Stroll along the romantic promenades of Strossmatre, people-watch at Ban Jelačič Square or climb up Lotrščak Tower for views of the city. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the birthplace of iconic leader Tito and enjoy a delicious meal of regional specialities with magnificent views of the Croatian countryside.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 3

Zagreb – Opatija (2 Nights)
A leisurely start to our day sees us drive south towards the Kvarner Gulf and the seaside promenades of Opatija. Sit back and watch the meadows, forests and farmlands roll past – a lush countryside dotted with terracotta-roofed villages and castles as you journey to Croatia’s exquisite Istrian Peninsula. Views of beautiful parks and elegant villas greet you as you arrive, a testament to Opatija’s Austro-Hungarian heritage. This evening you’ll join your travel companions for dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Grand Adriatic
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 4

Opatija Free Day – Excursion to Rovinj
For a bit of Venetian flair, we travel to the Croatian fishing port of Rovinj this morning. Here we’ll join a Local Specialist and wander through its Old Town to see such sights as the Baroque St. Euphemia Cathedral with its square campanile. We’ll ‘Dive into Culture’ and savour the flavours of the region’s famous white truffles before returning to Opatija for some time to explore on our own. See the statuesque nymph, her hand outstretched to cradle a seagull and admire the belle-époque architecture which once attracted members of Europe’s high society.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 5

Opatija – Ljubljana – Bled (2 Nights)
We head north to the enchanting Slovenian capital of Ljubljana today. A Local Specialist will reveal the stories behind many of the city’s iconic sights including the Opera House, Cathedral, National Museum, Three Bridges Square and Castle, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city. Good food and good company are guaranteed as we ‘Connect With Locals’ over a memorable Be My Guest lunch with a local Slovenian family. Our journey continues to Bled in the Julian Alps, where we’ll spend the next two nights in romantic lakeside surrounds. Dinner is at our hotel tonight.
Hotel: Rikli Balance
Meal: Breakfast,Be My Guest,Dinner

DAY 6

Bled Free Day
The day is yours to explore at your leisure. Spend the day admiring your pristine surrounds. Take an invigorating walk along the lake shore for better views of Bled Castle which clings dramatically to a cliff or indulge in a slice of the local kremšnita cake after an ice-skating session if the lake has frozen over. Consider joining an Optional Experience to Slovenia’s largest glacier lake or visit the extensive maze of underground caves at Postojna.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 7

Bled – Zagreb
We leave our dazzling natural surrounds behind, returning to Zagreb where we end our journey. Slovenia’s forests give way to the pastoral landscapes of central Croatia. Tonight, we join our fellow travellers for a celebratory Farewell Dinner and say a fond živjeli to lasting memories.
Hotel: Westin
Meal: Breakfast,Farewell Dinner

DAY 8

Depart Zagreb
Our time together comes to an end after breakfast. We bid new friends goodbye and transfer to the airport for our return home.
Meal: Breakfast

Sightseeing Highlights

• CITY TOUR of Zagreb, Rovinj and Ljubljana
• ORIENTATION of Opatija and Bled
• VIEW the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and St Mark’s Church in Zagreb, the Opera House, Cathedral, National Museum, Three Bridges Square and Castle in Ljubljana
• SEE the Baroque St. Euphemia Cathedral in Rovinj

Dining Highlights

• 7 breakfasts
• 1 lunch (Be My Guest)
• 4 dinners

First class travel Highlights

• Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• Optional Experiences and free time
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Hand-picked Trip Highlights
• VIP entry to many sights