Adriatic Treasures: Croatia to Venice

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik. A transfer is included upon your arrival from Dubrovnik Airport to Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik – just steps from the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet a lecturer this evening who shares expert insights, past and present, about the country formerly known as Yugoslavia and the places you'll explore on this trip, before joining them for an intimate welcome dinner at a popular restaurant, accompanied by a private performance of traditional Croatian a capella "klapa" singing.

Rise and shine this morning for a day of cultural delights. Ride a cable car to the top of Srd Hill for dazzling views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding landscapes. Get a closer perspective when you descend for a walking tour through Old Town and visit the Main Square. Dubrovnik's Old Town is completely surrounded by enormous stone walls that date back to the 10th century; view them from the outside on a boat ride along the walls (weather permitting). En route back to your hotel, stop in the village of Gruda to meet an "academic artist" who serves as the keeper of local traditions. During your visit, gain insight on silk making with a demonstration and taste homemade treats typical of this region.

Cross the border into neighboring Montenegro and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor for a walking tour of this historic city, known today for its large population of cats, a contemporary symbol of the city. Continue to the tiny bay-front village of Perast, built by wealthy sea captains during the 17th and 18th centuries. Walk past the town's stone houses to the pier for a sail to the man-made islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, topped by a lone church and steeped in legends. Back on shore, enjoy views of Montenegro's coast on your return trip to Dubrovnik for dinner at your hotel.

Depart for Split this morning. En route, stop in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a visit to Mostar and view the Old Bridge, Stari Most, after which it is named. Damaged during the 1990s conflict, the Old Bridge, built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been rebuilt, as have many of the edifices in the Old Town. Your day in Mostar continues during a Q&A session with a contemporary witness at the Bosnaseum. Here, they'll discuss their life during the war that took place from 1991 - 1994. Enjoy free time in Mostar before continuing your journey to Split (of which you'll arrive later this afternoon) for a two-night stay.

See the acclaimed collection of works by Croatia's premier modern sculptor, Ivan Meštrović, at the gallery he built as his private residence. Drive to Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Roman emperor Diocletian as his retirement home between the late 3rd and the early 4th centuries using local limestone and Brač marble; the city of Split later grew up around the palace. A walking tour of the vast palace complex includes the palace cellars. The rest of the day is yours to explore Split as you please.

Take a scenic drive to Krka National Park to see its spectacular waterfalls and inherent natural beauty. From there, board a boat and sail to Skradin before continuing your journey, pausing along the way for a locally inspired lunch. This afternoon, drive to Zagreb for a two-night stay in Croatia's capital city. 

Strategically located at the crossroads where western and eastern Europe meet, Croatia's capital city of Zagreb is a blend of old and new, informed by wars and steeped in culture. Start off your day by meeting Croatia's former Minister of Tourism for a discussion on current affairs before setting out to explore Zagreb on foot. Join our local guides for a walking tour that includes the neo-Gothic Cathedral, a cheese tasting at the fresh market, the main square and a funicular ride to the Upper Town, where you will have lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the day is free to spend as you please; enjoy dinner at your leisure at your hotel tonight.

One of the most impressive castles in Croatia, Trakošćan Castle dates back to the 13th century and reflects myriad architectural styles and restorations over its 800+-year history. Costumed knights and ladies-in-waiting welcome you to the castle for a tour with a local guide, followed by a light lunch exclusively for Tauck guests in the Knights' Hall. Your final destination today is Ljubljana, Slovenia, where your high-rise city-center hotel overlooks the heart of the city. Take a walking tour of Slovenia's capital before enjoying a taste of local culture during dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Ride a funicular up to Ljubljana Castle this morning; savor panoramic city views and tastings of local cookies, pear schnapps, and mint liqueur. Drive next to a gingerbread-making workshop in a country village to see how these beloved decorated pastries have been made for centuries. Lunch is followed by a visit to 1,000 year-old Bled Castle that includes entrance to the upper courtyard museum to learn about the history of Bled. Return to Ljubljana to spend the rest of the day and evening as you wish.

We've arranged an early morning, Tauck Exclusive, visit to a subterranean world of caverns, halls and passages some two million years in the making when you explore the surprise-filled Postojna Caves from aboard a private electric train and on a guided walk. Then, you're off for an experience at a family-owned truffle farm, where you'll learn about the truffle-hunting process, meet the dogs who sniff out this underground delicacy and enjoy a tasting followed by a light lunch. Arrive early this evening in Rovinj, located on the west coast of the Istrian Peninsula for a two-night stay.

Arrive in Pula, at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, for a visit to its great amphitheatre, constructed between 27 BC – 68 AD, much of it still standing and used today. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in the fishing village of Rovinj. Board a boat for a cruise along the Old Town peninsula en route to a local tavern for an exclusive dinner with entertainment.

Travel from Croatia to Venice, Italy, today, arriving in the "City of Canals" midday for a walking tour and a visit to the Doge's Palace. We invite you to join us at a farewell dinner just steps away from Piazza San Marco.

Tour ends: Venice. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Splendid Venice to Venice's Marco Polo Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.