Days
24
Price from
Uncover the secrets of Italy and explore the stunning Croatian coast.
Traverse the historic streets of Rome and the canals of Venice, dine of fine food and wine in Tuscany and the Cinque Terre, admire the mountain-top views of Slovenia’s Lake Bohinj and meander your way down the Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik on this enthralling 24-day adventure through Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. Get deep into the culture, history and cuisine of each destination and gain memorable experiences with your curated Peregrine experiences. Let Italy and the Adriatic Coast enchant you on this fascinating and inspiring small group tour.
- Code
- PEIXC
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
-
Travel the romantic, winding waterways of Venice in a traghetto and lose yourself in the town's myriad alleyways – best done with a lot of time and no map.
-
Ride the cable car up Mt Vogel for exceptional views over the astonishingly beautiful Lake Bohinj and the foothills of the mighty Alps.
-
Soak up the vibrancy of Zadar and experience the deep Dalmatian heritage visible at every step – contrast the Roman ruins and medieval city walls with the modern sea organ and sun dial.
-
Learn the local trade with an immersive fishing experience on Lastovo Island. Head out with a local fisherman and his crew and enjoy the fruits of your catch with a seafood lunch freshly prepared on board.
-
Dubrovnik's charms reach far beyond the UNESCO-listed city walls. Cruise to Lokrum Island where a botanical garden, Benedictine monastery and excellent swimming spots await.
Is this trip right for you?
-
Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
-
As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details, and please note that in some hotels a single supplement exclusion applies where single rooms are not available. Also, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart.
-
The best way to traverse the Cinque Terre is via the cliffside hiking trail. You will walk part of this trail, covering nine kilometres in around 4 hours (route depending). Due to recent landslides in the area, you will need to take the train through some sections. If you do not wish to hike at all, it will be possible to travel by train for the duration.
-
Part of travelling with Peregrine means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. When visiting churches, monasteries or other religious sites in Italy modest dress is required. Both men and women should have knees and shoulders covered when entering these sites.
-
Please be aware that the Croatian coast is very hilly and mountainous, which means lots & lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find Croatia's topography very demanding.
-
Please note that this trip is a combination of 3 separate stand-alone trips. Your leader and the composition of the group is likely to change on day 10 in Venice and on day 17 in Split. Please read the daily itinerary for more details.
Gallery
Itinerary
Welcome to Rome! Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. The day is at your leisure, so if you arrive with time to spare perhaps wander in search of an espresso. Your tour begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Once the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy over dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
- Hotel Romanico Palace or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Dinner
Special Information
Please advise your travel agent of your flight details at the time of booking so we can organise the arrival transfer for you. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today you will be taken on a walking tour of the city. You'll see such marvels as the Roman Forum, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Venezia, the Spanish Steps and Via Dei Condotti. As you wander the city, you will have time to stop in at a bar for a quick coffee or indulge in some gelato. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this great city as you please. Make sure you take the opportunity to visit the majestic Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. The view from the dome of St Peter’s is breathtaking. Roman food is world-renowned, and the trattorias that line the streets are the perfect place to sample the local pasta delights. A taste or two of the (very well priced) local wine is also a must.
Accommodation
- Hotel Romanico Palace or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Rome Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
- Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR16
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb - EUR6
- Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR5
- Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR15
- Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR8
- Rome - Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - EUR16
- Rome - Pantheon - EUR2
- Rome - Imperial Fora - EUR9
- Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR10
- Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR8
- Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR5
- Urban Adventures - Trastevere: Trends and Tradition - EUR56
- Urban Adventures - Ancient Rome: Archaeological Discovery Tour - EUR110
- Urban Adventures - Tasting La Dolce Vita - EUR90
- Urban Adventures - In Vino Veritas: Rome Wine Tasting Tour - EUR95
- Urban Adventures - Street Art and Renaissance - EUR47
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
You can pre-book tickets to the Vatican Museum online to avoid the long queues. Visit biglietteriamusei.vatican.va for more information.
Begin the day with a drive to the medieval city of Siena (approximately 4 hours). It is best known for the Piazza del Campo, the site of the twice-annual Palio (a horse race that goes around the edge of the oval square). Be sure to visit the small but stunning Siena Cathedral, and see the statue of the capitoline wolf, which was brought here by the sons of Remus, the founder of Rome. It has been the city's symbol ever since. Continue to Monteriggioni (approximately 30 minutes), another Tuscan hill town that was built by the Sienese to defend their territory against the Florentines in the 13th century. Learn a little more about the circular walls and 14 towers which played a significant role in the attacks staged by the Bishop of Volterra. In the afternoon arrive at your hotel in the Chianti Region right in the heart of Tuscany (approximately 1 hour). The hotel is the feature stay of this trip, situated in a converted castle. Relax by the pool or perhaps take a stroll through the vineyards that are part of the property. Later on, rejoin the group for dinner.
Accommodation
- Castello di Spaltenna Tuscan Resort (Feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Siena and Monteriggioni Orientation Walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
This morning you will make your way towards the dramatic coast of the Cinque Terre. On the way, you will visit San Gimignano (approximately 1.5 hours), the 'Town of Fine Towers'. This medieval walled town is famous for its well-preserved tower houses which are now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There will be time for you to explore the Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This region is renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Relax in a local family’s garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and enjoy the local organic wine varieties produced by this family for centuries. Continue to your accommodation in La Spezia (approximately 3 hours), the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre.
Accommodation
- Hotel Firenze e Continentale or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Agriturismo Certaldo Wine Tour and Tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Cinque Terre (translating as 'Five Lands' or 'Five Villages') is a region of Italy famed for its rugged coastline and the colourful villages that cling to it. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region. You can choose to walk just a few sections, which will still unveil a great amount of majestic scenery. There is a train that connects the villages as well, so if you prefer to enjoy a more relaxing day, you are welcome to take this option. After working up an appetite, take advantage of the foods of the Liguria region with a pesto making demonstration, and the chance for you to create your own pesto. Enjoy a glass of wine with your culinary creation. In the evening return to La Spezia. There's no better way to refuel after the taxing walks than indulging in a delicious Mediterranean feast. Be sure to try the local focaccia, a specialty of the area.
Accommodation
- Hotel Firenze e Continentale or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
- 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration
Optional Activities
- Cinque Terre - Church of St Andrea in Levante - Free
- Cinque Terre - Coastal Cruise - EUR30
- Urban Adventures - Tasting Cinque Terre - EUR89
- Urban Adventures - Cinque Terre Hike & Bite - EUR139
- Urban Adventures - Cinque Terre This is Aperitivo - EUR79
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Today you will walk 9 kilometres, which should take around 4 hours. Due to recent landslides in the area, it is not possible to walk the Via dell'Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola and the coastal section between Manarola and Corniglia. The train will be used to travel these sections. Please also note that due to safety reasons some sections of any path can be closed at short notice.
Start the day with a drive to Lucca (approximately 1.5 hours), where you can explore the bustling streets or perhaps take a walk along the famous city walls. Your next stop is Pisa (approximately 30 minutes). Due to the precarious state of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Torre Pendente, it is not always possible to climb it, but you will have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your trip leader will take you to the ticket office to purchase tickets to the Cathedral, Baptistry, Museums and Campo Santo, should you wish to visit them. In the afternoon make your way to Florence (approximately 2 hours).
Accommodation
- Hotel Palazzo Ricasoli or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Pisa - Pisa visit & orientation walk
- Lucca - Lucca visit & orientation Walk
Optional Activities
- Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR18
Meals Included
- Breakfast
While you are in Florence there will be plenty of time to explore the city and its museums and galleries. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. Similarly, a visit to Galleria dell'Accademia, where you can see Michelangelo's famous statue of David, is a must. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional dishes are renowned for their simplicity and ingredient-driven quality. Olive oil, beans and fresh herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina (essentially a big T-bone steak that is shared between multiple diners) and ribollita (a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables and beans). Panforte is the signature sweet treat.
Accommodation
- Hotel Palazzo Ricasoli or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Museo dell'Opera di S.Maria del Fiore - EUR15
- Florence - Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR12
- Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR12
- Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR10
- Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR24
- Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR15
- Florence - Baptistry - EUR10
- Duomo & Campanile climb - EUR6
- Florence - Accademia - EUR16
- San Lorenzo Central Market Food Tasting - EUR15
- Florence - Foodies Walk Urban Adventure - EUR67
- Urban Adventures - Florence Markets & Delis - EUR58
- Florence - Aperitivo Time! Urban Adventure - EUR77
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
All the Florentine State Museums require tickets and the queues can be long. Booking your tickets online in advance (uffizi.org and accademia.org) is essential. Your leader can be of assistance booking these but be sure to organise it at the beginning of your trip.
The morning is free for you to further explore Florence, one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. Perhaps walk to Piazzale Michelangelo to take in beautiful views of the city. In the afternoon head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice (approximately 2 hours).
Accommodation
- Kosher House Giardino Dei Melograni or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Our means of transportation between Florence and Venice is by High Speed Train. Italian trains are comfortable and have the bonus of departing and arriving right in the city centre, avoiding heavy road traffic along the way.
Today you will take an orientation walk in the morning. Board a vaporetto (water bus) to the island of San Giorgio, where you will climb the bell tower and witness expansive views of Venice. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. You might like to visit some museums or take a trip to some of the outlying islands. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit. It's equally satisfying to simply meander around the tiny cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s speciality dessert, tiramisu. In the evening come together for a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
- Kosher House Giardino Dei Melograni or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower
- Venice - Traghetto Boat Ride
Optional Activities
- Venice - The Sweet Taste of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR94
- Venice - Museum of St Mark's Basilica - EUR5
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR8
- Venice - Glass Museum Murano - EUR10
- Venice - Ca' Rezzonico Museum of Eighteenth Century Art - EUR10
- Venice - Scuola Grande di San Rocco - EUR11
- Urban Adventures - Canal & Aperitivo Experience - EUR113
- Venice - Guggenheim Museum - EUR15
- Venice - Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs - EUR25
- Venice - Venezia Ca' d'Oro - EUR14
- Concerto - EUR32
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
- Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Venice is a watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – and is literally sinking under the weight of iconic sights. You may choose to take a boat tour or a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, passing under the Rialto Bridge and admiring some of the city's many monuments from the water. Perhaps take a walking tour of the highlights, including St. Mark's Square and the Basilica, Doges’ Palace, Accademia Bridge, and the Bridge of Sighs. There are also numerous museums to visit. After the group meeting tonight, do not be afraid to lose yourself on a short walk of discovery, through mysterious, quiet alleys and sleepy canals.
Accommodation
- Hotel Kosher House Giardino dei Melograni or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary Water Taxi Arrival Transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning, farewell Venice and Italy, and travel to the Postojna Caves (approximately 2 hours), where you will have some free time to have lunch before exploring the cave. A network of 20 kilometres of passages, galleries and chambers, Postojna is the largest classic karst cave in Europe. In 1872, railway lines were laid in the cave and electricity arrived in 1884. Begin with a 2-kilometre open-top train ride through narrow tunnels to this jungle of stalactites and stalagmites. In the vast chambers the electric lighting allows you to admire the size and splendour of the underground world, where the geological past is recorded in a unique manner. The wealth of speleothems, calcite and formations is dazzling, and they abound in a variety of shapes, colours and age. Continue on to Ljubljana (approximately 1 hour), a city full of style and sophistication, and a treasure-trove of history, monuments, churches, museums, and great restaurants. On arrival you’ll take a guided tour around the old city centre, renowned for its unique architectural appearance. The Old Town consists of three main squares and baroque houses. Visit Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, Cathedral of St. Nicholas and the Dragon Bridge. You'll also pay a visit to the open market under arcades before continuing to the lake side town of Bled (approximately 1 hour).
Accommodation
- Hotel Kompas or Hotel Lovec or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Postojna Caves
- Ljubljana Sightseeing with Local Guide
- Ljubljana Castle and Funicular
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The constant temperature in the caves ranges from 8 to 10° C, so be sure to pack a jacket.
This morning you’ll drive through the misty Sava Bohinjka Valley to beautiful Lake Bohinj (approximately 30 minutes). The lake is the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia, formed by a glacier and fed by several underwater springs – the most well known is the karst spring Govic. Take a cable car to the top of Mt Vogel, where you will be greeted by simply astonishing views of this incredibly stunning region – evergreen woods sloping down the mountains to touch the brilliant blue waters. You’ll then have free time to enjoy this amazing area. Back down in the valley it's then back to Bled. With immense natural beauty, Bled, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful of alpine resorts. It's renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then embark on some sightseeing. Take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) to the island on Lake Bled – climb up the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Enjoy a free evening – perhaps head to the cliff-top Old Bled Castle, dating from the 15th century and overlooking sparkling Lake Bled. Be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake, which isn’t hard; nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims that theirs is the best.
Accommodation
- Hotel Kompas or Hotel Lovec or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Pletna Boat Trip on Lake Bled
- Cable Car to Mt Vogel
- Day Trip to Bohinj
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Farewell Slovenia this morning and drive to Motovun, one of the most interesting towns in Croatia (approximately 2 hours). Motovun sits on the top of a cone-shaped hill, 277 metres above sea level, surrounded by the romantic and natural diversity of the bountiful Mirna River Valley, whose forests are famous for truffle hunting. Motovun is the one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Croatia's Istria region, with houses scattered all over the hill. The town grew around a core settlement surrounded by well-fortified walls, and its Celtic origin name comes from the word 'Montona', which means the 'town on the hill'. The medieval charm of the town is still found in its well-preserved architecture. Truffles are a glamourous-sounding local produce in this region. Enjoy a truffle tasting combined with fritaja (Croatian omelette), a local speciality. Your sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable Istrian wines to try, such as the famous Malvazija. Continue on to the romantic Croatian town of Rovinj, one of the best-kept towns on the Adriatic Coast (approximately 1 hour). Among Rovinj's qualities is the beautiful, architecturally intact old town centre, with a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Through the centuries, Rovinj’s character has enchanted many an artist or writer, including Jules Verne. Whilst in Rovinj you will also pay a visit to the venetian-style St. Euphemia Church, dedicated to the early Christian martyr whose marble coffin is said to have floated to the Rovinj shoreline. Continue on to Pula, only a short drive and tonight’s destination (approximately 40 minutes).
Accommodation
- Hotel Galija or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Truffle and Wine Tasting in Motovun
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
This morning, explore the famous Roman Amphitheatre of Pula with a local guide, and step back in time to the town’s heyday as a Roman regional administrative centre. Overlooking the harbour, the arena is the 6th largest surviving amphitheatre in the world. Built in the 1st century, it was designed to hold up to 20,000 spectators, who revelled in the bloodthirsty gladiatorial contests shown there. The 30 metre-high wall, inset with two rows of arches, is made entirely of local limestone, with gutters on top for collecting water and slabs that were used to hold a shady fabric canopy in place. In the late morning you will make your way inland with a stop at the town of Opatija (approximately 1.5 hours), a former resort town for wealthy Austro-Hungarian families. Here you’ll have the opportunity to walk along the famed centuries-old Franz Joseph I Promenade, better known as the Lungomare – a coastal footpath that stretches from Volosko to Lovran. There will be time for you to explore the stretch of the promenade closest to town, and to have lunch. In the afternoon, you will transfer to your hotel (approximately 2.5 hours), located in the Plitvice Lakes area.
Accommodation
- Ethno House Plitvice Selo or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Pula Roman Amphitheatre
- Guided Tour of Pula
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Today you will visit one of Croatia's most beautiful sites – Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park was given World Heritage status 20 years ago and comprises 19 hectares of wooded hills that surround 16 stunning turquoise lakes, all connected by a series of waterfalls. The area is populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and some rare bird species, and the thick, primeval forest vegetation of beech trees, fir spruce and white pine adds another element to the park's beauty. You’ll have free time to explore here – all trails in the national park are well marked so it's difficult to get lost, but please follow the national park rules, which your leader will outline to you. After your memorable visit to the lakes, drive to the walled city of Zadar (approximately 1.5 hours). For centuries Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia, and the city's rich heritage is visible at every step. Take an afternoon sightseeing tour of this splendid city – see the Roman Forum built in the 1st-Century and St. Donatus' Church, which dates back to the 9th century and is the most famous medieval basilica and trademark of the city. You’ll also see numerous other fascinating constructions from between the 12th and 16th centuries, like the reconstructed Romanesque St. Grisigono's Church, St. Mary's bell tower, St. Anastasia's Cathedral, and the People's Square. Lastly, you will visit the Three and Five Wells Squares. There is also an opportunity to visit the Gold and Silver Museum.
Accommodation
- Hotel Kolovare or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Zadar Sightseeing Tour
- Zadar Sunset Drink
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today is a free day in Zadar. There is so much to see and do in this harbour city, the hard thing is deciding what to choose. There are a number of excellent museums to visit including the Museum of Church Art, the Archeological Museum and the National Museum. Don't forget to visit the famous ‘Greeting to the Sun’ and the ‘Sea Organ’, two of the more modern sights of Zadar. The latter is a man-made organ on Zadar's Riva that works with the motion of the waves and 35 pipes to create a musical soundscape. You could also visit the vibrant fish markets of this port town, take a dip in the clear coastal waters, or explore the café culture and do some people watching. Your leader will also be able to offer you suggestions. As it’s your last night together as a group, why not get together and try some Dalmatian food specialties at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
- Hotel Kolovare or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Split, making a few interesting stops on the way. Your first stop is at the town of Sibenik (approximately 1 hour), where you have the option to visit St Jacob's Cathedral, a 15th century jewel. After some free time for lunch you will drive to Primosten, one of the most famous and picturesque small towns on the Adriatic. Explore the stone houses, churches, narrow alleys and lanes around the town’s old before making your way to the city of Split, Croatia's second largest city, located in the heart of the Dalmatian coast. This evening, gather together for another meeting, this time where you’ll welcome some new travellers on the next stage of your European adventure. After the meeting, why not get reacquainted and head out for a harbourside dinner with the group – your group leader will know of some great places to go.
Accommodation
- Hotel Luxe or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Split with a local guide. The city dates back 1,800 years, to the time when the Roman emperor Diocletian built a monumental imperial residence for his retirement. Today this fortified camp is an intriguing warren of narrow cobblestone streets where pre-Romanesque churches exist alongside Gothic chapels and a multitude of museums. You will also visit Diocletian's Palace, which was built in 295 AD and constitutes the heart of the city. Very much a living monument, it is framed by four gates, the most famous of which is the Golden Gate. In front of it stands a statue of the 10th-century bishop Grgur Ninski, who once opposed the pope and introduced the Croatian language into his services. In the afternoon you will take a small boat to the town of Trogir. Explore this quaint seaside town on a guided tour. Visit the cathedral where you can see the famous monument (a 13th-century portal of Dalmatian masonry) before returning to Split in the evening.
Accommodation
- Hotel Luxe or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Guided Walk of Split
- Diocletian's Palace
- Day Trip to Trogir by Boat
- Trogir Sightseeing with Local Guide & Visit to Trogir Cathedral
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Enjoy a free morning in gorgeous Split before boarding an afternoon catamaran for our ride to Croatia’s most remote island – Lastovo. The 4-hour journey is worth it to reach this secluded slice of paradise. Being so remote the island is still undiscovered by mainstream tourism and it has a unique local flair to it. The whole island is a nature park and as such protected from over-exploitation. This means that the locals didn’t develop the mass tourism infrastructure as seen on other islands and for that reason most of the locals moved away and the island’s population is slowly dying out. However this makes it the last authentic Adriatic Island that preserved the life as it once was in the whole region. We support the locals who have decided to stay there. Transfer to your guesthouse and enjoy an included dinner with your group, looking over the tiny bay.
Accommodation
- Guesthouse Augusta Insula or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Today you’ll learn the local trade with an immersive fishing experience – early start included. Rise and shine to head out with a local fisherman, his wife and his crew, helping to bring in the days' catch, usually scorpion fish, mackerel, sardine and bream. Enjoy the fishy fruits of your labour with a seafood lunch freshly prepared on board. Make sure you ask the captain any questions you may have. Return to Lastovo and enjoy the rest of the day as you see fit. Perhaps relax on the beach or explore the peace and quiet of the stone waterfront and tiny port of this unique island lost in time.
Accommodation
- Guesthouse Augusta Insula or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Fishing Trip with Local Fisherman with Seafood Lunch
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Bid farewell to Lastovo and transfer back to the port of Ubli, where you will board the mid-morning ferry bound for the island of Korcula (approximately 1.5 hours). Disembark at Vela Luka and transfer to Korcula Town, stopping en route at Blato, a little-known interior town on the island. Enjoy some time to explore a town many tourists never see and enjoy an optional lunch before continuing. Arrive in Korcula Town and get acquainted with this fortified, seaside city on an orientation walk. Enjoy a free evening in this stunning city. Perhaps wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, taking in the stocky Revelin Tower and impressive defensive walls before stopping for dinner in one of the many restaurants.
Accommodation
- Hotel Marko Polo, Hotel Villa Liburna, Hotel Port 9 or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Visit to the Town of Blato
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that during shoulder season (May and October) the ferry schedule is limited to one ferry per day. If you are travelling on one of our departures during these months the group's departure today is very early in the morning.
Take a short ferry ride from Korcula to the Peljesac Peninsula, famous for its wine. In a family run winery you will try some of their locally produced wines accompanied with light cheese and smoked ham. Next visit the town of Ston, with time for you to enjoy an optional lunch, before continuing to Dubrovnik. Once settled in, head out into the amazing Stari Grad, Dubrovnik's compact Old Town, with your leader, just in time to enjoy the sunset views from the famous Dubrovnik city walls. This walled treasure is often referred to as the 'pearl of the Adriatic' and is surprisingly tiny (400 m by 600 m within its protective walls). It's a lovely city to walk around, as it's been restored to its former glory since the damages of the 1991 conflicts.
Accommodation
- Hotel Uvala or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Dubrovnik City Walls
- Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
- Matusko Winery Tour and Tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Travel by boat to the island of Lokrum. It's located off the coast of Dubrovnik's old town. In this quasi 'botanical garden' you'll encounter a collection of exotic Mediterranean plants. Lokrum is also strewn with many golden sandy beaches that are popular with the locals. You will visit the ruins of an old Benedictine monastery and enjoy great views back across to Dubrovnik as well as Napoleon's fortress. Return by boat to Dubrovnik at around lunchtime. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to walk around at leisure. Make sure you visit the Franciscan monastery and the Rector's Palace. In the evening meet up with your group again to enjoy an included dinner.
Accommodation
- Hotel Uvala or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Boat Tour to Lokrum Island
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Your trip ends after breakfast this morning. If you're looking to extend your stay, additional accommodation can be arranged when you book this trip (subject to availability). If you'd like to continue travelling, it's easy to take a bus or ferry from Dubrovnik to other Croatian cities and islands, and some international destinations. There are also regular domestic flights to Zagreb where you can link up with international flights.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
If it is all ending too soon you can extend your trip by joining our 'Highlights of the Western Balkans' trip exploring the region further inland, such as Sarajevo and Belgrade. Please speak to your travel agent for more details.Meals
23 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinnersTransport
Private vehicle, Highspeed train, FerryAccommodation
Comfortable hotel (19 nights), Feature stay in the Chianti Region, Plitvice and on Lastovo Island (4 nights)Included Activities
- Rome Orientation Walk
- Siena and Monteriggioni Orientation Walk
- Agriturismo Certaldo Wine Tour and Tasting
- Cinque Terre - Day Trip, including Cinque Terre Pass
- 'Il Laboratorio del Pesto' Making & Demonstration
- Pisa - Pisa visit & orientation walk
- Lucca - Lucca visit & orientation Walk
- Venice - San Giorgio Bell Tower
- Venice - Traghetto Boat Ride
- Complimentary Water Taxi Arrival Transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport
- Postojna Caves
- Ljubljana Sightseeing with Local Guide
- Ljubljana Castle and Funicular
- Pletna Boat Trip on Lake Bled
- Cable Car to Mt Vogel
- Day Trip to Bohinj
- Truffle and Wine Tasting in Motovun
- Pula Roman Amphitheatre
- Guided Tour of Pula
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Zadar Sightseeing Tour
- Zadar Sunset Drink
- Guided Walk of Split
- Diocletian's Palace
- Day Trip to Trogir by Boat
- Trogir Sightseeing with Local Guide & Visit to Trogir Cathedral
- Fishing Trip with Local Fisherman with Seafood Lunch
- Visit to the Town of Blato
- Dubrovnik City Walls
- Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
- Matusko Winery Tour and Tasting
- Boat Tour to Lokrum Island
Important notes
LEVEL OF FITNESS
This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.
COMBINATION TRIP
Please note that this trip is a combination of 3 separate stand-alone trips. Your leader and the composition of the group is likely to change on day 10 in Venice and on day 17 in Split. Please read the daily itinerary for more details.
Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information