Albania, Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia

14 DAYS IN TIRANA, TIVAT, DUBROVNIK, SPLIT, PLITVICE, BLED AND ZAGREB

Day 1 | Sunday

Arrive in Tirana On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free. Meet your fellow travelers tonight for a welcome drink at your hotel.

Day 2 | Monday

In Tirana During morning sightseeing tour, see Sheshi Skenderbej (Skanderbeg Square) the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, and the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero; the Palace of Culture, built with Soviet assistance, and the National History Museum with a mosaic on its facade portraying Albanian history. Your afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own, shop, or simply just relax. (B)

Day 3 | Tuesday

To Tivat, Montenegro After breakfast we leave Tirana towards the town of Shkodra, nowadays a major cultural center. Shkodra was the center of the lllyrian tribe Labeat and was taken by the Romans in the year 168 B.C. We will see of the Rozafa Castle, magnificently situated on a rocky outcrop of limestone high above the city, before we cross the border to Montenegro and drive to Tivat. Dinner upon arrival. (B, D)

Day 4 | Wednesday

Montenegro Our exploration of Montenegro continues by a scenic drive along the Lovcen serpentines, to the heart of Montenegro, with the panoramic view of Baka Kotorska bay, from the height of over 3,000 ft. above the sea level. We proceed to the old royal capital, Cetinje. There is a visit to the home/ museum of the king Nikola, Cetinje monastery with two precious relic «hand of St. John Baptist» and «fragment of the holy cross». Leaving Cetinje, on the way back to the hotel, you will again enjoy a colorful sea-side scenery of the Montenegro coast. Overnight. (B)

Day 5 | Thursday

Tivat to Dubrovnik, Croatia After breakfast, our journey takes us to Dubrovnik. On the way you will see Kotor Bay, the only South European fiord and we stop for an orientation tour of old town Kotor, a UNESCO heritage Site. Continue to Dubrovnik. (B, D)

Day 6 | Friday

Dubrovnik After the breakfast, walking tour of Old Dubrovnik to see the Rector’s Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. The rest the day is free at leisure. Optional Excursion: Home of hosted Dubelj with dinner. (B)

Day 7 | Saturday

To Split Travel north along the spectacular Adriatic coast, past old fishing villages and new resorts, to the city of Split. (B, D)

Day 8 | Sunday

In Split In the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Then see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. The rest of the day is at leisure to stroll through the beautiful streets of Split or enjoy the beach. Optional Excursion: Island of Hvar – a spot of the rich and famous. (B)

Day 9 | Monday

Trogir and Plitvice Lakes After breakfast, head to Trogir, the center of artistic activities. Scholars from around the world gather here to study and paint. Then, turn inland and travel to spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. Have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. (B, D)

Day 10 | Tuesday

To Opatija, Postojna, Bled Return to the coast and travel along the beautiful bay of Kvarner to its popular resort, Opatija. After a bit of free time, the journey continues north to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterward, continue to Bled beautifully set in the Julian Alps. (B, D)

Day 11 | Wednesday

In Bled An Alpine Lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was «discovered» by travelers in the middle of the 19th century. A sightseeing tour features the charming town and the lakeshore, and views of the imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps join an optional excursion visiting the small island in the middle of the lake, browse through the shops and boutiques, or simply enjoy the enchanting scenery. (B)

Day 12 | Thursday

Ljubljana and Zagreb Leave the mountains and head to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. See the most significant sights of the old city center on a walking tour. Highlights include the picturesque open-air Central Market, the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, and Robba’s Fountain. Then, continue to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. (B, D)

Day 13 | Friday Zagreb

This morning, enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, Parliament, and Government Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the winding streets of the old town or take an optional excursion to see the countryside. (B)

Day 14 | Saturday

Depart Zagreb, Croatia After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Zagreb airport for your departure flight. (B)