Jewels of The Adriatic: Croatia & Slovenia
Croatia (Hrvatska) - Thu 3rd October 2019

Max Participants:
12
Location:
Croatia (Hrvatska)   Slovenia  
Date:
Thu 3rd October 2019
Start Time:
6:00pm
End Time:
11:00am approx
Duration:
16 Days
Meals:
12 Breakfasts 4 Lunches 2 Dinners
Non-Member Cost:
$5895.00 per person
Member Cost:
$5795.00 per person
Deposit Required:
$600.00
Single Supplement:
From $850.00 per person
Tagged:
croatia slovenia

Gallery

Split
Hvar
Plitvice Lakes NP
Dubrovnik - Kings Landing
Ljubljana
Cafe Culture

Location

Please note map locations and route are approximate only

Highlights

● Lake Bled & Slovenia's breathtaking Julian Alps

● Istrian Peninsula - beautiful seaside towns of Rovinj and Pula

● Spectacular UNESCO listed Plitvice Lakes

● Historic Diocletian's Palace, into which the city of Split has been built over the centuries.

● Soaking in the magnificent views from Vidova Gora, Brac Island

● Istrian Gourmet Cooking Class - Foraging at the markets, making pasta, drinking wine, eating fine food!

● Dubrovnik's distinctive Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century.

● Exploring Hvar - Queen of the Dalmatian Islands

Itinerary

Zivjo! Welcome to Slovenia.

Picturesque Ljubljana is a city full of style and sophistication, a treasure-trove of history, monuments, churches, museums and great restaurants. It's the perfect city for starting a food odyssey, with a surprisingly diverse food scene that belies its size – great local eateries, progressive modern restaurants, street food, cafes and cake shops. If you have the time, we recommend arriving a day or two earlier to explore!

Our adventure begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 6pm. Afterwards our Tour leader will suggest a great place in the heart of the city where we'll sample some delicious traditional dishes and enjoy a nip of the local tipple, "žganje" a brandy or schnapps distilled from a variety of fruits. Great way to toast the beginning of our trip!

Meals: None included

This morning we departure to Bled and embark on a walk around beautiful Lake Bled (approx 2 hours). This scenic walk passes some impressive villas, mostly from the beginning of the 19th century, including the residence of the former Yugoslav president 'Marshal' Tito – today the Hotel Vila Bled. The rest of the day is free for you to explore all that Bled and the surrounding area has to offer. If you’re feeling active, consider riding out to Vintgar Gorge (4 kilometres) and walk through the natural canyon. Bled is renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Maybe head to the 100 metre high cliff-top Old Bled Castle, dating from the 11th century and overlooking sparkling Lake Bled, then 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 and ring the wishing bell. 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.

Included Activities: Lake Bled Walk

Meals: Breakfast

Today, we cross the border into Croatia and stop in the coastal gem of Rovinj, one of the best-kept towns on the Adriatic Coast. There will be time to wander the picturesque streets this morning, taking in colourful buildings and a splendid waterfront with a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Through the centuries, Rovinj’s character has enchanted many an artist or writer, including Jules Verne.

Climb the campanile of St Euphemia Cathedral in the middle of the old town, or browse the stands of the daily open-air market for truffles, olive oil, seafood or fruit and vegetables. Alternatively, you may just want to find a spot for a cold drink and watch the world go by. We then drive to Pula, the capital of the province of Istria. Pula has a long history as a Roman citadel, a pirate target and a naval port, and today this regional and economic center is powered by shipbuilding, textiles, metals and glass.

Later in the day we explore The Roman Amphitheatre, Pula's most impressive sight ...amazing to photograph on sunset! Overlooking the harbour, it was built in the 1st century and designed to hold up to 20,000 spectators, who revelled in the bloodthirsty gladiatorial contests shown there, quite a site to see.

Included Activities: Pula Arena - The Roman Amphitheatre

Meals: None included

Today is all about the taste buds …… an absolute delight for the gourmet food (and wine) lover!! Our day starts with a food tour of Pula’s farmers market, where we source all ingredients needed for our cooking class, followed by a short drive back to our Istrian Instructor’s family farm which is located between the coastal villages of Medulin and Liznjan. Once at the family farm we enjoy marenda (local name for brunch), taste several varieties of Istrian extra-virgin olive oil, get an introduction to wine & food pairing, then learn the art of making fine Istrian ravioli dating from medieval times. Topping it off at the end of our class, we’ll be sitting out in the countryside surrounded by olive trees, eating Istrian cuisine paired with premium wine, followed by dessert, coffee & digestif (rakija, herb infused liquors...) Bliss!

Included Activities: Market Tour, Brunch, Istrian Cooking Class & Tastings at local family farm, Three Course Meal including wine, coffee & digestif

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we visit Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park, considered to be one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. The park is world famous for its 16 turquoise lakes arranged in cascades and connected with magnificent waterfalls. It also has the largest waterfall in Croatia, with a height of 78 meters. Even amongst this pristine natural beauty, the Plitvice Lakes are shadowed by the region's history. The 1991 civil war erupted hereafter rebel Serbs took control of the park's headquarters, holding the park for the duration of the war and devastating infrastructure, though thankfully leaving the natural landscape intact. We spend time here to soak up the beauty and natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site.

Included Activities: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Meals: Breakfast

Today we travel to Zadar. For centuries Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia, and the city's rich heritage is visible at every step. We spend time tracing the marble streets through the Old Town and discovering Roman ruins in amongst medieval churches. We visit two incredibly unique attractions of Zadar, the sound-and-light spectacle of the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, these need to be seen and heard to be believed. There's also plenty of time for us to enjoy local food and drinks in a city that’s home to a vibrant café culture!

Meals: None included

After breakfast we embark on a full day trip to Pag Island (approximately 1 hour from Zadar). Settled in pre-Roman times, the island has been at the mercy of the shifting fortunes of various Dalmatian rulers, and today reminders of its prosperous salt mining past are visible around the island. We have plenty of time to explore the old town of Pag, or swim in one of the shallow coves near town that make Pag Island a popular destination for beachgoers, before we meet with a producer of the island's renowned Paški sSir – Pag cheese. Paski Sir is an authentic souvenir and a ‘must try’ while visiting Croatia and the island of Pag. This distinctive cheese comes from Pag Island sheep, who roam the rocky island eating aromatic herbs and grass on slopes coated in salt deposits by strong sea winds. We’ll indulge in some of the cheese along with a drop of local wine, followed by a leisurely lunch.

Activities Included:

Day Trip to Pag Island

Visit Cheese Maker

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today sees us heading off to Split - soul of Dalmatian coast. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, it's the second largest city in Croatia. This stunning seaside town is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the coast. After arrival, we start off with some lunch before joining a local guide for a walking tour of the city to learn about its history. See the original and fantastically preserved basements lying under the streets and buildings, as well as the Cathedral in Diocletian's Peristyle and Jupiter's Temple. Explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace, Split's most imposing structure and some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast.

Included Activities: Split Guided City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Brac (pronounced Brach) is somewhat of an off-the-beaten-path destination in Croatia and we can't wait to show it off! Today we’ll catch a ferry across to the island and explore this hidden gem of the Adriatic. Brac is famous for its stone, which has been used in the construction of the White House, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and the Parliament building in Budapest. It's also home to the highest peak on the Adriatic Islands, Vidova Gora ... a definite highlight. The hike up generally takes about 2 hours, perfect opportunity for those looking for a hiking experience and for those who don't wish to hike, there are Taxi's available to ferry you there and back. From the summit, the views are 'postcard' worthy .... you can see many other islands of Croatia and one of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean, Zlatni Rat which we'll visit afterwards.

Included Activities:

Ferry to/from Brac

Orientation Tour of Island

Hike to Vidova Gora

Meals: Breakfast

Morning hydrofoil ferry takes us to the neighbouring island of Hvar. Beautiful Hvar has an air of Venice about it, and is known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. Upon arrival, we get to know the town with an orientation walk before visiting the 16th-century Spanjola Fortress, where spectacular views over the town and the Adriatic can be experienced.

Included Activities:

Orientation Walk

Hvar Spanjola Fortress

Meals: Breakfast

Today is a day of leisure for you to spend how you wish.

Perhaps take a day trip to Stari Grad on the other side of Hvar Island, where you'll visit the charming Tvdalj Castle. Featuring an impressive developed facade, an ornate fish pool and rustic interior walls, this well-preserved piece of Renaissance architecture once served as the lavish summer residence of Petar Hektorovic, the Croatian poet. Return to Hvar and spend the afternoon relaxing on the pearly white sands of Mustaco beach.

Alternatively book a full day (8/9 hours in duration) 'Island Hopping & Three Caves Tour' (approx $150 AUD pp incl cave entry) - This amazing tour includes visits to the famous Stiniva, Vis, Bisevo Islands, exploring 3 main caves including the 'Blue Cave', you get to have at least 5 swimming & snorkeling breaks, see secret spots other tourist boats don't go to, plenty of activities, lunch break & secluded beaches - For those in the group who wish to take up this option, please let us know prior and we'll coordinate bookings on behalf of the group.

Meals: None included

Our trip today continues onwards to the island of Korcula. Upon arrival, we set sail for the picturesque island of Mljet. Legendary in ancient history as the idyllic island where the shipwrecked Odysseus lived for seven years, today the island is a haven of lush national park, forests and small villages.

Here we explore karst valleys, cool pine forests, chasms, gorges, ruins and inky blue lakes on a guided tour through the national park before sitting down to a picnic lunch. While no swimming is possible here, you may want to try the local wine – the fields and vineyards that dot the island are the foundation of the local economy, with Mljet's villagers producing wine and olive oil as they have been for hundreds of years.

Included Activities:

Mljet National Park

Boat trip and picnic lunch

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we jump on a bike and cycle to Lumbarda beach from Korcula town. The path is flat and a easy ride approximately 6km one way. Bikes and helmets are supplied. If you're not up for cycling, there are regular public buses connecting Korcula town and Lumbarda beach that you can catch. (we can assistance).

Situated on the east side of the island, this small fisherman’s village is surrounded by large sandy vineyards and a cosy beach with glistening, clean waters. Once arriving in Lumbarda, we take a casual bike ride around the region while passing olive groves, lush forests and open fields ... and enjoying the landscape.

Later in the afternoon, we make the short journey by local bus to the tiny village of Pupnat in the interior of the island. Here we visit a local family-owned restaurant and eat outside on the patio. We sample some of the family vineyard's wines and are treated to a meal made entirely from ingredients found on the farm, before returning back to Korcula town.

Included Activities:

Lumbarda Bike Tour

Pupnat Village Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After morning ferry ride, we venture onward in our private mini-bus towards Ston, where we’ll visit a donkey farm just outside of the town. This working farm, a Croatian government supported agritourism project, focuses on producing goat and donkey milk for trade. We take the opportunity to enjoy a home cooked traditional meal on the farmstead and sample some of the local cheeses. Then we visit picturesque Trsteno Arboretum, a fortified garden landscape with cobblestone paths, scenic ocean views and impressive statues. If the area seems familiar, then it probably is; this was another filming location for the Kings Landing gardens in Game of Thrones. After a wander past the stone columns and impressively vibrant plant-life, we head off to Dubrovnik - the heart of Dalmatian coast.

Included Activities

Ston - Agroturismo Donkey Farm visit

Traditional lunch at Konoba Antunovic

Trsteno - Arboretum Garden Entrance

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We start the day with an orientation walk throughout Dubrovnik, including a stroll along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame, taking in views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea from this undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own leisure as there are many options available to you. You may wish to visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, built by architect Onofrio della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city. Perhaps check out the Franciscan monastery, home to one of the world's oldest pharmacies, or the Sponza and Rector's Palaces, the only renaissance buildings in the city to survive a devastating earthquake and fire in 1667.

A great way to get a snapshot of Croatian history is at one of many museums, perhaps take a quiet moment inside an old cathedral, or cruise out to nearby Lokrum Island.

If you still feel energetic after a day exploring the city, you can hike the switchbacks leading up Srd Hill behind Dubrovnik for spectacular views of the city and the Dalmatian coastline. Alternatively, the newly restored cable car can whisk you to the top in less than 10 minutes. The hill is topped by a castle from Napoleonic times, which now houses the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a farewell meal with together and share our favourite memories from the trip.

Included Activities:

Orientation & City Walls Walk

Dubrovnik Card (1-day local transport and entry to sites)

Farewell dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see and do in Dubrovnik and the surrounding areas (ie: side trips to Bosnia & Herzegovina) you may want to consider extending your trip and stay longer. We are able to book additional tours to Bosnia, Herzegovina complete with transport, guide & accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.

Meals: Breakfast

Includes

Adventurous Women® Tour Escort

English Speaking Local Tour Guide

Airport Transfers on Arrival

All Accommodation - Hotel, Hostel, Apartment

All Transport, including private vehicle, ferry, public bus & taxi

Meals & Activities outlined in the Itinerary

12 Breakfasts

4 Lunches

2 Dinners

Excludes

International airfares

Any Visa's required

Services not mentioned in the itinerary

Meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary

Tips for leaders, guide & driver

Expenditure of a personal nature

Travel Insurance - Compulsory

Optional activities

Accommodation

You'll be sharing a room with another lady in the group, as most of our travellers come alone (unless you specifically pay for a single supplement or book with someone you wish to share with, for the entirety) - We work on a rotating roster system whereby at each new place we arrive into, you get to share with another from the group. This works really well to bond the group and alleviate any potential annoyances that may come with sharing with one person the whole time. 

What To Bring/Wear

- Detailed Trip Notes will be provided well in advance of your departure, to help you plan & prepare.

No Princess Policy

Princess crossed out

This tour by it's very nature is not designed for the 5 Star Traveller. It is for the girl who has an 'adventurous spirit' and is looking for a unique and rewarding 'experience' in the company of like-minded women.  Our No Princess Policy doesn't mean you can't bring your hairdryer, or pack some nice clothing. it's more about adopting a 'Go with the Flow' mindset when travelling as part of a group, for your own comfort and the comfort of others.  We suggest bringing earplugs if you're a light sleeper!

 

You also need to be able to cope with being on the move, as we are doing and seeing a lot on this tour to give you a really good overall look into both Croatia & Slovenia.  If you need some down time, there is opportunity to miss some of the activities on offer to enjoy some leisure time, or why not add in an extra couple of days at the end of the tour. For this trip you will also need to be mobile on your feet without assistance - some of the sites we visit, require you to be on your feet, navigating steps and uneven surfaces at times and you will need to carry your own suitcase at times.


Cancellation & Refunds

Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:

  • 60 days plus prior to trip departure - Loss of deposit
  • 59 - 30 days prior to trip departure - 50% Of The Tour Cost
  • 29 - 15 days prior to trip departure - 75% Of The Tour Cost
  • Within 14 days of the trip departure - 100% Of The Tour Cost

No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.

Update 19th September 2019 - ** Due to PayPal changing their policy to now retain fees even when we issue a refund we will be forced to pass this along. This means both partial and full refunds will be less the full fee charged by PayPal


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