Highlights of Croatia, including Slovenia | October 16th, 2024
$6299 $5999 per person
⭐⭐⭐⭐+
*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing a room
*Based on a minimum of 15 passengers. First come, first served!
*Single Rate: $6999 CAD (maximum of 2 single occupancy rooms). If you are a single traveler and looking to be matched up with a roommate, of the same gender, please reach out to us for details.
*Arrival into Zagreb is October 17th 2024 (departure from Canada would be on October 16th, 2024). Pre or post-nights with transfer available upon request.
*Roundtrip International Airfare is not included. Trip Merchant can assist or you may also choose to handle air on your own.
BOOK BY MAY 31ST, 2024 (OR UNTIL SOLD OUT) AND SAVE $300 CAD PER PERSON!
Highlights of Croatia, including Slovenia: October 16-30, 2024
Join this 13 night Hosted Group Departure to Croatia (and Slovenia)! Discover the history and beauty of this cultural unspoiled gem in Europe. There are many reasons to travel to both Croatia (and Slovenia), including the historic cities and castles, impressive islands, natural beauty and spectacular scenery, stunning national parks, the delicious cuisine and wine, beautiful beaches, interesting culture, hospitable people, and more!
Hosted by Peter Narth!
Peter Narth retired just over a year ago after working in and for public education for over 40 years as a teacher, administrator and senior civil servant. He grew up in Germany and has travelled extensively throughout Europe. He has led a travel groups to Greece and various islands in the Caribbean. He has also volunteered as a teacher trainer and curriculum developer throughout the Caribbean, and has continued to travel and vacation in the region. St. Lucia has become the favourite destination for the past few years. In addition, Peter and his wife Angela have travelled throughout Canada and the US, including road trips, most recently with the Porsche Club of America.
Hotels:
- 2 nights at Hotel Sheraton 5*, Zagreb
- 2 nights at Grand Hotel Union 4*, Ljubljana
- 2 nights at Hotel Ambasador 5*, Opatija OR Keight Hotel 5*, Opatija
- 1 night at Hotel Degenija 4*, Seliste Dreznicko (Plitvice Lakes area)
- 3 nights at Hotel Art 4*, Split
- 3 nights at Hotel Lapad 4*, Dubrovnik
*Hotels may be subject to change
Highlights:
- Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, where you will pass by iconic landmarks such as the National Theater and Mimara Museum, and traverse the enchanting Upper Town quarter via a historic funicular and explore St. Mark’s Square and Ban Jelacic Square!
- Explore the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana, which is a picturesque city, and marvel at its unique blend of cultures, romantic bridges, and exquisite architecture. You will also explore the old city center, visit the Ljubljana Castle for a unique time travel experience.
- Experience the romantic scenery of Bled with its emerald-green lake and medieval castle as you sail to the Church of Mary the Queen on a traditional ‘Pletna’ rowing boat.
- Discover the Istrian peninsula and visit the 2000-year-old roman amphitheater located in Pula.
- Sample Istria’s finest and tastiest treasures, the truffle.
- Visit Plitvice Lakes, the most beautiful and the oldest national park in Croatia under UNESCO protection consisting of 16 lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls.
- Travel off the beaten track to the historic town of Zadar is rich in cultural and historical monuments.
- Visit a local winery in the Dalmatian hinterland where you will taste the authentic Dalmatian wines and international Cuvees accompanied with delicious Croatian style Tapas.
- Enjoy a traditional Dalmatian dish prepared for us at the Tragos restaurant in Trogir. The town of Trogir, a UNESCO site, has a fascinating 2300 years
of continuous urban tradition. - Visit the Klis fort and a family estate where a true experience of the old Dalmatian food and lifestyle will be presented to you through a cooking class followed by a savory lunch!
- Stop near the town of Ston to visit a local winery and taste the famous “Plavac Mali“ wine, a very close relative to the Zinfandel.
- Enjoy exploring the Old City of Dubrovnik and one evening have a traditional farewell dinner in Dubrovnik hinterland.
- And more!
What’s Included:
Group arrival/departure transfers* | Private transfers and transportation on tour | 13 nights accommodation at 4-5 star hotels, as indicated above and in the day by day itinerary | Inclusive of hotel tax and hotel service charges | Licensed tour manager for the entire trip | Walking tour by licensed English-speaking guides (Zagreb, Ljubljana, Bled, Opatija, Pula & Rovinj, Plitvice, Zadar, Split, Trogir, Dubrovnik) | Entrance fees (Entrance tickets: Zagreb Funicular, Ljubljana Castle and Funicular, Bled Castle, Bled Island, Pletna boat, Pula Amphitheatre, National Park Plitvice Lakes, Zadar St. Donat, Split Diocletian’s Palace and basements, Trogir Cathedral, Dubrovnik Cable Car, Franciscan monastery Dubrovnik with pharmacy) | Meals as specified (27 meals/tastings): 13 daily breakfasts at hotels / 3 Lunches (Bled and Trogir, and lunch with cooking class experience and olive oil tasting (Split hinterland) / 4 Tastings (Zagreb strukli tasting, Istria truffle tasting, Wine & Tapas Skradin area, Peljesac oysters & wine tasting) / 7 Dinners (6 dinners in hotels and 1 farewell dinner in Dubrovnik area) | Audio guide throughout the tour | Porterage at hotels | All tips for luggage handling, for tour manager, local guides and driver
*GROUP ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TRANSFERS INCLUDED – If flights are booked outside of when the majority of the flights arrive/depart, then a $50 CAD per person cost will apply each way.
Not included in price:
Round trip International Airfare | Cancellation and Out of Country Medical Insurance | Other items not listed in itinerary
Payment Terms & Conditions:
*Deposit: $500 CAD per person non-refundable deposit due upon reservation. If you cancel by March 31st, 2024 you will receive $250 per person refund and the remaining $250 deposit will convert to a Trip Merchant Journeys Future Travel Credit valid for travel for 2 years beyond the original date of travel. After March 31st, 2024, $500 CAD is non-refundable.
*Final Balance: Due by July 8th, 2024 (100% non-refundable after final payment)
Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext. 507
Mention Group Booking Number: TMJCRO24
15 Days/13 Nights
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Destination
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Arrival City
Zagreb, Croatia -
Departure City
Dubrovnik, Croatia -
Activity Level
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. -
Passenger Limit
16-24 Passengers
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Wednesday, October 16, 2024: International Departure
Depart Canada and take your international flight to Zagreb, Croatia!
Please note: Roundtrip International Airfare is not included. Trip Merchant can assist or you may also choose to handle air on your own. Please ensure that if booking your own airfare that you’re arriving into Zagreb no later than October 17th, which is the regular arrival/start date of this tour. Your return flight should be booked to depart out of Dubrovnik by no earlier than October 30th, the regular end date of this tour. If wanting to add any pre/post nights then flights should be adjusted accordingly.
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Thursday, October 17, 2024: Zagreb, Croatia
Welcome to the enchanting journey through the heart of Croatia and Slovenia! Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with captivating landscapes, rich history, and delightful culinary experiences.
Upon arrival in Zagreb, our local guide welcomes you as you board our private coach to the luxurious Hotel Sheraton.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the charming medieval old city, nestled at the foot of the Medvednica Mountain.
Tonight, join us for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Meals Provided: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sheraton, Zagreb (2 Nights)
*Hotel Information: Welcome to our premium hotel in the heart of Zagreb....Located in downtown Zagreb, Sheraton Zagreb is a premium hotel offering a touch of history as well as modern business areas; the 13 conference rooms are available to be reorganized for any event or meeting. Most of the corporate offices are situated in the close quarters of the hotel in downtown Zagreb. Let our experienced staff help you organize your events and meetings or make your stay more memorable and enjoyable at our hotel with spa. We also provide exquisite dining experience at the Tomassino A La Carte Restaurant and &More By Sheraton Bar. We are looking forward to your stay!
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Friday, October 18, 2024: Exploring Zagreb
Start the day with a panoramic tour of Zagreb, passing by iconic landmarks such as the National Theater and Mimara Museum.
Traverse the enchanting Upper Town quarter via a historic funicular and explore St. Mark’s Square and Ban Jelacic Square which divides the old Upper town and newer Lower town.
Accommodation: Hotel Sheraton, Zagreb
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Saturday, October 19, 2024: Zagreb - Ljubljana, Slovenia
Journey to Ljubljana, the picturesque capital of Slovenia. Marvel at its unique blend of cultures, romantic bridges, and exquisite architecture.
Ljubljanica river boat is planned for morning time, and then the Castle for afternoon.
Explore the old city center, visit the Ljubljana Castle for a unique time travel experience. Enjoy the relaxing afternoon ride on the Ljubljanica River. Dinner awaits at the elegant Grand Hotel Union.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Union, Ljubljana (2 Nights)
*Hotel Information: Built in 1905, Grand Hotel Union Eurostars is an iconic establishment that’s part of the living history of both Ljubljana and Slovenia. This beautiful, striking building is a prime example of the Vienna Secession style, part of the Art Nouveau movement, and has hosted many personalities from the world of politics, film, music and even royalty over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II. The hotel’s elegant facilities are decorated with care and attention to detail while its spacious bedrooms ensure a comfortable, relaxing stay. There are also plenty of dining options at the Grand Union Café, Atelje Restaurant and Union Restaurant, where guests can enjoy the best Slovenian dishes together with delicious local wines. A wellness centre, gym, swimming pool with views of Ljubljana Castle, shopping arcade, and the city’s largest conference centre complete the hotel's facilities.
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Sunday, October 20, 2024: Bled
Experience the romantic scenery of Bled with its emerald-green lake and medieval castle. Sail to the Church of Mary the Queen on a traditional 'Pletna' rowing boat which takes you to the island where legends come to life. Return to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Central (other name is Grand Hotel Union Eurostars), Ljubljana
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Monday, October 21, 2024: Ljubljana - Optiija
After the sightseeing we proceed to the picturesque Kvarner Bay, more precisely to Opatija, the cradle of Croatian tourism and the city which used to be the favorite spa resort of the Habsburgs and the European aristocracy including famous personalities such as Mahler, Chekhov and Isadora Duncan. Get acquainted with the city through a leisurely paced walk and feel the sea in the air. After a walking tour enjoy a chocolate tasting.
Evening at leisure. Overnight in Opatija.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Chocolate Tasting
Accommodation: Hotel Ambasador, Opatija OR Keight Hotel, Opatija (2 Nights)
*Hotel Information: Stunning design, immersive activities and fresh local cuisine invites curious travelers to experience Hotel Ambasador like never before. Among its features are spacious and luxuriously appointed 243 rooms and suites, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, world-class restaurants and lounge bar, authentic spa experience. Hotel Ambasador (5*) in Opatija, Croatia, offers traditional elegance and service excellence for a truly unforgettable experience. A five-star hotel in Opatija, the Ambasador will spoil you with its superior amenities. Revitalize your body and soul at the Ambasador’s spa center. Indulge in the finest Mediterranean delicacies while tasting world-acclaimed local wines. Hotel Ambasador has a central location near Opatija’s city center, but still maintains its privacy. It is situated above the beach and Lungomare, a 12 kilometer promenade on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
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Tuesday, October 22, 2024: Istria Excursion
Today it's time to get to know the Istrian peninsula and visit the 2000-year-old roman amphitheater located in Pula.
Afterwards we will relax in Rovinj, perhaps the most beautiful city in Istria and the inspiration of many artists. Time at leisure in Rovinj and departure towards Motovun for a sample of the Istria’s finest and tastiest treasures, the truffle.
Dinner at Hotel, overnight in Opatija. (Departure at 9:00h, return around 18:00h)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Truffle Tasting, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Ambasador, Opatija OR Keight Hotel, Opatija
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Wednesday, October 23, 2024: Opatija - Plitvice Lakes
The most beautiful and the oldest national park in Croatia under UNESCO protection consisting of 16 lakes connected by magnificent waterfalls. The park is located in the mountainous region of Lika and visited mostly on foot. – however, the entrance includes a boat ride across the Emerald Green Lake “Kozjak”. The visit of the park grounds takes approximately 3 hours and reveals a special turquoise magic. Dinner at the hotel restaurant and overnight in Plitvice area. (Driving time approx. 3:30h)
Overnight in Plitvice Lakes area
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Degenija, Seliste Dreznicko in the Plitvice Lakes area (1 Night)
*Hotel Information: The hotel's location in the heart of Croatia...Hotel and restaurant Degenija are located 4 kilometers from the entrance 1 to the National Park Plitvice lakes, settlement Selište Drezničko. Hotel Degenija is a 4* and has 20 comfortable and modern rooms, reception, lobby, café & cocktail bar, elevator, Wi-Fi throughout the property and private parking. Right next to the hotel is the restaurant Degenija that offers a rich selection of traditional and national dishes. The hotel's location in the heart of Croatian is ideal for all visitors who want to explore our oldest Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is under protection of UNESCO since 1979. Besides enjoying the magnificent beauty of the park, lakes and magnificent waterfalls, location of the hotel is the perfect base to explore and visit the other parts of the Croatian. So for only 2 hours drive you can reach our capital Zagreb and the beautiful Adriatic coast, Dalmatia and Istria. The hotel is open all year round and reception is open 0-24.
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Thursday, October 24, 2024: Plitvice Lakes - Zadar - Split
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive via the coast towards the city of Zadar. The historic town of Zadar is rich in cultural and historical monuments. Here you can see The Roman forum dated to the 1st century AD, the church of St. Donatus dated to the 9th century AD. Of special interest are the famous Zadar Sea Organs, one of a kind in the world.
From Zadar we continue to a local winery in the Dalmatian hinterland. We will taste the authentic Dalmatian wines and international Cuvees accompanied with delicious Croatian style Tapas. Departure towards Split for dinner and overnight. (Total driving time 4 to 5h)
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Art, Split (3 Nights)
*Hotel Information: Our source of inspiration? Split’s traditional neighborhoods, monuments, symbols and colors, celebrating it inside out and combining traditional and trendy to perfection, well reflected in the preserved historic facade and one of the most beautiful cathedral towers in the world. Our commitment? Three c’s summarize it perfectly: comfort, confidence and centrality. Located at the center, near all attractions, Art Hotel is the ideal choice for city breaks, short breaks or business trips, as well as for those seeking to discover and explore the true magic of the city that was once chosen to be the Home of the Emperor. Our hotel once was a home to one of the finest pastry shop in the city, Bobis. The building itself was adapted and refurbished, but you can still hear locals as they pass by, to say that they can still sense the taste of donuts filled with delicious vanilla cream, or how the cakes would be aligned against the glass. Bobis meant tradition, meant quality and loyalty to old recipes that were once told in Split households. Bobis has left a mark on thousands children, leaving them with sweet memories. We are proud of our building history, and if you like stories, welcome to this sweet story.
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Friday, October 25, 2024: Split & Trogir
Today’s Split is the handiwork of seventeen centuries of men and women building and remodelling, adding, tearing down and touching up, so that 18th century houses intersect with ancient Roman walls and fourth century chambers now house the twentieth century apartments. At the core of this sprawling cityscape is the palace the emperor Diocletian built for his golden years at the turn of the fourth century. Today's lunch will be the traditional Dalmatian dish prepared for us at the Tragos restaurant in Trogir. The town of Trogir, a UNESCO site, has a fascinating 2300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its rich culture was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and Venetians.
With the high concentration of palaces, churches, and towers, as well as a fortresses on a small island, Trogir is sometimes referred to as the floating museum town.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Art, Split
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Saturday, October 26, 2024: Split Hinterland
Today experience Dalmatia in one place with all your senses! Visit the Klis fort and a family estate where a true experience of the old Dalmatian food and lifestyle will be presented to you through a cooking class followed by a savory lunch! Late afternoon at leisure in Split, overnight in Split.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Art, Split
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Sunday, October 27, 2024: Split - Ston - Dubrovnik
On our way to Dubrovnik, we will stop near the town of Ston to visit a local winery and taste the famous “Plavac Mali“ wine, a very close relative to the Zinfandel. In this winery the traditional wine making business has been passed on for generations, offering a unique story everyone wants to hear. The wine tasting includes a wine presentation on all the specifics of the wine-making process, wine tasting and a snack. Arrival to Dubrovnik, dinner and overnight. (Driving time 5 hours).
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Lapad, Dubrovnik (3 Nights)
*Hotel Information: Privately owned hotel with over a century long tradition in hospitality will offer you something different; journey that pays tribute to tradition, respect for history and loyalty to Dubrovnik ways. Amazing portrait of how historical charm of superior wing and modern moment within classic wing compliment each other. Magnificent 4* venue and prestigious vacation choice for everyone exploring beautiful city of Dubrovnik. Our hotel cherishes long term dedication in keeping the precious heritage alive and making sure that the unique history is implemented in every aspect our presence. Enjoying a quiet location with views over Gruz Harbor, the Hotel Lapad is set in a historic building surrounded by a large outdoor pool and palm trees. Clear lines are combined with luxurious fabrics in the modern rooms. All of them are air-conditioned and feature flat-screen satellite TVs, mini-bars and tea and coffee making facilities. Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel free of charge. The Lapad hotel is only 1.9 mi away from the Old Town of Dubrovnik, which is easily reachable by a local bus, leaving every 10 minutes. The beach is only 1969 feet away.
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Monday, October 28, 2024: Dubrovnik
Completed in the thirteenth century; the old city Dubrovnik has remained basically unchanged since. Its medieval ramparts encircle the Old Town which can be entered through one of the two gates. Once you cross a stone bridge under the watchful gaze of the city’s patron Saint Blaise (Vlaho), you will find yourself joining the walk down the broad, stone- paved promenade known as Stradun. After the sightseeing, you have free time to explore the city on your own. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Lapad, Dubrovnik
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Tuesday, October 29, 2024: Dubrovnik at Leisure
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Dubrovnik and in the evening we will take you to a traditional farewell dinner in Dubrovnik hinterland.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Lapad, Dubrovnik
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Wednesday, October 30, 2024: Departure Day
After breakfast, the land tour ends with everlasting memories of Croatia and it is time to return home. Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport. Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport (coach or individual transfers)
Meals Provided: Breakfast
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