Croatia & Slovenia: The Old-World Adriatic 12 days

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About This Experience

Leave behind the everyday bustle of modern life and discover the Old World European romance still perfectly preserved in the pint-sized countries of Croatia and Slovenia. Swirl cocktails and sunbathe on the celebrity-laden shores of jet-set Dubrovnik. Explore the vineyards and medieval ruins of the Croatian countryside in the lush Split region. Wander among miles of emerald scenery and tranquil waterscapes in the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. And experience “Europe in miniature” in Ljubljana, the stunningly green (and endlessly cultural) capital of Slovenia.

Your Tour Includes

  • Round-trip airfare & transfers

  • 10 nights in handpicked hotels

  • Breakfast daily, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine

  • Multilingual Tour Director

  • Private deluxe motor coach

  • Select entrance fees

Overnight Flight1 night

Day1

Coast through the skies on your way to Croatia

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Dubrovnik aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Dubrovnik3 nights - hotel info

Day2

Descend into Dubrovnik, otherwise known as paradise on earth

Breakfast (in flight), Dinner

Arrive in Dubrovnik, where a Go Ahead representative greets you after clearing customs and escorts you to your hotel. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s Welcome Dinner.

Day3

Step behind the old town walls and discover a thoroughly modern city

Breakfast

Set on a peninsula on the Adriatic, Dubrovnik’s massive walls have served as the city’s calling card for centuries. You’ll enter the city through one of four gates and pay a visit to its 13th-century Franciscan monastery, which sits on a rocky island and boasts the most extensive library in the region. Later, visit the impressive Rector’s Palace before entering the city’s ornate cathedral. Tonight, join our optional Romantic Dubrovnik excursion.

Optional Excursions

Romantic Dubrovnik $69* pp

This excursion begins with a cruise along the shoreline of one of Europe’s most romantic cities. Arriving on the beach, you'll dine at a local restaurant before setting out on a stroll through Dubrovnik's medieval streets.

Day4

Bask on sunny Banje Beach or head to the hills of Montenegro

Breakfast

Today, revel in Dubrovnik’s coastal wonders on your own or venture out on an optional excursion to the independent Republic of Montenegro. You’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor. Next, witness the beautiful peaks and valleys surrounding the charming villages of Njegusi and Cetinje and visit the King Nicholas Museum. You’ll end your day at Budva, an inviting resort known for its beaches and medieval old town.

Optional Excursions

Montenegro $75* pp

Set out on an excursion to the small yet unbelievably stunning Republic of Montenegro, whose backdrops range from serene beaches to rugged mountain canyons. You’ll visit the town of Kotor, where you’ll view medieval walls and churches nestled between the hills and the sea. Next, you'll stop at Budva, a resort known for its beaches and a medieval Old Town section that juts dramatically out into the water. Relax and enjoy an included lunch before heading back to Dubrovnik.

Split Region3 nights - hotel info

Day5

Sit back and sip slowly on your way to Split

Breakfast, Dinner

Take in the Croatian countryside as you transfer to Split, stopping en route to the medieval fort of Ston. Dinner is included this evening.

Day6

Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces and an Egyptian sphinx?

Breakfast

Mestrovic Museum

Today’s guided tour of Split features a visit to the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s enormous third-century palace. View the monuments to the city’s varied cultural influences, including Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces, Venetian fortifications and even an Egyptian sphinx. Later, at the Mestrovic Museum, examine bronze, wood, marble and stone sculptures, as well as drawings and paintings by the Croatian-American expressionist Ivan Mestrovic.

Day7

Breathe deep atop the “lungs of Split” or breeze out of town

Breakfast

Explore Split on your own today. Or, consider joining our optional Mostar & Medjugorje excursion, which includes a guided tour of these two fascinating Bosnian cities.

Optional Excursions

Mostar & Medjugorje $85* pp

Explore Mostar, the largest city in Herzegovina. This beautiful Bosnian city is situated on the Neretva River and is often recognized for the striking Mostar Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site that joins the river's banks. You’ll also see the Cejvan Cehaj Mosque and historic Ottoman House. Later, you'll visit the mystical site of Medjugorje, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1981. Please note: This excursion involves some difficult walking over uneven terrain and cobble stones.

Plitvice2 nights - hotel info

Day8

Walk through a living example of Roman urban planning in seaside Zadar

Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park today. En route, you’ll stop in Trogir, a gem of medieval Venetian architecture set on a tiny island just off the mainland. Take in the ancient city as you wander past Radovan’s Portal and the Kairos Relief. Then a local guide leads you on a sightseeing tour of Zadar, a seaside market town. You’ll see the intermingling of classical and Christian cultures in the town’s streets and churches. Dinner is included tonight.

Day9

Cuckoos to kingfishers, hundreds of birdsongs echo across the lakes

Breakfast

Plitvice National Park

One of the most beautiful national parks in Europe, Plitvice Lakes offers a stunning setting of lush, forested mountains and 16 levels of lakes nestled between Mount Mala Kapela and Mount Pljesevica. Your Tour Director leads you to the upper and lower lakes, surrounded by thick forests and waterfalls. You may catch a glimpse of the 20 caves that dot the area.

Ljubljana2 nights - hotel info

Day10

Emerging street art contrasts an Old-World ambiance in cultural Zagreb

Breakfast

Naïve Art Museum

Travel to Zagreb this morning, where a local guide introduces you to the best of Croatia’s capital. Zagreb has been the capital city of Croatia since 1557, and much of its original medieval architecture still stands. Highlights include Theater Square, Mestrovic Pavilion, Zrinjevac Park, the Lotrscak Tower, the Naive Art Museum and the lovely Mirogoj cemetery. Then cross into Slovenia as you travel to the capital city of Ljubljana, a charming city known for its love of the arts.

Day11

Take a walk on the “Sunny Side of the Alps”

Breakfast, Dinner

Embark on a guided walking tour of Ljubljana today. Take note of the city’s numerous theaters, museums and galleries. You’ll visit Preseren Square, the Triple Bridges, Ljubljana’s town hall, St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, an open-air market and much more. Tonight, join your group for a Farewell Dinner.

Day12

Say so long to Slovenia or linger in Ljubljana

Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Board your return flight home or extend your stay in Ljubljana and Lake Bled.

Slovenia & Lake Bled

Extend Your Stay

Add Slovenia & Lake Bled $649*

Northwest Slovenia is home of Bled, one of Europe's most beautiful locations. Famous for its glacially formed Lake Bled and the iconic castle that overlooks it, Bled is a romantic getaway that aristocrats have been vacationing in for centuries. With its natural beauty and many outdoor attractions, this Slovenian destination has charm indeed!

Ljubljana1 night - hotel info

Day1

Ride through a labyrinth of caverns to the castle beneath the rock

Breakfast

Enjoy a free day or join an optional excursion to Predjama Castle and the Postojna Cave, an enormous subterranean labyrinth.

Optional Excursions

Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle $105* pp

Journey to two of Slovenia's most memorable sites. Your first stop is the legendary Postojna Caves, a 12.5-mile-long system of caverns. Later, you'll visit Predjama Castle, a Renaissance fort built into the mouth of a cave. A natural tunnel connects the castle to the top of the mountain, serving in the Middle Ages as a secret supply line for the castle during times of siege. While you're here, you'll learn about the legend of Erazem Lueger, a robber baron who called this castle home.

Lake Bled2 nights - hotel info

Day2

Scenic isn’t a strong enough word for the surrounds of Lake Bled

Breakfast

Bled Castle

Travel to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj and discover why Europeans have come to this resort spot for decades. The unspoiled beauty of the mountains and valley in this natural area will take your breath away. You’ll also visit Bled Castle.

Day3

Discover the Julian Alps at their peak in Triglav National Park

Breakfast

Embark on a full-day excursion to the gorgeous alpine Triglav National Park, named after the famous Mount Triglav.

Day4

Peel yourself away from the shore and soar home

Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Board your flight home.

Print This Page

About This Experience

Leave behind the everyday bustle of modern life and discover the Old World European romance still perfectly preserved in the pint-sized countries of Croatia and Slovenia. Swirl cocktails and sunbathe on the celebrity-laden shores of jet-set Dubrovnik. Explore the vineyards and medieval ruins of the Croatian countryside in the lush Split region. Wander among miles of emerald scenery and tranquil waterscapes in the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. And experience “Europe in miniature” in Ljubljana, the stunningly green (and endlessly cultural) capital of Slovenia.

Your Tour Includes

  • Round-trip airfare & transfers

  • 10 nights in handpicked hotels

  • Breakfast daily, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine

  • Multilingual Tour Director

  • Private deluxe motor coach

  • Select entrance fees

Overnight Flight1 night

Day1

Coast through the skies on your way to Croatia

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Dubrovnik aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Dubrovnik3 nights - hotel info

Day2

Descend into Dubrovnik, otherwise known as paradise on earth

Breakfast (in flight), Dinner

Arrive in Dubrovnik, where a Go Ahead representative greets you after clearing customs and escorts you to your hotel. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s Welcome Dinner.

Day3

Step behind the old town walls and discover a thoroughly modern city

Breakfast

Set on a peninsula on the Adriatic, Dubrovnik’s massive walls have served as the city’s calling card for centuries. You’ll enter the city through one of four gates and pay a visit to its 13th-century Franciscan monastery, which sits on a rocky island and boasts the most extensive library in the region. Later, visit the impressive Rector’s Palace before entering the city’s ornate cathedral. Tonight, join our optional Romantic Dubrovnik excursion.

Optional Excursions

Romantic Dubrovnik $69* pp

This excursion begins with a cruise along the shoreline of one of Europe’s most romantic cities. Arriving on the beach, you'll dine at a local restaurant before setting out on a stroll through Dubrovnik's medieval streets.

Day4

Bask on sunny Banje Beach or head to the hills of Montenegro

Breakfast

Today, revel in Dubrovnik’s coastal wonders on your own or venture out on an optional excursion to the independent Republic of Montenegro. You’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor. Next, witness the beautiful peaks and valleys surrounding the charming villages of Njegusi and Cetinje and visit the King Nicholas Museum. You’ll end your day at Budva, an inviting resort known for its beaches and medieval old town.

Optional Excursions

Montenegro $75* pp

Set out on an excursion to the small yet unbelievably stunning Republic of Montenegro, whose backdrops range from serene beaches to rugged mountain canyons. You’ll visit the town of Kotor, where you’ll view medieval walls and churches nestled between the hills and the sea. Next, you'll stop at Budva, a resort known for its beaches and a medieval Old Town section that juts dramatically out into the water. Relax and enjoy an included lunch before heading back to Dubrovnik.

Split Region3 nights - hotel info

Day5

Sit back and sip slowly on your way to Split

Breakfast, Dinner

Take in the Croatian countryside as you transfer to Split, stopping en route to the medieval fort of Ston. Dinner is included this evening.

Day6

Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces and an Egyptian sphinx?

Breakfast

Mestrovic Museum

Today’s guided tour of Split features a visit to the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s enormous third-century palace. View the monuments to the city’s varied cultural influences, including Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces, Venetian fortifications and even an Egyptian sphinx. Later, at the Mestrovic Museum, examine bronze, wood, marble and stone sculptures, as well as drawings and paintings by the Croatian-American expressionist Ivan Mestrovic.

Day7

Breathe deep atop the “lungs of Split” or breeze out of town

Breakfast

Explore Split on your own today. Or, consider joining our optional Mostar & Medjugorje excursion, which includes a guided tour of these two fascinating Bosnian cities.

Optional Excursions

Mostar & Medjugorje $85* pp

Explore Mostar, the largest city in Herzegovina. This beautiful Bosnian city is situated on the Neretva River and is often recognized for the striking Mostar Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site that joins the river's banks. You’ll also see the Cejvan Cehaj Mosque and historic Ottoman House. Later, you'll visit the mystical site of Medjugorje, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1981. Please note: This excursion involves some difficult walking over uneven terrain and cobble stones.

Plitvice2 nights - hotel info

Day8

Walk through a living example of Roman urban planning in seaside Zadar

Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to Plitvice Lakes National Park today. En route, you’ll stop in Trogir, a gem of medieval Venetian architecture set on a tiny island just off the mainland. Take in the ancient city as you wander past Radovan’s Portal and the Kairos Relief. Then a local guide leads you on a sightseeing tour of Zadar, a seaside market town. You’ll see the intermingling of classical and Christian cultures in the town’s streets and churches. Dinner is included tonight.

Day9

Cuckoos to kingfishers, hundreds of birdsongs echo across the lakes

Breakfast

Plitvice National Park

One of the most beautiful national parks in Europe, Plitvice Lakes offers a stunning setting of lush, forested mountains and 16 levels of lakes nestled between Mount Mala Kapela and Mount Pljesevica. Your Tour Director leads you to the upper and lower lakes, surrounded by thick forests and waterfalls. You may catch a glimpse of the 20 caves that dot the area.

Ljubljana2 nights - hotel info

Day10

Emerging street art contrasts an Old-World ambiance in cultural Zagreb

Breakfast

Naïve Art Museum

Travel to Zagreb this morning, where a local guide introduces you to the best of Croatia’s capital. Zagreb has been the capital city of Croatia since 1557, and much of its original medieval architecture still stands. Highlights include Theater Square, Mestrovic Pavilion, Zrinjevac Park, the Lotrscak Tower, the Naive Art Museum and the lovely Mirogoj cemetery. Then cross into Slovenia as you travel to the capital city of Ljubljana, a charming city known for its love of the arts.

Day11

Take a walk on the “Sunny Side of the Alps”

Breakfast, Dinner

Embark on a guided walking tour of Ljubljana today. Take note of the city’s numerous theaters, museums and galleries. You’ll visit Preseren Square, the Triple Bridges, Ljubljana’s town hall, St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, an open-air market and much more. Tonight, join your group for a Farewell Dinner.

Day12

Say so long to Slovenia or linger in Ljubljana

Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Board your return flight home or extend your stay in Ljubljana and Lake Bled.

Slovenia & Lake Bled

Extend Your Stay

Add Slovenia & Lake Bled $649*

Northwest Slovenia is home of Bled, one of Europe's most beautiful locations. Famous for its glacially formed Lake Bled and the iconic castle that overlooks it, Bled is a romantic getaway that aristocrats have been vacationing in for centuries. With its natural beauty and many outdoor attractions, this Slovenian destination has charm indeed!

Ljubljana1 night - hotel info

Day1

Ride through a labyrinth of caverns to the castle beneath the rock

Breakfast

Enjoy a free day or join an optional excursion to Predjama Castle and the Postojna Cave, an enormous subterranean labyrinth.

Optional Excursions

Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle $105* pp

Journey to two of Slovenia's most memorable sites. Your first stop is the legendary Postojna Caves, a 12.5-mile-long system of caverns. Later, you'll visit Predjama Castle, a Renaissance fort built into the mouth of a cave. A natural tunnel connects the castle to the top of the mountain, serving in the Middle Ages as a secret supply line for the castle during times of siege. While you're here, you'll learn about the legend of Erazem Lueger, a robber baron who called this castle home.

Lake Bled2 nights - hotel info

Day2

Scenic isn’t a strong enough word for the surrounds of Lake Bled

Breakfast

Bled Castle

Travel to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj and discover why Europeans have come to this resort spot for decades. The unspoiled beauty of the mountains and valley in this natural area will take your breath away. You’ll also visit Bled Castle.

Day3

Discover the Julian Alps at their peak in Triglav National Park

Breakfast

Embark on a full-day excursion to the gorgeous alpine Triglav National Park, named after the famous Mount Triglav.

Day4

Peel yourself away from the shore and soar home

Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Board your flight home.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Croatia (and Slovenia, if you are traveling on the extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Croatia. Especially during the summer months, take proper care for sun exposure. While no vaccinations are required for entry into Croatia, it is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel recommendations.

Cuisine

Croatian food is generally very good and very hearty. You may like to try traditional Balkan dishes, such as duvec (vegetables and meat), moussaka (eggplant and minced meat), sarma (minced meat and rice) and raznijici (grilled veal or pork). Along the Adriatic coast, you’ll find excellent seafood, especially scampi (prawns), prstaci (date mussels) and Dalmatian brodet (mixed fish stewed with rice). Away from the coast, look for specialities such as manistra od bobica (beans and fresh maize soup) or struki (baked cheese dumpling). You’ll also find heavenly apple strudel, an echo of the past Austrian influence. Virtually every region produces its own varieties of wine, which are quite delicious. Slovenian cuisine blends elements of Italian, Hungarian, Austrian, and Balkan cooking. Pizzas, pastas, gnocchi and risottos are ubiquitous, as is the Austrian-inspired schnitzel and the Balkan burek, a phyllo pastry stuffed with salty cheese or meat. Typical local dishes include krvavice (black pudding) served with zganci (polenta) or Kraski prsut (air-dried Karst ham). Another favorite is jota, a thick soup of sauerkraut, beans, and smoked pork. Look for such regional specialties as zlikrofi, tiny tortellini stuffed with minced potato, onion, and bacon. Along the Adriatic, look out for grilled seafood dishes with garlic and parsley. And for dessert, be sure to try prekmurska gibanica, a layered cake combining curd cheese, walnuts, and poppy seeds, and potica, a rolled cake filled with either walnuts, chocolate, poppy seeds, or raisins.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in Dubrovnik and depart from Ljubljana. All other transportation is by private motor coach. While most destinations on your tour are accessible on foot, some cities may require some use of public transportation—which is adequate. Buses serve most cities and surroundings. Taxis are also available. Make sure the meter is running and always ask for a cab number and receipt.

Clothing & Packing Tips

To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).

Baggage Allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.

Currency

The Croatian kuna is the currency you’ll be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually found in Croatia than in the United States. We advise using a combination of small amounts of cash (for arrival and emergencies), as well as ATM/debit cards and credit cards, both of which are accepted in Croatia. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalency of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalency of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.

So why are you going to Croatia?

I cannot say how many times we were asked this question before our trip. This Go Ahead trip to what was once Yugoslavia is one of the best trips we have ever taken! You will see Montenegro, Bosnia, Slovenia as well as Croatia. Our guide was a woman who was a college student in Sarajevo when the Serbs started bombing Bosnia in 1991. A year later, after her father was killed, she and her mother escaped to Split, Croatia. Her story alone is worth the trip. On this tour you will take a day trip to see the only fjord in the Mediterranean. Also you will visit the village of Mostar where in 1993 their bridge which connected the Muslim quarter to the rest of the village was bombed, a clear message from the Serbs of the "ethnic cleansing" they demanded. For the nature minded you will visit 2 National Parks - Plitvice Falls in Croatia where 16 lakes cascade one onto the next, creating more water falls than I have ever seen. The second park is in Slovenia at the Italian border in the Julian Alps, the site of many WWI battles and more breathtaking sights. The tour ends in Ljubljana - our favorite city on the trip - and Lake Bled in Slovenia which continues to be influenced by the borders to the north; Italy for their pastas & risottos and Austria for their goulash and wonderful pastries! The guides were excellent, filled with knowledge of the history of the country, much of it first hand. Don't miss this one!


5 / 5

Traveled On: 11/1/2012

Number of Past Tours: 6

From: MI

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 5 / 5

Croatia Tour Hotel problem

I would only recommend this to a friend after telling them some of the places I found that I would not go to had I known more about them. Also I would caution them about going in several days before the tour starts, & let them know that the first hotel situation was not as we asked for & also it was so cold that several of our tour group got colds & sinus problems. The hotel would not turn the heat on, until the following month. Our tour guide Tamara was absolutely the best.

4 / 5

Traveled On: 9/16/2012

Number of Past Tours: 4

From: CA

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 4 / 5

Croatia to Slovenia

Let me start by saying our tour director, Tamara, was simply amazing. She was full of knowledge and handled everything so gracefully. This tour is so rich in natural beauty and history. From the breathtaking views of Dubrovnik and the coast to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Seeing the old walls and limestone streets of Dubrovnik as well as cities like Kotor and Split and Ston, built so long ago, and people living within them today and operating their businesses there is amazing. Zadar, with its sea organ and old walls was a nice place. Would liked to have spent more time there then Split. The hotel in Split is nice but the area wasn't so nice with a lot of graffitti. Hiking through Plitvice Park was a joy, even in a light rain. We really enjoyed Ljubljana. We are so glad we did the extension but would have liked even more time there. Ljubljana is so clean and just so nice to walk around. Dragon Bridge was quite a sight as were the views from the castle overlooking the city The Postojna Cave was incredible as was Predjama Castle. Then there is Lake Bled. Our guide for the extension was Masa and she got us rooms with a view of Bled Castle. This area is absolutely stunning in its beauty. Eating at one of the restaurants overlooking Lake Bled, having their famous Vanilla Creme Cake looking up at the illuminated castle is a must. So peaceful and beautiful. You can walk around the lake. Petra was our guide in Ljubljana and on the full day excursion through Triglav National Park and she was especially wonderful. All our local guides were very good. One problem with the size of our group was when going through narrow streets we had to stretch out and those at the end fell out of range and lost contact with the guide through the headsets we were using to hear him or her. We loved the tour and all the sights. The people were very nice and we have lots of incredible images to remember it and are thankful we had such a fantastic tour director in Tamara.

4 / 5

Traveled On: 9/27/2012

Number of Past Tours: 3

From: CA

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 5 / 5

Croatia and Slovenia

Loved the cities and towns along the Adriatic. The trip to Mostar was excellent for the views and the town itself. Slovenia was worth a longer visit, maybe if we are lucky, a return visit. Tamara, the Tour Director was the best.

5 / 5

Traveled On: 10/4/2012

Number of Past Tours: 2

From: PA

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 4 / 5

Croatia & Slovenia

What a surprising and marvelous land we saw! Dubrovnik was all I had hoped it would be. I wish we had more time there. Visiting Bosnia-Herzegovina & Montenegro allowed us to see and better understand the different Slavik peoples. Our Tour Director was outstanding--so organized, with so much information, yet so much individualized care of our group. Our stay in Split was my least favorite aspect of the trip. This city was too busy and too crowded. The park at Plitchvic was marvelous. Free time in Ljubljana was peaceful and a nice ending to a very hectic trip. Adding a day or two to the trip and having Ljubjana as an optional extension would have allowed us to spend more time in each of the small cities we traveled through. I am so glad we took this trip!!

5 / 5

Traveled On: 10/4/2012

Number of Past Tours: 11

From: IN

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 5 / 5

croatia and slovenia

This tour was wonderful and our tour director Tamara was exceptional, we could not get enough of all the history and personal stories she shared. Her knowledge was endless, her descriptions powerful, everyone should experience this area with her. What should be improved on and definitely needs to be changed is calling this a 12 day tour. We spent 3 days of this trip traveling on the route GO AHEAD TOURS, prepared. This is a NINE day trip. We left from Boston at 10:30 at night ( day 1 gone) landed in Frankfurt was delayed( for connection) about 4 hours and finally reached our hotel after 7:00 at night ( day 2 gone) To leave, on the 12th day ,...we left the hotel at 5:00 AM.....wake up call by 3:30 AM ( NO day 12. We really liked the tour company, but before we travel again with them, we will closely make sure travel arrangements are much more together and NEVER will we lose 3 days of a paid vacation again. So do not call this 12 days. I will write on trip advisor about the great tour, but I will also warn future travelers about all the connections and the length of the vacation. Hotels were NOT centrally located, all out of town center( this is very important for travelers)

4 / 5

Traveled On: 10/4/2012

Number of Past Tours: 1

From: RI

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 5 / 5

Wonderful Tour - Great Tour Guide

It was a wonderful tour and great to see the beauty of Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Slovenia. Our tour guide, Tamara, was fantastic. She was knowledgeable, professional, and very hospitable. I would certainly recommend this tour to others.

5 / 5

Traveled On: 9/20/2012

Number of Past Tours: 6

From: VA

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 4 / 5

Great Trip

I'm constantly asked "Why Croatia?" I still can't answer that question. I was just drawn to the history of the Balkans. Tamara, our tour director, was incredible! She brought the history of Croatia to life. What a great trip! I was drawn to the strength and endurance of the people. They and their country is beautiful. Five stars ++++

4 / 5

Traveled On: 9/20/2012

Number of Past Tours: 3

From: NC

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 4 / 5

A Renaissance Experience

This was truly a spectacular trip. It literally encompassed everything a traveler (as opposed to a tourist) could want: beautiful scenery (mountains, beaches, small islands in the Adriatic); landmarks from a Roman palace to a modern suspension bridge; and an opportunity to meet people who have endured Nazi occupation, Communist oppression, and a brutal civil war without losing their souls or their zest for life. Our guide, Tamara Stojanovic, was the ideal companion for such a journey since she had a personal perspective on so many cities and countries that we visited. The trip to Mostar was certainly a highlight; perhaps a trip to Sarajevo (which was the epicenter of the recent civil war) would be warranted. You need to take this journey.

5 / 5

Traveled On: 7/5/2012

Number of Past Tours: 2

From: MA

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 5 / 5

From the Mediterranean to the Alps

This tour was fabulous! Our Tour Director, Tamara, led us through Croatia to Slovenia, giving us imformation about the history and culture of the region and people. The individual day guides in many cities added greatly to the experience, too. The food was wonderful and diverse and the pace of the tour was busy, but we had enough free time to relax and take in some sites on our own.

5 / 5

Traveled On: 7/5/2012

Number of Past Tours: 9

From: CA

Tour Director: 5 / 5

Tour Value: 5 / 5

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