ZAGREB, BLED, OPATIJA, SPLIT, DUBROVNIK, PLUS MONTENEGRO
Like a string of gems, our Croatia and Slovenia tour is colorful, sparkling and multifaceted. While you soak up the beautiful scenery of these Adriatic jewels, you’ll appreciate the fascinating narrative that puts these countries into historic and cultural perspective. Our loop winds past turquoise lakes, medieval castles, emerald mountains, Roman ruins and the shimmering Adriatic Sea. Highlights include a visit to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park (with 92 waterfalls!) and a hike around Lake Bled. This escorted tour package includes ample free time to discover the region’s many treasures. Ready to be utterly charmed? Jewels of the Adriatic is a brilliant choice for you! 4.5/5 stars on Tripadvisor!
Did you know you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options
for groups of 15 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
2023 Tour Itinerary:
- 2 nights in Zagreb
- 2 nights in Bled
- 2 nights in Opatija
- 1 night in Plitvice Lakes
- 1 night in Split
- 4 nights in Dubrovnik
2024 Tour Itinerary:
- 4 nights in Dubrovnik
- 1 night in Split
- 1 night in Plitvice Lakes
- 2 nights in Opatija
- 2 nights in Bled
- 2 nights in Zagreb
Tour Highlights
- Zagreb City Tour
- Ljubljana Walking Tour
- Lunch at Family-Run Homestead (2024 departures)
- Lake Bled, Bled Castle & Old Town
- Postojna Caves with Underground Train Ride
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Trogir & Zadar
- Roman Ruins Tour (Split) with Diocletian's Palace
- Old Dubrovnik Walking Tour
- Montenegro Excursion with Bay of Kotor
Your Tour Includes
- Optional round-trip airfare from the New York area (varies by departure) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-Europe transportation and transfers
- Accommodations first-class hotels
- 2023 Departures: 19 meals: 12 buffet breakfasts, and 7 dinners
- 2024 Departures: 19 meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours as indicated in itinerary
- English-speaking tour director throughout
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 1
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 3 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day) on easy terrain with some light stairs. Learn More
Pacing Level: Moderate
Expect full-day tours most days with some limited free time at specific sites, for meals, and/or in the evenings. You can expect several early mornings and/or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 2+ nights (with limited 1-night stays). Learn More
New in 2024: ETIAS Visa Waiver Required for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Effective for travel in 2024, U.S. passport holders are required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Please visit our Passports & Visas page to learn more about any required actions, next steps, and additional costs.
Travelers will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps, and significant slopes. The walk around Lake Bled is approximately 2 hours and can be strenuous for some.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit
our Before You Depart section.
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.
For flight details, see Before You Depart.
Welcome to Croatia’s historic, elegant capital, listed on UNESCO’s Register of World Architectural Heritage. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will be greeted at the airport and escorted to your downtown hotel. Along the way, enjoy a first look of this prospering city and country, where visitors from around the world are warmly welcomed. Your Tour Director hosts a briefing tonight, followed by a get-acquainted dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
Our morning guided tour covers the highlights of Zagreb: Upper Old Town with its monumental walls and iconic 13th-century St. Mark’s Church; colorful Jelacic Square and charming alleyways nearby; and beautiful Mirogoj Park Cemetery, which looks more like an open-air art gallery than a final resting place. The remainder of the day is free to explore this gracious city on your own. Zagreb is called the city of museums, boasting more of them per square foot than any other city in the world. Why not check out Mimara Museum, which features an impressive collection of arts and crafts?
Accommodations: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll travel through verdant countryside and across the border to the Republic of Slovenia. Our first stop: Slovenia’s thriving capital, Ljubljana, where we’ll admire the architectural legacy of city native and 20th-century architect, Joze Plecnik, acclaimed for his work rebuilding the city after a devastating earthquake in 1895. We’ll see some structures that survived the earthquake as we explore the old town with its small shops and outdoor cafes. There’s time to stroll along the riverside promenade and through the open-air market before we continue to Lake Bled and dinner at the hotel. You’ll be enchanted by this resort town surrounded by the majestic Julian Alps.
Accommodations: Hotel Park or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A guided stroll around emerald-green Lake Bled is a picturesque start to our day. We’ll also visit Slovenia’s oldest castle, medieval Bled Castle, perched romantically on a cliff above the lake. Your afternoon is free to explore this charming village. A relaxing lake cruise might be just the thing!
Accommodations: Hotel Park or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today’s agenda includes Slovenia’s scenic countryside, mysterious caves and seaside glamour. Our stop at Postojna Caves, second largest in Europe, includes an underground train journey to view impressive stalagmites and stalactites. We’ll drive back into Croatia to the fashionable Riviera town of Opatija, arriving at your seaside hotel in time for dinner.
Accommodations: Hotel Paris Opatija or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Ah, the Adriatic! Spend the day like aristocrats from the past, savoring the Austro-Hungarian grandeur, lovely waterfront promenade and Opatija’s charming cafes and restaurants. You might also choose to take a delightful optional Istria Peninsula excursion to see picturesque towns along the stunning coastline.
Accommodations: Hotel Paris Opatija or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today we visit Croatia’s oldest, largest national park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plitvice Lakes National Park features a string of 16 turquoise lakes linked by 92 waterfalls and cascades and surrounded by densely wooded mountains and lush vegetation. This afternoon, we’ll take a short scenic boat ride and a leisurely walk along the lakeshores to admire its magnificent natural beauty. Our hotel is located inside the National Park.
Accommodations: Jezero Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We head to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and Zadar, the oldest Slavic town on the Adriatic Sea and once a famed cultural center. Pause here for an orientation tour that includes a visit to ruins of a Roman-era Forum. Our travels continue along the spectacular coast to beautiful Trogir, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been called the Little Venice of Dalmatia. Arrive in Split in time for dinner.
Accommodations: Hotel Corner or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
With its setting nestled between the mountains and the seas, Split is truly picturesque. Our guided tour takes us to one of the most imposing Roman ruins, the third-century palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian. This afternoon, we’ll continue along the spectacular Dalmatian coast, breathing in amazing views of palm trees, olive groves and idyllic fishing villages, before arriving in Dubrovnik and our seaside hotel. Founded in the seventh century, Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s best-preserved walled cities, is a World Heritage Site.
Accommodations: Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Treasures abound in this enchanting city, and you’ll have ample time to discover them—from its massive age-old walls to winding cobblestone streets, medieval buildings to charming red-tile rooftops. Our guided morning walking tour through “Old Dubrovnik” takes us to the harbor, the Franciscan monastery and stately Baroque Cathedral. Enjoy the historic town at your own pace for the rest of the day.
Accommodations: Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Check another country off your list as we cross the border to the Republic of Montenegro and the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. A boat cruise will take us to “Our Lady of the Rocks,” an islet off the old town of Perast. Sailors passing the islet helped build the Roman Catholic Church here, each adding their own unique contribution to the construction of the church. Later, after enjoying brief visits to Perast and Kotor, we’ll return to Dubrovnik via a short ferry ride across the bay.
Accommodations: Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day of leisure in Dubrovnik, described as the “pearl of the Adriatic.” Options include browsing in a colorful local market or taking an optional excursion. Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at one of Dubrovnik’s famous restaurants.
Accommodations: Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will take a morning transfer to the airport for our return flight, and will touch down in the U.S. later today.
Meals: Breakfast
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.
For flight details, see Before You Depart.
Welcome to Croatia! Founded in the seventh century, Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s best-preserved walled cities, is a World Heritage Site. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will be greeted at the airport and escorted to your downtown hotel. Along the way, we'll enjoy a first look at this prospering city and country, where visitors from around the world are warmly welcomed. Our Tour Director hosts a briefing tonight, followed by a get-acquainted dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: City Hotel Dubrovnik or similar
Meals: Dinner
Treasures abound in this enchanting city, and we'll have ample time to discover them—from its massive age-old walls to winding cobblestone streets, and its medieval buildings to the charming red-tile rooftops. This morning's guided walking tour through “Old Dubrovnik” takes us to the harbor, the Franciscan monastery, and the stately Baroque Cathedral. We'll have free time to enjoy the historic town independently and at our own pace for the rest of the day.
Meals: Breakfast
We can check another country off our list as we cross the border to the Republic of Montenegro and the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. A boat cruise will take us to “Our Lady of the Rocks,” an islet off the old town of Perast. Sailors passing the islet helped build the Roman Catholic Church here, each adding their own unique contribution to the construction of the church. Later, after enjoying brief visits to Perast and Kotor, we'll return to Dubrovnik via a short ferry ride across the bay.
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day of leisure in Dubrovnik, described as the “pearl of the Adriatic.” Consider browsing in a colorful local market or consider an optional cruise and dinner tour this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Today, we'll depart Dubrovnik and continue along the spectacular Dalmatian coast, breathing in amazing views of palm trees, olive groves, and idyllic fishing villages, before arriving in Split. With its setting nestled between the mountains and the seas, Split is truly picturesque. Our guided tour takes us to one of the most imposing Roman ruins, the third-century palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian.
Accommodations: Hotel Corner or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we'll head to Trogir, the center of artistic activities. Scholars from around the world gather here to study and paint. We'll continue on to Zadar for a walking tour of the historical center and admire the old walls and Port Gate built in the 16th century. Next, we'll visit the Square of the Five Wells, the Church of St. Donat, the Roman Forum, and the largest Cathedral in Dalmatia, St. Anastasia. If there is a breeze, we'll enjoy the “sea organ”, an amazing art and musical installation. Then, we'll turn inland and travel to spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. This evening, we'll enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Accommodations: Jezero Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we visit Croatia’s oldest, largest national park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plitvice Lakes National Park features a string of 16 turquoise lakes linked by 92 waterfalls and cascades and is surrounded by densely wooded mountains and lush vegetation. This afternoon, we’ll take a short scenic boat ride and a leisurely walk along the lakeshores to admire its magnificent natural beauty. Later, we'll drive along the coast and travel along the beautiful bay of Kvarner to its popular resort, Opatija. This evening, we'll enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Accommodations: Hotel Paris Opatija or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Ah, the Adriatic! We have a full day at leisure to savor the city's Austro-Hungarian grandeur, lovely waterfront promenade, and charming cafes and restaurants. Or, consider a delightful optional Istrian Peninsula excursion to see picturesque towns along the stunning coastline.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we'll journey north to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. Our stop at Postojna Caves includes an underground train journey to view impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Afterward, we'll visit a family-run homestead where we'll enjoy lunch. After lunch, we'll continue to Bled, beautifully set in the Julian Alps.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An Alpine lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19th century. Since then, a small town of hotels, villas, and restaurants has developed around the lake, turning Bled into a lively, all-seasons resort. Our sightseeing tour features the charming town and the lakeshore and visits the imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider joining an optional excursion to the small island in the middle of Lake Bled.
Meals: Breakfast
Today we'll leave the mountains and head to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. We’ll admire the architectural legacy of city native and 20th-century architect, Joze Plecnik, acclaimed for his work rebuilding the city after a devastating earthquake in 1895. As we explore the old town, we'll see some structures that survived the earthquake as well as some of the city's small shops and outdoor cafes. We'll have time to stroll along the riverside promenade and through the open-air market before we continue to Zagreb.
Accommodations: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel or similar
Our morning guided tour covers the highlights of Zagreb: Upper Old Town with its monumental walls and iconic 13th-century St. Mark’s Church; colorful Jelacic Square and charming alleyways nearby; and beautiful Mirogoj Park Cemetery, which looks more like an open-air art gallery than a final resting place. The remainder of the day is free to explore this gracious city on your own. Tonight, gather with our fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will take a morning transfer to the airport for our return flightdu and will touch down in the U.S. later today.
Meals: Breakfast
Instant Savings of up to $400 per person for a handful of spots on select dates. While supplies lasts, ends Sep 29.
Prices listed as “with flights” below include round-trip
airfare from one or more airports in the USA.
Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only,
and arrange their own arrival in destination.
Please note this may change your tour start date.
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Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a
date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please
contact us here
or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern)
at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made online or by phone
(1.800.337.7773)
and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable,
non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the
time of reservation.
Deposits are $300 per person.
Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Space and prices subject to availability.
Please see the
smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete
booking information.
Optional Tours
Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Enhance your trip with our recommended optional tours.
Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book
when you reserve your trip and can be added to your
reservation up to final payment. This is the best option
to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour!
Optional tours require a minimum number of participants.
Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and
may cost extra. The payment methods and currency
information to purchase tours in-destination will be
provided on final documentation.
2023 departures only
Go back in time to gain an understanding of everyday life for peasants in this region beginning in the 20th century. We’ll tour the ethno-village at Kumrovec, also the birthplace of Marshal Tito, long-time president (1953-80) of the former Republic of Yugoslavia. You’ll have a chance to see Tito’s home, before we wind through the Zagorie hills to a farmhouse restaurant overlooking a 15th-century castle, where we’ll indulge in local specialties and wine pairings.
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
All aboard a “pletna” (small boat) to the scenic island located in the middle of Lake Bled. Visit the island’s old church, which houses an impressive art collection and enjoy some free time to experience magnificent vistas. After coming back to shore, we’ll drive to nearby Lake Bohini, a resort set amidst dense woods and spectacular mountains. The trip back takes you past amazing landscapes and old Slovenian villages before returning to Lake Bled.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
2023 departures only
This evening, visit a little medieval town of Radovljica and take a short walk through its old part. Then, stop at a popular and warm country inn & "Kunstelj" which is located in a 500-year-old building and has been open to the public since 1822.
Dinner will include a selection of traditional Slovenian dishes and wine.
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
Enjoy a delightful guided excursion to the picturesque towns that dot the sun-kissed coastline of the Istrian Peninsula. Sights include olive groves and vineyards, old villages and seaside resorts. In the port town of Pula, we’ll tour the impressive Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest of its kind in the world. In the charming resort town of Rovinj, you’ll have time to explore the narrow winding streets, small squares and Venetian-style palaces independently before returning to Opatija.
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
You’ll feel like a character out of a classic film as you skim across the water from beautiful St. James Beach around the old city walls to St. Jakov Beach, where staff will be waiting to serve a three-course dinner paired with Dalmatian wine. After dinner, you’ll be whisked back to the old city port. Includes bus transportation to/from the hotel, as well as the exhilarating motor boat ride.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Discover a charming little town of Ston with its long walls. After a short visit, drive through the picturesque landscape where you will see vineyards, many small villages and family-owned wineries before we arrive in Orebic port where we will board a ferry to Korcula. The old medieval town of Korcula is like a miniature museum, surrounded by walls and towers and the magnificent architecture strongly attracts visitors. Entrance included to the Abbey treasury & St. Mark Cathedral. The tour continues with a drive north where we will visit a winery for a wine tasting.
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
Featured Accommodations
Refined comfort set in the historic part of Zagreb. Pool, fitness center and restaurants.
Kneza Borne 2, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
Website
2023 departures only
Cesta svobode 15,
4260 Bled, Slovenija
Website
2024 departures only
Cankarjeva cesta 2
4260 Bled SI
Website
Ul. Vladimira Nazora 1, 51410, Opatija
Website
Set in the central zone of Plitvice Lakes National Park, near Lake Kozjak.
HR 53231, Plitvicka Jezera, Croatia
Website
Once an office building, the hotel has been completely renovated into a four-star hotel. Just five minutes from Diocletian’s Palace.
Mažuranićevo Šetalište 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Website
2023 departures only
Ul. kardinala Stepinca 21, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Website
>2024 departures only
Hrvatskog crvenog Kriza 4
20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Website
Cindy H
Beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guide and excellent pricing.
Shana H
We enjoyed our amazing interesting smarTours tour in Croatia in May 2023.
Regrettably the weather in Zagreb was not cooperative, but our wonderful tour director Lea and our excellent driver Leo made every effort to ensure that the weather did not prevent us from enjoying our tour. Fortunately the weather improved once we left Zagreb.
Lea was an excellent tour director. She was knowledgeable and informative, as well as charming and helpful. Lea and Leo were always willing to respond to and to provide for our needs. The local guides at each of our destinations were excellent. They were knowledgeable, entertaining and engaging.
This was our 4th trip with smarTours. We are looking forward to continuing to travel with smarTours.
Linda G
Just back from our 13th smarTours trip and our third with our family of six on Jewels of the Adriatic. I highly recommend this trip from the beautiful scenery, wonderful itinerary and our relaxed and knowledgeable guide it was an amazing trip. Going as a family is such a precious gift and we are only able to do that because of the value that smarTours provides. What a wonderful experience!
Gail S
An overall wonderful experience. Beautiful places, good hotels and the best tour guide.
Darlene M
Very enjoyable trip to the Balkans, which are extraordinarily beautiful. People are friendly, scenery is outstanding and food is delicious. Lovely group to travel with and excellent itinerary. If you go on one group tour, this is the one to choose.
Anoush T
This was a fantastic trip, I loved it
Eileen B
As stated above - good value for the money.
Wonderful country to visit - beautiful, nice people. Lots of history.
Katy
Visiting Croatia was an absolute delight! Hotels, optional trips, food, organisation, everything was great. From stunning coastlines and ancient cities to warm hospitality and delicious cuisine, Croatia has it all. Our tour guide Ana was professional, kind, full of knowledge and patience for everyone in the group. We recommend visiting Croatia and this tour.
Brenda S
Beautiful landscape.
Jackie B
Wonderful trip. Our guide,Danko is the best.
Dorrel S
Excellent tour of Southeast Europe truly a gem .
Rita M
This was an amazing trip filled with a variety of activities and adventure! Croatia is a spectacular country on beauty! I was not disappointed with any part of this trip!
Matt C
Outstanding trip on all levels
KG
This is truly a fun packed tour: we enjoyed almost all of the sights, some of the optional tours are also a must! Danko, our tour guide, had made this trip as perfect as it could be! He has art history, culinary, and English teacher background. He is very smart, attentive, and kind. You all could guess how much fun and how much we have learned from him: the culture and history of Yugoslavia, the war, and current Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro are fascinating and emotional for us. My husband plans to read more books from library regarding the break down of Yugoslavia.
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