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 10 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
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
Tour Highlights
- Lake Bled & Old Town
- Postojna Caves with Underground Train Ride
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Zadar & Trogir
- Roman Ruins Tour (Split)
- 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 at deluxe and first-class hotels
- 19 meals: 12 buffet breakfasts, and 7 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours as indicated in itinerary
- English-speaking tour director throughout
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Recreational
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
No Additional Entry Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Currently, there are no additional entry requirements for U.S. passport holders, but this can change at any time. Before travel, both U.S. and non-U.S. passport holders should visit our Passports & Visas page to reconfirm entry requirements.
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
Book by Mar. 31, 2023 to get the best price.
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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* Departures designated as "Guaranteed" may be canceled or rescheduled only
under Extraordinary Circumstances, for example in situations deemed to be unsafe
or nonviable due to local conditions. See Terms
& Conditions for full details.
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 (Mon-Fri, 9:00am - 5:30pm EST)
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 120 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.
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!
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
Cesta svobode 15,
4260 Bled, Slovenija
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
Ul. kardinala Stepinca 21, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Website
Shauna F
There were four of us on this trip. I found our tour guide Danko very informative and fun at explaining the history of Croatia. I was very interested at his knowledge. Because of him everything went according to plan except only one downpour of rain. Can't help that. Everyone on our tour enjoyed each other for two weeks. We also had a very fun driver. Worth every penny we spent. I will be booking another tour soon. Thank you so much for a terrific tour.
Darrell P
We were on the Jewels of the Adriatic last month. We were a group of 9 friends from our hometown, with a total of 28 guests on the tour. Overall, I would grade the tour as exceptional! Our guide Mirna was great. She along with Zack our coach driver, made sure everything was taken care of in a very friendly, professional manner.
Value for the money was exceptional. The hotels were fine to excellent, city guides were informative, the itinerary was great, and the included meals were fun. This tour has a lot of things packed in it.
There is a fair amount of walking involved, probably more than we have experienced prior, but it was just a testament to how packed our schedule was and the things we saw.
We have taken a number of Smartours and also tours from similar companies. I don’t think you can beat this experience if you want to tour that part of the world.
Natalie B
This was a wonderful trip. Our tour guide Danko was exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful. A true historian who made his commentary interesting and fun. Very helpful to all of us in so many ways - thoughtful and caring and fun! He and the driver Zak had great rapport and made the entire trip great. I am 91 years old, and they offered an arm occassionally when I needed help with the stairs and long hikes. The hotels were all outstanding, and local guides were knowledgeable and helpful. These are beautiful countries, and the scenery was so outstanding the bus rides were not burdensome. I recommend this fantastic visit to the
Adriatic to everyone, regardless of where your travels have taken you in the past.
Shauntel
This trip was amazing! Every day was a new adventure. I wouldn’t have changed a thing!
The guide and driver were super friendly and our group was like a big family by the end.
Highly recommended!
Don a
This was our 11th SmarTour and was one of our favorites. From the spectacular tours, to the fabulous tour director, to the personable and professional bus driver, top to bottom, the trip was among the best; however, some of the accomodations and some the airline travel was not up to smartTours usual high standards.
michelle
Fabulous trip! Great itinerary (one day less is Zabreb would be better), tour director was THE BEST! Excellent destination and September is the perfect time of the year. I highly recommend Croatia as a vacation destination!!
Linda C
Very enjoyable trip!
Martha B
Good value. Beautiful sites. Pace should be a little slower to soak in all the beauty.
Diane D
Croatia and Slovenia are extraordinary countries. The people are friendly, the food and wine excellent, the countries are clean and safe, and the walled cities and national parks are beautiful. The tour guide, Danko, was superb as were the local guides. Not every smarTour hotel was excellent; smarTour needs to improve its customer service and support in USA. However, this critique did not diminish how wonderful the tour was.
Dee G
Overall the trip was very good and I will really remember all of the good experiences, but there is definitely an opportunity to make the trip excellent. There were several people who had prebooked some of the extras and then when the price came down we did not get the benefit of the price decrease. This definitely created some bad feelings towards Smartours.
Maria D
Great trip, beautiful countries. I have to criticize the optional tour in Dubrovnik: boat trip and dinner was overpriced for the experience as a whole, the boat ride was nice, beautiful sunset but the dinner was mediocre, and the host seem not very happy to serve us.
sally a
I just returned from the Jewels of the Adriatic tour, Sept. 24- Oct. 8th. It was remarkable! There was 28 people in our group and Rok was our tour guide. I enjoyed everywhere we went and every activity we did. Walking underground in the caves, hiking through Plitvice National Forest, visiting several cathedrals and fortresses, eating delicious food, and much more. The price is right for all you get. The hotels were wonderful! This was my 10th tour with SmarTours.
Sally B
I just returned from the Jewels of the Adriatic tour. Rok was our guide. There was 28 people in our group. This was my 10th tour with SmarTours. If you haven't gone to Croatia, this is a must-see. Walking through caves, hiking through Plitvice National Forest, going in several churches and fortresses, eating delicious food, seeing the Autumn leaf colors reflecting on Lake Bled, and much more.
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