Rick Steves Home > 2008 Tours > Eastern Europe

Best of the Adriatic in 14 Days

$3,395 + air • 21-25 people • Begins in Ljubljana and ends in Dubrovnik

On our two-week Adriatic adventure you'll listen to gently lapping waves as a Venetian-style bell tower overhead clangs out the hour, take tilt-a-whirl roads to reach panoramic vistas of cut-glass peaks, discover and explore new "back door" hill towns, ponder the fading scars of a recent war — and admire how skillfully the locals have revitalized their region.

Unfamiliar as the place names may sound, this slice of Europe has what you've been looking for: stay-a-while seashores, majestic mountains, epic history, delectable food and wine, and some of the friendliest people in Europe.

From charming Ljubljana to dazzling Dubrovnik, your all-star guide — and a small group of just 25 travelers — will make this a trip you'll truly treasure.

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 0: Depart USA

Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart from the USA.

Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana

We'll meet at our hotel at around 5 p.m. this afternoon for a neighborhood walk, followed by dinner together. Sleep in Ljubljana (2 nights). No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 2: Architectural Riches of Ljubljana

Today we'll get to know the political and cultural heart of Slovenia, and enjoy the architectural adventures of native born architect Jože Plečnik. This afternoon you'll have free time to wander around this lovely city. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 3: Slovenia's Lakes and Alps

A short drive into Slovenia's Julian Alps brings us to the azure jewel of Lake Bled. You'll have free time to stroll around the lakeside town of Bled, and maybe take a boat to its legendary little island. After lunch we'll have a scenic, winding, mountain-pass drive to the breathtaking Soča River Valley, where we'll enjoy dinner together. Sleep in or near Kobarid (1 night). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: Crossing Paths with Hemingway

This morning we'll tour the local museum, learning about the World War I years when opposing armies (including a volunteer ambulance driver named Hemingway) faced incredible hardship in the mountains around Kobarid, described in "A Farewell to Arms." Then we'll say farewell to the Alps, and follow Slovenia's small piece of Adriatic coast on our way to Croatia's Istrian peninsula. Sleep in Istria (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 5: Hill Towns of Istria

We'll spend the day exploring the Istrian peninsula, studded with Roman ruins, Venetian architecture, and a landscape evocative of pre-tourist Tuscany. We'll time-travel to Pula's first-century Roman amphitheater, and take time to enjoy the seaside town of Rovinj. Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous. 

Day 6: Natural Wonders of Plitvice

Today we'll stop in Opatija, taking time to wander amidst its Belle Époque seaside villas on the Kvarner Gulf, before heading inland to the deep greens and blues of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sleep at Plitvice (1 night). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 7: From the Lakes to the Sea

This morning we'll hike along rustic boardwalk trails connecting the idyllic forests, lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice National Park. Then we'll drive across the mountains to the Dalmatian Coast, where tonight you'll be introduced to the not-so-sleepy seaside town of Split. Sleep in Split (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 8: The Roman Heart of Split

We'll take a walking tour through Split's historic Old Town — which lies within the walls of the Roman Emperor Diocletian's immense palace. Then you'll have plenty of free time this afternoon to enjoy Split's archaeological museums and galleries, or relax with an espresso along the waterfront promenade. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 9: Dalmatian Island-Hopping

After breakfast we'll climb aboard a boat bound for the lavender-dotted Dalmatian island of Hvar, and explore its namesake town and harbor. We'll end our island-hopping day in picture-postcard Korčula, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus unlikely. Walking: moderate.

Day 10: Island Relaxation

Today you are free to wander the narrow cobbled streets of Korčula's medieval quarter, and poke around the Cathedral of St. Mark and Venetian villas. Or relax, go for a swim or catch up in your journal. Bus unlikely. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 11: Eye-Opening Bosnia-Herzegovina

We'll begin our day cruising back to the mainland to meet our bus.  Then we'll cross the border into formerly war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina. Our destination is a fascinating blend of south Slavic, Ottoman Turkish and Mediterranean cultural traditions. Before dinner together we'll take an eye-opening walking tour that includes Mostar's Old Bridge, the Kujundžiluk bazaar, the Turkish House and one of the many old mosques. Sleep in Mostar (1 night). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 12: Rural Herzegovina

Today we'll take a long, beautiful country drive through "back door" Herzegovina on our way to Dubrovnik. After an orientation to the city, your evening will be free to sample the local delicacies and do a little exploring on your own. We'll sleep outside the old city wall in the Lapad district, right by the sea (2 nights). Bus: 7 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 13: Dazzling Dubrovnik

We'll start today with a walking tour around the architectural treasures within the 800-year-old city walls of Dubrovnik — its beautiful main square, the rector's palace, the cathedral, and the old Dominican and Franciscan monasteries. Then you'll be free to roam this stone city and its walkable walls that seem to have sprouted up out of the sea. No Bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 14: Tour over after breakfast

Dubrovnik's airport is 40 minutes away to connect you with Zagreb or other European cities. Whatever your plans, your guide will help you get on the right track. Happy travels!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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