12-Nights Adriatic Treasures: Croatia to Venice - Land Journey from $8,990

Tauck

OFFER ID 1553103

Adriatic Treasures: Croatia to Venice

A necklace of historic cities, sprawling vineyards & gorgeous beaches - along a sun-drenched coastline that's best described in jewels... There's a reason why the Adriatic Coast is a must-go travel destination… Find history chronicled in medieval villages, Roman ruins and castle keeps and traditions you can taste at vineyards, markets and bakeries... Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic; Split, nestled against a turquoise sea; Zagreb, a diamond in the rough; Ljubljana, a city of ruby red wine; Istria, bucolic and blessed with garnet soil, emerald valleys and sapphire seas; and Venice, gilded with gemstone palaces, laced with canals and graced with treasures that are nothing less than exquisite... Explore them up close and in depth through cultural experiences equally dazzling.

12 nights from $8,990 per person

Itinerary

Tauck World Discovery: Adriatic Treasures: Croatia to Venice

Day 1 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Arrive Dubrovnik

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik. A transfer is included upon your arrival from Dubrovnik Airport to Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik - a historic hotel overlooking the Adriatic Sea, just steps the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet a lecturer this evening who shares expert insights, past and present, about the country formerly known as Yugoslavia and the places you'll explore on this trip, before joining him for an intimate welcome dinner at a popular restaurant, accompanied by a private performance of traditional Croatian a capella "klapa" singing.

Meals: D

Day 2 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Old Town by land & sea

Rise and shine this morning for a day of cultural delights. Ride a cable car to the top of Srd Hill for dazzling views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding landscapes. Get a closer perspective when you descend for a walking tour through Old Town and visit the Main Square. Dubrovnik's Old Town is completely surrounded by enormous stone walls that date back to the 10th century; view them from the outside on a boat ride along the walls. En route back to your hotel, stop in the village of Gruda to meet an "academic artist" who serves as the keeper of local traditions. During your visit, she will present a step-by-step tutorial on silk making as you are treated to homemade juice and cake typical of this region.

Meals: B, L

Day 3 Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor & Montenegro

Cross the border into neighboring Montenegro and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor for a walking tour of this historic city (also known today for its large population of cats, a contemporary symbol of the city), and a visit to the Maritime Museum. Continue to the tiny bay-front village of Perast, built by wealthy sea captains during the 17th and 18th centuries. Walk past the town's stone houses to the pier for a sail to the man-made islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, topped by a lone church and steeped in legends. Back on shore, enjoy views of Montenegro's coast on your return trip to Dubrovnik for dinner at your hotel.

Meals: B, D

Day 4 Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina
Orašac Village, Mostar & Split

Depart for Split this morning, driving through Dalmatian landscapes of seaside villages and farmland to the village of Orašac, founded in 1040. A family-hosted visit to a private farm reveals the time-honored steps of producing olive oil the old-fashioned way and includes a morning snack of fresh cow cheese, home-grown vegetables, warm-from-the-oven bread and wine. Drive to Bosnia for a visit to Mostar and Old Bridge, Stari Most, after which it is named. Damaged during the 1990s conflict, the Old Bridge, built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been rebuilt, as have many of the edifices in the Old Town. A guided walking tour ends with a visit to the Museum of Herzegovina. Late afternoon, drive to Split for a two-night stay.

Meals: B, D

Day 5 Split, Croatia
Meštrovíc's art & Diocletian's Palace in Split

See the acclaimed collection of works by Croatia's premier modern sculptor, Ivan Meštrovíc, at the gallery he built as his private residence. Drive to Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Roman emperor Diocletian as his retirement home between the late 3rd and the early 4th centuries using local limestone and Brac marble; the city of Split later grew up around the palace. A walking tour of the vast palace complex includes the palace cellars. The rest of the day is yours to explore Split as you please.

Meals: B, L

Day 6 Zagreb, Croatia
Krka National Park & Fly to Zagreb

Take a scenic drive to Krka National Park to see its spectacular waterfalls and inherent natural beauty. From there, board a boat and sail to Skradin for a visit to ROCA, the House of Dalmatian Smoked Ham, a talk with a farmer and a wedding-style lunch featuring traditional culinary specialties and entertainment. Fly to Zagreb this afternoon for a two-night stay in Croatia's capital city.

Meals: B, L

Day 7 Zagreb, Croatia
Discover Zagreb & meet Croatia's former Tourism Minister

Strategically located at the crossroads where western and eastern Europe meet, Croatia's capital city of Zagreb is a blend of old and new, informed by wars and steeped in culture. Start off your day by meeting Croatia's former Minister of Tourism for a discussion on current affairs before setting out to explore Zagreb on foot, the best way to experience this fascinating city. Join our local guides for a walking tour that includes the neo-Gothic Cathedral, a cheese tasting at the fresh market, the main square and a funicular ride to the Upper Town, where you will have lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the day is free to spend as you please; enjoy dinner at your leisure at your hotel tonight.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Trakošcan Castle & Ljubljana

One of the most impressive castles in Croatia, Trakošcan Castle dates back to the 13th century and reflects myriad architectural styles and restorations over its 800+-year history. Costumed knights and ladies-in-waiting welcome you to the castle for a tour and lunch inside the Knights' Hall, open exclusively for Tauck guests only. Your final destination today is Ljubljana, Slovenia, where your high-rise city-center hotel overlooks the heart of the city. Take a walking tour of Slovenia's capital before enjoying a taste of local culture during dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 9 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tauck Treats at Ljubljana Castle

Ride a funicular up to Ljubljana Castle this morning; savor panoramic city views and tastings of local cookies, teran liqueur and honey. Drive next to a gingerbread-making workshop in a country village to see how these beloved decorated pastries have been made for centuries, with a tasting of course! Lunch is followed by a visit to 1,000 year-old Bled Castle that includes a live printing demonstration, a talk with the cellar master about the castle's famous wines and entrance to the upper courtyard museum to learn about the history of Bled. Return to Ljubljana to spend the rest of the day and evening as you wish.

Meals: B, L

Day 10 Postojna Slovenia
Postojna Caves & a truffle farm

We've arranged an early morning, Tauck Exclusive, visit to a subterranean world of caverns, halls and passages some two million years in the making when you explore the surprise-filled Postojna Caves from aboard a private electric train and on a guided walk. Then, you're off for an experience at a family-owned truffle farm, where you'll learn about the truffle-hunting process, meet the dogs who sniff out this underground delicacy, and enjoy a tasting followed by a light lunch. Arrive early this evening in Rovijn, located on the west coast of the Istrian Peninsula for a two-night stay.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 11 Rovinj, Croatia
Pula and dinner at a local tavern

Arrive in Pula, at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, for a visit to its great amphitheatre, constructed between 27 BC - 68 AD, much of it still standing and used today. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in the fishing village of Rovinj. Late afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the House of Batana, dedicated to the flat-bottomed fishing boat (batana) that symbolizes the town's enduring seafaring traditions. Board a batana for a cruise along the Old Town peninsula to a local tavern for an exclusive dinner with entertainment.

Meals: B, D

Day 12 Venice, Italy
Explore Venice & the Doge's Palace

Travel from Croatia to Venice, Italy, today, arriving in the "City of Canals" midday for a walking tour and a visit to the Doge's Palace. We invite you to join us this evening for a farewell dinner at your historic hotel, just steps away from Piazza San Marco.

Meals: B, D

Day 13 Venice, Italy
Journey Home

Tour ends: Venice. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hotel Metropole to Venice's Marco Polo Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.

Meals: B

Featured Destinations

Mostar

Mostar is a small historic town in southwestern Bosnia, surrounded on three sides by rugged mountains. Mostar is Bosnia's most famous and popular destination, mainly because of its impressive Ottoman-era historic district and famous Ottoman-built arched stone bridge over the Neretva River gorge. Although quite small, Mostar is the capital of the Herzegovina district.

Since Mostar lies on the trading route between the Adriatic Sea and mineral-rich Bosnian lands, the site was occupied for many centuries prior to Ottoman rule of the region. However, it was the Ottoman Turks who established the present-day town when taking control of the region in 1468. They began building many Ottoman-style buildings, Turkish-style mosques and large private mansions for wealthy citizens. Their most-acclaimed architectural structure is the arched stone bridge, Stari Most, built in 1566.

Like nearly every town and city in Bosnia, Mostar was badly damaged by the 1990s regional wars. Many historic mansions and buildings, private homes and all of Mostar's bridges were completely destroyed. A major incident in Mostar took place in 1993, when Bosnian Croats began a 10-month siege of the Muslim quarter of the city, rendering its landmark, stone-arch bridge, Stari Most, and mosques to rubble.

Fortunately, Mostar has been able to rebuild, in great part thanks to various international organizations and governments contributions. The reconstruction of Stari Most (the Old Bridge) has been completed and it is well worth a visit. On the other hand, many large buildings have been left in states of destruction, complete with bullet and grenade holes, providing a stark reminder of the devastation. Rebuilding of the city continues, and tourists are warmly welcomed.

The annual bridge jumping competition from Stari Most into the Neretva River below is famous throughout the regions. Having taken place for more than four centuries, this competition attracts both swimmers and spectators from all over Europe.

Excursions

Mostar and Blagaj tour

Mostar Tour

Venice

With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.

Excursions

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

The story of Murano and Burano

The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice

Rovinj

Many visitors have been enchanted by Rovinj and its beauties. At the 100-year-old institution of Rovinj Aquarium one can admire fauna of the Adriatic Sea. The Rovinj coastal area is well articulated with numerous bays, creeks, and capes. There are places of great natural and ecological value: forest park Punta Corente-Muntrav, St. Andrea's archipelago, the Palud marsh, the Limski kanal Fjord, and Monfiorenzo cave. The antique city center presents a unique Venetian urban and architectural model, built upon late antiquity and high medieval foundations. The historic nucleus is up on a hill, on a very narrow building area of former island, with houses bunched together up to the baroque St. Euphemia Church - which has a slender bell tower dominating the city. The ample Valdibora Bay is on the North side, and the pictoresque Bay of St. Catherine is on southern side of the city. Rovinj has numerous sporting associations, important scientific and research institutions, museums, cultural attractions, and educational instituitions.

Excursions

Sightseeing of Rovinj

Ljubljana

This charming, inexpensive city with its relaxed pace, active cafe life and fondness for poets could be "the next Prague" with its own distinctive character. Several remaining structures show Roman and Baroque influences. The heart of the city lies on both sides of the Ljubljanica River. Over time, architects have used the Ljubljanica as an opportunity to build a handful of tasteful bridges. On one side of the river are the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town, which sits in the shadow of Ljubljana Castle. On the other side of the Ljubljanica is Tivoli castle, a graphic arts center, and the main shopping streets, lined by graceful art-nouveau buildings. The ultramodern Cultural and Congress Center, near the neo-rococo Opera House, is the setting for cultural performances. Worth seeing are the Franciscan Church and the Baroque town hall, with its monumental fountain. Hike to the top of 3,600-ft Mt. Katarina from Ljubljana. A trail begins in the suburb of Podutik before winding through spruce forests and up to a small church at the mountain's peak.

Excursions

Ljubljana tour with visit to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

Zagreb

Croatia's capital and largest city, Zagreb also was the cultural capital of the former Yugoslavia. The city boasts many museums, art galleries, orchestras and folk festivals. Today, outdoor cafes are full, dance clubs pump music into the night air and art festivals are as popular as they were before the war. Zagreb has several reminders of the Austro-Hungarian period, particularly the decorated facades and the deep yellow color of old government buildings.

Excursions

Zagreb uncovered: WWII and communist era walking tour

Zagreb sightseeing with funicular ride and Museum of lost tales

A visit to ethno village Kumrovec and monastery Olimje

Split

Split, the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic coast, is the heart of Dalmatia. The old town is built around the harbor on the south side of a high peninsula sheltered from the open sea by many islands. Split achieved fame when the Roman emperor Diocletian (245-313), noted for his persecution of early Christians, had his retirement palace built here from 295 to 305. Since 1945 Split has grown into a major industrial city with large apartment-block housing areas. Much of old Split remains, however, and this combined with its exuberant nature makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.

Excursions

Split & wine tasting, 3 hours

Split sightseeing, 3 hours

Split sightseeing and Foodie tour

National Park Krka

Split tour and Olive oil tasting

Sightseeing of Split and Trogir

Split tour with emphases on Jewish heritage

Omis+soparnik cooking class

Split and Salona tour

Split: Walking Tour - 4 hours

Split: Krka Waterfalls & Trogir - 8 hours

Split: Salona, Split & Trogir - 8 hours

Kotor

Take a step back in time and visit the old town of Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. The asymmetric structure of the narrow streets and squares, combined with the awesome monuments of medieval architecture, contributed to Kotor being placed on UNESCO’s “World’s natural and cultural inheritance” list. From ancient fortification systems surrounding the city to 12th century cathedrals, Kotor is a dream come true for those who revel in history. Entrance to town from the Gurdic spring, consists of 3 separate gates, built from the 13th, 16th and 18th centuries. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon is one of the most visited and impressive churches in the city. According to some texts, the original church was erected in the 8th century and rebuilt in 1166. Two earthquakes, one in 1667 and one in 1979 seriously damaged the cathedral and it continues to be restored to this day. The city is breathtaking in every respect and only a visit will truly reveal all it has to offer.

Excursions

Kotor sightseeing

Kotor: Walking Tour - 2 hours

Kotor: Highlights of Montenegro - 8 hours

Dubrovnik

Classed as a world heritage treasure by UNESCO, Dubrovnik is a place of ancient streets lined with stone palaces, Venetian-style buildings and bell towers. The city is enclosed by stone walls, and the highlight is a leisurely walk atop these massive walls for a great view of the city and the sea. Entering Dubrovnik, you are greeted by an impressive pedestrian promenade, the Placa, which extends before you all the way to the clock tower at the other end of town. The Orlando Tower here is a favorite meeting place. Just inside the city walls near the Pile Gate is the Franciscan Monastery housing the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1391. For a fantastic panorama of the city, take a cable car ride to the summit of the 1,340-foot Mount Srdj.

Excursions

Buggy safari tour with private sightseeing of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik pick up, bike tour, wine tasting and lunch in Konavle, 5 hours

Dubrovnik & Oysters Tasting, 4 hours, from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik sightseeing, 3 hours, from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik & Wine tasting, 3 hours, from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik & Game of thrones, full day, from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik pick up, Peljesac wine & oyster story, 5 hours

Dubrovnik pick up, Kayak safari tour, 4 hours

Dubrovnik pick up, Dubrovnik and silk experience, 5 hours

Dubrovnik pick up, car&driver on disposal, 6 hours

Dubrovnik tour and Coral factory

Dubrovnik tour with emphasis on Jewish Heritage

Dubrovnik Cooking class

Magic gastro and history experience in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik: Pearl of the Adriatic Walking Tour - 4 hours

Dubrovnik: Kayaking the Adriatic - 4 hours

Dubrovnik: Tastes of the Peljesac Peninsula - 6 hours

Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands by Private Motor Yacht - 8 hours

Dubrovnik: Cooking Class in the Konavle Valley - 6 hours

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

04/24/2025 - 05/06/2025

from $8,990 per person

06/12/2025 - 06/24/2025

from $10,190 per person

06/15/2025 - 06/27/2025

from $10,190 per person

06/19/2025 - 07/01/2025

from $10,190 per person

06/22/2025 - 07/04/2025

from $10,190 per person

08/31/2025 - 09/12/2025

from $10,190 per person

09/03/2025 - 09/15/2025

from $10,190 per person

09/11/2025 - 09/23/2025

from $10,190 per person

09/14/2025 - 09/26/2025

from $10,190 per person

09/17/2025 - 09/29/2025

from $10,190 per person

09/18/2025 - 09/30/2025

from $10,190 per person

09/28/2025 - 10/10/2025

from $10,190 per person

10/01/2025 - 10/13/2025

from $9,790 per person

10/02/2025 - 10/14/2025

from $9,790 per person

10/05/2025 - 10/17/2025

from $9,790 per person

10/08/2025 - 10/20/2025

from $9,790 per person

10/15/2025 - 10/27/2025

from $9,790 per person

10/16/2025 - 10/28/2025

from $9,790 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $8,990 per person

Length

12 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability and change without notice. Prices reflect land only accommodations, airfare is additional. Blackout dates/seasonal supplements may apply. Itinerary and map subject to change. Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1553103

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