Discover Croatia, Slovenia and the Adriatic Coast

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip transfers to Newark International Airport
• Roundtrip airfare from Newark International Airport to Zagreb, Croatia
• 13-night hotel accommodations
• Roundtrip transfers airport/hotel
• Meals: 12 breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 5 Dinners
• Gratuities for included meals
• Services of a AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Director and Driver
• Gratuities for the AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Director and Driver
• Sightseeing and admissions as stated in itinerary 
• All local taxes, hotel services charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Ljubljana
• Castle Dinner
• Lake Bled
• Opatija
• Istrian Peninsula
• Farm-to-Table Dinner
• Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Split
• Countryside Lunch with Folklore Entertainment
• Diocletian's Palace.
• Dubrovnik

Itinerary

Thursday, May 1: Overnight Flight

Depart Central, PA and transfer to the Newark International Airport for a flight and transportation to Zagreb, Croatia.

Friday, May 2: Zagreb, Croatia-Ljubljana, Slovenia-Tour Begins.

After arriving in Zagreb travel to Ljubljana, the romantic capital city of Slovenia; enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers in this fairy tale town.  Hotel  Grand Plaza Hotel Ljubljana, Ljubljana (Dinner)

Saturday, May 3: Ljubljana 

This morning you will tour the beautiful Ljubljana with a local expert. The city is nestled along the banks of the Ljubljana River with green parks, picturesque bridges, sidewalk cafes and a lively central market.  Visit the Prešeren Square at the impressive City Hall and the Ljubljana University. The city is known for many bridges like the Dragon Bridge, representing courage and power. Today you will have free time for lunch to explore this vibrant town before traveling towards Lake Bled. Nestled between the Julian Alps, travel by wooded boat to the centerpiece of Lake Bled, Bled Island.  Enjoy the afternoon viewing one of the most picturesque places in Slovenia.  (Breakfast)

Sunday, May 4: Ljubljana - Novo Mesto- Opatija, Croatia

We will depart Ljubljana and travel to the small-town of Novo Mesto. You'll have a unique view of the town as you drift along the famous Krka River bend. Later we will meet with a local guide for a walking tour.  You'll have free time for lunch before continuing to Croatia. The resort of Opatija, also known as"Croatia's Riviera" was once the retreat for Roman Caesars and Habsburg Monarchs during the summer. Enjoy a brief walking tour to get acquainted with the coastal town. This evening is at leisure. Hotel:  Liburnia Riviera Hotels, Opatija (Breakfast)

Monday, May 5: Opatija - Istrian Peninsula 

Discover the Istrian Peninsula along with Italian and Croatian culinary influences. We will visit a local distillery where the owners  will show us how  they use regional plants. Later in the afternoon enjoy a delightful farm-to- table dinner held at a local restaurant where you can sample the wines and culinary delights. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Tuesday, May 6: Opatija - Plitvice Lakes

This morning we depart for one of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful national parks in Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes. Travel among dense forest and terraced lakes, where waterfalls and free-flowing cascades connect one lake to the other. This awe-inspiring scenery is one of the wonders you'll experience at the designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the natural wonder that extends over 73,000 acres with a short cruise. Tonight we will stay at a hotel in the village near the National Park.  Hotel:  The Lyra Hotel Plitvice, Plitvice Lakes (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday, May 7: Plitvice Lakes - Split

Today we travel through the Croatian countryside making a stop in a traditional small village. We will learn about the long Croatian history creating high quality artisanal prosciuttos. The Perajica family makes one of the best.  A short tour will show us how meat is produced following a  light lunch of homemade specialties. Next arrive in Split, a seaside city full of Roman ruins.  This afternoon we join a walking tour of the Diocletian's Palace (UNESCO), one of the most significant late Roman historical monuments built  at the turn of the 4th century. Explore the Cathedral of St. Dominus. This evening you will have a Dalmatian cuisine dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel: Atrium Hotel- Safir Hoteli, Split (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Thursday, May 8: Split

The day is yours to relax and explore Split's coastal charms independently or you might consider an optional trip (not included in the price of the trip) to Trogir (UNESCO). This coastal gem is known for its picturesque Venetian architecture, medieval walls, towering cathedrals, prominent stone houses and scenic charm. (Breakfast)

Friday, May 9: Split-Dubrovnik

Savor stunning sea views as we travel the winding coastal road, hugging the sheer cliffs that drop dramatically into the aquamarine of the Adriatic Sea. Stop in a quaint village in the Dalmatian countryside as a local family hosts a delicious lunch made from ingredients produced from the valley near their home.  Learn about village life and listen to Croatian folk music played on the "lijerica," a traditional instrument.  Continue on to Dubrovnik, a city of twisting cobblestone streets and burnt-orange rooftops, rich in history and charm.  Hotel: Royal Hotels & Resort Ariston, Dubrovnik (Breakfast, Lunch)

Saturday, May 10: Dubrovnik

Join a local guide on a tour of the "Old Dubrovnik," a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe's oldest pharmacy resides, and see Dubrovnik's many historical sites like the Rector's Palace, Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and Old Town's famous main street, Stradun. This afternoon, It's your choice! Ascend Mount Srd by cable car for breathtaking views of the Old City of Dubrovnik, the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and islands -OR- receive a ticket to access the walls that contain the old city of Dubrovnik and gain a different perspective on this remarkable place.  (Breakfast)

Sunday, May 11: Dubrovnik

Today is at leisure relaxing or independently exploring the marble streets and baroque buildings of Dubrovnik's breathtaking Old Town. Perhaps you'll embark on an optional tour (not included in the price of the tour) to the culturally rich Konavle region, where  you will be welcomed by a family-owned vineyard for a discussion about their cultivation and production methods before indulging in a tasting of their wines. Lunch will be held at a locally-owned restaurant that prepares culturally rich recipes passed down for generations.  (Breakfast)

Monday, May 12: Dubrovnik- Zagreb, Croatia

This morning we depart Dubrovnik and travel to lovely Cavtat, a coastal resort town. After a short tour reveals its highlights, enjoy free time to grab a coffee or lunch at one of the seaside cafes. Continue to the airport for a short flight to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. A late afternoon tour highlights the best of this fascinating city that has marked the intersection of Eastern and Central Europe for more than 1000 years. Ride one of the most beautiful funiculars in Europe to the charming upper town. Hotel: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb (Breakfast)

Tuesday, May 13: Zagreb

The day is yours to explore Zagreb however you wish! Explore old towns' two medieval settlements, stroll the many open squares and parks, or enjoy the Dolac Market. Perhaps you will choose to take an optional tour to Croatia's Zagorje region with visits to historic Kumrovec and the foodie favorite of Samobor. This evening we will celebrate an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.  Hotel: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday, May 14, 2025: Tour Ends - Depart for Central, PA

Your tour comes to an end this morning. After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight and transportation back to Central, PA.  (Breakfast)

*Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation

Activity Level: 3
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected. 

General Information

Travel Documents

Original signed Passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one black Visa page for Visa Stamp(s) is required for this trip. As of printing of this brochure all guests are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization for travel to Europe's Schengen zone (not included in the price of the trip). Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information.

As travel policies are rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19, the final requirements will be communicated  prior to travel.

Payment

A deposit of $698 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by: February 14, 2025

Cancellation Penalties 

Deposit date to day of departure-$25 per person, plus....

From November 3, 2024 to March 1, 2025- $698 per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From March 2 to April 15, 2025 - 40% per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
April 16, 2025- April 30, 2025- 75% per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
 After April 30, 2025- NON-REFUNDABLE

*  Airfare is non-refundable after final payment.

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat request cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends  Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Coastal temperatures average in the mid 50's to mid 70's. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 

Baggage

One Suitcase per person is allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing needed assistance. 

GRP1025
 

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