Enchanting Venetian Explorer

Day 01 | Venice Arrival

Begin your Italian journey in the enchanting city of Venice. Upon your arrival at Venice airport, a private vehicle will whisk you away to your hotel. Once you’ve checked in, our local representative will extend a warm welcome to Italy, assisting you with all check-in procedures. Rest and rejuvenate at the exquisite Palace Bonvecchiati.

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Day 02 | Venice

Today, immerse yourself in the splendor of Venice with a guided walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Doge’s Palace, which not only served as the Doge’s residence but also housed the main government departments of the Venetian Republic. Admire lavish frescoes, elegant staircases, and ornate stuccowork that illuminate the opulence of this period.

Next, visit the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and the final resting place of Venice’s patron saint, St. Mark. Its golden mosaics narrate the saint’s life, biblical stories, and the resurrection of Jesus.

Stroll through the trapezoidal marvel of St. Mark’s Square, flanked by the charming old and new wings. Napoleon once dubbed it the “world’s greatest drawing room.” Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of this Venetian gem.

The afternoon is yours to explore Venice at your leisure or simply relax. Return to the comforts of Palace Bonvecchiati for a well-deserved rest.

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Day 03 | Venice | Ljubljana

Bid farewell to Venice this morning and embark on a private water transfer to Venice’s Piazzale Roma. There, your driver and private vehicle await to take you on a scenic journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Along the way, pause in Trieste for a captivating 4-hour walking tour led by an expert local English-speaking guide. Explore the heart of Trieste, Piazza Dell’Unita’ D’Italia, one of Italy’s grandest squares, boasting a stunning harbor view. Marvel at the Palazzo del Comune, crowned by two moors who chime the bell in the clock tower.

Your tour continues to the historic hill of San Giusto, a focal point of the city’s pre-modern history, named after the city’s patron saint. Here, visit the Cattedrale di San Giusto, constructed atop the ruins of a first-century AD Roman structure.

After this enriching tour, proceed to your hotel in Ljubljana. On arrival, our local representative will extend a warm welcome to Slovenia, assisting you with check-in procedures. Unwind at the Grand Hotel Union.

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Day 04 | Ljubljana Today, delve into the charms of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana boasts beautiful Baroque architecture and a rich history. Your adventure includes a 4-hour guided tour, showcasing the Three Bridges area, the cathedral, the Plecnik Open Market, Prešern Square, Ljubljana Castle, and Congress Square.

Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure, exploring Ljubljana or indulging in relaxation. Retreat to the Grand Union Hotel for a peaceful night.

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Day 05 | Ljubljana | Split | Plitvice Lakes

Embark on a journey to Split today in the comfort of a private vehicle. En route, you’ll encounter some of Croatia’s most breathtaking scenery, with a stop at the picturesque Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its unique beauty, featuring five miles of shimmering turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and emerald forests linked by meadows of wildflowers. Explore the park on foot with an expert local guide, who will meet you upon arrival.

After your visit, continue your voyage to the coastal town of Split, where you will stay at the Hotel Vestibul Palace.

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Day 06 | Split

Discover the rich history of Split during a captivating morning tour. Explore the extraordinary Diocletian’s Palace, built in 295 BC, which now lies at the heart of the city. Wander through Peristil Square, where the Roman emperor delivered speeches, and visit the mausoleum of the Roman emperor, later transformed into a Catholic church in the 7th century AD.

After your tour, enjoy leisure time to explore charming streets and piazzas outside the palace. Consider taking a stroll along the chic coastal promenade, the Riva, lined with palm trees, offering stunning views of the port and nearby islands.

Return to Hotel Vestibul Palace for a relaxing afternoon.

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Day 07 | Split | Dubrovnik | Mostar

Embark on a scenic journey through the Croatian and Bosnian hinterlands to reach Dubrovnik. En route, make a stop in the picturesque town of Mostar, where a local guide will greet you for a fascinating walking tour.

Mostar is renowned for its iconic “Stari Most” (Old Bridge), spanning the turquoise waters of the Neretva River, symbolizing the meeting of East and West. During Turkish rule, Mostar was a significant trade center, and the old Bazaar Kujundziluk, named after the goldsmiths who crafted their wares here, thrives to this day. You’ll find artisans selling traditional hand-crafted goods, including carpets, paintings, copperware, brassware, and jewelry. Explore the oldest mosque in Mostar, the Cejvan Cehaj Mosque, built in 1552, and the Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque, built in 1617, where you can ascend the minaret’s spiral stairs for a spectacular town view.

Afterward, continue your journey to Dubrovnik and check in at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik.

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Day 08 | Dubrovnik

Experience the architectural wonders of Dubrovnik during a half-day tour. Start your exploration in the lobby of your hotel with a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed old city of Dubrovnik, often referred to as a city museum. Admire the city’s magnificent city walls, over a mile long and boasting a tower in each corner, showcasing medieval and Renaissance architectural mastery.

Stroll along the ancient main city promenade, Stradun, and visit the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery, known for its inspiring cloister. At one end of Stradun, explore the Church of St. Blaise and the Sponza Palace. Continue to the Rector’s Palace and the Dominican Church and Monastery, both constructed during the 14th century when the city walls were erected.

Enjoy leisure time in the afternoon to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace or relax at a sidewalk cafe. Overnight at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik.

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Day 09 | Dubrovnik Departure

Bid farewell to Croatia as you meet your driver and guide for a comfortable private luxury vehicle transfer to Dubrovnik airport. Your departure flight awaits, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Italy and Croatia.

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