Pearls of the Dalmatian Coast - Featuring Dubrovnik, Dalmatian Coast, Istrian Peninsula and Lake Bled

Day 1: Dubrovnik, Croatia - Tour Begins

Join us and explore Croatia and the countries of the Adriatic. This is a “must see” region filled with ancient cities, medieval architecture, intriguing cultures, rolling hills and stunning coastal scenery. Your tour begins in the medieval city of Dubrovnik. Get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner this evening. Today dinner will be included.

Day 2: Dubrovnik

Join a local guide on a tour of “Old Dubrovnik,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy resides, and see Dubrovnik’s many historical sites, from Rector’s Palace to the City Walls. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Join a local expert in Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbour for a cruise* with magnificent views of the medieval city walls before visiting nearby Lokrum Island where you can swim, marvel at exotic plants or take a walk with peacocks -OR- receive a ticket to access the walls that contain the old city of Dubrovnik and gain a different perspective on this remarkable place (this choice gives you more leisure time to explore the city). This evening, travel to Cilipi in the culturally-rich Konavle region, where you’ll be welcomed for dinner at a family-owned local restaurant. Visit with the family and learn about life in the Croatian heartland as you sample regional wines. At dinner, servers introduce you to a culinary feast, prepared in the way of their ancestors. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 3: Dubrovnik

Spend today at leisure. Relax or independently explore the marble streets and beautiful baroque buildings of Dubrovnik’s breathtaking Old Town. Or, you may choose to purchase our optional excursion to Montenegro; if so, leave in the morning to cross the border to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, or “the Boka.” Once known as Europe’s southernmost fjord, it is actually a ria (a long, narrow inlet). Your guide will introduce you to the history of the region and share stories of the many cultures and empires that have left their mark here. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 4: Dubrovnik - Split

Savour stunning sea views as you travel up the winding coastal road, hugging the sheer cliffs that drop dramatically into the aquamarine of the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a stop in a quaint village in the Croatian countryside, where you’ll have time to taste some of the local specialities and perhaps take a walk through the village square. Upon arrival in Split, set out on a walking tour featuring the impressive Diocletian’s Palace, one of the most significant late-Roman historical monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also, see the peristyle of the palace and the Temple of Jupiter. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 5: Split - Plitvice Lakes

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Split. This afternoon, travel to Plitvice Lakes, one of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful national parks in Croatia. Inspiring scenery is one of the wonders you’ll experience at this designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 6: Plitvice Lakes - Opatija

Travel among the park’s dense forests and 16 terraced lakes, where waterfalls and free-flowing cascades connect one lake to the other. Enjoy a short cruise that takes you into the heart of this natural wonder that extends over 73,000 acres. From the forest landscapes of Plitvice Lakes, travel this afternoon to the seaside resort of Opatija, known as “Croatia’s Riviera.” This fashionable region was once the summer retreat for Roman Caesars and Habsburg Monarchs. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 7: Opatija - Istrian Peninsula - Opatija

Known as “Croatia’s Riviera,” Opatija was once the summer retreat for Roman Caesars and Habsburg Monarchs. Discover the richness of the Istrian Peninsula with its Italian and Croatian influences. Pay a visit to a local distillery, where the owners use regional plants, fruits, and herbs to produce brandies, snacks and other treats. Discover a picture-perfect example of a rural Croatian town. In the late afternoon, a delightful farm-to-table dinner at a local restaurant lets you sample the regional wines and culinary delicacies of the Istrian Peninsula. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Travel into picturesque Slovenia, to Ljubljana, a capital city in the midst of a cultural renaissance. Take in the spectacular scenery on the drive, and upon your arrival, an afternoon at leisure lets you relax and explore the city. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Ljubljana - Lake Bled - Ljubljana

This morning, meet a local expert who introduces you to this lovely town nestled along the banks of the river. Your tour includes the impressive City Hall and a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of St. Nicholas. After free time for lunch, drive a short distance to tranquil Lake Bled, and experience the old-world charm that comes with taking a Pletna boat to the picturesque island in the centre. Spend time exploring the 17th-century cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, and the “wishing bell.” Enjoy some time to stroll the quiet paths of this lakeside community at your own pace. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 10: Ljubljana - Zagreb, Croatia

Today we travel to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Embark on a tour of this fascinating city that has marked the intersection of Eastern and Central Europe for more than 1000 years. After free time this afternoon for independent exploration, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with dinner at a popular local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 11: Zagreb - Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close this morning in Zagreb. Today breakfast will be included.

Book your holiday before 8 January 2020 and SAVE up to 15%!

Sale pricing based on March 27, 2020 tour departure
$2,635pp twin share (was $3,099) / $3,187 solo (was $3,749)

Alternative Departures:

2020 Departures - 15 May, 22 May, 02 Oct:

• Was $3,799 pp twin share, NOW from $3,229 pp twin share
• Was $4,899 sole use, NOW from $4,164 sole use

2020 Departures- 28 May, 29 May, 05 Jun, 12 Jun, 19 Jun, 26 Jun, 24 Sep, 25 Sep:

• Was $3,949 pp twin share, NOW from $3,357 pp twin share
• Was $4,999 sole use, NOW from $4,249 sole use

2021 Departures- 15 Apr, 16 Apr, 30 Apr:

• Was $3,699 pp twin share, NOW from $3,144 pp twin share
• Was $4,699 sole use, NOW from $3,994 sole use

Don't see a date that suits you? Call our travel team on 1300 414 198 as this tour has many more departures throughout 2020 and 2021!

Please note all prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

*hotels are subject to change based on departure dates.

Tour Activity Level:

The activity level for this tour is 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.

Are airport and hotel transfers available?

Passengers can purchase transfers (for the first and last day of the tour) at an additional cost starting at $120 per person, round trip. Some restrictions may apply. All transfers leave at pre-scheduled times.

What is not included in the tour price?

The land price does not include international air travel to and from Australia, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities.

Do I need to tip on my tour?

Whilst tipping may not be expected in Australia, in most other countries you will visit it is customary to tip. This is a way of thanking and rewarding the staff that looked after you on your tour.

Can I purchase pre-paid tipping?

From the 1st of January 2020, Collette is pleased to offer a pre-paid tipping option for guests travelling after 1st May 2020. This allows guests to purchase the package up to 45 days prior to departure and know that all tipping is covered.

How much does pre-paid tipping cost?

The tipping package will vary due to tour length and inclusions. A classic style tour will cost approximately $11 per person, per day and Explorations style tour will be approximately $14 per person, per day. An additional $3 per person will be added for each additional guide that the tour may include. Please contact our reservations team to find out exactly how much the pre-paid package will cost for your tour.