May 4-18, 2023 with Ben
This classic tour from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik taking in four countries (Slovenia-Croatia-Bosnia-Montenegro) has been a staple with Andrew and Savor Tours for the past 17 years. It is our best of former Yugoslavia distilled into two weeks. From the art nouveau charm of Ljubljana to the Dalmatian island of Brac to the walled city of Montenegro’s Kotor to the bazaars of Sarajevo and Mostar, this is a great value journey into many of our favorite spots in this corner of Europe!
Tour Leader: Ben Curtis
Days One-Two
Overnight: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Welcome dinner and walking tour of what might be Europe’s most charming small city, Ljubljana. At leisure time the following morning to explore the riverside market and old town core before an excursion to gorgeous Lake Bled. Visit with bee-keeper to learn why Slovenia is the epicenter of apiculture. Lunch at a countryside farm where the owner makes her own beers, schnapps and cakes. Leisure time around the lake and visit to the castle with wonderful panorama views.
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Days Three-Four
Overnight: Karst countryside, Slovenia
Two days at an Agriturismo in Slovenia’s Karst region. Visits to the Predjama castle (with its own myths of local Robin Hood), the jaw-dropping UNESCO protected Skocjan caves and some tucked away surprises. Wine tasting in the micro-wine region of Vipava and two delicious home-cooked meals at our host’s farm.
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Days Five-Six
Overnight: Trogir, Croatia
Two days along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast in the small town of Trogir. Walking tour of Trogir and Northern Dalmatia’s main city, Zadar. Visit to beautiful Krka national park.
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Days Seven-Eight
Overnight: Brac island, Croatia
Two days on the central Dalmatian island of Brac, just under an hour away from the mainland. Before we jump on the ferry we will explore the palace/retirement home of 3rd century AD Roman Emperor Diocletian. A full day tour of the island includes tour of old olive mill with lunch there, panoramic viewpoints, famous stone masons (Brac stone was used in Diocletian’s palace, Budapest parliament and even the White House) and a special dinner at a 16th century Venetian villa where the family serves up roasted lamb on the spit and octopus cooked under the metal bell (‘peka’).
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Days Nine-Eleven
Overnight: Mostar, Bosnia
Three nights in Bosnia-Herzegovina where the food, vibe and architecture are quite different than everything that’s come before. We will base ourselves in Mostar, the history Ottoman trading town along the Neretva river that has the region’s most iconic single-arch stone bridge. Spend a day touring the historic capital, Sarajevo, which has a rich history from Turkish conquest, to Habsburg rule, the start of World War I and the terrible civil war of the 1990’s. We will also sneak in a wine tasting with biodynamic vintner, learn how to properly drink and enjoy a Bosnian coffee and enjoy dinner at a local guide’s home – a real treat!
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Day Twelve-Thirteen
Overnight: Perast, Montenegro
Heading south to Montenegro we arrive into the most beautiful tiny spot, the town of Perast along the Bay of Kotor. Tour Perast and the larger nearby walled town of Kotor. Take a boat ride out to Our Lady of the Rocks island. Visit the largest lake in the Balkans, Skadar, and visit a cute hilltop town that was destroyed by earthquakes and Ottomans but now a great spot for shopping and good eating.
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Day Fourteen
Overnight: Dubrovnik, Croatia
The ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ is our last stop – the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik, wedged up against the sea. Walking tour of the old town and farewell dinner at a superb family-run restaurant in the center but away from the crowds.