Croatia & Montenegro: Hidden Treasures of the Adriatic

For generations, astute travellers have sought out the hideaways and charming resorts that line the Adriatic Sea. And, although many of these treasures are relatively unknown to American travellers, they are rapidly being discovered. Today, they are among Europe’s most vibrant and celebrated travel destinations. Now, you’re invited to join Vantage travellers who are rediscovering such stunning destinations as the medieval port city of Dubrovnik, the beautiful Dalmatian Coast, and the sun-splashed towns of the Adriatic Riviera. And, this popular Vantage Memorable Journey® includes 3 nights in the Republic of Montenegro, one of the most scenic areas of Europe, with high mountain ranges, walled medieval towns, and coastal fjords. 

What can you expect when you join us? A gorgeous white limestone coast dotted with coves and islands... medieval towns that evoke the centuries ... grand cathedrals and Roman ruins ... and a wealth of traditions, cultures, and cuisines. In short, a destination that surprises and delights every day. Don’t pass up this wonderful opportunity to be among the many Vantage travellers to discover this extremely popular destination in all of its magnificence and variety!

Exclusive Highlights

• City tour of Zagreb.
• Panoramic city tour of Kotor.
• Scenic drive up the spectacular Montenegro Mountains.
• Walking tour of Budva.
• Panoramic views of Sveti Stefan on the Montenegro coast. 
• Visit to Cetinje, Montenegro's royal capital, with castle visit
• Panoramic drive around the stunning Bay of Kotor, one of Europe's largest fjords.
• City tour of Dubrivnik with walking tour of the Old Town.
• Panoramic drive along the Croatian coastline.
• Walking tour of Diocletian's Palace.
• Tour of Krka Falls National Park.
• Tour to Primosten hinterlands and city tour og the medieval center of Sibenik.
• Walking tour of Zadar with a visit to the Treasury.
• Istrian peninsula tour, including the Roman town of Pula and medieval Rovinj.
• City tour of Opatija, the "Croatian Nice," with it's cafes and breathtaking coastline.
  

Itinerary

Day One: Depart Home

• Overnight flight to Zagreb, Croatia.

Day Two: Arrive Zagreb, Croatia

• Upon arrival you will be required to clear Immigration and Customs; after you clear Customs you will be met by a Vantage Representative who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel.
• Evening briefing followed by Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
• Accommodations for two nights at the Moderate Deluxe Regent Esplanade Zagreb.

Day Three:

• Buffet breakfast.
• Morning panoramic city tour of Zagreb with views of National Theater & Opera House, National Museum, the city's Art Nouveau buildings, and typical residential neighborhoods, followed by walking tour to see the Upper Town/Old City, including St.Mark's Square, the Zagreb City Museum, Jesuit Square, Stone Gate, and the Cathedral, ending in the Central Market.
• Visit to a traditional knitting workshop, with demonstration.

Day Four:

• Buffet Breakfast
• Morning at leisure in Zagreb.
• Transfer to Zagreb airport.
• Afternoon flight from Zagred to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
• Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, motorcoach transfer to the Republic of Montenegro.
• Arrive Budva and check in to hotel.
• Dinner at the hotel.
• Accommodations for three nights at the Hotel Montenegro.

Day Five:

• Buffet Breakfast.
• Morning tour of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including visits to the Old Town, Cathedral of St.Tripun, and the orthodox Church of St. Nicola.
• Panoramic drive through the famous Montenegro Mountains with a stop for ham, cheese and brandy.
• Visits to Cetinje, the Royal Capital, and King Nikola's Royal Castle.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Evening at leisure.

Day Six:

• Buffet Breakfast.
• Morning panoramic views of Sveti Stefan, the pearl of Montenegro's coastline.
• Afternoon walking tour of Budva's medieval old town.
• Dinner on own- or- optional Montenegro dinner and folk show.

Day Seven:

• Buffet breakfast.
• Morning leisure in Budva
• Motorcoach transfer to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
• Arrive Dubrovnik and check in to the hotel.
• Afternoon at leisure.
• Memorable Journeys Reception.
• Dinner at the hotel.
• Accommodations for three nights at the First-Class Excelsior Hotel  (or smilar) in a guaranteed sea-view room.

Day Eight:

• Buffet Breakfast.
• Morning panoramic tour of medieval Dubrivnik (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) including views of the fortified walls and Minceta Tower; a walking tour of Pile Gate, Franciscan Monastery and cloister, St.Blaise Church, Rector Palace, Town Hall Square, Little Onofrio's Fountain and Clock Tower, Jewish neighborhood and a synagogue.
• Afternoon at leisure.
• Home-hosted dinner with a local family in Dubrovnik.

Day Nine:

• Buffet breakfast.
• Day at leisure-or-Optional Dubrovnik Riviera scenic tour and visit to Cavtat.
• Evening classical concert at St.Savior's Church- a Vantage Exclusive.

Day Ten:

• Buffet breakfast.
• Depart for Sibenik, stopping en route in Neum, the only seaside town in Bosnia & Hercegovina.
• Continue up the world-famous Dalmatian coast to Split, where you'll go on an included walking tour of Emperor Diocletian's Palace (a UNSECO World Heritage Site), including Peristyle Square, Cathedral of St.Dominus, Temple of Jupiter, Golden Gate, Statue of Bishop Grgur, with free time to explore Split on your own.
• Arrive Sibenik and check in to the hotel.
• Dinner at the hotel.
• Accommodations for two nights at the Hotel Ivan.

Day Eleven:

• Buffet breakfast.
• Morning visit to Krka National Park and waterfalls.
• Continue to Jurlinovi Dvori, a typical Dalmatian Village were you'll visit a home museum.
• Lunch included at a priest's home in the village.
• Return to Sibenik, with a stop enroute for panoramic views of picturesque Primosten.
• Afternoon city tour of Sibenik including a visit to St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Dinner at the hotel.

Day Twelve:

• Buffet breakfast.
• Morning motorcoach transfer to Opatija.
• Arrive Opatija and check in to the hotel.
• Afternoon sightseeing tour of Opatija.
• Dinner at the hotel.
• Accommodations for three nights at the Hotel Milenij  (or similar) in a guaranteed sea-view room.

Day Thirteen:

• Buffet breakfast.
• Motorcoach excursion to Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula, including a tour of Pula, the capital of Istria, with its well-preserved Roman colosseum.
• Visit to Rovinj, an artists' colony.
• Lunch included at a local restaurant.
• Lecture: "Everyday Life in Croatia."
• Evening Leisure.

Day Fourteen:

• Buffet breakfast.
• Morning at leisure-or-Optional tour to Postojna Caves, the world's second largest cave complex, with a train ride into the caves.
• Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day Fifteen:

• Buffet breakfast.
• Morning at leisure-or-Optional Opatija Riviera scenic boat trip.
• Lunch on own in Opatija.
• Motorcoach transfer to Zagreb.
• Arrive Zagreb and check in to hotel.
• Afternoon and evening at leisure.
• Accommodations for one night at the Moderate Deluxe Regent Esplanade Zagreb.

Day Sixteen:

• Buffet breakfast.
• Motorcoach transfer to the airport for return flight home.
• You will be required to clear Immigration and Customs at your point of entry into the United States.

 

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Faculty Host:
A professor from Bates, Colby or Hamilton College will accompany this trip.

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Please contact the Alumni Office if you're interested, 207-786-8344 or lgailey@bates.edu!