Best of Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia & Venice

(17 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)

Montenegro, Dubrovnik & Peljesac Peninsula, Split with Hvar, Pakleni Islands & Plitvice Lakes National Park, Ljubljana with Lake Bled & the Julian Alps, Venice

This comprehensive private tour is the ultimate journey through Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia and Venice.

Begin in Montenegro. Enjoy a private tour along the shore of the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, where steep mountains plunge into the sea. Visit Perast, a waterfront town of Renaissance palaces, and take a boat excursion to the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks. Also tour the historic center of Kotor, a picturesque walled port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of hidden squares, charming cafes and buildings dating to the 15th century. One day, enjoy a full-day excursion to the summit of Mount Lovcen, an iconic place in Montenegrin culture and history; Cetinje, the charming former royal capital of Montenegro; or beautiful Lake Skadar National Park. Also enjoy ample time for spa treatments and relaxing at your resort.

Continue to Dubrovnik, a beautiful historic city overlooking the Adriatic Sea. With your expert private guide, explore the highlights of the Old City of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval city walls, white limestone streets, and well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Walk atop the ramparts, visit historic palaces and monasteries, and explore the most interesting neighborhoods and backstreets. Also browse for unique crafts, olive oil and other Croatian specialties at local shops. One afternoon, enjoy a private excursion into the countryside to see village life amid vineyards and olive groves. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a private cooking class in the home of a local family. Additional activities can also be arranged, such as hiking on Lokrum Island, sea kayaking along the coast, a private boat excursion to the Elafiti (Elaphiti) Islands or an excursion to Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina).

En route to Split, tour the mountainous peninsula of Peljesac. Enjoy private wine tastings at local wineries, and meet a local oyster farmer and sample some fresh seafood. Also see the ancient salt pans and impressive city walls in the seaside village of Ston.

In the ancient city of Split, enjoy private touring of Diocletian's Palace, one of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your private guide, walk through this living archaeological site, and see highlights such as the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the bell tower. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange an excursion to nearby Trogir, a UNESCO-listed island town that preserves atmospheric Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, including the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Lawrence.

One day, enjoy a private boat cruise to Hvar, one of the most beautiful and sunniest islands in the Adriatic Sea. During private touring, explore Hvar Town, a picturesque collection of stone buildings around a natural harbor with crystal clear water, including highlights such as the Arsenal and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Perhaps also learn about local lace-making traditions or climb to a hilltop fortress for panoramic views over the town and waterfront. Also cruise among the Pakleni Islands, an attractive archipelago of rocky shores and fragrant pine forests.

En route to Zagreb, visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a beautiful region of turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls among forested hills that's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, transfer to Zagreb, the elegant capital of Croatia. With your private guide, explore the cobblestone streets, small squares, markets, churches and Baroque buildings of the Upper Town, as well as the Secessionist (Art Nouveau) architecture and leafy parks of the Lower Town. During leisure time, browse local shops, sit at local cafes and stroll through leafy city parks.

Continue to Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. During private touring, explore the Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture in the historic center; enjoy a boat ride on the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city; visit Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views over the capital from a forested hilltop; tour the National Gallery of Slovenia; browse local markets and shops; and enjoy leisure time to relax at local cafes and restaurants.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the beautiful Julian Alps. At iconic Lake Bled, ride in a private pletna (flat-bottomed wooden boat) to a tiny island with a picturesque church and bell tower. Also see Bled Castle, which perches atop rocky cliffs overlooking the water. Continue to Lake Bohinj, a picture-perfect mountain lake surrounded by the rugged peaks of Triglav National Park. Perhaps opt for a scenic walk on a lakeside trail, or ride a cable car for incredible bird's-eye views over the lake and mountains.

En route to Venice, enjoy a private excursion in the surrounding region. See the incredible stalactites and stalagmites inside Postojna Cave, and visit Predjama Castle, a medieval fortress built into high stone cliffs. Also enjoy wine tasting of Slovenian varietals at top wineries in the Vipava Valley. Alternatively, explore the dramatic karst chambers inside Skocjan Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Lipica Stud Farm, where Lipizzaner horses have been bred for centuries.

During flexible private touring in Venice, visit favorite local neighborhoods, museums, architectural landmarks, outdoor markets and specialty shops. Also, take a private cruise through the fascinating Venetian lagoon to visit islands such as Murano, which is famous for its glass, Burano and Torcello. Your expert guide will ensure that you discover the best of Venice including learning about the origins of Venice’s unique architecture and cityscape, discovering hidden neighborhoods, and sampling local food and wine at Venetian bacari (bars). Also enjoy a gondola ride with musicians through the narrow canals and a tour of the Doge’s Palace. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange activities such as shopping for high-quality glass and silks, a private Venetian mask-painting lesson, special access to museums and art sites, and much more.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Dubrovnik, Croatia – Montenegro Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 2 Montenegro Half-day private tour Day 3 Montenegro Private regional touring Day 4 Montenegro – Dubrovnik, Croatia Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights, with touring en route Day 5 Dubrovnik Half-day private walking tour of Dubrovnik Day 6 Dubrovnik & environs Half-day private tour in the countryside Day 7 Dubrovnik – Peljesac – Split Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights, with touring of Peljesac wineries and oyster farm en route Day 8 Split Half-day private walking tour Day 9 Split, Hvar & Pakleni Islands Full-day private boat excursion Day 10 Split – Plitvice Lakes National Park – Zagreb Private transfer to hotel for 1 night, with touring of Plitvice Lakes National Park en route Day 11 Zagreb – Ljubljana, Slovenia Morning private city tour. Afternoon private transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 12 Ljubljana Private city touring Day 13 Ljubljana, Lake Bled & the Julian Alps Full-day private excursion, including private pletna boat ride Day 14 Ljubljana – Venice, Italy Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights, with touring en route Day 15 Venice Full-day private tour, including a gondola ride Day 16 Venice Half-day private boat tour of lagoon islands Day 17 Depart Venice Private airport transfer

Hotels

Montenegro: One&Only Portonovi Dubrovnik: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik or Villa Dubrovnik Split: Hotel Park Split Zagreb: Esplanade Hotel Ljubljana: InterContinental Ljubljana Venice: Belmond Hotel Cipriani or Gritti Palace

Cost

Upon request