Filled with medieval architecture, tranquil lakes and rolling green hills, this is one of today’s “must see” destinations. Your journey begins in the charming town of Oberammergau with reserved seats for a performance by local villagers of the world-renowned Passion Play, whose origins date back to 1634. During a two-night stay in Bled, Slovenia, you’ll take a “pletna” boat to the island on Lake Bled to visit its 17th century cathedral, and enjoy free time to explore this charming city. In Split, Croatia, you’ll experience the impressive Roman Palace of Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel to the small parish of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina where you can ascend Apparition Hill to pray before the cross that commemorates the spot where the Virgin Mary first appeared to the visionaries. Visit the birthplace of Marco Polo, the island of Korcula, before sampling local wines in the Peljesac region. During your visit to the medieval city of Dubrovnik, you’ll take a guided tour of “Old Dubrovnik” and see Europe’s oldest pharmacy at the Franciscan Monastery and enjoy a home-hosted dinner. Enjoy awe-inspiring scenery as you travel through Croatia’s most beautiful national park, Plitvice Lakes, a natural phenomenon of sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by forests and thick vegetation.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Join us and explore the hidden treasures and wonders of Croatia and Slovenia. Filled with medieval architecture, tranquil lakes and rolling green hills, this is one of today’s “must see” destinations. In addition, travel to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau for an unforgettable performance of the Passion Play. An amazing journey awaits you as you depart on your overnight flight to Europe.
Day #2 Arrive Bavaria, Germany - Tour Begins - Your tour begins in beautiful southern Bavaria. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner.
Day #3 Oberammergau - Passion Play - The morning is at leisure for you to independently explore the village. This afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers.
Day #4 Oberammergau - Bled, Slovenia - LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. This morning, depart for beautiful Bled, Slovenia, your home for the next two evenings. After arriving in Bled, the remainder of the day is at leisure. If you are lucky, you may catch a spectacular sunset over the tranquil blue waters of Lake Bled with the majestic Julian Alps as a backdrop.
Day #5 Bled - Today you explore Bled from the water. Enjoy the old-world charm of taking a “pletna” boat to the island on the lake to visit the 17th century cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, and the “wishing bell”. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore charming Bled on your own.
Day #6 Bled - Split, Croatia - After breakfast, travel to the ancient city of Split. Experience Split’s impressive Roman Palace of Diocletian, one of the most significant late-Roman historical monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, you will see the peristyle of the palace and the Temple of Jupiter. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the winding streets of the old city.
Day #7 Split - Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina - Dubrovnik, Croatia - This morning, travel to Bosnia-Herzegovina and the small parish of Medjugorje. On a locally guided tour, take in the beauty of the stone statue of the Queen of Peace by sculptor Dino Felici that stands before the entrance to the church grounds. Visit and pray before the “Blue Cross”, a place of great healing and grace at the base of Apparition Hill. If you choose to ascend Apparition Hill*, you can pray before the cross that commemorates the spot where the Virgin Mary first appeared to the visionaries. You may also choose to ascend Cross Mountain*, the hill above Medjugorje, and the place where parishioners erected a cross to mark the 1,900th anniversary of Jesus’ death. Later, arrive in the medieval city of Dubrovnik.
Day #8 Dubrovnik - Korcula - Dubrovnik - Your first stop today is the birthplace and childhood home of Marco Polo, the island of Korcula. Upon arrival in the city of Orebic, take a short cruise to the city of Korcula where history lives. Walk in the footsteps of Marco Polo as you explore the streets that lead to the Venetian-influenced Cathedral Square. Later, travel through one of Croatia’s finest wine producing areas, the Peljesac region, where you have the opportunity to sample some locally produced varieties.
Day #9 Dubrovnik - Join an expert local guide on a tour of “Old Dubrovnik”, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy lies; Rector’s Palace; the City Walls; and many more historical sites. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city. This evening, travel to the culturally-rich Konavle region and join your fellow travelers for a home-hosted dinner. While visiting with your host family you will learn about life in the Croatian countryside and enjoy a discussion on the unique traditional clothing worn in the region. Costumed staff will serve you a culinary feast prepared in the customary way of their ancestors.
Day #10 Dubrovnik - Plitvice Lakes - You begin your day very early by travelling to Croatia’s most beautiful national park, Plitvice Lakes, an integral part of UNESCO World Heritage. Enjoy awe-inspiring scenery as you travel through this natural phenomenon of sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by forests and thick vegetation. Each lake is connected by a series of waterfalls and free flowing cascades. A cruise on the lake takes you into the heart of this natural wonder where pristine clear waters reveal the underwater life that inhabits the lake.
Day #11 Plitvice Lakes - Zagreb - Today you journey to the majestic capital of Croatia, Zagreb. Upon arrival, join a local guide for a city tour featuring Zagreb’s Old City and experience such sights as the majestic cathedral, St. Mark’s Church and the Opera House. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Day #12 Zagreb - Tour Ends -
