13D Comprehensive Balkans

HIGHLIGHTS

Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina

- STON OYSTER FARM

- POSTNOJNA CAVE TRAIN RIDE

- SARAJEVO WAR TUNNEL

- PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK

- KRKA NATIONAL PARK

- DUBROVNIK

- STARI MOST

- 4-5STARS HOTELS THROUGHOUT

ITINERARY

DAY 1 SINGAPORE - VENICE

Assemble at Changi Airport for your long-haul flight to Venice, Italy.

DAY 2 VENICE - RIJEKA

Travel to Rijeka where is a vibrant Croatian city, located on the stunning Adriatic coast. Photo-stops at attractions including Korzo City Tower, St. Vitus Cathedral, Trsat Monastery and Trsat Castle.

DAY 3 RI JEKA – PLITVICE NP – ZADAR

After breakfast, a drive through the Croatian highlands reveals the splendid alpine scenery as you arrive in one of Europe's most impressive national parks – the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Take pleasure in a guided tour of the beautiful landscapes within the UNESCO National Heritage Park, adorned with sixteen lakes that are interconnected by a series of waterfalls and deep woodland populated by wildlife. Then continue to Zadar for our overnight stay.

DAY 4 ZADAR – KRKA NP – SPLIT

This morning visit a captivating mix of historical and natural attractions city - Zadar. Explore the ancient Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church, marvel at the unique Sea Organ and ‘Greetings to the Sun’ installations, and enjoy the stunning views at the famous waterfront promenade. A must-visit destination for culture and nature enthusiasts. Then, travel into the countryside and gaze out over the Krka River. A natural paradise renowned for its breath-taking waterfalls and pristine landscapes. Explore the park's trails and witness the park's rich flora and fauna.

DAY 5 SPLIT – STON – NEUM

Wander through the Croatian countryside to wind up in Split, a town on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast that was founded by Emperor Diocletian in AD 305 to construct his retirement palace. Tour this seaside city with a guide, who will bring you to enter the massive Diocletian’s Palace and explore all its nooks and crannies, including the remains of the original palace, and the Peristil Square. Thereafter, drive to Ston and join a boat excursion indulge in fresh, succulent oysters while immersing yourself in the charming ambiance of this coastal gems.

DAY 6 NEUM – DUBROVNIK – HERCEG NOVI

After breakfast, proceed to Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic. Starting from Pile Gate, walk along the elegant Stradun Street and soak up the buzzing atmosphere. Stroll past Onofrio Fountain for a look at the Romanesque-Got hicarchitecture of the Franciscan Monastery. Wander along the limestone-clad promenade until you reach the beautiful Renaissance-era Sponza Palace, which houses the state archives. Other highlights you'll come across include the City

Bell Tower, Orlando's Column, and the Church of St. Blaise, which is dedicated to the patron saint of Dubrovnik.

DAY 7 HERCEG NOVI – KOTOR – HERCEG NOVI

Today, travel to Kotor, a coastal town in Montenegro. Explore the Old Town and marvel at its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites including medieval churches and fortifications. Next, get ready to be lost for words as you stand before the mountain-rimmed Bay of Kotor, the deepest natural fjord-like bay in the mediterranean Sea. The scenery around it, including the steep mountains which come almost straight down to the water edge, is spectacular.

DAY 8 HERCEG NOVI – MOSTAR – SARAJEVO

This morning, cross the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina and proceed to the ancient town of Mostar. Mostar was initially developed by the Ottoman Empire and occupied by generations of multicultural residents ever since. Walk across

the old town’s indisputable star, Stari Most, also commonly known as Old Bridge, and revel in the moment as the pale stone arch cast a sweeping reflection on the Neretva river beneath. Proceed to Sarajevo for our overnight stay.

DAY 9 SARAJEVO – ZAGREB

After breakfast, explore Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and stroll down the cobbled streets of Bascarsija, founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century and you may think that you have landed in Turkey! Sarajevo is also the city that hosted

the 1984 Winter Olympics. Visit War Tunnel Museum to experience the life of the besieged during the war. If time permits, shop for traditional and handcrafted wares and try Bosnian coffee at your own expense. Travel to Zagreb for our overnight stay.

DAY 10 ZAGREB – LJUBLJANA

Embark on a sightseeing tour of this old Central European city, with its Baroque atmosphere in the lower town, picturesque open-air markets and great shopping. Take in sights like Roosevelt Square, Ban Jelacic Square and Zagreb

Cathedral. Go back in time to the Middle Ages with a stroll through the upper town to Croatian Parliament, St Mark’s Church, Kamenita Vrata or Stone Gate, and the ancient Lotrscak Tower. After lunch, make your way to Ljubljana, the

capital and largest city of Slovenia. Proceed to Market Colonnade and stroll through dozens of charming little shops selling a wide variety of souvenirs and local products. The market also curves along the east bank of the river Ljubljanica, between Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge, offering plenty of visual treats as well.

DAY 11 LJUBLJANA – BLED – POSTOJNA – VENICE

Today, tour Slovenia’s most famous lake, Lake Bled. Marvel at the stunning crystal blue-green lake, immerse in its idyllic surroundings and fresh clear air, take a moment to ponder and understand why it is described by many as a paradise on Earth. Delve deeper into the region’s beauty with a traditional

pletna boat ride (optional) to Bled Island, a picturesque islet crowned by the exquisite Church of the Assumption. Your adventure continues as you journey to Postojna Cave. Hop aboard the Electric Train and be transported into a mesmerizing underground world. Traverse the dark passages, cross the captivating Russian Bridge, and marvel at the breathtaking halls and formations along the way. Witness the majestic stalagmites in the Brilliant Passage and catch a glimpse of the remarkable Vivarium Proteus, also known as the human fish. Conclude your day by heading to Venice.

DAY 12 VENICE - SINGAPORE

After breakfast, spend the free at leisure till departure transfer to airport for your flight back to Singapore.

DAY 13 SINGAPORE

Arrival in Singapore and we hope you have enjoyed your vacation with Hong Thai Travel. We look forward to seeing you again for your next tour.