Slovenia and Croatia In Luxury

Itinerary

• Croatia

  Croatia is a south-central European country with an extensive coastline down the Adriatic Sea. It borders Hungary in the north, and Montenegro to the south. The Croats settled in early 7th century, forming two principalities, Dalmatia and Pannonia. In 1102, Croatia entered into a union with the Kingdom of Hungary (the Dalmatian coast was controlled by Venice until the 18th century). The region became a part of the Habsburg Empire in 1527, and in 1918 became a part of the Kingdom of SHS, later renamed Yugoslavia. In 1991 Croatia proclaimed independence by holding its first democratic elections. The country includes seven World Heritage sites and eight national parks. Its capital is Zagreb. Tourism in Croatia is well-developed, with most of the traffic going to the well-preserved coastal Renaissance towns. Several companies run flotillas of yachts along different stretches of the coastline, which is also popular with divers. In the interior of the country highlights include the capital Zagreb, the Baroque capital Varaždin, and a plethora of medieval castles.

• Dubrovnik

  Dubrovnik is a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea coast, positioned at the terminal end of the Isthmus of Dubrovnik. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic, a seaport and the centre of Dubrovnik-Neretva county. In 1979, the city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The prosperity of the city of Dubrovnik has always been based on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages, as the Republic of Ragusa, it became the only eastern Adriatic city-state to rival Venice. The Renaissance era city walls, and red terra cotta rooftops of the old town, are spectacular remnants of the city's rich past.

• Split

  Split is the second-largest city in Croatia. It is a Mediterranean city, situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea. Split is also one of the oldest cities in the area, dating more than 1700 years. Since 1979, the historic center of Split has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The airport in Kaštela is the second largest in Croatia with services to Zagreb, London, Frankfurt and Cologne. The Split passenger seaport is the third busiest port in the Mediterranean, with daily coastal routes to Rijeka, Dubrovnik and Ancona in Italy. During the summer season Split is connected with other Italian cities as well, such as Pescara. Most of the central Dalmatian islands are only reachable via the Split harbour (with Jadrolinija and Split Tours ferries).

• Zagreb

  Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of Croatia and is the cultural, scientific, economic and governmental center of the country. It is situated between the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain and both northern and southern bank of the Sava river. The city's numerous museums reflect the history, art and culture not only of Zagreb and Croatia, but also of Europe and the world. Around thirty collections in museums and galleries comprise more than 3.6 million various exhibits, excluding church and private collections.

• Slovenia

  Slovenia is a country in south-central Europe bordering Italy to the west, the Adriatic Sea and Croatia to the south, Hungary and Austria to the north. At various points in Slovenia's history, the country has been part of the Roman Empire, the Republic of Venice, the Holy Roman Empire, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Austrian Empire, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Italy, and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1945 to 1991 - when it gained its independence. It is a member of the EU. Although Slovenia is a small country, there is an exceptionally wide variety of habitats. In the north of Slovenia are the Alps. About 58% of the country is covered by forests. And Its climate is sub-mediterranean on the coast where there are a number of resorts. The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana, though it is most visited for the storybook island of Bled.

• Ljubljana

  Ljubljana is the largest city and capital of Slovenia. It is regarded as the cultural, scientific, economic, political and administrative center of the country. Its transport connections, concentration of industry, scientific and research institutions and industrial tradition are contributing factors to its leading economic position. Ljubljana has a strong Alpine feel to it and the architecture underlines this impression - there is also a touch of the Mediterranean (thanks to its geographical proximity). Ljubljana was devastated by earthquakes several times. After an earthquake in 1511, Ljubljana was rebuilt in the Renaissance style, and after an earthquake in 1895 severely damaged the city, the city was rebuilt in Neo-Classicist and Secession (Art Nouveau) styles. The city's Baroque architecture was mainly influenced by Italian Baroque architecture.

• • Ljubljana
  • The centrally located Hotel Lev

  Day 1: Ljubljana

  Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Lev (5*)

  Achieving its reputation by hosting celebrities such as Orson Welles, Bob Dylan, Luciano Pavarotti, Claudia Schiffer and Sting, the Hotel Lev (5*) is the only five-star hotel in Ljubljana. It is located in the very center and business district of the city, just a few moments away from the main sightseeing attractions and the Old town. The Hotel Lev is sure to satisfy your culinary expectations at Restaurant Rusalka and Bar Kurent, offering exquisite cuisine and a wide selection of drinks and cocktails. Hotel Lev’s prime location allows guests to easily access some of the cities most interesting sites.

• • Robba's Fountain

  Day 2: Ljubljana

  Enjoy a walking city tour of Ljublijana and see some of the most significant sights of the old city center such as the picturesque Central open-air market and the Three Bridges, both designed by famous architect Joze Plecnik, as well as the Baroque Town Hall and Robba's Fountain. Visit Ljubljana Castle and Virtual Museum.

  Accommodation: Lev (5*)
• • Vintgar gorge

  Day 3: Ljubljana

  Visit the thousand year old Slovenian town of Bled, located amidst mountains in the middle of an Alpine lake, and visit St. Mary’s Church as well as the Castle, perched high on a cliff above the lake. This is an ideal place where tourists can discover the walking and mountain trails around the lake while enjoying the amazing views. You will continue to beautiful lake Bohinj, which lies in the heart of Alpine paradise. There we will have a short walk to the beautiful crystal cascades of Savica, one of the sources of the Sava River, Slovene longest River. Experience a ride in a pletna, a special boat with a roof – the primary way to transfer to the island. On the way back you will also visit gorgeous Vintgar gorge. Take memorable photographs of the picturesque view of this unique and magical place. Entrance fees included in the tour cost.

  Accommodation: Lev (5*)
• • Zagreb
  • The Regent Esplanade Zagreb

  Day 4: Ljubljana - Zagreb

  Enjoy a transfer between Ljubljana-Zagreb with private car and driver

  An English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a half day (3hrs) private walking tourof Zagreb. Take in the Ban Jelacic (the main city square), and head up to the historic Upper Town and Zagreb. Steeped in history, here you will see the churches of St. Marks and St. Catherines, the Cathedral. Then make your way to the Lower Town where you can view the Croatian National Theatre, and experience the remainder of the afternoon at leisure visiting shops or cafes.

  Accommodation: Regent Esplanade (5*)

  Regent Esplanade Hotel (5*) offers 209 spacious rooms and suites which are luxuriously furnished with rich fabrics and individually designed to provide exceptional standards of comfort. Traditional luxury including magnificent marble bathrooms is complemented by modern technology to make each room a haven of relaxation. The classical refined atmosphere of the elegant Emerald Ballroom, with its soaring, dome shaped roof is a wonderful venue for large banquets and can accommodate up to 350 delegates. The Hotel features seven meeting rooms, each of them offering natural daylight and all fully equipped with audio-visual technical equipment. The Regent Esplanade Zagreb offers a variety of dining experiences including the Zinfandel's Restaurant, Le Bistro and the Esplanade 1925, the hotel's lounge and cocktail bar.

• • Split
  • Hotel Luxe

  Day 5: Zagreb - Split

  Enjoy private transfer to Split with a guided 4-hour stop at Plitvice Lakes. Visit Plitvice National Park, a complex of 16 lakes located between the mountains of Mala Kapela. The 19.5 hectares of wooden hills enclose the lakes by a series of waterfalls and cascades. Admire the landscape formed by the mineral-rich waters which carve new paths through the rock, and enjoy your time surrounded by nature. You will meet your local guide at the park before entering. Admission included.

  Accommodation: Hotel Luxe (4*)

  The stylish Hotel Luxe (4*) in Split is situated 400 meters from Diocletian's Palace, the ferry port and the Bacvice Beach. The air-conditioned rooms offer free Wi-Fi. All rooms in the Hotel Luxe are equipped with the latest technology like LED satellite TVs. At the breakfast room a rich buffet is served and the popular bar is a great place to spend some relaxing hours. Wellness and fitness facilities include a sauna, a jacuzzi and a gym, which can be used free of charge. Massages are also offered.

• • Split

  Day 6: Split

  Meet your private transfer at your hotel for a drop-off at the starting point of your 3hr private walking tour with a guide today in Split. Explore the city which is dominated by the Diocletian’s Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and explore the historical part of the city. The Palace is one of the most famous and integral architectural and cultural constructs on the Croatian Adriatic Coast. Visit the Silver Gate which is the entrance to the Old town, the Cathedral and Bell tower of St. Dominus. Discover the waterfront promenade of Split, the lively open green market and the monuments not only from antiquity, but also from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods. After the tour, you can enjoy some time at your leisure to immerse yourself into town’s famous Mediterranean charm. (Entrance fees for Diocletians Palace substructure & Cathedral included). Return transfer included.

  Accommodation: Hotel Luxe (4*)
• • Dubrovnik
  • Dubrovnik Palace Hotel (5*)

  Day 7: Split - Dubrovnik

  Take a private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik with today. The transfer should take approximately 3.5 hours.

  Meet your local guide for a private 3hour walking tour of Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful stone-built cities in the world. As one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Dubrovnik owes its special charm to the historic monuments which testify to its rich history. While strolling with your guide down Stradun, the main street, you will stop to visit the Franciscan monastery. Continue down to Orlando Column and the Sponza Palace and visit the Church of St. Blasius, the patron-saint of the town. Discover Rector’s Palace, and the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary and its treasury. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore this stunning town on your own. We recommend you to take a walk along the city walls (2500m around the old town), visit one of the numerous museums or take a funicular ride to the top of the Srd hill. Return transfers to/from your hotel are included.

  Accommodation: Dubrovnik Palace (5*)

  The Dubrovnik Palace (5*) Hotel, Conference Centre and Spa, situated a short drive from the historic Old City of Dubrovnik,  is the largest tourism project in Croatia in the last thirty years- opened in 2004 by the President of Croatia. No expense has been spared to provide the very best in luxury accommodation, the finest food and state of the art hotel services to accompany your stay in Dubrovnik, the Jewel of the Adriatic.

• • Cavtat

  Day 8: Dubrovnik

  This morning meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby for a private tour of the Dubrovnik Hinterland – the region of Konavle. Your first destination is the ancient Mediterranean town of Cavtat.  After a 7th century invasion which destroyed the town, refugees from the Cavtat formed another settlement, Dubrovnik, cementing a permanent link between Dubrovnik and Cavtat. Your guide will take you for a stroll through this picturesque little town and up to the top of the hill where you will discover the extraordinary Mausoleum of Racic Family. After the walk, you will continue your exploration of the traditional countryside of Konavle. In the village of Cilipi, the local family Novakovic will welcome you at their humble estate that has a small ethno museum presenting Konavle region history, a tavern with a wine cellar and a variety of agricultural structures.  While you enjoy their hospitality, they will serve a traditional lunch (included). After the lunch, your guide and driver will take you back to Dubrovnik.

  Accommodation: Dubrovnik Palace (5*)

• Day 9: Dubrovnik

  Take a private airport transfer with an English speaking driver in Dubrovnik.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Dubrovnik airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• • Hotel Lev

  Lev (5*)

  Achieving its reputation by hosting celebrities such as Orson Welles, Bob Dylan, Luciano Pavarotti, Claudia Schiffer and Sting, the Hotel Lev (5*) is the only five-star hotel in Ljubljana. It is located in the very center and business district of the city, just a few moments away from the main sightseeing attractions and the Old town. The Hotel Lev is sure to satisfy your culinary expectations at Restaurant Rusalka and Bar Kurent, offering exquisite cuisine and a wide selection of drinks and cocktails. Hotel Lev’s prime location allows guests to easily access some of the cities most interesting sites.

  • More information
• • The Regent Esplanade Zagreb
  • The Regent Esplanade Zagreb Guest Room

  Regent Esplanade (5*)

  Regent Esplanade Hotel (5*) offers 209 spacious rooms and suites which are luxuriously furnished with rich fabrics and individually designed to provide exceptional standards of comfort. Traditional luxury including magnificent marble bathrooms is complemented by modern technology to make each room a haven of relaxation. The classical refined atmosphere of the elegant Emerald Ballroom, with its soaring, dome shaped roof is a wonderful venue for large banquets and can accommodate up to 350 delegates. The Hotel features seven meeting rooms, each of them offering natural daylight and all fully equipped with audio-visual technical equipment. The Regent Esplanade Zagreb offers a variety of dining experiences including the Zinfandel's Restaurant, Le Bistro and the Esplanade 1925, the hotel's lounge and cocktail bar.

  • More information
• • Hotel Luxe

  Hotel Luxe (4*)

  The stylish Hotel Luxe (4*) in Split is situated 400 meters from Diocletian's Palace, the ferry port and the Bacvice Beach. The air-conditioned rooms offer free Wi-Fi. All rooms in the Hotel Luxe are equipped with the latest technology like LED satellite TVs. At the breakfast room a rich buffet is served and the popular bar is a great place to spend some relaxing hours. Wellness and fitness facilities include a sauna, a jacuzzi and a gym, which can be used free of charge. Massages are also offered.

  • More information
• • Dubrovnik Palace Hotel (5*)

  Dubrovnik Palace (5*)

  The Dubrovnik Palace (5*) Hotel, Conference Centre and Spa, situated a short drive from the historic Old City of Dubrovnik,  is the largest tourism project in Croatia in the last thirty years- opened in 2004 by the President of Croatia. No expense has been spared to provide the very best in luxury accommodation, the finest food and state of the art hotel services to accompany your stay in Dubrovnik, the Jewel of the Adriatic.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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