Journeys: Discover the Balkan Coast

Welcome to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia known for a charming old city, complete with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Be sure to sample some of the delicious local food and drink. There are also a number of museums to explore focusing on art, history, and archaeology. After the meeting, opt to head out for a meal in a local restaurant to get to know your Expedition Leader and travelling companions.

Enjoy an excursion to Plitviče Lakes National Park. Take in the splendor of the travertine barriers, which create gem-like natural pools, and wander past cascading waterfalls and towering karst formations on a guided walk along boardwalks. Learn about the diverse wildlife and unique bird population of this World Heritage Site – one of Croatia’s most famed wonders. Take some free time for lunch, then journey down the Adriatic coast to Split and settle in for the night.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of this beautiful coastal city. Take a guided walk around Split’s historic Old Town, where you’ll discover the grandeur of Diocletian’s Palace–dazzling Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built of luminous white stone imported from the nearby island of Braç. National Geographic writer Barbara A. Noe explored the “Gothic and Renaissance buildings incorporating the Roman remnants into their relatively “modern” styles, all within the palace’s original walls” for the article “In Diocletian’s Living Room.” Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Riva promenade – all while soaking in the rich history and stunning architecture of this unique city. Explore on your own with free time this afternoon. Wander the city at your leisure or join an optional excursion to the historic city of Trogir.

Ready your sea legs as you board a Catamaran to Hvar town this morning, then set off for a walking tour with a local guide. Wander through the historical and cultural sites including the main square, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Fortica Fortress. Stroll leisurely along the Riva Promenade and enjoy views of the harbor and nearby islands. Join your guide on a walk back to the Citadel and continue your exploration with free time for lunch. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to fill however you’d like.

Today, step back into history and embrace traditional Croatian culture. Meet your local guide before transferring to Stari Grad, an ancient Greek settlement that is one of the oldest towns in Europe, as well as a UNESCO-listed site at the Stari Grad Plain. National Geographic writer, Alex Crevar, notes that approximately 120 archaeologists have found remains of ancient and prehistoric buildings in the plains, leading to unparalleled historic significance. After, head to Brusje, a nearly abandoned, once-bustling shepherd's village where you’ll walk in ancient footsteps learning of the days gone by. Continue to Malo Grablje, a ghost town deserted since the 1960s, and wander through the haunting ruins of the town. Head to the only working restaurant at Berti's Konoba for a chat with the owner, then settle in for a traditional lunch. Return to Hvar after lunch and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Cross the Neretva Channel by ferry and travel to Ston, famous for its defensive city walls and oyster farming. Here, enjoy a wine and oyster demonstration followed by a local lunch. Continue on to Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic”. Set on the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik has been an important maritime town in the region for centuries. Surrounded by medieval walls, it is rich in history and is a beautiful city to explore, filled with stunning architecture, museums, and fountains.

Visit a family-run agrotourism villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views of the Adriatic. Join a local host on a spirited walk around the picturesque grounds, pick fresh fruits and vegetables in the gardens, and watch a baking demonstration. Then sit down together to share a traditional lunch of local ham, cheeses, and wine. Return to Dubrovnik for a self-guided visit at the Red History Museum–a unique place showcasing life in the former Yugoslavia. After, walk to the G Adventures-supported Maritimo Recycling project where artists are creatively working to clean up the Adriatic Sea. This evening, join your group for an optional farewell dinner.