Pearls of the Adriatic Coast

After breakfast, drive to Grado, an island called "The Sunny Island". It's known for its sunny weather, sandy beaches, local stores, and Roman remains. You will have enough time to walk through the lovely city centre or spend some time on the beach. Later you continue to Trieste, the capital of Friuli Venezia-Giulia, with its large port and high karst cliffs rising behind the city. Looking at the big ships reminds us that Trieste was once the only port of the Habsburg Empire. Next, visit the Miramar Castle, perched on a cliff above the sea, built by Emperor Franz Joseph's (husband of the famous Sisi) younger brother Maximillian. He later became the Mexican emperor and left Europe from the castle of Miramar. The castle also served as an occasional residence of the Habsburgs. Next to the castle is a 22-acre park with rare exotic plants brought here by Ferdinand Maximilian from his journeys. Finally, drive to the city centre and have sightseeing. You will admire the largest European square next to the sea, Piazza Unità, the City Hall, and the Cathedral of San Giusto. Trieste is known for its coffee roasting shops, and you can taste a cup in one of the typical cafes in Trieste. After some free time, drive to your hotel. We recommend a pleasant stroll through the lively city centre or along the promenade in the evening—overnight in Trieste.

Today you will continue your Adriatic private tour to the other side of Trieste Bay, Koper, the only Slovenian port. You will walk through the narrow stone streets of Koper, where the influence of a nearby Italian culture is evident. Next, continue to Piran, one of the most beautifully preserved towns on the Adriatic Sea. Piran was a Venetian colony for a long time (13th to 18th century), which is reflected in its architecture and gastronomy. For lunch, we recommend one of the numerous seafood restaurants along the coast of Piran. In the afternoon, drive to Pula and visit three countries in just one day! Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. After checking-in in the hotel, we recommend a walk through the Old Town, one of the most beautiful ones in Istria. Stone houses protect residents from the wind in the winter, while the narrow stone cobbled streets protect them from the summer heat. Evenings are ideal for observing the vibrant street life and enjoying street concerts. Overnight in Pula.

After breakfast, drive to the pier and take a boat cruise through the Brioni archipelago and National Park. The Italian and German armies devastated the islands during World War II. Still, after the liberation of Yugoslavia, authorities restored the hotels, repaired the damage, and turned one of the islands into Josip Broz Tito's, the first Yugoslav president, holiday residence. At the time of Yugoslavia, Brioni was (except for the Grand Brion) a closed military zone and deleted from Yugoslavia's official maps. President Tito hosted well-known politicians, opera divas, and movie stars, including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sophia Loren, Carlo Ponti and Gina Lollobrigida and other influential celebrities of that time. The islands were declared a National Park in 1983. 
Drive to Opatija, a delightful town that attracts tourists year-round with its beautifully maintained gardens, illuminated 12-kilometre coastal walkway, cafes, villas, hotels, shopping, and events. Overnight in Opatija.

After breakfast, drive to Plitvice, the world-famous Croatian National Park, protected by UNESCO. Make sure your camera battery is fully charged because you will need it! The World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park comprises 16 terraced lakes interconnected by a series of stunning waterfalls and surrounded by densely-wooded hills. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey and blue. Their appearance constantly changes depending on the minerals in the water and the angle of the sunlight. You will walk between the waterfalls, take a boat ride through the crystal waters, and take magnificent photos. After the tour, drive to Zadar, where you will overnight. Zadar is a vibrant historic old town of Roman ruins, medieval churches, and cosmopolitan cafes, so we recommend a walk through the city's lively streets.

Drive to Trogir to visit this beautiful small town set on a small island within medieval walls with mazelike streets. It's fronted by a wide seaside promenade with bars, cafes, and yachts in the summer. Trogir is known for its Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, which flourished under Venetian rule and earned its World Heritage status in 1997, along with its magnificent cathedral. You will visit this quaint town with a local guide. We continue our tour to see the stunning Split and its Roman treasures. Explore the fortress-like Diocletian's Palace at the centre of the town, and learn about the area's fascinating history as we see Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle, the Cathedral and other Renaissance and Gothic structures at a walking tour through the narrow cobbled streets, which add to the charm of this Mediterranean city. In the evening we recommend a walk on the promenade by the sea. Finish your day enjoying the sea breeze and the sounds of the famous 'Riva' promenade. Overnight in Split.

After breakfast, drive along the coast from Split to Dubrovnik, one of the most photographed towns in the Mediterranean. You will take a guided walking tour of this historic walled city, including the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column, Sponza Palace, city gates, forts and military warehouse. Enjoy your free time in the lively streets of Dubrovnik, overnight in Dubrovnik or vicinity.