adriatic travel tours

• Everything Croatia

Experts in ALL things Croatia since 1974!

Sunny beaches, fantastic cuisine, amazing towns, wonderful events and relaxation beyond expectations! Let us show you how to truly enjoy Croatia!

1-800-CROATIA

WHAT WE OFFER

As our name implies, we specialize in Croatia and the surrounding areas. Let our decades of experience help you create your own custom tour of Croatia, assure a knowledgeable tour guide or driver, provide comfortable scenic motorcoach tours, cruises to explore the amazing Croatian coastline, select the most convenient airline and contracted rates with major car companies in Croatia. Your one stop shop for ALL things Croatia!

Adriatic Sea Cruises

With Croatia’s beautiful coastline, our small ship cruises have become the most popular way to visit the islands and coastal cities.

Air Tickets

Our special contracted rates for travel to and from Croatia have allowed us to consistently beat competitors prices.

Charter Cruises

Cruising on the best gullets, mini cruisers, catamarans and motor yachts in Croatia.

Escorted Tours

A great way to experince Croatia, its cuisine and meet new friend by enjoying a travel itinerary set by our agents.

In 1974 – 50+ years ago,  Niko Hazdovac, after a career as a merchant marine officer, started Adriatic Travel in hopes of fulfilling his dream of owning his own travel agency. He wanted Croatians to have a reliable way to visit their homeland, but especially to share the beauty and culture of Croatia for everyone else to see. With his wife, Luci, taking a major role in the agency, together they built, what is now a family-run, world-renowned travel company.

Capture The Memory

Enjoy awesome gallery of beautifully captured moments from Croatia and the Adriatic coast. Each photo will give you a glimpse of Croatian beautiful landscapes, cities, islands, national parks, and the coast. Contact us  to help you plan your itinerary to Croatia.

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams

What others say about us.

As our name implies, we specialize in Croatia and the surrounding areas. We let decades of our experience in the travel industry speak for itself and the level of our service. 

Over the years we served countless satisfied travelers who are often our repeat customers. Read what they have to say about us, our service, and Adriatic Travel and Tours.

What Other Say About Us

Testimonials, years in business, of satified customer.

Adriatic, the trip was great! Great boat, crew, meals, guides and hotels in Zagreb and Plitvice. Would definitely recommend this trip to my friends. Thanks for putting this together for us.

Thank you for helping make our recent vacation the most memorable. You professionally arranged our trip to Dubrovnik & the rest of Croatia. It was truly a wonderful experience – thank you!

Thank you so much for all of your help to us and our guests last year in preparations for our wedding in Croatia. Everyone commented on the friendly and helpful service your company offered.

The entire experience was great. The hotel in Zagreb was perfectly located and nice. Driver to Nat Park – great and tour guide, too. The hotel there was really neat, nice restaurant next door.

Your Itinerary Our Experience

Create your journey.

Let the decades of our experience help you create your own custom tour of Croatia, assure a knowledgeable tour guide or driver, provide comfortable scenic motorcoach tours, cruises to explore the amazing Croatian coastline, select the most convenient airline, and contracted rates with major car companies in Croatia .

Get Exclusive Updates

As our name implies, we specialize in Croatia and the surrounding areas. Let our 50+ years of experience help you create your own custom tour of Croatia, assure a knowledgeable tour guide or driver, provide comfortable scenic motorcoach tours, cruises to explore the amazing Croatian coastline, select the most convenient airline and contracted rates with major car companies in Croatia.

Quick Links

• 1-800-CROATIA (276-2842)
• 1-310-548-1446
• [email protected]
• Adriatic Travel Inc, 777 West 9th Street San Pedro, CA 90731, USA

© Copyright 1998-2024 Adriatic Travel Inc., CST #200288-40

Adriatic Sea Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 118 most popular adriatic sea trips. compare tour itineraries from 51 tour companies. 302 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating., popular adriatic sea tours.

Cycling Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

• Spectacular coastal cycling routes
• Explore the mainland and islands on two wheels
• Discover the Unesco city of Dubrovnik

Private Guided Tours Of Puglia

• Bari Explore the back streets of Puglia’s authentic capital and get a glimpse of Real Puglian life.
• Vieste Adventure to the Gargano penisula, the most dramatic part of the long Puglian coastline.
• Polignano a Mare Discover for yourself why this is perhaps Puglia’s most famous coastal town, perched on dramatic cliffs directly above the Adriatic sea.
• Otranto Our personal favorite Puglian town has an amazing summer vibe with culture and beaches galore

Balkan Grand Circle - 16 days

• Feel the Montmartre-style charm of Belgrade’s Skadarlija
• Explore the castle of the infamous Vlad (Count) Dracula in Bran
• Discover the ancient city of Plovdiv and taste the famous lyutenica in Sofia
• Look for the Game of Thrones filming sites in the maze of narrow, marble streets in Dubrovnik

Budapest to Rome

• Hit the historic hotspot of Dubrovnik (otherwise known as King’s Landing of Game of Thrones fame) along Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline, then explore the white sands of Elaphiti Islands on a day trip with loads of free time to swim, relax or wander.
• Admire the restored architecture of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kotor in Montenegro on a climb along the ancient city fortifications. Then, discover the glittering Bay of Kotor in your free time.  
• Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park – a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site – marvelling at luminous lakes and azure waterfalls that look like they’ve been sketched by an artist. 
• Journey to romantic Venice – like no other city in the world. Fall in love with its labyrinth of alleyways, canals, lagoon islands, and endless historic attractions and maybe hop on a gondola if you want to explore the city from a different perspective.  
• Explore Cinque Terre's rocky coastal pathways, calling into the sleepy pastel villages of Manarola, Riomaggiore or Vernazza. Then enjoy a full day to explore this picturesque spot at your own pace.

Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast - 2024

• Dine on continental cuisine at a favorite local restaurant in Zagreb.
• Enjoy Dalmatian delicacies prepared according to traditional recipes.
• Experience a captain’s welcome dinner upon arrival in Dubrovnik.
• Stand before the breathtaking waterfalls in Krka National Park.
• Explore the Old City of Dubrovnik with a local expert.

Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast

• Visit the Unesco-listed cities of Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik
• Enjoy a catamaran ride to Mljet National Park
• Sample wines produced on the island of Korcula and the Peljesac Peninsula

Dubrovnik to Rome

• Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park – a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site – marvelling at luminous lakes and azure waterfalls that look like they’ve been sketched by an artist.   
• Feast on Mediterranean fresh seafood, Italian-influenced antipasti and the crunchy, doughy dessert of fritule in the culinary capital of Croatia – Zagreb. Then if you like, explore the touching Museum of Broken Relationships. 
• Journey to romantic Venice – like no other city in the world. Fall in love with its labyrinth of alleyways, canals, lagoon islands, and endless historic attractions and hop on a gondola if you want to explore the city from a different perspective.  
• Explore Cinque Terre's rocky coastal pathways, calling into the sleepy pastel villages of Manarola, Riomaggiore or Vernazza. Then enjoy a full day to explore this picturesque spot at your own pace. 
• Walk around Rome’s famous landmarks, including one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Colosseum – as well as Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.

Puglia and Matera Magnifica Tour

• Two night stay and a walking tour of Matera where they have just filmed the remake of the colossal Ben Hur movie with Morgan Freeman
• Captivating clusters of conical trulli structures
• Discover the white-washed town of Ostuni and the beaches near the fishing village of Savelletri
• Spectacular fields of ancient olive trees
• Savory cuisine: grilled vegetables, handmade pasta and fresh seafood!

All Adriatic Sea , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Adriatic Sea

Small Group Adriatic Sea Tours

Julian Alps to the Adriatic Cycling

• Gentle, easy-paced cycling through wonderfully scenic countryside - vines, lush forests, sun-soaked hamlets
• Rich natural beauty: magical lakes and cobalt blue Adriatic Sea
• Mediaeval villages, Renaissance towns, Venetian squares, historic hilltop castles
• Rolling river valleys, dramatic limestone peaks, sweeping 360° views
• UNESCO-listed Aquileia - immense early Roman Empire site

Premium Rome to Dubrovnik

• Explore Rome’s iconic Colosseum under moonlight during an Exclusive Experience evening tour. Walk in the footsteps of gladiators without the jostling daytime crowds.
• Enjoy three memorable Feature Stays - a converted castle hotel in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany's Chianti region, a tranquil hotel on a private island in Istria and an exquisite1776 building in Split.
• Delight in a truffle tasting in Motovun during an Exclusive Experience. Truffles are combined with local speciality dishes and a sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable Istrian wines to try.
• Explore scenic Croatian towns with glittering harbors and ancient facades, including the resort town of Opatija and seaside Sibenik, where you'll explore the 15th century stone Cathedral of St. James, decorated with 71 sculpted faces.

Balkan Essentials - 7 Days

• Travel back in time on Ćira, the retro train that rides along the Šargan 8 heritage railway
• Blend in with the locals in the vibrant Baščaršija bazaar in Sarajevo
• Enjoy a boat ride to the charming islet Our Lady of the Rocks in Perast
• Try to find all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik

Premium Split to Belgrade

• Follow a local guide through Diocletian's Palace in Split, where narrow cobblestone streets are lined with pre-Romanesque churches, Gothic chapels and museums.
• Spend two nights in Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel – your Feature Stay in Split –located right in the popular Pjaca (also known as the Peoples Square). This gorgeous 1776 building was recently restored and features the la luce terrace, a secret garden and private dining options.
• Take a scenic steam train ride through Tara National Park’s forests and mountains on a historic railway that forms part of the famous Ciro trail connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea, a Premium Exclusive Experience.
• Relish the best of Croatian cuisine as you dine out in Split and Dubrovnik, eat freshly caught fish at sea, sample locally produced wine and enjoy dinner overlooking the Adriatic.

Best Adriatic Sea Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Adriatic Sea Tours by Price

Top Adriatic Sea Attractions & Experiences

Top Adriatic Sea Experiences

• Roaming the piazzas and canals of magical Venice
• Relaxing on the Puglian coast: sunbathe, swim, eat, repeat
• Enjoying a historical walk around the city walls of Dubrovnik and through the ruins of Diocletian's Palace in Split
• Visiting the beautiful inland Krka and Plitvice National Parks in Croatia. Wooden boardwalks cross pools, lakes, and falls in every shade of blue and green
• Taking in the coastal views from Portoroz in Slovenia
• Hearing locals in Rovinj speak in Istriot, a language not widely spoken anymore
• Exploring the more than 1,000 islands on the Dalmatian coast . Each with their own distinct appeal: hiking pine forests and wine tasting on Korcula; strolling through olive groves and swimming in white limestone quarries on Brac; wandering lavender fields and soaking up the nightlife on Hvar; discovering monasteries and saltwater lakes on Miljet.
• Visiting Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik
• Exploring the historic town of Korcula

Adriatic Sea Tours & Travel Guide

Adriatic Sea Attractions & Landmarks Guide

The Adriatic Sea, a 500-mile-long arm of the Mediterranean , divides Italy from the Balkans and provides the scenic waterway for small-ship cruises that leave from Venice to explore the coast of Croatia to the southeast and, sometimes, farther south to Montenegro and Albania.

The jewels of the Adriatic are Venice and the Croatian islands, as well as historic Croatian coastal cities such as Pula, Split, and Dubrovnik. The short Slovenian coastline also lies along the Adriatic.

The Adriatic Sea is a pristine body of water that still feels like something of a secret compared to the nearby Mediterranean and Aegean. First and foremost, the waters of the Adriatic are soft and shockingly clear. The blues range from deep midnight to dark teal to pale turquoise in the shallows over pebble beaches.

Consistently sunny skies and dry, sunbaked shores make the water that much more appealing - this is some of the best swimming in the world. Both the Italian and Croatian sides tend to have smooth stone beaches instead of sand, but most swimmers bask on large rock outcrops and plunge directly from their perches into the water.  

Beyond its sparkling water and craggy coastlines, the Adriatic is also an intensely concentrated cultural hub that abuts the entire eastern coast of Italy, from Venice in the north to Puglia in the south, as well as Albania, Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro. 

The exotic trade routes of the Venetian and Ottoman Empires influenced these areas and today this provides fascinating historical context to a seaside getaway. It's best to explore the Adriatic by boat for maximum accessibility to the medieval cities, hidden coves, and quiet pine islands.

Private mega yachts were the first to cruise the eastern Adriatic, spilling over from the Mediterranean after the Balkan states stabilized in the late 1990s. Commercial cruise ships have followed, the largest of which threaten to overwhelm the ancient walled cities and empty islands with massive overcrowding. It's best to avoid this experience (and popular ports at peak docking times) by choosing a small ship option, which can navigate these intricate shores with nuance and style.

The Italian Side of the Adriatic

The most well-known gateway to the Adriatic is Venice , Italy's enchanting northern city. Less familiar, though gaining traction, is the southeastern region of Puglia - the heel of Italy's boot. Puglia has long been where Italians go on vacation for the quiet coastline and simple pleasure of life amongst lemon trees, vineyards, and olive groves (Puglia produces 40% of Italy's olive oil).

Time spent in Puglia is low-key and endlessly relaxing, without the swish scene of the Amalfi coast or the tourist crush of Portofino. Puglia flies under the radar to great effect.

The Croatian Coast

Apart from Italy, Croatia has emerged as the most popular destination on the Adriatic. Croatia offers a great diversity of regional experiences, even within its long shoreline, but it would be a shame to miss the southernmost Dalmatian Coast. The Dalmatian Coast twists about 100 miles from Split in the north to Dubrovnik in the south and encompasses more than 1,000 islands, creating hidden harbors and secret coves galore.

From swanky Hvar to charming Korcula to quiet Miljet, there is an island for everyone on this laid-back coastline. Here deep blue seas, pine forests, terra-cotta roofs, and medieval walled villages are all dwarfed by the hulking Balkan range. The views from the water, facing this backdrop, are unforgettable. 

Split and especially Dubrovnik, a shimmering limestone port dubbed the "Pearl of the Adriatic," are excellent cities to wander. Both have complex histories and a rich cultural heritage thanks to successive waves of Mongol, Roman, Venetian, Ottoman, Slavic, Austro-Hungarian, and French occupation. This amalgam of influences makes it the perfect setting for the fictional Kings Landing from Game of Thrones - another major draw for visitors.

The art and architecture retain old-world patina and the culture boats a distinctive slavic charm. Add to this the modern bars, cafes, and nightclubs that have popped up in recent years to please the jet-set and yacht crowd, and Croatia becomes an exceptionally well rounded holiday destination.

Lesser Known Balkans: Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania

The beautiful landscape of the Dalmatian Coast extends south across the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina and then Montenegro . Boating is the perfect choice to experience these countries without sacrificing the creature comforts and service of a small cruising vessel.

Farther south is Albania , where the Eastern European flavor is much more pronounced on the rugged, isolated coastline - the Albanian Riviera - and the interior terrain sharpens into jagged mountain ranges. Also flush with forests and villages, Albania is perhaps the most mysterious gem along the Adriatic.

Bucolic Slovenia

Finally, a tiny slice of Slovenia is wedged into the northern pocket between Italy and Croatia. At once rustic and sophisticated, Slovenia is a paradise of valleys and snow-capped mountains, rivers, chapels, and castles, bound together by warm Slovenian hospitality. There is much to explore. 

Adriatic Sea Reviews & Ratings

Breathtaking scenery and super smooth cycling.

It really was as described on the label - fabulously clear seas teeming with fish, gorgeous vistas of islands, vines and historic villages, with hidden gems of fre...

Highly recommended!

My husband and I have just returned from this cycle trip and we can highly recommend it to anyone thinking of doing the same. Alan, the tour leader, was outstandin...

The brochure tells you about the scenery etc but until you get there whow! It's a trip you must do the scenery ,roads and great guide will bring you to places you...

Wonderful trip

What a fab trip. Great weather, wonderful company, and the gorgeous Dalmatian coast. The ride exceeded our expectations, it was a little tougher than we expected, ...

Just brilliant!

We had a wonderful time cycling the Dalmation Coast. The scenery was amazing, the group were all lovely, our tour leader Marijo was fantastic and the food was grea...

See all Adriatic Sea reviews

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We specialize in unique, exclusive, personalized travel planning to Croatia and its surrounding countries. We design individualized journeys, small group tours, deluxe cruises and exceptional excursions, suited to each client based on years of personal experience, ongoing research, relationships, and professional expertise.

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Immerse Yourself in a New World – The Wonders of Adriatic Tours

Are you ready for an extraordinary adventure? By joining us on one of our exclusive Adriatic tours, you can experience a dream vacation full of enchanting cities, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible hidden gems that are sure to leave you with warm, lifelong memories. 

There is no better way to tour Croatia than through our Adriatic Wonders tour , a remarkable 21-day custom journey operating from May through to October. This is an exclusive tour created by Adventures Croatia that takes private groups of US travelers to experience the best of all of Croatia’s land and sea destinations. 

*Available for booking now, but please note that price and availability are subject to change based on travel dates, availability, and hotels.

What to expect from Adventures Croatia’s Adriatic tours

We promise this to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience traveling some of the most fascinating and epic locations across the Adriatic region in a single, long and luxurious vacation. Perfectly curated by our team of Croatia travel specialists , you are guaranteed an unforgettable trip when you join our Adriatic tours. 

By traveling with us for 21 days, you’ll experience all the highlights of the Adriatic region including Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro. Our Adriatic Wonders tour covers a large portion of the Croatian coastline and neighboring countries, with added time for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery of each location.

All of your transportation around Croatia, accommodation and excursions will be included in the total price, with the option to customize your travel plans bespoke to your needs. Flights are not included but can be organized via our agents to ensure your travel times align with your tour.

Our travel specialists are on hand to create the perfect vacation for each of our clients and will listen to all of your ideas when curating your itinerary. So get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty of this captivating region on our Adriatic luxury tours. 

Adventures Croatia’s Adriatic Wonders tour itinerary:

Through our exclusive Adriatic tours, we aim to include many of the popular sights across the Adriatic region and much more in our itineraries. That’s why you should expect a trip filled with exciting adventure on one of our longest Adriatic tours – the Adriatic Wonders tour ! 

Across the 21 days you’ll be traveling with us, you will visit the following locations:

Day 1-3: Venice

Starting with ‘The Floating City’ of Italy, guests will feel as though they have stepped right into a fairytale as we guide you through the iconic canals of the unique layout of this famous ancient city. Marvel at the sights on a private gondola ride, taking in the spectacular atmosphere of St. Mark’s Square, countless intricate church facades and the magical canal network.

Day 4: Trieste – Ljubljana

From Venice we head over to the city of Trieste – a place where Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences blend harmoniously. We’ll explore the captivating architecture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the Mediterranean ambiance of this hidden gem before embarking on to Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana. 

This is a city that perfectly blends medieval and modern architecture. With free time to relax here, you can stroll along the picturesque Ljubljanica River and see Ljubljana Castle. 

Day 5: Lake Bled

Only a short drive away lies the magnificent Lake Bled where we’ll take travelers to visit a fairy-tale island, home to the iconic Bled Castle, all under the backdrop of the astonishing Julian Alps. This will also include a walking tour of Bled Town, a pletna boat ride, and a trip to the Church of the Assumption of Mary.

Day 6: Zagreb

It is time to explore the incredible country of Croatia. Starting in the vibrant capital city, Zagreb, guests will have time to leisurely explore the historic Upper Town, visit the fascinating museums, and indulge in the local gastronomy. 

Day 7: Plitvice Lakes National Park – Zadar

For this day we’ll visit the mesmerizing Plitvice Lakes National Park, with breathtaking views of shimmering turquoise lakes, joined by large cascading waterfalls to create a true natural wonderland.

Day 8: Zadar – Šibenik

As we continue down the Adriatic coast, we’ll stop in the captivating city of Zadar – a place famous for its unique Sea Organ and Sun Salutation installation. 

Nearby the town of Šibenik awaits, with its awe-inspiring St. James Cathedral and the nearby Fort of St. Nicholas. 

Day 9: Krka National Park

From Šibenik we’ll visit the idyllic Krka National Park, where cascading waterfalls and lush greenery combine to create sensational scenery. Enjoy the fresh air and raw wilderness, and take the time to visit the old ancient water mills and unique ethnographic collections.

Day 10: Omiš – Split

Onwards on our Adriatic tour we venture to Omiš, a place known for its incredible adrenaline-filled watersports along the Cetina River. Have a go at river tubing in this picturesque setting!

We’ll end this day in the historical city of Split where guests can marvel at the incredible Roman sites which remain standing today, including the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace.

Guests will then embark on a small ship cruise for the next portion of the tour to see some of the incredible islands which surround the Croatian coastline .

Day 11: (Bol) Hvar

Discover the sun-soaked island of Hvar with us as we cruise along the Adriatic coast. This is Croatia’s sunniest island, renowned for its swooping lavender fields, charming vineyards, and vibrant nightlife.

Day 12: Vis

The day starts with an early morning cruise towards the small island of Biševo to visit the breathtaking Blue Cave. Then onwards to see the secluded island of Vis, with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for those looking to unwind by the sea. 

Day 13: Korčula

Next on the agenda is a stop at the island of Korčula, famous for being the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Prepare to lose yourself in the narrow streets of the Old Town and savor the local wines and food that is famous in this area.

Day 14: Mljet 

On this portion of the trip we visit the idyllic island of Mljet, known for its lush greenery and serene lakes. This island is home to the famous Odysseus Cave where it is thought that the Greek hero Odysseus spent years after he was captured by the nymph Calypso.

Day 15: Slano/Ston

Rounding off the Croatian island portion of our cruise is the towns of Slano and Ston, where you’ll savor delectable oysters famous from this area and explore the town’s medieval ramparts.

Day 16-21: Dubrovnik (with extra places) 

Finally, we reach the crown jewel of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik. There will be plenty of time spent here for leisure, so you can take your time exploring the iconic city walls, Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and soaking up the captivating history and charm. 

Many will recognize this city for its use as a backdrop for the HBO show Game of Thrones – make sure to check out some of the famous filming locations whilst here if you are a fan. 

We will also travel to Pelješac Peninsula, Orebic and Montenegro during our stay in Dubrovnik. For more details on how these locations will be incorporated into the tour, please check out our extensive Adriatic Wonders tour page which goes over the full itinerary in more detail. 

By choosing to book one of our Adriatic tours , you can create lifelong memories and embark on the most remarkable adventure of a lifetime. From the magical canals of Venice to the historical marvels of Dubrovnik, our Adriatic Wonders custom tour provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry, awe-inspiring landscapes, and warm hospitality of this captivating region.

Contact our team today and let the Adriatic Wonders unfold before your eyes!

Adventures Croatia

A Beginners’ Croatian Phrasebook – Simple Croatian Words for Tourists

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Coach / Bus Tours & Trips in Adriatic

Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Adriatic. We have 20 adventures that vary from 4 days to 14 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.

20 coach / bus Adriatic tours with 313 positive reviews

• Coach / Bus

Croatian islands cruise + Land tour with Plitvice - from Zagreb

I recommend that you avoid using Hotel Corner in Split. Location not the best, but not a real problem as I was just overnighting. But extremely noisy, being at intersection of busy crossroads, no restaurant for dinner (but I found a very good one nearby, not the one recommended by the hotel), and possibly not breakfast set up for Western Europeans (no butter etc).

• In-depth Cultural

Country Roads of Croatia (Classic, 14 Days)

Amazing trip! Everything was well planned and taken care of. Our travel director, Karin, blew me away with her attention to detail, knowledge of each place we visited and how well informed she kept the group throughout. Coach is VERY comfortable and always kept clean.The scenery throughout the entire country is breathtaking, I couldn't even take my eyes off the views from the coach while on route to the next stop. The history we learnt from our guide and local experts made it even more beautiful. Restaurants and hotels were all well chosen and did not disappoint. This is my first Insight Vacations trip and definitely will not be my last!

Balkan Delight (12 Days)

It is an very enjoyable 12 days tour with Kassie as our tour director. The variation of visited location and activities is really make the whole trip always full with surprise and make me feel like keep seeing new thing. I always travel free and easy because I always think that travel in big group will have a lot of "delays" and "waiting"...I have to mention that Kassie is really good in managing the time and handling group members expectation.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Croatian Beauties Tour - from Zagreb -9 days 8 nights

Hi Tourradar, The Croatian Beauties bus tour was excellent in every way! The hotels were top notch and in prime locations, the breakfasts and other meals provided exceeded our expectations and the mini bus we had for the group of 16 was luxurious and expertly driven by "Harvey". Our tour guide Maya was superb and made sure everything went smoothly. Her knowledge and love of Croatia made the trip that much better. We experienced so much culture, history and great food/wine during the week. It is not a trip for those that have mobility issues as there is a lot of walking and climbing to be done. I would give this tour a 5 out of 5! The itinerary was exactly what we wanted. Jake Ontario, Canada

Venice, Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro

Very good tour excellent guide and driver slightly let down by poor accommodation.

• Food & Culinary
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Best of Croatia - 7 Days Dubrovnik to Zagreb

Overall experience is great! I am celebrating my birthday and I was surprised with the wines and fruit platter in most of our accommodation. Dom, our driver guide is awesome, he is fun and friendly while Sam is very accommodating and we are just well taken cared of. We will definitely choose traveljaz again in our future tours, they are the best!

Country Roads of Croatia (Small Groups, 14 Days)

Dubrovnik, City Break

Beautiful place. We enjoyed Dubrovnik!!

Classic Croatia: 6 Days Capital to Coast

My wife and i had a fantastic tour of Croatia and as it happened it was a private tour, our guide Josip was extremely helpful and knowledgeable of the history of every location from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes and all the coastal towns down to Split. The local guides were excellent also, we highly recommend this tour and Travel Jaz was a fantastic agent to work with, easy to communicate with, thanks again guys for an awesome experience.

Explore Albanian Nature and Lakes with Day Trips

Puglia Panorama

Discover Croatia

Excellent overview to a broad range of Croatia's highlights - the historic cities of Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Trogir, the spectacular Plitvice Lakes and beautiful Ljubljana in Slovenia. Every day provided a highlight.

Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Gems of the Balkans

Croatia & Albania Escape (including Zadar)

What people love about coach / bus tours in adriatic.

Ship, Fortuna, and company were great. Land tours, for the most part were interesting (one was too long)

Amazing trip! Everything was well planned and taken care of. Our travel director, Karin, blew me away with her attention to detail, knowledge of each place we visited and how well informed she kept the group throughout. Coach is VERY comfortable and always kept clean.The scenery throughout the entire country is breathtaking, I couldn't even take my eyes off the views from the coach while on route to the next stop. The history we learnt from our guide and local experts made it even more beautiful. Restaurants and hotels were all well chosen and did not disappoint. This is my first Insight Vacations trip and definitely will not be my last!

As expected, Trafalgar delivers a top notch experience.

Travel Styles

Other types in adriatic.

• Group (489)
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• Explorer (341)
• Family (282)
• Personalized (199)
• Sailing (192)
• Partially Guided (143)
• Private (105)
• Historical (96)
• In-depth Cultural (93)
• Christmas & New Year (78)
• Self-Guided (72)
• Bicycle (72)
• Active (63)
• Ocean Cruise (43)
• Hiking & Trekking (38)
• 10 Best Coach & Bus Companies (with Reviews)

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• Western turkey
• 1. [AF1] southern african circuit
• 2. [NL1] newfoundland & labrador
• 3. [CA3] the five stans
• 4. [MCSP] south pacific explorer
• 5. [MCUP] untouched pacific islands
• 6. [MCWA] a west african odyssey
• 7. [GY1] guyana, suriname & french guiana
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17 Day Adriatic Tour Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina TOURCODE: AD1

Duration: 17 Days

Activity Level: 2

When To Go: May, Sep

Countries Visited: 3

Arrive In / Depart From: Ljubljana / Dubrovnik

Max Group Size: 18

Tour Style: Cultural

Price From:

Discover the country's true culture with the help of experienced local guides.

• Small group sizes to help escape the beaten path.
• All-inclusive with top-rated restaurants and hotels.

Adriatic Tours by Adventures Abroad: what do you get when you mix villages dripping in elegant, old world charm with mountains that fall straight into intensely blue coastal waters? The Adriatic.

The breakup of Yugoslavia left in its wake six countries with a distinct history and cultural make up within Europe. Known for an incredible array of nature, densely forested mountains with pristine alpine lakes, Adriatic tours beckon everyone from the adventure enthusiasts to casual countryside strollers, museum aficionados to marketplace bargain hunters and foodies who wish to indulge.

Sophisticated cities offer flavours from numerous empires, balancing an East and West feeling with noticeable impressions from older civilizations such as the Roman, Greek and Ottomans. In an area suspended between the Balkans and Central Europe, culture oozes from every town.

Nowhere does an ancient city history blend with recent history so dramatically as Mostar, a small town in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The medieval town with a famous stone bridge that arcs high above the Neretva River which needed to be completely rebuilt after the conflict in 1990. Much rebuilding has taken place to return the charm of this medieval town built in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Coastal cities such as Dubrovnik, with its marble streets, stone buildings and red tiled roofs, have seen visitors and rulers from the Ottomans, the Venetians, the Austro-Hungarians, to Napoleon's army. A walk along the city walls feels almost akin to a walk along a museum with a mass of towers and fortifications rising above the harbours and gleaming sea.

Throughout Croatia on Adriatic tours, one can find evidence of Roman inhabitants such as the beautifully tiled mosaics of the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, massive gladiatorial amphitheatre in Pula, the Roman Forum in Zadar, to the enormous retirement Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in Split.

For nearly 3.5 centuries, the Venetian empire ruled over much of Croatia and the prosperity of the empire can be felt in photogenic harbours and towns such as Hvar.

Inland from the dazzling Adriatic, a diverse nature of the region really shines. From the wooded walkways that twist through the cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park to the limestone plateau and cave system at Postojna Caves in Slovenia. Once submerged by the ocean, this region is now a 2 million year old network of caves characterized by subterranean rivers.

The alpine region of Slovenia contains impossibly emerald lakes such as Bled, with the town's castle perched above, Bled Otok, the small island with a church in the center of the lake. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Karavanke Mountains and Julian Alps, the town is often considered the prize of Slovenia, along with Ljubljana.

With a fuse of influence many of Slovenia's towns feel similar to Vienna or Prague: elegant, charming and dripping in history.

Adriatic tours like no other! We travel through the magnificent scenery of Slovenia, where we spend time exploring centuries-old churches and castles, gazing at idyllic lakes and meandering down the market streets of charming towns, all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Karavanke mountains and the Julian Alps.

Crossing the border into Croatia, we head for the Istrian Peninsula, wherein ancient Roman ruins can be found in abundance, and on to the natural wonderland of the Plitvice Lakes.

After a walking tour of the beautiful island of Hvar, we enter Bosnia and Herzegovina to take in the remarkable blend of Mediterranean and Oriental architecture, ending our Adriatic tour in Dubrovnik, Croatia, a town hailed as 'The Pearl of the Mediterranean' for its astounding beauty, sophisticated history and culture, and prosperity.

Sign up for our Adriatic tours for a fantastic overview of the entire region.

Prices below are per person , twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD) . Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here .

Select a date below to reserve your spot:

$1000 PER PERSON DEPOSIT REQUIRED

Optional Single Supplement: $1360 CAD (number of singles limited).

Day 1 Arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia Arrive in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Overnight Ljubljana. Included Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2 Ljubljana: City Tour Today we enjoy a walking tour of "Bela Ljubljana". This was the nickname given to this delightful city after it was entirely rebuilt following a major earthquake in 1511. A walk through the streets of this charming city reminds one of Vienna and Prague. However, Ljubljana is tiny in comparison, and easily visited on foot. We go up to the highest point of the city to visit the 16th century castle; the castle today houses a Virtual Museum, which gives a superb overview of the city's history, and a climb up the main tower affords a wonderful panorama of the town and surrounding mountains. We then visit the old town by foot, stopping along the way to see the Parliament building, university, beautiful squares, and unique bridges. We also see the city's Cathedral, with its modern bronze doors commemorating the history of Slovenia and its struggle towards independence. A tour of Ljubljana would not be complete without a stroll through the great outdoor markets, where locals come to buy fresh mountain herbs and flowers, wild mushrooms, and fresh fruit and vegetables from nearby farms. Overnight Ljubljana. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 Ljubljana - Skofja Loka - Kropa - Bled Today we drive through the countryside, with small hamlets and farms scattered across the green rolling hills. This area has some of this new nation's oldest inhabited settlements, three of which we will visit today. Our first stop today is Skofja Loka, or "Bishop's Meadow," one of the most charming towns in Slovenia with its historic streets, houses and its castle perched high above. We will wander the Mestni Trg, the main street of the town, see the Granary, St. James' Church, Homan house, and visit the 13th century castle, which today houses the finest ethnographic museum in the country. Our drive continues through small hamlets, with traditional farmhouses and steepled churches, where crops of potatoes, corn, turnips and hay are grown. Our next stop is Kropa, a tiny town on the Kroparica River which was historically famous for its iron forging industry. The forges here produced iron objects of all kinds were traded throughout Europe. From the huge spikes which were used in the construction Venice, to the tiny tacks used in Austrian mountaineering boots, Kropa produced over 130 varieties of nails. We drive through spectacular scenery to Bled, where we will spend two nights. Bled is located on the edge of an emerald green glacial lake. The views upon approach are stupendous, with the town's castle perched above, Bled Otok, the small island with a church in the center of the lake, all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Karavanke Mountains and Julian Alps. Overnight in Bled. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 Bled & Lake Bohinj Reflecting the high mountain peaks, Lake Bled has always been considered sacred by the locals. Our first visit is to the 11th century castle which houses a small museum and provides magnificent views of town, lake and mountains. After our visit we will catch a small traditional boat, or pletna, to visit the country's only island, Bled Otok. On the island we will visit the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption, also known as "Our Lady of the Lake". Legend has it that if you make a wish while ringing the bell your wish will come true. This afternoon we drive through lush green valleys to Bohinj, one of the gateways to the Julian Alps. The name Bohinj refers to the entire valley and its numerous small settlements. Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia, and protected from development. It is fed by the Savica waterfall, which Slovenia's greatest poet, Francis Preseren celebrated in his poem "Baptism at the Savica Waterfall". We will visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, famous for its beautiful frescoes, located on the lake's edge in the charming town of Bohinjska Bistrica. Further along the lake's shores we will take a cable car which climbs 1537m / 5,072 ft up to Mt Vogel, the only mountain ski resort within Triglav National Park. On a clear day we can view the peaks of the Julian Alps, some of the highest in the country, and see Mt. Triglav, a holy mountain and national symbol of Slovenia. There is also a spectacular panorama of Lake Bohinj and basin. Upon our return to Bled, you may choose to walk around the shores of Bled, or even swim (!); an excellent path takes you on a 6km (3.75 mi) walk around the lake. Overnight in Bled. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 Bled - Kobarid This morning travel to Triglcav National Park. Our First stop will be at Kranjska Gora, popular winter and summer tourist resort for a short walk. Then continue via the mountain pass of Predil into the Log pod Mangrtom town -- a small town that was devastated by an avalanche in 2000. From there continue to Kluže fortress situated on the scenic gorge of Koritnica River. We drive to the pretty town of Bovec nestled in the Soca Valley and near the Kanin ridge, the highest ski resort in the country. We finish our day just down the road at Kobarid, known for the Battle of Caporetto where the Italian retreat was documented by Ernest Hemingway in his novel 'A Farewell to Arms.' We will go up to the Italian Charnel house and Church of St. Antony, located on a hill above Kobarid town. It houses the bones of over 7,000 Italian soldiers killed here during World War I. The church was redesigned in the 20th century by an Italian architect, when the bones were gathered from the surrounding valleys and placed here; Mussolini himself dedicated the church and Charnel house in 1938. Overnight in Kobarid. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 Kobarid - Predjama - Postojna Caves - Piran Driving the along the banks of the Soca River, we make our way out of Alpine territory to the region and plateau of Primorska. The Soca is a valley of wonderful colours, full of waterfalls, pools, ravines and canyons, with its own distinct flora and fauna. The impossibly blue-green Soca River flows over white gravel and through a fairy-tale landscape with a stunning vista at every turn. Our next stop is Predjama Castle, located in the middle of a 123m (403 ft) high, overhanging, limestone cliff, in the entrance of a cave. The cave was utlitised by a robber baron from centuries ago to become his stronghold. It's been described as a "masterpiece of medieval ingenuity, courage, cunning and defiance". Its white walls, roofs, turrets and chimneys jutting from the mountainside, built onto solid rock, make it the most unique and picturesque fortress you will ever come across in Europe. We continue through the limestone plateau, or "karst" region en route to the Postojna Caves where we have a guided visit. This region was once submerged by a deep sea; today the landscape is characterized by subterranean rivers which have carved out magnificent caves, and by the rich red soil deposits in poljes, the depressions left when caverns collapse. The cave is 27 km (17 miles) long and over 2 million years old, and consists of a series of caverns, halls and passages with enormous stalactites and stalagmites. The caves also have their own unique ecosystem, flora and fauna; the most famous creature endemic to the caves is the so called Proteus Anguinus, or "human fish", a small pink, blind type of salamander equipped with both gills and rudimentary lungs. We continue to Piran, Istria, beautifully located on the Adriatic. The town resembles a large open-air museum, with medieval architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Narrow streets and compact houses give the town its special charm. Overnight in Piran. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 Piran, Slovenia - Porec, Croatia - Pula - Opatija We depart Piran and continue by road across the border into Croatia where our first stop is Porec, a pretty seaside town dating back to the Roman period. We will walk through the ancient narrow lanes, see the ruins of the Roman Temple of Augustus, and visit the Euphrasian Basilica. This church houses some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, comparable to those in Ravenna. The Basilica is listed among many other Croatian masterpieces of art and architecture, as a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. We also stop in Pula, called Pola by the first Illyrian settlers and Polensium by the Romans. We visit one of the most impressive sites in town, the amphitheater, located near the harbour. Built entirely of local limestone, the amphitheater was designed to host gladiatorial contests and could accommodate up to 22,000 spectators. We finish our day in Opatija, the oldest established and still one of the most popular Croatian resorts. A Rijeka businessman built the first villa here in 1844, and after a visit by the trend-setting wife of the Austrian Emperor, the town was promoted as a handy health resort for aristocratic Austrians. (Depending on hotel availability, we may overnight in Opatija or continue the short distance to Rijeka.) Overnight in Opatija or Rijecka. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 Opatija - Zagreb Today we travel inland to the capital, Zagreb. From its intriguing architecture to nearby natural havens, this underrated European capital has something for everyone. Unlike most western European capitals, Zagreb's cityscape is a fascinating mixture of classic Austro-Hungarian architecture and gritty socialist structures. Some of the city's most emblematic buildings include the iconic, colourful roof of St Mark's Church and the twin spires of Zagreb Cathedral which tower above. With an electric mix of Italian, Turkish, and Austro-Hungarian influences, even its coffee culture here is steeped in history. Zagreb is located on the intersection of several important routes between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe. It offers visitors the Baroque feel of the Upper Town, picturesque open-air markets, and various kinds of shops. Perched on two small hills encircled by Renaissance-era walls, Zagreb’s oldest district is home to many of the city’s main attractions. This picturesque medieval part of the Croatian capital boasts its most impressive architecture and great views over the rest of the city. Time-permitting, we are likely to have to time to begin our city sightseeing program upon arrival. Overnight in Zagreb. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9 Zagreb: City Tour Today's city tour* features Governor Jelacic Square, undoubtedly the very heart of the capital. Located in Zagreb's center, the square is dominated by the statue of Josip Jelacic who became the governor of the triple Kingdom of Dalmatia, Croatia, and Slavonia on the 23rd of March, 1848. In the District of Gradec, we take a funicular from the Lower Town to the Upper, which for centuries has connected the old part of town with Ilica Street, the main shopping area. We will then stroll back down to Kaptol, St Catherine's Cathedral, Church of St Mark, St. Stephen's Church, and Lotrscak Tower. As part of our tour, we plan to visit the popular Museum of Broken Relationships, where you can find yourself lost in all of the featured sad, funny, and highly personal stories of heartbreaks from over the world. This visit is certain to send you down memory lane, mentally revisiting all of the relationships in your own past. After our tour you will have time at leisure to explore, shop, relax, visit museums etc. Your Tour Leader can help plan your afternoon. * PLEASE NOTE: In 2000 the region experienced an earthquake which damaged 2,000 buildings in Zagreb, many of which are still closed off for repairs. This means that many/most of the buildings, including museums (except the Museum of Broken Relationships), that we may have planned to visit were still closed as of our 2022/23 season, without a clear time frame for when this may improve. This note will be updated as conditions warrant. That said, the city is still a stunning place with great views, wonderful architecture, pleasant walking, and friendly people. This evening we convene for our farewell dinner. Overnight in Zagreb. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes This morning we depart for Plitvice, where 16 lakes, each at a different level, join each other in a series of cascading waterfalls. Surrounded by dense woods, this is a region of unique beauty. The travertine terraces have been continuously reforming themselves over 10,000 years as calcium carbonate dissolves and settles, forming barriers and cascades. The lakes are also home to a huge variety of flora and fauna including 120 species of birds and a variety of mammals and fish species. The entire area is protected as one of UNESCO's Natural World Heritage Sites. Wooded paths at the edge of pine, beech and fir forests follow the successions of lakes and waterfalls which we will follow on our walk* around the Lower and Upper Lakes, ending with a short boat ride across the largest lake. * Good walkers will have no trouble with the well-maintained trails. If you have concerns about your suitability, please have a word with your Tour Leader. Overnight in Plitvice. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11 Plitvice Lakes - Zadar - Split Today we travel to the coast via Zadar, the ancient capital of Byzantine Dalmatia. This large city has its historic center crowded on a small piece of land jutting into the Adriatic When it was occupied by the Germans in 1943, Allied bombings destroyed about 60% of the city. Zadar was rebuilt one more time, as it had been many times over its tumultuous history; it is for this reason that one can find a variety of architectural styles, from Roman Corinthian columns to Romanesque churches. We enter the city through one of the Venetian gates and proceed to the Roman Forum, the Church of St. Donatus and Cathedral of Anastasius, and visit the Archaeological Museum, with a fine collection of artifacts dating from Roman and medieval times. NOTE: In the event that the Archaeological Museum is closed, due to erratic opening hours, the Museum will be replaced with a visit of the Treasury, a collection of relics attended to by the order of Benedictine nuns in the Church and Nunnery of St. Mary. We continue on to the 13th century Saint Lawrence Gothic cathedral in Trogir, esteemed as a masterpiece. Then it's on to Split (ancient Spalato), the second largest city of Croatia. The historic city center actually lies in the walls of the enormous retirement Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, built between 295-305 AD. The palace served as a palace, military fortress, and later, a fortified town. The city is enclosed by huge walls, pierced by 4 main gates, one on each side of the rectangular plan. Later you may wish to walk the promenade along the harbour when it comes alive with locals taking an evening stroll or relaxing in the seaside cafes outside the ancient palace walls. Overnight in Split. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12 Split - Hvar This morning we have a walking tour through the heart of ancient Split. We will visit the cryptoporticus (underground vaults) of the Palace, the Mausoleum and Church of St. Donatus, the Peristyle court, and explore the ancient narrow streets still paved with the lustrous white stone of Brac Island. We will also exit the Golden Gate of the palace to see the huge bronze statue of St. Gregory of Nin made by Ivan Mestrovic, the most celebrated sculptor of modern Croatia. Later we take a short ferry ride to the island of Hvar. En route we will pass the island of Brac, which provided the lustrous white stone for the construction of the Cathedral of Sibenik, Diocletian's Palace at Split, the Cathedral of Liverpool, and the White House in Washington, DC. The island of Hvar receives 2,724 hours of sunshine per year, more than anywhere else in Croatia, and is thus called the "Island of the Sun". Greeks from Paros first settled on the island in the 4th century BC in Pharos, the modern town of Stari Grad. In the 13th century, the capital of the island was transferred to the town of Hvar (a mutation of Pharos in Slavic) and prospered during the 3.5 centuries of Venetian rule. This picturesque town and marina is alive with the constant hum of activity. Overnight in Hvar. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 13 Hvar: Walking Tour This morning we have a walking tour through narrow streets to the 15th century Franciscan Monastery, visit the Renaissance cloister, the old rectory that today houses a collection of lace, manuscripts and books; and the church with its remarkable collection of paintings. We also visit St Stephen's Cathedral. The afternoon is free for independent exploration on this beautiful island. For those interested, there is an excellent hike up to the Venetian castle above town. Overnight in Hvar. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14 Hvar, Croatia - Pocitelj, Bosnia-Herzegovina - Mostar Today we depart Hvar by ferry to Drvenik from where we drive along the coast to Opuzen where we turn inland to the border crossing at Metkovic. After crossing into Herzegovina we drive to Pocitelj where we have a chance to stop and discover the exquisite blend of Mediterranean and Oriental architecture. From Pocitelj we will continue our drive to Mostar arriving in the afternoon. Despite great damages suffered in the last war, the city on the emerald green River Neretva has preserved a great part of its authentic Oriental architecture and the way of life conceived on the boundaries of civilizations. Overnight in Mostar. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 15 Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina: Walking Tour - Dubrovnik, Croatia We begin our day with a walking tour of Mostar. Our tour will include a visit to the ancient city dating to the 16th/17th centuries, a visit inside a traditional house dating to this period, and a visit to the recently rebuilt Mostar Bridge, the emblem of the city. After our tour of Mostar, we will begin our journey to Dubrovnik. En route we will stop at the historic, fortified town of Ston. We arrive into Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. The history of Dubrovnik, or ancient Ragusa, begins in the 7th century, when it was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire. In the 12th century Ragusa, formerly an island, merged with mainland settlements and the channel between was filled in with carted-in material. Today this area is the main street of the old city named the Placa or Stradun. After shaking off the yoke of Venice in 1385, Ragusa became an independent republic. It remained one of the most powerful maritime powers in the Mediterranean for over four centuries (until 1808). Ragusa was the link between the Mediterranean and the Balkans and hence developed into an important centre of trade and shipping. Dairy products, wax, honey, timber, coals, salt, silver, lead, copper, wine, oil, fish and slaves were all traded. During the "Golden Age" of Ragusa in the 16th century, she had the 3rd largest merchant fleet in the world and consulates in over 50 countries. After changing hands a number of times, the city was finally ceded to Croatia (former Yugoslavia) and in 1918 the Slavic name of Dubrovnik was officially adopted. Overnight in Dubrovnik (just outside Old Town). Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16 Dubrovnik: Walking Tour This morning features a walking tour of Dubrovnik's historic center. Dubrovnik has been called "Croatian Athens" and the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" for its astounding beauty, sophisticated history and culture, and prosperity. Over the course of its tumultuous history, the city had to be extensively reconstructed; the earthquake of 1667 destroyed much of the city; and in recent memory, the town was bombarded by over 2,000 shells in 1991-2. After great international efforts, the city has been restored to its former glory, with its towering fortifications, magnificent medieval architecture, red tiled roofs, winding paved streets and picturesque harbours. Today we visit the Cathedral and Sponza Palace; en route we will see many famous landmarks including Onofrio's fountain, the Clock Tower, Roland's Column and the Church of St. Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik. We also walk the walls of Dubrovnik, considered by many to be a highlight of our visit. The total circuit is nearly 2km / 1.25 mi, and from the bastions you will have magnificent views of the city's monuments, including the Minceta Tower, Revelin Tower, and the mighty fortress of St. Lawrence, with walls 12m / 40 feet thick! Your afternoon is free to enjoy this memorable place. Overnight in Dubrovnik. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 17 Departure Departure from Dubrovnik. SRETAN PUT! Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Inclusions Breakfast and dinner (mostly local restaurants) daily. All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters. Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.

Exclusions International airfare to/from the tour. Lunches, Tour Leader gratuities, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), air taxes (if applicable), and excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.

Seasonality and Weather This tour is offered in spring, summer, and late summer/fall, the most popular being spring and late/summer fall when temperatures are milder and air fares lower. The region has a mild Mediterranean climate with early springs, long hot and dry summers, and autumns that are bright and warm into late October. Showers are possible in spring, rare in summer, and possible in fall. Spring is popular with visitors who enjoy green landscapes and wildflowers. Spring is also not as busy in coastal towns that can see a great deal of cruise ship traffic in early September.

Transport and Travel Conditions Transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have some full bus days, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops and beautiful scenery along the way. Roads are in good condition, though a little winding and slow on some stretches. We also have some short ferry crossings. This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip. These walks will mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobbles, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common. If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours" which heavily rely on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form .

Accommodation Well-located, air- conditioned, mid-range hotels and inns (3-star) used throughout. Some hotels are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. All hotels have en suite bath, though some may have shower only. Porter service is usually available (see 'inclusions') though you should be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.

Staff and Support Tour Leader throughout, driver (s), local step-on guides in various locales.

Group Size Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader

Tour Extensions This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:

Regions visited: Central And Eastern Europe Countries visited: Slovenia ; Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.

Reservation Summary

Have Questions? Call us: 1-800-843-2678

Adriatic Travel

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“ Because of Peter and Adriatic Travel, our three weeks family vacation to Croatia , was amazing and beautiful. ” in 13 reviews

“ I have to say, Ive always booked we trips on my own but Peter was phenomenal in taking care of all details. ” in 13 reviews

“ Within a few days he sent me an email with a complete itinerary starting from Zagreb to Dubrovnik . ” in 5 reviews

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About Us As our name implies, we specialize in Croatia and the surrounding areas. Let our 44 years of experience help you create your own custom tour of Croatia, assure a knowledgeable tour guide or driver, provide comfortable scenic motorcoach tours, cruises to explore the amazing Croatian coastline, select the most convenient airline and contracted rates with major car companies in Croatia. We also have a pilgrimage department that provides religious tours to various shrines and holy places around the world. More information is available on our pilgrimage page of current custom tours in the upcoming months. …

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Irena and the whole crew here are amazing. Words can not express how helpful they have been for us. Going above and beyond. Guiding helping with documents and travel. We live about an hour and a half away, but drive all the way down here because we know we're gonna get 100% attention with our service and everything always comes out smoothly. We did a lot of phone emailing and then come down in person when we have to for translations, notary and travel. Highly recommend this fabulous crew for all your needs.

Regardless who answers the phone, every time I called, I have been met with professionalism and great personal service with no errors. Do not hesitate to leave everythinh in their capable hands. Thank you for years of wonderful service.

I have no adequate words to describe the wonderful service we got from Peter and the entire team at Adriatic Travel. All of our accommodations and tours were top notch and problem free. We had a group of sixteen people so this is really saying something. BUT, it was when we had an emergency situation that Peter truly went above and beyond what a normal travel agent would do. One member of the group broke a vertebrae in her back and Peter was able to get a refund on her original ticket, book a new ticket with medical assistance, and provide for medical transportation to and from the hospital until she was cleared to fly. Luci Hazdovac was there to support us in speaking with the medical team and translating anything and everything we needed. The entire Hazdovac family and their team members back in San Pedro handled everything for her and gave us all tremendous peace of mind. Truly a full service experience. I cannot recommend this agency enough!

On April 27 coming from Mexico City to Dallas Ft worth Int'l airport we arrived at 315 pm the we proceeded to immigration then picked up luggage then went to security line unfortunately my luggage was stop due to temperature scanner thinking it was a gun and one of our co traveler stop due to tamarind she bought in duty free store inside airport then proceeded to skylink when reached the gate of American airline receptionist declined 9 of us told us it closed we were not happy it because our travel host Arlene Bartolommeo left with her group and some from our group with 3 handicaps gave a stand by tickets finally we got home about 300 am not hearing from our travel host Arlene called following day to Adriatic tours spoke owner but instead he transferred my called to Sherry Orlando the reason sharing experience with you guys not to support Adriatic not accommodating until now no text or call from her Adriatic isn't they should stay with us instead of leaving 9 passengers alone if they can go home or not .

Peter & the good folks at Adriatic Travel are awesome. If you're thinking of a trip to Croatia, these are the experts. They provide 1st class service & can help you plan the dream trip of a lifetime. They planned mine, from Dubrovnik to Split, & it was so much more affordable than I imagined. I highly recommend them.

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Peter organized a great trip to Croatia for family and friends. He took care of every detail and kept in touch the whole trip to make we were having a good time. His efforts were more than just a plane ticket and hotels; he arranged for a trip from Split to Dubrovnik with many islands in between, including dinners and tours. It was perfect and truly memorable. Thank you Adriatic Travel.

Peter planned out our Croatian trip including business class flight seats, Croatian island cruise, hotels and transfers. I've got to say it was the best trip our family has ever taken! He found great prices on airfare, new cruise ship and was available when COViD questions arose. I have to say, Ive always booked we trips on my own but Peter was phenomenal in taking care of all details. Would definitely recommend him and Adriatic travel and use them again!!

We were referred to Peter at Adriatic Travel for a trip to the Balkans. We had our airline reservations already completed but wanted assistance with accommodations, rental car, tours, recommendations for restaurants, things to see and places to go in our limited time frame. We had a rough itinerary planned and Peter said we could complete that in our allotted time but it may be a bit much. He suggested a revised plan and it worked out perfectly. We already had our accommodations in Dubrovnik, but I wish we would have used his suggestion for our accommodations there. The hotel he booked in Split was amazing. The tour guides we had on 3 separate occasions were not only knowledgeable but very friendly and fun. His suggestions for restaurants and must sees were spot on and he really did make the trip extra special. We were able to travel to Dubrovnik, Krka, Split, Hvar & Brac in Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina and never felt rushed. It was an amazing holiday, largely due to Peter's patience and expertise in helping us set it up. I would highly recommend him if you are thinking of traveling there. As Anthony Bourdain said, "Croatia is the next great thing. If you haven't been there, you are an idiot." Thankfully, I am no longer an idiot.

Meri Svircic is an amazing travel agent who I have had the great pleasure of working with for decades. Because of her, my travel to and from my native Croatia has been problem-and-stress-free. She is a genius when it comes to finding me the most convenient flights and connections for the best prices. No matter where I want to lay over or for how long, she promptly conjures up the best connections, saving me time and money. I would never think of using anyone else, and live in terror that she might retire. Please give her a raise and ensure she stays on for years to come!

I spoke to most rude person I have ever encounter His name is Anton Salah I requested a group rate, when I did not get my quote I called this person, and he stated I sent you the rate, (and started to question me why you are doing it this or that way, I said because that is they way I want it.) I said I don't have it can you please re send it, instated of getting an email he gave a verbal price, I asked him to send it to me so I can see what he quoted me, at that point I said to him, so things are done your way? He said YES MY WAY OR NO WAY!!!! this person needs education!!!! RUDE AND UNEDUCATED PERSON!!!!!!!

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• Rick Steves Tours
• Best of Adriatic ...

Best of Adriatic Qs and Advice

Three energetic 60 year old gals are considering taking the RS Best of Adriatic tour next May. We have been planning basically the same trip on our own using public transportation and rental cars but as I do my research almost everything we want to see is included in the tour. So I have some questions for those who have take the RS Best of Adriatic tour:

• Cost: I haven't completely finished pricing doing it on our own vs. taking the tour. Has anyone else figured that out and is one measurably more costly than the other or is it about the same?
• On the tour, did you feel you had enough time to shop and meander streets that you found quaint and worthy of your time?
• Were the hotels centrally located in/near a city or town or did you have to leave too early to travel to your hotel "outside the city" and were then disappointed as you would have preferred to spend the evening enjoying the ambiance and then walked to your hotel? (I hope that makes sense...)
• Did you feel you had enough free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner without being rushed to get back on the bus...
• Was there any excursions that were "add ons" at a cost that were not disclosed prior to departure?
• Did you purchase travel insurance? Is it provided by RS? Did you make and claim and was it difficult or not?
• What is the average age of people taking the Best of Adriatic tour?

Thank you all in advance for your candid replies.

Cost: This is a tough one because it assumes you can replicate the same experience independently. You can’t. There are aspects of a RS tour that are unique. Generally, you could go to the same places independently and spend less, but you won’t be having the same experience. Some of the features of this tour add a great deal of depth to the experience. For example, the local guide in Mostar grew up there during the war. I’ve taken this specific tour and 4 others and find that I do not spend a great deal more money while on tour than the cost of the tour. The only “add ons” are for the meals not covered by the tour and any costs associated with how you choose to spend the free time portion of the day. Time: There is free time scheduled into most days and I never felt rushed regarding any meal. There is even a “vacation from vacation” day in this tour that is entirely yours to do with as you please. Location: location is truly the strength of Rick Steves tours. Hotels are always central and near key sites. There was a short 10 minute bus ride in Dubrovnik, but that is due to the nature of the town vs. tour philosophy. There are no add ons. A clear list of what is included is in the tour description. Travel insurance is up to the individual to obtain. Thankfully, I have never had to make a claim.

I loved this tour! I don’t think you will be disappointed if you take it.

I have attached links to two scrapbooks that tour participants made last year. These might be helpful in giving you an idea of what happens on a tour. https://lagrai.wixsite.com/adriatic-adventures https://cvonrubio.wixsite.com/bestoftheadriatic

I’m an experienced traveler and have taken some RS tours followed by thirteen years of planning my own itineraries. During the independent trips, my husband came with me, I traveled solo or last year my adult daughter came with me. All to say, I have a variety of travel pricing and solid ideas of pros & cons of a RS tour vs. traveling independently. (I can travel independently for 1/2 to 2/3 the cost of a tour, counting all meals, excellent activities, nice lodging, all transportation- even all gelato!)

The reason for the preface is that I went on the RS Adriatic tour a few months ago in June as a solo traveler. I don’t rent cars in Europe, and there was no way that I could have easily completed the places I really wanted to see without a lot of crazy logistics, There was a lot of bus time during this RS tour, but it still was much more efficient than trying to do it without a tour.

Carol mentioned several positives of taking this specific tour. I agree with her comments. In my tour, we had a tour leader who was also fantastic! Mariam was very enthusiastic & very competent and fun to be around! And I had a very nice group of people in the tour! I will also add the link to my recent trip report to give you a better idea of it.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/june-2023-trip-report-14-day-rs-best-of-the-adriatic-tour

And to answer your questions: 1. Cost: 1/2 to 2/3’s but the itinerary isn’t convenient as an independent 2. Shopping - I’m not a shopper, but there was time in Ljubljana, Split, Korcula & Dubrovnik for sure. 3. The hotels were fairly close. Dubrovnik’s required a bus, and Split’s was a 10-minute walk. 4. No meals were rushed, and Mariam’s recommendations were excellent! 5. There weren’t any excursions “add-on’s” needed. (Note in my trip report that I did go on my own to Hvar Island.) 6. I purchased travel insurance mainly for medical emergencies/evacuation. Probably through Allianz or Travel Guard; I’ve used both but never needed to make a claim. 7. Our group were mostly retired or within ten years of being retired, plus a few younger people.

What's Included You'll get at least 20 group sightseeing events — at no extra cost! Here's what you'll see and do on our Best of the Adriatic tour: Ljubljana walking tour Bled Castle Kobarid Museum Slovenian wine tasting Pula walking tour Pula amphitheater Rovinj Opatija Plitvice Lakes National Park Split walking tour Diocletian's Palace Stolac walking tour Mostar walking tour Mostar mosque and Old Bridge Serbian Orthodox Monastery Korčula orientation Korčula boat cruise Croatian family farm visit Dubrovnik walking tour Dubrovnik walls entrance Plus you'll get all this, too. A small, friendly group of 24–28 people — half the size of most tour groups Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of the Adriatic come alive for you All group transportation from Ljubljana, Slovenia, to Dubrovnik, Croatia 13 nights' accommodations in memorable, centrally located hotels All breakfasts and half your dinners All tips for guides and driver A tour kit including a guidebook (when available) and a moneybelt Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken with us Flexibility should you need to transfer or cancel your tour

Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above.

Group sightseeing events subject to change. https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/croatia/adriatic-tour-2023

5-Was there any excursions that were "add ons" at a cost that were not disclosed prior to departure?

The only extra cost excursions would be those you chose to do in your free time. There are no compulsory 'add-ons'

I haven’t been on the tour but try to travel to Croatia every year to visit family. I’ve looked at the itinerary and agree with other posters - it is so much easier with the tour group and bus. Transportation in Croatia is not the best. To duplicate this tour you would need to take buses and ferries and maybe even rent a car. I would then recommend you purchase bus and ferry tickets in advance, on-line, to guarantee you get seats when needed. Do buses and ferries sell out - who knows, I wouldn’t want to take that chance (I purchased our ferry tickets for October in August). But remember, your needed time might not be available, whereas the tour bus is always there. Also, you need to book a rental car early too because automatics are limited. The lodgings booked for the tour have been vetted - you would need to do in depth research as many places along the coast are small with shared bathrooms and weak a/c - we have one like that on Korčula. Yes, it is easy to drive in Croatia on the highways, but driving in the small cities with the hills and narrow streets that could be two way even though you hardly fit through, and looking for a garage to park, which aren’t cheap, is a nightmare. We drive from Rijeka and always return our car at the Split airport, then take a taxi to our hotel, then ferry to Korčula and Dubrovnik. If needed, we re-rent the car when leaving Dubrovnik. We book our cars as soon as we book our plane tickets. Anyway, you get the idea. In my opinion, this tour itinerary is excellent and a better use of your time.

We did the Best of the Adriatic in June and loved it. It was our first RS tour. To answer some of your questions:

• Being Canadians, the cost was VERY high. But we can see that it is absolutely value for money. There were several experiences we just wouldn't have been able to replicate if we were trying to do it independently (and we have lots of experience planning independent trips).
• There's lots of free time. I would have preferred more in Rovinj, but you won't feel short of time to poke around shops and wander on your own.
• Location of the hotels was good. In Dubrovnik we were given a bus pass but many of our tour mates walked back. It was way too hot for me to do so.
• Never felt rushed at meal times.
• No add on expenses or options.
• We had insurance but thankfully didn't need it for any reason.
• DH was the youngest tour participant at 52. Its only a guess but I'd say our tour mates ranged from late fifties to 75. I could be wrong as I didn't ask them. The oldest couple was more fit than me.

You said you are "energetic" gals, and you'll need to be on this tour! I couldn't recommend it more highly and if you book I hope you get Sanel as your guide.

Note that you will have to carry your luggage yourself. I don't remember if any of the hotels on that tour lacked elevators, but you would have to carry it yourself.

I only mention this because it has been mentioned as a deal-breaker on occasion.

Also related to”add ons” - Tipping is not allowed on Rick Steves tours. RS pays all guides, drivers, etc. a proper wage and/or tip for you (built into the cost of the tour). Most other tour companies expect you to tip the tour manager and driver, usually an amount of $10-$15 per day, so this represents a significant “add on.” This is one of many reasons I prefer RS tours.

You have had some excellent replies. I have not taken this particular tour, but I have taken 4 other RS tours and I have self planned 4 European trips.

If I were to travel with 2 of my girlfriends, I would insist it be with a tour. The tour can balance out any travel style mismatches you have with each other. I think I would find myself being the mean task master on a self planned trip with friends.

I found that I spent just as much money on 2 of my independent trips because I spent a lot hiring reputable guides for historical sites. Part of the reason I travel is for my own education. I am wondering if the people that say they can travel at 1/2 the cost are hiring guides. In my opinion, the RS guides are the number one reason to take a tour.

Renting a car in a country with signs not in English and the challenging circumstances of narrow roads and tiny underground garages takes a lot of energy.

Hi Debra, I just went on this tour beginning June 27 this year. The tour was fabulous! We had plenty of time to look around and / or shop on our own. The hotels were all centrally located, and we had a fantastic tour guide in Sanel. The advice he provided was priceless- especially in Plitvice which was very, very crowded. Sanel had us start where most people end their tour of the lakes which let us have the paths mostly to ourselves in the morning. I’m sure all of the RS guides are as good. The tour is expensive, but worth every penny. We couldn’t have seen so much on our own. I purchased health insurance but not travel insurance. I will say that you will need to be fairly active to go on this tour and enjoy it. I’m 62 and use a cane because I have a big limp but despite that I am a pretty good walker. According to my fitbit I averaged 20,000 steps per day- so there’s a lot of walking but do-able. The youngest on our tour was 16, the oldest probably 80 with the average being 58 or so at a guess. You won’t feel too old. The Adriatic tour was my 10th Rick Steves tour and they are mostly full of older (like me) energetic people! You’ll love the tour. Read some of the reviews and have fun. I think May would be a nice time to go. Cheryl

Thank you everyone for all this valuable information. Really appreciate all your input. Booked the RS tour today. Happy Travels, Debra

Hope you and your friends have a great time, I think you’ll love it- I sure did! Cheryl

”Booked the RS tour today.” - yeah! Have a great time!

I went on this tour in 2007 on the very first one. Even with the expected “bumps” in the schedule have an unvetted itinerary, we had a STELLAR time and I would highly recommend it to anyone! My husband and I traveled on our own using RS books for 25 years and decided to try one of his tours to “celebrate” our early retirement at 50. Our first one was a city trip (Berlin, Prague and Vienna”) and we were so delighted that we signed up for the Adriatic when given the chance.

When we are traveling somewhere where RS has a tour, we almost always sign up.

The books are great and show you that you can travel independently. The tours give you an enhanced experience because of the stellar guides and the great travel companions! On more than on occasion, we have traveled with those people again. Some have become friends for life.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

Explore Italy's Adriatic Coast

 Peter Unger / Getty Images

Italy's east coast runs along the Adriatic Sea from the border of Slovenia to the heel of the boot, the Salento Peninsula. A rail line runs along the coast from the city of Trieste in the north to Lecce in the south, although it's necessary to change trains at least once to make the entire trip. A highway also runs along the coast, so it's possible to drive the whole route.

Our Adriatic Coast itinerary starts in the northeast region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia .​ ​Grado and Lignano are top seaside resort towns in this area. The Lagoons of Marano and Grado are dotted with small islands and are full of birds so it's a great area for boat excursions. There's a small airport at Trieste.

Of course, the most visited place on Italy's east coast is the city of Venice , one of Italy's top cities and most romantic places. Venice is a city of canals and its main square, Piazza San Marco, is the top place to go in the city. Venice's architecture is a unique blend of eastern and western styles, and sights include the unusual Saint Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and stunning churches and mansions.

Since Venice is a car-free city, it's best visited on a train itinerary and for those who wish to start or end in Venice, there's an airport with flights to other parts of Italy and Europe.

Another city of canals on the east coast is the fishing port of Chioggia , sometimes called Little Venice , although it lacks the magnificent monuments. There's a beach in Chioggia and during summer a tourist ferry runs between Chioggia and Venice, making it a good alternative to staying in Venice.

Rimini and the Adriatic Coast of Emilia Romagna

If you're traveling by car, the next stop along would be the Po Delta , one of Europe's largest wetland areas with over 300 species of birds. Comacchio is a pretty fishing village and gateway to the southern lagoon, a protected area where you can take a boat ride or walk or bike along the pathways.

Farther south, Cesenatico is a pretty seaside town with a canal through its center.​

The seaside resort town of Rimini is known for its miles of sandy beaches and its nightlife. The town has an interesting historic center and Roman remains and was the birthplace of film director Federico Fellini. To the north and south of Rimini are smaller seaside resort towns with good beaches, offering a more laid-back beach vacation. 

From the Spur to the Heel of the Boot: The Puglia Coast of Southern Italy

Puglia is a long, thin region that starts at the Gargano Promontory , the spur of the boot , and continues to the Salento Peninsula , the toe of the boot . Much of the Puglia region is coastline , and Puglia is well known for its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and charming coastal towns.

Trani is one of the prettiest towns in this part of the Adriatic coast. Trani's cathedral, in a beautiful setting on the harbor near the castle, is one of the best examples of a Romanesque church in Puglia, with fantastic carvings on the exterior and beautiful floor mosaics in the crypt.

The town of Giovinazzo , just north of Bari, is a small fishing town that makes a good place to relax and take in the local life. 

Bari , about halfway down the coast, is Puglia's biggest seaside city. It has an interesting medieval center, a seaside promenade, and a port. Travelers often take the ferry to Greece from either Bari or Brindisi, another coastal city further south.

Continuing past Bari, the sandy beach at Polignano a Mare is in a small bay sheltered by the towering limestone cliffs on which the picturesque town is perched. The beach is one of the beaches in Puglia that's earned the blue flag award for cleanliness and environmental friendliness. 

Though it's not on the sea, we recommend a visit to Lecce , a beautiful baroque city referred to as the Florence of the South. It's one of the larger cities of the Salento Peninsula, but its historic center is compact and walkable.

Just about everywhere on the coast of the Salento Peninsula, you'll find great beaches, clear down to Santa Maria di Leuca , on the very tip. Here the climate is very mild, giving a long season to the popular beaches. The whitewashed town itself is pretty and has a good seaside promenade with trendy nightclubs.

Another top Salento town to visit is Otranto , whose cathedral has an unusual chapel of bones. Its old town, running along the sea from the castle, has a Greek feel and there's a beach within walking distance of the town. Also along this part of the coast, there are good beaches at Porto Badisco , known for its sea urchins, and Santa Cesarea Terme , known for its thermal springs.

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

Salento, Italy: Planning Your Trip

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Bari: Planning Your Trip

Going to the Beach in Italy

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