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Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Afternoon: At the airport, we will meet the Road Scholar representative and transfer to our hotel in Lake Bled. In the early evening, we will gather in the ship's dining room for Orientation, where the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions.This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. In addition to Road Scholar exclusive lectures, field trips, and activities, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events offered by the cruise line that are separate from Road Scholar. Please note that routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and sea conditions could require altering the itinerary and/or the progress of the ship, making it run late and possibly miss ports if it cannot dock. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: At leisure. Get a good night’s sleep and be ready for a full day tomorrow!
Activity note: Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day on uneven cobblestone streets and sidewalks; long periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time; ascending and descending flights of stairs with no railings. Getting on/off motorcoach; minimal driving throughout the day.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room, our breakfast buffet offers a daily selection of breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.
Morning: Led by our Group Leader, we will set out to explore Lake Bled on foot. With immense natural beauty, Bled ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. The beauty of the mountains reflected on the lake, the sun, the serenity and the fresh air made Lake Bled one of the most popular health resorts of the Hapsburg Empire, attracting the European aristocratic elite. We will learn about the history, local economy, and natural heritage during our walking field trip, during which we’ll visit St. Mary Church on a small island on the lake, which we will get to via small rowboats.
Lunch: On your own, explore the tastes of Slovenia as you wish.
Afternoon: Traveling via bus, we will visit the medieval town of Radovljica, where the compact city center is a veritable open air museum of beautifully restored buildings, narrow sloping streets, and pleasant sidewalk cafés. Some of the most interesting buildings include Gostilna Lectar’s very own living museum, which makes a traditional Slovene craft, gingerbread, with honey dough. The hospitable family, dressed in typical medieval clothing, will give a short lecture about the museum as we see tools that date back over 100 years and are still used to produce these uniquely decorated cakes. The oldest preserved wooden mold is from the 16th century. Back in medieval times, gingerbreads were considered prestigious gestures of romance, and these days they make excellent souvenirs.
Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a plated and served Welcome Dinner indulging in local flavors. Choice of one beverage included, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Driving approximately 60 miles total; about 1 hour total. Walking approximately 2.5 miles; about 2 hours; long periods of standing up to 2 hours at a time; climbing stairs, sometimes with no railings.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: By bus, we will head to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital city where old meets new – a synthesis due in part to an 1895 earthquake, after which the city was rebuilt in Italian Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. A modern city rich in history, Ljubljana was shaped by famed architect and resident, Jože Plecnik, and the new wave of young architects he inspired. With a local expert, we will discover how the diversity of this city seamlessly blends into a single image as we explore the Jewish Quarter, the river, and the university.
Lunch: On your own to sample local Slovenian cuisine.
Afternoon: We will then visit the famous Plecnik House, which has been preserved and transformed into a museum. From the street, it looks like many of the other old homes in the area, but this master designer left his mark on this house, expanding the original building with a cylindrical annex and winter garden, as well as equipping the house and gardens with inventive furnishings of his own design. Permanent exhibitions at the house display Plecnik’s substantial architectural legacy in Vienna, Prague and, of course, Ljubljana. They give visitors a window into the eccentric designer’s personal life and history. Because the Plecnik House is very small, we will split into two groups to view the interior. Museum staff will lead groups one at a time through the house but we will all gather to enjoy an onsite lecture about Plecnik and his work.
Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a meal of local flavors plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and our transfer to the MS Casanova tomorrow.
Activity note: Driving approx. 60 miles total; about 1.5 hours. Walking approx. 4.5 miles total throughout the day: Walking approx. 2.5 miles in Postojna Caves; about 1.5 hours; level terrain, which can be slippery, some steps and handrails; standing indoors and out up to 1 hour. Light jacket is recommended; temperature in caves is around 52 degrees. Border crossing today; keep passport handy to present it at border.
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.
Morning: We will check out of our hotel and board our motorcoach for our drive to the Postojna Caves. These caves are a subterranean world abundant with unusual natural sculptures and animals. We will descend underground to a world of passages, halls and galleries abundant with cave formations. The cave interior is largely shaped by speleothems, cave formations whose growth is measured in millions of years. We will hear a lecture on site from a local expert.
Lunch: On your own, savor the flavors of Postojna with what you like.
Afternoon: Next, continue our journey to the Port of Rijeka and board the MS Casanova where the Captain will hold a mandatory safety briefing.
Dinner: Aboard the ship each evening, our chef will prepare delicious plated dinners with different set menus. Dietary needs will be accommodated to the extent possible given local resources. One glass of wine, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Walking approximately 2.5 miles total throughout the day: about 1 mile in Opatija at botanical gardens; approx. 1.5 hours; mostly flat terrain. Walking about 1.5 miles in Pula; approximately 2 hours; requires climbing several flights of stairs; no elevator available. Cruising about 1 hour from Rijeka to Krk. Swimsuit recommended; there may be opportunities for swimming on cruising days. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast: In the ship's dining room, we will have a breakfast buffet offering eggs, cereals, local breads, yogurt, and fruit, plus coffee, tea, juices, water.
Morning: We will drive the short distance to elegant Opatija, with its pleasant climate, beautiful architecture, quality hotels and luxurious, well-tended parks and promenades. While in town, we’ll stop at the beautiful and expansive botanical gardens with a local expert and enjoy an exploration of the grounds. Then we will visit the Old Roman Town of Pula, we will see over 2,000 years of urban development and hear from a local expert the legend of the ship, Argo, in its pursuit of the Golden Fleece. Then we’ll learn about the Illyrians before the arrival of the Romans. As we walk, we’ll also analyze the influence of the Romans once they arrived and examine present day concerns.
Lunch: Savor the flavor of the Istrian Peninsula with lunch on your own. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions.
Afternoon: We will board the motorcoach and return to our ship for a short cruise to the island of Krk. In the ship's lounge, we’ll enjoy a presentation on Croatia and its neighbors led by our Group Leader as we cruise.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Cruising about 3 hours from Krk to Rab. Walking approximately 1 mile in Ancient Krk; about 1 hour; mostly flat terrain. Walking approximately 1 mile in Rab; mostly flat ground, with frequent cobblestones and some stairs throughout. Sturdy shoes recommended. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: After breakfast, enjoy a lecture in the lounge. Then, alongside our local expert, we will explore ancient Krk on foot. We will learn how Krk developed into an important settlement for the Romans and explore the Roman ruins inside the city walls, including a Roman bath dating from the 2nd century B.C.E.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Upon arrival at the dock, we’ll set out on foot with our local expert for a field trip to explore the Island of Rab, during which we will see the four famous bell towers of the city. The spirit of history can still be felt as we take a walk down the streets of the town. When we return to the ship, we will enjoy a local Klapa group's traditional a cappella performance in Dalmatic.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Cruising about 5 hours from Rab to Zadar. Walking approximately 1.5 miles roundtrip on group field trip in Zadar; about 1.5 hours; mostly flat terrain. Opportunities for more activity dependent on personal interest. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: While cruising, our Group Leader will provide an interesting lecture relating to the program theme.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: Arriving via ship, we will explore historic Zadar on foot with a local expert. Discovering Zadar is like peeling back layers of time until you end up in the 9th century B.C.E. in ancient Illyria. The Old Town is paved with gleaming white stone and the straight streets were first laid out by the Romans. In Zadar, the ancient and the new blend in a quirky and vibrant harmony, with Roman-era fragments and Romanesque churches standing alongside blocks of flats, sleek cafés, and ultra-contemporary architectural installations such as the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun.
Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Cruising about 2 hours from Zadar to Sali. Walking about 2 miles in Sali, approximately 2.5 hours on flat, cobblestone paths. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: In the ship's lounge, delve into the history and culture of Croatia during an on-board lecture presented by the Group Leader.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We will visit Sali, the biggest village of the island Dugi Otok (Long Island), which gets its name from a history of salt production. We will explore the village on the harbor, surrounded by olive trees and beaches. In the late afternoon in Sali, we will hear a lecture focusing on traces of the past as presented by a local archaeologist.
Dinner: Aboard ship.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Cruising about 1 hour from Sali to Telašcica. Walking approximately 4 miles total throughout the day: about 2 miles in Telašcica Nature Park, approximately 2 hours, uphill on rough terrain. Walking approximately 2 miles in Sibenik; periods of standing up to 1 hour; uneven, cobblestone streets. Expect crowds during high season. All routes and field trips are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: After breakfast, we will get off the ship to meet a local expert and set out on a walk in Telašcica Nature Park, a stunning bay studded with six small islets. The protected bay has been known as a harbor and shelter since antiquity; the Roman archaeological remains lie under the channel separating Dugi Otok from Kornati Island. On the southern side, between the bay and the sea, we will find Telašcica's highlight: Lake Mir, its brackish water is fed by the sea, which seeps in through underground cracks.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: During our expert-led field trip in Šibenik, we will walk through the heart of the old town where jewels of history wait around every corner. We will see the four fortresses, which kept the city safe from invasion from the 15th to the 16th century, the UNESCO-protected Cathedral of St. James, and Republic Square. On board before dinner, an Assistant Professor will give a lecture on what sets this region apart in both the past and the present.
Dinner: At a local village farmstead, we’ll enjoy a plated and served dinner of homemade local foods such as soup, roasted meat and potatoes, sweets, wine, and water.
Evening: We’ll then return to the ship. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Activity note: Walking up to 3.5 miles total throughout the day: about 2.5 miles at Krka National Park; approximately 2 hours; rough terrain including 500+ steps to reach waterfalls, with resting places on the way. The field trip to Primosten involves walking 1 mile round trip, up a small slope, including a few stair steps, to reach the church. Expect crowds during high season. All routes and field trips are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Morning: Our ship will cruise to the mouth of the Krka River where it flows into the Adriatic Sea and from there, we will get off the ship to walk along a spectacular series of rugged canyons, azure lakes, and tumbling waterfalls within the spectacular Krka National Park. Led by our Group Leader, we’ll also enjoy commentary along the way.
Lunch: Aboard ship.
Afternoon: We will visit Primosten, an attractive old town squeezed onto an thumb of land jutting into a turquoise sea, while another wooded peninsula sprouts off to the north, fringed by a large and splendid gravel beach.
Dinner: Aboard the ship, we’ll dress up a bit and enjoy a special plated Captain’s Dinner with one beverage choice included. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening: At leisure. Rest up for your travel tomorrow.
Breakfast: Aboard ship.
Class of 2019
Beautiful breathtaking Croatia scenery accompanied by a knowledgable local guide. Darko, our guide, provided touching personal stories while managing a variety of personalities on the boat. Accommodations on the boat were spartan, and food was below expectations for almost everyone on board. But happily there were options at wonderful places while at port, so add this to your budget. Lake Bled oozed with beauty, including the full moon over the lake!
Class of 2016
This program was very interesting and enjoyable. I especially appreciated the variety of activities it offered. in addition to exploring the old towns of several cities, we saw a Roman arena, and a wonderful cave. We also visited Lake Bled and Krka National Park which were very beautiful. Masha, our group leader, was terrific!
Class of 2013
The Slovenia and Croatia trip was awesome and gave me a different perspective of Croatia. the MY Casanova was an older vessel so I would recommend getting an upper room with windows, the service on board was great and the crew were very accommodating. All the guides and guest lectures were wonderful and added so much to the trip
Class of 2018
This was an excellent trip overall. Guide Andrea was enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable about her country. She was well organized and efficient but also careful to attend to individuals. The local guides were very high quality and the stops and sights were well-chosen. The only problem to me was the quality of the ship cabin on the cruise section. There was almost no service to the room in a week and only one change of perpetually damp towels. This could be improved. The crew were most helpful and friendly however.
Class of 2001
A wonderful program - Andrea was a fantastic trip leader!! Learned so much about Croatia & Slovenia. Highly recommended - be sure to sign up for the Extension Program - It really made the main program more worthwhile.
Class of 2019
Croatia and Slovenia are beautiful countries. The Adriatic Coast has small islands that hold history and natural beauty that I never knew existed. Around every bend was more wonderfulness to see and learn about.
Class of 2008
This is an exceptional opportunity to visit Slovenia and Croatia on foot and by sea with a local guide who lived during the issues of Yugoslavia. I highly recommend this program to others without any reservations. One of best Road Scholar trips that I ever have attended.
Class of 2007
Jana Stepic was wonderful! She worked above and beyond the “call of duty” to make everything work. The MS Casanova, however, left a lot to be desired. The food was sub-par and the hotel service almost non-existent. Road Scholar can and should do better. Overall, however, because of Jana, the trip was excellent.
Class of 2013
Loved everything about this trip. Scenery, tour participants, lectures and particularly Luci, our passionate and knowledgeable guide were awesome. I would like to return to Croatia to do some scuba diving as it looks like it would be great. A trip not to miss! a 5 star trip!
Class of 2018
This was a wonderful way to see Croatia and Slovenia traveling with a small group on a small comfortable yacht. The Adriatic Seas was a unique way to see many of the smaller islands along the coast. The Postojna Caves are a must see in with subterranean stalactites and stalagmites. Just idyllic. The lectures were very informative, but too long (1 1/2 hours) each. Perhaps a 10 minute break during, or better yet, keep to no more than 45 minutes with a handout on the rest of the information for those that want more details.
Class of 2015
Our trip to Slovenia and Croatia was terrific and I highly recommend it. Slovenia is a real hidden gem which does not get enough attention in the U.S. The capital, Lubljana, is a beautiful small city which is a lot of fun. The Postojna Caves are not well know but could easily be one of the great wonders of the world. I was blown away by them. The seven day cruise on the Adriatic was very relaxing and beautiful with many interesting and fun places to visit. The price is very reasonable and this a a solid value for price conscious travelers.
Class of 2016
5*s This adventure through Slovenia and Croatia is extraordinary. The time on the ship promotes comradery and we enjoyed time in many towns and sites along the Adriatic. I learned much about the geology, history, and hydrology of this region. The capital cities were exciting and inviting and all side trips were outstanding: Tesla, the 'history of bees', ruins, caves, waterfalls, walking tours, and delicious dining. Favorites: Zadar, Sali, dinner at Lecter's, the farmstead evening, and the on-ship musical events. Alan was a knowledgeable, delightful guide throughout. The Kuna- money of Croatia, is great 'dollar value'. Visit this area soon as it still very 'fresh'!!!! Bring comfortable shoes. DO IT! THE SISTAS...
Class of 2017
We really enjoyed our trip on the northern Dalmatian coast and to Slovenia. Our charming tour leader, Jana, was extremely well-prepared and diligent. This trip would be very attractive to those interested in history, architecture, and natural beauty. The remains (and recycled remains) of Roman buildings are common in cities along the beautiful Croatian coast. Slovenia was a wonderful surprise. Radovljica and Ljubljana were charming, Lake Bled beautiful, and the Postojna Jama (caves) are one of the wonders of the world. Our local guides and excursions were excellent. Particularly memorable were the lecture on the architect Joze Plecnik in Ljubljana, and the visit to Alan and Sandra’s farm outside Zadar. I would advise anyone traveling on this trip to take a swimsuit, so they can enjoy the top floor pool and hot tub at the Hotel Park in the event of a particularly cold or wet day in Lake Bled.
Class of 2012
Take this trip! The countryside and islands of Slovenia and northern Croatia are beautiful and you'll learn that what we heard from the press about the war in the Balkans was not entirely true.
Class of 2018
This is a beautiful exploration of two very different countries. The islands and coastline of Croatia provide a Mediterranean atmosphere while the mountains of Slovenia along with Lake Bled provide a more alpine environment. Both are interesting and enjoyable. The complex history of this area is highlighted in a number of ways. We had lectures on recent history, and saw many ruins that gave some insight into the civilizations that left their mark many years ago. All parts of the tour aspect of the program were educational as well as enjoyable.
Class of 2013
This trip highlights a part of the European world not well understood by US citizens. Under the domination of the Romans for centuries, the Roman ruins are quite extraordinary and incorporated into sites still in use, which is one one example. There are multiple surprises on this trip in these two small nations that emerged after the 1987 fall of Yugoslavia in this still politically volatile region.
Slovenia & Croatia: Hidden Coves and Ancient Treasures by Sea gave us a rich introduction to this complex part of the Balkans as we enjoyed active exploration (cobblestones, country roads, trails in a national park) together. Our leader was knowledgeable, thoughtful, and an excellent herder of our group of 23 "cats." Our week at sea in the Adriatic was a comfortable voyage through history and among changing cultures. A full schedule stimulated us but allowed moments to recharge and explore on our own. We return greatly enriched by our experiences and new understanding.
Class of 2018
Delightful and very informative introduction to a fascinating part of Europe
Class of 1994
You need to be aware as the program materials state that weather can effect where the ship can go. We had no issues but other trips have had problems. The educational content of the program was high. The National Park visit was beautiful. The caverns were pretty but crowded. For me the highlight was a two part 5+hour lecture on the history and recent history of the area. It was personal as our leader had personal experiences to relate. Outstanding.
Class of 2016
Bring your hiking shoes and your water shoes and prepare to dip your toes in the crystal clear Adriatic and view fantasy landscapes from on high.
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