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Your Croatian adventure begins in the capital city of Zagreb. Upon arrival take a convenient group transfer to your hotel. This evening enjoy a Group Welcome Dinner. (D)
Hotel: Zonar Hotel Zagreb Maistra or similar – 2 Nights
Join a local specialist to explore the two-tiered capital city. Admire the Opera House, Zagreb Cathedral at Kaptol and stroll around the 17th-century Ban Jelacic Square.
Then board the city’s funicular to St. Mark’s Church and the Lotrscak Tower dating back to 1266 and used as part of the town’s defenses against the Turks.
Later, journey through the beautiful countryside of the Zagorje region to the charming village of Kumrovec. Visit the simple peasant house of Marshal Tito, the president of former Yugoslavia, for a local perspective into this regions history. The surrounding properties have been restored to represent village life of 100 years ago.
Enjoy a farm-to-table meal in a picturesque restaurant favored by the locals with magnificent views of the rolling, vine-clad hills and Veliki Tabor castle. (B, L)
Head to Istria; a heart-shaped peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, where Croatia, Slovenia and Italy meet, often called the Tuscany of Croatia. Known for its rich wine-making history, you will sample some of the region’s best at a local winery with an included lunch. (B, L)
Hotel: Astoria Hotel Opatija or similar – 4 Nights
This morning enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime truffle hunting experience in Croatia’s truffle capital of Istria. Truffles can only be found with the help of trained dogs or domestic pigs who catch the scent and begin to dig for the valuable truffles.
Enjoy lunch before heading to Motovun; the birthplace of famed race car driver, Mario Andretti and Groznjan; known as "Town of Artists", Istria’s hilltop towns. Learn about this region's medieval history and enjoy time to explore on your own. (B, L)
Travel to the charming old town of Rovinj and enjoy an expert-led walking tour of the Old Town, a medieval tangle of tight streets and alleys that pass under archways and twist up stairways. Wander the cobbled streets lined with tempting shops, pastel-colored bars and sidewalk cafes. Then enjoy free time to explore on your own. (B)
Visit the area of Pula known for its multitude of ancient Roman buildings, the most famous of which is the Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. Enjoy an orientation tour, followed by free time to explore on your own and perhaps visit the Archaeological Museum or Venetian Fortress.
Later, enjoy an olive oil tasting before an included dinner. (B, D)
Venture into Slovenia to visit the world-famous Postojna Caves. Step aboard the underground cave train and descend into a subterranean paradise shaped by tiny droplets over millions of years. Enjoy a 3.7 km journey on the world’s only double-track cave railway. See a world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains and marvel at the five-meter tall Brilliant; the bright white stalagmite, the symbol of the Postojna Cave.
Then return to Zagreb, for your last night and enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Hotel : Zonar Hotel Zagreb Maistra or similar - 1 Night
After breakfast, enjoy a convenient group transfer to the Zagreb airport for your flight home. (B)
Have a knowledgeable AAA travel agent connect with you to help you plan your trip with ease.
*Rates are per person, land only, based on double occupancy. Rates, terms, conditions and itinerary are subject to change without notice. Rates do not include airfare, air taxes, government taxes/fees, fuel surcharges and some meals. AAA member benefits are valid for passengers who book through AAA Travel only and valid for passengers 1 and 2 on the booking. Benefits listed may be substituted/eliminated based on passenger participation and have no cash value. This tour includes moderate physical activity, walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven surfaces should be expected. Passports are required for US citizens and must be valid 6 months beyond return travel date. Other restrictions may apply. The Auto Club Group is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the promotion of this tour.