Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro

Upon arrival at Ljubljana airport in Slovenia, you transfer independently to Lake Bled in the north of this stunning country in southeastern Europe. With a population smaller than Houston, Slovenia is a largely mountainous country at the eastern end of the Alps. Bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia until it declared independence in 1991. Imposing mountains blanketed with verdant forests make up much of this country, but it is also becoming increasingly popular due to its charming towns and cities.

Our 4-Star hotel overlooks the serene turquoise waters of enchanting Lake Bled, where we check in for three nights. With a wellness center and thermal pools, our hotel is the perfect place to unwind and absorb the wonderful views of this spellbinding part of the world. This evening, we enjoy dinner together in the hotel.

• Dinner

Today is a free day to take in your wonderful new surroundings at leisure. Looking across to the overlapping forested slopes of the Julian Alps, the focus of this exquisite lake is its delightful island. You might like to take a gondola ride out to visit the Baroque Church of the Assumption of Maria. Inside, there are some remarkable frescoes, a gold altar and a 'wishing bell' that you can ring to ask for your dream to come true.

Perched high above the lake is the resplendent 11th-century castle, which boasts impressive views. With its white walls and terracotta towers, Bled Castle looks every bit the fairytale medieval fortress. The museum houses a collection of artefacts from the area's history, including armor and weapons. There is also a three-mile circular walk around the lake that provides a gentle way of viewing the castle and island. Alternatively, hop aboard the small tourist train.

You are free to dine independently tonight. Local cuisine blends central European, Italian and southern European influences, with seafood, pastas, polenta and spicy Balkan sausages all popular.

• Breakfast

Although it's one of Europe's smallest capitals, Ljubljana doesn't lack charm or beauty. After breakfast, we travel by coach to this enchanting destination where an expert guide introduces us to Slovenia's capital.

One of the most popular attractions is the Triple Bridge of three pretty, arched walkways spanning the gentle river. Nearby is the Dragon Bridge, on which stand a number of decorative statues of mythical beasts. From here, we head to the medieval fortress, set in large grounds on a hilltop. Ljubljana Castle has stood here since the 11th century and is now a symbol of the city and Slovenia itself.

There is time to explore over lunch before we travel by coach to the subterranean wonderland of the Postojna Caves, where the world's first cave railway was installed in 1872. We take a magical ride on a charming train through more than two miles of this jaw-dropping underground landscape, followed by a guided tour of the cave system and its fantastical stalactites and stalagmites.

We return to our Bled hotel in the early evening and enjoy dinner together.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we visit a local beekeeper in a nearby village after breakfast. In a region where there's a buzz about all things bee-related, we learn more about the native Carniolan bee and how its honey is used in all sorts of ways; from insomnia cures to massage oils. We also enjoy a tasting of the sweet produce, along with a glass of honey liqueur.

In the afternoon, we travel to the railway station to join a train bound for Croatia and its capital, Zagreb. This vibrant city nestled below Medvednica mountain is our base tonight. Wonderfully compact, the city's old center is split into the Lower Town - filled with splendid architecture and peaceful parks - and the Upper Town, a charming area of attractive streets.

Located near the train station, our 5-Star hotel is a short distance from the Old Town. We check-in in the early evening, before dining in the hotel restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We get to know Zagreb better on a guided tour this morning, taking in the timeless beauty of the Upper Town. Exploring the cobblestone streets and elegant, colorful buildings, we uncover the history of the charming Old Town, including 13th-century St Mark's Church. With its colorful tiled roof displaying the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia, as well as the city of Zagreb, the church sits in the middle of St Mark's Square next to Croatia's parliament building.

There is free time to enjoy lunch independently. At just 216 feet long, the world's shortest funicular conveys passengers to the Lower Town. Extending northwards from Ban Jelačić Square is Tkalčića street, a historic, winding lane full of restaurants, cafés and bars.

This afternoon, we travel by coach through Croatia's rural landscapes to our accommodation near the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Located in the small village of Čatrnja, our 4-Star hotel was built in 2018 and provides spa facilities and a terrace overlooking verdant countryside. We check in for an overnight stay and dine together this evening.

• Breakfast

A highlight of any trip to Croatia awaits today as we enjoy a guided tour of the famous Plitvice Lakes, the country's most popular tourist destination. This is a UNESCO-listed Eden of 16 crystalline turquoise lakes interconnected with plunging waterfalls and surrounded by 116 square miles of verdant forest. The cascading Veliki Slap waterfall is simply stunning, as tumbling streams flow down 200 feet, creating a primeval and majestic landscape.

It is also home to bears, deer, wolves and wild boar, while there are 1,267 varieties of plants - including 55 types of orchid and rare plants as well as fir and beech trees believed to be up to 700 years old.

Afterwards, we visit a local restaurant for a three-course lunch of traditional Croatian food, before a coach transfers us to Split, arriving early evening. Croatia's second city lies on a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, and our 4-Star hotel is just outside the center. With fantastic sea views from its rooftop pool, it is an ideal place to relax and explore during our three-night stay in Split.

• Breakfast, Dinner

The Old Town of Split is like a living museum with amazingly well-preserved Roman buildings appearing around almost every corner. This is due in part to the sprawling Diocletian's Palace - a 4th-century structure that still forms the beating heart of Split.

On a guided tour after breakfast, we explore this vast city-palace built by Diocletian - the emperor of Rome between 284 and 305AD. Born a few miles north of Split, Diocletian sought to retire near his Dalmatian home and ordered the construction of a palatial residence. Today, the remains of this massive fortress make up about half of the Old Town. Wandering through the labyrinthine alleys and attractive courtyards, we learn more about this incredible complex and enter the Basement Halls. Game of Thrones fans will recognize the subterranean vaults as the dungeons where the dragons are kept.

With the rest of the day at leisure, you could relax beside the Adriatic's blue waters or climb up the Cathedral of St Dominus' striking Romanesque tower. This evening, you dine independently and could opt for a restaurant with great coastal views.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we cruise to the delightful island of Hvar. Sailing through the Dalmatian archipelago, passing the islands of Šolta and Brač, we arrive on Hvar for an hour-long guided tour. This charming old port is a feast for the senses, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields.

We explore the gorgeous town of Venetian-style buildings standing square on the picturesque harbor. Away from the shoreline, rustic stone houses reflect a time of grandeur and importance, while a fortress with a storied history clings to the hillside. There is free time after the tour to stroll through narrow lanes bedecked by colorful blooms.

Alternatively, visit one of its many excellent restaurants for a lunch of local delicacies such as grilled seafood or black risotto with a chilled glass of the treasured local wine, Prč, before returning to Split for time at leisure. One time-honored tradition is rubbing the foot of the large bronze statue of Gregory of Nin, which bestows good luck as well as assuring your return to Split. This evening, we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.

• Breakfast

Leaving Split after breakfast, we travel by coach down the Dalmatian coast to Makarska, dominated by the monumental mountains behind it. The craggy karst rocks of the Biokovo range run along this coast, and the highest peak, Sveti Jure, is nearby. Makarska perfectly blends its ancient Illyrian port with a thriving beach resort and has been ruled by the Romans, Venetians, Ottomans and French. There is free time to visit the 17th-century Franciscan monastery or dine at a waterfront bistro.

Continuing down the coast, we arrive in historic Dubrovnik this evening. As one of the Adriatic's most beautiful cities, Dubrovnik has long attracted tourists to its incredibly well-preserved Old Town and the shimmering coast. In recent years, it has had a starring role in TV series Game of Thrones.

There is free time to get acquainted with our new base after checking in for a three-night stay in a 4-Star hotel overlooking the harbor. With its beauty and undiminished appeal, Dubrovnik is also famed for its seafood, so you could find a local restaurant serving tuna, swordfish, cuttlefish or octopus.

• Breakfast

Croatia may be a popular destination, but its near neighbor is very much up and coming. Montenegro boasts epic beauty and incredible history but has largely been off the tourist routes. We travel around the expansive Bay of Kotor, the shimmering blue waters of the large fjordlike bay contrasting with the green and grey elemental Balkan crags.

In gorgeous Kotor, a local guide introduces us to this medieval fortified town and its sights. Walking along well-trod tiled pathways and narrow lanes, we encounter the Cathedral of St Tryphon, the twin Romanesque towers of which rise high against the mountainous backdrop.

After time to enjoy lunch independently, we sail to Our Lady of the Rocks. Legend has it that this tiny island was created after a sailor found an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock. Each time he passed he laid another rock in the bay. Over time, a small island emerged and a church was built. We explore the island and its church before cruising back to Kotor and returning to Dubrovnik for an evening at leisure.

• Breakfast

A short journey to Dubrovnik's Pile Gate follows breakfast, where an expert local guide leads us on an informative tour of the breathtaking Renaissance port dubbed the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. The city's Old Town is UNESCO-listed, and you may recognize the terracotta streets and buildings from the many movies and TV shows filmed in this magnificent setting.

There's a rich array of picturesque buildings - from the world's oldest arboretum to one of Europe's first pharmacies, dating from the 14th century. Entry is included to the 14th-century Franciscan church and monastery, plus the Baroque cathedral that includes artworks by Titian. The historic town and its looming parapets have seen their share of hardship over the centuries, most recently the tragic bombardment during the Croatian War of Independence.

Your afternoon is free, and you might like to stroll along the ancient walls or take the ferry across to the forested island of Lokrum, where you can visit the Benedictine monastery and botanical gardens. This evening, we gather at a local restaurant for our final dinner together.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We bid farewell to Dubrovnik today and you are free to make your way home independently at leisure. Enroute, you can recall this fantastic tour and the spectacular sights we have witnessed.

The fairytale delights of Lake Bled, Ljubljana's pretty downtown and the mysterious Postojna Caves showed the variety and beauty of Slovenia. Croatia's abundant charm was uncovered on tours of its distinguished cities, including its capital, Zagreb. Spectacular views of UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes and a cruise to laid-back Hvar showcased the country's incredible natural beauty, while the amazingly well-preserved Diocletian's Palace in Split and the astonishing walled city of Dubrovnik revealed the history of the Dalmatian coast.

With Montenegro's breathtaking landscapes and ancient towns around the Bay of Kotor, all three countries have provided us with plenty of unforgettable experiences that we can treasure forever.

• Breakfast