Croatia, Italy and Simply Sicily End Palermo (2026)

Day 1

Arrival in Zagreb. We’ll be ready to transfer you to your hotel. Our guide will join us with the group from Slovenia around lunchtime. In the afternoon, at around 04:00 p.m. (time may vary), we’ll embark on a panoramic tour with a local guide (included), giving us the opportunity to admire the city´s two hills, the upper town, and the new neighborhoods of Croatia’s capital. Dinner will be included.

Day 2

We’ll depart early in the morning to travel to Bosnia. Border formalities may take some time. As we drive through certain areas, we’ll be reminded of the tragic war of the 1990s. Our journey will take us through the majority-Serb territory of Bosnia, with our first stop in Banja Luka. Here, you’ll have time to explore the capital of the autonomous entity of Republika Srpska, the second largest city in Bosnia after Sarajevo, known for its fortress and Orthodox cathedral. There will be time for lunch. We’ll then continue to Jajce, arguably the most beautiful town in Bosnia, celebrated for its cultural diversity, mosque, fortress, and impressive waterfall (admission included). After some time to explore, we’ll proceed to Sarajevo, arriving in the evening. You’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the historic center and visit the charming Bazaar, an old Ottoman market renowned for its architecture, oriental ambiance, and traditional shops. Dinner will be included.

Day 3

In the morning, we include a guided tour of SARAJEVO, a fascinating city known as the “Jerusalem of Europe” for its coexistence of different religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues reflect this rich diversity. We will notice the strong Ottoman influence in its old town, with its more than 500-year-old mosque and beautiful fountain.After the visit, we continue our journey through an area of stunning natural beauty to MOSTAR, with its beautiful historic center and its iconic stone bridge that links the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities. Free time for lunch and to explore the city.We then continue on to CROATIA. Border formalities (which may be lengthy). Arrival in DUBROVNIK at the end of the day. Dinner included

Day 4

We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide in the morning. We will undoubtedly be in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, perched on a cliff, surrounded by walls and kissed by the Adriatic Sea. Its intact historic center is a jewel of world architectural heritage. We’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning view of the city from a scenic viewpoint along the road. The tour includes tickets to the Franciscan Monastery, home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Assumption Cathedral. We’ll also take a boat trip to Lokrum, a small island just 15 minutes away that is home to the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery, a popular setting for the series Game of Thrones. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be included.Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.

Day 5

We’ll set off in the morning, traveling along the stunning Croatian coastline, which features breathtaking seascapes and islands. Our first stop will be in Ston, a picturesque town boasting one of the longest walls in the world. As we continue through beautiful landscapes, we’ll cross the impressive Pelješac Bridge over the sea. We’ll arrive in Split at midday and enjoy a tour with a local guide, including admission to Diocletian’s Palace. We’ll explore this vast Roman palace, with its labyrinthine streets and stunning sea views. Dinner will be included.

Day 6

We’ll travel to the interior region of Croatia, passing through beautiful hilly landscapes until we arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll be able to admire its lakes and waterfalls, walk along the scenic trails, or take a boat ride on the lakes´ waters. Tickets are included for either a boat ride or a train ride. After lunch, we’ll head back to the coast, traveling north. Upon reaching Opatija, you´ll have dinner (included) and settle into your accommodation in this charming resort town known for its great atmosphere.Note: Occasionally, due to weather conditions or high numbers of tourists, it may not be possible or advisable to use the train or boat in Plitvice.

Day 7

Today we’ll travel to SLOVENIA. Our first stop will be Postojna Cave, one of the world’s largest caves, which we will partially tour by train. Next, we’ll head to BLED, a picturesque postcard-perfect town on the shore of Lake Bled. We’ll go on a boat trip to reach its island, where the monastery’s bell tower stands out at the foot of the medieval castle. Our journey will continue to Slovenia’s capital LJUBLJANA, where we’ll take a guided tour to learn more about this little Central European capital city. Dinner will be included.

Day 8

Enjoy free time in the morning in Ljubljana, where you can explore the charming center of this little capital. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Adriatic Sea and cross the border into Italy. We’ll arrive in Venice in the evening and stay in the Mestre district.

Day 9

Day 10

Day in FLORENCE. In the morning, we will head directly to the Michelangelo Viewpoint, which offers an impressive panoramic view of the city. Afterward, we will walk to the historic city center, where we will have a guided tour with a local guide of Tuscany’s capital, one of the most visited cities in the country, considered the cradle of the Renaissance and home to some of the most influential artists and thinkers in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael.Highlights include the Gothic cathedral (the Duomo), the ancient stone bridge Ponte Vecchio with its goldsmith shops, and Piazza della Signoria—the political heart of the city with the town hall in a medieval building.Around 4:30 p.m., we will depart for ROME, arriving at the end of the day.Note: Comfortable shoes are recommended for this visit.

Day 11

In the morning, we’ll take a three-hour guided tour of the Eternal City, combining a walking tour of Imperial Rome with a panoramic bus ride to admire one of the oldest and most influential cities in Western civilization. During the tour, we’ll see highlights such as the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Pyramid of Cestius, and Castel Sant’Angelo.The tour will end at VATICAN CITY around 11:00 a.m. Afterward, our guide will offer an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.At the end of the day, we’ll include a transfer to the popular Trastevere neighborhood, known for its cozy restaurants and lively atmosphere. Return to the hotel will be around 8:30 p.m.

Day 12

Free day to continue exploring the city.

Day 13

We’ll start our day early, departing from Rome and heading to the south of Italy. Our journey will take us through Naples, where we’ll embark for the enchanting Island of Capri (tickets included). You’ll have the option to visit the stunning White Grotto or take a scenic cable car ride to the center of Capri. After lunch, we’ll board the boat again and head to Sorrento, a picturesque town full of charm and vibrant tourist life nestled at the foot of the cliffs. You’ll have time to stroll and explore. We’ll then continue our journey to the Gulf of Salerno, where we’ll spend the night in Salerno.

Day 14

We’ll travel to the southern tip of Italy, taking in the beautiful landscapes as we cross the Cilento National Park. Our first stop will be Paola, a charming town on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here, we’ll visit the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Paola and have free time to explore the historic center and enjoy lunch. We’ll then continue to Villa San Giovanni, where we’ll take a short ferry ride to the island of Sicily. Upon arriving in Messina, we’ll have time to stroll around and visit the cathedral before heading to Taormina.Note: Accommodation will be in the Taormina area but may sometimes be in Messina.

Day 15

At the foot of Mount Etna lies the beautiful city of Taormina, described by Churchill as the most beautiful place on earth. Early in the morning, we will head to Giardini Naxos, the first Greek settlement in Sicily (founded in 734 B.C.), with its lovely seafront promenade and popular beaches. Afterwards, we will have time to stroll through the lively old town of Taormina, with its stunning Greek Theater overlooking unforgettable landscapes.After lunchtime, we continue to the Roman Villa of Casale (admission and guided tour included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Roman Empire, villas symbolized agricultural wealth and exploitation. At Casale, not only has the 4th-century architectural layout been preserved, but thanks to their richness and quality, the mosaics decorating nearly every room are considered the most beautiful of the Roman world.Crossing the mountainous heart of the island, we continue on to Palermo, arriving at the end of the day. Dinner included.

Day 16

Today, we’ll embark on a guided city tour of Palermo with a local expert. Highlights include the cathedral, famous for its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs (admission included), and the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace with fountains, markets, and gardens. We’ll also visit Monreale to see its cathedral (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking golden mosaics that adorn the entire interior. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.Note: For smaller groups, the tour may be conducted as part of a regular excursion offered by local companies instead of a private tour.

Day 17

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.