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Enhance your Adriatic cruise by stealing away to Lake Bled, Slovenia, for a four-day stay at a tranquil resort surrounded by the majestic Julian Alps. Take daily excursions to the region’s beautiful sights including Bled Castle, set on a cliff high above the lake. Included features and Cultural Discoveries — with visits to a mountain village and a gingerbread maker — give you insight into the unique local lifestyle. Stay at a grand lakeside resort that offers unbeatable views and relax after each day of sightseeing.
Depart the U.S. and fly overnight to Slovenia
Your journey starts with an overnight flight to Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Arrive in Ljubljana
After arriving in Ljubljana, you'll transfer to Lake Bled, where you settle in to your lakeside hotel. Later, gather for an included dinner at your hotel.
Included meals:
Lake Bled's highs and lows
Spend the day exploring this scenic region, starting with a trip Bohinj Lake, where you'll explore the village of Ribcev Laz and ride the cable car up Vogel Mountain for the spectacular views. You'll have time for lunch on your own, enjoying some of the Alpine specialties known in the northwest of Slovenia. You’ll taste the influences of Austria and Northern Italy in the local cuisine. Next, visit the Bled Castle, set atop a cliff towering over the lake. Afterwards, return to Lake Bled for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you'll take a lovely ride on the lake in a traditional gondola called a pletna
Prefer a more active day? In Bled and nearby Bohinj and Kranjska Gora, there are numerous fun-filled opportunities for you to take advantage of, depending on the season. Choose to go Alpine climbing, geocaching, and more. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you can enjoy a round of golf, ballooning, horseback riding, cycling, rafting, canyoning, tennis, squash, tubing, ziplining, and more! Speak with your City Host for guidance.
The mountain resort of Kranjska Gora
Today takes you to Kranjska Gora, a four-season mountain resort that’s lively and green during the summer months. Located under the highest of the Julian Alps, near the glacial lakes of Triglav Park and magnificent waterfalls, this this scenic resort town is nestled between the Austrian and Italian borders. Enjoy a lovely walk from Jasna Lake to center of Kranjska Gora. Later, back in Lake Bled, the day is yours to spend at your leisure. You may like to take a walk or opt to go on a boat ride. This evening, enjoy dinner at Gostilna Lectar, a popular local restaurant that is one of the oldest trattorias in Slovenia and prepares traditional, regional Slovenian Alpine specialties, local wines, and traditional sweets known as “Lectar Hearts.” We will also enjoy a presentation on gingerbread making here. Active Feature:
Tour Slovenia's capital before joining the base tour
After breakfast, take a walking tour of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital city. Then, move on to Zagreb and join day 2 of the base program. Included Feature:
Immerse yourself in the exoticism, fascinating history, and resplendent architecture of Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia along the bustling Bosphorus Strait. You’ll step into the world of Ottoman sultans at the Topkapi Palace, marvel at the towering domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and roam the endless passageways of the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, teeming with colorful carpets, leather goods, jewelry, and lanterns. Your three nights in this intoxicating cultural capital is the perfect way to round out your ocean expedition.
Arrive in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to acclimate before an evening Welcome Briefing and lively Turkish dinner with a folkloric show.
Royal and cultural splendors of Istanbul
After breakfast, head to the Fatih district, home to the Historic Areas of Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your explorations at the Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans and today a magnificent museum. Your guided tour leads you into some of its many chambers, including the Harem Apartments.
After lunch in the Topkapi Palace, continue to the spectacular Blue Mosque, named for the countless blue Iznik tiles that adorn its vast interior. Conclude the day among the teeming stalls and passageways of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s historic marketplace.
Included Features:
Cultural Discovery:
Spectacular Sultanahmet on foot
Stretch your legs this morning during a walking tour of the Sultanahmet district. You’ll stop at the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, built as a church and later converted into a mosque. It has been a magnificent museum since 1935.
After, follow your nose to the Spice Bazaar, where mounds of colorful turmeric, saffron, and countless other spices vie for your olfactory attentions. Be sure to sample some Turkish Delight, the nation’s favorite sweet, while you’re here!
After lunch on your own, enjoy a free afternoon to relax and explore. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
Included Feature:
Fly to Athens and then fly home
Transfer to the airport this morning for your return flight to the U.S.
