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Map of Premium Rome to Split including Croatia, Italy and Slovenia

Explore three glorious European countries from Rome to Split.

Embrace the cultural, culinary and natural delights of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure. Travel through the rustic heart of Tuscany, explore the wonders of Venice’s Piazza San Marco, Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Rome’s Colosseum with an expert local leader. Discover the beaming waters of Lake Bled and the underground world of the Postojna Caves. Ride the cable car up Mt Vogel for views over Lake Bohinj, and appreciate the caves and waterfalls abound in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Coloured by sunshine and flavoured with local wine, this pocket of Europe is a joy to explore.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Rome, Italy
Finish
Split, Croatia
Destinations
Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMPUC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Nestled in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany's Chianti region, spend two memorable nights in a converted castle hotel and dine on a multi-course gourmet meal at the onsite restaurant.

  • Explore Rome’s iconic Colosseum under moonlight during an evening tour. Walk in the footsteps of gladiators without the jostling daytime crowds.

  • Delight in regional specialties during a wine-tasting at a family garden vineyard in Tuscany and a truffle and Istrian wine tasting in Motovun.

  • Take advantage of local knowledge when you travel with expert local leaders who will share the best of their countries, bring history to life and know all the best places to eat.

  • Enjoy your own slice of paradise at your feature stay hotel. The stunning Hotel Istra sits on its own private island, with world class service, fantastic facilities and beautiful grounds to explore.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. A light scarf is a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will be able to advise when such clothing is necessary.

ZMPI - Uffizi group walking tour in Florence, Italy
ZMPY - Plate of fresh seafood in Venice, Italy
ZMPI - Woman overlooking San Gimignano at sunset, Tuscany, Italy
ZMPI - Overview of the Piazza del Campo in Siena, Tuscany
ZMPY - Croatia Feature Stay: Island Hotel Istra aerial view
ZMPY - Croatia Feature Stay: Island Hotel Istra twin room interior
ZMPY - Croatia Feature Stay: Island Hotel Istra exterior patio
ZMPY - View of St. Mary's church across Lake Bled, Slovenia
ZMPY - Scenic view of Lake Bohinj landscape with mountains in the background
ZMPY - Couple hugging in front of waterfall located in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Itinerary
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Welcome to Rome! Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive with time to spare, the city’s magnificent buildings are best appreciated on foot, so perhaps wander in search of an espresso. Your Italian adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you will meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Once the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy over an included dinner with your group at an excellent local restaurant. Sitting down to dinner in Rome means experiencing generations of culinary know-how and timeless traditional recipes. Once your leader introduces you to some of Italy’s best dishes, you’ll understand why this country is so renowned for great food.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Exe International Palace or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please advise your travel agent of your flight details at the time of booking so we can organise the arrival transfer for you. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today your leader will take you back in time as you learn about historical monuments during an orientation walk of the city. Marvel at the Roman Forum, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Venezia, the Spanish Steps and Via Dei Condotti. Stop in at a local bar for a quick coffee or gelato. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you please – perhaps take the chance to visit the majestic Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. Rome’s grandiose Colosseum is its most iconic site, and this evening you’ll have the opportunity to avoid the daytime crowds and explore the Colosseum by night. Follow the footsteps of gladiators and Roman emperors as your leader shares the unbelievable history of this great arena.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Exe International Palace or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rome - Orientation Walk
  • Rome - Afterhours Visit to the Colosseum
Optional Activities
  • Vatican City - Vatican Museum - EUR21
  • Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb - EUR8
  • Rome - Venezia Palace - EUR12
  • Rome - Galleria Borghese - EUR15
  • Vatican City - St Peter's Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR10
  • Rome - Pantheon - EUR2
  • Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo - EUR14
  • Rome - Christian Catacombs - EUR8
  • Rome - Keats-Shelley Memorial House - EUR6
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
You can pre-book tickets to the Vatican Museum online to avoid the long queues. Visit museivaticani.va for more information.

Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the gorgeous city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race, and nearby is the stunning Siena Cathedral. Next you’ll visit Monteriggioni – a charming medieval walled town. Over a dozen towers are spread throughout the town, once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You will have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with cinematic views of a tree-studded landscape and a refreshing outdoor pool is a fine spot to unwind. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner at your hotel with your group – the food is made with local ingredients and pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.
Accommodation
  • Terre Rosse or Villa San Giorgio (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siena - Orientation Walk
  • Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
  • Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s journey is approximately 3.5 hours.

Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with your leader on hand to answer any questions inspired by your explorations. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.
Accommodation
  • Terre Rosse or Villa San Giorgio (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you will have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your next stop is Lucca, where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls.

Next up, depart to Florence where you’ll discover the city on an orientation walk with your leader. Marvel at the Duomo cathedral, visit St. John's Baptistery and hear stories of the Medici family who ruled over the city during the Renaissance. Cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge and stop by the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy. Established in 1221, this is believed to be the oldest operating pharmacy in the world. You’ll visit the Giardino delle Rose for a sweet-scented walk among 400 rose species before heading to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Laurus al Duomo or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Florence - Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy Visit
  • Florence - Orientation Walk
  • Florence - Piazzale Michelangelo & Giardino delle Rose
  • Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
  • Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
  • Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR18
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Florence to explore the city and its museums and galleries – ask your leader for some local tips on the best way to spend the day. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina, a large steak sliced on the bone and shared between multiple diners, and ribollita, a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables and beans. Panforte is the signature sweet treat.

Perhaps pay a visit to Galleria dell'Accademia, the home of Michelangelo's world-famous statue of David, or kick up your heels and watch the world go by with an excellent local coffee in hand. Florence boasts a delectable array of restaurants so be sure to ask your leader for recommendations.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Laurus al Duomo or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Florence - Museo dell'Opera di S.Maria del Fiore - EUR15
  • Florence - Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti, Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR12
  • Florence - Bargello Museum - EUR13
  • Florence - Palazzo Vecchio - EUR12
  • Florence - Uffizi Gallery - EUR24
  • Florence - Medici Chapels - EUR15
  • Florence - Baptistry - EUR10
  • Florence - Duomo & Campanile - EUR15
  • Florence - Accademia - EUR16
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
All the Florentine State Museums require tickets and the queues can be long. Booking your tickets online in advance (uffizi.org and accademia.org) is essential. Your leader can be of assistance booking these but be sure to organise it at the beginning of your trip.

In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. Upon arrival your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history. Lunch today is a tasting of cicchetti – Venice’s version of tapas. Enjoy a delicious array of small dishes such as black ink calamari, polenta with seafood and seasonal vegetables. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit, or simply meander around the tiny cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s dessert speciality, tiramisu.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Venice - Cicchetti Tasting
  • Venice - Orientation Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Our means of transportation between Florence and Venice is by 1st class high-speed train (approximately 2 hours).

The day is yours to explore more of marvellous Venice. You may like to catch a ferry to the island of Murano to tour its glass blowing factories, or to the nearby Burano to learn about its famous lace production. A meeting will take place at your hotel at 6pm this evening to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure. After the meeting tonight, join your leader and small group for dinner at a fabulous local restaurant. Venice is famous for fantastic seafood and fresh Veneto vegetables – perhaps try some fritto misto, a delicious mix of fried seafood, or risotto with asparagus.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Venice - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Urban Adventures - Cicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice - EUR99
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
  • Venice - Traghetto Boat Ride - EUR2
  • Venice - Guggenheim Museum - EUR16
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Farewell Venice in the morning and travel to the Postojna Caves, where you will take some time out for lunch before exploring. A network of 20 kilometres of passages, galleries and chambers, Postojna is the largest classic karst cave in Europe. Begin with a two-kilometre open-top train ride through narrow tunnels into the jungle of stalactites and stalagmites. In the vast chambers the electric lighting allows you to admire the size and splendour of the underground world, and the leader will explain the geology of these natural wonders. Continue to Ljubljana, a city full of style and sophistication. On arrival take a guided tour around the Old Town with your leader. Learn about the city’s history as you visit Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and the Dragon Bridge. You'll also pay a visit to the open market under arcades before continuing to the lake side town of Bled.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Lovec or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Postojna - Caves Visit
  • Ljubljana - Walking Tour
  • Ljubljana - Castle Visit & Funicular
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours. The constant temperature in the caves ranges from 8 to 10° C, so be sure to pack a jacket.

This morning you’ll drive through the misty Sava Bohinjka Valley to beautiful Lake Bohinj, the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia. Take a cable car to the top of Mt Vogel, where you will be greeted by simply astonishing views of evergreen woods sloping down the mountains to touch the brilliant blue waters. Take some time to enjoy this amazing area before returning to Bled, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then embark on some sightseeing. Take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) to the island on Lake Bled and climb up the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Enjoy a free evening. Be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake, which isn’t hard; nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims that theirs is the best.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Lovec or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip on Lake Bled
  • Lake Bohinj - Cable Car to Mt Vogel
  • Lake Bohinj - Day Trip
Optional Activities
  • Bled - Castle - EUR15
  • Triglav National Park - Vintgar Gorge - EUR10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1 hour.

Farewell Slovenia this morning and drive to Motovun, one of Croatia’s most interesting towns. Motovun sits on the top of a cone-shaped hill surrounded by the natural diversity of the bountiful Mirna River Valley, whose forests are famous for truffle hunting. The medieval charm of the town is still found in its well-preserved architecture. Today you will have the chance to sample the delectable local product during a truffle tasting combined with fritaja (Croatian omelette), a local speciality. Your sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable Istrian wines to try, such as the famous Malvazija. Continue on to the romantic Croatian town of Rovinj, one of the best-kept towns on the Adriatic Coast. Among Rovinj's qualities is the beautiful, architecturally intact old town centre, and its venetian-style St. Euphemia Church. Tonight’s Feature Stay accommodation is the spectacular Hotel Istra, set on a private island just a short boat ride from Rovinj. Away from the pressures of the mainland, here you’ll experience total tranquillity on your own slice of paradise. The hotel makes the most of its scenic setting, with stunning views at every turn. Combine that with fantastic facilities, gorgeous rooms and polished service and you’ve got an experience to remember.
Accommodation
  • Island Hotel Istra or similar (feature stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Motovun - Truffle & Wine Tasting
  • Rovinj - Orientation Walk
  • Motovun - Town Walls Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

Spend a leisurely morning enjoying your hotel, and perhaps enjoy a swim in the sparkling ocean surrounding your island hotel. In the afternoon, head to your next destinaiton. Arrive at your accommodation, tucked away in the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Lyra or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Today you will explore one of Croatia's most beautiful sites – Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is fairy-tale land of wooded hills, rare creatures, turquoise lakes and stunning waterfalls. Enjoy some time to discover the park’s wonderful trails. Your leader will recommend the best routes to take to suit your interests and will outline the rules of the park. After your memorable visit to the lakes, drive to the walled city of Zadar. For centuries Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia, and the city's rich heritage is visible at every step. Take an afternoon sightseeing tour of this splendid city with a local guide. Learn the ancient history of the Roman Forum built in the first-Century and St Donatus' Church. Visit the reconstructed Romanesque St Grisigono's Church, St Mary's bell tower, St Anastasia's Cathedral, and the People's Square. Lastly, you will visit the Three and Five Wells Squares. There is also an opportunity to visit the Gold and Silver Museum. In the late afternoon top off the day with a sunset drink overlooking the bay.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kolovare or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Entrance & Hike
  • Zadar - Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
  • Zadar - Sunset Drink
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1.5 hours.

The day is yours to continue to get to know Zadar. Speak to your leader for advice on how to tailor a perfect day in this city – there’s so much to do, the hard part is deciding what to choose. There are a number of excellent museums to visit including the Museum of Church Art, the Archaeological Museum and the National Museum. Don't forget to visit the famous ‘Greeting to the Sun’ and the ‘Sea Organ’, two of the more modern sights of Zadar. The latter is a man-made organ on Zadar's Riva that works with the motion of the waves and 35 pipes to create a musical soundscape. You could also visit the vibrant fish markets of this port town, take a dip in the clear coastal waters, or explore the cafe culture and do some people watching. If Plitvice whetted your appetite for waterfalls, take an optional tour to Krka National Park. Or, explore some of the 89 sun-soaked islands of Kornati National Park.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kolovare or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Zadar - Krka National Park Day Trip - EUR90
  • Zadar - Kornati National Park Day Trip - EUR70
  • Zadar – Gold and Silver of the city of Zadar Museum - EUR6
  • Zadar – Museum of ancient glass - EUR6
  • Zadar - Archaeological Museum - EUR5
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Split, making a stop in the quaint town of Sibenik. Walk amongst the stone houses, churches, narrow alleys and lanes, where past and present sit in harmony. Visit St Jacob's Cathedral, a 15th-century jewel that’s UNESCO protected, before taking some time for lunch. Continue on to your final destination of Split. This is Croatia's second largest city, located in the heart of the Dalmatian coast and set on the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea against a backdrop of coastal mountains. This evening you may like to head to one of Split’s excellent restaurants with your group for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Luxe or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sibenik - Orientation Walk
  • Sibenik - St. James Cathedral
Optional Activities
  • Split - Fish Market - Free
  • Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure - EUR50
  • Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
  • Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery - EUR12
  • Split - Archaeological Museum - EUR8
  • Split - Diocletian's Palace Cellars - EUR7
  • Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower - EUR10
  • Split - Ethnographic Museum - EUR3
  • Split - Gallery of Fine Arts - EUR5
  • Split - City Museum - EUR4
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Your adventure comes to and end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to extend your stay in Split, additional accommodation can be arranged ahead of time (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

High-Speed Train, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (12 nights), Feature Stay (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Rome - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Rome - Orientation Walk
  • Rome - Afterhours Visit to the Colosseum
  • Siena - Orientation Walk
  • Monteriggioni - Orientation Walk
  • Chianti Region - Gourmet Dinner
  • San Gimignano - Agriturismo Winery Tour & Tasting
  • Florence - Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy Visit
  • Florence - Orientation Walk
  • Florence - Piazzale Michelangelo & Giardino delle Rose
  • Pisa - Pisa Visit & Orientation walk
  • Lucca - City Walls & Orientation Walk
  • Venice - Cicchetti Tasting
  • Venice - Orientation Walk
  • Venice - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Postojna - Caves Visit
  • Ljubljana - Walking Tour
  • Ljubljana - Castle Visit & Funicular
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip on Lake Bled
  • Lake Bohinj - Cable Car to Mt Vogel
  • Lake Bohinj - Day Trip
  • Motovun - Truffle & Wine Tasting
  • Rovinj - Orientation Walk
  • Motovun - Town Walls Walk
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Entrance & Hike
  • Zadar - Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
  • Zadar - Sunset Drink
  • Sibenik - Orientation Walk
  • Sibenik - St. James Cathedral

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Rome to Split trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

Essential trip information

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