Croatia's Jewish Heritage

Upon landing at Dubrovnik Airport, you will be met by your dedicated private driver-guide, who will accompany you for the duration of your journey. A comfortable transfer will take you to your hotel where you will stay overnight. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace—whether you prefer to unwind or take a walk and get a feel for the surroundings.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Airport

Dubrovnik

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Hotel Kazbek

overnight

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your local guide for a walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Known for its well-preserved architecture and cultural landmarks, the city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A highlight of the visit is the city’s defensive walls, stretching nearly two kilometers and offering views across the rooftops and coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks such as the Stradun, Onofrio’s Fountain, and take a scenic cable car ride for a panoramic view of Dubrovnik and the nearby islands. A special focus of today’s tour is Dubrovnik’s Jewish heritage. The visit includes Žudioska Ulica (Jewish Street) and the Dubrovnik Synagogue, one of the oldest Sephardic synagogues still in use. Your guide will share stories of the Jewish community that settled here after fleeing the Inquisition, establishing a presence that endured through the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods. As you walk through the former Jewish Ghetto, you’ll learn how this small community contributed to the cultural fabric of the city. The rest of the day is free for you to explore or relax at your own pace.

Stradun

Dubrovnik Synagogue

Walls of Dubrovnik

Onofrio's Fountain

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Hotel Kazbek

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After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Mostar, located in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. The journey takes you through changing scenery as you travel inland toward this historic town. Your first visit will be to the Jewish cemetery, situated on the northern edge of Mostar. The site reflects the presence of a once-significant Jewish community. In the city center, the former synagogue building now serves as a puppet theatre, preserving its architectural features while serving a new cultural purpose. Continue on to Mostar’s Old Town, where the Neretva River divides the city into eastern and western sections. The well-known Old Bridge (Stari Most) connects the two sides. Originally built in the 16th century during Ottoman rule, the bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the war and later reconstructed. Today, it stands as a symbol of connection and renewal. Following the guided portion of the visit, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure. Take time to walk the cobbled streets, enjoy a riverside view, or visit local shops and cafes.

Mostar Bridge

Neretva River

Mostar Castle

Old Bazaar

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Hotel Mepas

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After breakfast at the hotel, depart Mostar for a two-hour drive to Split, a coastal city with a continuous urban presence spanning over 1,700 years. At the heart of the city lies Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture. The Cathedral of St. Domnius, originally the mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian, is now a significant religious site and a key landmark within the palace complex. Beyond the palace walls, you’ll find notable sites such as Prokurative Square, historic palaces, churches, and several museums. Today’s tour includes a look at Split’s Jewish heritage, which has roots dating back to the 7th century. Following the destruction of nearby Salona, Jewish families took refuge within Diocletian’s fortified city. Evidence of their early presence includes menorahs carved into stone blocks. During the late 15th and 16th centuries, the community expanded as Sephardic Jews arrived fleeing persecution. Key visits include the Jewish quarter, the synagogue, the cemetery, and the Morpurgo Bookstore, owned by a well-known Jewish family. Although the community remained small, it played a meaningful role in the city’s trade and development.

Split

Diocletian's Palace

Morpurgo Bookstore

Salona Ruins

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Amphora's Garden

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After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your local guide for a morning visit to the nearby town of Trogir. Located on a small island connected to the mainland by bridges, Trogir is known for its well-preserved medieval layout and architectural features. Often referred to as an open-air museum, the town is home to buildings and monuments that reflect centuries of cultural and artistic influence. Trogir has been continuously inhabited for over 3,600 years. Its favorable coastal location made it an attractive place to settle, dating back to ancient Greek times. Over the centuries, it drew many skilled builders, artisans, and scholars who contributed to its development. Their work can still be seen in the town’s stone streets, Romanesque and Renaissance buildings, and well-crafted details that reflect the craftsmanship of past generations. As you walk through the narrow lanes with your guide, you’ll hear about the town’s layered past and its importance in the region. After the guided visit, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. You may wish to return to Split, relax by the sea, or explore more of Trogir independently.

Trogir Port

Trogir

Trogir

Trogir Fort

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Amphora's Garden

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After breakfast at the hotel, depart in the morning for Krka National Park. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the natural features of the park, which extends over 109 square kilometers along the Krka River. Established in 1985, the park was created to protect the area’s unique ecosystems and geological features. It is known for its series of seven waterfalls, including the well-known Skradinski Buk, where clear water flows over natural limestone steps. The park is also noted for its plant life, including a high concentration of lavender. In the afternoon, continue on to the coastal city of Šibenik for a guided walking tour. Situated where the Krka River meets the Adriatic Sea, Šibenik is recognized as the oldest Croatian town founded by native Croats. The city was first recorded in 1066, during the reign of King Kresimir IV. A key highlight of your visit will be the Cathedral of St. Jacob, designed by Juraj Dalmatinac and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through the old town, you’ll also see churches, palaces, monasteries, and the remains of fortresses that reflect the city’s long and complex past.

Krka National Park

Sibenik

Sibenik Castle

Krka Waterfalls

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Heritage Hotel Life Palace

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After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Zadar via private transfer. Upon arrival, enjoy a private walking tour of the city with a local guide. Zadar is the second-largest city in the Dalmatian region and was once its capital. Today, it serves as the administrative and cultural center of Zadar County. The city has a long and layered past, shaped by various periods of governance and development. Your guided walk begins along Kalelarga, also known as the "Wide Street," which stretches from the People's Square to the Roman Forum. It is considered one of the oldest and most well-known streets in Zadar. One of the highlights of the tour is the Church of St. Donatus. Built in the 9th century and named after the bishop who initiated its construction, it remains one of the most distinctive landmarks in the city. The church stands on the site of the ancient Roman forum and is noted for its circular design and preserved stonework. It has also hosted performances during a long-running festival of medieval and Renaissance music. After the guided tour, the remainder of the day is yours to spend at your own pace.

Zadar

Church of St. Donatus

Zadar Waterfront

Zadar Sunset

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Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel

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After breakfast at the hotel, travel north to the Istrian peninsula to visit Rovinj. Upon arrival, join a local guide for a walking tour through the town’s historic center. Rovinj is set on a small peninsula and is known for its winding streets, colorful buildings, and sea views. The town’s layout reflects a blend of architectural styles shaped by centuries of different influences. At the top of the old town stands the Church of St. Euphemia, a landmark often used to navigate the area. The tour includes a walk along Grisija, also called the Street of Artists, where local painters and artisans display their work. This part of Rovinj has long been popular among artists who found inspiration in the area’s coastal setting and atmosphere. The guide will also provide insight into how Rovinj developed over time and how it reflects the cultural mix of the region. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Whether you prefer a quiet café, a walk by the sea, or visiting one of the small local galleries, Rovinj offers a relaxed pace and a pleasant setting to enjoy the afternoon.

Rovinj

Rovinj

Rovinj

Rovinj

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Boutique Natka Luxury Bed And Breakfast

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After breakfast, depart for Pula and meet your local guide for a walking tour of the city. Pula is located at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula and has been continuously inhabited for over three thousand years. The city is known for its Roman architecture, including the well-preserved Arena, one of the largest surviving Roman amphitheaters. Other notable landmarks include the Arch of the Sergii, the Temple of Augustus, and the Gate of Hercules. These sites offer insight into the layers of history that have shaped the city. The Jewish community in Pula has played an important role in its cultural life, particularly during the Austro-Hungarian period. Though smaller today, reminders of that presence remain, including the historic synagogue. In the afternoon, continue with your driver-guide to Brijuni National Park. This small group of islands lies just off the coast and is known for its natural landscape, diverse plant life, and historical remains. The area includes Roman ruins, old villas, and paths lined with Mediterranean vegetation. Though compact in size, the park has long been a place of retreat and interest, offering a peaceful setting and a look into the area’s layered past. The visit includes a guided overview of the park’s main points of interest. Return to your hotel in Rovinj for the night.

Brijuni Park

Pula Arena

Pula Architecture

Brijuni Park

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Boutique Natka Luxury Bed And Breakfast

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Start the day with a visit to Postojna Cave, one of Slovenia’s most well-known natural landmarks. This extensive karst cave system features an electric train that carries visitors through underground passages filled with limestone formations shaped over millennia. The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes and includes both the train ride and a walk along a well-maintained path. The cave maintains a steady temperature of 10°C year-round, so warm clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Along the way, you'll encounter unique features such as towering columns, delicate formations, and the olm, a rare cave-dwelling amphibian. Later in the day, continue to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The city is known for its relaxed pace, walkable streets, and architectural elements designed by Jože Plečnik. The Ljubljanica River runs through the city center, bordered by green spaces and open-air markets. Reminders of the former Jewish community can be found in street names like Zidovska ulica (Jewish Street) and Zidovska steza (Jewish Passage), once the heart of the medieval ghetto. While the historical community was never large, its presence dates back to at least the 12th century. Today, Ljubljana’s only active synagogue operates in the city center, established in 2021. After your tour, make your way to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Postojna Cave

Ljubljana

Ljubljana

Postojna Cave

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Grand Hotel Union Eurostars

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After breakfast, drive to Bohinj, located in the heart of the Julian Alps within Triglav National Park. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest permanent lake, covers over 300 hectares and is surrounded by alpine scenery. While there, take the Vogel cable car, which climbs to 1,535 meters above sea level. The ride offers wide views of the surrounding mountains and is a practical way to reach higher elevations without a strenuous hike. In the afternoon, continue to Bled for a guided tour of this well-known lakeside town. Lake Bled is home to the only natural island in Slovenia and has long been appreciated for its setting and peaceful surroundings. A traditional “pletna” boat ride provides access to the island, where a small church stands. Nearby, Bled Castle sits high above the lake, offering views across the water and into the surrounding countryside. Both Bohinj and Bled are popular with visitors interested in nature and alpine landscapes, and they offer a more relaxed pace compared to larger cities. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the area at your own rhythm, before you return to your hotel in Ljubljana.

Lake Bled

Lake Bled

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj

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Grand Hotel Union Eurostars

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After breakfast, continue to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. With a population of around one million, the city is a political, educational, and cultural hub. Zagreb developed from two medieval towns—Kaptol and Gradec—that now make up the historic Upper Town. Today, visitors find a mix of Baroque architecture, narrow stone streets, churches, a striking cathedral, and modern shops and cafés. A funicular ticket is included to connect the Upper and Lower towns. The Jewish community center on Palmotićeva Street includes a synagogue, offices, a Holocaust research center, kindergarten, gallery, event space, and the Ladislav Šik Library, the largest of its kind in the Balkans. After a bombing in 1991, the center was restored and reopened in 1992. Zagreb’s main synagogue, built in 1867 and demolished in 1941, once stood at Praska 7. A plaque marks the site, now used as a parking lot. Plans exist to build a new complex that includes a synagogue, museum, and community center. The Mirogoj Cemetery was established in 1876 and includes a Jewish section founded two years later. The statue of Moses by Antun Augustinčić now serves as a Holocaust memorial. Many prominent Jewish families are buried here.

Zagreb

Zagreb

Streets of Zagreb

Mirogoj Cemetery

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Met Boutique Hotel

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After breakfast, head north with your private driver-guide to the Zagorje region, about an hour and a half from Zagreb. The first stop is Varaždin, the seat of Varaždin County. Known for its well-preserved architecture and long-standing cultural traditions, Varaždin is often referred to as a city of students, arts, and festivals. The Old Town features buildings from the Baroque, Rococo, and Art Nouveau periods, along with one of Europe’s oldest town halls. Its cemetery and theater are notable examples of carefully planned public spaces and design. After some free time for lunch, continue to Trakošćan Castle, one of the most visited landmarks in Croatia. Built in the 13th century to monitor the road between Ptuj and the Bednja Valley, the castle has evolved through different architectural styles over the centuries. Its core remains Romanesque, with later additions including a courtyard and a high observation tower. The interiors and layout reflect the influence of various owners over time. Return to Zagreb in the late afternoon for some free time to yourself.

Varaždin

Trakošćan Castle

Trakošćan Castle Lake

Varaždin Old Town

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Met Boutique Hotel

overnight

Today, your private driver will take you to the airport ready for your final flight home. Safe travels!

Happy Travels!

Flight Home

Airport

Dubrovnik

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Met Boutique Hotel

overnight