Highlights |
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights NYC-Belgrade, Zagreb-NYC
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Intra-flight
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 10 nights accommodations
- All transfers
- 16 meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in all major cities
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Kalemegdan Fortress, Belgrade
- Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik
- Diocletian's Palace, Split/li>
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Postojna Caves, Postojna
- Bled Castle, Bled
- Cathedral of Zagreb, Zagreb
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Itinerary |
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DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart USA
Depart USA for Serbia. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment
Day 2 , Thursday - Arrive in Belgrade
Welcome to Belgrade. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink and orientation
Overnight: Belgrade
Day 3 , Friday - Belgrade City Tour
This morning enjoy a tour of the city. View the city's main attractions, including the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, the Republic Square and Mihajlova Street, Saint Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox Church in the city and Tito's Memorial. This evening enjoy dinner and music in a traditional restaurant in the old bohemian Skadarlija quarter
Overnight: Belgrade
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Saturday - Visit Montenegro
Transfer to Belgrade airport to board morning flight to Podgorica, capital of Montenegro. Upon arrival continue with full day excursion to Montenegro. Stop in Cetinje, the historical capital of Montenegro located at the foot of Mount Lovcen. From here, drive north on one of the most spectacular routes, along the Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. Continue via the town of Risan and Kotor to Dubrovnik
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Sunday - Dubrovnik City Tour
This morning, tour "Old Dubrovnik" on foot. View the Franciscan Monastery, the Bell Tower Clock, and Rector's Palace. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 , Monday - Split City Tour
Depart Dubrovnik and travel along the beautiful coast of the Adriatic Sea to Split. Enjoy a city tour of Split which includes the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace. See remnants of Roman heritage and Renaissance and Gothic structures of this contemporary city
Overnight: Split
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7, Tuesday - Plitvice Lakes
Today, drive north along the coast to Trogir, home to artists and scholars from around the world. Journey inland towards the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder which includes 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation
Overnight: Plitvice Lakes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8, Wednesday - Visit to Postojna Caves
Return to the coast and the beautiful Bay of Kvarner and its popular seaside resort, Opatija. Head north to Postojna, site of one of the largest caves in Europe. Tour the subterranean world via train. Afterwards, continue towards the Julian Alps to Bled
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9, Thursday - Bled City Tour
Morning sightseeing includes a visit to Bled Castle, located on a cliff high above the lake. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Bled
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10, Friday - Walking Tour of Ljubljana
Travel to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, for a visit to the open-air market, City Hall, Robba's Fountain, and the Three Bridges. Continue to Zagreb, capital of Croatia
Overnight: Zagreb
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11, Saturday - Zagreb City Tour
This morning enjoy a Zagreb city tour of the historic Upper Town. See St. Mark's Church, St. Catherine's Church, the Cathedral, the Parliament and the Government Palace. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Zagreb
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12, Sunday - Depart for USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Featured Hotels Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| Slovenia - Passport required. For US citizens, a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.
| Croatia - Passport required. For US citizens, a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.
| Serbia - Passport required. For US citizens, a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you’ll need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Slovenia - Spring and Autumn: 40–65ºF; Summer: 55–75ºF; Winter: 20–35ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Slovenia Average Temperatures:http://www.gate1travel.com/central-europe-travel/weather/Slovenia-weather.htm
| Croatia - Spring and Autumn: 40–65ºF; Summer: 65–85ºF; Winter: 30–45ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Croatia Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#croatia-weather
| Serbia - Spring and Autumn: 45-65ºF; Summer: 60-80ºF; Winter: 30-40ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | If your program includes airport arrival transfers, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. You will be met by our local representative after you pass through customs. Look for someone holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. If you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Slovenia - Local specialties include bobbin lace, crystal, glassware, and wine. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. A value-added tax is now added to the purchase price of most goods.
| Croatia - For the best prices, seek out local markets offering a wide assortment of traditional handicrafts such as embroidery, ceramics, and woodcarvings. In stores, lavender sachets, fine Adriatic red coral, and crystal ware are popular items. Shops are generally open all day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with shorter hours on Saturdays.
| Serbia - In cities, small shops dominate shopping scene. Popular items include embroidery, lace, leather and metalwork. Clothing from top name designers can often be found at substantially lower prices than in Western stores. Shops are usually open weekdays from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, with shorter hours on Saturdays.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Slovenia - The Euro is the currency of Slovenia.
| Croatia - The Croatian Kuna is the currency of Croatia.
| Serbia - The Serbian Dinar is the currency of Serbia.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European, Russian, and Ukrainian River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Slovenia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| Croatia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| Serbia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Slovenia
| Croatia
| Serbia
- Ambulance: 94
- Fire: 93
- Police: 92
| | Languages | Slovenia - Slovene is the local language. Croatian, Serbian, German, English, and Italian are also spoken by some.
| Croatia - Croatian is the local language. Italian and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas.
| Serbia - Serbian is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Slovenia - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| Croatia - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| Serbia - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Slovenia - Dress should be casual, but conservative, except at formal dinners and upscale hotels or restaurants. At restaurants, bread will often be brought and charged even if not requested. This is customary and should not be disputed. Slovenes are known for their friendliness and hospitality to foreigners and even new acquaintances may offer a drink.
| Croatia - Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting and saying goodbye. Casual dress is appropriate and normal courtesies should be observed. Smoking is prohibited on public transportation and in theaters and public offices.
| Serbia - Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Hospitality is highly important in Serbia, and if you are offered food or a drink, it is polite to accept. Normal courtesies should be observed. Please be aware that most restaurants do not have non-smoking sections.
| | Holidays - Slovenia |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year |
| Feb 8 |
Preseren Day (Slovenian Cultural Holiday) |
Mar 24 |
Easter Monday |
Apr 27 |
Resistance Day |
May 1 - 2 |
Labor Day Holiday |
May 11 |
Pentecost |
Jun 25 |
National Day |
Aug 15 |
Assumption |
Oct 31 |
Reformation Day |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
Independence and Unity Day |
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| Holidays - Croatia |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year |
| Jan 6 |
Feast of the Epiphany |
Apr 13 |
Easter Monday |
Apr 27 |
Resistance Day |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 22 |
Corpus Christi |
Jun 22 |
Resistance Day |
Aug 5 |
Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day |
Aug 15 |
Feast of the Assumption |
Oct 8 |
Independence Day |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
St. Stephen's Day |
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| Holidays - Serbia |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Jan 7 |
Christmas (Orthodox) |
Jan 13 |
Orthodox New Year's Day |
Feb 15 |
National Day |
Apr 28 |
Easter Monday (Orthodox) |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
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| Food | Serbia - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water.
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