CROATIA / MONTENEGRO
18 April – 2 May, 2026
Estimated Cost $ 4,000 - $4,400 per person, based on double occupancy
Cost includes airport transfers, roundtrip airfare, transport,
Accommodations with private facilities, based on double occupancy
Some breakfasts, guided walking tours, and most admissions
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Saturday, 18 April
Depart Elite Coach, 1685 West Main Street, Ephrata at 9::00 AM… charter bus takes us to JFK Airport (JFK)… KLM (national airline of the Netherlands) flight #642 departs JFK at 5:30 PM… multi meals
Sunday, 19 April
KLM flight #642 arrives Amsterdam (AMS) at 6:50 AM…KLM flight #1971 departs AMS at 9:55 AM and arrives at Split Airport at 12:05 PM…short charter bus from airport to the 4 star Hotel Santa Lucia (www.hotelsantalucia-central.com), our centrally located hotel for the next 3 nights
Monday, 20 April
Our day will start with a 2-3 guided walking tour of this seaside city with cafes and ancient alleyways…day of leisure to explore bustling Split, one of the Med’s most compelling cities… it has a unique historical heritage, having grown out of the palace built here by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 295 AD… the palace remains central to the city, with a warren of houses and shops…overnight in Split
Tuesday, 21 April
we will have a 1 hour boat trip to Hvar and back … Hvar, a small island coastal town, has a beautiful Old Town that melts into its harbor… Hvar Island is the sunniest and greenest in Dalmatia…charter small boat for time at beautiful Mleni Beach…overnight in Split
Wednesday, 22 April and Thursday, 23 April
1 hour drive to Makarska, our home for the next 2 nights at the 4 star Park Hotel (www.parkhotel.hr)...Makarska is known for its mix of coastal beauty, outdoor activities, and a lively atmosphere…It offers stunning beaches, a charming old town, and the nearby Biokovo mountain range for hiking and scenic views. .there is a 70 minute path to a beautiful village of Kotisina…The Biokovo mountain range offers hiking opportunities, including a challenging climb to Sveti Juri, Croatia's second-highest peak…Makarska has a vibrant nightlife and a historic center with interesting architecture and a palm-fringed promenade. Makarska boasts a range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, many with waterfront views. If you enjoy beaches, hiking, exploring charming towns, and a vibrant social scene, Makarska is likely a place you'll enjoy.
Friday, 24 April and Saturday, 25 April
2.5 hour charter bus drive to Dubrovnik…we will stay the next 2 nights in the 5 star Hotel More (www.hotel-more.hr)...our hotel is on the coast, with a beautiful view of sunsets…our hotel is a 10 minute public bus ride to the old town…Dubrovnik’s nickname is the Pearl of the Adriatic… within its thick medieval walls and ramparts is a traffic-free Old Town with a fun jumble of quiet, cobbled backlanes, narrow alleys and friendly squares. Dubrovnik flourished in the 15th & 16th centuries… things to see include the Stradun pedestrian thoroughfare, mile long walk on the walls, museums, cathedral, and churches… enjoy quiet mornings and evenings after cruise ship crowds have departed… visit local beaches…we will have a 2-3 hour guided walking tour and then time for independent exploration…you can walk the walls at your time and pace...
Sunday, 26 April
3.5 hour drive to the ruined walled city of Stari Bar in the country of Montenegro...Despite its small size, Montenegro’s beauty is boundless...with many walled towns, and its sights of cerulean seas beneath lavender-hued mountains. We will stop along the stunning Adriatic coast in towns such as PetrovacnaMoru, and Sveti Stefan on the way to Stari Bar. Stari Bar is a lost in time, partially ruined ancient settlement that is one of the most enchanting places on the entire Adriatic coast. We will stay 2 nights at the 5 star Stara Carsija. https://www.staracarsija.me/homepage
Monday, 27 April
Our day will start with a 2 hour guided walking tour of this ruined walled town. Controlled by the Ottoman Empire for much of its history, we will see a Mosque as well as an 11th Century citadel and an aqueduct. Afternoon may include a 25 minute drive to the Haj-Nehaj Fortress, a medieval fortress built by the Venetians in the 15th Century high on a bluff to defend themselves from the Ottoman Turks. The hike to get here is 30 minutes that climbs through blissful oak and pine forest, finally overlooking the peaceful Adriatic. Another possibility in the afternoon is a 40 minute drive to Ulcinj, a magical, hilly, coastal walled town that is largely residential. Ulcinj is the only coastal walled town with an Albanian and Muslim majority. The minarets of multiple Mosques highlight the skyline here, a legacy of 300 years of Ottoman rule. Return to Stari Bar…overnight in Stari Bar
Tuesday, 28 April
40 minute drive to Lake Skadar National Park, a wetland paradise with tranquil waters, encircling mountains and floating meadows of water lilies. We will have a choice of exploring Lake Skadar either by boat or kayak, the 2 best ways to explore this treasure known for its 280 species of birds, especially flamingos, as well as monasteries and ruined fortresses. Lunch along the lake in one of its many fish.
2 hour drive to Kotor, a stunning medieval city located right at the base of the Bay of Kotor…Kotor has an authentic Old Town with a maze of cobbled streets, narrow lanes, stone churches and orange-roofed houses encased in a fortification wall and set against a backdrop of towering mountains…it has white stone walls, laneways and staircases that create a maze of passages and hidden courtyards…there is a fortress offering incredible views and several historic churches within the Old Town that date back to the 12-14th centuries… Kotor is packed with amazing restaurants that you will be more than happy to indulge in after a long day in the Montenegrin sun.. Seafood is a specialty for obvious reasons, but Italian and Turkish cuisine are also very popular…we will visit towns like Perast and Risan enroute to Kotor…. Charming Perast has quaint streets and we can wander the waterfront promenade, visit the Baroque Palaces and crumbling churches, eat at a local restaurant, go swimming, and take a boat out to Our Lady of the Rocks…stay 2 nights at the 4 star Hotel Vardar (www.hotelvardar.com) in central Kotor
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Wednesday, 29 April
40 minute drive to Lovcen National Park, offering arguably the best views in all of Montenegro, overlooking the Bay of Kotor. The country gets its name from Mount Lovcen, also called the Black Mountain, or Montenegro. Lovcen National Park offers hiking trails and lookouts with amazing mountain and sea views, along with the highest mausoleum in the world. We will venture to the top of Mount Lovcen to see the Njegos Mausoleum and the surrounding views via cable car. Rest of day in Kotor to explore this beautiful old town. Overnight in Kotor.
Thursday, 30 April
Leisurely drive along the beautiful coastal towns of the Lustica Peninsula, about 30 minutes from Kotor, overlooking the pristine Bay of Kotor. This western coast of Montenegro stretches into the Adriatic Sea, with dramatic green hills rising behind breath-taking beaches with crystal blue waters. Here we will explore secluded coves such as Blue Grotto, quiet fishing villages such as Rose and Bjelila, and historic forts. Possible boat tours to nearby caves. Overnight in Kotor.
Friday, 1 May
20 minute drive to Perast. Charming Perast, often dubbed Little Venice, has quaint streets, numerous palazzi and beautiful Venetian architecture. We will enjoy wandering the waterfront promenade, visiting the Baroque Palaces and crumbling churches, eat lunch at a local restaurant, and take a boat out to Our Lady of the Rocks, a palace on a man made island…45 minute drive to Herceg Novi, one of the prettiest towns on the Bay of Kotor. We will explore its fortresses and stroll to the picturesque Savina Monastery. Possible tour at the Savina Winery. We will stay 1 night at the 4 starGarni Hotel Kruso. https://hotelkruso.me/en
Saturday, 2 May
Leisurely morning in Herceg novi. Depart Herceg Novi around 10am. 40 minute drive to Dubrovnik Airport…KLM Flight #1978 departs DBV at 1:20 PM and arrives at AMS at 3:50 PM…KLM Flight #643 departs AMS at 5:05 PM and arrives at JFK at 7:05 PM…arrive in Ephrata too late to attend school the next morning…I will give you a teacher’s excuse
This itinerary is subject to change
Source: Prior travels and the unbalanced minds of Dennis Hartranft and his daughter, Kiersten Handy, of whom I am so proud! And oh yes, also The Rough Guide to Croatia
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Meet and greet Wilai at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and free at leisure. We will stay 2 nights at the 4-star Riva Arun.
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Only two hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, cooled by the altitude, forest, and Rivers, is a welcome respite from the heat and congestion of the nearby capital City.
Kanchanaburi City, located at the point where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers meet and form the Mae Klong River, is a popular resort town. Picturesque and worthy of a visit in its own right, it is frequently visited as base of operations for exploring the many cultural, natural, and Historical attractions in the surrounding countryside. We will visit the World War II Museum the infamous bridge over the River Kwai…Located at the confluence of the Kwae Noi and Kwae Yai rivers, Kanchanaburi lies at the source of the Mae Klong River, and these majestic bodies of water are defining characteristics of the town.
The town itself is a place to relax, watching the water from the banks of the River, inside a raft house, or from a riverside Restaurant…We will stay 2 nights at the 3 star Royal Riverkwai Resort & Spa (www.royalriverkwairesort.com).
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When it comes to Historical buildings, Ayutthaya is well known for temples and palaces. But in addition to that, a variety of Food is also another magnet. You can find fresh River prawns, fish, noodles, and even the never-miss dessert like cotton candy wrap. So, remember to plan your eating Trip whenever you visit Ayutthaya.
Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s Historical and majestic highlights. The capital of Thailand, then known as the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Phra nakhon Si Ayutthaya was a glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia and a regional power for 417 years.
Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai History in Phra nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is only 86 kilometres north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent temples and ruins concentrated in and around the City, which is located upon an “Island” surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi Rivers.
Although there are numerous attractions, the Phra nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park in the heart of Ayutthaya City is a UNESCO’s World Heritage site and a wonder to behold.
The ruins that now remain, many of which have been painstakingly restored, have been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer and early Sukhothai styles. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence.
We will stay in the 4 star Baan Thai House (www.baanthaihouse.com) for 2 nights
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1.5 hour drive from Ayutthaya to Bangkok airport (BKK) for Bangkok Airways flight #941 departing at 9:25 AM and arriving in Luang Prabang (LPQ) at 11:35 AM… Stay in 3 star Parasol Blanc Hotel (www.parasol-blanc.com)... The ancient royal capital of Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia, there are plenty of things to do in Luang Prabang. Explore this laidback historic town at your own pace by watching saffron-robed monks go about their daily duties, taking a temple tour of the city's many sloped-roofed wats, then cruising down the Mekong on a lazy sunset river cruise.
Things to do in Luang Prabang
4. Witness the alms giving ceremony
8. Watch the sunset on a river cruise
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Bangkok Airways flight #219 departs LPQ at 12:15 PM and arrives at BKK at 2:31 PM… Bangkok Airways flight #219 departs BKK at 5:35 PM and arrives in Chiang Mai at 6:55 PM, stay 3 nights at the 4 star Tamarind Village (www.tamarindvillage.com)…Tamarind Village recreates the quiet spaces of a temple on the grounds of an old tamarind orchard…its bamboo-shrouded walkway and garden courtyards create a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city…time to rest and recover…
Days are interchangeable…Chiang Mai has mist-filled mountains and temples…it is an endearing mix of old and new…it has a moated, partially walled old quarter…outside the city is a stunning rural landscape of rural farms, forested mountains, and elephant preserves….activities will include:
* Temple tours of Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
*Cooking classes and Street Food Tours
*The human shopping parade at Saturday Walking Street and Sunday Walking Street
*Chiang Mai Night Safari
*Old City Walking Tour
* Elephant Nature Park
*Patara Elephant Farm
*Bike Tours (optional)
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Say goodbye to Wilai and fly to Krabi for a 3 night stay… Bangkok Airways flight #246 departs Chiang Mai at 2:45 PM and arrives in Krabi (KBV) at 4:40 PM … stay at the 3 star Ban Sainai Resort (www.bansainairesort.com)... we will tour the area and relax and recover to prepare for our long journey home…Krabi is famous for its scenic view and breathtaking Beaches and Islands. Its coral reef vistas are also one of the world’s most beautiful, which makes the City a great spot for coral diving…With attractions including hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs that draw rock climbing enthusiasts from around the world, and national parks that include the Island paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, one could easily spend weeks in Krabi and leave yearning for more. If that wasn’t enough, Krabi features some of the most photogenic sunsets in Thailand, often accompanied by spectacular displays of cloud to cloud lightning, that are best enjoyed from a Beachside bar or Restaurant.
“Town” to most visitors is Ao Nang, a seaside town that spreads north into Noppharat Thara, whose quiet, shady Beach is part of the national park that includes the Phi Phi Islands. Ao Nang is the major launching point for Boat Trips to nearby Islands and the isolated Beaches of Phra Nang Cape, where the famous former hippie enclave of Railey Beach is located.
Krabi also provides you with great Shopping venues such as Maharaj Walking Street (Friday-Sunday market from 5.00 – 10.00 pm) and Chao Fah Pier night market (daily market from 5.00 pm – 12.30 am).
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Bangkok Airways flight #262 departs KBV at 10:05 AM and arrives BKK at 11:35 AM… drive to Bangkok… stay 1 night at the 4 star Riva Arun (www.rivaarunbangkok.com), our hotel for the first 2 nights of the trip… time to explore Bangkok and rest for the long journey home.
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Leisurely day in Bangkok…SQ flight #713 departs BKK at 8:00 PM and arrives in SIN at 11:30 PM… SQ flight #22 departs SIN at 12:40 AM on 22 January and arrives in Newark (EWR) (Not JFK) at 5:35 AM…multi meals and jet lag to ruin your week.
This itinerary is subject to change.
Sources: Lonely Planet
and Rough Guide and Thailand Tourism Authority