Croatia Photo Tour: The Best of Croatia and Slovenia Extension

Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Dubrovnik, Croatia. All participant flights will need to be multi destination, flying into Dubrovnik, and return from Zagreb, Croatia. If joining the Kathy in Slovenia for iconic landscapes, you will be flying home from Ljubljana, Slovenia (LJU). (Meals on plane)

Arrive today to Dubrovnik Airport, transfer to the hotel via taxi. Today will be a day to rest from the flight, with a brief introduction to this beautiful city and enjoy a welcome dinner with your photo leader and your Croatian guide. The “Pearl on the Adriatic: as Lord Byron so famously described Dubrovnik, is a much celebrated town, a World Heritage Site, and is completely encircled by over a mile of beautifully preserved walls built between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. Historically, these walls provided protection against all intruders, from the Saracens to the Turks, coming by way of sea. Today, however, it can be strolled at leisure and makes for a delightful introduction to the town’s intricate, stone-paved inner structure.

Enjoy another day of photographing the traditional sites of Dubrovnik’s old city; with your local guide at your disposal, and your photo leader will choose which locations will best suit the interests of the group. Learn about its history of proud and fierce economic and political independence from Venice, marvel at the loving way the town was restored after the shelling in 1991, and take pleasure in discovering its architectural details, enchanting secrets, and narrow alleys. After a break mid-day take part in walking the walls late this afternoon, which surround the city to record its spectacular views. Overnight Dubrovnik (D; B, L or D)

Start the day early with a panoramic sunrise shoot over the city. After breakfast depart Dubrovnik via a scenic coastal which will bring you to Orebič town, which overlooks Korčula island. Your accommodations are surrounded by forest on one side, and views of the sea on another. This will be your base for the next two nights. This evening you will photograp the old monastery with scenic views over the Adriatic coast and islands.

The next day you will photograph some of the most scenic places on the peninsula, including traditional Croatian villages. The Pelješac Peninsula is one of the prime wine regions of Croatia. California’s Zinfandel originates from here. Enjoy some free time to explore, sunbathe, and swim before meeting in the afternoon to visit the nearby Korčula town. The famous explorer Marco Polo was supposedly born here. The town is a gem for photography, and the group will spend time here until blue hour. Overnight Orebic (B, L or D each day)

After breakfast and another chance to capture early light in the area, you will leave Pelješac behind and
drive north. Stop at Ston town to photograph the traditional salt flats and walk up the old city
walls for scenic views. Drive over the newly built Pelješac Bridge, which is an architectural gem and a nice subject for photography. Arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park in time for a late afternoon or sunset photoshoot.

The next day take a walking tour around several of the Lower and Upper Lakes of the National Park. This is one of the most scenic parts of Croatia. The entire day will be filled with photographing waterfalls, breathtaking scenery, and sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. Here you’ll have the opportunity to try different photography techniques using tripods and long exposures as well as work on composition. Enjoy free time exploring the lakes alone before meeting late afternoon to make the most of the play of golden light and reflections in the water. (Overnight two nights, Plitvice (B, L or D each day)

After an optional sunrise shoot at the lakes, followed by breakfast, continue your travel to the Istrian Coast. Make scenic photo stops on the way and arrive in beautiful Istria in time for a sunset shoot. The region is appropriately named, “The Second Tuscany.” In the evening you will have the opportunity to sample some nice local food, pasta, truffles, and local olive oil.

There will be time for photography in Rovinj, along the coast, it is a wonderful old town, with narrow cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere. You will begin early in the morning for the right light looking over the harbor. Drive out to visit some of the many charming hilltop towns making the most of vantage points to capture stunning panoramas. Return to Rovinj for additional street photography. (B, L or D each day)

After some early morning photography those NOT going on to Slovenia will depart on their drive to the City of Zagreb. You’ll have time late in the day and evening to capture and explore some street scenes and city architecture. Those ON the extension will depart for Slovenia. See extension itinerary below. (B, L or D)

You will transfer to the airport today for your flight home or continue on the Slovenia extension with Kathy. (B)