WalterGauss

My wife and I are not the type to tag along with groups on organized trips. We like
to see things at our own pace and have always done a good job of planning and
getting around on our own. Friends of ours talked us into a guided tour of Croatia,
Slovenia and Venice this past April and we were both blown away by how much we
enjoyed this trip.
Starting with low expectations always helps but honestly this
trip was so much fun we are already planning another one with this same group.
The trip was for 13 days, starting and ending in Venice. If you love seeing and doing as much as you can on a trip this trip is for you. It covered over 2,000 miles which sounds
like a lot, but over a 2 week period was at a good pace. It hit all of the high spots
along the Dalmatian coast Pula, Ravinj, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. It also included the capitals of Croatia, Zagreb and Slovenia, Ljubijana which had delightful old town sections. Of course Venice was a gem in and of its self.
On any guided tour you are only given a certain amount of time at each
location which in my opinion is never enough. However the trip included a 2 to 3 hour tour by a local guide in each city visited. On these tours you are given a Bluetooth type earpiece so that you can easily hear the guides even with a larger group.
Another thing I liked about this trip was the option of adding additional tours. For example, while in Opatija, Croatia you have the option of seeing this city for an additional day or exploring the Istria peninsula. While in Dubrovnik you also have the option of a day trip to Montenegro to visit a couple of its cities. If you can, definitely go in either the spring or fall as everyone we spoke to said that Croatia can get very hot and crowded during the summer months. If you would like more information you can
visit this tour operator's web site at Gate 1. My wife and I will continue to travel on our own but will also be taking guided tours which we found can have its own advantages.

Carolbass8221

Do you mind telling me what tour company you used? My husband and I are looking at a trip like this. Thank you.

catcrazyaf

Gate 1 per post above.

bettyk

That's good to know, Walter. We just went on a Gate 1 Danube River Cruise with a pre-cruise extension in Prague and a post-cruise extension in Budapest. We had a great time. As you noted, we had a local guide at every stop and the option to take additional tours if desired. We felt it was a very good value compared to other river cruise lines.

We are also thinking about another cruise or tour with Gate 1 so I appreciate your input.

RobynFrance

We are def considering the Gate 1 11 day trip with the extension options in Venice. Can anyone recommend the best month to go--Is May warm enough to enjoy the locales or is June better? Would love any recommendations and other feedback on Gate 1 Croatia tours.

rialtogrl

Robyn, I'd go in May. There is the chance of cooler weather and rain but it will be less crowded.

RobynFrance

Masny thanks for that--we're lookin g around for some good small group tours or small sailings--we do not want to drive and plan our own transportaion--have done that so many times and it can become stressful--would love any suggestions in addition to Gate 1 if some folks can offer.

gailellen

I am taking a similar tour next week with CIE and their contractor Kompas Tours. I know it will be hot but, ufortunately, I am a teacher and can't get away in the Spring or Fall. I will post comments upon my return. Gailellen

RobynFrance

Gailellen--I'll look forward to your report on CIE.

maryellen12

Has anyone taken the Gate 1 tour of Crotia and Venice that goes on the ship MS Princess Aloha?