Balkan Paradise: Croatia and Slovenia Uncovered

10 Days

This itinerary allows you to easily combine two European countries that – despite having a full arsenal of historical, cultural heritage and natural beauty – are still somehow amazing, unspoiled destinations. Though Croatia is increasingly becoming more popular, for the time being – compared to certain Western European countries, we’d still very much consider both Croatia and definitely Slovenia off-the-beaten-path vacation destinations. Come and discover their charming back roads, historic medieval cities and out-of-this-world national parks before the crowds arrive. Experience the natural wonders of Plitvice National Park, the Postojna caves and the picture-perfect Bay of Kotor along with the magnificent man-made structures of imposing Bled Castle, Ljubljana’s Baroque Town Hall and the city whose stunning medieval Old Town makes it live up to its nickname as the “Pearl of the Adriatic:” Dubrovnik.

Highlights

Enjoy a Day Trip to Beautiful Montenegro
Explore the Famed UNESCO-Listed Plitvice Lakes National Park
Explore the UNESCO-Listed Historic City of Trogir
Discover the Oldest Castle in Slovenia on Spectacular Lake Bled

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 4

3 Nights

Dubrovnik

With dramatic ramparts surrounded by pristine, azure waters – the entire historic core of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the city's top attractions reside within these historic walls. Originally settled by the Romans – Dubrovnik's Golden Age came about during the Middle Ages because of its extremely strategic location as a maritime port. The Venetians, Habsburgs and Ottomans all coveted Dubrovnik, the seat of the Republic of Ragusa as it was then known. Its medieval past has left an indelible mark on the city.

Included activities

Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik

Welcome to Dubrovnik, one of Europe's best preserved walled cities. Upon arrival an assistant will meet your group in the airport and escort them by private coach to the hotel. Please note that if your group arrives before the hotel's official check-in time, they can store the baggage at the reception, and set out to explore. Depending on the time of your group's arrival and the season, guests could check out the local scene at the Gunduliceva Poljana farmers market or stroll down the "Stradun," the pedestrian street that runs east to west through Dubrovnik's historic core. If the weather is nice, group members could also venture down to Banje Beach for a swim before tonight's welcome dinner in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 2: Dubrovnik

This morning, your group will meet the local guide in the lobby for a leisurely full-day tour of Dubrovnik, which is certain to enchant any visitor! On the guided walking tour through the Old Town, guests will see the city's very scenic harbor, the Onofrio's Fountains, and the 15th-century Ploce Gate. Next, guests will visit the vibrant Luza Square and the Church of St. Blaise, as well as the Sponza Palace and the Franciscan Monastery. They will go inside Dubrovnik's Baroque Cathedral (Church of the Assumption) and the Dominican Monastery and Museum. During the tour, there will be free time for lunch and shopping. The tour will finish in the afternoon, and the remainder of the day will be free for guests to explore Dubrovnik.

Day 3: Dubrovnik

After breakfast, guests will embark on a fantastic sightseeing excursion to the neighboring Republic of Montenegro. This is a nation that – like Croatia – boasts a rich heritage and immense natural beauty. This stretch of the Dalmatian Coast has a wonderful Mediterranean climate and is known for its interesting geology. The first stop is the picture-perfect Bay of Kotor, a dramatic submerged river canyon (that resembles a fjord). This scenic spot is part of a largest historic area that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, your group will proceed to the town of Cetinje, which was once the seat for the Montenegrin royals. Guests will go inside the Orthodox Monastery of Saint Peter. Also on today's itinerary, is a visit to the gorgeous islet of Sveti Stefan, a popular resort in Montenegro. (There will be a stop for lunch on own during the day, perhaps in Budva). After an exciting day of exploring Montenegro, guests will drive back north along the coast to Dubrovnik and have the evening to themselves.

Day 4 - 5

1 Night

Split

Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and a major port on the Adriatic Sea. Located on the Dalmatian Coast, Split is renown for its architecture. At the heart of the city lies a 4th-century UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman palace belonging to the Emperor Diocletian, which serves both as a historical monument and a lively city center. Other notable examples of architecture include the Cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the oldest cathedrals still in use, and the medieval era Klis Fortress, overlooking the city from its hilltop vantage. Located along the seafront near the city center, the Riva Promenade is ideal for leisurely strolls past trendy cafes and boutiques. The city is also a gateway to nearby islands such as Hvar, Brac, and Korcula.

Included activities

Day 4: Arrive in Split

After breakfast, guests will check out and board the bus to travel north to Split. The journey will take them along a spectacular coast, passing fishing villages, olive groves and seaside resorts en route. In case group members arrive at the hotel before the official check-in time, they will have the option to store their bags with the hotel's reception staff and grab a quick bite. Afterwards, they will meet a local guide for an afternoon tour of Split's historic city center. On this guided tour, your group will tour the impressive ruins of the emperor's palace complex, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. They will view the Temple of Jupiter, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the lovely medieval square of Brace Radic Trg and the Riva promenade. The tour will finish at a local restaurant, where the group will have an evening meal of Croatian seafood dishes and wines.

Day 5 - 6

1 Night

Sibenik

Located on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia, the historic town of Sibenik was founded in the 11th century. The city is surrounded by fortifications, including St. Michael’s Fortress and St. Nicholas Fortress, which highlight the need for defense. Inside the walls, Sibenik's old town features charming cobblestone streets and quaint squares. This city is also home to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James, which has beautifully detailed construction and carvings. The Krka and Kornati national parks are easily accessible from Sibenik, and there's also a beautiful waterfront promenade filled with cafes and restaurants.

Included activities

Day 5: Arrival in Sibenik

After breakfast in the hotel, your guests will travel a short distance to the town of Trogir, whose beauty will knock your socks off! Upon arrival, guests will enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. Trogir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its Greeks, Roman and Venetians history – and because the town still houses a fairytale blend of Romanesque-Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Guests will visit inside the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, and view several other attractions such as the Clock Tower, the Loggia, and Kamerlengo Castle, among others. After the walking tour, group members will have free time for lunch before re-boarding the bus and proceeding north to Sibenik, the oldest town on the Adriatic that was founded by Croats. Upon arrival, the group will check into the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. Group members can relax, swim, and shop. Those wanting to continue sightseeing in Sibenik should visit the Cathedral of St. James, a 15th century Gothic-Renaissance church that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6 - 7

1 Night

Opatija

Opatija, set on Croatia's Adriatic Coast, is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", thanks to its beautiful setting and manicured gardens. A popular resort town in the 19th century, visitors can still see its Habsburg-era villas set against the lush landscape. The scenic promenade Lungomare is one of its main highlights, as well as Villa Angiolina, which was built in the 18th century and currently houses the Croatian Museum of Tourism. Opatija is a year-round destination for visitors to Croatia's coastal region, thanks to its mild temperatures and pleasant climate.

Included activities

Day 6: Arrive in Opatija

This morning, your group will depart by private bus for Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plitvice is world-renowned for its 16 cascading, turquoise lakes that contrast beautifully with the surrounding verdancy. For nature lovers, this guided excursion will most likely be the highlight of the entire trip. In addition to its prized lakes, Plitvice is also home to many animal species, meadows, and natural springs. A group lunch will be arranged at a restaurant near the park. After this once-in-a-lifetime visit, your group will re-board this bus and continue traveling north to the Opatija Riviera. Upon arrival to the hotel in Opatija, group members will check into the hotel and have the evening at leisure to explore Opatija.

Day 7 - 9

2 Nights

Ljubljana

The capital city of Ljubljana is also the largest in Croatia. Located in the center of the country, this serves as the social, political and economic heart of the country. It's medieval architecture is renowned, with landmarks such as the Ljubljana Castle, set high above the city. The city also has numerous parks, such as the Tivoli Park and the Botanical Gardens. Ljubljana was recognized as the European Green Capital in 2016, thanks to its commitment and efforts towards sustainability.

Included activities

Day 7: Arrival in Ljubljana

This morning, group members will board the bus to travel north, and cross the border into Slovenia. The first stop will be in Divaca to visit the Skocjan Caves. Guests must prepare themselves to explore the greatness of the subterranean world! These are some of Europe's best caves. In fact Skocjan is home to the largest underground canyon in the world. They will see incredible stalactites and stalagmites, limestone pools, gorges and underground waterfalls. After the visit, the group will proceed to Ljubljana, the fairytale-like capital city of Slovenia which boasts a fantastic cultural scene. It's also a place where both Slavic and Latin influences can be seen. A group dinner is included tonight in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 8: Ljubljana

After breakfast in the hotel, your group will meet the local guide in the hotel to begin visiting fantastic Ljubljana on a walking tour. They will visit the most significant sights of the old city center, most of whose architecture is Baroque, Secessionist or Neoclassical. Guests will view the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Baroque Town Hall, and Medieval Mestni trg. There will also be time to view Robba's Fountain as well as the picturesque Central open-air market. Guests will end the tour at the Triple Bridge, the latter designed by famous architect Joze Plecnik. After the tour, the group will have the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 9: Ljubljana

This morning, guests will meet the local guide and prepare for a real treat. They will be visiting Lake Bled (an hour northwest of Ljubljana), a natural setting that really is the stuff of fairy tales. Surrounded by mountains, its scenic castle sits atop a cliff and looks down at the lake's turquoise waters, which house a small, island-bound church. After touring the 11th century castle, group members will have a couple hours to eat, relax or continue exploring this wondrous area. The group will return to Ljubljana in afternoon.

Day 10: Ljubljana

This morning, your group will check out of the hotel and travel by private coach to Ljubljana International Airport for the return flight back home.

Inclusions

Includes

Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
Accommodations: Dubrovnik (3 nights) - Split (1 night) - Sibenik (1 night) - Opatija (1 night) - Ljubljana (3 nights)
Meals: Daily breakfast, and lunch and dinner as specified
Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
English speaking assistants and guides
Admission tickets as specified in the itinerary

Not Included

Tips and personal expenses
Visa and tourism charges
Travel, health, and cancellation insurance