Best of Croatia and Slovenia
Best of Croatia and Slovenia
Tour Overview
Idyllic islands and the remnants of Venetian riches dot this epic Croatia and Slovenia tour from Zagreb to Slovenia’s ‘green’ capital, all the way along Croatia’s sparkling Adriatic coastline with a stop in Bled you’ll be talking about years to come as you meet your warm hosts Monika and Gregor on their organic farm.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Zagreb, Rovinj, Pula, Plitvice National Park, Trogir, Split and Dubrovnik
- Discover Bled, Ljubljana, and Opatija
- Visit the Postonja caves, the arena in Pula, and Diocletian's Palace in Split
- View the Park of Sv. Jakov in Opatija
- See The Triple Bridge and Castle of Ljubljana and the Old City of Dubrovnik
Make Travel Matter®
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Admire the irresistible beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO-listed protected area and home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 14 & 15: Life Below Water & Life on your Land.
Be My Guest
Bled: Visit Slibar farm, discovering how it has been in the family for six generations. You'll enjoy an exclusive dinner and a guided walk around the farm with Monika, Gregor, their children and the resident farm animals, learning how the focus has been to live off the farm and forest sustainably and how the family has recently ventured into producing organic beer, bread and pasta.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Zonar Zagreb
You’ll never forget the glow of endless sunsets, the shimmering waters that surround walled cities and islands and the rich history of Croatia and Slovenia influenced by the Greeks, Romans and Venetians. This epic Croatia and Slovenia tour kicks off in the political and cultural capital of Zagreb where you’ll discover the treasures of its past and the extraordinary story that led to two rival settlements, Kaptol and Gradec, forming this cathedral city. You’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers later this evening for a light dinner and orientation drive sharing some of the highlights you can expect tomorrow – from the city’s extraordinary Catholic heritage to heroes of a tumultuous past immortalized in the city’s imposing statues.
Day 2: Sightseeing In Zagreb
Location: Zagreb, Bled
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Zagreb’s medieval heart is the star of the show today – a charming center that is both vibrant and historic and you’ll imagine life centuries ago as your Local Specialist reveals some of the landmarks that have lined its cobblestone streets for hundreds of years. Explore the charming upper town which spills on to St. Mark’s Square with its original Romanesque buildings and colorful St. Mark’s Church, renowned for its ornate frescoes. The beauty of Bled isn’t far off and you’ll head through Slovenia’s celebrated green landscapes for this popular lakeside resort town, a highlight on many of our Croatia and Slovenia tours. You’ll learn about the legendary fairies that created the lake to protect their moonlit dancefloor – Bled Island. Learn about the historic characters, such as Holy Roman Emperor Henry II, who frequented the lake for its relaxing vistas and reputed medicinal benefits. Admire the surrounding Alpine landscape which is simply irresistible as you’ll come to discover over the next few days.
Day 3: Explore The Beauty Of Lakeside Bled Connect With Locals
Location: Bled
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The warm, clear turquoise water of Lake Bled is the backdrop for today’s sightseeing and you’ll have a full day to explore its enchanting landscape. There's plenty of time to explore the Lake Bled's picturesque surroundings as you stroll along its tranquil shores. The crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning Bled Castle perched atop a rocky cliff, while the traditional pletna boats glide gracefully towards the enchanting Bled Island. Lush greenery, quaint lakeside cafes, and the distant Julian Alps complete the idyllic scene, inviting you to savor every moment of this Slovenian paradise.This evening's exclusive Be My Guest experience is one you’ll be talking about for years to come: you’ll visit the Slibar farm, discovering how it has been run by the family for six generations. Enjoy homegrown Slovenian hospitality and all the local favorites served on sharing plates, including seasonal vegetables.
Day 4: Onwards To Ljubljana And Opatija
Location: Bled, Ljubljana, Opatija
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Paris Opatija
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Bled behind, we travel to one of Europe’s smallest capitals – the ‘Hero City’, Ljubljana. Discover its mythical dragon heritage, exploring all the highlights on foot and enjoying the benefits of walking in this car-free, charismatic university town. You’ll see the Old Town with its two medieval town squares linked by narrow lanes, the Prešeren Square (named after Slovenian’s greatest poet) and Castle which has watched over the city for over nine centuries. Connecting Ljubljana’s historical medieval town with the modern capital is the extraordinary Triple Bridge. Next we stop in Postonja for a visit of the caves. After a day of city sightseeing you’ll head to Croatia’s riviera and settle into a slower pace in the resort town of Opatija.
Day 5: Enjoy A Day In Pula And Rovinj
Location: Opatija, Pula, Rovinj, Opatija
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Paris Opatija
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day in the coastal city of Pula on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula where your visit to the 1st-century Pula Arena with a Local Specialist will reveal the city's role as a strategic location for the Romans, Ostrogoths, Venetians and finally, many years later, the Allied Forces in World War II. A true travel highlight, this ancient amphitheater, the sixth-largest and one of the best-preserved in the world, was built at the same time the Colosseum was constructed. Next, travel to the fishing port of Rovinj and wander through the Old Town, contemplating its Mediterranean influences and island walls. Returning to Opatija later, you’ll have time for a quiet walk along the town’s Lungomare; perhaps spending a few soul-stirring moments paying tribute to the statuesque nymph cradling a seagull in her outstretched hands.
Day 6: Off To Stunning Plitvice Make Travel Matter
Location: Opatija, Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Placich
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Few experiences will match today’s guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Plitviče, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll choose one of two walks revealing the cascading lake waters shifting from azure to green, grey to blue depending on how the sun hits the water. Admire sweeping views of the canyon during your short walk and, if you’re feeling a little more energetic, there’s always an opportunity to lace up for the long walk where you’ll join your Local Specialist and head into the canyon to Kozjek Lake. You’ll discover how these beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls have been shaped over thousands of years and remain pristine for generations to come thanks to visits like yours to the area.
Day 7: Admire Historic Trogir And On To Split Dive Into Culture
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Trogir, Split
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Atrium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist and go beyond the fortress walls of Trogir to explore its charming medieval heart connected to the mainland and island of Čiovo by bridges. Learn about its rich history which spans the Hellenistic period to a time when Venice was the ruler of the Adriatic as you admire the island’s ornate Renaissance and Baroque buildings. You’ll visit Diocletian’s Palace around which the city of Split was built and Dive Into Culture hearing about the legacy of the Roman Empire and how Emperor Diocletian settled on this stunning landscape for his retirement, building a palace fit for an emperor. Your Local Specialist will share the remnants of luxurious squares and temples that still stand many centuries later. There’s no visiting Split without enjoying a seafood dinner and you’ll have plenty of time over the next two days to discover the city by night along with its Dalmatian flavors.
Day 8: Split Your Way
Location: Split
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Atrium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover why Split has justifiably earned its nickname “the most beautiful city in the world” with a full day to explore its heart and beyond. People-watch in Pjaca Square where citizens of Split have met for centuries, then ascend the bell tower for magnificent views of the sprawling terracotta roofs and white marble façades that seem to tumble into the Adriatic. Having worked up an appetite, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the many cafés tucked away in hidden lanes – find one to enjoy a leisurely local lunch surrounded by Split’s rich history. You could choose instead a full-day Optional Experience to one of the Dalmatian Islands which will leave you with a deep appreciation for what it’s like to live in an area that is as beautiful as its history was tumultuous.
Day 9: On To The 'Pearl Of The Adriatic'
Location: Split, Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lero
Meals Included: Breakfast
The impressive walls of Dubrovnik beckon! It won’t take long for you to understand why famous poets, playwrights and painters adored this walled city, and you’ll be as inspired as they were by its backstreet charm as you wander up and down its cobbled staircases to go behind the scenes. Lovers of history will also delight in its rich history as the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice. Remnants of its wealth and stature remain today, confined within its centuries-old walls which staved off attacks from enemies, including the Ottoman Turks. All the highlights of Dubrovnik and some local favorites are revealed on your Sightseeing tour of the city this morning and you’ll join your Local Specialist who’ll share the stories behind the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Day 10: Free Time To Explore Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lero
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is free to get your final fix of Dubrovnik before your Croatia and Slovenia tour comes to an end. You could choose to explore Montenegro with a Local Specialist. On our last evening, we’ll come together for a memorable dinner toasting to the beauty of the Adriatic and new friendships forged.
Day 11: Farewell Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our time together comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Dining Summary
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
Dive Into Culture
- Split: See the ancient fortress built in Split as a retirement residence for Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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