Best of Croatia & Slovenia

Upon your arrival in Zagreb, you’ll take a private transfer to your hotel in the capital city. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure – we suggest taking time to refresh and then doing as the locals do by heading to a cafe. The vibrant street life includes a thriving cafe culture, bringing the opportunity to mingle or just enjoy some great people-watching while unwinding after your long journey. You’ll often find events in the parks with live music, pop-up markets, and food stalls.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb

Follow our expert local guide to Zagreb’s highlights for a sightseeing tour. Witness landmarks like the Croatian National Theater, House of Parliament, and 13^th-century St. Mark’s Church with its colorful roof, while learning about the history behind them. Marvel at Zagreb Cathedral, the most monumental sacral Gothic-style building southeast of the Alps and the country’s tallest with two twin spires that rise above the skyline. You’ll also visit Dolac Market with its row upon row of fresh regional cheeses, with a delicious tasting included.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb

Head to your next destination after breakfast, crossing over the border into Slovenia and continuing to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital and largest city. You have some free time this afternoon to walk through the storybook Old Town with its baroque buildings, visit the farmer’s market, or marvel at the St. Nicholas Cathedral and medieval fortress that towers over the city.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Cubo, Ljubljana

Enjoy Slovenia’s finest Alpine scenery on today’s tour taking in two magical lakes – Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj. Begin at Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most famous tourist site, where you’ll enjoy a traditional ‘pletna’ boat ride across the placid lake to Bled Island. Enjoy fabulous vistas from the island and walk around the Church of the Assumption. You’ll also visit spectacular Bled Castle. Continue through the breathtaking forests of the Pokljuka plateau as you drive through the Triglav National Park to Bohinj Lake, an unspoiled gem nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Cubo, Ljubljana

Travel towards beautiful Rovinj today, with the highlight a visit to Postojna Cave, the largest show cave in Europe, featuring a diverse array of fauna like the endangered olm, a species of salamander, along with some remarkable formations. Take a train ride into the cave’s belly to marvel at it all and then visit Vivarium Proteus. This is the place where the offspring of the olm managed to be successfully hatched, giving hope for the species’ survival.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Adriatic, Rovinj

Today, discover the delights of the spectacular Istrian region of Croatia on this fascinating gastronomy adventure. You will visit two of the most idyllic and ancient hilltop communities in Croatia: first Grozjnan with its breath-taking panoramic views, and then Motovun, arguably Istria’s most beautiful hill town and a center for the local truffle industry. Enjoy time to savor the views and walk between numerous galleries and shops. During the tour you will be taken to two high-end wineries, enjoying tastings in each accompanied by delectable local snacks.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Adriatic, Rovinj

This morning, transfer to your hotel close to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Later, experience the world-famous Plitvice Lakes on this private guided walking tour. Your professional guide will take you to explore this huge national park with its 16 lakes and countless waterfalls on this spectacular UNESCO Site. You’ll be mesmerized by falls like Veliki Prstavac, Mali Prstavac, and the “Great Waterfall,” along with countless other smaller cascades, and the surreal hues of the lakes which range in color from aquamarine to brilliant emerald. At the end of the tour, you can hop on the train for a panoramic ride back to the north-side entrance.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Fenomen, Plitvice

It’s time to head to the coastal city of Split next, famous for its 4^th-century Roman emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to rest after a long journey, explore, or do a little of both. Stroll the seaside Riva promenade lined with restaurants, wine, and coffee bars, or climb Marjan Hill for a stunning view over the city, harbor, and beyond.

• Preferred Hotel Judita Palace, Split

Today’s tour lets you immerse yourself in the history, heritage and culture of Croatia, visiting the UNESCO island town of Trogir and Split. Your tour of the two cities begins in the charming town of Trogir, where you can stroll along the seaside promenade and admire the Venetian and Renaissance monuments and buildings whilst learning about their history. Head back to Split for a walking tour of the iconic Diocletian’s Palace and the medieval Old Town.

• Preferred Hotel Judita Palace, Split

Rise early to savor your last moments in Split before transferring to Hvar Island by catamaran. This long, sunny island is famous for its yacht-filled harbor, drawing VIPs, celebrities, and all sorts of international jet setters to enjoy the legendary beach bars, world-class eateries, and lively nightclubs. Upon your arrival, you might want to soak up the sun on a beautiful beach or explore the sights in the historic center, including Europe’s oldest public theater, before delving into the buzzing nightlife.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Adriana, Hvar

Today’s tour around Hvar Island explores some of its most charming villages and countryside, famous for its fields of lavender and vineyards. Visit Stari Grad, Croatia’s oldest town, settled in the 4th century BC, and its magnificent fortress. We’ll explore the small town of Vrbovska, known as “Little Venice,” connected by many stone bridges that cross its narrow, winding canal. On the return, you’ll see several other picturesque villages before the finale, an authentic Dalmatian meal at a konoba set in an olive grove.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Adriana, Hvar

Today is free to relax or explore the island at your own leisure.

Optional Tour – Pakleni Islands and Blue Cave
Embark on a speedboat tour to cruise around the Pakleni Islands this morning, spending the day winding through the labyrinth of green isles, stopping to swim or snorkel in secluded aquamarine bays. You will also get a chance to go inside the enchanting Blue Cave near Vis and visit Stiniva Cove, one of the most secluded beaches in the world. Finish the day with time for lunch on beautiful Palmizana island.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Adriana, Hvar

It’s time to say farewell to Hvar and take catamaran transfer to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” This afternoon, learn the secrets behind Dubrovnik’s incredible Old Town on a guided walk. Some of the highlights include the 1438 Onofrio’s Fountain which has carried drinking water into the city for nearly 600 years and the Franciscan Monastery which hosts one of Europe’s oldest still functioning pharmacies, along with the elegant 15th-century clock tower, stunning Rector’s Palace, the baroque Cathedral of the Assumption and the Church of St. Blaise, the city’s patron saint.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

Enjoy a full day to yourself in Dubrovnik. See more of the Old City by walking atop the stone walls which stretch for nearly 1.5 miles. You’ll get a panoramic view of the Adriatic on one side, and on the other, the centuries-old buildings. Or ride the cable car to the top of Mount Srd which overlooks it all. Another option is to join a kayak tour that paddles to nearby Lokrum Island with a lush nature reserve, with beaches, and wildlife.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

It’s time to bid farewell to Croatia with lots of fond memories of the beautiful cities, nature, and people you have met. Our private driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Dubrovnik Airport for your flight home.

Want to customize this itinerary?

Speak to our Croatia travel experts if you would like to extend your stay on any of the islands you will be visiting on this itinerary.