Destinations to Combine with Croatia

From renowned ancient cities to magnificent hilltop towns, some of the world’s most beautiful places are in Italy and the country lies just across the Adriatic from Croatia. There are many ways to travel between the two, by ferry, plane, car, or train making it one of the easiest destinations to combine Croatia with. You might visit romantic Venice with its pretty canals and serenading gondoliers. Discover iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge, watch artisans craft their works using Renaissance techniques, and simply wander the meandering alleyways with something to find around nearly every corner.

Those with any interest in art shouldn’t miss Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, with extraordinary works nearly everywhere you look. Its cobbled streets are lined with centuries-old fresco-filled churches, opulent palaces, and incredible art museums displaying pieces by the masters like Botticelli, da Vinci, and Michelangelo, including the famous sculpture of David. Out in the Tuscan countryside, the hilltop town of San Gimignano boasts remarkable medieval architecture with a skyline that includes 14 historic towers as high as 160 feet where one can take in a spectacular view of the town and the lush surrounding valley.

Slovenia offers an outstanding blend of scenery, outdoor activities, and historical landmarks with a mix of Alpine, Central European, and Mediterranean influences that provide a unique cultural experience. Most start their explorations in the capital of Ljubljana which is just a two-drive from the Croatian capital of Zagreb. Running through is a winding river dividing the newer commercial center from the Old Town with its charming cobbled streets. There is a wealth of museums to explore, picturesque green spaces, and a storybook-like castle that sits atop Castle Hill overlooking it all.

After exploring Ljubljana, head to nearby Lake Bled. It’s one of the country’s most famous lakes, with an islet in the middle topped by Our Lady of the Lake Church while boasting a backdrop of the Julian Alps. Rent a small boat to row out to visit the church and ring its “wishing bell.” Just north-west is Vintgar Gorge, carved by the turquoise Radovna River with a nature walk showcasing its beauty, including waterfalls and serene pools. Venturing into the Alps, discover less-visited Lake Bohinj and the emerald-green waters of the River Soca. Predjama Castle and the Skocjan Caves are just two of the many other Slovenia attractions to visit.

A day trip from Croatia to Bosnia & Herzegovina is easy, with Mostar less than a 90-minute drive from Gradac, but you might want to spend at least a few days here if you can. Mostar is one of the most important destinations in the region, named for the protectors of Stari Most, or the Old Bridge, which crosses the Neretva River. Built in the 16th century by the Ottomans, it was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993 but it’s been restored to its original glory and is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Locals like to jump from the bridge into the cool water below, drawing plenty of onlookers. As you explore the city, scars from the war can still be seen throughout, with bullet holes visible in many buildings.

Near Mostar is the Kravica nature park, home to the over 82-foot-high Kravice waterfall, one of the largest in the country providing a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. Less than 12 miles away is Medjugorje where some have reported seeing an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Venturing to the capital city of Sarajevo, you’ll find many historical sites while the Sarajevo Tunnel hosts a museum focused on the war.