Highlights of Croatia and Slovenia

Upon your arrival to Ljubljana, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel in the charming city with a winding river that divides the Old Town from the newer commercial hub. It’s known for its abundance of green spaces, wealth of museums and a fairytale-like castle. After getting settled in, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. We recommend taking a stroll to preview some of the city’s many offerings.

After breakfast, your private driver/guide will bring you on a sightseeing tour of Ljubljana to discover its many charms – some say it’s one of Europe’s most impressive undiscovered gems. After exploring you’ll travel Radovljica where you’ll join a biking tour, riding through the picturesque scenery while taking in cultural and historical landmarks on your way to the fairytale-like Lake Bled with a castle-topped island in the middle. Soak up the views and sample one of the local sweet treats, Cremeschnitte, before making your return.

While your destination for the next two nights is Rovinj, you’ll stop to tour Postojna Cave first. It’s one of Europe’s largest show caves, featuring stunning formations and diverse fauna, like an endangered salamander species called the olm. A train ride will take you into the belly of the cave. Nearby is Predjama Castle, a stunning Renaissance castle built within a cave mouth.

Your driver will take you to pretty seaside Rovinj. After checking into your hotel, stroll the waterfront promenade lined with magnificent villas or enjoy a panoramic vista from the bell tower at the hilltop church of St. Euphemia before dining with a sea view.

Tour two of Croatia’s most impressive hilltop villages in Istria’s interior, reminiscent of Tuscany. The walled town of Motovun is your first stop where you’ll meet a truffle hunter and his dog for a demonstration of the truffle hunt before lunching in a traditional konoba like Mondo, spotlighted in the Anthony Bourdain’s former series, “No Reservations.” Groznjan, is next, renowned for its music and art, filled with galleries like Fonticus, set within a 16^th-century building but displaying recent works, primarily by Croatian artists.

Your private driver will bring you to Split, with a detour to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park and its 16 stunning lakes in shades ranging from turquoise to emerald, 100 waterfalls and an abundance of lush flora and fauna. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at one of Croatia’s top restaurants, creating your own meal based on the fresh catch with help from the chef. Continuing to Split, you’ll have time to wander the seaside promenade to discover an enticing eatery for dinner.

Meet your guide this morning for sightseeing tours in Split and nearby Trogir. Marvel at the many historic landmarks in the 4^th-century palace, walk the Riva promenade and climb Marjan Hill for a panoramic view. Afterward, travel to ancient Trogir, founded 2,300 years ago, it’s home to some of the most well-preserved Romanesque-Gothic architecture it feels like an open-air museum. After your tours, you’ll visit a vineyard for a wine and food pairing with the rest of the evening enjoyed at your leisure.

Travel by public catamaran to cosmopolitan Hvar after breakfast. After checking into your hotel, meet your guide for the ride to Fortica fortress/castle to take in a breathtaking view over the harbor, sea and nearby islands. Learn about its history and then take a short stroll to Hvar Town’s historic center, home to significant landmarks like the Arsenal Theatre and St. Stephen’s Cathedral before visiting the Benedictine Nin’s museum which showcases their UNESCO-listed agave lace, made with thread collected from the island’s agave plants.

 Discover the side of Hvar Island most tourists never see on a hidden secrets of Hvar tour. Visit Malo Grablje, abandoned 16^th-century villages and Velo Grablje, the lavender growing center. You’ll climb to the island’s highest peak for a 360-degree view of Brac, Korcula and Vic island before dining on an authentic meal in Vrisnik village for lunch. The tour concludes by traveling the south coast with views of the wine-growing areas on your way back to Hvar Town. Enjoy the evening on your own.

Return to Split by public catamaran this morning where you’ll take private transfer to Dubrovnik. Along the way you’ll hop on a boat to meet your host for a visit to an oyster farm. Enjoy an oyster growing demonstration and then venture to a private island for a tasting of the famous oysters, complemented with local olive oil, rakija and wine. Your host will prepare a Buzara sauce for you to enjoy with it before you continue from there to the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic.’

Waking up in Dubrovnik, join your local guide after breakfast for a walking tour of the medieval Old City, learning about its fascinating history while strolling the marble paved streets and visiting multiple historic landmarks. Admire the Church of St Blaise, Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and Orlando’s Column before enjoying time on your own. You might walk atop the ancient walls, shop for souvenirs, and ride the cable car to Mount Srd just before dusk for a stunning sunset view.

While it’s always difficult to end such an incredible adventure, your 10-nights highlight tour through Slovenia and Croatia comes to an end this morning. If you aren’t ready to say farewell, our travel experts will be happy to create a bespoke addition for exploring more of Croatia, nearby countries or beyond. Otherwise, your private driver will meet you in the hotel lobby after breakfast for the transfer to Dubrovnik Airport and your flight home.