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 private tour of Ljubljana to discover its many charms – some say it’s one of Europe’s most impressive undiscovered gems. Next you’ll travel to Radovljica where you will enjoy a tour of this very picturesque traditional Slovenian town before heading on to the highlight of the day – Lake Bled. You will have time at your leisure to explore fairytale-like Lake Bled with a castle-topped island in the middle.

While your destination for the next two nights is Opatija, 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 Austro-Hungarian town of Opatija. After checking into your hotel, stroll the waterfront promenade lined with magnificent villas and visit the scenic Angiolina Gardens.

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 a private tour in Split and nearby Trogir. Marvel at the many historic landmarks in the 4^th-century Diocletian Palace, walk the Riva promenade and visit the underground cellars where the iconic Game of Thrones was filmed. Afterwards, travel to ancient Trogir, founded over 2,000 years ago, it’s home to some of the most well-preserved Romanesque-Gothic architecture it feels like an open-air museum.

After breakfast we will transfer you to the Island of Hvar. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in the centre of Hvar Town before going on an afternoon city tour. Our guide will meet you at your hotel and take you for a journey to Fortica fortress 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.

Today you will get to visit the hidden gems of Hvar with our private local guide. You will visit Malo Grablje an abandoned 16^th century village before continuing on Hvar’s old road which takes you through beautiful lavender fields. Enjoy a stop at a very sought after family run winery to sample locally produced wines in their impressive underground cellar. Then its on to Stari Grad, a charming seaside town which still retains its feel of yesteryear. Enjoy lunch at a very traditional Croatian ‘konoba’ before returning back to Hvar.

Our private driver will transfer you to Dubrovnik today, 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. You will arrive in Dubrovnik in the afternoon ready to check in and enjoy your first evening dining al fresco in Dubrovnik.

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. Our driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Dubrovnik Airport for your flight home.