The journey
Overview
From Zagreb to Ljubljana, travel through Croatia and Slovenia, exploring capital cities, coastal towns and stunning landscapes, from amphitheatres and churches to some of Europe’s most beautiful lakes. A marvellous meandering through these two compact countries begins in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb; small enough to stroll around, large enough for a lively cultural calendar, and blending several centuries of architecture with a vivacious café scene. From city sights to scenic nature, the tour takes in the flora and fauna, karst rocks and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park; then heads for the coast, where Opatija’s temperate climate, sheltered shore and bay-forest backdrop tempted Chekhov, Puccini and James Joyce to its glamorous Habsburg-era villas. On the sunset seafront of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula boasts one of Europe’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, while nearby Rovinj brings romance and charm to its old-world streets and colourful water’s edge. Crossing the border into Slovenia, our first stop is a fascinating visit to the fabled formations of Postojna Caves, before continuing to Ljubljana, the country’s picturesque, pint-sized capital; leafy, lively and recently voted ‘European Best Destination’. From here, we enjoy an excursion to blissfully beautiful Bled; a ‘green destination’ in every sense, set against a backdrop of the Julian Alps, hemming a gorgeous glacial lake, and focused on sustainable tourism. Last, but most definitely not least, there is time to savour Ljubljana itself, with its elegant riverside setting, café culture and captivating blend of Baroque charm and contemporary flair.
Unforgettable moments
Highlights
01
Cultural exploration in Zagreb
02
Natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes
03
Historical Opatija
04
Roman amphitheatre in Pula
05
Old-world charm of Rovinj
06
Fairytale beauty of Lake Bled
Your itinerary
Day by day
- Day1
Join the tour in Zagreb+
Your tour starts in the Croatian capital Zagreb, at the 4-star Canopy by Hilton Zagreb City Centre for a two-night stay.
in the arrivals hall of Zagreb Airport at 1.45pm. We aim to depart no later than 2.15pm, and flights will be booked in line with these timings.
Today is a free day with no sight seeing planned.
Your Tour Guide will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome briefing. If you arrive later and miss this join time, they will catch you up at a later point.
- Day2
Enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb and enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at a local farm+
A little city with a lively vibe and lovely setting, Zagreb combines cobbled streets and medieval church spires with 19th century palaces and Austro-Hungarian façades, the ornate roof tiles of St. Mark’s church and the steel and glass Sky Tower. A walking tour shows you the 13th-15th century Cathedral of Sveti Stjepana in the Upper town, its famous twin towers visible across the city; and takes you to the sculptures, cloisters, copper domes and tree-shaded tranquillity of the vast Mirogoj Cemetery. This evening, enjoy dinner and wine tasting at a family farm.
(B, D)
- Day3
Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park and continue to Opatija+
A full day excursion takes us to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s oldest and largest, with a landscape of striking karst rock formations, and a stunning tiered chain of sixteen lakes, with numerous cascades connecting each lake with the next. The visit includes a walk along the canyon’s east side, another through the limestone gorge of the Lower Lakes, and a boat trip across the largest lake, Kozjak. Continue to Opatija, tucked in a rocky bay at the entry to the Istrian Peninsula, for three nights at the 4-star Amadria Park Hotel Royal, 4-star Villa Royal or similar hotel.
(B)
- Day4
Discover Opatija on a walking tour+
Home to the Adriatic’s first sailing club, now a 200-berth marina; and hemming the shore with its 12km Lungomare promenade; Opatija (meaning ‘abbey’) was first recorded in the 15th century, as a tiny hamlet beside a Benedictine Abbey. The Church of St. James, on the site of the original monastery, is one of our visits on a walking tour of the town, which also includes the iconic ‘Maiden with Seagull’ statue, set atop a seafront rock plinth in 1956; and the beautiful nature and botanical park, surrounding the 19th century Villa Angiolina. (B)
- Day5
A full day excursion to Pula, Rovinj and a visit to an olive mill for an olive oil tasting+
A full day excursion takes us first to the seafront city of Pula. Its chequered past of wars and occupations has resulted in a mis-matched, much-rebuilt mix of architectural styles, but its oldest and most iconic monument, the Roman amphitheatre, survived and is still in use as a concert venue. Known as the Colosseum, we visit the 1st century structure today, and enjoy a tasting of local food, before continuing to Rovinj. With its characterful old town crammed onto a headland, a walking tour climbs the cobbled streets to the hilltop Baroque ‘basilica’, the church of St Euphemia, with a soaring belltower, serene interior, and splendid sea views.
(B)
- Day6
Travel into Slovenia and visit Postojna Cave and ending with a walking tour of Ljubljana+
Cross into Slovenia and visit Postojna Cave, an atmospheric underworld of high halls, murmuring rivers and legends of baby dragons; crossed by a cave train, and containing ‘the Brilliant’, a five-metre-tall, bright white stalagmite, one of world’s largest karst columns. A few kilometres away, enjoy the view of Predjama Castle, built into a cave mouth, halfway up a towering cliff, and overlooking the Lokva River. Continue to charming Ljubljana, for a walking tour. Lining the river with lively cafés, and crossing it with the Triple Bridge, Slovenia’s largest city is one of Europe’s smallest capitals. Uncrowded, unhurried, and remarkably green, its UNESCO listed monuments, designed by the architect Joze Plecnik, are a 20th century adaptation of ancient Athenian classicism. We spend two nights at the 3-star ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre Hotel (or similar).
(B)
- Day7
Morning visit to Bled and pause for coffee and a slice of 'kremsnita'+
In the morning drive to lakeside Bled. Visits include the island in the lake, reached by pletna rowing boats, where the medieval St. Mary’s church and belltower sit atop 99 stone steps; takes you to panoramic views from the clifftop perch of 11th century Bled Castle, overlooking the water; and pauses for coffee and a slice of ‘kremsnita’ cream cake. Return to Ljubljana in the afternoon for time at leisure.
(B)
- Day8
Tour ends in Ljubljana+
Tour ends this morning after breakfast.
(B)
Peace of mind
What's included
- ✦7 nights’ accommodation
- ✦Meals Included: breakfast daily, 1 dinner
- ✦Itinerary as described
- ✦Services of guides and local representative
- ✦Interested in adding flights to this tour?
- ✦Find out more
- ✦.
- ✦- Travel Guides -
- ✦You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.
- ✦Flights from the UK can be added — ask your adviser