A Journey through Croatia and 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, Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, 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 taking time to relax and get 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. We’ll book a dinner reservation for you this evening in one of the highly recommended restaurants.

• 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 the 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

While you’ll travel to Rovinj in Croatia to spend your next two nights, you’ll stop to tour Postojna Cave first. It’s one of Europe’s largest show caves, featuring diverse fauna, like an endangered salamander species called the olm, along with stunning formations. You’ll ride a train into the cave’s belly before continuing on to seaside Rovinj on the west coast of the Istrian Peninsula. After checking into your hotel, take a stroll on 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.

• Preferred Hotel Hotel Adriatic, Rovinj

Look forward to a full day tour of two of Croatia’s most impressive hilltop villages in Istria’s interior, reminiscent of Tuscany. You’ll stop at the walled town of Motovun first, meeting up with a truffle hunter and his dog for a demonstration of the truffle hunt before enjoying lunch in a traditional konoba like Mondo, spotlighted in the Anthony Bourdain’s former series, “No Reservations.” Afterwards, journey to Groznjan, renowned for its music and art, jam-packed with galleries like Fonticus, set within a 16^th-century building that’s had many lives, as a court, prison and granary. Today you’ll find recent works, primarily by Croatian artists.

• 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

Meet up with your guide this morning for sightseeing tours in Split and nearby Trogir. You’ll marvel at the many historic landmarks in the 4^th-century palace, walk the Riva promenade and climb Marjan hill to enjoy a panoramic view over the city, the harbour and the sea beyond. Afterwards, travel to ancient Trogir, founded 2,300 years ago, with some of Central Europe’s most well-preserved Romanesque-Gothic architecture it feels like an open-air museum. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure in Split.

• 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 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 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.” Join your local guide for a walking tour through the medieval walled Old City, learning about its fascinating history while strolling the marble paved streets and visiting multiple historic landmarks. View grapevines that are said to be more than a century-old, and admire the Church of St Blaise, Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and Orlando’s Column. You’ll have time on your own afterward, perhaps a walk atop the ancient walls, to shop for souvenirs, enjoy a bite to eat, and ride the cable car to Mount Srd just before dusk for a stunning sunset view.

• 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

While it’s always difficult to end such an incredible journey, your luxury tour through Slovenia and Croatia comes to an end this morning. If you’re not ready to say farewell just yet our travel experts will be happy to create a bespoke addition for exploring more of Croatia, its islands, 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.