Best of Croatia and Slovenia
Best of Croatia and Slovenia
Best of Croatia and Slovenia
11 Days Starting in Zagreb, Croatia and ending in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Visiting: Zagreb, Bled, Ljubljana, Pula, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Dubrovnik
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CRSLZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Croatia and Slovenia with the "Best of Croatia and Slovenia" tour. This cultural adventure begins in Zagreb, exploring its rich history and vibrant medieval heart. Discover the enchanting landscapes of Bled and the mythical charm of Ljubljana, before heading to the coastal beauty of Opatija. Marvel at the ancient Pula Arena and the picturesque town of Rovinj. Experience the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and delve into the historic wonders of Trogir and Split, including Diocletian's Palace. Conclude your journey in the stunning walled city of Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Enjoy luxury transportation, cherry-picked accommodations, and exclusive experiences like a visit to Slibar farm. With expert guidance and flexible sightseeing, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Zonar Zagreb
Meals Included: Dinner
You’ll never forget the glow of endless sunsets, the shimmering waters that surround walled cities and islands and the rich history of Croatia and Slovenia influenced by the Greeks, Romans and Venetians. This epic Croatia and Slovenia tour kicks off in the political and cultural capital of Zagreb where you’ll discover the treasures of its past and the extraordinary story that led to two rival settlements, Kaptol and Gradec, forming this cathedral city. You’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers later this evening for a light supper and orientation drive sharing some of the highlights you can expect tomorrow – from the city’s extraordinary Catholic heritage to heroes of a tumultuous past immortalized in the city’s imposing statues.
Day 2: Sightseeing In Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Zagreb’s medieval heart is the star of the show today – a charming center that is both vibrant and historic and you’ll imagine life centuries ago as your Local Specialist reveals some of the landmarks that have lined its cobblestone streets for hundreds of years. Explore the charming upper town which spills on to St. Mark’s Square with its original Romanesque buildings and colorful St. Mark’s Church, renowned for its ornate frescoes. The beauty of Bled isn’t far off and you’ll head through Slovenia’s celebrated green landscapes for this popular lakeside resort town, a highlight on many of our Croatia and Slovenia tours. You’ll learn about the legendary fairies that created the lake to protect their moonlit dancefloor – Bled Island. Learn about the historic characters, such as Holy Roman Emperor Henry II, who frequented the lake for its relaxing vistas and reputed medicinal benefits. Admire the surrounding Alpine landscape which is simply irresistible as you’ll come to discover over the next few days.
Day 3: Explore The Beauty Of Lakeside Bled Connect With Locals
Location: Bled
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The warm, clear turquoise water of Lake Bled is the backdrop for today’s sightseeing and you’ll have a full day to explore its enchanting landscape. There's plenty of time to explore the Lake Bled's picturesque surroundings as you stroll along its tranquil shores. The crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning Bled Castle perched atop a rocky cliff, while the traditional pletna boats glide gracefully towards the enchanting Bled Island. Lush greenery, quaint lakeside cafes, and the distant Julian Alps complete the idyllic scene, inviting you to savor every moment of this Slovenian paradise.This evening's exclusive Be My Guest experience is one you’ll be talking about for years to come: you’ll visit the Slibar farm, discovering how it has been run by the family for six generations. Enjoy homegrown Slovenian hospitality and all the local favorites served on sharing plates, including seasonal vegetables.
Day 4: Onwards To Ljubljana And Opatija
Location: Ljubljana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Paris Opatija
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Bled behind, we travel to one of Europe’s smallest capitals – the ‘Hero City’, Ljubljana. Discover its mythical dragon heritage, exploring all the highlights on foot and enjoying the benefits of walking in this car-free, charismatic university town. You’ll see the Old Town with its two medieval town squares linked by narrow lanes, the Prešeren Square (named after Slovenian’s greatest poet) and Castle which has watched over the city for over nine centuries. Connecting Ljubljana’s historical medieval town with the modern capital is the extraordinary Triple Bridge. Next we stop in Postonja for a visit of the caves. After a day of city sightseeing you’ll head to Croatia’s riviera and settle into a slower pace in the resort town of Opatija.
Day 5: Enjoy A Day In Pula And Rovinj
Location: Pula
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Paris Opatija
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day in the coastal city of Pula on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula where your visit to the 1st-century Pula Arena with a Local Specialist will reveal the city's role as a strategic location for the Romans, Ostrogoths, Venetians and finally, many years later, the Allied Forces in World War II. A true travel highlight, this ancient amphitheater, the sixth-largest and one of the best-preserved in the world, was built at the same time the Colosseum was constructed. Next, travel to the fishing port of Rovinj and wander through the Old Town, contemplating its Mediterranean influences and island walls. Returning to Opatija later, you’ll have time for a quiet walk along the town’s Lungomare; perhaps spending a few soul-stirring moments paying tribute to the statuesque nymph cradling a seagull in her outstretched hands.
Day 6: Off To Stunning Plitvice Make Travel Matter
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Palcich
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Few experiences will match today’s guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Plitviče, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll choose one of two walks revealing the cascading lake waters shifting from azure to green, grey to blue depending on how the sun hits the water. Admire sweeping views of the canyon during your short walk and, if you’re feeling a little more energetic, there’s always an opportunity to lace up for the long walk where you’ll join your Local Specialist and head into the canyon to Kozjek Lake. You’ll discover how these beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls have been shaped over thousands of years and remain pristine for generations to come thanks to visits like yours to the area.
Day 7: Admire Historic Trogir And On To Split Dive Into Culture
Location: Split
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Atrium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist and go beyond the fortress walls of Trogir to explore its charming medieval heart connected to the mainland and island of Čiovo by bridges. Learn about its rich history which spans the Hellenistic period to a time when Venice was the ruler of the Adriatic as you admire the island’s ornate Renaissance and Baroque buildings. You’ll visit Diocletian’s Palace around which the city of Split was built and Dive Into Culture hearing about the legacy of the Roman Empire and how Emperor Diocletian settled on this stunning landscape for his retirement, building a palace fit for an emperor. Your Local Specialist will share the remnants of luxurious squares and temples that still stand many centuries later. There’s no visiting Split without enjoying a seafood dinner and you’ll have plenty of time over the next two days to discover the city by night along with its Dalmatian flavors.
Day 8: Split Your Way
Location: Split
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Atrium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover why Split has justifiably earned its nickname “the most beautiful city in the world” with a full day to explore its heart and beyond. People-watch in Pjaca Square where citizens of Split have met for centuries, then ascend the bell tower for magnificent views of the sprawling terracotta roofs and white marble façades that seem to tumble into the Adriatic. Having worked up an appetite, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the many cafés tucked away in hidden lanes – find one to enjoy a leisurely local lunch surrounded by Split’s rich history. You could choose instead a full-day Optional Experience to one of the Dalmatian Islands which will leave you with a deep appreciation for what it’s like to live in an area that is as beautiful as its history was tumultuous.
Day 9: On To The 'Pearl Of The Adriatic'
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lero
Meals Included: Breakfast
The impressive walls of Dubrovnik beckon! It won’t take long for you to understand why famous poets, playwrights and painters adored this walled city, and you’ll be as inspired as they were by its backstreet charm as you wander up and down its cobbled staircases to go behind the scenes. Lovers of history will also delight in its rich history as the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice. Remnants of its wealth and stature remain today, confined within its centuries-old walls which staved off attacks from enemies, including the Ottoman Turks. All the highlights of Dubrovnik and some local favorites are revealed on your Sightseeing tour of the city this morning and you’ll join your Local Specialist who’ll share the stories behind the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Day 10: Free Time To Explore Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lero
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is free to get your final fix of Dubrovnik before your Croatia and Slovenia tour comes to an end. Consider exploring the charming seaside town of Cavtat with a Local Specialist. On our last evening, we'll come together for a memorable dinner toasting to the beauty of the Adriatic and new friendships forged.
Day 11: Farewell Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our time together comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are included.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
InsuranceInsurance is not included in the tour package.
Dining Summary
4 Dinner (D)10 Breakfast (B)
Dive Into Culture
Split: See the ancient fortress built in Split as a retirement residence for Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and there may be alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are all tried and trusted.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the tour package.
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What is the 'Be My Guest' experience in Bled?
The 'Be My Guest' experience in Bled includes a visit to Slibar farm, where you will enjoy an exclusive dinner and a guided walk around the farm with the family, learning about their sustainable living practices and organic production.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Plitvice Lakes National Park?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Plitvice Lakes National Park involves a guided walking tour where you can choose between two walks to explore the park's cascading lake waters and learn about its natural beauty and conservation efforts.
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What are some of the cultural highlights of the tour?
Cultural highlights include exploring Diocletian's Palace in Split, visiting the medieval heart of Trogir, and discovering the historical significance of Dubrovnik's city walls.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there is free time allocated during the tour, such as a full day in Split to explore the city or take an optional experience to the Dalmatian Islands.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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