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Consider adding a Croatian 7-night small ship cruise or private yacht charter to explore and experience the Croatian islands. Experience Slovenia and Croatia over 8 days starting in Ljubljana and ending in Split. Experience unique and traditional experiences and adventures along the way. Highlights include Ljubljana, Postojna Caves, Predjama Castle, Lake Bled, Zagreb, Plitvice, Zadar and Split. This tour can be customized to your interests, preferences, travel dates, and preferred budget.
Ljubljana
Postojna Cave
Predjama Castle
Bled Lake
Zagreb
Plitvice Lakes
Zadar
Split
Day 1 - Ljubljana
Upon arrival to Ljubljana (Slovenia) airport, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon to settle in before ending the day with a traditional Slovenian dinner.
What’s Included
- Ljubljana airport arrival and private transfer to hotel
- Traditional welcome dinner
- 3 nights accommodation in a 4* or 5* hotel, including breakfast and tourist taxes
Day 2 - Ljubljana
Ride a thrilling funicular ride up the hill to see Ljubljana’s most distinctive feature, its medieval hilltop Castle. From the top of the castle’s pentagonal tower, you are afforded incredible views of the city and countryside below. Experience Ljubljana as a local, see firsthand everyday life and visit the main sights in the city center including the Three Bridges, Preseren Square, and Ljubljana Market just to name a few. Enjoy a boat ride down the Ljubljanica River and view stunning architecture from many different influences over the course of Ljubljanan history.
What’s Included
- City Tour of Ljubljana
- Funicular ride Ljubljana’s medieval hilltop Castle
- Boat ride down the Ljubljanica River
Day 3 - Ljubljana - Postojna Cave - Predjama Castle - Ljubljana
Visit the spectacular Postojna Cave during this day excursion from Ljubljana. Ride on the underground train and enjoy a 3.7km long journey on the world’s only double-track cave railway and tour the ethereal network of stalactites, stalagmites, and caverns. The wonderful Murano glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling of Postojna Cave’s Dance Hall make for a fairy tale atmosphere.
Following free time for lunch, visit Predjama Castle, perched upon a cliff high above the beautiful Inner Carniola region. Explore the chamber and stairwells and learn about the castle’s most famous resident, Erazem of Predjama.
What’s Included
- Entrances to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
- Private Driver
Day 4 - Ljubljana - Bled Lake - Zagreb
Perched atop a steep cliff more than 100m above the lake, Bled Castle is how most people imagine a medieval fortress to be, with towers, ramparts, moats, and a terrace offering magnificent views. Visit the castle which houses a museum collection that traces the lake’s history from the earliest times to the development of Bled as a resort in the 19th century. Enjoy a trip around the lake on a traditional boat made by locals which is only known at Bled, the Pletna boat. The origins of the Pletna boat go back to 1590, its size allows the transportation of 20 passengers. You should be able to recognize it from afar as it is equipped with a colorful awning that protects passengers from the sun and other elements. The Pletna boat is operated by the Pletna oarsman. This profession is very respected as it cannot be performed just by anyone. The title of the Pletna oarsman is handed down from generation to generation, which is why the profession of “Pletnarstvo” remains in individual families throughout the centuries.
What’s Included
- Private driver from Ljubljana to Zagreb
- Guided Tour of Lake Bled and Bled Lake boat tour
- Castle Visit and entrances
- 2 nights accommodation in a 4* or 5* hotel, including breakfast and tourist taxes
Day 5 - Zagreb
Once overlooked by tourists making a transit for the coast, Zagreb has come into its own as a year-round tourist destination. As the political, cultural, and economic center of Croatia, the metropolis thrives with energy and is a must-see for travelers in recent years. Laced with Austro-Hungarian architecture, the city has been described as being similar to Vienna and Budapest. The city is full of museums, galleries, elegant boutiques, exceptional restaurants, bustling pubs, and beer halls. Zagreb residents are known for their love of the outdoors so the parks and squares are constantly a hive of activity as are the hundreds of cafes that are full of people soaking up the midday sun. Zagreb is ranked among the “greenest” European towns, in great part due to the Medvednica nature reserve in its northern part and its many parks. Zagreb is full of year-round events and celebrations including the Christmas Market, Zagreb Summer Evenings (various musical concerts), the annual Folkloric Festival (usually held in July or August), and various film festivals to name a few.
What’s Included
- Guided Walking Tour of Zagreb
- Free afternoon for lunch, museums, or additional exploration
Day 6 - Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes
Spend the afternoon at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an amazing 15 acres encompassing the National Park. We will embark on a journey along the wooden paths to the breathtaking waterfalls that cascade from one level to another. Board a boat on the largest lake in the park where you will take in the serenity and feel like you have escaped from the stress of everyday life. Don’t forget your camera!
What’s Included
- Private driver from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes
- Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park with entrance tickets
- 1 night accommodation in a 4* hotel, including breakfast, dinner, and tourist taxes
Day 7 - Plitvice Lakes - Zadar - Split
Zadar is the urban center of northern Dalmatia, situated just at the heart of the Adriatic sea. Often shadowed by more famous destinations along the Croatian coast, it’s a city of exceptional history with a modern and welcoming attitude. In the peninsular Old Town traces of the past are still visible in the layout of the streets and in the Mediterranean architecture and Roman ruins popping up among cozy cafes and traditional eateries.
Visit the spectacular St. Donatus church, the ancient Roman forum, and the famous Sea Organ and Installation to the Sun, both contemporary Zadar attractions. Be sure to catch the sunset by the sea organ!
What’s Included
- Private driver from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar to Split
- Zadar City Tour
- 1 night accommodation in a 4* or 5* hotel, including breakfast and tourist taxes
Day 8 - Split
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and the largest on the Adriatic coast, Split is a coastal city filled with history and atmosphere. In the 3rd century, the Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to spend his last days in the sunny harbor of Asphalatos where he built an amazing palace (UNESCO-Heritage listed) whose walls have stood through the centuries and are still a part of the old City. There are now 220 buildings within the palace walls and the labyrinth of the streets will guide you through a blend of ancient roman, old Christian, and modern cultural life. The palace and some of its chambers have been converted into bars, shops, and restaurants.
End your land tour of Slovenia and Croatia by adding a small ship Croatian cruise or private yacht charter if time permits.
What’s Included
- Split City Tour
- Private Transfer to airport, small ship cruise or private yacht charter