Overview
Start your Balkan adventure exploring Slovenia’s capital and the alpine resort village of Bled—in the foothills of the Julian Alps—and then head out to the Istrian peninsula for a taste of Croatia’s Mediterranean-influenced cuisine and idyllic seaside. Travel inland to see the vivid-hued lakes of Plitvicka Jezera National Park, out to sea to relax on the shores of the Island of Brač, and then visit Croatia’s most dynamic Old Town in Dubrovnik.
Days: 17
Best time to visit: May-October
Ideal for: Couples
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Ljubljana & Evening Food Tour
Settle into your hotel and spend the first part of the day exploring on your own—climb up to Ljubljana Castle for great views over the city or visit the farmer’s market to try some local products. This evening, take a guided food tour through the cobbled lanes of the pedestrian-only Old Town, learning about Slovene history while you sample traditional dishes and regional wine.
Day 2 – Ljubljana City Tour
Today, take a private tour of Ljubljana, gaining an insider’s perspective on this historic city. The old city center is filled with a fascinating blend of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, and crowned with the 20th-century designs of Jože Plečnik. Parks, monuments, and museums are spread along both sides of the Ljubljanica River, creating a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural vibrance.
Day 3 – Lake Bled & the Julian Alps
Travel into the foothills of the Julian Alps to the charming lakeside resort town of Bled, a refreshing alpine landscape that is less than an hour from Ljubljana. Spend the day exploring on your own—climb Straža Hill for scenic views over the lake, head to the nearby Pokljuka ravine for a short hike, or simply relax and enjoy browsing the boutique shops around town.
Day 4 – Bled Alpine Tour
Discover the natural beauty and rich history of Bled and the Alps on a private Alpine tour, starting with a visit to the 11th-century Bled Castle, a clifftop complex that houses a museum and chapel. Take a boat ride to the island sanctuary on Lake Bled, and then head to Vintgar Gorge, where wooden paths wind along the River Radnova. Continue to Lake Bohinj to kayak or swim, and then sample traditional foods in the medieval town of Skofja Loka before heading back to Bled.
Day 5 – Lakeside in Bled
Spend today at your leisure around Bled. Go for a walk along the 2-hour-long route that follows the shores of Lake Bled, or drive up to Stara Fužina in Triglav National Park for some longer hikes or mountain biking.
Day 6 – Travel to Rovinj
This morning you’ll depart for Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula, stopping for some sightseeing along the way. Visit 16th-century Predjama Castle, built into the mouth of a cave, and then take a train ride into the depths of Postojna Cave. Or explore the Škocjan Caves on foot, with its natural bridges and underground lakes. Arrive in Rovinj, on Croatia’s majestic coast, and settle in for the night.
Day 7 – Istrian Peninsula Tour
Meet your guide for a full-day tour of the Istrian Peninsula. Delve into the unique culinary traditions of the region, which blend Mediterranean flavors with the bounty of inland orchards and vineyards. Get a lesson from a local truffle hunter in the village of Livade, one of Europe’s preeminent centers of truffle farming, visit the medieval ruins of Motovun, and taste the famous Muscat, Malmsey, and Teran wines at a local vineyard. Return to Rovinj for the night.
Day 8 – Beaches, Islands, and Around Town in Rovinj
Today is yours to explore the area—consider taking a boat ride out to the nearby island of Sveti Andrija to swim, paddle board, or kayak. Another great option is the Zlatni rt Park Forest, the Golden Cape, the perfect place to walk or cycle, swim, and find a bit of shade on a hot day. Back in town, explore the winding, cobbled streets and hilltop church of St. Euphemia in the historic Old Town, which offers wonderful views over the town and sea.
Day 9 – Plitvicka Jezera National Park
This morning you start the journey from Rovinj to Split, on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, stopping to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park on the way. This forested national park is a watery wonderland of 16 interconnected lakes which are a resplendent rainbow of turquoise, aqua, azure, and cobalt—wooden walkways take you to the base of waterfalls and right over the lakes. After exploring the park, continue on to Split.
Day 10 – Tour Split & Trogir
Dive into history with your expert local guide for tours of Split and the nearby island town of Trogir. Split became an important coastal city in the 7th century when refugees fleeing the fall of the Roman city of Salona took shelter within the massive stone walls of Diocletian’s Palace. To the north, Trogir is a UNESCO-listed site whose cultural legacy also stretches back to the ancient Greeks. Enjoy a private dinner with a regional chef for a culinary experience of true Mediterranean creativity.
Day 11 – Ferry to Brač
Check out of your hotel in the morning and head to the port to board a ferry to Supetar on the island of Brač, about an hour-long journey. You’ll be picked up on arrival and brought to your resort in nearby Sutivan, where you’ll enjoy a soothing, seaside atmosphere and elegant cuisine. Sitting right on the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic, this is the perfect place to relax and sip delicious local wine.
Day 12 – Brač Sightseeing
One of Croatia’s largest islands, Brač has an incredible array of historic towns, monasteries, caves, and isolated coves. Spend today exploring the island on a half-day guided tour—visit Škrip, one of the oldest continually inhabited villages in all of Europe, the 16th-century monastery of Blaca, and the iconic Zlatni Rat beach, a long speartip of white pebbles that juts out into the sea.
Day 13 – Enjoy Brač’s Stunning Coast
Spend today taking advantage of your hotel’s private beach, renting kayaks, or cycling along the coast. Enjoy fresh seafood, chilled wine, and the delightfully relaxed pace of island life.
Day 14 – Back to the Mainland & Onwards to Dubrovnik
Return to the mainland on a morning ferry to Split, and then enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to Dubrovnik. Settle in and start exploring the city’s historic Old Town, wrapped in massive 16th-century stone walls and filled with Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic architecture. Shops and restaurants line the pedestrian Placa that cuts through town.
Day 15 – Dubrovnik Tour
After breakfast, meet your guide in the center of town for a walking tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and learn about the unique history and overlying influences of different empires and cultures that formed the city. Tour the walls, stroll along radiant marble streets, visit ancient churches, monasteries, and fortifications.
Day 16 – Peljesac Wine Tour
Today you’ll head north along the coast to the scenic Peljesac Peninsula, which is home to an assortment of exquisite red wines, for a full-day tour of traditional wineries and a trio of tastings. Hosted by a renowned Croatian vintner, you’ll learn about the art of winemaking, enjoy delicious Dalmatian cuisine, and visit several vineyards and wine cellars. Return to Dubrovnik and enjoy your last evening in town.
Day 17 – Departure
Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for your international flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
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