Best of Slovenia and Croatia in 10 days
Day 1 – Meet at Ljubljana Airport and on to Ljubljana
Welcome to Slovenia! Upon landing at Jože Pučnik Airport in Ljubljana, you will meet your guide and start the tour. First, we drive to Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia. Settle at the hotel and if time permits, do a walking tour of the major sites in downtown Ljubljana. We will explore the lively city center and saunter down the main street along the banks of the Ljubljanica River. Visit a classical European castle, parks, and churches as we wind our way around by foot. We will appreciate the legacy of architect Jože Plečnik around the city at worthwhile stops such as the National Library, Central Market, Triple Bridge, and Plečnik's own home turned museum, all under the watchful eyes of the city's many signature dragons. The Central Market is also a key site for sampling local cuisine at its many stalls. Overnight at a hotel in Ljubljana.
Day 2 – From Ljubljana to Lake Bled
After a healthy breakfast, we have a short transfer to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. We drive towards Lake Bled. This picture-postcard lake with its island is one of Slovenia's main attractions. First, we visit a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff. Then we walk down to the lake and take a traditional »pletna boat« to the island. We enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant. Then we drive to Vintgar Gorge, where we walk the craggy walkways and see some nice waterfalls. Afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Of course, you have to try a slice of the famous Bled cream cake (kremšnita). Overnight in a hotel in Bled.
Day 3 – From Bled to Postojna and Piran
After breakfast, we continue on our discovery of Slovenia. We drive to Postojna caves, the world's most captivating cave with magnificent cave formations and diverse fauna. We take an unforgettable ride on the underground train and walk around in just a small part of the 24-kilometer cave. A Fairytale castle nearby is another unmissable attraction. We visit Predjama Castle, which is perched in the middle of a 123m high cliff for over 800 years. Our next stop will be Štanjel castle, which sits in a picturesque village of Štanjel. Of course, we do not miss sampling some traditional food in the surrounding villages. Since we are in the wine region, we also visit a wine cellar and sample some excellent Slovenian wines. One more scenic stop at Socerb castle, to see an amazing view of Slovenia's coast. We then head on to the coast and settle in our hotel in Piran. Overnight in Piran.
Day 4 – Piran, Slovenian coast and on to Rovinj (Croatia)
After breakfast, we head out on a walking tour of Piran. We walk along old houses and hear stories and legends of the past. Of course, we do not miss the main highlights of Tartini square and church of Saint George. Our next spot will be Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, where we wander the salt flats and learn about salt harvesting in the area. We leave the coastal area and drive inland to Hrastovlje, to visit the church of Holy Trinity with its famous mural Dance of Death. Krkavče is one of the most beautiful villages full of Istrian architecture and of course, we do not miss the opportunity to walk around. We then cross the border with Croatia and drive to Rovinj. Overnight in Rovinj.
Day 5 – Visit of Rovinj and Pula and then on to Plitvice
After breakfast, we have time to walk around charming old town of Rovinj. We wander through the Old Town and see all the Mediterranean influence and traditional Istrian Architecture. Then we are off to Pula. We visit the 1st century arena where we unravel the city's historical role as a strategic location for the Romans, Ostrogoth’s, Venetians and Allied Forces in World War II. Afternoon we drive to Lake Plitvice. We enjoy the scenery of the Adriatic coasts deep blue seas, studded with rocky islands, before heading inland to visit one of Europe’s greatest natural wonders. Evening arrival to Plitvice where we settle in a hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Plitvice area.
Day 6 – Visit Plitvice national park and Krka waterfalls and end the day in Šibenik
After breakfast, we go on a short drive to Plitvice Lakes National park. Start with a walk around the Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera), where you can get up close to native wildlife and enjoy dazzling views over the lakes. Then, hop aboard a sightseeing boat for a cruise around the Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera) and pass by the awe-inspiring Veliki Slap waterfall, which towers over 255 feet (78 meters). After the hike we start our drive towards the seaside again. We have another beautiful stop at Krka Waterfall. Then we are off to nearby city of Šibenik. We go straight to our hotel and after a short break we walk around the town os Šibenik together. Šibenik’s narrow winding streets, stone houses and stone stairways will make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Overnight in a hotel in Šibenik.
Day 7 – Šibenik to Split
After a late breakfast and possibly some free time we drive on to Split. We will discover all about this beautiful city on Dalmatian coast, full of old Roman history and modern lifestyle. The old town is built within the ancient ruins of Diocletian Palace. Old town is on UNESCO world heritage list. Full of cosy bars, restaurants, shops and museums. Walking around Split is the best way to learn about it’s beauty. We admire famous landmarks such as the Diocletian's Palace, the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the Golden Gate and the Riva Harbor. After our walking tour enjoy some free time in Split. Transfer to hotel in the area. Overnight in Split.
Day 8 – Split to Dubrovnik with a stop at Ston
After breakfast, we start our drive south. Our first goal will be the beautiful walled village of Ston. A beautiful village with 7 kilometer of stone wall surrounding it. Dalmatian atmosphere at its best. We walk around and enjoy the laid-back village. One more stop at the nearby saltpans, where we learn how salt is produced in one of the oldest saltpans in Europe. We then continue on to Dubrovnik where we arrive in the evening. Transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 9 - Dubrovnik
We leave the best for last. After breakfast, we start our walking tour of Dubrovnik, pearl of the Adriatic. Dubrovnik was a very significant centre of trade and a Mediterranean maritime power from the 13th century on. With the help of unesco and despite major earthquaqes and war it has preserved its world’s famous City walls, beautiful palaces, churches, monasteries and fountains. We admire Rector's Palace, Onofrio'sFountain and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Afternoon will be free for you to enjoy at your own pace.
Day 10 – End of the tour
Depending on your international flight we transfer you to airport. Can be in Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Ljubljana, Venice,…
COST OF THE TOUR:
Send us you inquiry for private or group tours to info@gekko-slovenia.com
OUR TOURS INCLUDE
- Airport Pick up and Drop off
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle at disposal per program
- Professional knowledgeable English speaking driver
- Professional local guidance at points of interest
- All cost related to the vehicle – gas, parking, highway tolls
- All costs related to the driver
- Free Wi-Fi avaliable in the vehicle
ACCOMODATION
You can always book your own accomodation or we can take car of that for you. There is a huge variety of accomodation possible. Tourist farms, pensions, B&B, standard hotels, luxury hotels. You name it and we will let you know the options.
- Needed accomodation for this tour
- 10 days / 9 overnights
- 1 night Ljubljana
- 1 night Bled
- 1 night Piran
- 1 night Rovinj
- 1 night Plitvice
- 1 night Šibenik
- 1 night Split
- 2 nights Dubrovnik
HOW WE DRIVE AROUND
Depending on the group size we use air-conditioned van’s (4-8 passangers) or limousine (1-3 passangers)
Free Wi-Fi avaliable in the vehicle