Day 1 – Meet at Marco Polo airport and transfer to Venice
Welcome to Italy! Upon landing at Marco Polo Airport in Italy, you will meet your guide and start the tour. Today is a short day since we will only do a transfer to your hotel in central Venice. According to your flight schedule we might do a short walk around Venice, so you get to know one of the most spectacular city’s in the world. Overnight at a hotel in Venice.
Day 2 – Full day in Venice
After a healthy breakfast your day starts as all great days in Venice do. We stroll through the quiet back streets and bustling markets of the city. Our first stop will be at Rialto Bridge, to admire its incredible marble architecture before moving on to the bustling Rialto market. As we walk through narrow streets and over countless bridges we pass the childhood home of Marco Polo. To break the walk a bit we do what you have to do while in Venice. We take a gondola ride along the chanells of Venice. After another short break for coffe or lunch we head on to St. Mark’s Square. We visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From here on you'll have time to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in a hotel in Venice.
Day 3 – From Venice to Postojna and Piran
After breakfast, we head on to 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
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.
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