Slovenia to Split - 9 Days

Welcome to Ljubljana! Upon arrival, you will be met by our driver, who will take you to your hotel. During the drive, you’ll be introduced to the magical capital of Slovenia, where historic architecture blends seamlessly with modern design. After checking in at the hotel, take some time to relax before exploring Ljubljana’s lively atmosphere and enjoying the diverse selection of restaurants that offer a taste of the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

Ljubljana - Lake Bled - Ljubljana. Tucked between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most environmentally conscious capitals. On our tour, we’ll wander along the riverfront, taking in the city's iconic landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the Baroque Town Hall, the medieval Mestni Trg (Town Square), Robba’s Fountain, the lively central market, and the famous Triple Bridge.

Later, we’ll head to Lake Bled and its picturesque island, one of Slovenia's most photographed locations. A pletna boat will take us to the island, where you’ll have time to explore the Church of Saint Mary. Enjoy some free time to visit Bled Castle, perched high on a cliff with breathtaking views of the lake. Be sure to try the renowned Bled krempita, a delicious cream cake, as you take in the stunning scenery. We’ll then return to Ljubljana for the night.

Ljubljana - Postojna Cave - Goriska Hill - Portoroz. After checking out of Ljubljana, we journey just an hour to the spectacular Postojna Cave, one of Slovenia's most famous natural wonders. We will board an electric train to explore this remarkable underground world, where we’ll encounter awe-inspiring stalactites, stalagmites, limestone pools, and subterranean waterfalls. A visit to this stunning cave is a must-see experience.

Next, we travel to the Goriska Hills, a beautiful region shared by Slovenia and Italy, where the landscape effortlessly blends into the Italian countryside. Renowned for its wine production, particularly varieties like Rebula and Sauvignon, we will visit the medieval village of Smartno, dating back to the 14th century. Here, we’ll step back in time to experience its history and hospitality and enjoy a visit to a local winery to sample some of the region’s finest wines.

Our journey then takes us to Portoroz, a popular Istrian coastal town and one of the largest tourist centres along Slovenia's coast, where we will check into our hotel for the evening.

Portoroz - Porec (Croatia). Today, we travel to Groznjan, a picturesque hilltop village renowned for its vibrant arts scene and medieval charm. We’ll explore its galleries and workshops, taking time to enjoy a drink and soak in the local atmosphere before continuing on to our next stop.

Next, we’ll join a truffle-hunting demonstration in a nearby forest famous for its white and black truffles. Guided by an expert and his trained dog, we’ll learn how to uncover these culinary treasures and sample local truffle-infused cheese and sausages, paired with a glass of Istrian wine.

Later, we visit Motovun, an ancient town perched atop a hill offering breathtaking views of the Motovun Forest and the Istrian countryside. As we wander through its narrow streets, we’ll admire the medieval architecture, including the town walls and the Church of St. Stephen. Finally, we’ll check into our hotel in Porec.

Porec - Rovinj - Pula - Porec. Today, we visit the historic town of Rovinj, widely regarded as the gem of Istria. We’ll stroll through its picturesque old town, where 18th-century Venetian architecture and cobblestone streets create a romantic blend of history and charm. As we wander through narrow alleys and lively squares, we’ll explore Grisia Street, known for its local art galleries and shops, all set against the backdrop of stunning Mediterranean views.

Next, we savour an oyster and seashell tasting at a seaside restaurant near Lim Bay, an 11-km-long estuary abundant in marine life. We’ll sample fresh oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops, paired with wine from a local family-owned winery that reflects the region’s winemaking tradition.

Our journey continues to Pula, home to significant historical landmarks, including the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, the sixth-largest Roman coliseum in the world. We’ll also visit the Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of Sergius, and the Twin Gates, immersing ourselves in the town’s fascinating Roman history. As the day draws to a close, we return to Porec.

Porec - Opatija - Plitvice Lakes. After departing from the scenic Istrian peninsula and checking out, we head to Opatija, an elegant town renowned for its rich history, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. We’ll enjoy a relaxing coffee break as we stroll along the renowned Lungomare promenade, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea. As we continue our journey, we’ll pass through picturesque countryside, dotted with charming villages and rolling hills, with occasional glimpses of the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Our next stop is Plitvice Lakes National Park, home to 16 interconnected cascading lakes. Once referred to as "Devil's Garden," this UNESCO World Heritage site was the first in the Balkans to receive such recognition. During our 3-hour guided tour, we’ll explore both the upper and lower lakes. While swimming is not allowed, there will be time to relax at one of the nearby restaurants set within this lush paradise. Afterward, we check into our hotel to rest and unwind.

Plitvice Lakes - Trogir - Split. As we depart from Plitvice Lakes and check out, our journey takes us to the coastal region of Croatia, beginning with the picturesque town of Trogir. Set on a small island, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its stunning architecture, scenic sea views, and palm-lined promenades. As we wander through its medieval streets, we’ll experience a harmonious blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Key highlights include the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, the Clock Tower, the Loggia, the Land Gate, Kamerlengo Castle, and Saint Mark's Tower.

Our day concludes in Split, the largest city in Dalmatia, rich in over 1,700 years of history. We’ll enter through the Golden Gate and meander through narrow cobblestone streets, uncovering bustling markets, cosy cafés, and hidden courtyards within Diocletian's Palace. Highlights include the former Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the oldest Catholic cathedral still in its original form. As we stroll along the vibrant Riva promenade, we’ll bask in the Mediterranean sunshine and lively atmosphere. Split’s unique charm and dynamic energy make it a captivating destination.

Split - Hvar - Split. After breakfast, we begin the day with a short drive to the ferry port, where we board a high-speed catamaran to the queen of the Croatian islands, Hvar, a destination that offers much more than the glamour of its main town. As we sail through the Splitska Vrata, we’ll be treated to stunning views of the azure blue sea en route to Hvar Island.

Hvar, with its delightful Venetian-style architecture, is renowned for its traffic-free cobbled streets, lined with charming restaurants and bars. On our walking tour, we will visit the harbour, the Renaissance Cathedral, the Benedictine Convent, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Church of Our Lady of Mercy.

There will be ample free time for you to fully experience the island’s many attractions. Depending on your interests, we suggest taking a boat trip to explore the beautiful Pakleni Islands, relaxing on sun-soaked beaches, walking the scenic trails to Milna Bay for a memorable adventure, or enjoying a delicious Mediterranean lunch at a local eatery.

In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Split. *Please note that departure times may vary depending on the season.

Our tour concludes after breakfast, and we wish you a safe and pleasant onward journey!