A Grand tour of Slovenia & Croatia: Hidden gems, Historic cities & Natural wonders

Transfer from Ljubljana Airport to the hotel.

Transfers: Ljubljana – Bled 40 min. / Bled – Ljubljana 40 min., total transfers during the day: 1h20min
Lake Bled trail with Ojstrica peak: WALKING TIME 2h30 / DISTANCE 7.2 km / ELEVATION GAIN 250 m

Lake Bled is of glacial origin, located in the Julian Alps at an altitude of 475 meters. The lake and the town of Bled are among the most famous and visited places in Slovenia. Since the second half of the 19th century, Bled has been a renowned spa resort and vacation destination for European aristocracy, who built magnificent villas along the lake. One of the most famous villas is the summer residence of former Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito. A walk along the emerald-green lake is a wonderful experience in all seasons, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, Bled Castle, and Slovenia’s only natural island, located in the middle of Lake Bled. After the morning walk around the lake, you will have free time to explore the town and have lunch. In the early afternoon, we will return to Ljubljana, followed by free time and dinner at the hotel.

Transfers: Ljubljana – Postojna 1h / Postojna – Rovinj 2h, total transfers during the day: 3h
Activities: guided tour of Postojna Cave, visit to Predjama Castle, walking time less than 4h, elevation gain less than 300m

Postojna Cave, one of Slovenia’s most impressive natural wonders, offers an unforgettable experience of exploring the underground world. The tour begins with a ride on a small tourist train, taking you through spectacular halls and galleries over 3.7 km deep into the cave. The train ride lasts about 10 minutes, showcasing stalactites, stalagmites, and breathtaking formations sculpted by nature over millions of years. After the ride, a guided walk along a marked 1.5 km trail allows visitors to explore the cave’s most famous parts, including the “Brilliant,” the most renowned stalagmite with a truly stunning appearance.

At the end of the walking tour, visitors return to the exit by train, offering a final chance to admire the fascinating underground landscapes. After the cave tour, a short transfer leads to Predjama Castle, where lunch and a visit to the medieval fortress are planned. This unique castle, built into the rock, is located just a 10-minute drive from the cave.

The visit to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle perfectly combines adventure, discovery, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable excursion for all ages. After the tour, a 2-hour transfer to Rovinj (Croatia) follows. Check-in at the hotel for a one-night stay, with dinner at your own arrangement.

Transfers: Rovinj – Grožnjan 1h, Grožnjan – Motovun 30min, Motovun – Fužine 1h30, total transfers during the day: 3h
Activities: Visit to the towns of Rovinj, Grožnjan, and Motovun: walking time less than 4h, elevation gain less than 300m

We will visit the three most beautiful places of the Istrian Peninsula: Rovinj, Grožnjan, and Motovun. Rovinj, an old fishing village that has become the most attractive town in Istria, charms many visitors with its medieval appeal. A walk through the streets of the historic center offers a true artistic experience, with many panoramic viewpoints and perfect photo opportunities. At the market, you will have the opportunity to buy high-quality local products, such as renowned Istrian olive oil, wine, or other local specialties.
After a one-hour transfer, we arrive in Grožnjan, a small Istrian village in the center of Istria with great cultural importance, perched on a hill surrounded by vineyards and lush orchards. Every early summer, the streets and squares of Grožnjan transform into a true artistic center thanks to the famous Jazz Is Back music festival. In addition to its musical vibe, this charming village features numerous art galleries, unique souvenir shops, and an exceptional culinary offer.
Not far from Grožnjan, we find our next destination, the medieval town of Motovun, also located on top of a hill. Motovun is famous for its well-preserved ramparts, picturesque streets, and spectacular views of the Mirna River valley and surrounding vineyards. The historic heart of the town is full of remarkable sites such as Andrea Antico Square, the Baroque Church of St. Stephen, and the Venetian gates. Motovun is also famous for its truffles, fine wines, and the Motovun Film Festival, which makes it a cultural and artistic hub every year. It is an ideal destination for history, nature, and gastronomy lovers. After lunch and the visit, transfer to Fužine in the Gorski Kotar region, followed by free time and dinner on your own.

Transfers: Fužine – Plitvice 2h
Trail along Lake Bajer, Lake Lepenica, and the visit to Vrelo Cave: WALKING TIME 2h15 / DISTANCE 7.3km / ELEVATION 159m
Golubinjak Forest Park Trail: WALKING TIME 1h / DISTANCE 2.4km / ELEVATION 144m

This day will be dedicated to the wonders of Gorski Kotar, a mountain range located between the Croatian capital, Zagreb, and the Istrian Peninsula. The morning walk will take us from the center of the charming small town of Fužine along the west shore of the Bajer Reservoir and a part of Lake Lepenica, leading us to Vrelo Cave, estimated to be about 4 million years old. Due to its beauty, Vrelo Cave is often referred to as the “Little Postojna.”
After visiting the cave, we will return to Fužine for free time and lunch before continuing to our next destination, the Golubinjak Forest Park, near the village of Lokve. As we walk through the forest park, we will discover its hidden treasures, such as the “Queen of the Forest,” an imposing giant fir tree around 250 years old, as well as the Ice Cave, which gets its name from the snow and ice that sometimes remained inside during the summer months. Afterward, we will proceed with a transfer to Plitvice (2 hours) for an overnight stay, followed by free time and dinner at the hotel.

Transfers: Plitvice – Starigrad Paklenica 1h30
Upper Lakes Trail: WALKING TIME 2h40 / DISTANCE 7km / ELEVATION 370m
Lower Lakes Trail: WALKING TIME 1h / DISTANCE 3km / ELEVATION 140m
Total of 16 Plitvice Lakes: Walking time 3h40 / Distance 10km / Elevation 500m

A day dedicated to visiting part of the UNESCO World Heritage natural heritage, the Plitvice Lakes National Park, the oldest and largest national park in Croatia. For nearly 40 years, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is famous for its 16 magnificent interconnected lakes with crystal-clear blue-green waters, formed by the continuous creation of travertine barriers. These lakes form the central phenomenon and main beauty of this national park. The water in Plitvice Lakes is of exceptional quality and perfectly drinkable.
You will explore these natural wonders by walking on forest trails, wooden walkways, as well as by navigating an electric boat and taking a panoramic vehicle.
Afterward, transfer to Starigrad-Paklenica for a two-night stay, with free time and dinner on your own.

Transfers: Short transfer to the entrance of the national park
Manita Peć and Lugarnica Trail: WALKING TIME 5h / DISTANCE 12km / ELEVATION 780m

The hiking trail in Paklenica National Park takes us through the beautiful Velika Paklenica Canyon, bordered by impressive climbing cliffs and dominated by the majestic Anića Kuk, the highest rock face in Croatia. Karst formations emerge from a dense beech forest and Mediterranean-influenced vegetation. Along the trail, we follow the bed of the Velika Paklenica torrential river.
The highlight of our hike is the visit to the Manita Peć cave, the only cave in Paklenica open to the public. The cave is full of spectacular formations, and the details will be explained by a local guide.
After the cave visit, we will have a lunch break at the Lugarnica lodge before returning to the starting point along the canyon’s bottom.
On our return to Starigrad Paklenica, you will have free time, with the option to swim in the sea. Dinner is on your own.

Transfers: Starigrad Paklenica – Skradin 1h / Skradin – Šibenik 30min / Šibenik – Trogir 1h, total transfer time: 2h30
Trail Krka National Park and the city of Šibenik: WALKING TIME LESS THAN 4h / DISTANCE LESS THAN 10km / ELEVATION LESS THAN 300m

Morning transfer to Krka National Park (60 minutes). We enter the park by boat to visit the stunning Skradinski Buk waterfall, the last in a series of 7 travertine waterfalls on the Krka River, and the most impressive, made up of a dozen small cascades. After a picnic in the town of Skradin, we will head to Šibenik, an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to the impressive St. James Cathedral. After a free visit to the old town of Šibenik, transfer to Trogir (1 hour), free time, and dinner on your own.

Transfers: Trogir – Split 45min / Split – Drvenik 1h30, total transfer time: 2h15
Trail: Walking time less than 4h / Distance less than 10km / Elevation less than 300m

After a free visit to the old town of Trogir, transfer to Split for a guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Diocletian’s Palace is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture, combining both a luxurious villa and a Roman military camp. Over the centuries, the palace has been adapted by its inhabitants and now presents a blend of Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and more contemporary styles, adorned with decorations from ancient Egypt. This imperial palace fascinates visitors, resembling an open-air museum, and if you listen carefully, you might hear the emperor’s voice greeting his people. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore Split and enjoy lunch. Then, transfer to Drvenik. Dinner at the hotel.

Transfers: Drvenik – Ston 1h15 / Ston – Dubrovnik 1h, total transfer time: 2h15

On the way to Dubrovnik, passing through the Pelješac Peninsula, famous for its vineyards and world-renowned premium wines, we will make a stop for a free visit and lunch in the town of Ston. In addition to oyster farming, Ston is known for its walls and salt pans. It is precisely to protect the salt pans that the Republic of Dubrovnik built the impressive Ston Walls to defend against attacks from the Republic of Venice and other potential invaders. While walking along the Ston Walls, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the town, salt pans, surrounding villages, and maritime coves. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Dubrovnik for a 2-night stay. Dinner at the hotel.

Transfers: Short transfer from the hotel to the entrance of the Old Town / Public transport option available
Trail: Walking time less than 4h / Distance less than 10km / Elevation less than 300m

Dubrovnik Old Town, also known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, is the most attractive destination in Croatia and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. It is a must-visit destination that should be on everyone’s list. In the morning, accompanied by a professional tourist guide, you will explore the most important monuments of the city. The rest of the day is reserved for free time to explore more and have lunch at your leisure. Dinner at the hotel.

Transfers to the airport.