Charms of Croatia and Slovenia
Croatia, Slovenia
If you dream about sapphire waters in the shade of ancient walled towns, breathtaking countryside, natural beauty, delicious seafood followed by the great wine and uncommon culture, Croatia will be a great choice. As for Slovenia it is the first country in the world to be declared a green destination based on the Green Destinations Criteria. Situated in the heart of Europe, Slovenia sits between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea and is famed for its 11,000 karst caves and Pannonian Plain rich in healthy water springs.
Let yourself to be enchanted by this unique combined experience!
Itinerary
Arrive at Zagreb Airport and make the short transfer to your city centre hotel overlooking one of the pretty main squares. Croatia’s capital city contrasts continental and Mediterranean culture and is an up and coming destination amongst classical European cities. Zagreb’s architecture is reminiscent of Prague, Budapest or Vienna with a medieval upper town and a host of galleries, squares and parks. Your sightseeing tour includes all the highlights, Ban Jelacic Square where pretty fountains divide the upper and lower town, Zagreb Cathedral, the tallest structure in the city, and Dolac open air market where you will find locals buying produce used in their daily cooking. Zrinjevac Park spreads over an area of 12,000 square meters, bringing a small haven to the centre of Zagreb. Overnight Zagreb, Croatia.
After a hot or cold buffet breakfast at the hotel we head to Croatia’s most popular attraction, the Plitvice Lakes National Park. A UNESCO world heritage site since 1979, the beauty of the National Park lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. A boat ride is the perfect way to explore the park and there will be ample photo opportunities as well as an included lunch in one of the restaurants here. Tonight sample local cuisine such as Štrukli – a traditional meal of the city – in a selected local restaurant. Overnight Zagreb.
Zagreb has more than 30 museums and a host of galleries as well as being a great location for discovering a choice of shopping outlets – today is the perfect time to indulge in the two activities. After breakfast visit one of the citiy’s museums such as: “The Museum of Broken Relationships” – winner of the Kenneth Hudson Award for ‘most innovative Museum in Europe’ the museum encourages discussion and reflection on the fragility of human relationships and the political, social and cultural circumstances surrounding the stories being told. Alternatively, for a more traditional museum experience, the Zagreb Ethnographic Museum is a good choice. For afternoon shopping your tour heads to the Kaptol Centar – the city’s best known shopping mall housing luxury boutiques, supermarkets, cafes and a Movieplex cinema. Alternatively Radiceva Street located close to the main city square offers many small shops selling souvenirs, paintings and antiques. There are numerous jewellery and shoe shops nearby to complete your look. The lovely final evening in Croatia could include a visit to the Croatian National Theatre – established in 1895 in a beautiful neo-baroque building, Zagreb’s National Theatre puts on productions of drama, opera and ballet throughout the year. The theatre also mounts productions by Croatia’s most renowned playwrights and composers. Overnight Zagreb.
After breakfast head to Ljubljana, one of Europe’s smallest capitals. Enjoy a guided afternoon sightseeing tour including the centre where the River Ljubljanica flows through the city’s heart under a rare triple bridge, leading to beautiful buildings, baroque façades and a wonderful medieval quarter comprising of three squares. Ljubljana Castle is a must visit and is enjoyably reached by a steep funicular railway. Perched on top of a hill and originally a medieval fortress, this impressive complex dominates the skyline. Enter the castle’s courtyard and take in the splendid views. Overnight Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Start today with a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside of Slovenia to visit to Lake Bohinj, a favourite for nature lovers as the influence of tourism here is more limited than its famous sister, Lake Bled. The Julian Alps that rise up as a back drop are a photographer’s delight. After a little time walking or exploring by boat we’ll head over to Bled. An orientation sightseeing starts with a tour around Lake Bled, the picturesque, emerald-green wonder with a church on its tiny island near the northern borders of Slovenia. Visit Bled Castle, a medieval fortress atop a steep cliff more than 100 meters above the lake and take a ride in a traditional boat to visit St Mary Church on Bled Island. The option of dinner in Bled Castle would be a real highlight this evening as contrasting colours of the lake and mountains at dusk and lighting of the castle make it a perfect evening venue. Overnight Ljubljana.
Explore more of the highlights of Slovenia today, firstly heading to the Postojna caves, one of the most extensive cave systems in Europe. You’ll learn about the formation of the the amazing Karst landscape and the caves which were carved over many thousands of years by the Pivka River, taking a guided underground train ride to discover the unique formations of the Stalagmites and stalactites here. Continue to Piran a delightful town with medieval architecture to enjoy a wine tasting in a local vineyard – or if nature should prevail a visit to the Salina Salt Pans for a tour of the wildlife haven is in order. Why not make the most of the final day of this wonderful tour by calling in at Motovun, a Croatian hill town close to the Slovenian border where in a converted farmhouse a selection of truffle dishes will be served – and there’s a truffle souvenir shop for those wishing to take a tasty sample back home. Overnight Ljubljana.
Transfer to Zagreb airport for your homeward flight.
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