The best of Croatia and Slovenia, Dubrovnik to Ljubljana

This lovely 8-day itinerary will show you a quick glimpse of all the beauties Croatia has to offer. You’ll visit the baroque and renaissance buildings of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the imposing defense walls and glittering saltpans of Ston and the Roman- and Venetian-influenced city of Split. Admire the captivating beauty of Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks feast of straight-from-the-sea fare in Zadar, and discover why the capital of Croatia, Zagreb is so popular. Hike, row, or swim in Lake Bled to take in its enchanting beauty, and finally, join a walking tour of the always elegant Ljubljana. This trip will be dynamic and yet relaxing, but most of all, it will leave you wanting more. 

You are about to visit various cities, nature parks and regions in two Central European countries. Here you can learn a few basic interesting facts about each of them.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful stone-built cities in the world. An important maritime port and a one-time state, it has always been a cultural metropolis. More than a thousand-year history is reflected in every part of the town. As one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Dubrovnik owes its special charm to the historic monuments which testify to its rich history. Dubrovnik is also full of vivid cafes, boutiques and local curiosities, nestled in the intricate network of the cobblestone streets.

Split

Split is the largest city on the Croatian coast, and yet it has preserved the relaxed lifestyle of the Mediterranean. You are expected to take it easy here since some call it “The craziest city in the world”. The city grew around the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian which had been built almost two millennia ago. The historic centre of Split, built entirely from white stone, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but the ancient landmarks are a normal backdrop of everyday life - they are not enclosed or set up as an archaeological site.

Zagreb

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, boasts typical Central European architecture: cobbled streets, impressive public buildings and well laid out greenery. It is a top sight for its wealth of museums, restaurants and nightlife. The Upper Town has delightful hilly narrow streets with cafes, shops and bars filling the 18th-century buildings. Here you'll find the towering Zagreb cathedral, the Dolac market with a panoply of fresh, local produce and the City Museum for a glimpse of Zagreb's history.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana (pop. 293,000) is one of the smallest European capitals. It’s never crowded – but also never boring. 50,000 university students give it its youthful appeal, and as an economic and cultural hub of Slovenia, it has a lot to offer to locals and visitors alike. The city tour begins in front of the Town Hall, takes you through the historical city centre, whose unique architecture is the legacy of the Baroque and Art Nouveau periods and, most notably, the work of the famous 20th-century architect Jože Plečnik.

Krka National Park

The Krka River is a natural and karst phenomenon. With its seven travertine waterfalls, it was proclaimed a national park in 1985. Due to its special position and the mosaic distribution of various types of habitats, it is characterized by exceptionally rich and varied flora and fauna.

Eight hundred and sixty species and subspecies of plants have been identified within the territory of the Krka National Park, including several endemic Illyrian-Adriatic species. The National park is also famous for ancient churches and even older roman-time archeological site in Burnum, former Roman Legion camp and town.

Plitvice

A soothing feeling of peace and tranquillity will surround you as soon as you arrive to Plitvice. Release your inner explorer and see for yourself why Plitvice Lakes have found their place on UNESCO's World Heritage List. A wide variety of plants and animals can be found in this national park. It is a truly unique place with extensive flora and fauna, which are protected and endemic, and it is also home to the "Gospina papučica" or "Lady's Slipper", the most beautiful orchid in Europe.

Bled

The ninth‐century Bled Castle is the oldest in Slovenia, perched precariously 130 meters (426.5 feet) up on a rocky precipice overlooking the lake of the same name among the peaks of the breathtaking Julian Alps. Built as a stronghold for the aristocratic bishops of the Brixen dynasty to defend their territories from attack, its fortified Romanesque walls and ramparts today hide a largely 16th‐century Renaissance castle built after a devastating earthquake in 1511 destroyed the previous building. It is centred around a pair of courtyards, constructed in an enticing jumble of red‐roofed wine cellars, forges, servants’ quarters, mansion, a stately knight’s hall and a chapel swathed in frescoes.