For a view of the pretty town, climb Kamerlengo Fortress. St. Donatus Church is 800 years old and Zadars main landmark. While a leisurely stroll is an excellent option, to get yourself well-oriented, consider this two-hour guided tour. A perfect stay in the heart of Dubrovnik with many good beaches nearby. This is a great place to pick up a souvenir or nurse a coffee. Portoroz is a swishy beach town, specializing in spa treatments thanks to the areas unique mud and salt water. The bell tower is where youll get a stunning birds eye view of the palace grounds and Splits incredible setting. Planning a classic Croatian-Slovenia road trip? Its filled with narrow streets and alleyways, a number of historic buildings, and ancient fortifications that have stood the test of time. Spring (April through May) and autumn (October through November) can offer mild temperatures with fewer crowds. The Ten-Day War ( Slovene: desetdnevna vojna ), or the Slovenian War of Independence ( slovenska osamosvojitvena vojna ), [7] was a brief armed conflict that followed Slovenia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia on 25 June 1991. Outside of the main tourist season, you can really arrive any time. I didnt rush when I did it but you can also consider potentially spending an extra day somewhere closer to Plitvice as well. Splits Old Town alone can keep you entertained for hours. Stay overnight in Split for 2 days. If you really, really want a full roadtrip, then Zagreb (first day), Ljubljana (2nd day), caves (3rd day), Rovinj and hilltop towns (4/5th day), Plitvice with final point in Split (extremely long 6th day), Split (7th day, ditch the car), Hvar or Korcula (8/9th day), Dubrovnik (10th/11th day) is doable, but only you can tell if you want to drive . Aside from the cutting edge street art, there are pop up flea markets and temporary exhibitions. After all, whats a journey to the Balkans without a boat trip? Spend the rest of your afternoon back on the mainland by visiting any of the enticing beaches just outside of Dubrovnik. Peak tourist season runs from May through September, with the most traffic in early August. Located in a truly picturesque spot in the Alps, Bled has a ton of interesting activities. Its a romantic legend featuring a rebellious knight and robber baron who fancied himself a Slovenian Robin Hood, named Erazem Lueger. When it comes to getting around, car rentals are readily available in both countries. However, if you dont want to rent a car, public transportation also works in Croatia and parts of Slovenia. DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Croatia. Or, once there, you may want to take aguided walking tourto get oriented. Your ticket to the city walls gives you entrance to the fortress, so keep it with you. Check off the citys many attractions such as walking along the City Walls, Pile Gate, visiting Rectors Palace, and soaking up the sun at Sunset Beach. If you love boat tours, this is the point of disembarkation. In the 11th century, it once belonged to a Benedictine Monastery. Lovely Ljubljana is a small, laidback, and walkable town. Day 1. Or, if youre athletic and need a workout, you can take a kayaking tour around Lokrum Island. You options are: You have many tour options/permutations from half day, to full day, to a super extended day. I took a tour of the Dalmatian islands from Split, so didnt bring the car. For example, you could take the bus from Ljubljana or Portoro (near Piran) to Rovinj, then pick up a rental car in nearby Pula or Pore; or take the train from Ljubljana to Zagreb or Rijeka, then pick up your rental car in one of those cities. Im a Polish-born citizen of the world. If you want to visit the crypt, click here for a ticket. Don't trust this advice blindly, and don't sweat the decision too much. Luckily there are plenty of local car rental options, or you can choose to use an international booking service like Discover Cars or Rentalcars. The old town is super cute with narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-tinted buildings. ibenik is only an hour drive from Zadar. Did you bring the car to the island on the ferry or did you hire cars once on the island? I hope youve enjoyed my 10 days itinerary for Croatia and Slovenia. 10 minutes drive away is the base of Vogel ski resort, where you can take a gondola up the mountain (even if youre visiting outside of the winter season) for fab views over Lake Bohinj and the surrounding mountains. This was a 10 day Croatia and Slovenia escorted tour on April 15. You can pack away your guide books and maps, and venture forth with only camera and imagination in tow. The city walls cost 200 kuna and will take approximately 2-3 hours, though there is an exit midway. Begin your day bright and early with a walk along the city walls. It wouldnt be a must-visit town without some must-try food, and you be rest assured Kotors many restaurants and cafes deliver exactly that. Read next: If youre planning a trip dedicated to either Croatia or Slovenia, check out these curated destination itineraries: One thing that makes this incredible trip undeniably memorable is the fact that its a glorious road trip along some of the most scenic routes in the entire region. You can cover Ljubljanas main attractions in one day. This website accepts sponsored posts and displays affiliate linksclick here for more info. We have tons of amazing stories and places to show you from our years living in Toronto. In Croatia, various bus routes are available, but journeys can be long and tiring. Zadar also boasts the largest Roman forum on the Adriatic. Its a popular road trip route thats dense with exciting cities, must see medieval villages, UNESCO-listed landmarks, and loads of old world seaside charm. Clickhereto book a guided tour of the park. In the Peka style of cooking, lamb or veal is slow cooked under a bed of coals. It reaches 100 meters in some places and clings to the side of cliffs, sometimes leaving room for only a single file shuffle. In both countries, youll find that English is widely spoken in the tourist areas and attractions. Remember that you will be crossing the border from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina, so make sure to bring your passport. Even if you're using public transportation, seriously consider periodically renting a car for the day; this is most useful to reach the Julian Alps, Istria, Mostar, and Montenegro's Bay of Kotor. ThePucic Palaceis a beautiful Baroque hotel in the cobbled Old Town. The evening is also a good time to take a guided food tour or take an evening walking tour where you dont have to jostle crowds. If a beach vacation is your goal, you can barely go wrong. There are plenty of great destinations to explore in Croatia and Slovenia. A year after your trip, you'll barely remember the difference between all those little seaside towns you toured. Croatia: Natural Wonders 10 Days from $ 4,590 / person. Click here to book a1.5 hour guided walking tourof the Old Town. The Geographical Cure 2023. Its a splendid place to snack and people watch. Experience the best of Croatia and Slovenia in 10 days. and avoid the crowds. Be sure to book in advance. Plitvice is a must as its one of the most beautiful and famous places to visit in Croatia. Bovec makes a good base, if you want a longer stay in this area. To be honest I wasnt all that impressed with it, but at least it had free parking! We highly recommend you divide your hiking activities between the afternoon of day eight and day nine. You have many tour options/permutations from half day, to full day, to a super extended day. Also known as Saint Lawrence Fortress, your entry ticket to the city walls grants you admission here as well. Of course, our time in Croatia was lovely, too. Its spectacular mountain scenery, colorful capital (Ljubljana), Germanic efficiency, and extremely friendly natives are a pleasant contrast to Croatia. In this post, we are sharing the ultimate 4, Read More The Perfect 4 Days in Budapest Itinerary (+ Map)Continue, Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. On day 2, head to the 11th century fortress, Lovrijenac Fortress (also known as the St. Lawrence Fortress). Lokrum Island has rock slab beaches, gardens, a Benedictine Monastery, and stunning views of Dubrovnik. This ten day itinerary takes you on a journey from Dubrovnik Croatia to Ljubljana Slovenia. The Central Market is one of the most vibrant places in the city and offers a wide variety of fresh and local produce, meats, cheeses, and local items. Its a frankly outrageous combination of blue and green. The audio guide provided a ton of interesting facts and it was perfectly timed to make the tour last about an hour. This super detailed 10 day road trip itinerary is perfectly adjustable. You dont need to pick up your rental car until day 3 when you day trip to Kotor Montenegro. Clickhereto book a guided tour of the palace. There are a couple places to grab a bite to eat. Aside from Hvar and the Blue Cave, the other islands you can visit include Vis, Budikovac, and Hell Islands (with Palmiana beach). Mont St Michel From Paris: Tips for Visiting, Useful Tips for Visiting Amsterdam to Avoid a Disaster, I created another itinerary here for that, Renting a car and driving it to Slovenia from Croatia isnt an issue, kayak around and swim in beautiful waters, hiking the lungs of Split akaMarjan Hill, experience a miracle of nature at the Blue Cave, see the citys landmarks and architecture. Itinerary Help Please - 10 days in Slovenia and Croatia 10 years ago Save Hi, We are a couple in our early 30s and am planning on doing a road trip through Slovenia and Croatia for 10 days. And we have included not one, but foursamples to inspire you! Every one of the local guides were also great: Valentina in Zagreb, Simone in Ljubljana, Katrina in Plitvic Lake, Damir in Split, Petra in . Small and often overlooked, Slovenia is one of Europes most charming and delightful off-the-radar destinations. Leaving Plitvice, youll head through Kobarid and Triglav National Park on your way. Postojna Caves are another attraction that are just down the road from the castle. If you prefer street art, head over to the Metelkova Mesto district, just a short stroll from the medieval old town. In the afternoon, consider taking a guided architecture tour. When traveling from Zagreb to Ljubljana by car or train will be 2 hours, and it will cost from 10 to 15 euros, one way. If youve opted for the cable car ride, theres an amazing restaurant at the top of Mt. Be sure to take in Narodni Trg (the main plaza), Vocni Trg, and Trg Republike. The latter is a miniaturized version of the Campanile of San Marco in Venice. They leave every hour or so, more frequently in summer. We were living there as students and as young professionals (for a brief period of time), but we have had the MOST incredible time in that city. It might require some hiking to reach, but the mesmerizing views of the Julian Alps from the castle are out of this world. Well, look no further! Its a little slice of Italy. If youre just here on a day trip take two hours and head on a boat ride to Bled Island. But, alas if you dont have time I recommend taking day trips to Bled from Ljubljana. Slovenia has amazing glamping opportunities. Youll learn a ton about secret passages and the castles interesting history. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Did you find having a car in dubrovnik helpful? Be sure to climb Micenta Tower. When you enter the main gate, you arrive at Weapons Square, the largest open space in Kotor. The country has beaches and vineyards and its cities and towns are often less frequented by hordes of tourists. But there's history here as well: from ruined Roman arenas and Byzantine mosaics to Venetian bell towers, Habsburg villas, and even . This popular road trip in Croatia and Slovenia includes cities, must-see medieval villages, and UNESCO-listed landmarks, and doesnt require changing your base every night. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (along with many of the historic cities like Split, and Dubrovnik listed on this itinerary sample). 6 years ago. For history lovers, a stop at the WW2 tunnels is a must. Explore 16 Croatia Luxury 10 day trips from 43 experts with 45 reviews. You can always add or subtract a day or two in a city or town you love, especially if youre renting a car. I pondered the question for a while, and realised that one country had moved up in the list after my recent winter Eurotrip. Day 3: Ljubljana to Lake Bled Bled Castle overlooking the lake. Terms of Service | Privacy, See our tips on timing a trip to the Adriatic region. Slovenia is every bit as beautiful as Croatia. With 50 white knuckle hairpin turns, its not for the faint of heart. Next day, take a day tour from Dubrovnik to the nearby Elafiti Islands. You can make it shorter or longer, depending on your available vacation time or personal fast/slow travel pace. Time to close off your border crossing Balkans adventure with some quality time in the capital of Slovenia, the small and charming Ljubljana. No fairytale castle is complete without an accompanying romantic folk legend. The bus connects Plitvice to Split, and from there, you'll continue down the Dalmatian Coast by boat or bus. 10 days in Portugal, Read More The Only 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary You NeedContinue, Visiting Slovenia and wondering how to travel from the capital city of Ljubljana to Lake Bled? This 10-day itinerary takes you on a journey from Dubrovnik to Ljubljana. And lets not forget the beaches! Slovenia showcases fairytale towns and sites, without the price tag of popular European cities. Regardless of which eatery you choose, grab a patio table to take in the oh-so-heavenly Mediterranean atmosphere. Croatia has a good blend of culture, nature, and modern and coastal landscapes. A day trip to Kotor from Dubrovnik is a great way to explore the stunning Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One day 3, its time for your first day trip. You head back down via the Soca River Valley. And, only 30 minutes away, its an easy day trip or half day trip from Split if you go by car. Before diving in head first, heres a quick breakdown of how youll be spending 14 days on your road trip from Croatia to Slovenia. They will provide you with the necessary documents youll need at the border crossing. Biggest selection. For lunch, check out the Central Market or eat at one of the cafes along the lively river embankment. Croatia , Slovenia. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Renting a car and driving it to Slovenia from Croatia isnt an issue and is a recommended way to travel. The fortress itself is a stony and cramped experience, but the views are terrific. Bars and cafes line the seaside, making this town a lovely holiday spot. Must-see stops in the vibrant old town include: Nothing caps off a day in Dubrovnik like heading up Mount Srd via a scenic cable car ride. The castle is unfortunately not as awesome as Predjama, but walking up the hill does provide some neat views of the city. Is Zagreb worth visiting? Kotor is also filled with Romanesque churches and Venetian-influenced palaces. Offering something for every kind of taste, Croatia is a breathtakingly beautiful country laced with captivating waterfalls, beaches, historic sites, and charming hamlets. Can you please help with the itinerary? And that intrepid traveler is how you discover the majestic paradise of Croatia and Slovenia. The road distance between Croatia and Slovenia is 139 km (86 miles). We just took the 10 day Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro tour that is offered by Gate 1 tours. The fun thing about any walking tour of the city is that thanks to its small size, itll be a short walk (and theyre offered for free by the local government). Now, Im a successful digital nomad who visited over 95 countries on 7 continents and lived in 8 countries. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Take, for example, the mesmerizing Kravica Falls. Clickhereto book a skip the line admission ticket. We will share an alternate Croatia Slovenia itinerary below, in which you will start and end in Zagreb. 10 Day Croatia and Slovenia Tours & Trips Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 10 day Croatia and Slovenia tour with TourRadar. You can check out this site for more information on the vignette system used in Slovenia. Stroll through the palace and see the ruins of the ancient Roman city. Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatias top tourist destination. On day 4 of your 10 days in Croatia and Slovenia, drive to Split. Its a tiny quaint town that exudes old world charm. Ljubljana is one of my favourite cities! We will round up some of our top tips for planning a trip to Croatia and Slovenia. Rob and I spent 2 months travelling the European continent, with a road trip through Croatia and Slovenia wrapping up our last few weeks. If you want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, try the Michelin starred Strelec Restaurant or Maxim. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | CST# 2086743 | Visit seaside Opatija, with its rich history and picturesque surroundings, Walk the cobbled streets of Split to the 4th century Palace of Diocletian and Tour magnificent Dubrovnik, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this 4 days in Rome itinerary, you will find how to make the most of your visit, explore, Read More Rome Itinerary 4 days: How to spend 4 days in RomeContinue, Toronto our first home in Canada. If you like big cities, Split is entertaining. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to The Geographical Cure, my travel and culture blog. Set in the fjord-like bay, jaw dropping Kotor is less a town than a labyrinth of narrow cobbled passageways, filled mostly with cats, who sprawl across the doors of lovely Romanesque churches and snuggle in tourists laps. Take the 3 mile walk around the lake, stopping to take in the contrasting green wooded and azure views and admire the swans. A tough question, as each country has a set of unique qualities that make it great (or bad!). Its not just a stand alone palace, or a museum, or a UNESCO site. Be sure to admire the pink church, the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Now, lets get to the good stuff. You can click here to book a skip the line ticket. Ive tried to give you a mix of cities and leisurely villages, with day trip options as well. The historic old town of Dubrovnik is a kaleidoscope of stunning architecture, charming streets, and a lively city center. Begin day 2 with breakfast at Gradska Kavana Arsenal. You board an open air train, which slings you into a gaping hole in the mountain. Most visitors will spend just one day in Bled, but we stayed in an Airbnb vacation home in Bled for an entire week to spend time skiing the Alps. READ: Guide To Ruins and Archaeological Sites in Rome, The 4th century complex is a sprawling maze of beautifully preserved ancient ruins, shops, restaurants, apartments, and people. In the early evening, take the Dubrovnik Cable Car up to Mt. Heres my guide to taking a Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik. All you really need to do is stroll the medieval streets and find a quaint nook to dine in. PS. During the summer you might be able to see some jumpers taking a leap of faith and diving from it. From the harbor, grab a seat on the ferry that heads for Lokrum Island, which fans of Game of Thrones (GoT) will instantly recognize as the City of Qarth. The small castle has ramparts, moats, romanesque walls, and Renaissance buildings everything you might expect from a medieval fortress. Best of Croatia and Slovenia (11 Days) Travel Styles. Its a 30 minute walk on a scenic shore path that runs between the two towns. To help you get started, we've listed our top picks for where to go in Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Montenegro, as well as our plan for your best two-week trip. In the evening, stroll along the Riva Promenade. Day 10: Dubrovnik Food Tour & Travel to Zagreb Final Thoughts on Croatia 10-Day Itinerary Dubrovnik served as Kings Landing in the series and there are myriad filming locations. but aside from that, it was a nice place in a good location with a great breakfast. Did you find having a car in dubrovnik helpful? You can do it with a rental car if youre planning on self-driving the rest of the trip. Predjama Castle is only an hours drive northeast of Piran, and it was one of my highlights from Slovenia! The large fee seems to be changing countries. You can also book a guided day tour from Split. You can get in touch with nature by hiking the lungs of Split akaMarjan Hill and have a picnic there. Trust us. Fill up your water bottle at Onofrios Fountain. I found it almost as scenically satisfying as Bled, and it was ever so slightly less touristy. Its housed in a palace next to Diocletians Palace. Alternatively, public transportation is reliable and affordable in Croatia and Slovenia the majority of cities and towns connect via bus or train. Any city that has a Game of Thrones filming location is worthy of some quality time. Welcoming travelers aged 13 to 80 years old, it is organized by Blue-Roads Touring, a very popular company with plenty of great reviews.Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 13 destinations, featuring Postojna, Rovinj, and Opatija. Or are they telling you that you have to drop it off in the same city in Croatia? (For example, Lake Bled and Dubrovnik are a full day's drive apart.) There are different levels of lakes, four different hiking trails, 7 different routes through the park, and 2 different entrances. On your trip, check off the Ban Jelai Square, Zagreb Cathedral, and the charming Dolac Farmers Market. This itinerary focuses on the two countries natural and cultural highlights. But you may want to bring a picnic lunch. On a slender finger of a peninsula, encircled by the sparkling Adriatic sea, sits the picturesque and charming town of Piran. Keep an eye out for the famous inscription above the door leading to the fort that reads Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro, or Freedom cannot be sold for all the gold of the world. If you enter via the Ploce Gate or Pile Gate, you are right at the street. Splits an ancient city that dates back to Roman times. But if you have extra time, its worth another day. This is a particularly good idea for those who dont like seafood. While Slovenia isnt very touristy (thats a good thing), Croatia does have a high season, and the peak tourist season runs from May and ends in September. Running along the Dalmatian Coast, its landscapes include dramatic cliffs and pristine coastlines. You can visit them both on an 8-9 hour guided tour from Zadar. So, what are you waiting for? This short drive will only take about one to two hours, and the border crossing is usually quiet in the morning. And there will be crowds. Youll find restaurants, boats, and yachts all set amid a lively atmosphere. it has a rooftop swimming pool. Opt for the latter to catch some final glimpses of the Bay of Kotor and one of the most well-preserved medieval towns along the Adriatic Sea. Eager to head out and explore the majestic beauty of Croatia and the often-overlooked Slovenia? Croatia and Slovenia can easily be visited on one itinerary, because the distances arent too big and you dont need any special paperwork if youre driving a rental car. Island hopping, or even visiting just one island, is a must in Croatia. Trogir feels like its made entirely of limestone and tangled alleyways, and sprinkled with fairy dust. Cities Visited. The Rectors Palace, Sponza Palace, and Dubrovnik Cathedral are likewise impressive. The tour also includes a visit to the Concert Hall, which is a large cavern used for concerts and other events. If youre up for cooler temperatures, wintertime can be excellent to see the snowy peaks of Slovenia and even possibly do some skiing if you wish. Thank you. Best of Croatia and Slovenia (11 Days) by Trafalgar with 7 Tour Reviews - TourRadar Home Europe Tours Croatia Tours In-depth Cultural Tours Best of Croatia and Slovenia (11 Days) 4.6 7 reviews Ask a Question Check Availability Best of Croatia and Slovenia (11 Days) 11 days 4.6 (7) From Zagreb to Dubrovnik In-depth Cultural Family You can only visit via boat; you cant swim in the cave itself. Vatican City may be the smallest country in the world, covering only half a square kilometre, but the beliefs and teachings of this religious superpower have shaped and guided many of the political and cultural development around the globe. An entrance fee is taken at the start of the trial and is 8 (a little over $8) per person. But an island hopping tour is one of the best things to do in Split. Ive been looking into car rentals and there is huge fees for doing a one way car rental from Croatia to Slovenia. Choose from 17 trips with 45 customer reviews, that range from 8 up to 10 days. One of Dubrovniks prize landmarks is its Clock Tower in Luza Square. Guests get complimentary access to the exclusive Banje Beach. It has something for everyone stunning waterfall-laced landscapes, gorgeous beaches, historic landmarks, Roman ruins, and charming hamlets. But if you take the modern highway, youll have the fastest route. Sidenote: If youre an outdoor enthusiast, you can swap out the islands for a trip to one of the best national parks in Croatia Krka National Park. Book a table in advance and ask for a table with a view. Tour Manager Duan was energetic, friendly and knowledgeable, Driver Vlado was fantastic with his driving skills and always professional. You can also book a 2 hour guided tour of the walls to make sure you see all the sites. I loved sampling delicious fruits and vegetables and pick up some souvenirs to take home. And Predjama Castle has one. Your next stop is Lake Bled. Its the perfect midway point between Split and Ljubljana Slovenia. A standout option is the almost ethereal Banje Beach, close to the old town with epic views of the city and pristine waters for some swimming. Everywhere you look, theres stunning architecture and cobbled lanes. After that, youre heading for the nearby town of Budva. Suggested Croatia Luxury Itineraries. The spiral staircase of the tower was a lot of fun to climb. Wake up early and get ready to drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hi Mae.Thank you and I hope you have an amazing trip. 7 Day Tours (6) 10 Day Tours (17) Whether it be the welcoming locals or the number of awe-inspiring landmarks. Compact Zadar is built for wandering.
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