Hidden Gems of Slovenia and Croatia

Upon arrival to Zagreb airport, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Tonight a welcome dinner in a local restaurant, which will be tasting plates of Croatian culinary tradition made with a modern twist.

Accommodation: Hotel Dubrovnik or similar

We start the day with a walking tour of Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia. Our tour will include, The Jelacic Square, the cathedral, the upper town, …but also look at the open-air market, where we will be able to taste some of the local products.

We then depart Zagreb and cross the border in to Slovenia. Our first stop is in Novo Mesto, a city located on by the green Krka River. Here we board a wooden raft, that will take you on a relaxing ride all around the city, as you learn about the history of Novo Mesto and the area. We will also taste the local wine cviček with traditional flat bread. After, we continue on to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital.

Accommodation: Hotel Slon/Hotel Exe Lev or similar

This morning, we discover the old town of Ljubljana. Our tour includes the Prešern Square, the riverbanks of Ljubljanica River, the Three Bridges, the lively open-air market and of course we will take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle to catch one of the best views of the green capital of Slovenia.

Next, we travel to beautiful Lake Bled. We will visit the romantic castle, perched on the cliff above the lake and later get to taste the famous Bled cream cake! There is some leisure time in Bled, and you can just wander and explore or choose some optional activities, like the pletna boat ride to the small island in the middle of the lake (additional cost).
In the early evening we departure for Radovljica, and take a short stroll around the picturesque town, if time allows we will see the gingerbread harts’ workshop or the small pottery museum. Dinner tonight is at the local restaurant, House Linhart (or similar) – home of one of the best Slovenian chefs. After dinner, we return to our hotel.

As we depart Ljubljana, our day begins as we discover the mysterious underground world of the Postojna Caves. The caves are second longest cave system in Slovenia, and were created by the Pivka River. The tour partly by a small electric train, and some by walking.

After our tour of the caves, our journey continues as we enter the Karst region, where we will taste some air-dried prosciutto accompanied by the local wine, teren. Both are characteristic products of the region, so something not to be missed! We then cross back in to Croatia, and the Kvarner Bay area, and popular resort of Opatija.

Accommodation: Hotel Paris or similar

Istria is the biggest Croatian peninsula and rich of history and culture, but also a paradise for foodies. We will start our tour of the peninsula with a walking tour of the picturesque town of Rovinj. This old fishing village is today a lively cultural, touristic and gastronomy centre. This is followed, by a visit to a local olive oil producer for a tasting – Istria is one of the leading regions for olive oil production. Our next stop will be a local wine producer, where we will tour the wine cellar and taste some of the local wines, like malvazia.

The tour will then take us to the hilltop village of Motovun, the town of truffles. A short walk through the small town will allow us to visit some of the small shops, to taste and buy some of the truffle based products.

On our way back to Opatija, there is one last on our culinary journey through Istria. This is in the small town of Buzet, where we will visit a local distillery and try their brandy and other products like jams, juices, biscuits….

We will travel inland today, to reach the beautiful national park of Plitvice Lakes. Here it is tiem to stretch our legs, as we enjoy a half day walking tour of the Lakes. We continue afterwards to our hotel, and dinner tonight at a local restaurant is included

Accommodation: Hotel Fenomen or similar

Today, we head south, to Zadar. Upon arrival there is a walking tour of the city, where we learn where about the largest Roman Forum on the Adriatic coast, we also will see the St.Donat church (the symbol of Zadar) and learn about the gold and silver coffin of St. Simon from 14th century, and what this means to the city, and the not to be missed Promenade, the Sea Organ.
Our day continues as we travel to the small town of Plastavo, where we will visit local wine producer, and sample a selection of small bites accompanied with selected wines. Finally we continue on to Split for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel Ora or similar

After breakfast, a morning city tour of Split, where we will see the beauty of the majestic Diocletian Palace before departing for Dubrovnik.  We will stop at the Pelješac Peninsula, and the impressive city walls of Stone, where we get to sample an Adriatic oyster’s experience. We visit the Mali Stone Bay, and learn about shellfish farming, where the history dates back over 800 years. On a short boat trip you will enjoy a tasting of fresh oysters and mussels just taken out of the sea. Our journey ends today in the walled city of Dubrovnik and overnight.

Accommodation: Hotel Lapad or similar

We explore this historical wonder today, starting with a morning city tour of Dubrovnik old town. We walk along the main street Stradun, visit the Rector’s Palace, The Franciscan Monastery, including the pharmacy, Orlondo’s Column, Onofrio’s Fountain and much more…
The afternoon is at leisure, to explore as you wish, we recommend visiting the Dubrovnik city walls, or you can just relax.

Tonight, our farewell dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Adriatic Sea or a traditional agritourism restaurant in the hinterlands of Dubrovnik.

After breakfast, the day is at leisure until the transfer to Dubrovnik Airport.