From Dubrovnik to Venice: A Journey Through Croatia, Slovenia and Italy

The Best of the Adriatic

A two-week journey through the gems of the Adriatic: Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy

What we'll discover:

• Dubrovnik – A UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its magnificent medieval walls, over 2 kilometers long, offering stunning views of the sea and the cityscape.

• Split – The second-largest city in Croatia, blending ancient history and Roman Empire architecture with incomparable Mediterranean charm.

• Plitvice Lakes – A UNESCO World Heritage site, Croatia's most breathtaking natural landmark, famous for its tiered waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests surrounding this natural gem.

• Ljubljana – The capital of Slovenia, a small and often overlooked city, known for its picturesque old town, with Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, including the iconic Ljubljana Castle and Triple Bridge.

• Slovenian Karst – One of Slovenia's most unique regions, a fascinating landscape with geological wonders like limestone formations, the famous Postojna Cave, and Lipica, home to the world-renowned Lipizzaner horses.

• Lake Bled – Slovenia's most iconic and picturesque destination, a glacial lake surrounded by the Julian Alps, known for its emerald green waters and breathtaking landscape.

• Venice – A jewel of the Adriatic, a city built on more than 100 islands, offering stunning views of St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Grand Canal – a true highlight of our journey,

and other interesting destinations along the way.

Day 1

We arrive in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic! Transfer from the airport to the hotel. In the evening, join the tour leader for a warm welcome and a refreshing drink.

Day 2

The day begins with a guided tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town, accompanied by a local guide. As we stroll through the narrow, historic streets, we uncover the city's rich history. Walking along the limestone-paved streets feels like a journey back in time, with stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, including palaces, churches, and the magnificent Rector’s Palace.

Dubrovnik is also famous as a filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones, where its ancient city walls and picturesque streets served as the backdrop for a fantastical world.

In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a private sunset cruise featuring a dinner of freshly caught fish paired with fine local wines.

Day 3

After breakfast, we take a scenic bus ride along the winding roads to the tip of the Pelješac Peninsula. From there, a short ferry ride brings us to the charming island of Korčula, known for its ancient fortifications, stunning beaches, and its claim as the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo.

Following a brief orientation walk through the historic Old Town and hotel check-in, you'll have some free time for shopping or personal exploration. Dinner can be enjoyed at your leisure in one of the many seaside restaurants.

Day 4

On our fourth day, we return to the mainland and visit Split, famous for Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture that once served as the summer residence of the Roman Emperor. This former medieval site has been beautifully preserved over the centuries.

After a guided tour of the interior of Diocletian's Palace with a local guide, we head to Zadar, a city founded by Greek merchants in the 5th century BC. Zadar boasts a blend of ancient Roman ruins and medieval architecture, including the iconic Roman Forum. We stay overnight in Zadar.

Day 5

A short drive takes us to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's most iconic natural attraction. The park features 16 terraced lakes connected by wooden hiking trails and paths, allowing visitors to explore this tranquil paradise up close.

After our visit, we cross the border into Slovenia and travel through gentle hills adorned with vineyards to Rogaška Slatina, Slovenia's renowned spa town, where we stay overnight.

Day 6

We are in Rogaška Slatina, a hidden gem in eastern Slovenia, renowned as a spa town famous for its healing mineral waters, wellness centers, and beautiful parks surrounded by promenades. Here, ancient Romans treated their rheumatic joints, and the Habsburgs indulged themselves.

We take a leisurely day dedicated to relaxation and recovery. We begin the day with a refreshing swim, a soothing bath, or perhaps a rejuvenating massage. Later, we enjoy an inspiring visit to the famous Rogaška crystal glassworks.

In the evening, we delight in a wonderful dinner featuring expertly prepared game dishes crafted by local culinary masters.

Day 7

This day is dedicated to northern Slovenia. We cross the border into Austria to visit a majestic castle perched atop an extinct volcano. It once served as a fortress against Turkish invasions. After the tour, we head for lunch at a traditional "Buschenschank," where local winemakers offer a selection of their dried meats perfectly paired with their exquisite wines.

We then return to Slovenia to visit an old pumpkin seed oil refinery and the largest wine cellar in the country. Miles of underground corridors hold some of the finest wines of the region. Among other selections, we’ll taste a 30-year-old Rhine Riesling.

Day 8

On the eighth day of our journey, we head to Slovenia's capital and embark on a walking tour of the historic city center. Ljubljana’s central area is a magical blend of historic architecture and vibrant city life. A guided tour through this enchanting medieval city, nestled between the Ljubljanica River and Castle Hill, takes us to highlights such as the stunning Baroque Cathedral, the iconic Dragon Bridge, and the Renaissance-style Town Hall.

After the tour, there’s time to relax - either browse local shops for souvenirs or settle at a cozy sidewalk café to savor the moment. Enjoy a light lunch at the market in the heart of the old town, while dinner is your chance to explore the city’s numerous restaurants and bars along the lively riverside.

Day 9

We have a busy and exciting day ahead. We head south to visit the Postojna Cave, part of a 24-kilometer underground cave system adorned with breathtaking stalagmites and stalactites. We also explore the Predjama Castle, an imposing medieval fortress built into a natural arch high on a cliff face.

As we are in the Karst region - a rugged limestone plateau with scarce soil and raw natural beauty - we indulge in their renowned dry-cured prosciutto and a special red wine called "Teran."

Next, we visit Lipica, the home of the famous white Lipizzaner horses and the original stables established in 1580 to supply horses for defense against Turkish invasions. We participate in a show by the Spanish Riding School before settling in to enjoy a feast of the finest Slovenian cuisine.

Day 10

The highlight of our journey is a visit to Lake Bled, offering a scene straight out of a fairytale: a majestic castle perched on a steep cliff overlooking the crystal-clear waters, with a tiny island and its charming church peacefully resting at the center.

We then take a cable car to view Mount Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia and a symbol of Slovenian independence. Here, we enjoy a traditional hiker’s lunch: barley soup paired with kranjska klobasa, the renowned Slovenian sausage.

Next, we visit the Ironworks Museum, where an engaging presentation brings to life the challenges faced by a blacksmith's family in the past.

The day concludes with a festive dinner featuring lively music, traditional songs, and spirited dancing. We return to Ljubljana for the night.

Day 11

We depart from Ljubljana to visit Idrija and the world’s second-largest mercury mine, recently recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Next, we head north and stop at the museum in Kobarid dedicated to World War I, which received the prestigious Museum of Europe award in 1993. The museum is a poignant tribute to the more than one million soldiers who perished in the Great War.

Now we are in the Soča Valley, following the charming emerald-green Soča River as it flows smoothly from the mountains. Here, we are greeted by the gentle hills of "Slovenian Tuscany." This area is known for producing our finest wines, so it seems fitting to enjoy a wine tasting. Since the region is also famous for its excellent food, we combine the wine tasting with an early dinner.

Day 12

On our 12th day, we finally arrive in Venice. After marveling at the stunning natural beauty of Slovenia, we dedicate the day to exploring the artistic treasures of Venice. Deeply influenced by Eastern Mediterranean culture, yet firmly rooted in the Western world, Venice has made unique contributions to European civilization.

Today, it is known for its winding canals, magnificent architecture, and rich artistic heritage. With its iconic gondolas, stunning basilicas, and Renaissance masterpieces, Venice offers a unique blend of history and romance. We admire the beautiful mosaics in St. Mark’s Basilica and masterpieces by Tintoretto, Titian, and Tiepolo at the DOGE’S PALACE. Afterwards, you can also shop for renowned Murano glass products and enjoy a gondola ride. In the evening, we celebrate with a farewell dinner and toast to a fantastic journey.

Day 13

Transfer to the airport for the return flight home.