Croatia & Slovenia Adventure

Dobro došli — welcome to Croatia, where your journey begins in the vibrant city of Split. This evening at 6 pm, meet your group and trip leader to kick things off.
If Dubrovnik is the heart of Dalmatia, then Split is its living, breathing soul. Set on a sunlit peninsula along the Adriatic, it’s Croatia’s second-largest city — a place where ancient history and modern life dance side by side. At its core lies Diocletian’s Palace, not frozen in time like a museum, but alive with cafés, shops, and everyday life unfolding within its ancient walls.
After your welcome meeting, ease into the rhythm of Dalmatia by heading out with your group to enjoy your first taste of local cuisine — think fresh flavors, coastal vibes, and a table full of stories waiting to begin.

It’s important to attend the welcome meeting at the beginning of your trip — during this time, your leader will collect your travel insurance and emergency contact details. If you think you might arrive late, please let your travel agent or the hotel reception know in advance. You can also check with reception or look for a note posted in the lobby for details about the meeting’s time and location.

This morning, set off by local bus along the Adriatic coast toward Zadar — a city where every corner hums with history. Once the capital of Dalmatia, Zadar reveals its layered past through Roman ruins, medieval churches, and polished marble streets that seem to glow under the sun.
By the waterfront, pause for something truly unique — the famous Sea Organ, where the rhythm of the waves creates a haunting, melodic soundtrack. Wander through the Old Town, soaking up its timeless charm, then slip into the city’s lively café scene for a taste of local life.
Sample Zadarsko pivo, a light, slightly bitter beer with a smooth, rich character — the perfect companion for a relaxed afternoon. As evening approaches, indulge in Zadar’s culinary scene with a refined Croatian dinner. Try tender njoki with lamb in red wine, Dalmatian ham paired with peppery rocket, or opt for fresh tuna carpaccio or a delicate fillet in scampi sauce.
To finish, sip on Maraskino — Zadar’s iconic cherry liqueur, crafted from locally grown maraschino cherries using a centuries-old secret recipe. Once favored by European royalty, this elegant drink has been produced here since 1821 and remains a true taste of Dalmatian heritage.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Leave the city behind this morning and venture into the peaceful countryside of Zadar’s hinterland for a truly local experience. At a family-run winery, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the winemakers themselves and introduced to the region’s deep-rooted wine traditions.
Enjoy a guided tasting of locally produced wines, perfectly paired with regional delicacies like artisanal cheeses, prosciutto, and dried sausages — a table that feels like a celebration of Dalmatian flavor. Then, wander through sunlit vineyards, learning about the native grape varieties and the time-honored techniques that give these wines their distinct character.
In the afternoon, return to Zadar and enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. If you’re in the mood for something iconic, treat yourself to a glass of Maraskino — the city’s famous cherry liqueur, crafted from locally grown maraschino cherries using a centuries-old recipe. Once a favorite among European royalty, it’s a refined and unforgettable taste of Zadar’s heritage.

This morning, leave the coast behind and journey inland to your next base in Grabovac, gateway to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park — a true natural Eden of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes.
Fed by the Bijela and Crna rivers, these waters spill over forested ridges, weaving through dense greenery and limestone formations. Sixteen interconnected lakes, divided into upper and lower sections, create a dramatic landscape where water dances through karst rock, plunging into turquoise pools below. It’s a place where nature feels alive in every direction — from the rush of waterfalls to the quiet flutter of over 120 bird species, including hawks and owls, and clouds of butterflies adding flashes of color to the scene.
After exploring the park, continue to the nearby village of Ličko Petrovo Selo for a truly unique cultural stop. Visit a local NGO dedicated to preserving the traditional craft of woolly men’s underwear — a quirky yet meaningful piece of regional heritage. Learn how these handmade garments have been passed down through generations, and perhaps pick up a cozy, one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Continue your journey to Zagreb — Croatia’s vibrant capital and largest city, where leafy parks, grand squares, and café-lined streets set a relaxed, lived-in rhythm.
On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings, then enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. You might hop on a free walking tour to dive deeper into local life, or simply wander through streets lined with elegant neo-Baroque and Gothic architecture.
For a taste of Zagreb’s social scene, head to lively Tkalčićeva Street, where cafés spill onto the pavement and the atmosphere buzzes from morning to night. If you’re craving views, make your way up Medvednica Mountain — on a clear day, you can see all the way to neighboring Slovenia.
To experience the city like a local, visit one of Zagreb’s open-air markets, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, honey, nuts, and homemade liqueurs — a true feast of flavors and everyday life.

This morning, hop on a train and cross into Slovenia, arriving in Ljubljana — one of Europe’s smallest capitals, yet bursting with green spaces and creative energy.
On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk through the city’s charming streets, then glide up to Ljubljana Castle by funicular for sweeping panoramic views. Known as the “dragon city” thanks to its roots in Greek mythology, you’ll spot these legendary creatures woven into bridges, buildings, and city symbols at every turn.
With around 50,000 students calling it home, Ljubljana has a youthful, buzzing atmosphere. For something a little edgy, explore Metelkova — a colorful hub of alternative culture and street art — or wander the Old Town, where history and café culture blend effortlessly. And if you’re unsure where to start, your leader will always have the best local spots up their sleeve.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Set out this morning on a scenic day trip to Lake Bled — a place that feels like it slipped straight out of a fairytale. Your leader will guide you along the lakeshore, passing elegant 19th-century villas, including the former residence of Yugoslav president Marshal Tito, now known as the charming Hotel Vila Bled.
After the walk, the day is yours to explore. For a bit of adventure, rent a paddleboard and glide across the crystal-clear water, circling the iconic island. Or choose a more traditional route and hop aboard a pletna — a classic wooden boat with a canopy, rowed by a local oarsman — to reach the island in style. Once there, climb the 99 stone steps to St Mary’s Church and ring the wishing bell, a ritual said to bring good luck.
No visit to Bled is complete without tasting its legendary cream cake — and with nearly every café claiming the best, you’ll have plenty of delicious research to do.
In the evening, return to Ljubljana and perhaps gather with your group for one last dinner — a perfect finale to a journey filled with stories, flavors, and unforgettable views.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart your accommodation at any time. For those who wish to stay in Ljubljana, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.