Slovenia to Croatia Adventure

Our Croatia and Slovenia tour begins in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital city. The small city has a green soul and a high level of environmental awareness, making it one of Europe’s most liveable capitals. The car-free city center and tree-lined banks of the Ljubljanica River make it a fantastic place to explore on foot or by bicycle. You’ll have plenty to do if you decide to spend an extra day or two here before the start of the trip. 

In the early evening on Day 1, we will meet for a welcome drink, dinner and a trip overview. In addition to getting to know the guides and fellow travelers, we’ll discuss the adventures that await us over the coming week.

Accommodation: Ljubljana; Meals: Dinner.

After breakfast, we have about a 2-hour drive to the shores of Lake Bohinj. The clear blue waters framed by mountains provide a picturesque setting for today’s kayaking adventure. We’ll enjoy a leisurely paddle through the lake’s calm waters, with plenty of time to swim and admire the scenery. You’ll have some free time after paddling to take a stroll along the lake and get a snack before we head to Bled for the rest of the day. 

Accommodation: Bled; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Lake Bled has been known as a paradise for centuries, impressing visitors with its natural beauty, wealth of legend, and special powers to restore well-being. The most beautiful view of Lake Bled and its surrounding alpine peaks is from the hiking paths wrapping around the lake. We will hike one of the loop trails around Lake Bled so that you can experience the beauty of this area and immerse yourself in nature. Our hike will be around 4-5 hours long, easy to moderate level of difficulty and full of exciting views and stops.

In the afternoon you will have time to relax and get some coffee or a refreshing drink next to the lake. For those who want to try more activities, there will be options for swimming, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, row boat excursions, and more.

Accommodation: Bled; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Today we say goodbye to Slovenia and make our way to Croatia’s Istrian peninsula. In about 3 hours, we will reach our destination – the charming seaside town of Rovinj. The historic town rises from the sea on a small peninsula surrounded by 14 stunning islands. We’ll have lunch together, get settled into our accommodation, and then will have some free time in the afternoon to just relax or enjoy a walk through the town’s narrow, meandering streets. 

In the evening, we’ll meet for a sunset kayaking trip offering a breathtaking new perspective of Old Town Rovinj. We’ll paddle to the Golden Cape, Sveta Katarina Island, and hidden beaches. One of our secret spots includes optional cliff jumping into the crystal clear sea. As we head back to shore, we’ll float in our kayaks and watch the sun slowly sink beneath the horizon. 

Accommodation: Rovinj; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

This morning we leave the Istrian coast and head inland, where some of the peninsula’s most beautiful landscapes await. Our first stop of the day is Ucka Nature Park, an area known for its unique climate and lush forests.

We’ll hike through woodlands up to Vojak (1,401 meters above sea level), the highest peak in Istria. At the summit, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of Istria’s rolling green hills, the shimmering Adriatic Sea, Kvarner Islands and Velebit Mountains in the distance. On a clear day, it is possible to see the Italian Alps and Trieste! The hike will take around 3-4 hours and is an easy to moderate level of difficulty. 

After the hike, we’ll drive to the captivating town of Motovun, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval hilltop settlements in Istria. After settling into our accommodation, we’ll have the chance to take a stroll along the old defense walls, have dinner with truffles – a local specialty – and enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the Mirna River Valley.

Accommodation: Motovun; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Our cycling trip today takes us on country roads that wind through rural Istria’s medieval hilltop villages, vineyards, olive groves and forests. The route passes through the picturesque hillside towns of Oprtalj and Groznjan, which we will have time to explore on foot. The second half of the trip follows the Parenzana, an old railroad bed that is now popular among cyclists and hikers. We’ll pedal through old railroad tunnels and over bridges until we reach the Mirna River Valley, enjoying spectacular views of the countryside along the way.

Accommodation: Motovun; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Today we leave Istria and drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in one of Croatia’s scenic mountain regions. Plitvice is among the most beautiful and unique natural areas in Europe. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its stunning sequence of turquoise lakes separated by travertine barriers and over 90 waterfalls.

As we walk along the park’s wooden paths and bridges, we’ll take in views of 16 gorgeous lakes, fairy-tale forests and cascading waterfalls fed by both the Black and White Rivers. The seemingly endless beech and pine forests surrounding the lakes are home to extensive wildlife including deer, brown bears and wolves, numerous caves and an interesting karst landscape. You can bring snacks to enjoy a picnic lunch in this pristine, natural area, or purchase food inside the park. After the hike, we’ll have the chance to admire the lakes from a different perspective on a short bus ride that will take us back to the starting point.

We’ll stay overnight in the Plitvice area and enjoy one last dinner together as a group before saying goodbye in the morning. 

Accommodation: Plitvice; Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Today our tour comes to an end. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time, but we recommend avoiding early departing flights. Group transfers from Plitvice Lakes may be available to Zagreb, Ljubljana or Rijeka airports – please inquire when booking your tour to make arrangements. If you decide to extend your stay in Croatia, your guide(s) will happily recommend other wonderful things to do and places to visit – especially local favorites that you won’t find in most guidebooks.