Top Menu

Croatia & Slovenia

This adventure bounds from the Gothic monuments of Split, through the pristine scenery of Plitvice Lakes National Park and ancient streets of Old Town Zadar, then on to the island of Pag. After a blissful beach break, cross into Slovenia to discover the enchanting surrounds of Bled. This jam-packed journey offers lush forest hikes, breathtaking landscapes, medieval architecture and scrumptious food along with a good taste of the ancient Croatian and Slovenian culture.

From $1,593 

Take the first step in your adventure now!

Enquire now
StartsSplit, Croatia
EndsBled, Slovenia
RegionCroatia
Duration8 days
Tour OperatorIntrepid Travel
Tour Map
View Dates

Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Split & Finishing: Split

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 6pm – check with reception to confirm the time and place. Have your insurance details and next of kin information on hand for collection by your leader. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive early. As there's not much time in Split on this trip, and so much to see, this is recommended anyway. We’ll be happy to help you book accommodation, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking. If Dubrovnik is considered the heart of Dalmatia, Split is certainly its soul. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, it's the second largest city in Croatia. Split grew out from Diocletian's Palace and you can almost see it evolving in a multitude of different ways right before your eyes. Some cultures might have made the palace a museum, but the city of Split has always been a dynamic, vibrant place and the palace houses many businesses as well as being home to locals. After the meeting, perhaps head out for your first taste of Dalmatian cuisine with the group.

Day 2 - Starting: Zadar & Finishing: Zadar

Travel by local bus northwest to Zadar (approximately 4 hours), taking in vistas over vineyards, olive groves, bays, beaches, steep cliffs and islands along the way. For centuries Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia, and the city's rich heritage is visible at every step. An important coastal town, the musical steps of the ‘Sea Organ’ on Zadar's waterfront express its important relationship with the sea. Trace marble streets through the Old Town and discover Roman ruins in amongst medieval churches. Enjoy some local food and drinks in a city that’s home to a vibrant café culture. Ozjusko pivo is a light beer with a very pleasant taste, just a little bit bitter, with a rich flavour. Afterwards, perhaps treat yourself to a gourmet meal at a contemporary Croatian restaurant. Try lamb in red wine, 'njoki' with Dalmatian ham and rocket salad, or opt for the popular choice of fresh fish: tuna carpaccio or a fillet in scampi sauce. Also try the famous liqueur, Maraskino, made from locally-grown maraschino cherries according to a centuries' old secret recipe. This unique drink was a favourite at European imperial and royal courts and has been produced in Zadar since 1821.

Day 3 - Starting: Pag Island / Zadar & Finishing: Pag Island / Zadar

Today embark on a full day trip to Pag Island by bus (approximately 1.5 hours). The karst island of Pag is home to sheep, an intricate lace, and a determined group of islanders who wring themselves a living from the barren, rocky landscape. Settled in pre-Roman times, the island has been at the mercy of the shifting fortunes of various Dalmatian rulers, and today reminders of its prosperous salt-mining past lie in the main town. Meet a producer of the island's renowned ‘paski sir’ – Pag cheese. Eaten sliced with black olives, or grated and used instead of Parmesan, paški sir is salty with a sharp tangy flavour. This distinctive cheese comes from Pag Island's sheep, who roam the rocky island eating aromatic herbs and grass on slopes coated in salt deposits by strong sea winds. The milk is collected in May, left unpasteurised during fermentation, then rubbed with sea salt and olive oil and left to age anywhere from six months to a year. There may also be time for a swim in the shallow coves that make Pag Island a popular destination for beachgoers. Return to Zadar by late afternoon. Perhaps visit the famous modern ‘Greeting to the Sun’ and the more ancient St. Donat`s Church and St. Anastasia’s Cathedral.

Day 4 - Starting: Plitvice Lakes National Park & Finishing: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Take a drive inland and travel north to your next base of Rakovica (approximately 2 hours). Here you’ll visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a misty Eden of endless waterfalls and spectral blue lakes. Fed by the Bijela and Crna (White and Black) Rivers, the waters tumble from a high, tree-lined ridge down through the valley and skirt dense forests of beech, spruce and pine. A series of wooden walkways pass over the landscape, ensuring there’s little impact upon the park. 16 stunning turquoise lakes, fed by underground springs, are split into the upper and lower lakes. The upper are in the dolomite cliffs, where rushing water weaves in and out of the karst, dropping dramatically down to the lower lakes, with enchanting forests, grottoes and steep cliffs. This interplay of water, rock, and plant-life creates a wondrous, dynamic landscape, changing the water colour from azure to bright green, deep blue to grey. Look to the canopy for over 120 species of birds, including hawks and owls. The butterflies that hover through the trees transform the park into a riot of colour in the autumn. Even amongst this pristine natural beauty, the Plitvice Lakes are shadowed by the region's history. The 1991 civil war erupted here after rebel Serbs took control of the park's headquarters, holding the park for the duration of the war and devastating infrastructure, though thankfully leaving the natural landscape intact.

Day 5 - Starting: Pula & Finishing: Pula

Take the drive to Pula, the capital of the province of Istria (approximately 4 hours). A Roman amphitheatre, a wealth of architectural sights and a hedonistic bent make Pula a great place to catch a concert or sample some Istrian cuisine. Pula has a long history as a Roman citadel, a pirate target and a naval port, and today this regional and economic centre is powered by shipbuilding, textiles, metals and glass. On a free day, a wander through Pula's Old Town is like a step back in time to its heyday as a Roman regional administrative centre. Follow the Roman walls and pass through the Triumphal Arch of Sergius from 27 BC. On the pedestrianized streets of the Old Town, see the ancient Forum, whose sole remaining structure is the Temple of Augustus, rebuilt after almost total devastation in World War II. The Roman Amphitheatre is Pula's most impressive sight. Overlooking the harbour, it was built in the 1st century and designed to hold up to 20,000 spectators, who revelled in the bloodthirsty gladiatorial contests shown there. It’s a spectacular sight as the sun sets. Tonight, stay in a boutique hostel in the city’s heart, a stone's throw from the Arch.

Day 6 - Starting: Rovinj / Bled & Finishing: Rovinj / Bled

Cross the border into Slovenia and travel into the Julian Alps to Bled (approximately 3.5 hours). En route, stop in the coastal gem of Rovinj, one of the best-kept towns on the Adriatic Coast. There will be time to wander the picturesque streets this morning, taking in colourful buildings and a splendid waterfront with a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Through the centuries, Rovinj’s character has enchanted many an artist or writer, including Jules Verne. Climb the campanile of Sv Euphemia Cathedral in the middle of the old town, or browse the stands of the daily open-air market for truffles, olive oil, seafood or fruit and vegetables. Alternatively, you may just want to find a spot for a cold drink and watch the world go by. After another short drive, arrive in Bled, situated on the stunning lake of the same name. Take in the mountainous backdrop, lake, and impressive cliff-top fortress, which all combine to make this a wonderful place to visit. There are many outdoor activities to get the blood pumping in Bled: rafting, caving, canoeing and swimming, to name a few.

Day 7 - Starting: Bled & Finishing: Bled

Today is a free day for you to explore all that Bled and the surrounding area has to offer. Perhaps hire a bike and cycle the 6 kilometre bike path that circles the lake. This scenic ride passes some impressive villas, mostly from the beginning of the 19th century, including the former residence of the 'Soft Dictator' Tito – today the Hotel Vila Bled. If you’re feeling active, continue riding out to Vintgar Gorge (4 kilometres) and walk through the natural canyon. Bled is renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Maybe head to the 100 metre high cliff-top Old Bled Castle, dating from the 11th century and overlooking sparkling Lake Bled, then take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) to the island on Lake Bled – climb up the 99 steps to St Mary's Church and ring the wishing bell. Be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake, which isn’t hard; nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims that theirs is the best. You might even consider doing a day trip to nearby Ljubljana, Slovenia's compact yet cosmopolitan capital city. Then, why not celebrate the end of a remarkable journey with a final group meal.

Day 8 - Starting: Bled & Finishing: Bled

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see and do in Bled and the surrounding mountains you may want to consider extending your trip and stay longer in Bled. We are able to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.

View Dates

More Information

Highlights

  • See Emperor Diocletian’s awe-inspiring palace in Split
  • Hear the enchanting sounds of Zadar’s sea organ
  • Relax on the Adriatic island of Pag
  • Be captivated by enchanting Bled
  • Explore the enchanting forests and mystic lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park

This adventure bounds from the Gothic monuments of Split, through the pristine scenery of Plitvice Lakes National Park and ancient streets of Old Town Zadar, then on to the island of Pag. After a blissful beach break, cross into Slovenia to discover the enchanting surrounds of Bled. This jam-packed journey offers lush forest hikes, breathtaking landscapes, medieval architecture and scrumptious food along with a good taste of the ancient Croatian and Slovenian culture.

Day 1 Accommodation

Hotel (1 nights)

Day 1 Optional Activities

  • Ivan Mestrovic Museum - HRK 40
  • Archaeological Museum - HRK 20
  • Art Gallery - HRK 20
  • City Museum - HRK 20
  • Ethnographic Museum - HRK 15
  • Marjan Hill Hike - Free -
  • Fish Market - Free -
  • Hiking in Mosor with Traditional Dinner - EUR 64
  • Cooking Class including Lunch/Dinner - EUR 80

Day 2 Accommodation

Hostel (1 nights)

Day 2 Optional Activities

  • St. Donat`s Church - HRK 20
  • St. Anastasia’s Cathedral - Free -
  • Roman Forum - Free -
  • Cathedral Tower - HRK 15
  • Archaeological Museum - HRK 30

Day 3 Included Activities

  • Pag Island with visit to cheese makers

Day 3 Accommodation

Hostel (1 nights)

Day 3 Optional Activities

  • Lace Museum in Pag Town - HRK 10
  • Museum of Salt in Pag Town - HRK 10

Day 4 Included Activities

  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Entrance

Day 4 Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nights)

Day 5 Included Activities

  • Pula Arena

Day 5 Accommodation

Hotel (1 nights)

Day 5 Optional Activities

  • Temple of Augustus - HRK 10
  • Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria - HRK 20
  • Roman Floor Mosaics - Free -

Day 6 Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nights)

Day 7 Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nights)

Day 7 Optional Activities

  • Mountain Bike Hire - EUR 15
  • Pletna Boat Trip - EUR 14
  • Canyoning - EUR 60
  • Bled Castle - EUR 10
  • River rafting - EUR 55
  • Bus and cable car trip to Mt Vogel - EUR 25
  • Emerald River Adventure (full day) - EUR 110
  • Vintgar Gorge - EUR 4

Included Meals

Breakfast: 3

Updating availability

Departs onEnds onPricePassengersReservation
Sep 24, 2016Oct 01, 2016from USD1930
0 spaces left
Enquire now
May 06, 2017May 13, 2017from USD1593
12 spaces left
Enquire now
May 20, 2017May 27, 2017from USD1593
12 spaces left
Enquire now
May 27, 2017Jun 03, 2017from USD1593
11 spaces left
Enquire now
Jun 03, 2017Jun 10, 2017from USD1770
7 spaces left
Enquire now
Jun 17, 2017Jun 24, 2017from USD1770
10 spaces left
Enquire now
Jun 24, 2017Jul 01, 2017from USD1840
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Jul 01, 2017Jul 08, 2017from USD1840
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Jul 05, 2017Jul 12, 2017from USD1840
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Jul 22, 2017Jul 29, 2017from USD1910
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Jul 29, 2017Aug 05, 2017from USD1910
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Aug 12, 2017Aug 19, 2017from USD1840
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Aug 19, 2017Aug 26, 2017from USD1910
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Aug 26, 2017Sep 02, 2017from USD1910
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Sep 02, 2017Sep 09, 2017from USD1910
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Sep 09, 2017Sep 16, 2017from USD1840
10 spaces left
Enquire now
Sep 16, 2017Sep 23, 2017from USD1840
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Sep 23, 2017Sep 30, 2017from USD1770
12 spaces left
Enquire now
May 05, 2018May 12, 2018from USD1770
12 spaces left
Enquire now
May 19, 2018May 26, 2018from USD1770
12 spaces left
Enquire now
May 26, 2018Jun 02, 2018from USD1770
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Jun 02, 2018Jun 09, 2018from USD1770
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Jun 16, 2018Jun 23, 2018from USD1770
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Jun 23, 2018Jun 30, 2018from USD1840
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Jun 30, 2018Jul 07, 2018from USD1840
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Jul 04, 2018Jul 11, 2018from USD1840
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Jul 21, 2018Jul 28, 2018from USD1910
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Jul 28, 2018Aug 04, 2018from USD1910
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Aug 11, 2018Aug 18, 2018from USD1840
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Aug 18, 2018Aug 25, 2018from USD1910
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Aug 25, 2018Sep 01, 2018from USD1910
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Sep 01, 2018Sep 08, 2018from USD1910
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Sep 08, 2018Sep 15, 2018from USD1840
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Sep 15, 2018Sep 22, 2018from USD1770
12 spaces left
Enquire now
Sep 22, 2018Sep 29, 2018from USD1770
12 spaces left
Enquire now

Get Inspired

Chile’s Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is one of the world’s most spectacular deserts, with fields of steaming geysers, massive smoking conical volcanoes, craggy mountains and flamingo-dotted turquoise lagoons.

Read More

Learn something new on your next journey

There are thousands of learning holidays to choose from in all corners of the globe, but we’ve rounded up a list of some of our favourites to get you inspired.

Read More

Hot air ballooning around the world

There is nothing as perfect as seeing the world from a bird’s eye view in a hot air balloon. Here are a few places we recommend you go to where you can float above the clouds and feel on top of the world.

Read More

Summer Cruise around Svalbard in Norway

A journey through the fjords, glaciers and islands aboard a cruise ship in Norway.

Read More

Download PDF

We'll send you your PDF link straight to your email address!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  Ask a Question

If you have any questions about this tour, please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you!

  Speak to a consultant

We are there for you! Our expert consultants have the knowledge and expertise to guide you – get in touch with us!

from $1,593

Take the first step in your adventure now!

Enquire now

from$1,593  


*Currency conversion is estimate only

COMPARE TOURS

  • No products to compare
Clear all Compare

Why choose Tour Ninjas?

Best Price Guaranteed
No Booking or Card Fees
Wide Range of Tours
We're here to Help

Tour Ninjas

Read more about us

Enquire now


Hold my seat for 48 hours

  • How long do you have? Do you have particular must see?
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Download PDF

We'll send you your PDF link straight to your email address

Tour PDF Request

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This