From Ljubljana to Dubrovnik: A Balkan–Adriatic Grand Tour

Arrive in Zagreb and transfer to your hotel. After your journey, take time to settle in, unpack, and ease into the rhythm of the city.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a relaxed stroll through your neighbourhood, discover a cosy café, or simply unwind and rest.

Included: None
Overnight: Zagreb
Hotel: Casablanca Boutique B&B (or similar)

Meet your private guide for a three‑hour discovery tour of Zagreb, designed to bring the city’s character, history, and everyday life vividly to life.

Croatia’s capital is a city to be explored with all the senses—at any time of year and at any time of day. Discover Zagreb on foot and by tram as you weave through leafy parks, medieval streets, and lively neighbourhoods filled with charming cafés and boutique shops. Along the way, uncover the stories behind its landmarks, monuments, and museums, and experience the city’s relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Zagreb is full of delightful surprises, and its warmth and authenticity are sure to captivate you.

Tour highlights include:

• Ban Jelačić Square (Zagreb’s main square)
• The historic Old Town
• Zagreb Cathedral
• Dolac Open Market
• St Mark’s Church
• The iconic Zagreb funicular

Overnight: Zagreb
Hotel: Casablanca Boutique B&B (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Travel from Zagreb to Ljubljana (approximately 2 hours).

On arrival, meet your private guide for a two‑hour walking tour of Slovenia’s charming capital, explored at a relaxed pace and entirely on foot. Stroll through the pedestrianised city centre and along the banks of the Ljubljanica River, discovering the city’s most iconic sights and hidden corners.

Throughout the walk, your guide will share engaging anecdotes, local legends, and insights into Ljubljana’s history and culture, offering a deeper understanding of both the city and the country.

Overnight: Ljubljana
Hotel: City Hotel Ljubljana (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, depart north‑west towards Triglav National Park and the storybook setting of Lake Bled, where crystal‑clear waters mirror the surrounding alpine peaks. On arrival, you will be immediately captivated by this fairy‑tale landscape.

Take time to explore the charming lakeside town before beginning a scenic 6‑kilometre walk around the lake, allowing you to admire Lake Bled from every angle and fully appreciate its natural beauty.

Later, enjoy a private Lake Bled excursion and island visit. Board a traditional wooden pletna boat and glide across the lake to its iconic island, crowned by the charming Church of the Assumption. Climb the historic 99 stone steps, built in 1655, and enjoy a short guided exploration of the island.
(Church entrance not included: approx. €12 per adult.)

After returning by boat to the mainland, relax on the journey back to Ljubljana, arriving in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Ljubljana
Hotel: City Hotel Ljubljana (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Depart Ljubljana and travel towards Croatia, passing through the remarkable region of Postojna en route to the Istrian Peninsula.

Along the way, stop to explore the famous Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s most impressive karst cave systems. Once limited to just a few hundred metres, the cave today reveals more than five kilometres of spectacular tunnels, chambers, and underground halls. After collecting your audio guide (available in English), board the cave train and journey deep into an extraordinary subterranean world filled with dramatic formations and unexpected wonders. While popular with visitors, the scale and beauty of the caves make this an unforgettable experience.

A short drive from the caves brings you to the extraordinary Predjama Castle, dramatically built into the mouth of a sheer cliff. This striking fortress is steeped in legend, most famously linked to the rebellious 15th‑century knight Erasmus of Predjama. Part hero, part outlaw, his story lives on through the castle’s fascinating history. Explore the atmospheric rooms and passageways of this unique site and immerse yourself in its captivating past.

Continue south into Croatia and arrive in the elegant seaside town of Opatija. Take time to enjoy a relaxed stroll along the waterfront promenade, browse the shops, or simply soak up the refined coastal atmosphere before settling into your hotel.

Overnight: Opatija
Hotel: Hotel Gardenija (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Free Day in Opatija

Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Opatija, the elegant “royal” city of the Kvarner region. Stroll through this beautiful seaside resort, known for its pleasant beaches, stylish boutiques, scenic promenades, and excellent restaurants.

One of Croatia’s most renowned destinations on the eastern Adriatic coast, Opatija is also the country’s oldest seaside resort. Favoured by kings, aristocrats, and artists, it flourished during the Austro‑Hungarian Empire thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate. Over a century ago, Opatija welcomed the opening of the very first hotel on the Adriatic, marking the beginning of its long‑standing reputation for refined tourism and wellness.

Wander through immaculately maintained parks and gardens, admire the elegant historic architecture, or simply relax and soak up the timeless coastal atmosphere that has drawn visitors here for generations.

Overnight: Opatija
Hotel: Hotel Gardenija (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Depart Opatija and travel south towards Split, the capital of Dalmatia (approx. 4.5 hours driving time), with a spectacular stop along the way.

En route, enjoy an unforgettable visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s most extraordinary natural treasures. Travel to the park and choose from several possible routes, allowing you to explore the area at your own pace. We recommend a comprehensive discovery of the park to fully appreciate its beauty.

Begin with a panoramic train ride to the upper section of the park, followed by a visit to the Upper Lakes, the wildest and most pristine area. Wooden footbridges wind over crystal‑clear lakes and waterfalls, with water flowing in every direction, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Continue with an electric boat crossing on Lake Kozjak, then explore the Lower Lakes, where turquoise waters carve their way through dramatic limestone gorges. The route leads to the impressive Great Waterfall before continuing to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the park. Return either on foot or by train, completing a circular experience that showcases the park’s diverse landscapes.

After your visit, continue on to Split. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Split
Hotel: Korta Apartments (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Meet your private guide for a two‑hour walking tour of Split, one of the true jewels of the Adriatic. From the moment you arrive, the city’s vibrant energy is unmistakable. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Split offers a unique blend of extraordinary historical heritage and lively local life.

Your walking tour takes you through the remarkable Diocletian’s Palace, which forms the heart of the old town. As you explore its ancient walls, squares, and passageways, you are transported back to the height of the Roman Empire. Wander at a relaxed pace through atmospheric alleys, bustling markets, and charming craft shops, discovering how history and everyday life intertwine seamlessly in this living monument.

Highlights of the visit include:

• The Palace Peristyle
• St Domnius Cathedral
• St Lucia Crypt
• The Riva waterfront promenade
• The statue of Grgur Ninski

Overnight: Split
Hotel: Korta Apartments (or similar)

Enjoy a private guided tour of Mostar, lasting approximately 1.5 hours, as you explore the city’s enchanting old town. Wander through narrow cobbled streets and steep alleyways, discover historic mosques, and admire the city’s architectural heritage shaped by centuries of Ottoman influence.

The highlight of the visit is the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), gracefully arching over the emerald‑green Neretva River as it flows through a dramatic rocky canyon. Your tour covers the entire “Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar”, a UNESCO‑listed site, allowing you to fully appreciate its unique atmosphere and cultural significance.

After your visit, continue on to Dubrovnik.

Overnight: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Two 5‑bedroom apartments located within the Old City
Please note: There are no hotels inside Dubrovnik’s Old City walls. To stay in this unique historic setting, accommodation will be in apartments, and bathrooms will be shared.
Meals: Not included

Meet your private guide for a two‑hour walking tour of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world. Dramatically set between the sparkling Adriatic Sea and rugged limestone mountains, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

For centuries, Dubrovnik rivalled Venice as a major trading power. Its impressive stone walls, constructed between the 11th and 17th centuries, once protected this independent city‑state and still fully enclose the historic centre today. During your guided walk, explore the heart of the Old Town, where Baroque churches, monasteries, and palaces blend seamlessly with Renaissance fountains, marble‑paved squares, steep cobbled streets, and centuries‑old houses that have remained virtually unchanged over time.

Later, enjoy an immersive Croatian folklore performance (approximately 1.5 hours). A talented ensemble of singers and dancers invites you to discover the richness of Croatia’s cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, and beautifully preserved regional costumes.

Overnight: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Two 5‑bedroom apartments located within the Old City
Please note: There are no hotels inside Dubrovnik’s Old City walls. To stay within this unique historic setting, accommodation will be in apartments, and bathrooms will be shared.
Meals: Not included

T

Depart Dubrovnik and travel north to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. The journey takes approximately 8 hours, allowing you to take in the changing landscapes as you return inland.

On arrival in Zagreb, transfer to your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Zagreb
Accommodation: Casablanca Boutique B&B (or similar)
Meals: Not included

Departure & Onward Travel

Make your own way to your departure point today. There are no scheduled services or guided activities, allowing you the flexibility to travel at your own pace.

Uber and taxis are readily available, and the hotel reception will be happy to assist with booking a taxi or arranging a private transfer if preferred.

• Zagreb Airport (ZAG): approximately 16 km from the hotel (around 25–30 minutes by car)
• Zagreb Central Train Station: approximately 1.5–2 km away (around 5–10 minutes by taxi or 15–20 minutes’ walk)

Enjoy breakfast before continuing on to your next destination.

Farewell

As your journey through Croatia comes to a close, we hope you leave with lasting memories — from historic cities and dramatic landscapes to warm hospitality and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are heading home or continuing onward, we wish you safe travels and many more inspiring adventures ahead. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you again on a future journey.