Vacation Overview
Tour Details
Ancient traditions, amazing architecture, and astounding natural beauty awaits you on this Balkan vacation in Slovenia and Croatia. Begin in the Slovenia capital of Ljubljana to explore the rich history and culture crowned by stunning Ljubljana Castle. Continue South to Croatia and explore the vibrant marketplace and iconic landmarks of its capital city of Zagreb. Depart the city life for wildlife with a visit to Plitvice National Park—a place of celebrated natural wonders. Explore the pristine lakes, forested hills, waterfalls, and breathtaking cascades in one of Europe’s best-loved nature preserves. Next, head for the shore with a visit to the coastal town of Zadar. Discover its unmistakable influence of a blend of European cultures before embarking on a scenic drive along the Dalmatian coast to the town of Split. Discover why UNESCO lists this historic town as a World Heritage site by exploring Diocletian’s Palace and the Jupiter Temple with a Local Guide. A scenic drive to Ston reveals medieval walls surrounding this city known for its oysters of Mali Ston Bay. Your Balkans vacation concludes in the dramatic city of Dubrovnik. Recognized by ‘Game of Thrones’ fans, this fortress-walled star stands strong beside the sea as Croatia’s best-preserved medieval city. Join this budget-minded Balkans adventure for the perfect adventure for value-minded, savvy travel lovers.
Daily Itinerary
Scenic Slovenia & Croatia
Day 1: ARRIVE IN LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore some of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)
Day 2: LJUBLJANA Join a guided tour for local insights into Ljubljana’s rich history and culture. Stroll through the Old Town, cross the Triple Bridge, and admire the stunning Ljubljana Castle. (B)
Day 3: LJUBLJANA–ZAGREB, CROATIA Travel south to Zagreb for a guided sightseeing tour of Croatia’s capital. Explore its historic Upper Town, vibrant markets, and iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Church. (B)
Today’s Distance: 115 mi/ 185 km
Day 4: ZAGREB–PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK Visit Plitvice National Park, Croatia’s renowned natural wonder. Take a guided walk through breathtaking landscapes featuring 16 lakes, wooded hills, waterfalls, and cascades—one of Europe’s most beloved parks. (B,D)
Today’s Distance: 90 mi/ 145 km
Day 5: PLITVICE–ZADAR–SPLIT Journey to Zadar, a coastal gem influenced by Venetian, Austro-Hungarian, and Italian rule. Then, drive south along the Dalmatian coast to Split, the former hometown of Roman Emperor Diocletian. Here, visit the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and the Jupiter Temple with a Local Guide. (B)
Today’s Distance: 379 mi/ 610 km
Day 6: SPLIT–STON–DUBROVNIK Enjoy a scenic drive to Ston, famous for its medieval walls, often called the “European Great Wall”. The town is also renowned for its delicious oysters, harvested from nearby Mali Ston Bay. Then, continue along the Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik. (B)
Today’s Distance: 149 mi/ 240 km
Day 7: DUBROVNIK Discover Dubrovnik, Croatia’s best-preserved medieval city. On a guided walking tour, visit the Franciscan Monastery, where your Local Guide will share insights into its stunning medieval architecture—a popular filming location for “The Last Jedi,” “James Bond,” and “Game of Thrones.” (B,D)
Day 8: DUBROVNIK Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)