13-Day Slovenia & Dalmatian Coast Escorted Tour: Bled, Istria & Croatian Islands

DAY 1 | Monday – Depart for Slovenia

Begin your journey to Slovenia, bound for the charming capital of Ljubljana. Relax on your flight and prepare for a 13-day adventure across Alpine lakes, historic cities, and Adriatic islands.

DAY 2 | Tuesday – Arrive in Ljubljana, Transfer to Bled

Upon arrival in Ljubljana, transfer to the stunning resort town of Bled, nestled on the shores of Lake Bled. Evening orientation meeting at 6 PM with your Tour Manager, followed by dinner. Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying the lakefront scenery.

Overnight: Bled | Meals: Dinner

DAY 3 | Wednesday – Bled Castle, Bled Island & Bohinj Gondola Ride

Explore Bled Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the lake. Then board a traditional pletna rowing boat to Bled Island, visiting the charming church with its unique art collection. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Later, take an aerial gondola ride over Triglav National Park, offering panoramic Alpine views. Return to Bled for the evening.

Overnight: Bled | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4 | Thursday – Ljubljana City Tour & Travel to Opatija, Croatia

Travel to Ljubljana, the vibrant Slovenian capital. Highlights include:

• Picturesque open-air market

• Three Bridges Square

• Town Hall and Robba Fountain, a Baroque masterpiece

In the afternoon, journey to Opatija, a charming seaside town on Croatia’s Gulf of Kvarner. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Opatija | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5 | Friday – Istrian Peninsula & Olive Oil Tasting

Tour the Istrian Peninsula, starting in Pula:

• Pula Arena, one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the world

• Visit Chiavalon Olive Oil Mill for tasting and a demonstration on production

Continue to Rovinj, a picturesque coastal town. Free time to explore its cobbled lanes before returning to Opatija.

Overnight: Opatija | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6 | Saturday – Plitvice Lakes National Park & Travel to Split

Drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with:

• 16 terraced lakes cascading via waterfalls

• Dense forests and scenic walking trails (comfortable shoes required)

Continue to Split, the historic Roman city on the Adriatic. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Split | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7 | Sunday – Discover Split & Ferry to Hvar

Walking tour of Split Old Town and Palace of Diocletian (4th century), one of the world’s best-preserved Roman palaces:

• Roman Peristyle

• Cathedral of St. Domnius

• Temple of Jupiter with headless black sphinx

Evening ferry transfer to Hvar Island, with dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Hvar | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8 | Monday – Hvar & Stari Grad

Morning tour of Hvar, with highlights:

• Cobblestone streets and elegant Venetian architecture

• Benedictine and Franciscan Monasteries

• Europe’s first public theater

Afternoon ferry to Stari Grad, followed by free time to explore or relax on the island’s beaches. Optional boat trip to the Pakleni Islands for swimming and snorkeling.

Overnight: Hvar | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9 | Tuesday – Ferry to Korcula

Ferry to the mainland, lunch at Drvenik, and scenic drive along the Pelješac Peninsula. Later, board a ferry to Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo.

Overnight: Korcula Island | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10 | Wednesday – Korcula & Ferry to Dubrovnik

Morning exploration of Korcula Old Town:

• St. Mark’s Cathedral, Romanesque-Gothic treasure

• Tintoretto altarpiece and intricate stone carvings

Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to a family winery for wine tasting. Continue to Dubrovnik, the famed walled city. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Dubrovnik | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11 | Thursday – Tour of Dubrovnik

Walking tour of Old Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site:

• Rector’s Palace, Gothic-Renaissance blend

• Sponza Palace, preserved in original form

• Orlando Tower, Dominican Monastery, and Franciscan Monastery with historic pharmacy

Afternoon free to wander the charming lanes of Old Town.

Overnight: Dubrovnik | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12 | Friday – Silk Wonder & Old Mills, Flight to Zagreb

Experience Dalmatian heritage:

• Antonia Ruskovic Gallery – traditional silk production

• Ðivanovic Mill – flour and wool processing

Evening flight to Zagreb. Farewell dinner with your Tour Manager.

Overnight: Zagreb | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13 | Saturday – Depart Croatia

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, concluding an unforgettable journey through Slovenia and Croatia.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Highlights

• Small groups of maximum 22 travelers for an intimate experience

• Traditional pletna rowing boat ride on Lake Bled

• Explore Ljubljana, Istria, Plitvice Lakes, Hvar, Korcula, and Dubrovnik

• Olive oil and wine tastings at local estates

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Plitvice Lakes, Dubrovnik, Split

• Unique experiences: Silk Wonder & Old Mills, family meals, cultural workshops

Package Includes

• Flights: New York-Ljubljana / Zagreb-New York (other cities available)

• 11 nights accommodations: Bled (2), Opatija (2), Split (1), Hvar (2), Korcula (1), Dubrovnik (2), Zagreb (1)

• 20 meals: 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners

• All sightseeing per itinerary, air-conditioned vehicles, English-speaking guide

• Hotel taxes, porterage, wireless earphones, gratuities for guides, wait staff & porters

• Active walking tours with unique cultural insights

SEO & Ads-Focused Highlights

• Small-group tour with maximum 22 travelers for authentic experiences

• Explore Slovenia’s Lake Bled & Ljubljana’s Baroque architecture

• Discover the Istrian Peninsula, olive oil tasting & Roman amphitheater in Pula

• Hvar, Stari Grad & Korcula – Croatia’s iconic Dalmatian islands

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Plitvice Lakes, Dubrovnik, Split

• Cultural experiences: Silk production, Old Mills, winery visits, local dining