Captivating Croatia & Slovenia: A Week of Coastal Charms and Alpine Wonders

7 Day Tour of Split and Ljubljana

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Trip Map
Itinerary
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7 Days 6 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Nature Lovers

History Buffs

Explore Croatia and Slovenia on a seven-day journey, where the historic allure of medieval towns meets the serene beauty of the Adriatic coastline and majestic mountain landscapes. From the historic, cobble-stoned streets of Split to the enchanting Lake Bled, experience a curated blend of guided tours and insightful self-led explorations. Marvel at the panoramic views from Klis Fortress, unwind on the sun-soaked beaches of Bačvice, and lose yourself in the stunning scenery of Krka National Park. Our detailed travel guidance, accessible via our mobile app, ensures a seamless adventure filled with breathtaking sights and cultural treasures.

Dive into history with a private tour of Diocletian's Palace in Split.
Take a catamaran to the sunlit shores of Hvar Island and explore its heritage-rich seaside towns.
Take an easy hike to reach the cascading waters of Krka National Park’s stunning waterfalls.
Explore the pristine beauty of Lake Bohinj in the heart of Triglav National Park.
Wander through Ljubljana’s vibrant, car-free Old Town, a haven of lively cafes and riverside charm.

Dive into history with a private tour of Diocletian's Palace in Split.
Take a catamaran to the sunlit shores of Hvar Island and explore its heritage-rich seaside towns.
Take an easy hike to reach the cascading waters of Krka National Park’s stunning waterfalls.
Explore the pristine beauty of Lake Bohinj in the heart of Triglav National Park.
Wander through Ljubljana’s vibrant, car-free Old Town, a haven of lively cafes and riverside charm.

Diocletian’s Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Bačvice Beach

Natural Beauty

Veli Varoš & The Marjan Peninsula

Architecture

Triple Bridge

Architecture

Ljubljana Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Prešernov Trg

Architecture

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Must see sights

Diocletian’s Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Bačvice Beach

Natural Beauty

Veli Varoš & The Marjan Peninsula

Architecture

Triple Bridge

Architecture

Ljubljana Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Prešernov Trg

Architecture

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Starting from

$1525

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

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Trip Map & Itinerary

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Split

Day 1

Arrive Split

To Be Determined

Transfer from Airport by Taxi or Shuttle Bus

Split has one main airport, Split Airport, also known as Resnik Airport. Taxis are available directly at the terminal exit, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience. UberX is also available in Split for those with the mobile app. It will cost about 250 HRK to reach the city by car. Keep in mind that if staying in Old Town, your driver will likely need to drop you off near your hotel as cars are not allowed in the pedestrian zones. If you need help with your bags, you should arrange it beforehand with your hotel or a private transfer. If you want to save money, there is a direct shuttle bus line for 35 HRK which departs from in front of the terminal and drops off at the Split bus station, from where it is a relatively short walk to the historic center of Split. If you really want to save money, the public bus line no. 38 picks up near the airport as well, but of course you'll need to make a lot of stops along the way and it may not be the most convenient way to travel if you have bags.

Day 1

Arrive Split

To Be Determined:

Transfer from Airport

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Diocletian's Palace

Late Afternoon:

Fishermen's Quarter

Day 1

Arrive Split

Day 1

Arrive Split

To Be Determined

Transfer from Airport by Taxi or Shuttle Bus

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Explore Palace Ruins & Venetian Alleyways in Old Split

Split's Old Town started out as a luxurious retirement palace for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. As Roman emperors often met bloody ends, about half of the palace consisted of a less luxurious fortress designed to accommodate a large garrison of loyal Roman soldiers. Within the palace's high walls there were also temples, streets, and large courtyards, meaning it was only natural that long after the Diocletian was gone and the empire fallen, much of the palace was incorporated into Split's Old Town. Indeed about half of the Old Town consists of the former palace area. Despite falling into disrepair and constant reconstructions over the intervening millennia, the Palace remains one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world. It's principal set-piece buildings, such as Diocletian's mausoleum and the Temple of Jupiter still remain. But the palace is far from being just an archeological site and it continues to this day as a living and breathing historical monument with 2,000 to 3,000 people still resident within its ancient walls. This means that so much tinkering has gone on over the centuries that it's no longer immediately recognizable as an ancient Roman structure. On the other hand, up close and personal you can still make out the remains of some of the imperial apartments that are used today as outdoor bars and cafes and shops. And the medieval tenements built by the Venetians were built in large part from the stones scavenged from Diocletian's original buildings. The tangled mass of alleyways, small squares, and narrow lanes just outside the Palace is also well worth exploring. The Venetian architecture makes the setting particularly enchanting (Split was ruled by the Republic of Venice for centuries).

Late Afternoon

Marjan Peninsula & the Fisherman's Quarter of Veli Varoš

Veli Varoš is a neighborhood situated at the western end of the old town that is crammed full of charming old stone houses and apartments characteristic of Dalmatia, and narrow cobbled streets that wind up the Marjan Hill. The district once represented the poorer part of Split developed by farmers and fishermen looking to make a better living in the city and seeking shelter from Ottoman military incursions. Today property prices have accelerated northwards, but it's still well worth reconnoitering the maze of paths and traffic-free lanes as you head to the top of the neighborhood to catch magical views of the city. Venture beyond the Fisherman's Quarter and you will be surrounded by typically Mediterranean forest landscape on the Marjan Peninsula.

Day 2

Split

Day 2

Split

Day 2

Split

Day 2

Split

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Walking Tour of Split Old Town & Diocletian's Palace

This two-hour guided tour will take you to the Roman emperor Diocletian's 1700-year-old palace which was built as his personal rest home. Walk from the Bronze Gate through the central hall of the ancient cellars is the main communication line between the busy waterfront promenade, the Riva, and the palace's main forecourt, the Peristyle. You'll also stop by the Cathedral of St Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural attractions on the Adriatic coast, the Roman temple of Jupiter (latterly a Christian baptistry), the fabulous Golden Gate, and the medieval Croatian bishop who introduced the Croatian language in religious services.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Excursion to Klis Fortress

For thousands of years the mighty and imposing Klis Fortress, with its grand views of the Dalmatian Coast, has been guarding the strategic mountain pass just above Split. For many modern visitors, however, more significant than the real history of the castle is its use as a film set for the city-state of Meereen in Game of Thrones. In either case, ciimbing the fortress's steep trails and exploring its ruins makes for a fascinating visit. The remarkably intact structure with grand views of the Dalmatian Coast was first fortified by the ancient Illyrian tribe of the Dalmatae, and later by Romans. In medieval times it was a seat of power for the expanding medieval kingdom of the Croats, even repelling a Mongol army in 1242. Klis was later defended by a band of irregular Croatian defenders, the Uskoks, who managed to hold off repeated sieges by the Ottoman Turks until finally being defeated in 1537. Within the fortress you'll find an interesting exhibit on the Uskoks. Retaken from the Turks in 1648, the fortress changed hands several more times, and saw its last military action during the Second World War when it was a stronghold for Italian and German occupation forces. These days, you can easily conquer the fortifications yourself via the local bus line 22 from Split. Even more easy is the Promet tourist bus which leaves from the main bus station and reaches the fortress in 20 minutes. Of course most convenient is take a guided tour which can explain both the real and the cinematic story behind the fortress.

Afternoon to Early Evening

Swim and Sun with the Locals on Bačvice Beach

A rare sandy beach, Bačvice is a favorite among Split locals and hence a great place to indulge in some covert people watching while lapping up the sun. Just a few minutes' walk from the bus and train stations and the ferry terminal, Bačvice beach is also the spiritual home of the traditional Croatian water sport of picigin - a form of volleyball in which a group of players tries to keep a ball in the air in shallow water using the most athletic and acrobatic moves possible. There are showers and changing rooms at both ends of the beach, while Café Zbirac has a reputation for good food and drink. Immediately behind the beach is a swanky modern three-tier pavilion with several cafes and a couple of chic eating places inside. It's a popular venue for after-dark drinking and feasting whatever the time of the year. A coastal path leads from Bačvice past a couple smaller bays and many more cafes; it's a pleasant area for late afternoon or evening perambulations all year round.

Day 3

Split

Day 3

Split

Day 3

Split

Day 3

Split

Morning to Late Afternoon

Excursion to Beautiful Hvar Island

Hvar has a reputation as the Croatian Ibiza, i.e. lots of young people partying as if their lives depended on it, but it's actually much more than that and remains relatively unspoiled and comparatively affordable in relation to the mainland coast. Both of its main towns, Hvar and Star Grad, are lovely medieval towns full of traffic-free alleys surrounded by ancient stone houses; these act as a romantic backdrop to the towns' many cafes from where you can indulge in people-watching and view the fancy yachts filling up the harbor. In the summer, you can take a passenger-only 1-hour catamaran trip directly to Hvar Town. In other months, Hvar is still relatively easy to get to via a 2-hour car ferry to the main island port of Stari Grad. If you do take the ferry, it's still just a short bus or taxi ride to Hvar or Stari Grad - you can even walk to Stari Grad from the ferry port. Keep in mind though that you must be quick off the ferry to catch the bus. If you can afford it, taking a private boat is the ultimate way to experience Hvar, as you can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe along the way. Also keep in mind that while Hvar is happening in the warmer months, it is quite sleepy in the off season. Many restaurants and attractions will be closed, but if you enjoy exploring in peace and quiet, it is the perfect time to visit.

Day 4

Split to Ljubljana

Day 4

Split to Ljubljana

Day 4

Split to Ljubljana

Day 4

Split to Ljubljana

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Excursion to the Krka Waterfalls

While the more famous Plitvice Waterfalls are much larger and get all the press, the Krka waterfalls also pour crystal clear blue water over karst rock formations. And just like Plitvice, they are so beautiful that a National Park was created to protect them. But they also have a couple of key advantages over Plitvice. First of all they are much closer to Split, meaning it is much more manageable to visit them as a day trip. In fact Krka is only an hour from Split, versus a three hour drive to reach Plitvice. Keep in mind though that the waterfalls can only accommodate a limited number of people and the park limits entry. So if you want to be assured of getting in, either get there very early, or book ahead with an organized group. One more thing to remember is that it is not just about swimming - the National Park is also a great place for a hike. Also, don't forget your watershoes if you plan to swim, but please note that you are no longer allowed to swim beneath the main cascading falls.

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Private Transfer from Split to Ljubljana

A private transfer with door-to-door service is certainly the most convenient way to travel. The 5.5 hour journey to Ljubljana takes you through the scenic landscape of of Dalmatia and southern Slovenia, transporting you from the rugged and arid coastline into the verdant green uplands of Slovenia. Since the tourism dollars of European travelers are so important to Croatia, the country has expended large sums on building an impressive highway system to facilitate their drives south. However, once in Slovenia, most of the journey will be along two lane highways. Unfortunately, there are no good train or bus connections between the cities, as any bus or train trip would require a connection and several extra hours of travel. So while private transfers are expensive and not-so-carbon-friendly, they are the best option in this case.

Day 5

Ljubljana

Day 5

Ljubljana

Day 5

Ljubljana

Day 5

Ljubljana

8:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Full Day Small Group trip to Lake Bled, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

This full day trip will take you to the main tourist sights of Slovenia including the stunning Bled Lake, Bled Castle, the Postojna Cave, and Predjama Castle, as well as some lesser-known attractions that showcase the wild and mysterious beauty of Slovakia.

Day 6

Ljubljana

Day 6

Ljubljana

Day 6

Ljubljana

Day 6

Ljubljana

Early Morning to Afternoon

Self Guided Excursion to Lake Bohinj Alpine Nature Excursion

Escape to the serene and majestic Lake Bohinj, a gem in the heart of Slovenia's Julian Alps, on a self-guided excursion from Ljubljana. This excursion offers more than just a visual spectacle; it's also an opportunity to choose from a number of different outdoor activities. to Hike to a waterfall or Alpine peaks, feel the adrenaline rush of rafting down a pristine river, or explore the picturesque landscape by cycling through the valley leading to the lake. Lake Bohinj is a perfect trip for those with adventurous soul, as well as for those seeking extraordinary beauty and tranquility.

Day 7

Depart Ljubljana

Day 7

Depart Ljubljana

Day 7

Depart Ljubljana

Day 7

Depart Ljubljana

Morning

Wander Ljubljana's Charming Old Town

Ljubljana may be one of the smallest and newest European capitals without world-famous monuments, but what it lacks in renown it more than compensates for in spark and self-confidence in comparison to the introspection of Europe's larger cities. Having suffered little trauma from the breakup of Yugoslavia other than the 'Ten-Day War' in 1991, the Slovenian capital is now an obviously prosperous and self-assured place that has successfully absorbed and integrated a whole variety of external influences from Austria, the Mediterranean and the Balkans over the centuries, and then adapted and tailored them to produce a unique distillation that's remarkable in such a small country. It's one of the continent's greenest and most liveable capitals, having been awarded by the EU with the coveted Green Capital of Europe title for 2016. Car traffic is restricted in the center as one street per year is pedestrianized, leaving the leafy banks of the emerald-green Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city's heart, free for pedestrians and cyclists. There's even a free taxi service in the car-free city center, which is a golfcart-like electric vehicle called Kavalir. It travels slowly around the pedestrianized streets and you can jump on and off anytime you like (it holds up to 5 people at a time). In summer, cafes and restaurants set up shaded seating along the river, making it one of the liveliest (and busiest) open-air dining areas around.

To Be Determined

Transfer to Ljubljana Airport by Taxi

Ljubljana has one main airport, Ljubljana Airport, also known as Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, where almost all visitors depart. You can also arrange a private transfer for added convenience. If you are picked up about two hours and forty-five minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. The cost should be about 35 EUR. It is a very small airport so you should have little trouble finding your way upon arrival at the airport.

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Captivating Croatia & Slovenia: A Week of Coastal Charms and Alpine Wonders

7 Day Tour of Split and Ljubljana

$1525

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Transfer from Airport by Taxi or Shuttle Bus

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.