Croatia & Slovenia: 10 Days of Historic Coastline, Waterfalls & Mountains

10 Day Tour of Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes and Ljubljana

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Trip Map
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10 Days 9 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Nature Lovers

History Buffs

Take a magical journey through the picturesque landscapes of Croatia and Slovenia. From the enchanting coastline of Dubrovnik to the serene beauty of Plitvice Lakes and historic allure of Ljubljana, this tour promises an array of breathtaking experiences. Explore majestic castles, wander ancient cities, and immerse yourself in natural wonders. Private guided tours provide deep dives into the culture and history of each location. With Go Real Travel, detailed guidance is always at your fingertips through our mobile app. Join us for a trip that combines the best of nature, history, and the mesmerizing coastline of two stunning countries.

Soar above Dubrovnik by cable car for spectacular views of the old city.
Stroll the medieval walls that protected Dubrovnik for centuries and gaze out at the sea.
Marvel at the turquoise waters and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Discover the secrets of Predjama Castle, built directly into a cave.
Take a boat to the picturesque Bled Island, a jewel in the heart of Slovenia’s mountains.

Soar above Dubrovnik by cable car for spectacular views of the old city.
Stroll the medieval walls that protected Dubrovnik for centuries and gaze out at the sea.
Marvel at the turquoise waters and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Discover the secrets of Predjama Castle, built directly into a cave.
Take a boat to the picturesque Bled Island, a jewel in the heart of Slovenia’s mountains.

Old City Walls

Historic Landmarks

Dubrovnik's Beaches

Natural Beauty

Mount Srd

Natural Beauty

Diocletian’s Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Bačvice Beach

Natural Beauty

Plitvice Lakes

Natural Beauty

The Upper Lakes

Natural Beauty

Triple Bridge

Architecture

Ljubljana Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Must see sights

Old City Walls

Historic Landmarks

Dubrovnik's Beaches

Natural Beauty

Mount Srd

Natural Beauty

Diocletian’s Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Bačvice Beach

Natural Beauty

Plitvice Lakes

Natural Beauty

The Upper Lakes

Natural Beauty

Triple Bridge

Architecture

Ljubljana Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Starting from

$2239

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Dubrovnik

Day 1

Arrive Dubrovnik

To Be Determined

Arrival in Dubrovnik Airport and Transfer by Taxi or Bus

Dubrovnik has one main airport, Dubrovnik Airport, also referred to as Čilipi Airport. Taxis are available directly at the terminal exit, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience. The total cost of the trip should be approximately 45 EUR / 50 USD. There is a large yellow sign indicating taxi rates right beside the taxi stand. UberX or a local bus service is also available in Dubrovnik.

Day 1

Arrive Dubrovnik

To Be Determined:

Transfer from Airport

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Mount Srd

Afternoon/Late Afternoon:

Old City Walls

Late Afternoon to Evening:

Beach Time

Day 1

Arrive Dubrovnik

Day 1

Arrive Dubrovnik

To Be Determined

Arrival in Dubrovnik Airport and Transfer by Taxi or Bus

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Excursion to the Top of Mount Srd

Mount Srd, towering above the ancient city of Dubrovnik, undoubtedly offers the best panoramic views of the old town and the surrounding coastline. You can ascend the 412m (1352ft) peak via an ultra-modern cable car near the old city walls, or get the blood pumping by hiking up a steep zig-zag trail to the top. Apart from the astonishing scenery, there's also a museum dedicated to the 1991-95 Croatian War of Independence. The original cable car was built back in 1969 but had to be completely rebuilt after suffering extensive damage during the conflict of the early 1990s. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles). It's for this reason the neighboring Imperial Fortress was built by the French on this spot back in the early 19th century. The cable car runs as soon as there are enough passengers, and the last departure from the lower station is thirty minutes before closing time, which can be as early as 4pm during the winter, and as late as midnight in the summer.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Walk Dubrovnik's Old City Walls

The mighty walls of Dubrovnik are considered to be among the greatest defensive fortifications of the Middle Ages. Impregnable throughout their history, the walls run for an incredible 2km (1.24mi), encircling the entire old city, and reaching a maximum height of 25m (82ft). They are reinforced by 17 towers, 5 bastions, and 3 fortresses. No wonder enemy sieges were ultimately unsuccessful, including the Serb siege during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s when the ancient walls proved more effective at resisting modern weaponry than contemporary structures on the city's periphery. A dedicated walk along the entire length of the walls offers unsurpassed views of the city. The City Walls are paid entrance and are open all year round (but keep in mind that they close at 3:00 PM between November and March. The best time to do the walk in summer is early in the morning or as late in the afternoon as possible when the numbers of other people touring the walls are fewest. There are three entrances to the City Walls: at the start of the main thoroughfare called the Stradun, at St John's Fortress, and at St Lucas's Fortress.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Swimming at Dubrovnik Beaches

Dubrovnik is much more than just the Old Town and there are a number of attractive beaches in and around the city where you can enjoy a swim in near pristine waters or simply soak up the sun on a rented deck chair; there's never a cafe or ice-cream seller too far away. Croatia's beaches are usually quite rocky, but in Dubrovnik, they're often pebble beaches or a mixture of fine shingle and sand, although there's also a beach called Copacabana that has imported sand. Locals talk about their favorite bathing spots like the British discuss the weather; we make it easy to discover the place that's right for you so you don't have to ask. When you first arrive in Dubrovnik and you're touring the Old Town it's often not immediately apparent where the swimming beaches are. You'll see people swimming in the sea around the city walls, but usually they're sunning themselves and jumping into the water from rocky outcrops that can be difficult to access if you don't know where exactly to go. There are, however, a good dozen sandy or pebbly beaches in the greater Dubrovnik area, with two or three within an easy walking distance of the old town. Other good beaches can be reached without too much trouble by boarding a municipal bus from Pile Gate or other nearby stops according to where your hotel is located.

Day 2

Dubrovnik

Day 2

Dubrovnik

Day 2

Dubrovnik

Day 2

Dubrovnik

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town

Dubrovnik was able to accumulate vast fortunes as a safe trade route into the Balkan hinterland and thus create a remarkably beautiful city and gargantuan fortifications that remain astonishingly well preserved to today. On this two-hour private guided walking tour, you will experience the supreme delight of viewing the old town almost as it was centuries ago and learning about the history and culture of the city through the ages.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Explore Dubrovnik's Famous Old Town

The intricately fortified city of Dubrovnik acquired fabulous wealth as the Republic of Ragusa, which pursued a policy of strict neutrality and was managed by a semi-democratic system of government. It prospered for several centuries until the Napoleonic Wars brought its independence to an end. The income it earned from facilitating Mediterranean trade with the Balkan hinterland was used not only to build its impregnable stone walls and fortresses, but also to construct sumptuous churches, monasteries, and palaces inside the city walls. These remain so well preserved, even despite the military conflict of the early 1990s, that you could be mistaken for thinking you'd been transported back in time while exploring the maze of alleyways and back streets. The first thing to know about Dubrovnik's Old Town is that it gets very, very crowded during the high tourist season, and so if possible, it's best to tour it as early as possible. The main problem is caused by cruise liners that disgorge hundreds of passengers at a time; there can be up to six gargantuan liners in town at any one time, placing huge pressure on the city's facilities and infrastructure and leading to bottle-necks of tourists.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Self-Guided Sea Kayaking in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is the perfect place to try out some sea kayaking if you've never done it before; even experienced kayakers will enjoy this adventure. The water is warm, crystal clear and very smooth, and you get to see the old city walls of Dubrovnik from a different angle. Accompanied by English speaking instructors, you will set off to explore the caves and sights of Lokrum island, also called 'The Land of Love'.

Day 3

Dubrovnik to Split

Day 3

Dubrovnik to Split

Day 3

Dubrovnik to Split

Day 3

Dubrovnik to Split

Morning/Mid-Day

Excursion to the Old Resort Town of Cavtat

Less than 45 minutes by boat or bus from central Dubrovnik, Cavtat is a fascinating and cultured destination in itself. It perches on the saddle of a wooded peninsula set between two bays, so the water is never far away, and a wide promenade, fringed with palm trees, runs along the harbor front. It's an ideal half-day excursion from Dubrovnik where you can while away the hours exploring the town or soak up the sun on a rare sandy beach nearby. Much of Cavtat's allure survives is in the old part of the town, which straddles the ridge behind the waterfront. Badly damaged in what the Croats call the 'Homeland War' of the early 1990s, the town has been conveniently restored to its previous charm. The cosmopolitan center of the town, where fishing and tourist boats jostle with gleaming jet-set yachts the size of mini cruise liners, is crisscrossed with cobbled streets lined with traditional red-roofed brownstone houses that climb back from the gleaming turquoise-blue of the waterfront. The narrow stairways between the opposite sides of each street are carpeted in clouds of white, mauve and pink blossoms in spring and summer.

1:30 PM

Transfer to Ferry Terminal by Taxi

Your hotel will be happy to arrange a taxi pick-up for you and can give you an estimate of the price so you can avoid overpaying. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, and what to expect at the international ferry terminal, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

15:00 - 19:45

Sea Journey to Split by Catamaran

The modern and super-fast catamaran will take you northwards to Split up the beautiful Dalmatian Coast via a handful of offshore islands - usually Korčula, Hvar, and Brač. If you're traveling in the morning then you will likely travel on a Jadrolinija catamaran and the journey will take approximately six hours. If you travel in the late afternoon, then you will likely go on a catamaran with the company Kapetan Luka (Krilo), and this journey will take just over four hours. You can travel in comfort in the plush seats provided (the best seats on the double-decker Krilo boats are on the upper deck) or breath in the bracing sea air on the outdoor observation decks. Refreshments are also available for purchase onboard. At first, it may appear to you that the boat is only half full, but this will quickly change when you get to the islands on the way to Split. The trip is usually very smooth and most passengers will not need to worry about seasickness. In exceptional circumstances, if the weather is very rough, the sailing may be canceled. TIP 1: Get to the catamaran terminal extra early if you'd like to sit at a window seat, as these are the first to be occupied. Boarding early also means you get the best storage shelves for your luggage - late boarders have to leave their bags cluttering the entrance hallway or stow them at the very back of the cabin area. TIP2: Very often you'll find two catamarans parked on the concrete pier with both taking on passengers; they are both going to Split but by different routes. Check the name of your craft on your ticket or else ask the man inspecting the tickets which is your boat. If there's only one boat waiting then it's easy. Just make sure you show your paper ticket and not a photo that you may have taken of the document on your smartphone - they won't accept anything else. The luggage storage area is in the middle of the boat as soon as you board.

7:45 PM

Ferry Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Walking

Before taking a taxi keep in mind that the Old Town is only about 800m (875yd) from the station. In fact, cars aren't allowed into the some pedestrian areas of the historic center, so if staying in the Old Town you may have to walk for part of the trip anyhow. Split's ferry terminal for catamarans is a simple, long concrete pier alongside the international ferry terminal, neither of which have a landmark building to make them stand out. There are no dedicated facilities for the catamarans, so you simply disembark and walk to the end of the pier to find your taxi. UberX is available in Split for those with the mobile app. Otherwise taxis are always parked across the road that runs along the waterfront where both the bus and train stations are also located. The fare to your hotel should be around 20-30 EUR depending on its location.

Day 4

Split

Day 4

Split

Day 4

Split

Day 4

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

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/Early Evening

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 5

Split to Plitvice Lakes

Day 5

Split to Plitvice Lakes

Day 5

Split to Plitvice Lakes

Day 5

Split to Plitvice Lakes

Morning

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.

2:10 PM - 5:00 PM

Private Transfer from Split to Plitvice

A private transfer with door-to-door service is certainly the most convenient way to travel. The 3.5 hour journey to Plitvice takes you through the dramatic moutains and valleys of of Dalmatia, transporting you from the rugged and arid coastline to deep, green forests. Since the tourism dollars of European tourists are so important to Croatia, the country has expended large sums on building an impressive highway system to facilitate their drives south. However, near Plitvice the 4-lane highway disappears and you will travel on 2-lane roads. While bus connections do exist for this route, and are usually more affordable and carbon friendly, you may prefer the ease of travel and service offered by a private driver.

Day 6

Plitvice Lakes

Day 6

Plitvice Lakes

Day 6

Plitvice Lakes

Day 6

Plitvice Lakes

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes

On this private four-hour tour you will see the most eye-catching and majestic of any natural attraction in Croatia, if not all the Balkans; the Plitvice Lakes National Park is an astounding 8-kilometer (5-mile) stretch of 16 lakes that cascade one into the other over a terraced sequence of barriers formed over millennia. Thanks to its mineral-rich waters, the Park's lakes practically glow with a brilliant turquoise hue when seen from afar, and are crystal clear up close.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Upper Lakes of Plitvice

Plitvice Lakes Naitional Park is much bigger than most visitors realize and if you are lucky enough to have some extra time, you will likely find much is still left to discover. For instance, many visitors only cover the area between the two main entrances, but the Upper Lakes and falls are some of the most scenic, especially the Veliki Prstavac waterfall.

Day 7

Plitvice Lakes to Ljubljana

Day 7

Plitvice Lakes to Ljubljana

Day 7

Plitvice Lakes to Ljubljana

Day 7

Plitvice Lakes to Ljubljana

8:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Private Transfer to Ljubljana

A private transfer with door-to-door service is certainly the most convenient way to travel. While bus connections do exist for this route, and are usually more affordable and carbon friendly, you may prefer the ease of travel and service offered by a private driver. Taking the bus will require at least 3 extra hours of travel time as well as a connection in Zagreb, meaning you have to purchase two separate tickets with no guarantees in case of delays from the first leg. The 3-4 hour journey to Ljubljana takes you through the picturesque landscape of Slovenia and Croatia. Much of the journey will be along often winding 2-lane highways, but for at least part of the journey, you will take advantage of the excellent 4-lane highway systems in Croatia and Slovenia.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Guided Walking Tour of Ljubljana

On this private walking tour, you get to know the unique character of Ljubljana Old Town, where distinct Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture combines with masterly creations by the 20th-century architect Jože Plečnik. See the city's best-known sights, like the Triple Bridge, the four squares of the Old Town, the areas dedicated to the city's famous outdoor market, and the beautiful Secessionist architecture around Miklošičeva cesta.

Late Afternoon

Explore Ljubljana Castle

Resting on a verdant green hill immediately overlooking the Old Town with its immaculately whitewashed walls, it's hard to imagine that the 900-year-old Ljubljana Castle was not so long ago on the block for demolition. One idea was to build a new parliament building atop the hill in place of the castle. Fortunately, the city authorities thought better of it and instead made the castle and its grounds as open and accessible to visitors as possible. These days most of the castle space is dedicated to interesting exhibitions of one kind or another, and its history is brought vividly to life by actors playing figures from the castle's past. Originally a medieval fortress, the first castle on the hill was probably constructed in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 12th century. It acquired its present profile with an almost complete overhaul in the 15th century, whereas the majority of the buildings you see today date from the 16th and 17th centuries. As soon as you approach the castle you'll be struck by how modern designs have been incorporated into the structure, such as large glass viewing panels, steel beams, and a clock tower. The inner courtyard also boasts glass-fronted gift shops, two popular restaurants, and a cafe. If you arrive via the funicular you will enter the castle basement supported by steel girders with a number of exhibition spaces featuring modern art and the story of the castle's 20th-century reconstruction.

Day 8

Ljubljana

Day 8

Ljubljana

Day 8

Ljubljana

Day 8

Ljubljana

Morning to Evening

Excursion to Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle

Two of Slovenia's most famous and impressive attractions are located about 6 miles (10km) from each other, meaning that it's a no-brainer to see both of them on the same excursion. The other-worldly Postojna Caves are some of Europe's most impressive, while the wonderfully dramatic Predjama Castle, 9km north of the cave, is built into a setting as unforgettable as it is improbable.

Day 9

Ljubljana

Day 9

Ljubljana

Day 9

Ljubljana

Day 9

Ljubljana

Early Morning to Late Afternoon

Self Guided Excursion to the Picturesque Lake Bled

With its mountain setting, dark turquoise waters, boats rowing passengers out to the island church, and dramatic cliff-top castle, Lake Bled is picture-postcard perfect, making it the most popular destination in Slovenia for both international and domestic tourists alike. You can take a walk or ride a tourist train around the lake, row out to the island, and dine alongside the enchanting shoreline. With enough time to spare, you can also take in the dramatic Vintgar Gorge and the beautiful medieval village of Radovljica. Lake Bled is about an hour-and-a-half trip from Ljubljana. You have two options for getting to there by public transport - bus or train. Buses depart Ljubljana more frequently and arrive at a very convenient location near the lakeshore in Bled, but they can get very crowded during the summer, especially at the weekends when seemingly every young backpacker in the country wants to get there, while the train departs more infrequently and doesn't arrive directly in Bled, but it isn't as crowded. Of course you can also just take a guided excursion if you want to keep it simple.

Day 10

Depart Ljubljana

Day 10

Depart Ljubljana

Day 10

Depart Ljubljana

Day 10

Depart Ljubljana

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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Croatia & Slovenia: 10 Days of Historic Coastline, Waterfalls & Mountains

10 Day Tour of Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes and Ljubljana

$2239

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

Arrival in Dubrovnik Airport and Transfer by Taxi or 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.