Top Wine Regions of Slovenia & Croatia

Despite being the nation’s second-largest city, Maribor has only about a third of the population of Ljubljana and often feels more like an overgrown provincial town. It has no unmissable sights but oozes charm thanks to its delightfully patchy Old Town along the Drava River. Pedestrianised central streets buzz with cafes and student life, and the riverside Lent district hosts a major summer arts festival. Maribor is the gateway to the Maribor Pohorje, a hilly recreational area to the southwest, and the Mariborske and Slovenske Gorice wine-growing regions to the north and east.

Although it predates the Romans, most of Piran dates back to medieval and renaissance times, when it was one of the Venetian Republic's ports.Walking around the town, its Venetian influences are quite clear, especially the church steeple crowning the Old Town. Take a stroll down Piran's charming narrow streets, chill out on one of its beaches and experience true small town charm on the Adriatic!

Rovinj used to go by Rovigno, and to Italian-speakers it still does. This city was once part of the Republic of Venice, which is evident from the street names in Italian to the Venetian architectural flourishes, such as the bell tower that crowns the town. This laid-back spot has a full cultural calendar, with numerous festivals taking place in the warmer months. We’ll help you get to know the local culture, with possible activities like a local wine tasting, a fish cooking masterclass with a local chef, or a truffle hunting adventure in nearby Croatia. Then, to work up an appetite for your next delicious meal, you could rent bikes and cruise through the breathtaking Zlatni Rt Park. You’ll definitely want to visit the local market too. History buffs will love visiting the local cultural heritage museum, which gives great insight into the region. When you’re ready to get in the car, a day trip to Pula is always fun. This busy port town hosts a large market packed with delectable local specialities, and also boasts a Roman amphitheater. You could even arrange a full-day private tour through the gorgeous region of Istria, where more delights await you inland.

Zadar might lack the big name glitz of Split down the coast, but this bustling university city's peninsular Old Town also dates back to Roman times. The central forum and original city gates set the tone. The marbled limestone of the main street, Kalelarga, echoes Dubrovnik's Stradun, but Zadar is very much its own city, as evidenced by installations like the wave-powered Sea Organ and the showy Greeting to the Sun. When in Zadar, be sure to find a vantage point along the Riva (waterfront) to admire what Hitchcock considered "the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West...applauded at every evening". As well as exploring the historic sites of Zadar's Old Town, there's plenty to do in the region. The Plitvice, Krka, Paklenica, and Kornati Islands National Parks are all within easy reach for day trips, either with an organized group, private guide, or on your own by rental car. If you want to spend a little time on the beach, there are several sandy beaches in the area, a relative rarity in Croatia, including the Nin lagoon, which is often regarded Croatia's most beautiful beach.

The Roman Emperor Diocletian made Split his home in the 4th Century AD, building a vast palace complex on the waterfront that stands to this day. In fact several of the accommodation options we offer in Split are nestled inside its ancient walls. These days there is an embankment in front of Diocletian's palace but the water used to go right up to the main wall. It's on this man-made strip of land that you'll find the Riva, a pedestrian promenade bustling with life. Split's UNESCO listed Old Town is contained within these old walls and is a pedestrian-only maze that it is quite easy, but fun, to get lost in. Who know what romantic hidden cafés you might find in one of the narrow streets and alleyways? To get the best out of your time in Split, however, we recommend taking a tour with a local guide. Split is very well connected for flights, with an international airport a half hour drive away and is a popular stopping point for our guests on their way between Dubrovnik and the islands of Hvar, Vis, or Korcula, all easily reached by a ferry from Split's port. If you base yourself in Split for a few days, you will find it is also perfect located for visits to some of Croatia's most stunning national parks.

One of the gems of the Adriatic, Hvar is more than a beautiful coastal town. It’s also an ancient epicenter of culture, boasting the oldest communal theater in Europe, and a stunning medieval fortress dating back to the 7th century. There’s a little bit of everything here, from history and architecture to modern culture, outdoor adventures and isolated beaches. Whether you want a vacation that’s action-packed or something more relaxing, Hvar will offer more than enough variety to please you. The longest of the Adriatic islands, Hvar’s fertile landscape makes it perfect for growing grapes, giving you several local vineyards to visit. Be sure to sample the local cuisine, which emphasizes freshly caught fish, warm bread, and vegetables grown on the island. We can offer a tasting tour at the finest local vineyards. Those seeking an active vacation will not be disappointed either, as there are several possibilities for sailing, swimming, exploring the sea caves along the coast. You can also take a hike in Hvar's many hills, or go offroad with a local guide. This is a relaxing destination with warm locals. It’s an ideal summer vacation spot.

One of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean, Korcula is instantly recognizable from its red-roofed houses and stunning walled-in Old Town, which juts out into the sea. Two of the biggest attractions are the Cathedral of St. Marco and Marco Polo's original home. One of the greenest islands on the Adriatic, Korcula is poised on the edge of nature on both sides, with rolling hills for hiking and biking behind it, and incredible beaches along the coast. This is the ideal stopover between Dubrovnik and Hvar, and is a pleasant destination for a several-day stay. The island produces some of the region’s finest white wines. Just a brief ferry ride away, the neighboring Peljesac peninsula produces amazing red wines. Mljet, a stunning lake with an island complete with its own monastery, is one of the most impressive day trips from Korcula. You can also take the opportunity to go fishing in the alluring blue waters off the coast, or explore the nearby islands by boat. One of the most unique activities in Korcula is Moreska, an incredible combat dance performance performed by knights with swords. But even if you stay in town, there’s plenty to see. Korcula has a long, varied history going back to the ancient Greeks. The local cultural museums are the best way to get in touch with the past here, even as you enjoy the best Korcula has to offer today.

Dubrovnik offers an unusual blend of modern culture and ancient traditions. Marble-smooth polished limestone streets, a labyrinth of alleyways, and breathtaking architecture compose the unique atmosphere of the Old Town. You’ll experience a true variety of sightseeing, leisure, and outdoor adventures here. Dubrovnik’s most stunning feature is the 82-foot tall city wall which extends more than a mile. Game of Thrones fans will be in luck, as we offer a special tour to local set locations. King’s Landing never looked so good! There’s a rich selection of live performances for music lovers here, as concerts are performed daily, and in July and August the Dubrovnik Summer Festival of music, theatre and dance brings incredible performers from around the world. The nightlife is also exciting, with restaurants, cafes and bars that will keep you socializing until dawn. You’ll be staying in beautiful accommodation within short walking distance to all the major sites, so you’ll be able to sample a little of everything. But there are also several exciting day trips and cruises to enjoy. From kayaking through hidden coves to an authentic Croatian cooking class, vineyard tours, and trips as far afield as Montenegro, you’ll have more than enough to fill your itinerary.