The Coast, Islands, and Lakes of Croatia and Slovenia

Castle Views and a Lovely Dinner

Start your stay in Ljubljana by taking a funicular or a short walk to reach Ljubljana Castle, offering stunning views of the city below and the mountains beyond. Don't miss the museum, and if possible, catch a sunset from the castle grounds, especially the tower. End your day on a high note with dinner in one of the charming restaurants within the castle walls. We are confident that you'll go to bed feeling happy and in love with "the loved one," the literal translation of "Ljubljana." On the other hand, if you're still experiencing jet lag and seeking complete relaxation before your upcoming adventures, we recommend taking a short walk by the Ljubljanica River and having dinner at Julija Restaurant. Remember to make a reservation or let your local destination expert handle it for you; they will be delighted to assist!

Ljubljana Private Walking Tour

Ljubljana never fails to win over visitors with its charm and natural beauty. Most of the Old Town has been converted to a pedestrian-only zone, so it’s easy to explore the highlights on foot. Explore medieval Ljubljana, from its culture and unusual sites, to its stories and legends, with a local guide. You’ll discover its baroque and Secession architecture, along with the works of the architect Joze Plecnik. You’ll walk across the center's charming bridges and through the open market and enter the impressive cathedral. Your guide will take you through Old Town, and along the banks of the river Ljubljanica. Learn all about the legend of the city's origin and visit the main attractions. By the end of the tour, you'll understand how Ljubljana, "The Beloved One," earned its name.

Mix with the Locals

Today we suggest going undercover and becoming a Ljubljančan/Ljubljančanka for a day. Try to embrace as much of Ljubljana's atmosphere as possible and don’t worry about revealing yourself as a newbie. Start by venturing into Vodnik Square, where you’ll find an excellent central market with fresh fruits and vegetables, local specialties and crafts that make wonderful souvenirs. Around the corner from the market, find a bar at the riverbank to drink some coffee. It is obligatory in Ljubljana to drink at least two coffees a day. Once you’ve fed your bodies, it’s time to feed your soul, which is why we encourage you to discover great architecture all around you and get lost into the streets of Ljubljana.

Drive to Slovenia's Gorgeous Gorges and Lakes

Slovenia is relatively small, so it’s easy enough to explore, especially with a rental car. From Ljubljana, our top recommendation is a day trip to Lake Bled and the stunning surrounding area. Here you can spend the afternoon enjoying the gorgeous glacial lake and medieval castle situated on an island. Other places of note are Vintgar Gorge, a 1.6 kilometer-long gorge with steep depths and vertical walls which we recommend visiting after seeing the center of Bled. Be sure to try the rich local cream cake! After the gorge, you could visit another even more picturesque and peaceful lake, Bohinj in the heart of the Triglav National Park before heading back to Ljubljana.

Romantic Rovinj

This Venetian seaside town is one of the most romantic spots on our map, with winding alleyways, a picturesque old port and several islands within easy reach. It’s the perfect base for enjoying more exotic activities like truffle hunting, or a private wine tour of local wineries. Rovinj is not far from the Istrian countryside, where you can take a day trip, visiting quaint villages and lovely local taverns. It’s all up to you here, whether you want to enjoy energetic outdoor activities like cycling, or even explore one of Europe’s most unique regions. One of our favorite sunset spots in the whole of Croatia is the bell tower of St. Euphemia’s, the cathedral that stands watch over Rovinj.

Get to Know Rovinj

Istrian Self-Drive Tour

If you have traveled to Rovinj in a rental car, a self-driving tour of the surrounding region of Istria is an excellent way to spend a day. This is a place of romance and myth that is often compared with Tuscany. From the hills to the coasts you can see the best of the region on a pleasant drive, and also taste some of the local cuisine. The stops we recommend most are Pula, with its ancient Roman amphitheater, and the hill towns of Motovun and Groznjan. All three spots have a charm of their own and really show off the best of the region's architecture, landscape, and cuisine.

Discover Brijuni National Park

Today we suggest a visit to Brijuni National park, one of the most stunning in Croatia! Brijuni National Park consists of 14 islands and islets located on the western coast of Istria. From Rovinj centre there is about 30 minute drive to Fazana where you can easily take a 15 minutes boat ride to Brijuni. Visit Veliki Brijun amazing safari park where you can find some exotic Asian, African and South America animals running freely or check out more than 200 dinosaur footprints which have been discovered on the islands. You can also take an opportunity and swim, dive or just enjoy the sun and a perfect Mediterranean climate.

An Active Day in the Park

Are you in the mood for some running or hiking? If your answer is "yes," Plitvice is the perfect place for you. With its exceptional natural beauty, this area has always attracted active nature lovers. Once you enter the park, we assure you that you will want to explore every part of this amazing place. Use the opportunity to reconnect with nature in Croatia's first national park. Put on some comfortable clothes and footwear and explore one of the four hiking trails or seven different walking routes in the park.

The Right Place for Ancient Times

The best way to get started in Split is to spend time on the former grounds of Diocletian's Palace. Visit Peristil, the palace's main square, sit on its ancient stairs, and enjoy the remarkable view. Or take a seat at a cafe on the square to order a glass of local wine and take it easy. If you need to stretch your legs, head on a pleasant walk on the West Coast and enjoy the light sea breeze and amazing view of the main Riva promenade and the Palace. On the West Coast (Zapadna Obala), you will discover an interesting fact about Split: it is considered the sportiest town in the world. Here, you will find the names of more than 80 Olympic winners from Split! Take your pick among the area's many bars for a delicious cocktail!

Split Private Walking Tour

With a professional tour guide, you will be led through the UNESCO-listed 1,700-year-old Diocletian's Palace, imagining what the life of Diocletian was like within the walls of his palace. During the tour, you will see the Cathedral of St. Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural wonders on the Adriatic coast, as well as the ancient cellars, and Peristil in the center of the palace, the famous Golden Gate, and the hulking statue of Bishop Grgur Ninski. This is an excellent way to get to know Split and its fascinating history.

The Tastes of Hvar

Come Sail Away

This tour is a great way to experience life on the Adriatic. Your tour starts from the Hvar port and from there you will first be taken to the islet of Bisevo, the location of the gorgeous Blue Cave, which is stunning. You'll continue to Stiniva, beautiful bay on Vis Island. There will be time for strolling around and enjoying the Adriatic Sea. On the return trip you'll stop for a swim along the Pakleni islands.

Explore Off-Road

Hvar is Europe’s sunniest island, a gorgeous combination of beaches and olive groves, fishermen and grape growers. Beyond Hvar Town itself there’s plenty to see, and a full-day off-road excursion is the perfect way to see it. Should you opt for this excursion you’ll be treated to an off-road tour through typical old villages, combining amazing scenery with an authentic local charm. The unspoiled nature, panoramic views, and luscious groves are a sight to behold. You’ll enjoy the tour with your own local guide, stopping for a delicious lunch of Croatian delicacies along the way.

Hike Hvar

Why not get a little exercise while you are in Hvar and try out some of the island's many hiking trails and old shepherd’s paths? We can offer a guide who will take you on a private hike lasting up to five hours. Hiking really is the best way to explore the rugged coastline, cliffs, and mountains of this beautiful island, along with its small villages, olive groves, lavender fields, and vineyards. So, lace up those hiking boots, and let's embark on a journey that's not just good for the body but also a feast for the eyes.

Explore Dubrovnik's Center on Foot

Today, you’ll be exploring the elegant main streets and picturesque paths of Dubrovnik with your own personal guide. This truly is one of the most beautiful medieval cities on the Adriatic, with superb locations such as the Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio’s Fountains, Sponza Palace, Orlando’s Column, the City Bell Tower, the Church of St. Blaise (the city’s patron saint), and Rector’s Palace, the seat of the Republic, and the Cathedral. This is the perfect orientational tour of the Old Town and will give you the best insight into the rich history of Dubrovnik. You’ll learn what there is to see and do in Dubrovnik and how to get around.

Post-Tour Delights: City Walls, Cable Car, and Lokrum Island

Peljesac Peninsula Visit with Wine and Oyster Tasting Private Day Tour

Spend a day exploring the beautiful green scenery and blue bays of the Peljesac peninsula, where you can enjoy the extraordinary flavors of Dalmatian wine and cuisine. The region produces Croatia’s most famous wines. The tour starts in the morning, and your driver will pick you up at your accommodations. Your trip will include two stops in local wineries for tastings and the small village of Hodilje, where you’ll ride a boat to a private island. There, at a family-owned oyster and mussel farm, you'll have the opportunity to taste fresh oysters, with a welcome brandy and light lunch of mussels. After dining, you’ll make your way back to the mainland, then be driven to your accommodations.

Elaphiti Islands Full-Day Private Speedboat Tour

Experience the amazing Elaphiti islands with a private motor boat and a skipper at your service. This private tour gives you a chance to enter and see some of the Elaphiti hidden caves, swim on sandy beaches and visit villages on the islands. This tour is the perfect getaway from the busy old city center and a great example of typical Dalmatian island culture. Discovering amazing spots for swimming, sightseeing, walking or just enjoying the sun on the boat or on the beach is what this tour is all about.