Best of Croatia, Slovenia & Istria

(12 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Zagreb, Ljubljana, Lake Bled & the Julian Alps, Portoroz, Piran, Goriska Brda, Bale, Pula, Rovinj, Plitvice Lakes National Park

This in-depth private tour highlights the beautiful scenery, fascinating culture and delicious cuisine of Croatia and Slovenia.

Begin in Zagreb, the elegant capital of Croatia. With your private guide, explore the cobblestone streets, small squares, markets, churches and Baroque buildings of the Upper Town, as well as the Secessionist (Art Nouveau) architecture and leafy parks of the Lower Town. During leisure time, browse local shops, sit at local cafes and stroll through leafy city parks. One morning, enjoy a private excursion to the rural Zagorje region to visit Trakoscan Castle, dine on regional specialties at a local tavern, and sample local wines. Also visit Kumrovec, a folk village of traditional architecture.

Continue to Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. During private touring, explore the Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture in the historic center; enjoy a boat ride on the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city; visit Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views over the capital from a forested hilltop; tour the National Gallery of Slovenia; browse local markets and shops; and enjoy leisure time to relax at local cafes and restaurants.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the beautiful Julian Alps. At iconic Lake Bled, ride in a private pletna (flat-bottomed wooden boat) to a tiny island with a picturesque church and bell tower. Also see Bled Castle, which perches atop rocky cliffs overlooking the water. Continue to Lake Bohinj, a picture-perfect mountain lake surrounded by the rocky peaks of Triglav National Park. Perhaps opt for a scenic walk on a lakeside trail, or ride a cable car for incredible bird's-eye views over the lake and mountains.

Next, transfer to Portoroz. En route, see the incredible stalactites and stalagmites inside Postojna Cave or the dramatic karst chambers inside Skocjan Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps also visit Lipica Stud Farm, where Lipizzaner horses have been bred for centuries, or Predjama Castle, a medieval fortress built into high stone cliffs. Continue to Portoroz, a resort town on the Adriatic Sea, and enjoy private excursions in the region. One day, explore picturesque Piran, a walled Venetian port town on a small peninsula. Also visit Secovlje Salina Nature Park to see salt pans that have produced salt for centuries and a fish farm that raises sea bass and mussels in Piran Bay. Another day, visit the beautiful Goriska Brda wine region to see charming medieval hill towns and sample Slovenian wines at top wineries tucked into the rolling landscape. Also enjoy regional culinary highlights such as olive oil and seasonal fruit.

Return to Croatia, and travel down the Istrian Peninsula, a bucolic region of oak forests, olive groves and pebble beaches. Stay at an upscale hotel and winery in the countryside, and enjoy activities that highlight local food and wine traditions such as hunting for Istria's famed truffles and sampling Istrian olive oil and wines. Also visit Pula, a port city with an impressive Roman amphitheater, and Rovinj, a picturesque jumble of pastel Venetian buildings on the Adriatic waterfront.

Return to Zagreb for a final night. En route, visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a beautiful region of turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls among forested hills that's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This tour can be further customized to include additional time in Croatia or neighboring countries such as Italy, Slovenia and Montenegro.