Dalmatian Sunshine: Croatia & Slovenia

Cultural tour of Croatia & Slovenia

The Dalmatian Coast is the pride of Eastern Europe, as majestic in its beauty as it is in its historical and cultural attractions. Our journey to discover this coastal paradise starts in fabled Croatia, where we discover the beautiful panoramas of Plitvice Lakes National Park, the sprawling ancient palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in Split and more. We then dive into the top sites of Slovenia, including Postojna Cave, one of the largest cave complexes in Europe, and Bled, with its picture perfect medieval castle set against a backdrop of the Julian Alps. Our final stop is Zagreb, Croatia’s cultural capital.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites covered in this tour
1. The works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana 2. Old City of Dubrovnik
3. Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian 4. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Tour Information
Duration : 10 days
Minimum : 02 persons
Average : 25 persons
Price (From) : US$ 2189
International air not included
Day 01: Arrive Dubrovnik (CROATIA)
(D)
Day 02: Dubrovnik
(B)
Day 03: Dubrovnik/Split (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 04: Split
(B)
Day 05: Split/Trogir/Plitvice Lakes (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 06: Plitvice Lakes/Opatija/Postojna (Drive) (SLOVENIA)
(B, D)
Day 07: Bled
(B)
Day 08: Bled/Ljubljana/Zagreb (Drive) (CROATIA)
(B, D)
Day 09: Zagreb
(B)
Day 10: Depart Zagreb
(B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 01: Arrive Dubrovnik (CROATIA)

Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Dubrovnik offers a beautiful combination of picturesque orange rooftops, shimmering blue waters and noteworthy monuments. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest or start exploring this iconic city. In the evening, we gather with our Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Two nights are spent at our centrally located Dubrovnik hotel, just a 15-minute walk from the Old City.

Overnight: Hotel Lero, Dubrovnik (2 nights) (D)

Day 02: Dubrovnik

The aerial view of Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia

Today, we are introduced to world-famous Old Dubrovnik* with a walking tour of the area’s highlights. We’ll see the Rector’s Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and the Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy. The pharmacy here dates back to 1317, making it the oldest pharmacy in the world still in operation! Rest of the day is at leisure to explore Dubrovnik on our own, or join an optional excursion for a home-hosted Dubelj with dinner. (B)

Day 03: Dubrovnik/Split (Drive)

Continue north along the spectacular Adriatic coast, past old fishing villages and new resorts, to the city of Split, known for its rich history dating back to Roman times. Our modern hotel offers elegant and comfortable accommodation in the heart of Split for two nights.

Overnight: Hotel Corner, Split (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Split

Cathedral of St. Dominus, Split, Split-Dalmatia, Croatia

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Split, Croatia’s second largest city. We tour the historic inner city, built around the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Dating from 305 AD, this palace is dubbed by Lonely Planet as “one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments”. It is so massive that it forms approximately half of Split’s old town area! Next, we explore the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle and the beautiful Cathedral. Remainder of the day is at leisure, or join an optional excurtion to the jetset spot of the rich and famous, the island of Hvar. (B)

Day 05: Split/Trogir/Plitvice Lakes (Drive)

After breakfast, we head to Trogir, a Croatian centre of artistic activities. Then, a spectacular drive gets us to the even more spectacular, Plitvice Lakes National Park. Have your cameras ready while we walk through several of the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by dense forests, mountains and lush vegetation. Stunning waterfalls connect the lakes, and we may even be treated to clouds of butterflies drifting overhead! Rest of the afternoon is free to explore on our own before it is time for dinner, which will be served at our hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Jezero, Plitvice Lakes (1 night) (B, D)

Day 06: Plitvice Lakes/Opatija/Postojna (Drive) (SLOVENIA)

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Return to the coast and travel along the beautiful bay of Kvarner to the popular resort town of Opatija. After a bit of free time, we drive across the border into Slovenia to visit the Postojna Cave, one of the largest caves in Europe. The jaw-dropping Postojna Cave system is a series of caverns, halls and passages some 24 kilometers long and two million years old. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. After seeing this phenomenal site, we drive approximately one hour to Bled, beautifully set in the Julian Alps, where we stay for two nights.

Overnight: Kompas Hotel/Bled Rose, Bled (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Bled

The castle of the island of Bled in Slovenia

A beautiful alpine lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19th century. Since then, a small town of hotels, villas and restaurants has developed around the lake, turning Bled into a lively, all-seasons resort. A sightseeing tour here features the charming town and the lakeshore, as well as a visit to the imposing Bled Castle. Built about a thousand years ago, the castle is perched on a cliff high above the lake. The rest of the afternoon is free, or, join an optional excursion continueing to the small island in the middle of lake Bled with a Pletna boat—a traditional boat in the shape of a gondola with a history stretching back to the 16th century. (B)

Day 08: Bled/Ljubljana/Zagreb (Drive) (CROATIA)

Leave the mountains behind and head to Ljubljana*, the capital of Slovenia. One of Europe’s greenest capitals, Ljubljana is known for its unique mix of modern-day and traditional architecture. On our walking tour of Ljubljana, we see the most significant sights of the old city center. Highlights include the picturesque open-air Central Market, the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, and Robba’s Fountain. We continue on a comfortable drive to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. Our Zagreb accommodation offers stunning views, including a rooftop swimming pool and bar. We stay here for two nights.

Overnight: Hotel Zonar, Zagreb (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 09: Zagreb

Dolac fruit and vegetable market, Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia

Our morning sightseeing tour includes views of the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, a monumental Gothic building dating back to the 13th century, the Parliament, and the Government Palace. Rest of the day is at leisure, with a chance to explore this stunning city on our own or take an optional excursion to see the countryside. (B)

Day 10: Depart Zagreb

After breakfast and check out, as well as a spectacular experience of Croatia, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Or, add on a visit to another nearby Balkan country—contact us for ideas and details. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
2024 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Apr 13; May 25; Jul 06; Aug 17; Sep 28    
Low Season
Apr 13
US$ 2189 US$ 850
Shoulder Season
May 25, Sep 28
US$ 2359 US$ 850
High Season
Jul 06, Aug 17
US$ 2589 US$ 850
Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
2024 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Apr 13; May 25; Jul 06; Aug 17; Sep 28    
Low Season
Apr 13
CA$ 3021 CA$ 1173
Shoulder Season
May 25, Sep 28
CA$ 3256 CA$ 1173
High Season
Jul 06, Aug 17
CA$ 3573 CA$ 1173

Notes

  • This tour is not part of our small group journeys. Private departures of this itinerary are also available. For details, please contact us.
  • Because of the narrow and cobbled streets, walking is the primary way of getting around. Please make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes.

Inclusions


Tour Price Includes
  • 09 Nights' accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
  • 14 Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All sightseeing and transfers by private transportation
  • Museums and sites as mentioned in the itinerary (entrance fees included when sites are bolded)
  • Professional Tour Director & local licensed guides
  • Headsets will be provided during included sightseeing tours
Not Included
  • Any airfares
  • Insurance/visas
  • Tips/gratuities

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and average tour size of 25 participants.
Also please note that this tour is NOT part of our small group journeys.

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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