Tour of Slovenia & Croatia: mountains and sea

Type: JourneysExperience: NatureExperience: CultureExperience: BeachExperience: GastronomyTarget group: FamiliesTarget group: CouplesTransportation: By rental carContinent: EuropeCountry: CroatiaCountry: Slovenia

Jan. 26

Written by Jan Bikkembergs

⁍ Journeys ◦ Europe ◦ Croatia ◦ Slovenia ◦ Nature ◦ Culture ◦ Beach ◦ Gastronomy ◦ Family ◦ Couples ◦ Rental car

Highlights

Tour of Slovenia & Croatia: from Alpine meadows to Adriatic coastlines

Alpine landscapes in Slovenia, where high-altitude meadows, turquoise gorges, and Lake Bled provide natural resting spots.

✓ Underground and historical heritage, from the caves of Postojna to mining towns and castles that seem to be clinging to rock faces.

✓ Istria between the sea and the inland, from Roman cities and Venetian ports to truffle forests and pristine lakes.

✓ A natural finale in Plitvice Lakes National Park, with clear blue lakes and waterfalls.

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Luxury trip to Slovenia & Croatia

During this self-drive tour, you will discover Slovenia and Croatia as two countries that complement each other perfectly. Slovenia surprises with compact cities, green valleys, and a strong sense of nature conservation, while Croatia offers a wider variety of historic cities, a distinctive coastline, and islands with their own rhythm. The route is logically structured and follows a natural transition from urban exploration to alpine landscapes and finally the Adriatic Sea.

The trip has been planned with attention to quality and context: carefully selected accommodations, informative visits, and routes that allow the landscape to speak for itself. Distances are deliberately kept manageable, ensuring a relaxed pace and leaving room for personal discoveries. This tour is ideal for couples or families who want to combine freedom with comfort, without compromising on depth.

Travel itinerary

Your tour starts in Zagreb, a green capital with Central European influences and a relaxed pace of life. Together with a local guide, you will discover how the city developed around two hills: the ecclesiastical Kaptol and the secular Gradec. You will walk past squares, markets, and parks, and experience how history and everyday life naturally blend together here.
On day 3, you leave the city and drive towards the hilly Zagorje region. At the Tuhelj thermal spa, you take plenty of time to relax, with warm mineral water and various saunas. The day ends at a local winery, where you dine on regional dishes and wines, surrounded by gently rolling landscapes.
You cross the border into Slovenia and arrive in Ljubljana, a compact capital city with a distinctly human scale. During a guided walk, you will discover Baroque buildings, bridges, and squares along the Ljubljanica River. The city feels organized and relaxed, with plenty of space to explore on your own.
On day 5, you will head into the mountains towards Velika Planina. The cable car will take you to a vast high plateau where shepherds' huts are scattered among alpine meadows. You will walk along gentle paths, enjoy open views, and get to know traditional mountain life, far away from the hustle and bustle of traffic.
You continue your journey to Bled, one of Slovenia's most recognizable places. The lake, surrounded by mountains, invites you to take a leisurely stroll along the shore or a boat trip to the island in the middle of the water. If you wish, you can visit the castle that towers high above the lake and offers a panoramic view.
On day 7, you will discover the Vintgar Gorge, where wooden walkways lead you past turquoise waters and waterfalls. In the afternoon, you will visit Radovljica, a charming town with a well-preserved historic center and local specialties.
You will continue your journey to the impressive Postojna Caves. During the tour, you will discover enormous chambers, stalactites, and underground passages, partly by train and partly on foot. Nearby, you will also visit Predjama Castle, spectacularly built into a rock face and known for centuries as the hideout of the rebellious knight Erasmus of Predjama.
Then drive to Idrija, a town that revolved around mercury mining for centuries. Explore the industrial heritage of the mines and learn how this activity shaped the life and culture of the region. The local lace-making tradition, recognized by UNESCO, is also part of the story.
You arrive in Croatia and explore Poreč, where Roman ruins and early Christian art come together in the Euphrasian Basilica. Then you discover the rural interior of Istria, with its vineyards, olive trees, and small villages.
From this region, you can visit Rovinj, a lively coastal town with Venetian influences, winding streets, and a bustling harbor. In Pula, the Roman amphitheater still dominates the cityscape. A private truffle experience in the countryside introduces you to one of Istria's most distinctive products.
A ferry takes you to Cres, a rugged island with a distinct natural character. You drive along panoramic roads, pass fishing villages, and enjoy open views of the Adriatic Sea. Here, nature sets the pace and everything feels slower.
Then you travel on to Krk, a larger and livelier island. You explore historic villages, beaches, and wine regions, and experience how island life and accessibility come together here.
Your tour ends at Plitvice Lakes National Park. Follow a carefully planned route as you walk past clear blue lakes and waterfalls connected by wooden paths. Water and greenery dominate the landscape, providing an impressive yet accessible end to your journey.

Practical information

Travel duration: 16 days, 15 nights

Price Recommended price of €8,310.00 per person.

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This price is subject to change. The guide price includes car rental and accommodation and excludes flights.
With Pegase Tailored, we shape your travel dreams, fully tailored to your wishes. No standard package, but a unique trip so you can discover the world your way.

Best time to travel

Our highlight of the trip

"When you walk along the wooden paths in Plitvice and the water flows from lake to lake beneath your feet, all sense of time disappears. An impressive experience of nature."

Veerle Van Damme, Luxury Travel Advisor

Featured hotels

Zlata Ladjica, Zagreb

Zlata Ladjica is a historic boutique hotel in the center of Ljubljana, housed in an 18th-century building that has been carefully restored into a 5* superior hotel. Each room is unique and connected to the history of the city. Local gastronomy and an intimate wellness area ensure an authentic experience.

Kendov Manor, Idrija

Kendov Dvorec is a characterful 5* estate in the historic village of Spodnja Idrija and a member of Relais & Châteaux. The estate's roots date back to the 14th century, and the property has been restored with great respect for tradition and heritage. Surrounded by gardens and with a strong gastronomic reputation, this is a peaceful, authentic place.

Meneghetti Wine Hotel, Istria

Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery, a Relais & Châteaux hotel, is located on a vast estate among vineyards and olive trees in the Istrian hinterland, between Pula and Rovinj. The stay combines refined gastronomy, wellness, and wine experiences in a discreet setting.

Experiences in the spotlight

Wellness Tuhelj

At the Tuhelj thermal baths, you consciously take the time to slow down. Warm mineral baths, saunas, and pampering treatments ensure deep relaxation in a green, open environment. This experience has been carefully planned as a moment of rest within the rhythm of the trip.

Island road trip Cres

During a road trip across Cres, you will follow panoramic roads along rugged coastlines and quiet villages. Nature sets the pace here, and the surroundings feel unspoiled and pure. The island showcases an authentic Croatia, far away from mass tourism and crowds.

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wooden walkways take you past beautiful, clear blue lakes and waterfalls. The scale and natural harmony make for an impressive visit without being overwhelming.