Slovenia & Croatia Tour: Mountains and Sea
⁍ Journeys ◦ Europe ◦ Croatia ◦ Slovenia ◦ Nature ◦ Culture ◦ Beach ◦ Gastronomy ◦ Family ◦ Couples ◦ Rental Car
Highlights
Slovenia & Croatia Tour: From Alpine Meadows to the Adriatic Coast
✓ Alpine landscapes in Slovenia, where high-altitude meadows, turquoise gorges, and Lake Bled offer natural places of respite.
✓ Underground and historical heritage, from the Postojna Caves to mining towns and castles that seem to be clinging to the rock faces.
✓ Istria, nestled between the sea and the inland, from Roman towns and Venetian harbors to truffle forests and pristine lakes.
✓ A natural wonder in Plitvice Lakes National Park, featuring crystal-clear blue lakes and waterfalls.
Luxury Tour of Slovenia & Croatia
On this self-drive tour, you’ll discover Slovenia and Croatia as two countries that complement each other perfectly. Slovenia surprises with its compact towns, green valleys, and strong commitment to nature conservation, while Croatia offers a wider variety of historic cities, a rugged coastline, and islands with their own unique rhythm. The route is logically structured and follows a natural transition from urban exploration to alpine landscapes and ultimately the Adriatic Sea.
This itinerary has been carefully crafted with an emphasis on quality and context: thoughtfully selected accommodations, meaningful visits, and routes that let the landscape speak for itself. Distances are kept deliberately manageable, ensuring a relaxed pace and plenty of room for your own discoveries. This tour is ideal for couples or families who want to combine freedom with comfort, without sacrificing depth.
Itinerary
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Your tour begins in Zagreb, a green capital city with Central European influences and a relaxed pace of life. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll discover how the city developed around two hills: the ecclesiastical Kaptol and the secular Gradec. You’ll stroll past squares, markets, and parks, and experience how history and everyday life blend seamlessly here.
On day 3, you’ll leave the city and head toward the hilly Zagorje region. At the Tuhelj thermal baths, you’ll take plenty of time to relax, enjoying warm mineral water and a variety of saunas. The day ends at a local winery, where you’ll dine on regional dishes and wines, surrounded by gently rolling countryside.
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You cross the border into Slovenia and arrive in Ljubljana, a compact capital city with a distinctly human scale. During a guided walking tour, you’ll discover Baroque buildings, bridges, and squares along the Ljubljanica River. The city feels easy to navigate and relaxed, with plenty of space to explore on your own.
On day 5, you’ll head into the mountains toward Velika Planina. A cable car will take you to a vast high plateau where shepherds’ huts are scattered among alpine meadows. You’ll hike along gentle trails, enjoy sweeping views, and experience traditional mountain life, far away from the hustle and bustle and traffic.
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You’ll continue on to Bled, one of Slovenia’s most iconic destinations. The lake, surrounded by mountains, is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the shore or a boat ride to the island in the middle of the water. If you’d like, you can visit the castle that towers high above the lake and offers sweeping views.
On day 7, you’ll explore the Vintgar Gorge, where wooden walkways lead you past turquoise waters and waterfalls. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Radovljica, a charming town with a well-preserved historic center and local specialties.
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You’ll continue on to the impressive Postojna Caves. During the tour, you’ll explore enormous chambers, stalactites, and underground passages, traveling partly by train and partly on foot. Nearby, you’ll also visit Predjama Castle, spectacularly built into a cliff face and known for centuries as the hideout of the rebellious knight Erasmus of Predjama.
Next, you’ll drive to Idrija, a town that for centuries revolved around mercury mining. You’ll explore the industrial heritage of the mines and learn how this activity shaped the region’s life and culture. The local lace-making tradition, recognized by UNESCO, is also part of the story.
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You’ll arrive in Croatia and explore Poreč, where Roman ruins and early Christian art come together in the Euphrasian Basilica. Then you’ll discover the rural interior of Istria, with its vineyards, olive groves, 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.
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You can reach Cres by ferry—a rugged island with a distinct natural character. You’ll drive along scenic roads, pass through fishing villages, and enjoy sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Here, nature sets the pace, and everything feels naturally slower.
From there, you’ll continue on to Krk, a larger and livelier island. You’ll explore historic villages, beaches, and wine regions, and experience how island life and accessibility come together here.
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Your tour ends at Plitvice Lakes National Park. Following a carefully planned route, you’ll walk along crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls connected by wooden paths. Water and lush greenery dominate the landscape, providing an impressive yet accessible finale to your journey.
Practical Information
Trip duration 16 days, 15 nights
Indicative price €8,310 per person
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This price is subject to change. The estimated price includes a rental car and accommodations but excludes flights.
With Pegase Tailored, we bring your travel dreams to life, fully tailored to your wishes. No standard package—just a unique journey so you can discover the world on your own terms. Best time to visit
Our highlight of the trip
“When you walk along the wooden paths in Plitvice and the water flows beneath your feet from lake to lake, any 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 heart of Ljubljana, housed in an 18th-century building that has been carefully restored into a 5-star superior hotel. Each room is unique and connected to the city’s history. Local cuisine and an intimate wellness area ensure an authentic experience.
Kendov Dvorec, Idrija
Kendov Dvorec is a charming 5-star 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 boasting a strong reputation for fine dining, this is a peaceful, authentic retreat.
Meneghetti Wine Hotel, Istria
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery, a Relais & Châteaux hotel, is situated on a sprawling estate nestled among vineyards and olive groves in the Istrian hinterland, between Pula and Rovinj. The property combines refined cuisine, wellness, and wine experiences in an intimate setting.
Featured experiences
Tuhelj Wellness
At the Tuhelj thermal baths, you consciously take the time to slow down. Warm mineral baths, saunas, and pampering treatments provide deep relaxation in a lush, open setting. This experience has been carefully planned as a moment of rest within the rhythm of the trip.
Road Trip Around the Island of Cres
On a road trip across Cres, you’ll travel along scenic roads that wind past rugged coastlines and quiet villages. Here, nature sets the pace, and the surroundings feel unspoiled and pristine. The island offers a glimpse of authentic Croatia, far removed from mass tourism and crowds.
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wooden walkways lead you past beautiful, crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls. The scale and natural harmony of the landscape make for an impressive visit without being overwhelming.
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