Discover the Adriatic: Croatia & Slovenia with Venice

2024
2022

The Adriatic region: Slovenia & Lake Bled to Croatia’s Split & Plitvice Lakes & more, plus the canals of Venice & Lake Wörth in the Austrian Alps

Overview

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Style	Value VacationTravel in larger groups than our Small Group tours, but at fantastic value prices. These group tour packages are operated by our carefully selected partners and may be shared with other English speaking passengers ensuring guaranteed departures. More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures		Group Size	24 travelers max
Themes	History & Culture
Activity Level	Moderate
What to Expect	This fast-paced, escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven and sometimes wet terrain. Plitvice Lakes National Park and Postojna Caves also include numerous stairs, requiring a higher level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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Come encounter the immense breadth of cultural and scenic experiences Europe has to offer the curious traveler on our 10 day adventure to the Adriatic. Three nights in Slovenia. Four nights in Croatia. Plus a night in Venice and a trip to Lake Wörth and Klagenfurt in Austria. You’ll discover incredibly unique cities unlike anywhere else on earth. Just wait until you wander the narrow canals and column fringed plazas of Venice or get lost atop a rocky Adriatic peninsula in Rovinj’s or Split’s Old Town. Then do as the locals do and leave the cities behind for some fresh air and scenic views in Europe’s famed countryside: explore a tiny island in the middle of Slovenia’s Lake Bled, perch on the lookout over Lake Wörth in the Austrian Alps, and hike through the turquoise terraces of Croatia’s Plitvice lakes. And of course, you’ll visit the picture-perfect places that populate the postcards of those ubiquitous souvenir stalls; like Bled Castle, the roman ruins in Croatia’s seaside towns, the extensive Postojna and fairy-tale Vrelo caves, and the churches that preside over the plazas, perch above the panoramas, and nestle down the narrow medieval alleys and speak to the architectural and cultural history of the continent.

And that’s only a handful of the itinerary features that are waiting for you. This is the romance of European travel at its best. Its cities and scenery, castles, coastline and caves, alpine lakes and medieval fortresses, art, architecture and undeniable allure. So buckle your suitcases and dust off your guidebooks. Get your cameras ready and your passports stamped, because this is going to be the trip of a lifetime.

Package includes

Flights
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round-trip flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) on scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees
All ground transportation and transfers
8 nights accommodations in Superior hotels
13 Meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners; Plus truffle and olive oil tastings
Comprehensive tour program including entrance fees
Professional, English-speaking tour director and local guides

Why you'll love it

Travel like a local through the canals of Venice by vaporetto and explore St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge's Palace and the Rialto Bridge.
Ride a pletna boat on Slovenia's pristine Lake Bled.
Visit Klagenfurt and learn how dragon lore inspired the creation of the Lindwurm Fountain.
See the crystal clear waters of Lake Wörth, a natural wonder that spans over 20 kilometers.
Explore the majestic Postojna Cave, an underground system of tunnels carved out by the Pivka River.
Sample Livade's rare and exotic trufflee, an Istrian treasure that takes great skill to unearth.
Taste olive oil from Vodnjan, considered one of the world’s best.
Discover the 3000 year old city of Pula, home to one of the world’s largest and best preserved Roman arenas.
Stroll along Lungomare promenade in Croatia's coastal town of Opatija, once a famous winter resort of the Austrian elite.
Hike through Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of emerald green lakes, raging waterfalls and a labyrinth of evergreen trees.
Take a walking tour of Split, the largest city on the Adriatic coast and the location of the 4th century Diocletian’s Palace.

Itinerary at a Glance

Discover the Adriatic: Croatia & Slovenia with Venice map

1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight
2 Venice Mestre, Italy
3 Venice, Italy & Bled, Slovenia
4 Bled & Bohinj, Slovenia
5 Klagenfurt and Lake Wörth, Austria & Bled, Slovenia
6 Postojna & Predjama Castle, Slovenia & Rovinj, Croatia
7 Rovinj, Croatia
8 Opatija, Lake Bajer, & Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
9 Plitvice Lakes & Split, Croatia
10 Depart Split, Croatia/Arrive USA

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Venice

Day 2 Venice Mestre, Italy

Arrive in Venice and be transferred to your hotel in Mestre
Balance of the day at leisure

Hotel Russott or similar

Full Day Itinerary

Upon arrival at Marco Polo International Airport Venice, and after clearing immigration and customs, meet our representative, and you will be transferred to Mestre, on the mainland of Venice.

Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to rest or explore the area around your hotel.

Day 3 Venice, Italy & Bled, Slovenia

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the floating city of Venice
Continue to Bled, Slovenia

Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, meet your tour guide and fellow travelers for a morning walking tour of Venice. Travel like a local via vaporetto to St. Mark’s Square. With St. Mark’s Basilica on one end, and the Doge’s Palace on the other, the square or piazza was the center of civic and religious life in Venice during the days of the Republic. See the breathtaking Romanesque-Byzantine facade of the basilica and St. Mark’s campanile, considered one of the square’s most recognizable landmarks. Next, view the Bridge of Sighs, an enclosed bridge constructed of white limestone with stone bars encasing its tiny windows. The bridge connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in Doge’s Palace. Legend has it that prisoners crossing the bridge to their fate would sigh as they caught their last glimpses of Venice, and thus the bridge received its name. Then, make your way towards the Grand Canal and the famous Rialto Bridge. The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges that span the Grand Canal. Consisting primarily of steps, the bridge has two walkways along the outer balustrades and a central walkway between two rows of small shops; it is one of the most photographed sights in Venice. Enjoy some time at leisure for an independent lunch.

Afterward, return to the mainland and depart for Bled, Slovenia. Check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 Bled & Bohinj, Slovenia

Enjoy a relaxing boat tour of Lake Bled
Spend time at leisure to explore the island independently, or simply take in the beautiful scenery
Visit Bled castle to admire the historic city, lake and surrounding mountains
Round out the day at picturesque Lake Bohinj

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Set off this morning to discover Bled, among some of the most beautiful alpine resorts. Begin with a relaxing pletna boat ride on the picturesque Lake Bled. This glacial lake was formed over a tectonic basin, giving the water thermal properties. Enjoy some free time to explore Bled Island and the Church of the Assumption. The church, with its Baroque stairway with 99 stone steps, the free-standing, 52-meter tall bell tower, and the lush greenery of the island add to the breathtaking beauty of this small tear-shaped island.

Continue to Bled Castle, a medieval castle perched on a cliff above the city. From here, admire the striking views of the city, lake, and surrounding mountains. On a clear day, it is possible to see Slovenia’s highest mountain, Mount Triglav. The first castle was built in approximately 1011, towers were added in the late middle ages, and fortifications improved. After sustaining damage in an earthquake in 1511, the castle was restored to what you see today. In the upper courtyard, there is a Gothic chapel built in the 16th century, which underwent a Baroque renovation in the 1700s, and then was further restored and embellished during the 1950s. This courtyard is also home to a museum highlighting the history of Bled. Today the castle is an exhibition area, with rooms showcasing the ancient history of Bled.

Before returning to the hotel, stop to see the stunning Lake Bohinj, the largest natural lake in Slovenia, located within the Julian Alps glacial valley.

Day 5 Klagenfurt and Lake Wörth, Austria & Bled, Slovenia

Cross the border to southern Austria
Visit the charming university town of Klagenfurt
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Carinthia and Lake Wörth

Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Today, visit the neighboring country of Austria and enjoy breathtaking views of the Alps, impressive at any time of the year. Begin with the provincial capital, Klagenfurt, a charming university town. See the famous Lindwurm fountain, and learn how legends of local dragons inspired its creation in the 16th century. Take in the sights and sounds of Neuer Platz square, and then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Nestled within the eastern mountains, the historic county of Carinthia is a sight to behold, even sometimes referred to as “Austria’s Riviera.” The panoramic tour will showcase the natural wonder of Lake Wörth. Gaze upon the crystal clear blue-green water, spanning over 20 kilometers long. Return to Bled early this evening.

Day 6 Postojna & Predjama Castle, Slovenia & Rovinj, Croatia

Explore the breathtaking Postojna Caves
Visit the world renowned Predjama Castle
Cross the border to Croatia and the charming town of Rovinj

Hotel Eden Rovinj or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, head off to the majestic Postojna Caves. Carved by the Pivka River over millions of years, it officially became a tourist destination in 1819. It's also one of the largest underground cave systems in Europe. The visit begins at the entrance station of the cave railway. First, pass through an artificial tunnel built in 1964, continuing to the first natural tunnel, which is black and sooty due to a fuel dump explosion during World War II. Next, see the Gothic Hall, richly decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, then the Ballroom, which for 180 years has been a venue for various events. View nature's sculptures as the train progresses for two more kilometers to the Great Mountain. From here, continue on foot past the Great Mountain, also known as Calvary, across the Russian Bridge to the Beautiful Caves, through Spaghetti, White, and Red Halls, all the way to the Brilliant Passage, where the most famous stalagmite and symbol of Postojna Cave stands: the Brilliant. Follow the route into the Concert Hall, learn about the only underground post office in the world, and then board the train to return to the surface. Lucky visitors may see the endemic olm, the largest troglodytic amphibian in the world! More commonly known as an aquatic salamander, these cave-dwelling critters symbolize Slovenian natural heritage.

Next, visit the fascinating Predjama Castle, built within the mouth of a nearby cave. This Renaissance-style castle had many famous inhabitants, none more notorious than Erazem Lueger, a knight and legendary robber baron. Learn his story, as well as discover the unique attributes of the Castle. Besides offering a gorgeous view, Predjama also highlights unmatched 13th -16th-century craftsmanship and a secret network of tunnels within the caves below.

Cross the border to Croatia, and arrive at the enchanting coastal town of Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula, the largest peninsula in Croatia, late this afternoon and check in to your hotel. Enjoy an evening free to wander the streets of one of the last true Mediterranean fishing ports.

Day 7 Rovinj, Croatia

Enjoy a walking tour through charming Rovinj
Marvel at the Basilica of St. Euphemia
Savor delicious Truffle tastings in Livade and Olive Oil tastings in Vodnjan
Behold timeless Pula and its Roman amphitheater

Hotel Eden Rovinj or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today's adventure begins with touring the "Pearl of Istria," Rovinj. Stroll through a labyrinth of picturesque cobblestone streets and hills in Old Town, and marvel at the tiny shops, exciting galleries, and compact architecture. A still active fishing port, Rovinj offers a glimpse of its traditional seafaring roots juxtaposed with a modern and, at times, festive atmosphere. On a hilltop in the middle of the town center, visit the immense Basilica of St. Euphemia and 200 ft. tall bell tower, offering spectacular views of the city and sea.

Continue to Livade, well known for their culinary contributions to the region. Here you will sample the rare and exotic truffle. An Istrian treasure, they grow wild and must be hunted by skilled truffle hunters, sometimes assisted by a dog (or even a pig!) to help them locate these delicate and delicious mushrooms.

Later, enjoy an olive oil tasting in Vodnjan from one of the most renowned local producers. Vodnjan's climate and location contribute to the fantastic flavor and color, making it one of the world's best olive oils. Some say you can taste the sunshine in every drop!

Finally, visit Pula, a 3000-year-old city on the southern tip of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula. The Pula Arena is the most impressive among the many ruins and historical sites. This Amphitheater is still used for concerts and movie sets, and its image appears on the 10 Kuna note. Learn about the history of one of the world's largest and best preserved Roman arenas.

Return to Rovinj for an evening at leisure.

Day 8 Opatija, Lake Bajer, & Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Opatija
Explore the Vrelo Cave

Hotel Palcich or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Leaving the peninsula behind, drive through beautiful countryside to the coastal town of Opatija. Enjoy some time at leisure to enjoy this wonderful little town full of magnificent villas and old hotels, once a famous winter resort of the Austrian elite. You can choose to stroll along the Lungomare promenade, visit Angiolina Park, or simply enjoy a coffee at Wagner’s terrace.

Then board the coach again, passing through the Gorski Kotal Region, and arrive at the tiny shore village of Fuzine. Explore the fairy-like Vrelo Cave and the underground river that runs through it. Only discovered by accident in the 1950s, this cave complex is unique with its low-impact terrain, making it the most accessible cave in Europe. The cool climate also provides a welcome break from the heat of the summer months.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and savor the traditional, homemade food of the region. Continue through the lush green scenery to Plitvice Lakes.

Day 9 Plitvice Lakes & Split, Croatia

Hike through Plitvice Lakes National Park
Take a boat ride across the emerald green Kozjak Lake
Walk through the old town of Split, and visit Diocletian’s palace

Hotel Cornaro or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart for Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the fascinating labyrinth of evergreen woods and the 16 lakes, each connected by a waterfall. Enjoy a hike through the park, taking in the beauty of several lakes. The last, lowest, and most significant of them all is the emerald green Kozjak Lake. Here you will board a boat to travel across and have time to relax and appreciate the magnificent view.

This evening, arrive in Split, the second largest city in Croatia and the largest on the Adriatic coast. Enjoy a short walk through this UNESCO World Heritage site. The town has been built and re-built for seventeen centuries, and today you may find an 18th-century building intersecting with ancient Roman walls. Explore the 4th-century palace built by the Roman emperor Diocletian to spend his golden years. Continue walking to view the Grgur Ninski statue and the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St. Domnius.

Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner in a typical Dalmatian restaurant.

Day 10 Depart Split, Croatia/Arrive USA

Transfer to the airport to board your return flight to the USA.

Breakfast

Hotels

Hotel Russott

First Class

Hotel Russott is located just minutes from the Historical Center, in San Giuliano Park, one of the largest in Europe, and is conveniently located less than 4 miles from Marco Polo airport.

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Hotel Eden Rovinj

First Class

Nestled in the shade of hundred year old pines, the Hotel Eden offers lavish and elegant rooms overlooking the bay and beach.Relax in the completely renovated Wellness & Spa center at the Hotel Eden. Indulge in a spa treatment, or perhaps take a dip in the indoor heated pool, outdoor pool or Jacuzzi whirlpool. A thermal zone with Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and infrared sauna are also at your disposal. The air-conditioned fitness facility is well equipped and ready to keep guests in perfect shape. Sporting types can rent e-bikes, enjoy the bowling alley, or play tennis on one of the 8 outdoor clay courts.

More information

Hotel Palcich

First Class

Hotel Palcich is located just 3.5 miles from the entrance to Plitvice Lakes, the oldest and largest national park in Croatia.

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Hotel Cornaro

First Class

The Hotel Cornaro offers an excellent city central location, with ancient historical surroundings. Combining elegant décor with comfort, the Hotel Cornaro demonstrates the utmost in dedication to guests. Just minutes from the hotel are popular attractions like Gregory of Nin, Bacivice Beach, and Marjan Hill. The Hotel Cornaro is dedicated to enhancing wellness, and offers intensive and purifying facial and body treatments. Treat yourself to a massage, Finnish sauna, or relax in the Jacuzzi.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
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Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Austria? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Croatia? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Italy? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Slovenia? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.