Food & Wine LoversHistory & CultureSpecial Hosted DepartureSmall Group 25 PAXUnique Experiences

Tastes of Croatia & Slovenia Hosted Small Group Tour 2024

Zagreb - Trakošćan - Zagreb - Ljubljana - Bled - Radovljica - Ljubljana - Postojna Cave - Predjama - Momjan - Poreč - Motovun - Poreč - Rovinj - Pula - Vodnjan - Poreč - Venice - Poreč - Opatija - Rastoke - Plitvice Lakes NP - Zadar - Šibenik - Skradin - Krka NP - Šibenik - Klis - Split - Dubrovnik

A Croatia Times Travel Hosted Tour (with cruise extension available)

Prepare to enrich your palate and rejoice in history, nature, and culture as you discover one of the most interesting areas of Europe! Spend 15 remarkable days touring Croatia & Slovenia with a touch of Italy. From Continental Croatia & Alpine Slovenia, we visit one of the best parts of the Mediterranean, Croatia’s beautiful Adriatic Coast, with pristine seas and sublime towns and villages to take your breath away.

History & Culture
Throughout our tour we will be joined by local guides who will intrigue us with their tales of local history and culture. Together we will visit six of Croatia’s ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Landscapes & Nature
Imagine impressive mountain ranges, breathtaking National Parks, and the crystal clear Adriatic Sea.

Food & Wine
Experience the traditional flavours and cuisines of each region we visit, whether dining in a local restaurant for lunch or dinner or enjoying a unique tasting.

Your Tastes of Croatia & Slovenia Host

03 August - 17 August 2024


Aniela Edmond​
With a deep love for her Croatian heritage, Aniela is excited to share with you the colourful history, vibrant culture and spectacular scenery of Croatia and Slovenia, on this fabulous tour.

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1
Zagreb

Welcome to Croatia. Your day is at leisure before meeting your Host and Tour Director. Overnight and dinner at the hotel. (D)

Day 2
Zagreb - Trakošćan - Zagreb

Zagreb is home to a mix of 18th and 19th century buildings with many charming parks, squares and city markets. You will discover Ban Jelačić Square and medieval settlements of Gradec and Kaptol. See the Cathedral, Dolac Market, Tkalčićeva Street, Stone Gate and St Mark’s Church. Proceed through the Hrvatsko Zagorje region to visit Trakošćan Castle dating back to the 13th century. It is Croatia’s most celebrated and romantic castle due to the surrounding parklands and lake. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner in one of Zagreb’s most loved restaurants. (B, D)

Day 3
Zagreb - Ljubljana

Head to the Slovenian capital city of Ljubljana. Ljubljana lies in a basin between the Karst and Alpine region. This city with a soul features the Baroque Old Town nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, the Art Nouveau mansions and masterpieces of the renowned architect Jože Plečnik. We visit the local markets and explore the city before taking funicular train to Ljubljana Castle, for lunch at local Slovenian restaurant. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B, L)

Day 4
Ljubljana - Bled - Radovljica - Ljubljana

Lake Bled, together with its surroundings ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts. Enjoy a Pletna boat ride along the lake to Bled Island. See St Mary’s Church and later continue to the old medieval castle up on the cliff. The enchanting views and fairy-tale beauty are sensational. After sightseeing, enjoy a memorable lunch in Bled. Continue to visit a local producer of honey, to learn about the beekeeping tradition in Slovenia and to sample their products. Before returning to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure, we stop in Radovljica for a stroll through this magical little town. (B, L, T)

Day 5
Ljubljana - Postojna - Predjama - Momjan - Poreč

Postojna Cave is one of the world’s largest karst monuments. For 140 years train journeys have been taking visitors through the caves to see the spectacular subterranean world. Photo stop in Predjama Castle before arriving to the small village of Momjan where we visit an award-winning winery of famous local wines. This evening, dinner is at the hotel in Poreč. (B, T, D)

Day 6
Poreč - Motovun - Poreč

The seaside town of Poreč is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Euphrasius Basilica from the 6th century AD. The apse of the Basilica is ornately decorated with figural mosaics noted as one of the most remarkable examples of mosaic art in Europe. Proceed to the gorgeous hilltop town of Motovun, possibly the most picturesque medieval hilltop town of inner Istria. Lunch will be served in locally, where you will experience a tasting of Istria’s most famous delicacy, their truffles. Upon arrival back to Poreč, evening is at leisure. (B, T/L)

Day 7
Poreč - Rovinj - Pula - Vodnjan - Poreč

Rovinj is one of the most romantic towns on the Mediterranean, with its cobbled streets, squares and picturesque buildings. Enjoy a tour and some free time here to explore the town and its must see local markets, before meeting for lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Pula with its impressive Roman Amphitheatre, the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of Sergii. There is a long tradition of olive oil making in Istria and we get a taste of this in Vodnjan where we visit a renowned family producer of olive oil. Return to Poreč where the rest of your day is at leisure. (B, L, T)

Day 8
Poreč - Venice - Poreč

Enjoy a day trip to Venice. A walking tour will show you the highlights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. Visit a glass blowing factory and watch a master artisan demonstrate this traditional Venetian art. The rest of your day is at leisure to experience Venice. Late afternoon return to Poreč for dinner and overnight.
(B, D)

Day 9
Poreč - Opatija - Rastoke - Plitvice Lakes

Today we depart for the Plitvice Lakes. Enroute stop in Opatija, one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic. It is often referred to as Croatia’s Monte Carlo and was once the playground of the Austro-Hungarian nobility. Continue to Plitvice with a stop in Rastoke. Rest of the day is at leisure before dinner this evening. (B, D)

Day 10
Plitvice Lakes - Zadar - Šibenik

The Plitvice Lakes are Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction. The beauty lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of waterfalls, set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. After discovering the National Park we continue to the Dalmatian coast for our visit of Zadar, one of the most charming old Dalmatian cities dating back to Roman times. Steeped in history, visit the Roman Forum and St Donatus Church, the Romanesque St Grisigono’s Church, St Mary’s Bell Tower and St Anastasia Cathedral. Take a stroll along its beautiful promenade with Sea Organ & Greetings to the Sun, a sound and light spectacle and award-winning architectural space. We depart Zadar and travel along the Dalmatian coastline where our next stop is Šibenik. Upon arrival the rest of the day is at leisure before dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 11
Šibenik - Skradin - Krka Waterfalls - Plastovo - Šibenik

Discover the oldest Croatian city on the Adriatic and see Croatia’s most beautiful monument, St James Cathedral. We visit quaint town of Skradin before continuing to the Krka Waterfalls National Park. Experience the natural beauty of the largest of the seven waterfalls, Skradinski Buk on Krka River. Visit the authentically restored ensemble of small stone houses, workshop, exhibits and watermills, and enjoy a beautiful walk through forest pathways and wooden bridges. We continue to the village of Plastovo to visit one of Croatia’s most famous wineries, for an unforgettable lunch and wine tasting. Late afternoon arrival back to Šibenik, the rest of your day is at leisure. (B, T/L)

Day 12
Šibenik - Salona - Klis - Split

This morning we are transferred to the ancient Romain ruins of Salona before arriving to Klis. The medieval fortress, built by the Illyrians over 2,000 years ago, overlooks the village and offers breathtaking views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. We continue to a unique family owned estate where we partake in a cooking class lunch, visit their ethno-village and learn about traditional Dalmatian life, and the production of local delicacies. Upon return to Split the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B, L)

Day 13
Split - Biokovo - Tučepi - Dubrovnik

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Dubrovnik. Enroute stop at the Biokovo Nature Park for a visit of the Skywalk. Take in the impressive views of the Makarska Riviera and Islands before a lunch stop at a local restaurant in Tučepi. Later proceed to Dubrovnik with a photo stop in front of the Pelješac Bridge. Overnight in Dubrovnik with evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 14
Dubrovnik

Morning at leisure to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. In the afternoon enjoy a folklore show representing a rich traditional culture, musical and dance heritage of the Dubrovnik region and Croatia. This evening experience local cuisine and spectacular views of the fortified Old Town, all from the dinner table. (B, D)

Day 15
Dubrovnik

This morning after breakfast farewell the beautiful city of Dubrovnik. For those of you returning home, or travelling onwards you will be transferred to Dubrovnik Airport. We are sure you will have made many friends and have a wealth of memories to treasure and take home with you. Sretan Put. (B)

Inclusions

Tour Includes

  • Croatia Times Travel Host
  • 14 Nights in mainly 4* hotels
  • All transfers as per itinerary
  • 14 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners (B, L, D)
  • Tour Director
  • Modern A/C motor coach
  • Service charges & hotel taxes
  • Authentic Food & Wine Experiences (T)
  • Porterage
  • Tipping

Highlights

  • Authentic dining experiences at local restaurants
  • Unique stays in centrally located hotels
  • Traditional Pletna boat ride along Lake Bled
  • Visit a traditional Slovenian apiary & learn about their beekeeping traditions
  • Wine tasting in Momjan
  • Truffle Tasting lunch in the heart of the Istria region
  • Olive Oil Tasting at a family owned estate
  • Venice full day excursion
  • Walk the scenic paths of Plitvice Lakes NP
  • Wine Tasting & lunch at one of Croatia’s most renowned Dalmatian wineries
  • Visit to Salona & Klis Fort, followed by a cooking class of traditional Dalmatian cuisine

Sightseeing with Local Guides

  • Zagreb
  • Trakošćan
  • Ljubljana
  • Bled
  • Poreč
  • Motovun
  • Rovinj
  • Pula
  • Venice
  • Plitvice NP
  • Zadar
  • Šibenik
  • Krka NP
  • Salona
  • Klis

Entrance Fees

  • Zagreb - Funicular
  • Trakošćan - Castle
  • Ljubljana - Funicular, Castle
  • Bled - Castle, Pletna Boat, Church, Beekeeping Museum
  • Postojna - Cave
  • Poreč - Euphrasius Basilica
  • Motovun - Shuttle Bus, Town Walls
  • Pula - Amphitheatre Arena
  • Plitvice Lakes - National Park
  • Šibenik - Cathedral
  • Krka - National Park
  • Salona - Roman Ruins
  • Klis - Fortress
  • Biokovo - Nature Park Skywalk
  • Dubrovnik - Folklore Show

Pricing and Accommodation

Pricing and Accommodation information is not available.

Important Notes

Booking Terms & Conditions
Deposits: Upon confirmation a non-refundable deposit of NZ$1,000 per person is payable. Final Payment: Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure from New Zealand. Prices: All prices are in NZ$ based on twin share per person. Airfares and any costs not stated are not included. Solo Travellers: To guarantee a private room, solo travellers must book the ‘single use’ price. If you agree to share with another passenger of the same gender you will pay the ‘twin share’ price if available. Group Size: Tour up to 25 guests. Guaranteed departure based on minimum 10 guests. Additional cost will apply if group size is below minimum numbers. Tour Arrangements: We reserve the right to alter the routing, change accommodation and services if required. Travel Insurance: It is a requirement of this travel arrangement that all travellers must take out a fully comprehensive travel insurance for the full duration of this trip. Contact us or your Travel Agent for more information. For full booking terms & conditions click here.

Extras and Add Ons

Add Sightseeing & Excursions

Insurance is required for this tour. We'll be happy to provide a quote or you'll need evidence of your own insurance.

Need travel insurance? Get a quote from us.