18-day Balkan Holiday

Welcome to Ljubljana, Europe’s prettiest capital! The Old Town, with its timeless architecture and medieval castle above the city, is bound to melt your heart the moment you set foot on its cobblestone streets. Colorful markets, historic squares, and the Ljubljanica River are sure to amaze.

On the second day, we leave the city and head for the Alpine countryside, more precisely Lake Bled. It’s the iconic symbol of Slovenia. The church in the middle of the lake, an ancient castle atop a giant cliff, and the idyllic mountainous backdrop are out of this world.

The afternoon will be spent visiting another glacial lake called Bohinj. It’s a wilder version of the one in Bled and promises stunning surroundings. We will top it off with a cable car ride to the top of Mt. Vogel for some amazing panorama.

Day number three: Croatia and its flourishing capital Zagreb. Drenched in culture, Zagreb offers superb sightseeing, which involves strolling down its streets and visiting places like the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church. Zagreb is much bigger than Ljubljana, but its Old Town center is just small enough to wander around carefree. Sit down, have a coffee, and watch life go by in this renowned Balkan city.

One cannot visit Slovenia without descending into the spellbinding depths of Postojna Cave. This iconic show cave, the oldest in the world, is home to incredible underground formations and the enigmatic ‘human fish’. Just a short drive away lies Predjama Castle, an architectural marvel and the largest cave castle in the world. To cap off the experience, the journey concludes in the picturesque coastal town of Piran, where history and seaside charm come together beautifully.

Start your day with an unforgettable truffle hunting experience in the Istrian forests, guided by experts and their trusty dogs. In the afternoon, wander the charming cobblestone streets of Grožnjan, known for its artistic flair, and explore the medieval hilltop town of Motovun, which offers stunning panoramic views. End the day with a delightful wine tasting session, savoring the exquisite flavors of Istria’s renowned vintages before settling in yet another coastal town.

Discover the highlights of the Istrian Peninsula with a day filled with unforgettable sights and experiences. Begin with a boat visit to the Lim Fjord, a stunning natural waterway surrounded by lush greenery. Next, explore Rovinj, a postcard-perfect coastal town with a vibrant harbor and Venetian-inspired charm. Conclude your journey in Pula, home to the awe-inspiring Roman amphitheater and a rich tapestry of history and culture.

Set off on a day trip to the breathtaking Brijuni National Park, a stunning archipelago of 14 islands just off the Istrian coast. Begin your adventure with a ferry ride to the main island, where lush landscapes and pristine beaches await. Explore the island’s rich history, from Roman ruins to the former summer residence of Yugoslav leader Tito. Spend the day walking through the picturesque landscapes, visiting historical sites, and take some time to relax on the peaceful beaches.

Another day, another fascinating destination. We like to mix things up, so on this day, it’s time for some more natural splendor: Plitvice National Park. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Croatia’s first national park. It prides itself on incredible limestone formations, characterized by waterfalls and 16 terraced lakes. We will take a walk down the interlinked walkways and hiking trails that wind around and across the water. It’s basically like entering a dream. In the evening, the Dalmatian coastal town of Zadar awaits us with its historic port and cozy bay.

Set off on a half-day boat trip to explore the Kornati National Park, a stunning archipelago of 109 islands scattered across the Adriatic Sea. This unspoiled paradise is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and untouched beauty. Spend your day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, with time to relax on secluded beaches. As you cruise through the park, you'll encounter its diverse landscapes, including the peaceful Telašćica Nature Park and its unique salt lake. It's a perfect getaway to experience Croatia’s natural splendor.

Šibenik. It’s our next destination. A walking tour of the town’s lovely sights include the 15th-century Cathedral of St. James with its 71 sculpted faces, the 14th-century Prince’s Palace, and the white stone St. Michael’s Fortress with its open-air theatre and views of Šibenik Bay and the neighboring islands. A stone’s throw away is Trogir, a truly magical medieval town connected to the mainland and an adjacent island by bridges. Trogir is a well-preserved blend of Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. After we are sufficiently inspired by all we have seen on this busy day, we drive down a bit further to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city.

Waking up in Split, the choice of how you spend the day is entirely yours. The city’s gorgeous old center and marketplace are certainly entertaining, or you can hop on a boat tour of nearby islands of Hvar and Vis, two of the most exotic islands on this southern part of the Adriatic. Another option is to visit the Roman ruins of Solin. It was once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and holds some very soul-enriching secrets. Whichever option you pick, a superb time is guaranteed.

Our next pit-stop is in yet another country. We are going for a captivating tour of Mostar, the cultural heritage jewel of southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is known worldwide for its iconic Old Bridge, a reconstructed medieval arched bridge that connects the two sides of the city over the Neretva River. Narrow alleys, local markets and squares promise an interesting visit back in time. Mostar’s amazing Turkish heritage also included the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque and stunning views from its minaret.

Dubrovnik's legendary Old Town is surrounded by impressive 16th-century stone walls, which you can walk along for a unique aerial view of this historic city. Afterward, join a guided walking tour through the Old Town, where you'll admire Dubrovnik's remarkable architecture, including the baroque St. Blaise Church, the Renaissance Sponza Palace, and the Gothic Rector’s Palace. As you wander through its cobbled streets, you'll learn about the city's fascinating history and cultural significance.

Take a scenic day trip from Dubrovnik to the beautiful town of Kotor in Montenegro, located along the stunning Bay of Kotor. Stroll through the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its charming streets and historical landmarks, including St. Tryphon’s Cathedral. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the bay, surrounded by towering mountains that create a truly unique backdrop. Explore the town’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere as you discover the wonders of this picturesque coastal destination.

The final day is spent in Dubrovnik. Because the place is so incredibly interesting and there is such an enviable list of things to see. Getting lost in its maze of alleys, walking along its colossal, or hiking up the nearby hill for some crazy hot views – whatever strikes your fancy, Dubrovnik has you covered.