Discovering Tours to Croatia and Slovenia
When traveling as far as Europe for a vacation you want to ensure you’re filling your time off wisely. There is nothing worse than arriving at a location and stumbling over what you should do. Should you go to the beach, get lost in nature or discover the historic sights of the country you’re staying in? While these are all fantastic possibilities in Croatia, you can take this a step further by looking at what the neighboring countries have to offer.
For Croatia, there are plenty of places to explore within its bountiful regions, but just over the border a whole other world awaits! Considering the distance it takes to travel from Croatia to its bordering countries, it can be easy to include some extra days on your itinerary to discover more locations. Because when you’re in Europe, you may as well see as much of this continent as possible!
Trips to Slovenia and Croatia
Out of the five bordering countries which surround Croatia (by land and sea), one of the most requested countries to include on a tour of Croatia is Slovenia. Located in the northern part of the country, just across the border near Zagreb, Slovenia is a hub of natural wonders, vibrant towns and medieval marvels.
Throughout this guide, you’ll discover how to make your Croatian vacation go further! We’ll be giving you the ins and outs on how to create bespoke tours to Croatia and Slovenia that allow you to discover the beauty of both destinations on one incredible trip. From the highlights of Slovenia to the logistics of travel, ensuring that any vacations in Slovenia and Croatia that you have planned are sure to go off without a hitch.
Stops to include on Croatia and Slovenia tours
Lake Bled
Lake Bled, nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia, boasts historic charm and scenic trails, offering ideal opportunities for relaxation and swimming in its crystal-clear waters. At its center lies a tiny island, reachable by traditional “pletna” boats, which hosts an ancient church with a famed wishing bell which is said to fulfill all the wishes of all of those who ring it. For those seeking the ideal viewpoint, the medieval castle built on a precipice above the city of Bled offers breathtaking views of the lake from above.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana, the capital and largest city in Slovenia is a picturesque destination nestled between the Ljubljanica River and the castle-crowned hill. It blends charming historic architecture with vibrant cultural scenes and acts as the perfect central location for tourists looking to explore the natural sights around Slovenia. There is so much to discover around Slovenia’s vibrant capital, from its picturesque riverfront, adorned with elegant bridges and vibrant cafes to its multitude of green spaces – the perfect spot to unwind!
Our top spots to check out in Ljubljana are Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, Tivoli Park, the Central Market and the National Gallery.
Postojna Cave
Postojna Cave is a mesmerizing cavern made up of a series of passages, chambers, and stunning limestone formations. It is the second-longest cave system in the country reaching a whopping 24.34 km (15.12 mi). The cave began to take shape approximately three million years ago as the Pivka River started to erode the local limestone mountains. Undertake your own underground journey as you discover this natural masterpiece for yourself!
You can also include a visit to Predjama Castle located just around the corner from Postojna Cave. This Renaissance fortress was built into the mountainside making it one of the world’s most unique and captivating castles.
Lipica
Lipica, the renowned birthplace of the Lipizzaner horses, is a scenic destination nestled in the heart of the Karst region of Slovenia. Visitors to Lipica can experience the beauty of the Lipizzaner horses through guided tours, equestrian performances, and tranquil walks amidst the lush greenery of the stud farm.
The Piran Saltpans
Located near the charming coastal town of Piran, travelers can witness an exciting glimpse into the traditional salt production methods in Slovenia, something which dates back centuries. Guests will get the chance to wander through the picturesque landscape of shallow salt pools as they perfectly mirror the pristine blues of the skies overhead, giving the sensation that you are wandering among the clouds. Learn about the cultural and historical significance of salt harvesting in the region.
Honorable mentions for Croatia:
- Rovinj, Croatia
- Zadar, Croatia
- Zagreb, Croatia
- Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
- Korčula, Croatia
- Split, Croatia
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
For trips to Slovenia and Croatia, how long should you spend in each location?
To see and experience much of what Croatia has to offer, we would recommend staying at least a full week here to give you enough time to travel around its popular cities, beaches, islands and natural sights. For tours to Croatia and Slovenia, you’ll want to increase your dates to accommodate for transportation time between countries.
Just a 2-hour drive from the capital city of Zagreb lies the largest city in Slovenia, Ljubljana. However, If you’re travelling to Slovenia from the south of Croatia, the journey to the border can be a little bit longer, particularly if you’re looking to travel from the southern cities of Dubrovnik and Split.
We recommend allocating a minimum of five days to explore the highlights of Slovenia. You can start your custom tours to Croatia and Slovenia in Slovenia and travel down to Zagreb as your first stop in Croatia. Or alternatively, you can opt to switch this around, giving you the opportunity to start your vacation in the southern part of Croatia, allowing you to slowly make your way up the country to finish your journey in Slovenia. The choice is truly up to you.
With our bespoke tours option, you can plan the perfect travel itinerary that suits your desired plan. Get in touch with our team to start booking custom Croatia and Slovenia tours today.
Our most requested Croatia and Slovenia tours
If you’re looking to explore both Croatia and Slovenia on one singular trip, then we’ve got you covered! Below are some of the most popular tours to Croatia and Slovenia booked by our clients:
- The Best of Slovenia Tour – 8 days starting at $2995 per person, double occupancy
- Croatia and Slovenia Custom Vacation – 15 days starting at $6250 per person, double occupancy (can be customized for fewer days, and changes to all services to keep within your desired budget)
- Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina Tour – 12 days starting at $4250 per person, double occupancy
- Adriatic Escape – Istria and Northern Tour – 10 days starting at $3250 per person, double occupancy
Booking tours to Croatia and Slovenia with Adventures Croatia
Ensure your trips to Slovenia and Croatia are the best they can be by planning with Croatia travel specialists. Our travel experts can help curate the perfect itinerary for your Croatia and Slovenia tours, ensuring your itinerary is perfectly tailored to your travel needs.
From custom tours to pre-planned private tours, our team can ensure your upcoming trip covers all the must-see destinations. Get in touch to start planning your dream tours to Croatia and Slovenia today.