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Tastes of Croatia & Slovenia Hosted Small Group Tour - June 2025

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 - Salona - Klis - Split

A Croatia Times Travel Signature Hosted Small Group 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 14 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 five 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 June Host

Sunday 08 June - Saturday 21 June 2025


Ela Patajac
Having guided tours across Europe before making New Zealand her home, Ela is looking forward to sharing her passion for European history, culture and great food with you all on this fabulous tour.

Code: CTT

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Trip Variations

Tastes of Croatia & Slovenia Hosted Small Group Tour - Zagreb to Dubrovnik 2025

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 - Salona - Klis - Split - Biokovo - Tučepi - Dubrovnik

15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS

From $13,155 per person

View route map View details

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. 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. Afternoon 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. Opened as a show cave in 1819. Then in 1872 the first documented underground railway opened to visitors, showcasing the spectacular subterranean world. Photo stop in front of the Predjama Castle before arriving to the small village of Momjan to visit an award-winning winery. 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

This morning take a  tour of Rovinj, one of the most romantic and much photographed towns on the Mediterranean. There is free time to explore the town and its market before lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Pula and visit the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of Sergii. Later we get a taste of the long tradition of olive oil making in Istria when visiting a renowned family producer of olive oil in Vodnjan. Return to Poreč with evening 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

Croatia’s most popular natural attraction is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Its beauty lies in the sixteen lakes, connected by a series of waterfalls. Set in deep woodland and home to rare bird species and wildlife such as the brown deer. Later we continue to the Dalmatian coast and the charming town of Zadar, dating back to Roman times. Steeped in history, visit the Roman Forum, St Donatus Church, the Romanesque St Grisigono’s Church, St Mary’s Bell Tower and St Anastasia Cathedral. We walk along the promenade, to the Sea Organ & Greetings to the Sun, awarded for its use of architectural space. Continue to the coastal town of Šibenik with free time before dinner at your hotel (B, D)

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

Discover the oldest Croatian town 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

Day at leisure to explore Split at your own pace. This evening enjoy a walk on the Split Riva following a Dalmatian dinner treat at a local restaurant. Overnight in Split. (B, D)

Day 14
Split

This morning after breakfast farewell the beautiful city of Split. For those of you returning home, or travelling onwards you will be transferred to Split 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
  • 13 Nights in 4-5* hotels
  • All transfers as per itinerary
  • 13 Breakfasts, 6 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
  • 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

Exclusions

  • Drinks or any extras
  • Anything not specified in Inclusions

Pricing and Accommodation

Start DateEnd Date
TwinSingle
Sun 08 Jun 25Sat 21 Jun 25
$12,410$15,735
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Included Accommodation (or similar)

Ljubljana - Eurostars uHotel

Poreč - BO Hotel Palazzo

Plitvice Lakes NP - Hotel Palcich

Split - Cornaro Hotel

Would you like to extend your stay?

Zagreb - The Westin Zagreb

From $POA

Split - Cornaro Hotel

From $POA

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/cabin, 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.