Slovenia and Croatia Small Group Tour; Zagreb to Dubrovnik 14nts (Fridays) CANCELLED FROM 2023

Activity Level: 1
Comfort: 4
Departs From: Zagreb
Location: Zagreb, Ljubljana, Bled, Plitvice, Split,Dubrovnik
Duration: CANCELLED FROM 2023
Availability: FRIDAYS, May/June/September
CLICK FOR PRICING / DEPARTURES

Activity Level: 1
Comfort: 4
Departs From: Zagreb
Location: Zagreb, Ljubljana, Bled, Plitvice, Split,Dubrovnik
Duration: CANCELLED FROM 2023
Availability: FRIDAYS, May/June/September
CLICK FOR PRICING / DEPARTURES

Highlights

Zagreb, Croatia’s cultural center with a rich history and 18th and 19th century Austro-Hungarian architecture
Ljubljana, one of Europe’s greenest capitals, a prehistoric history, scenic bridges and a rich arts scene
Bled, a striking lake with a castle
Postojna Caves, part of Slovenia’s natural wonders
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Split’s Diocletian's Palace
Dubrovnik, the Jewel of the Adriatic

Book now (obligation free) pay later

15 days from Zagreb, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Bohinj, Postojna, Opatija, Istrian Tour (Pula, Rovinj), Plitvice Lakes, Split, Hvar and to Dubrovnik

Slovenia & Northern Croatia Escorted Coach Tour.
See the capital Zagreb, into Slovenia and then down through Istria and Plitvice Lakes.
Then onto the Dalmatian coast in Split, the island of Hvar and then finish in Dubrovnik, the 'pearl of the Adriatic'.
Start in Zagreb, easily connect with incoming flights.
Includes meals, sightseeing, entrances and transport as per itinerary.
Maximum 15 passengers! Guaranteed Departure Small Group Escorted Tour.
Finish in Dubrovnik, with easy access to Montenegro if you want to extend your holiday

Itinerary

CANCELLED FROM 2023. NO 2024 DEPARTURES

Open age Small Group Escorted Coach Tour (up to 24 passengers) conducted in English. Solo travellers must book their own room for solo use.

See the 8 night Zag-Split version here:
https://discovercroatia.com.au/details/11511/234/slovenia-northern-croatia-tour-zagreb-split-8nts/

Ideal to combine with a cruise from Dubrovnik:
https://discovercroatia.com.au/cruises/?departs=Dubrovnik

Other Small Group Tours:
https://discovercroatia.com.au/tours/small-group-tours/

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INCLUSIONS AND FULL ITINERARY:
15 days from Zagreb, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Bohinj, Postojna, Opatija, Istrian Tour (Pula, Rovinj), Plitvice Lakes, Split, Hvar and to Dubrovnik

INCLUDED:
• Accommodation: at selected hotels, service charges and hotel taxes
• Transportation: Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motor coach
• Tour Arrival and departure transfer (only on the actual start and finish day of the tour)
• Meals: Buffet breakfasts daily, 1 x tasting dairy products (cheese), 1 olive oil tasting with small bites, 1 wine tasting
• Individual headsets: for sightseeing tours
• Porterage at hotels

Included Sightseeing and entrances:
• Zagreb city tour with cheese tasting at the Dolac market
• Ljubljana city tour with visit of Ljubljana Castle with funicular
• Entrance to the Bled Castle
• Cable car to Mt. Vogel
• Visit with beekeeper
• Visit to dairy farm with tasting at Bohinj
• Entrance to the Postojna Cave and mini train ride
• Pula city tour with the Amphitheatre admission
• Rovinj city tour with visit of the Church of St. Euphemia
• Plitvice Lakes National Park entry
• City tour of Split with entrance to the Diocletian’s palace cellar, Hvar city tour with Entrance to the Benedict Monastery
• Hvar city tour with Entrance to the Benedict Monastery
• Dubrovnik city tour with entrance to the Rector's palace and Franciscan Monastery

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited during this vacation:
• Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Historical Complex of Split with the Diocletian’s Palace
• Old city of Dubrovnik
• Optional activities: Stari Grad Plains in Hvar, Kotor Bay in Montenegro

Scenic Highlights: Julian Alps and lakes, Dalmatian Coast with islands, charming scenery of Istrian peninsula

HOTEL LIST (these, or similar hotels):
Zagreb: Hotel Esplanade 5star
Ljubljana: Hotel Grand Plaza 4star
Bohinj: Bohinj Eco Hotel 4star
Opatija: Amadria Park Hotel Sveti Jakov 4star
Split: Heritage Hotel Fermai 4star
Hvar: Beach Bay Hotel 4star
Dubrovnik: President Hotel, Valamar Collection 4star

NOT INCLUDED:
• Gratuities, drinks, telephone charges and incidentals
• Meals not listed
• Transfers on any day other than the official start and finish day of the tour
• Optional activities

#OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
• Optional activity: Boat ride on the Ljubljanica river
• Optional activity: Boat ride on the lake Bled.
• Optional activity: Lunch on Family Estate.
• Optional activity: Hvar off-road tour.
• Optional activity: Kotor Bay tour, Montenegro.

ITINERARY:

Check-in to your room from 14.00hrs. Passengers who arrive earlier can leave their bags at Reception until their room is ready. Dinner and first overnight in hotel, so late arrivals are possible.

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO ZAGREB (FRIDAY) (WR)
A transfer is included upon your arrival from the Zagreb Airport to the hotel. Zagreb offers a welcome jolt of big-city sophistication. You can't get a complete picture of modern Croatia without a visit here — away from the touristy resorts, in the lively and liveable city that is home to one out of every six Croatians.
Hotel: Esplanade Zagreb
Meals: Get-together welcome drink

Day 2: IN ZAGREB (SATURDAY) (B)
Get to know Croatia’s capital through the included city tour. The city is packed with historic buildings, such as the neo-gothic St. Marcus Church. Your tour with local guide will also include stop at one of the vendors at the Dolac Market to taste some of the local products and to delve into Croatia’s culinary scene. The city tour will include funicular ride to the Upper Town. Enjoy a free afternoon in the town or back at your hotel.
Hotel: Esplanade Zagreb
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 3: ZAGREB - LJUBLJANA (SUNDAY) (B)
From Croatian capital we head north to one of the greenest and most charming capitals of Europe. Ljubljana – capital of Slovenia. Enjoy a walking city tour of Ljubljana and see some of the most significant sights of the old city centre such as the picturesque Central open-air market and the Three Bridges, both designed by famous architect Jože Plečnik, as well as the Baroque Town Hall and Robba's Fountain. During your tour, you will also visit the Ljubljana Castle and Virtual Museum.
#Optional activity: Boat ride on the Ljubljanica river
Hotel: Grand Plaza Hotel
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 4: LJUBLJANA - BLED - BOHINJ (MONDAY) (B)
Travel with your guide out of the city to the Lake Bled, whose emerald green waters set against the backdrop of looming alpine peaks combine to create an idyllic natural setting. Visit the lakeside castle and enjoy breath-taking views of the mountains, lake and surrounding countryside. Beekeeping has a very long tradition in Slovenia and represents a close connection between man and nature. Together we will discover the importance of preserving bees, the beneficial effects of apitherapy and we will try different honey products. Proceed to the beautiful Bohinj region, which is divided into the Upper and Lower Bohinj Valley. At the heart of the Julian Alps, in the Triglav National Park, you are greeted by Bohinj, one of the prettiest Alpine valleys.
#Optional activity: Boat ride on the lake Bled. Board an old-fashioned hand propelled gondola known as "pletna" for a cruise across the lake to the small island in its centre. Here you will find the Church of the Assumption whose 15th century bell should be rung to bring good luck!
Hotel: Bohinj Eco hotel
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 5: IN BOHINJ (TUESDAY) (B,T)
There are twenty-four typical Alpine villages in two valleys. In the Upper Valley by the lake, visit the gothic St. John the Baptist Church, which has well-preserved frescoes from the 15th and 16th century. A cable car ride will bring us to mountain Vogel (1,537 m/ 5,000 ft), from where there is a wonderful view of the Lake Bohinj and the Julian Alps. The Bohinj area is closely related to the cheese-making tradition, which we will learn more about at the family-owned dairy farm. The owner and his family will introduce us to their everyday life and serve us homemade dairy and cured meat products.
Hotel: Bohinj Eco hotel
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, cheese tasting

Day 6: BOHINJ – POSTOJNA - OPATIJA (WEDNESDAY) (B)
Today we head to the “Opatija Riviera” – the former Habsburg vacation resort – and modern-day resort town – nestled between green forested hills and the cobalt Adriatic. On our way, we will stop at the Postojna Cave – the best-known karst cave in the world. It is also the greatest tourist attraction in Slovenia and one of the world's largest karst monuments. It is the only cave in the world operating a cave train, so visitors can admire the immensity and the powerful allure of the underground world, where the geological past is revealed to visitors in its own way while riding a train. In the late afternoon arrival to Opatija for an evening walk along the romantic Lungomare path.
Hotel: Amadria Park Hotel Sveti Jakov
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 7: IN OPATIJA - TOUR OF THE ISTRIAN PENINSULA (THURSDAY) (B,T,L)
A full day tour starts in the morning. Driving along the coast to Pula - the largest city in Istria. Upon arrival, guided city tour starting from the amphitheatre Arena, stopping by the Hercules Gate, the Cathedral and finishing at the Temple of Augustus. In the heart of Istrian peninsula, a pleasant stop at local farm and olive mill. Listen to the family stories and enjoy tasting of olive oil and light lunch with traditional Istrian snacks like local cheeses, homemade salami, and wine.The tour then continues by travelling to Rovinj. Upon arrival, a stroll through the town to the Church of St. Euphemia and artist colony to the city gates. After the tour, lunch time at leisure to explore several nice restaurants in the centre. Late in the afternoon return to Opatija.
Hotel: Amadria Park Hotel Sveti Jakov
Meals: Buffet Breakfast, olive oil tasting with light lunch

Day 8: OPATIJA – PLITVICE - SPLIT (FRIDAY) (B)
Today we discover one of Croatia’s most astounding natural sites: the cascading lakes of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plitvice National Park. Walking trails hug the lakes, allowing us to journey on foot and watch as the water transforms from emerald-green to azure blue. Late afternoon departure for Split, arriving early this evening in time for dinner.
Hotel: Heritage Hotel Fermai
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 9: IN SPLIT (SATURDAY) (B)
Split, the second-largest city of Croatia and the largest city of the region of Dalmatia, is home to 3rd-century Diocletian’s Palace. As you see on your guided tour, the palace, and eventually its ruins, formed the historic heart of picturesque Split.
#Optional activity: Lunch on Family Estate. Tradition with modern face: Listen to the story of a family business that through years evolved into a modern concept with strong, traditional bases. Tour their estate, discover their production and have a late lunch on the estate.
Hotel: Heritage Hotel Fermai
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 10: SPLIT - HVAR (SUNDAY) (B)
After breakfast, board a ferry for the two-hour cruise to Hvar, “queen” of the Dalmatian islands. Upon arrival, travel by coach to lively town of Hvar, where you will spend the next two nights. Today has been set aside as a relaxing rest day, with a walking tour of the town in the afternoon. After the tour, enjoy your free time to explore your own interests.
Hotel: Beach Bay Hotel
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 11: IN HVAR (MONDAY) (B)
Day at leisure to explore the island.
#Optional activity: Hvar off-road tour. Discover Hvar Island with air-conditioned 4WD. The tour will take you to picturesque towns of Malo and Velo Grablje (once home of the greatest lavender-oil producers in Europe). Passing the Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO), up to the highest peak of the island, and descent back to the seashore, passing the olive grove and vineyards. It won’t take long for you to see why Hvar is called “a little piece of Heaven on Earth.” Enjoy a delicious plate of local cuisine served in a family-owned tavern.
Hotel: Beach Bay Hotel
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 12: HVAR - PELJEŠAC - DUBROVNIK (TUESDAY) (B)
We continue our journey south today, leaving Hvar Island for the mainland. Short drive along the Adriatic coast will bring us to local winery with astonishing views of the Adriatic see. After wine tasting we will take the newly build bridge to Pelješac peninsula, make a short stop in the town of Ston and continue our drive towards Dubrovnik. Evening arrival to Dubrovnik.
Hotel: Dubrovnik President Hotel, Valamar Collection
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 13: IN DUBROVNIK (WEDNESDAY) (B)
Whether you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or the hundredth, the sense of admiration never fails to descend when you set eyes on the beauty of the old town. During our walking tour of fortified town centre, we will see the impressive ramparts, erected during the Crusades to protect the town against land attacks. We will visit the 15th-century Rector's Palace and an early 14th-century Franciscan Monastery that is home to one of the Europe's oldest pharmacies.
Hotel: Dubrovnik President Hotel, Valamar Collection
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 14: IN DUBROVNIK (THURSDAY) (B)
Free day at leisure.
#Optional activity: Kotor Bay tour, Montenegro. The picturesque Kotor Bay (UNESCO) is easily compared to North European fjords. We will board a small boat for a short ride to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Charming small islet, home to Roman Catholic Church, the only building on the island. We will continue to the medieval walled Kotor. Discover its rich history together with your local guide. On our way back to Dubrovnik, the last stop will be in the picturesque Venetian settlement of Perast.
Hotel: Dubrovnik President Hotel, Valamar Collection
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 15: DUBROVNIK (FRIDAY) (B) – Departure
Departure transfer to the airport or port.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, T=Tasting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our specific FAQ pages here:

Before You Go - General Croatia Info (general info for all travellers)

Croatia Cruise FAQ - General Cruise Info (for all small ship Croatia cruises)

Croatia Island Hopping Tour FAQ - General Info (packages combining hotels, ferries and transfers)

Before Your Private Charter - General Yacht and Gulet Charter Info (private charters)

Click here to see how the booking process works: https://www.discovercroatia.com.au/booking-process-how-to-book/

How far in advance do I need to book?

Cruises: For our weekly small ship cruises with guaranteed departures we suggest you book as soon as your plans are in motion. All cruises are extremely popular especially during peak season, which is June, July, August, September and these dates can be booked out up to a year in advance, especially September. One-way cruises are particularly sought-after and tend to sell out first, so please speak to us first to ensure your cruise choice is available before booking any flight arrangements.

Escorted Tours: Escorted Group Tours with guaranteed departures are also best booked as early as possible to ensure your place on the tour, as spaces are limited to a set number of passengers. Once the tour is full that departure is closed for new bookings.

Island Hopping, Self-Drive, Self-Guided Cycling/Hiking and Independent or Private Tours: Independent tours are available most days of the week at any time of year, so if you're booking late these are a great option. They can also start or finish on any day of the week, so can be a great alternative to the cruises (that mostly depart only on Saturdays). You can check out our Island Hopper Tours and our active tours for some examples. If you can't find what you are looking for please make an enquiry on any of our tours and let us know what you need. We love creating custom tours with our clients.

What do the different ship categories mean?

Please see our Ship Descriptions page here, for all the information on Ship Categories, Deck and Cabin Descriptions.

What is half-board? What meals are included?

Half-board (HB): This means that 2 meals a day are usually provided, mostly it will be breakfast and lunch on cruises, and breakfast and dinner on escorted tours. Each cruise or tour will have meals listed on the daily itinerary, so that you will know exactly which meals are included. Some lunches or dinners are swapped occasionally, so that you may enjoy a wonderful gourmet experience with your fellow travellers, such as a Captain's Dinner on a cruise, or a wine-tasting and lunch on an escorted tour. For the remainder of your meals you will be able to dine anywhere you choose and you will be responsible for the cost of those meals. Your Cruise or Tour Director will be happy to recommend a good value and trusted eatery nearby at every location, or you can explore on your own.

Bed and Breakfast (BB): This means that only breakfast is included in your holiday. Most of our Independent Tours include breakfast only, so that you are not beholden to going back to your hotel for lunch or dinner as you are going to be exploring on your own. We think that flexibility with lunch and dinner gives you the best option for exploring Croatia and experiencing the local culture and cuisine.

Full-board (FB) is occasionally offered on cruises as an optional extra, but we do not recommend you take the full-board option unless you are really sure about it. A lot of the joy of the cruise and tour experiences is to dine in local restaurants, 'konobas' (traditional pubs) and bars, so that you can meet the people who live and work there. Why come all the way to Croatia only to eat on-board for every meal? There are so many fabulous (and even some famous!) eateries. Get out there and taste them!

What type of transport is used on the Island Hopper Tours? Local ferries and vehicle transfers

Local ferries: Local ferries are used between the mainland and the islands where possible. Most of these ferries are fast ferries (high speed catamarans). Our Island Hopper Tours include all ferry tickets, as well as delivery of the ferry tickets to your hotel, when we come to pick you up to take you to the ferry port. In some towns, where some hotels are in the pedestrian zone close to the ferry port (like Hvar), then you will be met at the ferry and directed to your hotel, with luggage assistance if required. If your hotel is outside the pedestrian zone you will be met at the ferry and taken to your transfer vehicle, with luggage assistance if required.

Transfers: Most Island Hoppers have private airport transfers included, and private transfers to/from the ferry ports on the islands. Some transfers will be shared transfers if there are others going to the exact same hotel at the same time and it is a short distance.

How fit do I need to be for my holiday?

Relaxation/cultural cruises and tours: On-board your cruise ship, you will need to be able to negotiate gangways and stairs and be able to step from ship to ship as the cruise ships are moored next to each other sideways and sometimes you need to step across to the next ship. You will be walking mostly on the cobblestone streets through the iconic cities and towns of the region. The excursions are best-suited to those who are capable of walking on uneven surfaces as many old cities and towns have limited totally flat surfaces that can accommodate wheelchairs or walking-frames. Please contact us to ask about your specific circumstances, as we are happy to help plan for your needs as best we can. Assistance will be provided on cruise ships to help you navigate getting on and off, but there are a few limitations. Please ask.

Cycling tours: Although almost completely flat this cycle tour is graded easy to moderate as the daily distance ranges between approximately 15-50 km. You will be biking mostly on the dedicated cycle paths alongside canals, rivers and through the iconic cities and towns of the region. This tour is well-suited to those who have never taken a cycling holiday before as it is flat and predominantly traffic-free and you also have the option of skipping the cycling and relaxing on board.

What happens if I can't attend an excursion?

It is possible to relax at your hotel, on the tour bus or on the boat at any time.

What happens if I can't cycle or hike a stage on an active holiday?

For cycling cruises: If you don't want to cycle it is possible to relax on the boat as it moves to the next port of call.

For cycling and hiking tours: If you don't want to (or can't due to illness or injury) cycle, hike or walk a stage, then we will make arrangements to have you transferred to the next stop on your itinerary so that you can continue with your holiday. Prices for transfers vary widely, so pricing will be provided on an 'as needed' basis only.

What equipment do I need?

Relaxation/excursion cruises and tours: You will need comfortable walking shoes, clothes for relaxing, your swimming costume, and a sunhat. Most cruises are fairly relaxed and casual clothing is fine for all meals, though you may want to take one nice outfit depending on where you wish to dine onshore.

Cycling cruises and tours: You will need comfortable sports shoes, comfortable clothes for cycling, waterproof jacket and trousers, a helmet and a sunhat. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.

If you have any questions, just give us a call or email:

Call us or WhatsApp: +612-9212-1507
Email us: [email protected]