Croatia and Slovenia Private Tour
Local Time
Why You Should Go
Emerging as the newest luxury Mediterranean destinations, Croatia’s historic charm, including the medieval treasures of Dubrovnik, merges seamlessly with the unspoiled natural beauty of Slovenia’s serene lakes and Alpine landscapes. Situated in Central and Eastern Europe, Croatia’s coast is entirely along the Adriatic Sea in the north Balkans region. This unique location gives rise to endless sandy beaches, caves, and diverse nature excursions. However, it’s the history that truly sets this place apart. Dating back to the 7th century, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik Old Town boasts ancient city walls and medieval forts (such as the filming location for Game of Thrones’ “King’s Landing”!). Roman Empire enthusiasts will cherish a visit to Split to explore various surviving Roman structures, including the notable and robust Diocletian’s Palace!
Bordering Croatia’s northern end, Slovenia paints a different scene—one of pristine, emerald-green lakes, Alpine peaks, and charming villages. Despite rising tourism, it remains one of the few places in Europe with a genuine “off the beaten path” experience due to its lack of overcrowding. While the capital, Ljubljana, blends lively contemporary city life with an enduring historic sense, the real highlight of Slovenia is the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park. Based around Mount Triglav, the park encompasses the breathtaking Seven Lakes Valley and iconic Soča River—a perfect destination for explorers!
With a wealthy supply of fresh, freestone rivers that offer an abundant flow of grayling and trout variations, Slovenian culture is unequivocally connected to fly fishing. Based on crowd control and the flow speed of Slovenian rivers, the best time to travel is in early spring or fall!
*All of our comprehensive private tour itineraries are inclusive of all luxury accommodations, private guide/driver throughout, daily meals as specified, INTERNAL flights/rail /private transfers as needed, & all taxes/service fees.
Sample Itinerary
9 Days
Each private luxury tour is customized to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample. Partnering with our long-established relationship with United Airlines, our sister company, TRAVNET, may provide competitive Polaris/Business Class international airfare, along with mileage points conversion.
Day 1
Fly to Split
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.
With its iconic midway location in Croatia’s stretching Adriatic Sea coast, landing at the Split Airport offers spectacular panoramic views of this beautiful country.
Day 2
Arrive Split
Upon arrival at the Split Airport, you will be met by your private driver and transferred to the Hotel Park Split with the remainder of the day free to spend at leisure.
Meals: —
Accommodations: Hotel Park Split
Day 3
Split Private Walking Tour
Being the second largest city in Croatia, Split area is full of fascinating history comprising beautiful beaches, churches, and Roman ruins (perfect for Roman Empire enthusiasts!). Your walking tour begins in the center of the city at Diocletian’s Palace, the elaborate retirement palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian built in 295 AD. After saving the Empire from total collapse, Diocletian unexpectedly retired to the limestone fortress in Split as an homage to his nearby birthplace. Diocletian’s Palace stands today as the most robust surviving palace from the era and is a 1979 UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site.
Additional stopovers include Peristil Square, the mausoleum of the Roman Emperor (transformed into a Catholic church in the 7th century AD), and the seven “Kastela” fortifications against Turkish attacks. After a full day of exploration, you’ll be taken back to your hotel with the evening to spend at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Park Split
Day 4
Transfer to Dubrovnik by Ferry, Private Vehicle, or Plane + Arrive Dubrovnik
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your internal airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion. Other transfer options include private drive with touring stopover options en route, or ferry via the Adriatic Sea.
Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, you will be transferred to the Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik with the remainder of the day free to spend at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
Day 5
Dubrovnik Private Walking Tour + Cavtat Stopover
Your walking tour starts at Dubrovnik’s Old City and Harbor, recognized as a UNESCO city museum. The old city is encircled by one-mile-long walls that once served as medieval fortresses. The entire city showcases splendid examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque Roman architecture.
Walking along the walls, you’ll also stroll down Stradun, the main city promenade dating back centuries. Here, stopover at the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery, the church of St. Blaise, and the Sponza Palace, which was once a 7th-century customs house. Before leaving, take time to visit the 11th-century Town Hall (Rector’s Palace) and the 14th-century Dominican Monastery.
In the afternoon, visit Cavtat, a small town established centuries ago on the remnants of Epidaurus. Here, continue exploring the medieval era, try out some traditional Croatian cuisine, and relax on private beaches. After a full day of touring, you’ll have the rest of the evening to spend as you please.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
Day 6
Private Boat Around the Elaphiti Islands
After breakfast at the hotel, start a full-day tour by private boat to visit the three largest Elaphiti Islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. The archipelago holds 13 islands with lush subtropical vegetation and was once the summer retreat for Croatian nobility!
First, explore Koločep, walking through dense pine forests and reaching a fishing village’s beach. Next, stop at Lopud to see the lovely Gjorgic-Mayneri Park. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, explore around, and relax on Sunj Beach. The journey concludes with Šipan, the biggest of the trio, adorned with many 15th-century villas, Renaissance churches, and Baroque chapels.
Throughout the day, you’ll also discover small bays and hidden spots for swimming. Following the tour, disembark from the boat, with the rest of the evening free.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
Day 7
Fly Dubrovnik to Zagreb + Drive to Ljubljana
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your internal airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.
Upon arrival at the Zagreb Airport, you will be met by your private driver and transferred to the InterContinental Ljubljana Hotel with the remainder of the day free to spend at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel InterContinental Ljubljana
Day 8
Fly Fishing
Following breakfast at InterContinental Ljubljana, embark on a full-day fly fishing excursion approximately 1.5-hours away from the hotel. First, you will have the opportunity to consult with a professional fishing guide on your preferred fishing conditions, specific requests, and if there are any particular fish you wish to catch. Visit a fishing center to get a one-day fishing license, be equipped with the necessary gear, and receive a briefing about what to expect.
Accompanied by a professional fishing guide, you’ll then be privately transferred to the rivers that best fit your requests–all of which are stunningly clear and set amidst breathtaking mountain views. The Soča River, located in Triglav National Park, is perhaps the most beautiful, and definitely the most famous. You might even have the chance to catch a marble trout, Slovenia’s super-rare native variation of brown trout! However, we prefer the gigantic Grayling fish (extinct in the American Midwest due to overfishing) that roam the off-the-beaten-path Unica River. If lakes are preferred over rivers, there are ample opportunities to catch rainbow trout across the Seven-Lakes Valley. The rest of the evening will be spent at your discretion.
For fly fishing fanatics, we highly recommend a multiple-day fishing experience. Flying through the small country’s greatest fishing regions by helicopter, you will have the opportunity to explore different terrains, waters, and fish distinctions, staying in luxury fishing lodges at night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel InterContinental Ljubljana
Day 9
Ljubljana and Bled Private Tour
Your full-day tour starts with a walking exploration of Ljubljana, the capital and largest city of Slovenia. This city is famous for its Roman historical roots and architecture. Known as one of the greenest cities in central Europe, Ljubljana is divided into two parts by the curved Ljubljana River.
The first half is the city’s old town, where you’ll visit The Cathedral, Plenik Open Market, Presern Square, Congress Square, and the striking hilltop Ljubljana Castle, offering panoramic views of the city’s red rooftops and the surrounding Alpine landscape. Cross the Three Bridges Area over the river to reach the other side, known as the commercial hub.
In the afternoon, drive to Bled to see the Bled Castle, perched on a rock above the lake, providing panoramic views of the town and Bled Lake. The beauty of the lake is so astounding that words cannot begin to describe it! The tour also includes a small private boat to St. Mary Island for continued sightseeing. After a full day of exploration, you’ll be taken back to your hotel with the evening to spend at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel InterContinental Ljubljana
Day 10
Triglav Seven Lakes Hike
Privately transfer to Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps for a hike through the iconic rocky Triglav Seven Lakes Valley. This national park is considered the most beautiful hiking spot in Slovenia, and many travelers name this hike as their favorite experience. On the way, stop at a rental company to get fitted for hiking boots and poles.
The hiking trail winds through dense, picturesque mountain forests and past three stunning mountain lakes, with opportunities for finding hidden lookout spots, waterfalls, and swimming holes. It also passes through four alpine grazing pastures with cows and traditional timber-framed farmhouses. Feel free to stop in and even sample cheese and milk at the local farms! Along the route, you’ll have the chance to see mountain goats, rare birds, alpine flowers, and captivating views of Mount Triglav. After the full-day guided hiking adventure, you’ll be driven back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel InterContinental Ljubljana
Day 11
Depart Ljubljana
Hotels
Perched atop a cliff amidst UNESCO-designated historic monuments, the 158-room Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik stands just a five-minute stroll from the medieval fortress walls and ranks among Croatia’s top luxury properties. This boutique hotel, once graced by the presence of Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II, and King Olaf of Norway, is comprised of two distinct sections: one features a sleek, contemporary wing, while the other preserves the original 1913 royal villa. Luxury amenities include a sunlit Salin terrace, three on-site restaurants (don’t miss Prora on the beach with its captivating waterside arches!), a fitness center & spa providing various facial and body massage treatments, an indoor pool with an adjoining sauna and steam room, doctor-on-call service, a hairdresser/barber, direct beach access, and the stunning Abakus Piano Bar with Adriatic sea vistas. Laundry services are also available.
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
Perched atop a cliff amidst UNESCO-designated historic monuments, the 158-room Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik stands just a five-minute stroll from the medieval fortress walls and ranks among Croatia’s top luxury properties. This boutique hotel, once graced by the presence of Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II, and King Olaf of Norway, is comprised of two distinct sections: one features a sleek, contemporary wing, while the other preserves the original 1913 royal villa. Luxury amenities include a sunlit Salin terrace, three on-site restaurants (don’t miss Prora on the beach with its captivating waterside arches!), a fitness center & spa providing various facial and body massage treatments, an indoor pool with an adjoining sauna and steam room, doctor-on-call service, a hairdresser/barber, direct beach access, and the stunning Abakus Piano Bar with Adriatic sea vistas. Laundry services are also available.
Known as the tallest hotel in the city, Hotel InterContinental Ljubljana is situated in the capital center, just a short walk from historic attractions like Ljubljana Castle, the Triple Bridge, and the old historical center. Opened in 2017, this 5-star property boasts 165 rooms and suites with AC, floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views of old town Ljubljana, and marble bathrooms. While we usually prefer boutique hotels with more unique designs, we value the dependable luxury services and facilities offered by InterContinental.
The luxury amenities include two bars (Bloom Lounge and Club InterContinental), an onsite rooftop restaurant, an indoor pool and hot tub with daybeds, 24/7 room service, currency exchange, Wi-Fi, and laundry/dry cleaning services. We highly recommend dining at B-Restaurant, where Michelin Plate chef Alfredo Russo serves contemporary Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine. The InterContinental also houses Serenity Wellness Spa, offering a range of massages and facial treatments, a stunning swimming pool, a steam room, and a sauna that overlook the entire city, along with a fully equipped gym
Hotel InterContinental Ljubljana
Known as the tallest hotel in the city, Hotel InterContinental Ljubljana is situated in the capital center, just a short walk from historic attractions like Ljubljana Castle, the Triple Bridge, and the old historical center. Opened in 2017, this 5-star property boasts 165 rooms and suites with AC, floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views of old town Ljubljana, and marble bathrooms. While we usually prefer boutique hotels with more unique designs, we value the dependable luxury services and facilities offered by InterContinental.
The luxury amenities include two bars (Bloom Lounge and Club InterContinental), an onsite rooftop restaurant, an indoor pool and hot tub with daybeds, 24/7 room service, currency exchange, Wi-Fi, and laundry/dry cleaning services. We highly recommend dining at B-Restaurant, where Michelin Plate chef Alfredo Russo serves contemporary Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine. The InterContinental also houses Serenity Wellness Spa, offering a range of massages and facial treatments, a stunning swimming pool, a steam room, and a sauna that overlook the entire city, along with a fully equipped gym
Location
Overview
Population |
---|
Croatia: 3.8 Million |
Slovenia: 2.1 Million |
Language |
---|
Croatia: Croatian |
Slovenia: Slovene, Italian, Hungarian |
Currency |
---|
Euro |
Temperature |
---|
Croatia: Highs: Mid 80’s; Lows: Mid 40’s |
Slovenia: Highs: Mid 70’s; Lows: Low 30’s |
Area |
---|
Croatia: 56,594 SQ. KM. (21,851 SQ. MI.) |
Slovenia: 20,271 SQ. KM. (7,826 SQ. MI.) |
Capital |
---|
Croatia: Zagreb |
Slovenia: Ljubljana |