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 Destination
countries: Slovenia, Croatia, plus 1 day to Trieste (Italy),
1 day to Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina) and 2 days to Montenegro.
Arrive Ljubljana, depart Dubrovnik.
Next
schedule: Upon request.
Duration:
16 days.
Price:
Ask!
We are sorry, but exchange rates are so hectic, that we can't
give fix prices here.
Single supplement: TBA. Price includes:
accommodations and meals (lunch is typically picnic!), drinking
water, vehicle hire with fuel and driver guide, park entrance
fees and ranger guides. The price exclude: bank transfer
loss, international flight, visa, tips, drinks, personal travel
insurance and any other activities of personal request e.g.
laundry, toalet fees, phone calls, etc.
Note: This tours runs extended with 1-1 day
to visit Trieste, Mostar/ Bosnia and Montenegro!
Accommodation:
Three-star
hotels with all rooms en suite.
Numbers:
Min.: 5 pax, max. 16 tour participants.
Transport:
Minivans or Mercedes bus with up to 10 seats, depend on group
size.
Description: "...Journey
to one of the most diverse regions of Europe — Slovenia
and Croatia. Our adventure begins in Ljubljana, the pleasant
capital of Slovenia. If you are a nature lover, the diversity
of the parks we visit will surely fascinate you: including
the world-famous Plitvice and Krka National Parks, with their
impressive falls. Breathe the fresh mountain air of the Slovenian
Alps and take in the unforgettable blue color of the Adriatic
sea. Explore
two enormous caves, Postojna and Skocjan (a UNESCO World Heritage
Site), with fascinating stalagtites, stalagmites, unique cave
animals and giant underground rivers. In Croatia, visit the
seaside towns with roots from the Middle Ages, or even as
far back as Roman times. Relive history during the walk along
the medieval walls of Dubrovnik, a fascinating and fabled
city also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”,
and enjoy the culture, cuisine and hospitality of the locals.
Our
trip to Slovenia and Croatia is a relaxing blend of walks
and hikes to natural wonders and historic sites. Journey with
us to one of the least crowded and perhaps the most impressive
seacoasts of Europe..."
Itinerary:
Day
"0":
Pre-extension.
Day 1: Arrive
in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Welcome to Slovenia!
Upon arrival in Ljubljana, you will be met at the airport
and transferred to our hotel. Overnight in Smlednik (outside
of Ljubljana).
Day 2: Ljubljana
sightseeing, Lake Bled. To
Lake Bohinj. Today we explore the sights of
Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. We have a walk through
the city center and around castle hill — an impressive
castle that dates back to the 9th century. Climb up to the
High Tower, for incredible views of Old Ljubljana, the green
park (Tivoli), and the city’s famous Baroque style monuments.
In the afternoon, we drive to Lake Bled, a picturesque green
lake surrounded by the Slovenian Alps. We visit Bled Castle.
Perched on a cliff high above the lake, it offers spectacular
views of the town, lake and countryside. From here we see
the small Church of Assumption on a tiny tear-shaped island
— the only true inland island of Slovenia — called
Blejski Otok. Overnight in Bohinj.
Day 3:
Hike around Lake Bohinj, Mt.
Vogel cable car and Savica Falls. We begin
today with a hike around the beautiful glacial lake of Bohinj.
After lunch a cable car takes us high to Mt. Vogel where we
enjoy spectacular views over the snow capped Julian Alps and
Lake Bohinj below. We can see Triglav, the highest mountain
in Slovenia (2,864 meters/9,396ft). The rest of the afternoon
is free to relax or take a hike to Savica waterfalls, the
highest in the country and one of the sources of the Sava
River. Overnight in Bohinj.
Day
4:
Visit Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle.
Following breakfast we drive to the caves of Postojna. Hidden
deep within these world- famous caves lies a rare beauty created
over millions of years; carved, shaped and created by water
— year after year. A small electric train shuttles us
into the cave and from inside the cave we can witness the
incredible stalactites shaped like needles, icicles, and even
columns and pillars. Another highlight of the cave is a small
tank filled with pink Olms (fully aquatic, blind cave salamanders).
These bizarre little animals are also named the “human
fish” (Proteus Anguinus) and inhabit only 2 or 3 caves
of the Dalmatian coast. After a picnic lunch we visit Predjama
Castle, situated in the mouth of a hillside cavern. We will
hear the legend of the famous robber baron Erazem Lueger,
a maverick knight who became Slovenia’s Robin Hood by
stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. We continue
on to our hotel, which is located deep in the forest. Those
who feel energetic may hike to the nearby Rakek River to see
two natural rock bridges. Tonight we enjoy a campfire cookout.
Overnight in Rakov Skocjan.
Day
5: Skocjan Cave, Lipica
Stud Farm, Mt Nanos. In the morning we walk
3kms through the incredible Skocjan Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. We will walk 90 meters above the giant underground River
Reka and finish our trip on the bottom of the deep dolina
sinkhole, from where a cable car takes us back to the starting
point. After picnic we visit the stud farm of Lipica, from
where the famous Spanish and Austrian horses “Lipizzaners”
originate. En route back to Rakov Skocjan, we stop on the
high plateau of Mt Nanos to enjoy a hike; Mt. Nanos is like
a secret garden hidden from the surrounding plains. The mountain
is home to golden eagles, chamois and lynx. Overnight in Rakov
Skocjan.
Day
6: Trieste
Italy. This morning we cross the Italian border
heading for the Adriatic Coast and the grandeur of Trieste.
We will have a guided tour covering the most important sites
including the Basilica of San Guisto with it’s 13th
century frescoes and mosaic of St Justus, the town’s
patron saint. There are the 1st and 2nd century remains of
the Roman theatre and time to explore the largest seaside
piazza in Europe- Piazza dell’Unita. Of course no visit
to Italy would be complete without sampling some of her gastronomic
treats and having time to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Overnight in Rakov Skocjan.
Day
7:
Hrastovlje, Salinas, to Croatia, Hum.
This morning, we drive to Hrastovlje and visit the small-fortified
church that is unique due to its 15th century frescoes. All
the walls of the church are covered in scenes from both the
Old and New Testaments, with the Dancing Death fresco being
the most famous. We visit the old “salinas” that
were established during the Roman ages, where people made
salt from seawater. We then cross the border into Croatia
and on to Hum known locally as “the smallest town in
the world”. This fortified hilltop town has a medieval
Bell Tower which overlooks the picturesque valley. We will
have time to explore Hum’s shops where we will find
local brandies and paintings. Arriving on the Adriatic coast’s
Opatija Riviera, we check into our hotel where we stay for
3 nights. Overnight in Lovran.
Day 8:
Istria Peninsula.
A long and rewarding day today exploring the Istria peninsula,
an archipelago of 13 islands, offering incredible flora, fauna
and beaches. We travel along the scenic roads for 90minutes
to Pula, which is famous for its 1 st century Roman Amphitheater
overlooking the harbor. We will tour the ruins to see the
limestone 30-meter high outer walls that could enclose 20,000
spectators. We wander through the Temple of Augustus; see
the statue of James Joyce and head to Rovinj for lunch in
this charming fishing village. We will have a chance to see
St. Euphemia’s Church, which is named after a martyr
saint from the 6th century and has a commanding hill top location.
After some freetime in Rovinj we travel to Porec to see a
6th century B.C. UNESCO World Heritage Site basilica and it’s
Byzantine gold mosaics. We return to Lovran for a late dinner.
Overnight in Lovran.
Day 9:
Cres Island.
In the morning, we take the ferry to the second largest of
the Adriatic islands, Cres Island, and visit one of the oldest
settlements — the picturesque seaside town of Beli.
Beli has been the center for monitoring and protecting the
endangered Griffon vultures since the mid 1980’s and
is an ideal place for observing these graceful creatures in
flight. Our visit to a small museum illustrates the efforts
made towards saving these majestic birds. After picnic we
take a walk in the surrounding protected forest, known for
its remarkable variety of oak trees. Return to the mainland
by ferry. The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent
exploration. Overnight in Lovran.
Day
10:
Waterfalls of Plitvice National Park.
Today we travel to Plitvice National Park and on to Starigrad,
this day is one of our longest travel days, however we have
several stops to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. Our
first stop is at Senj. Senj was once the stronghold of the
Uskoks, the pirates of the Adriatic. We cross the high pass
of Severni Velebit National Park, and we visit the old watermills
in the valley of the Otocac River. The river also ranks as
the best fly-fishing area of Europe, mainly for Red-spotted
and Rainbow Trout. After a picnic lunch we drive to see the
Plitvice Waterfalls, located in a valley situated between
high-forested mountains and surrounded by sixteen crystal
clear blue- green lakes. They are fed by many small streams
and brooks and eventually form dramatic cascades and thundering
waterfalls. Due to their unique evolution and beauty, in 1979
the Plitvice Lakes were entered in the UNESCO World Heritage
List. The exceptional beauty of the lakes and waterfalls,
rich plant and animal life, forests of incredibly contrasting
colors and the pure mountain air attract nature lovers from
all over the world. We arrive into Starigrad early evening.
Overnight in Starigrad Paklenica.
Day
11:
Paklenica Gorges National Park.
In 1978, the area of Paklenica National Park was put under
the protection of the United Nations program “Man and
the Biosphere”. With its two monumental canyons, the
second largest European preserve of Austrian fir, ancient
beech forests and steep cliffs, this natural phenomenon is
touted as one of the most beautiful national parks of the
northeast Mediterranean. Many species, particularly reptiles
and birds, have been recorded here, including some rare and
endangered species of birds. We have a strenuous 3-hour hike
in the gorge. After freetime in the afternoon, we drive up
to the high plateau of the Mt. Mali Alan for a panoramic view
and, weather permitting, a toast to our wonderful adventure.
Overnight in Starigrad Paklenica.
Day 12:
Zadar, Sibenik.
In the morning, we drive to the city of Zadar, where we will
have a guided tour of this historic city. The Roman forum
is well preserved and the Venetian walls still stand, as do
ancient Croatian churches, monasteries and palaces. Zadar
has always been outward looking and has shared agriculture,
shipbuilding, shipping and trade with people of the Mediterranean.
Later we picnic at the fresh-water lake of Vrana, situated
only 2 kilometers from the coast. Lake Vrana is an important
ornithological refuge, with several protected bird species.
We continue to Sibenik where we explore the sights before
dinner, incl. the Gothic Renaissance St Jacob’s Cathedral,
the product of a long-running saga that stirred the immaginations
and emtied the pockets of the townspeople during the 15th
century.
Overnight in Skradin.
Day 13:
Boat cruise, Krka Falls, Torak
springs. This morning, we take a 1-hour boat
trip on the Krka River to Visovac Island, for a short-guided
tour of the Franciscan Monastery. After our boat trip, we
then walk in the National Park to see hundreds of beautiful
small waterfalls, deep in the river gorge. In the afternoon
we walk to the top of a 100 m-high cliff overlooking stunning
scenery and the emerald-green Torak spring at the bottom of
the canyon. Some free time to enjoy Sibenik before dinner.
Overnight in Skradin.
Day 14:
Trogir, Solin & Split.
Our first stop today is the town of Trogir, one of the most
enticing towns on the Dalmatian coast. A compact beige- colored
welter of palaces, jutting belfries and winding streets fan
out from an antique central square. Its beautiful Romanesque
churches compliment the Renaissance and Baroque buildings
from the Venetian period. This is a wonderful place to wander
and soak up the atmosphere. We then drive to Solin, which
used to be the capital of Dalmatia in Roman times, but was
abandoned in the 7th century. After walking in this ancient
site, we continue on to Split, which is the largest Croatian
city on the Adriatic coast. Split made its mark on the map
in the 4th century, when Roman Emperor Diocletian had his
retirement palace built here. Diocletian’s Palace is
one of the most imposing Roman ruins in the world. More a
fortress than a palace, it contained the imperial residence,
temples and a mausoleum. We will see the vestibule of the
original palace, the fortress’ colonnaded square, the
Temple of Jupiter and the remains of Diocletian’s Mausoleum,
now a cathedral. In this part of the old town, everyday life
bustles along in an open-air museum setting. Overnight in
Brela.
Day 15:
Ancient fortress of Ston, Dubrovnik.
We begin our day with a long picturesque drive to Ston, a
coastal town that dates back to Roman times, and is known
for its natural salt production. We will walk part of the
3-mile stonewall originally built to protect the salt works,
whose product was known as “white gold.” This
afternoon we arrive in the fabled city of Dubrovnik. Its motto
is “Libertas” (liberty), because for several centuries
the city-state of Dubrovnik (the so-called Ragusa) managed
to preserve its independence while the coast fell under the
sway of foreign powers. At its 16th-century height, the Republic
had the third largest merchant fleet in the world. Only a
few will notice any remaining signs of the 1991-1992 siege,
during which over 2000 enemy shells fell on the old city.
Reconstruction was undertaken with astonishing speed and the
old town again resembles its former self. We walk along the
main street to the Luza Square, originally the medieval town,
where St. Blaise’s Church and Orlando’s Column
stand. There will be free time to explore independently before
our farewell dinner this evening. Overnight in Mlini (just
outside Dubrovnik).
Day 16:
Depart Dubrovnik.
Following breakfast, we bid farewell to our new friends and
transfer to the airport for your international departure flight.
Extensions:
1-2 days are recommended to stay both in Ljubljana and
Dubrovnik!
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