Adriatic Coastal Towns and National Parks

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Split

   The Roman Emperor Diocletian made Split his home in the 4th Century AD, building a vast palace complex on the waterfront that stands to this day. In fact several of the accommodation options we offer in Split are nestled inside its ancient walls. These days there is an embankment in front of Diocletian's palace but the water used to go right up to the main wall. It's on this man-made strip of land that you'll find the Riva, a pedestrian promenade bustling with life. Split's UNESCO listed Old Town is contained within these old walls and is a pedestrian-only maze that it is quite easy, but fun, to get lost in. Who know what romantic hidden cafés you might find in one of the narrow streets and alleyways? To get the best out of your time in Split, however, we recommend taking a tour with a local guide. Split is very well connected for flights, with an international airport a half hour drive away and is a popular stopping point for our guests on their way between Dubrovnik and the islands of Hvar, Vis, or Korcula, all easily reached by a ferry from Split's port. If you base yourself in Split for a few days, you will find it is also perfect located for visits to some of Croatia's most stunning national parks.

   When you arrive, we'll arrange for a driver to greet you and take you to your centrally located Split accommodation. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

   

   The Right Place for Ancient Times

   The best way to get started in Split is to spend time on the former grounds of Diocletian's Palace. Visit Peristil, the palace's main square, sit on its ancient stairs, and enjoy the remarkable view. Or take a seat at a cafe on the square to order a glass of local wine and take it easy. If you need to stretch your legs, head on a pleasant walk on the West Coast and enjoy the light sea breeze and amazing view of the main Riva promenade and the Palace. On the West Coast (Zapadna Obala), you will discover an interesting fact about Split: it is considered the sportiest town in the world. Here, you will find the names of more than 80 Olympic winners from Split! Take your pick among the area's many bars for a delicious cocktail!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Split

   

   Split Private Walking Tour

   With a professional tour guide, you will be led through the UNESCO-listed 1,700-year-old Diocletian's Palace, imagining what the life of Diocletian was like within the walls of his palace. During the tour, you will see the Cathedral of St. Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural wonders on the Adriatic coast, as well as the ancient cellars, and Peristil in the center of the palace, the famous Golden Gate, and the hulking statue of Bishop Grgur Ninski. This is an excellent way to get to know Split and its fascinating history.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   The Walls and Ways of Split

   Split's old town is an excellent representative of ancient Roman architecture. Getting lost in Diocletian's Palace, you'll wonder how the place's massive stones could have been hauled here and carved 1,700 years ago. Split's past is made clear by its landmarks, such as the world's second oldest cathedral (only Armenia has anywhere older), which was originally Emperor Diocletian's mausoleum. A short distance away, you'll find a pagan temple likewise turned into an early church.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Traveling to Plitvice by Private Transfer / Arrival in Plitvice

   

   Today you're bound for the Plitvice Lakes, the most scenic and popular national park on the Balkan Peninsula. We'll arrange for a private driver to pick you up from your accommodations in Split and drive you to Plitvice, with a stop in Trogir, a UNESCO-listed wall city across the bay from Split. You'll have an hour of free time to explore Trogir before continuing your journey. Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver. The total duration of the drive is about 4 hours.

   For an extra fee, we can organize a private local guide in Trogir, to make the most of your time there.

   The Plitvice Lakes are one of the most beautiful natural settings in Croatia. The national park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and it’s easy to see why. You’ll find 16 lakes here in a stunning array of colors. Surrounding the lakes for 200 miles, the park has numerous hiking trails and plenty of places to appreciate the scenery. The lakes and waterfalls themselves stretch across five miles. This is nature at its most untouched!

   The driver will take you to your accommodations and after the check-in, you can spend the afternoon exploring this magnificent park. Please note that the driver service is booked until the arrival to your hotel, and does not apply to transfer to the park entrance after the check-in.

   

   An Active Day in the Park

   Are you in the mood for some running or hiking? If your answer is "yes," Plitvice is the perfect place for you. With its exceptional natural beauty, this area has always attracted active nature lovers. Once you enter the park, we assure you that you will want to explore every part of this amazing place. Use the opportunity to reconnect with nature in Croatia's first national park. Put on some comfortable clothes and footwear and explore one of the four hiking trails or seven different walking routes in the park.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Traveling to Rovinj by Private Car / Arrival in Rovinj

   

   You are heading to Rovinj today. Your private driver will pick you up from your accommodation at your preferred time and take you to Rovinj. If you prefer you can explore the park in the morning for a few more hours before heading to Rovinj. The drive is lovely, especially along Kvarner Bay. Duration of the drive is about 3,5 hours. Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.
   

   If you'd like to discover another seaside town, we can arrange a stop in Opatija, once the seaside retreat of Habsburg-era nobility, for an extra fee. Here you can enjoy a nice lunch and stroll along the famous boardwalk.

   Rovinj used to go by Rovigno, and to Italian-speakers it still does. This city was once part of the Republic of Venice, which is evident from the street names in Italian to the Venetian architectural flourishes, such as the bell tower that crowns the town. This laid-back spot has a full cultural calendar, with numerous festivals taking place in the warmer months. We’ll help you get to know the local culture, with possible activities like a local wine tasting, a fish cooking masterclass with a local chef, or a truffle hunting adventure in nearby Croatia. Then, to work up an appetite for your next delicious meal, you could rent bikes and cruise through the breathtaking Zlatni Rt Park. You’ll definitely want to visit the local market too. History buffs will love visiting the local cultural heritage museum, which gives great insight into the region. When you’re ready to get in the car, a day trip to Pula is always fun. This busy port town hosts a large market packed with delectable local specialities, and also boasts a Roman amphitheater. You could even arrange a full-day private tour through the gorgeous region of Istria, where more delights await you inland.

   Your driver will take you directly to your accommodation when you arrive in Rovinj.

   

   Local Flavors

   Looking to get into the true local spirit of Rovinj? At the city market square you can find fresh fruit and vegetable from local producers, as well as some Istrian specialties: olive oil, truffles, herbs, asparagus and local brandy. There is also a fish market, butcher’s shop and bakery there, having fresh goods daily. The best time to visit the market is early in the morning when locals are buying their vegetables and fruits for the day, and the cooks from the restaurants are searching for the best ingredients. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the colorful place, talk with the locals and buy some fresh ingredients. You will take great photos and have a wonderful time.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Rovinj

   

   Rovinj Private Walking Tour

   This morning you’ll be getting the lay of the land in Rovinj on a 1 hour and 45 minutes private walking tour led by a local guide who knows all the ins and outs of the place. You’ll see all the main attractions including the St. Euphemia Church, the town clock, and Balbi’s Arch. The church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and dominates Rovinj’s Old Town, as it is sits atop its hill. Inside you’ll see the preserved body of St. Euphemia from the 6th century. This tour will introduce you to the rich history of Rovinj and all of Istria, as well as Italy’s influence on the region.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 1 hour 45 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Heritage in Museum Form

   There isn’t a huge number of museums in Rovinj, but two are definitely worth visiting. The Rovinj Heritage Museum is housed in a 17th century Baroque palace. Founded by local artists in 1954. as a place to collect and exhibit artwork, today the museum is a gallery home to an incredible collection of unique art. You can look forward to a rich exhibit of mostly contemporary art, with about 1,500 pieces, including old masters. A different kind of museum, the Batana Eco-museum is a unique local cultural attraction. It is dedicated to the traditional wooden boat known as the batana and to the community which has chosen it as its symbol. The Batana reflects the continuity of Rovinj's maritime heritage and of local daily life.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Rovinj

   

   Istria Private Tour

   Explore the Istrian Peninsula on a private, tailor-made tour featuring hilltop towns, ancient ports, and hidden villages with Tuscany-like landscapes, vineyards, and truffles. Focus on medieval history, legends, or off-the-beaten-path charm as your guide curates each stop to your interests!

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

7. Day 7 Traveling to Bled by Private Transfer / Arrival in Bled

   

   Today, a private driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Rovinj and take you to Bled. There are two fascinating stops en route, so we recommend a morning departure. Halfway to Rovinj, you'll stop at the massive Postojna Caves and the Predjama Castle, built into a giant cave mouth. This tour doesn't include a guide or the entrance fees that have to be paid on arrival. The duration of the journey, stops included, is about 6 hours. Please note that this is a non-guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

   Bled is an idyllic destination that combines stunning natural scenery with fun outdoor activities. It’s the perfect break from the busier cities in the region. Surrounded by high mountains reflecting on the emerald waters of the glacial Lake Bled, the town’s most prominent feature is a 15th century Baroque church set on the country’s only natural island in the center of the lake. This is a fairytale backdrop for an unforgettable holiday. One of Slovenia’s most popular tourist destinations, Bled is also known for its cuisine, specifically the tasty local trout and the famous Kremsnita, a creamy pastry that provides the perfect ending to every meal. We recommend a tour of the local scenery, including an imposing nearby Vintgar gorge. You can also rent a boat to cruise the lake and explore the church, or simply go swimming or fishing. A day trip to another lake nearby, Bohinj, will provide an even more pristine view of the local nature. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, and you can also rent bicycles and other sporting equipment from vendors on the lake. The weather is typically mild, and the lake’s water is fed by warm springs. Wherever you go, be sure to take your camera, because picture-perfect views are everywhere, and the natural beauty of the era is truly unique.

   Our driver will take you to your accommodation in Bled.

   

   Taste Bled

   Bled is a very quiet place. Instead of attracting clubbers and partiers, it brings in those seeking rural calm. For your first night in town, we suggest a short walk by the lake, with a stop at one of the many nice restaurants nearby. Within the castle (Bled Castle Restaurant), at the lake (Restaurant Sova / Restavracija Sova Bled), or somewhere in between (Restaurant 1906 / Restavracija 1906) - the views and the food on offer will please your senses. If you are into Slovenian wine and want to learn useful wine facts from an expert sommelier, you can opt for a wine tasting at Restaurant Murka (Gostilna Murka).

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Bled

   

   An Alpine Fairytale

   Today's adventure includes being shown around a gorgeous glacial lake and a medieval castle! You can stroll along the alluring jade water, hike through the surrounding forests, and hire a boat to float romantically over the lake. Along the way, you’ll taste local snacks before heading to Vintgar Gorge and Sum Waterfall, another one of the area’s impressive natural features. Next, you'll continue to Lake Bohinj, Slovenia's largest glacial lake, which is located in Triglav National Park. Bohinj's natural environment will impress you with its different faces in each season of the year.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Departure Day

   We will arrange for a driver to transfer you to Ljubljana International Airport in plenty of time for your flight.