< Designed Trips

The Trip

Beginning in the beautifully quaint Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, this Designed Trip winds south along the scenic Dalmatian Coast, stopping at Croatia’s most stunning natural parks and historic cities before ending in the famous walled-city of Dubrovnik. Gain insights into Slovenian culture during a culinary tour of the Ljubljana’s essential eateries and choose to explore magnificent Lake Bled or the unique Predjama Castle before making your way to Croatia. With private transfers to Zadar, then further south to the ancient city of Split, you’ll visit Plitvice Lakes, the country’s most famous national park, the charming seaside village of Sibenik, and the amazing waterfalls of Krka National Park. Spend 3 days taking in the history of Split and the turquoise waters that surround the islands of Brac, Hvar, and Solta, just off the coast. In Dubrovnik, you’ll visit the best sights with a private local guide in the evening after the crowds have left, kayak to nearby Lokrum Island, and cycle through the tranquil countryside just outside of the city. In just 11 days, you’ll uncover the spectacular natural landscapes of Slovenia and Croatia, along with the cultural heritage and traditions of their historic cities.

The Details

​​Price:
  • From $2,869 per person
Duration​:
  • 10 nights, 11 days
Inclusions:
  • Highly-rated boutique hotels
  • Private transportation within Slovenia & Croatia
  • Private & small-group experiences
  • Curated country mini-guides
  • Trip preparation & support

The ​​Itinerary

Ljubljana
  • Day 1: After landing in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia and one of Europe’s best kept secrets, you’ll be whisked away by a private car to your boutique, city center hotel. A youthful city, Ljubljana is known for its university, green spaces, and Ljubljanica River which winds through the old town. Check in to your hotel and take the rest of the day to stroll along the riverside, stopping at one of the numerous outdoor cafes, taking the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle, or exploring one of the city’s many museums.
  • Day 2: Wake up in this quaint, picturesque city and have a relaxing morning visiting some of the city’s best sights (this Designed Trip comes with a Ljubljana mini-guide, so you’ll know exactly where to go and what to see!). With a population of less than 300,000, Ljubljana feels more like a large town than a city and is easy to navigate. In the afternoon, join a small group for a Ljubljana Essentials Foodie tour. What better way to understand the people and culture of Slovenia, than through the cuisine? Visit the farmers market, eat delicious food from local producers made with seasonal ingredients, drink yummy craft beer, and finish with a mouthwatering Slovenian dessert. 
  • Day 3: It’s your last full day in Ljubljana, and today you have options. You can choose to visit stunning Lake Bled and its impressive castle or head in the opposite direction, to Predjama Castle, which is built into a rockface, and the Postojna Caves. At Lake Bled, in the Julian Alps, you’ll tour the castle, take a boat to Bled Island and walk along the beautiful lakeside. The Predjama Castle tour brings you to Slovenia’s biggest cave system, which you’ll explore on an electric train, before visiting one of the world’s most interesting Baroque castles. The choice is yours!

Zadar
  • Day 4: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before being picked up for your private transfer south to Croatia and the unique city of Zadar. Along the way you’ll stop for a 2-hour visit at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a 300 square kilometer UNESCO listed site that consists of 16 lakes interconnected by nearly 100 waterfalls. Explore the park before jumping back in the car for the rest of the journey to Zadar. Arrive at your boutique hotel, check in, and discover this underrated coastal city.

Split
  • Day 5: In the morning you’ll continue traveling south, to the historical city of Split, set along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Your private transfer will stop at the one-of-a-kind Krka National Park and the seaside village of Sibenik. After a day of discovery, arrive in Split and check in to your city center hotel. The city is best known for its complex of over 200 white marble and well-preserved buildings at its center, Diocletian's Palace. Built by the Roman emperor in the 4th century, the palace was once home to thousands of people, and now serves as the city's "downtown," with numerous shops, bars, cafes and hotels.
  • Day 6: ​Wake up in Croatia’s second largest city. It’s been a busy couple of days, so take the morning to relax and unwind. In the afternoon, meet a local guide for a historic tour of Split, a city that has thrived for 1700 years. Hear local stories and visit numerous monuments from the Roman period including the Diocletian's Palace cellars, St. Domnius Cathedral (former Diocletian's Mausoleum), The Crypt and St. John's Baptistery.
  • Day 7: Head to Split Harbor in the morning for an exciting, full-day boat trip to three of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. Join a small-group aboard a luxury speedboat and take off for your first destination, the island of Brac. Take some time to explore the island before cruising to Hvar and the historic city of Stari Grad, where you’ll enjoy a tasty local seafood lunch and sip on organic wines. The last stop of the day is at the less-visited Solta island, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and SUP in a secluded cove. 

Dubrovnik
  • ​Day 8: After breakfast, a private car will pick you up for the short drive to Croatia’s most famous place, the historic walled-city of Dubrovnik. Before arriving in Dubrovnik, you’ll stop at Rizman Winery, which dates back over 100 years. With nearly 50 acres of vineyards and olive groves, this organic, sustainable winery is the perfect place to taste wine and enjoy lunch while taking in the incredible views of the Dalmatian Sea. Jump back in the car and make your way to Dubrovnik, where you’ll check in to your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax. 
  • Day 9: Take the morning to relax during your first full day in Dubrovnik, then join a guided kayak tour in the early afternoon. Paddle across the calm waters and take in the views of the coastal cliffs, hidden caves, Lokrum Island and the city walls from the water. Break for a snack on the beach and enjoy swimming and snorkeling before returning to the harbor. In the evening, meet a private local guide for a tour of the city, after most of the crowds have left. 
  • Day 10: ​Eat a big breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for a day of cycling throughout Dubrovnik’s quaint countryside. Starting in the picturesque village of Gruda, you’ll hop on your bikes and begin pedaling through small villages, along country roads, and dirt trails. You’ll ride along the river and through wine vineyards, ancient olive groves, and past medieval watermills. Visit a 600-year old Franciscan monastery, and stop for a casual lunch before finishing your ride at an award-winning local winery.
  • Day 11: ​It’s your final day, either talk to us about extending your trip (nearby Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Montenegro are very interesting countries!) or simply say doviđenja (goodbye) to the turquoise seas of the Adriatic Coast. A private transfer will pick you up and take you to the airport for your flight home.

Pricing & Inclusions

Inclusions
  • ​​3 hotel nights in Ljubljana
  • 1 hotel night in Zadar
  • 3 hotel nights in Split
  • 3 hotel nights in Dubrovnik​
  • Private airport arrival and departure transfers
  • Private transfers throughout the duration of the trip
  • Small-group Ljubljana Essentials Foodie tour
  • Lake Bled and Bled Castle tour -OR- Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle tour
  • Visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park with entrance tickets 
  • Visit to Krka National Park with entrance tickets
  • Visit to the seaside village of Sibenik
  • Small-group Split historical tour
  • Small-group luxury boat trip from Split to Hvar, Brac, & Solta islands with lunch
  • Wine tasting & lunch at Rizman Winery on the Dalmatian Coast
  • Small-group kayaking excursion to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik
  • Private historical highlights & hidden gems tour of Dubrovnik
  • Private countryside bicycle and wine tasting tour
  • Curated Slovenia and Croatia mini-guides
  • Trip preparation & support

Exclusions
  • International flights to Slovenia / Croatia​
  • Meals & activities not listed above
  • ​Travel insurance
​
​Pricing
  • With boutique hotels
    • From $2,869 per person
  • With luxury boutique hotels
    • From $3,267 per person
  • ​Pricing for Cohica Designed Trips is based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers.
  • This Designed Trip offers the flexibility to make date changes after booking (ask us for details)

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This Designed Trip was developed based on our personal travels, with local contacts, favorite hotels and authentic activities we've experienced first-hand.
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