< Designed Trips

The Trip

Starting 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 and then further south to the ancient city of Split, you’ll visit Plitvice Lakes, one of the country’s most famous national parks, the charming seaside village of Sibenik, and the amazing waterfalls of Krka National Park. Spend 2 days immersed in the history of Split before taking to the turquoise waters and making your way to the stunning island of Hvar, before hopping on the coastal ferry for the scenic journey south to the famous walled-city of Dubrovnik.. Explore the city’s most important 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 12 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 $3,469 per person
Duration​:
  • 11 nights, 12 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.

Hvar
  • Day 7: After two nights in the city, check out of your hotel and walk down to the harbor to hop on the short ferry to the island of Hvar. Check in to your boutique island hotel and let the vacation energy wash over you. The afternoon can be spent strolling the Riva, exploring hidden cobblestone streets, visiting the baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral, and browsing local shops and gourmet cafes, before sitting down to a seaside dinner as the sun sets over the Adriatic Sea.
  • Day 8: Rise and shine to sea views. After breakfast, head to the harbor for a small group boat trip to some of the coves, caves and nearby islands that make this area so special. You’ll visit secluded coves (with the chance to swim if the weather is nice!), the famous blue and green caves, and the less-visited Vis island, where you’ll enjoy a late lunch. Back on Hvar, the evening can be spent indulging in a delicious seafood dinner and watching the sun go down.

Dubrovnik
  • ​Day 9: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and walk back to the harbor to catch the scenic ferry down the coast to Croatia’s most famous location: the historic walled-city of Dubrovnik. Disembark and check in to your boutique hotel before heading out to explore. You might want to walk the city walls, which many consider to be a ‘must do.’ It’ll take around 45 minutes and sunset (when the cruise ship crowds start to empty out) is a wonderful time. The views from the walls are beautiful! In the evening, sit down to a delicious dinner - the city is packed with amazing restaurants! 
  • Day 10: 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 11: ​Eat a big breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for a day of cycling throughout Dubrovnik’s quaint countryside. Starting at a picturesque farm, you’ll hop on your bikes and pedal through small villages, along country roads, and dirt trails in the beautiful Konavle Valley. 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 end the day with a wine tasting at a traditional, family-owned vineyard in the charming village of Gruda.
  • Day 12: ​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
  • 2 hotel nights in Split
  • 2 hotel nights in Hvar
  • 3 hotel nights in Dubrovnik​
  • Private Ljubljana airport arrival transfer
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana to Zadar
  • Private transfer from Zadar to Split
  • Ferry from Split to Hvar
  • Ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik
  • Private arrival and departure transfers in Dubrovnik
  • 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 boat trip from Hvar to Vis & the blue cave with lunch
  • Small-group kayaking excursion to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik
  • Private historical highlights & hidden gems tour of Dubrovnik
  • Countryside bicycle and wine tasting tour from Dubrovnik
  • 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 $3,469 per person
  • With luxury boutique hotels
    • From $3,965 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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FAQs

​WHAT IS A DESIGNED TRIP?
A Designed Trip is a pre-designed travel plan based on our personal, first-hand travel experiences in each destination. As they are pre-designed, our Designed Trips have been created as a turnkey travel option and can be booked and delivered in as little as one week. ​
CAN I MAKE ANY CHANGES TO A DESIGNED TRIP?
Absolutely! Pre-designed doesn’t mean there isn’t any flexibility. Whether you want to shorten or lengthen your trip, switch out a destination or change an activity, let us know. If, however, you want a trip built around your specific desires, a Custom Trip might be more appropriate. We can help you decide, so get in touch.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
Once you’ve selected your Designed Trip and chosen between a Boutique, Luxury Boutique or Luxury experience, your trip can be booked and delivered in as little as one week. If you would like to make some changes to your trip, such as including an alternative activity, shortening or lengthening your trip, then this can take a bit longer.
HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH MY DESIGNED TRIP WILL COST?
Once you have decided on your Designed Trip, your dates, and any adjustments we will provide a personalized itinerary and pricing for your trip. We have included base pricing on each Designed Trip page to give you an idea as to what the final cost might be, but prices can fluctuate depending on time of year and any personalization. Get in touch and we can help.
If you have any other questions, feel free to check out more FAQs or send us an email.