The origins of Croatia and Slovenia

On this amazing 7 days tour we will introduce to you some of the most beautiful places in Croatia and Slovenia. Take a ride and enjoy…

Zagreb, capital of Croatia, its cultural and economical center, filled with rich history, vibrant streets and friendly people.; Samobor, picturesque and romantic little city near Zagreb; magnificent Plitvice Lakes, oldest Croatian national park under UNESCO protection; Queen of the Adriatic – Opatija with its glory and exceptional architecure, villas and parks; legendary medieval cities in hinteralnd of Istria – Hum and Motovun; Rovinj, beautiful Istrian coastal town, declared as one of 10 most romantic cities in Europe… Superb gastronomic offer, famous Istrian wines, truffles, sea-food… You don’t have to think about it too much. You are invited to experience all that.

Slovenia, small modern European country with so many attractions and natural beauties. First we will visit the most famous cave in Europe – Postojna cave; after exploring underground life of the Cave, we will see completely different face of nature – fairy tale lake Bled surrounded with highest peaks of Alps; At the end of our journey, you will meet Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, city of culture, festivals, with charming center and many bridges across the river Ljubljanica.

Day 1 – ARRIVAL TO ZAGREB – TRANSFER TO HOTEL – ZAGREB CITY TOUR
Day 2 – ZAGREB – TRAKOSCAN CASTLE – SAMOBOR – ZAGREB
Day 3 – ZAGREB – RASTOKE – PLITVICE LAKES – OPATIJA
Day 4 – OPATIJA – HUM – MOTOVUN – ROVINJ
Day 5 – ROVINJ – POSTOJNA CAVE – LAKE BLED
Day 6 – LAKE BLED – LJUBLJANA
Day 7 – LJUBLJANA DEPARTURE – TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

On your first day of this great tour, you will meet Zagreb, capital of Croatia and its biggest city. We will wait for you at the aiport and transfer you to the hotel, located in the city center, where you will check in. After we will take you for a walk through the city center, so you can discover your first experience with this exceptional old city; Zagreb – two cities in one city ; two different faces in one face. Majestic Upper town, which is initmate, cosy and distinctly medieval in ambience and the Lower town, full of huge squares, wide boulevards and Secession architecture. You will see central square of Josip Jelacic, Zagreb Cathedral, the most beautiful market at the open – Dolac, Stone Gate and many other attractions. We’ll take a ride with the shortest funicular in the world (only 66 meters) to the Upper town and enjoy amazing view on Zagreb roof tops. We’ll take you through the beautiful Lenuzzi horseshue or so called Green horseshue, a complex of 7 parks and squares with fountains, in the center of the town.

In the evening, we are inviting you to be our guests at a Welcome dinner in one of Zagreb restaurants where you will taste flavours of local delicacies.

After the old lifestyle experience, we are going to see the most beautiful and preserved castles in Europe – Trakošćan castle. Trakošćan is true fairy-tale castle, where you can still feel a whiff of misterious medieval times and hear legends and myths which have been told so many times, but always interesting and attractive. With tour through the castle you can relive the life of their former inhabitants. It is known for its owners the family Draskovic, who besides Zrinski, was one of the most popular Croatian noble families from the feudal era. Beautifully situated on a hill with a garden in the midst of Park Forest, Trakošćan is amongst the highest category monuments of culture and nature. Take a tour through knights’ room, the hunting room, music salon, specimens of firearms dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Walk through the most beautifully formed parks in Croatia with rich vegetation and fascinating view. Moreover, a beautiful romantic gardens, built on the model of English parks, and a large lake in front of the castle is something that should not be missed.

In the afternoon we are taking to see on of the most picturesque and romantic little cities in the area – sweet Samobor. Nick-name ”sweet” Samobor didn’t deserve only by its gorgeous parks, streets and squares, but also by the most famous cake, tradiotionally prepared for many generations – Samobor custard pastries. Beside its prominent tourist and excursion characteristics, from ancient times this town is renowned for its excellent artisans and craftsmen. Here you’ll find products of traditional crafts that are extinct elsewhere, the hand-made products which will become your precious Samobor souvenirs. The Samobor crystal, hand-cut, has spread the name of Samobor throughout the world. You will also taste traditionally prepared Bermet and Samobor Mustard. Bermet is a red aromatic wine made from selected sorts of grapes, wormwood and southern fruit. Samobor Mustard is a savory sauce which tastes like mustard. These products represent an identity and the Samobor people take pride in it being an unavoidable part of the Samobor gastronomic offer.
We are coming back to Zagreb in late afternoon.

After breakfast, we are heading to the south, facing magnificent Adriatic coast. But before that, we will visit majestic Plitvice Lakes National Park, situated about 100 km from Zagreb.
Plitvice Lakes are a world pearl of incalculable value. Its specific beauty is a sanctuary for nature lovers and an inspiration for artists, whereas the uniqueness and richness of its nature is an occupation of scientists. This pure emerald beauty has deserved to be placed on the the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979, as the oldest Croatian National Park (proclaimed in 1949).

Today, 60 years after its establishment, Plitvice Park continues to provide inspiration for visitors becoming nowadays one of Croatia’s biggest attractions. Thousands of people from all over the world visit the Park during all year round. They come to find peace and relaxation just to experience something different as a getaway from the city.
Enjoy the timeless beauty of an impressive 78 meters High waterfall, take a walk through green oasis or take a ride with a train or an electric boat, while breathing fresh air and discovering pure intact nature…

Later we are going to meet for the first time magnificent Adriatic coast and tourism champion, Queen of the Adriatic – city Opatija. Opatija, like a beautiful lady, enjoys her riches and fullness of life. Opatija’s villas and hotels of exceptional architectural value, surrounded by the evergreen mountainUčka, healing sea and beautifully arranged parks, have perfectly combined the modern spirit and the benefits of a top tourist offer. Because of its unique climate and temperature, Opatija is attractive not only in the hot summer months when offering refreshment, but in the winter as well, with its mild and warm temperatures because of which it was a popular resort and sanatorium of the Austrian aristocracy.

Opatija is a place rich in cultural and entertainment events, unique culinary delicacies and, in recent years, in superb wellness and beauty treatments. Opatija is absolutely the ideal destination for a totally relaxing holiday. Each visitor of the beautiful Opatija lives with its timeless beauty, carrying it with himself wherever he goes.

Overnight in Opatija, design 4* hotel in the city center

After breakfast we are leaving coast, but just for a moment. We are going to the hinterland of Istria, exceptional green world, full of old medieval little towns built on hill tops. First we will visit Hum, situated in the heart of Istria, in the township of Buzet. This picturesque settlement is located at 339 m above sea level. Today, Hum numbers only some 15 inhabitants and bears the popular name “the smallest city in the world”, according to the Guiness Book of Records. Today, Hum is a city-monument, one of the rare examples of the urban development within the city walls.
Apart from being famous for being the smallest city in the world, recently it became popular for “biska”, brandy spiced with mistletoe and made according to the old recipe originating from Hum, which we will surely try. Every year at the end of October, the Grappa festival takes place here, presenting brandy producers from all over Istria.

Another exciting destination is Motovun, according to the legend, city built by giants. The hilltop town Motovun, with its elegant system of towers, walls, gates and squares, represents a strong example of Venetian colonial architecture. Perched on a hill about 227 meters above sea level, Motovun is the most attractive town in the Istrian interior. Take a walk around the town walls of Motovun: The sweeping view takes in the vineyards that produce Motovun’s fine Teran and Malvasija wines and the forests that harbour Istria’s prized white and black truffles. We will have lunch in one of Motovun taverns and try local delicacies and of course, go to unavoidable wine-tasting.

After enjoying Istrian authentic kitchen, we are again going back to the coast, stunning city Rovinj, proclaimed as one of 10 most romantic cities in Europe. And it trully is…
On the seaside, the town is protected by a high rocky shore and house walls built on cliffs, while the mainland side is protected by solid walls. The town is dominated by the baroque St. Euphemia’s Church, its 60-meter tower providing a view of grey and red rooftops and chimneys, streets and squares, the port and pier with ships and boats, and the marina harboring yachts.

This unique old town core, the 67-kilometer shoreline, 2,289 ha of protected green surfaces and improved park forests, 16 islands, islets and reefs, make this town unique. Built upon a rich fishermen’s tradition, it has become distinctive for its unique boat called batana and its songs bitinada. Its beauty was particularly appreciated by artists who have painted the most beautiful motifs here and exhibited them on Grisia, the street of artists.
Romantic and mysterious, yet full of options for an unforgettable time, Rovinj has become and will remain a town you want to revisit.

Take a deep breath and feel salty and romantic essence of this glorious old city.

On our fifth day we are leaving Croatia and heading to the north, neighboring country Slovenia. First we will stop in a little town Postojna, world-known by its Postojna cave.
Postojna Cave is the best-known cave in the world. It is also the greatest tourist attraction in Slovenia and one of the world’s largest karst monuments. For 140 years, the Postojna Cave, as the only cave in the world, offers a unique and adventurous ride with a special train, which will take you into the cave, under spectacular underground arches, which are embellished with chandellier look-alike stalactites, through a beautiful subterranean world full of playful limestone sculptures. 21 km of passages, galleries and magnificent halls offer a unique experience of the underground world.

The Postojna cave is definitely one of the most diverse cave systems in the world. Apart from human fish which lives here, 99 other animal species live here permanently and 150 occasionally.The World Famous Postojna Cave is simply inspiring, you will see that.

After exploring underground world, we are goingo to see completely different face of nature – beautiful Lake Bled, facing highest peaks of Alps. With immense natural beauty, Bled, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. The beauty of the mountains reflected on the lake, the sun, the serenity and the fresh air arouse pleasant feelings in visitors throughout the year, guaranteeing an ideal base or a relaxing break or an active holiday. Bled attracts businessmen, artists, athletes, explorers, sport enthusiasts, the old and the young, from all over the world, enchanting them to return again and again. We will visit a cliff-top castle, perched high above the water and enjoy fantastic view to the surroundings.

We will spend some more time in the morning enjoying the lake and after we are going to see capital of Slovenia – Ljubljana. Ljubljana is a small city and perfect for exploring. Very soon you might feel like exploring its surroundings. We would take you to experience amazing park Tivoli in the city center, while you will see the Ljubljanica river flowing through the center of town, past Baroque buildings and under the ramparts of the ancient castle on the hill. The new city and modern-day commercial core lies to the west of the river, while the old city and the castle are located on the east side of the river. Many bridges cross the river, the most famous of which is Tromostovje (Triple Bridge), designed by famous architect Jože Plečnik. Baroque and art-nouveau have marked this exceptional city, together with new, modern architectural styles. Main attraction of the city is and Old town, built on a hill as a fortress, from which you will see Ljubljana and its magnificent surroundings. As a Ljubljana trade-mark, the Dragon Bridge is one of the most well known sights of the city. Four green dragons, two on each side, stand proudly to guard the bridge and the city itself. Though ladies beware….the dragon is said to wave its tail, when the bridge is crossed by a virgin!

Ljubljana is perfect destination to all in during whole year – in the summer, its center hosts a number of city sponsored events, from children workshops and public playgrounds on the streets that get closed for traffic for the occasion, to Trnfest’s off-beat street performances and musical events of all genres. In autumn it shows its academic face as it fills again by students of the state’s largest university to whom the city owes much of its youthful character. Cold December days are warmed by thousand of lights, the new year’s decoration conceived by local artists, and by food and drinks sold from street stands on the banks of Ljubljanica river. Enjoy Ljubljana!

Overnight in Ljubljana, luxury 5* or 4* hotel in the city center.

Our amazing journey throughout Croatia and Slovenia has come to the end. We will drive you to Ljubljana Airport to catch your returning flight. We wish you a safe journey home, together with your memories collected in these small, but so diverse countries. Till some next time, Cromotion team says good-bye…

Included in the price:

Private airport transfers and transportation throughout your tour in a modern air-conditioned sedan car or mini-van
Professional English speaking guide – driver
6 nights accommodation in some of best 5* and 4* hotels with breakfasts included
Tickets for all top attractions: Trakošćan Castle, Postojna cave, Old Town in Ljubljana, Castle on Lake Bled, Plitvice lakes
Private city tours as specified in the itinerary
Authentic welcome dinner in Zagreb restaurant
Lunch in Ljubljana restaurant
Local authentic home-made lunch in domestic household in Motovun
Gourmet experience and wine tasting in Samobor
Wine tasting in Istria peninsula
Water during the day
Tourist city tax

Cromotion Travel Agency is all about designed and personal experiences, so we don’t have generic made tours & fixed prices . To find out more, get in touch with us for a tailor-made trip based on your interests and budget.

Please note that all our tours of Croatia are private and we may stop along the way as often as you desire, for you to visit a site, take a beautiful photo or simply engage with the people of the country.

Price is flexible and can vary according to the number of persons and the time of the year, depending on low or high tourist season.
It starts at 1 .950,00 EUR/person/day, including the services mentioned under INCLUSIONS.

The exact rate will be quoted once the precise itinerary and extras you would like to include are decided.