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Ljubljana to the Istrian Peninsula

Croatia & Slovenia Cultural Walking Adventure

7 DaysStarting at $5,895

Overview

Just a generation ago, Slovenia and Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula were part of Yugoslavia. Now, they’re two of the great under-the-radar screen destinations in all of Europe. These unspoiled next-door lands sit right at the top of the Adriatic Sea just east of Venice. The scenery is so insanely perfect that you don’t want the walks to end. Think vineyards rolling into olive groves sweeping to the Adriatic and mirror calm mountain lakes reflecting snow-capped Alps. Can’t you see yourself, eating an apricot plucked from the orchard of a limestone farmhouse…chatting with a shepherd…sipping the local Malvasia wine before another forkful of truffled gnocchi? The Romans called this region Terra Magica and even now there are strong traces of Italian culture in the food, scenery and everyday life. Travel experts love to say that these lands are “like Tuscany 30 years ago.” We think Istria and Slovenia are even better…the rare kind of destination just about guaranteed to give you the unforgettable thrill of discovery.

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Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Highlights

  • Explore Ljubljana on foot along the Ljubljanica River and into the historic Old Town
  • Enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Bled, where you'll explore 15th-century frescoes in the picture-perfect island church
  • Walk along mountainside trails to the remarkable Vintgar gorge to discover a series of rapids and emerald green pools, as well as beautiful views of Šum Waterfall 
  • Make your way from Slovenia to Croatia for a coastal walk and olive oil tasting at our friend's mill
  • Explore Rovinj, the charming seaside town with amazing seafood
  • Stroll from Montizel past fig orchards, vineyards, and walled towns to the Brijuni Islands for a tasting at a winery overlooking the Adriatic
  • Walk around Opatija and savor lunch in a charming village followed by a dip in waters clear to depths of 40 feet
  • Ferry to Kosljun Island to follow scenic footpaths through lush Mediterranean vegetation and visit a 15th-century monastery a
  • Enjoy a guided visit of Zagreb before parting company
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Map

  • Starting Point:

    Ljubljana – 2:00 pm – Lobby of Grand Hotel Union
  • Ending Point:

    Zagreb – 3:00 pm – Zagreb city center

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has named Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.
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Accommodations

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Grand Hotel Union

This breathtaking hotel in Art Nouveau style offers an exclusive location in the heart of the city centre, overlooking Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge and the Ljubljana Castle.

Hotel Milenij

A luxurious 5-star hotel situated in the center of Opatija, Hotel Milenij is situated between St. James Park and the famous seaside promenade, the ‘lungomare’. The palm-lined terrace has a pool with a retractable roof.

Hotel Lone

Spectacular contemporary design is the hallmark of this 5-star boutique property in a forest overlooking the Adriatic just outside Rovinj. Each room has a spacious balcony. There’s a spa, indoor and outdoor pools and a beach.

What’s Included

  • All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners
  • Full-time experienced guide(s) who are with you throughout the trip, handle behind-the-scenes logistics and are there to help with anything
  • Admissions to tastings, historic sites and other scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
  • Gratuities for hotels, meals and baggage
  • All land transportation during the trip

Above & Beyond Benefits

Privileged Access Events

  • One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places and activities arranged just for you.

Wine on Us

  • In many regions, we uncork wonderful local wines at every dinner, compliments of Classic Journeys.

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