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Map of Premium Venice to Dubrovnik including Croatia, Italy and Slovenia

Explore the glorious Adriatic coast, from Venice to Dubrovnik

Discover a piece of paradise as you dive into the best of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure. Explore the glittering canals of Venice, the beaming waters of Lake Bled, the underground world of the Postojna Caves and the caves and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Go beneath the surface of Split and Dubrovnik, get away from the modern world and in with the locals on the remote island of Lastovo, and soak up ancient riches on the historical island of Korcula. From sun-soaked beaches to fantastic local wine, you’re never far from a good time on the beautiful Adriatic coast.

Start
Venice, Italy
Finish
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Destinations
Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMPJC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Enjoy total tranquillity at the Hotel Istra on its own private island, and soak up incredible views of the Adriatic from your guesthouse on the unspoiled Lastovo Island – your two Feature Stays for this trip.

  • Soak up the vibrancy of Zadar during an Exclusive Experience. Hop aboard a traditional barkajoli rowboat and cruise across the bay, followed by a sunset drink overlooking the water.

  • Delight in a truffle tasting in Motovun during an Exclusive Experience. Truffles are combined with local speciality dishes and a sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable Istrian wines to try.

  • Travel with experienced local leaders who will share local secrets, insider knowledge and historical information and follow a local guide through Diocletian's Palace in Split.

  • Immerse yourself in local culture during an Exclusive Experience as you head out with a fisherman from Lastovo Island, helping to bring in the daily catch and enjoying an on-board lunch of the freshest seafood imaginable.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Croatia’s coast is very hilly and mountainous, which means lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet, so good walking shoes are recommended.

  • Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

Sailing boats in Dubrovnik harbour, Croatia
Intrepid Travel group and local guide on streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Lastovo Island Feature Stay: Aerial view of boats and harbour
Lastovo Island Feature Stay: Seaside lounge chairs exterior
Lastovo Island Feature Stay: Lounging in common area during golden hour
Lastovo Island Feature Stay: Seaside infinity pool
Intrepid travellers with view of Dubrovnik old town, Croatia
ZMPY - Colourful view of the Grand Canal gondolas in Venice, Italy
ZMPY - Plate of fresh seafood in Venice, Italy
ZMPY - Woman posing in front of waterfall while on hike in Plitvice National Park, Croatia
ZMPY - Scenic view of Lake Bohinj landscape with mountains in the background

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2022 to 31 Dec 2022.
 View the 2023 itinerary

Your adventure begins today in the marvellous city of Venice. You will be collected from the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel by car and water taxi, where you will meet your leader and fellow travellers for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you have time to spare before then, you may wish to take a walking tour of the highlights, including St Mark's Square and the Basilica, Doges’ Palace, Accademia Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. This watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of iconic sights. After the meeting tonight, join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner at a fabulous local restaurant. Venice is famous for fantastic seafood and fresh Veneto vegetables – perhaps try some fritto misto, a delicious mix of fried seafood, or risotto with asparagus.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Venice - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Farewell Venice in the morning and travel to the Postojna Caves, where you will take some time out for lunch before exploring. A network of 20 kilometres of passages, galleries and chambers, Postojna is the largest classic karst cave in Europe. Begin with a two-kilometre open-top train ride through narrow tunnels into the jungle of stalactites and stalagmites. In the vast chambers the electric lighting allows you to admire the size and splendour of the underground world, and the leader will explain the geology of these natural wonders. Continue to Ljubljana, a city full of style and sophistication. On arrival take a guided tour around the Old Town with your leader. Learn about the city’s history as you visit Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and the Dragon Bridge. You'll also pay a visit to the open market under arcades before continuing to the lake side town of Bled.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Lovec or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Postojna - Caves Visit
  • Ljubljana - Walking Tour
  • Ljubljana - Castle Visit & Funicular
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours. The constant temperature in the caves ranges from 8 to 10° C, so be sure to pack a jacket.

This morning you’ll drive through the misty Sava Bohinjka Valley to beautiful Lake Bohinj, the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia. Take a cable car to the top of Mt Vogel, where you will be greeted by simply astonishing views of evergreen woods sloping down the mountains to touch the brilliant blue waters. Take some time to enjoy this amazing area before returning to Bled, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then embark on some sightseeing. Take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) to the island on Lake Bled and climb up the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Enjoy a free evening. Be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake, which isn’t hard; nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims that theirs is the best.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Lovec or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip on Lake Bled
  • Lake Bohinj - Cable Car to Mt Vogel
  • Lake Bohinj - Day Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1 hour.

Farewell Slovenia this morning and drive to Motovun, one of Croatia’s most interesting towns. Motovun sits on the top of a cone-shaped hill surrounded by the natural diversity of the bountiful Mirna River Valley, whose forests are famous for truffle hunting. The medieval charm of the town is still found in its well-preserved architecture. Today you will have the chance to sample the delectable local product during a truffle tasting combined with fritaja (Croatian omelette), a local speciality. Your sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable Istrian wines to try, such as the famous Malvazija. Continue on to the romantic Croatian town of Rovinj, one of the best-kept towns on the Adriatic Coast. Among Rovinj's qualities is the beautiful, architecturally intact old town centre, and its venetian-style St. Euphemia Church. Tonight’s Feature Stay accommodation is the spectacular Hotel Istra, set on a private island just a short boat ride from Rovinj. Away from the pressures of the mainland, here you’ll experience total tranquillity on your own slice of paradise. The hotel makes the most of its scenic setting, with stunning views at every turn. Combine that with fantastic facilities, gorgeous rooms and polished service and you’ve got an experience to remember.
Accommodation
  • Island Hotel Istra or similar (feature stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Motovun - Truffle & Wine Tasting
  • Rovinj - Orientation Walk
  • Motovun - Town Walls Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

This morning you will make your way inland with a stop at the town of Opatija, a former resort town for wealthy Austro-Hungarian families. Here you’ll have the opportunity to walk along the famed centuries-old Franz Joseph I Promenade, better known as the Lungomare – a coastal footpath that stretches from Volosko to Lovran. There will be time for you to explore the stretch of the promenade closest to town, and to have lunch. In the afternoon your will arrive at your accommodation, tucked away in the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Lyra or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Opatija - Lungomare Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Today you will explore one of Croatia's most beautiful sites – Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is fairy-tale land of wooded hills, rare creatures, turquoise lakes and stunning waterfalls. Enjoy some time to discover the park’s wonderful trails. Your leader will recommend the best routes to take to suit your interests and will outline the rules of the park. After your memorable visit to the lakes, drive to the walled city of Zadar. For centuries Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia, and the city's rich heritage is visible at every step. Take an afternoon sightseeing tour of this splendid city with a local guide. Learn the ancient history of the Roman Forum built in the first-Century and St Donatus' Church. Visit the reconstructed Romanesque St Grisigono's Church, St Mary's bell tower, St Anastasia's Cathedral, and the People's Square. Lastly, you will visit the Three and Five Wells Squares. There is also an opportunity to visit the Gold and Silver Museum.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kolovare or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Entrance & Hike
  • Zadar - Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1.5 hours.

The day is yours to continue to get to know Zadar. Speak to your leader for advice on how to tailor a perfect day in this city – there’s so much to do, the hard part is deciding what to choose. There are a number of excellent museums to visit including the Museum of Church Art, the Archaeological Museum and the National Museum. Don't forget to visit the famous ‘Greeting to the Sun’ and the ‘Sea Organ’, two of the more modern sights of Zadar. The latter is a man-made organ on Zadar's Riva that works with the motion of the waves and 35 pipes to create a musical soundscape. You could also visit the vibrant fish markets of this port town, take a dip in the clear coastal waters, or explore the cafe culture and do some people watching. In the late afternoon meet up again with your leader. Do as the locals do and cross the bay in a barkajoli, a type of traditional rowboat that has been commonplace in Zadar since the 14th century. Top off the day with a sunset drink overlooking the bay.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kolovare or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Zadar - Sunset Drink
  • Zadar - Barkajoli Boat Ride
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Split, making a few interesting stops on the way. Your first stop is at the town of Sibenik, where you have the option to visit St Jacob's Cathedral, a 15th-century jewel that’s UNESCO protected. After some time out for lunch you will drive to Primosten, one of the most famous and picturesque small towns on the Adriatic. Explore the stone houses, churches, narrow alleys and lanes around the town’s old walls, where past and present sit in harmony. Continue on to your final destination of Split. This is Croatia's second largest city, located in the heart of the Dalmatian coast and set on the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea against a backdrop of coastal mountains. This evening you may like to head to one of Split’s excellent restaurants with your group for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Luxe or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Primosten - Orientation Walk
  • Sibenik - Orientation Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Split. You may like to visit the Mestrovic gallery, which displays the remarkable work of one of Croatia’s greatest sculptors, or head out for a stroll along the delightful seafront promenade. As this is a combination trip, a meeting will take place at your hotel at 6pm this evening to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure. After the meeting tonight, get to know your fellow travellers and group leader over dinner at one of Split’s excellent restaurants. Perhaps try some brudet, a rustic seafood stew, or rozata, a creamy custard pudding.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Luxe or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Split - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning meet with a local guide who is an expert on the area and embark on a sightseeing tour of Split. Your guide will provide profound insight as you discover a living textbook on history and architecture. Dating back 1800 years, the city began as a monumental imperial residence for the retirement of the Roman emperor Diocletian. This ancient fortress still makes up half of Split’s old town, and today is an intriguing warren of narrow cobblestone streets where pre-Romanesque churches exist alongside Gothic chapels and a multitude of museums. Stop by the statue of Grgur Ninski and learn how this tenth-century bishop once opposed the pope and introduced the Croatian language into his services. The evening is free for further explorations. Perhaps dive deeper into Split’s booming gastronomy scene - your leader will know some great spots to grab a bite to eat.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Luxe or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Split - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Split - Diocletian's Palace Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Split before boarding an afternoon catamaran to Croatia’s most remote island - Lastovo. This little piece of paradise is home to your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights. The protected island nature park remains free from the effects of mainstream tourism and has retained its local flair. Without the infrastructure that caters to mass tourism, and with a dwindling population for the same reason, your leader will introduce you to scenes of traditional Adriatic island life as it once was. As a bonus, our sustainable tourism here supports the locals who have decided to remain. Arrive at your guesthouse and let the peaceful nature of Lastovo Island wash over you as the Adriatic Sea gently laps at your doorstep. Views from your spacious room look like they’re straight off a postcard, with charming houses fringing the glittering turquoise bay. This evening, take in the view over a wonderful included dinner with your group.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse Augusta Insula (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's total travel time is approximately 4 hours.

Today you will immerse yourself in island life and learn an important local trade as you rise early and take to the seas with a local fisherman, his wife and his crew. Help them to bring in the day’s catch, usually a selection of scorpion fish, mackerel, sardine and bream, then enjoy the fruits of your labour with a delicious seafood lunch prepared on board - it doesn’t get more fresh than that! The captain will discuss their self-sustaining lifestyle and provide unrivalled insight into daily rituals, leaving you with an unforgettable impression of life on this remote island. Return to land and enjoy the rest of the day as you see fit. Perhaps unroll your beach towel and enjoy a few horizontal hours, or explore the peace and quiet of the stone waterfront and tiny port of this slice of heaven lost in time.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse Augusta Insula (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lastovo Island - Fishing Trip with Local Fisherman with Seafood Lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

It’s time to bid farewell to Lastovo, but keep your watch set to island time. Transfer back to the port of Ubli, where you will board the mid-morning ferry bound for the delightful island of Korcula. Disembark and transfer to Korcula Town. Arrive in Korcula Town for an orientation walk and wind through endearing red-roofed houses huddled closely on marble streets. Your leader will give you a glimpse into the past as you stroll streets lined with Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Enjoy a free evening in this stunning seaside town. Perhaps continue your explorations of the Old Town, taking in the stocky Revelin Tower and impressive defensive walls before stopping for dinner in one of the island’s many restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Port 9 or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Korcula Island - Korcula Old Town Orientation Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. Please note that during shoulder season (May and October) the ferry schedule is limited to one ferry per day. If you are travelling on one of our departures during these months the group's departure today is very early in the morning.

Today begin the journey to Dubrovnik, making some interesting stops along the way. Take a short ferry ride from Korcula to the Peljesac Peninsula. The star of this region is its wine, which you’ll experience first-hand during a visit to a lovely family winery. Sample some of the local drops, along with light cheese and smoked ham. Next, visit the town of Ston, known for some of the world’s most delectable oysters, and enjoy time to explore or partake in an optional lunch. Continue on to Dubrovnik where your leader will explain the city’s history as you explore Stari Grad, the tightly packed Old Town. Restored to its former glory since the damages of the 1991 conflicts, Dubrovnik surprises at every turn, and the best way to experience the city’s soul it is to walk its streets. Stop in time to enjoy the sunset views from the famous city walls.
Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel Park or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls
  • Peljesac Peninsula - Matusko Winery Visit & Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

The day is free for you to explore at leisure. Dubrovnik offers a wealth of experiences to cater to every taste, so be sure to ask your leader for some suggestions. Perhaps visit the historical Rector's Palace to marvel at the ornate Venetian-Gothic architecture, or sip a beer on the terrace of one of Dubrovnik’s teetering cliff bars. In the evening meet join your leader and group for a final dinner. Head to a splendid restaurant just outside the city, set in the grounds of an ancient mill on the banks of the Ljuta river. Indulge in a range of classic Croatian dishes made with generations-old recipes before raising your glass to the end of an adventure.
Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel Park or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your trip ends after breakfast this morning. If you're looking to extend your stay, additional accommodation can be arranged when you book this trip (subject to availability). If you'd like to continue travelling, it's easy to take a bus or ferry from Dubrovnik to other Croatian cities and islands, and some international destinations. There are also regular domestic flights to Zagreb where you can link up with international flights.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

15 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (12 nights), Feature Stay (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Venice - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Postojna - Caves Visit
  • Ljubljana - Walking Tour
  • Ljubljana - Castle Visit & Funicular
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip on Lake Bled
  • Lake Bohinj - Cable Car to Mt Vogel
  • Lake Bohinj - Day Trip
  • Motovun - Truffle & Wine Tasting
  • Rovinj - Orientation Walk
  • Motovun - Town Walls Walk
  • Opatija - Lungomare Walk
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Entrance & Hike
  • Zadar - Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
  • Zadar - Sunset Drink
  • Zadar - Barkajoli Boat Ride
  • Primosten - Orientation Walk
  • Sibenik - Orientation Walk
  • Split - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Split - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Split - Diocletian's Palace Visit
  • Lastovo Island - Fishing Trip with Local Fisherman with Seafood Lunch
  • Korcula Island - Korcula Old Town Orientation Walk
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls
  • Peljesac Peninsula - Matusko Winery Visit & Tasting
  • Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites)

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Venice to Dubrovnik trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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