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Map of Dubrovnik to Venice including Croatia, Italy and Slovenia

Enjoy the natural wonders and culinary delights of Croatia, Slovenia and Italy

Discover the rich artistic heritage, natural attractions and acclaimed cuisine of Croatia, Slovenia and Italy on this ten-day trip from Dubrovnik to Venice. Soak up Split’s stunning ocean views, see Dubrovnik's renowned walled city and wander through the pristine natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Get acquainted with Croatia’s capital Zagreb, explore Ljubljana’s Old City and be romanced and entranced by Venice. Taking in both acclaimed landmarks and lesser-known attractions, this trip covers all the bases in some of the Mediterranean’s hottest locations.

Start
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Finish
Venice, Italy
Destinations
Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMRI
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Split is a haven of relaxation and culture. Unwind with a walk along the waterfront promenade and admire the impressive Diocletian's Palace.

  • Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park, marvelling at luminous lakes and waterfalls that appear to have been sketched by an artist.

  • Feast on Mediterranean fresh seafood, Italian-influenced antipasti and the crunchy, doughy dessert of fritule in culinary capital Zagreb.

  • Explore the streets, medieval buildings and restored castle of Ljubljana’s charming Old Town on foot. Your local leader will know all of the hotspots, plus the best cafes for a coffee break.

  • Romantic Venice is like no other city in the world. Be enamoured with its labyrinth of alleyways and canals, lagoon islands and endless historic attractions, so much so, you may want to extend your stay!

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. Keep in mind that hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be rather small, especially compared to American or Australian standards, and in most cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite. Please note that a single supplement is not available on this trip.

  • 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 keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

Travellers stand on rock under the spray of waterfall
Traveller enjoys gondola ride in Venice
Cafes and ornate buildings on the streets of Ljubljana

Itinerary
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Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. The undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is a beautiful white stone town surrounded entirely by city walls. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, the old town – with its tiled roofs and stone buildings – remains as charming as ever, with extensive restoration to return it to its original splendour. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character, and its old town can easily be covered on foot. After tonight's group meeting at 6 pm, perhaps head out for a walk around Dubrovnik. Later on, possibly enjoy a meal with the group so you can get to know your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today, and you can arrive at anytime before then – check with reception to confirm the time and place. If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the accommodation by early evening, you may wish to arrive a day early. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.

Today is free to explore the beaches and scenery of this idyllic coastal city. Take a walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame, enjoying breathtaking views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, built by architect Onofrio della Cava in the 15th-century to supply water to the city. Perhaps check out the Franciscan monastery, home to one of the world's oldest continuously-functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th-century, or the Sponza and Rector's Palaces, the only Renaissance buildings in the city to survive a devastating earthquake and fire in 1667. You might like to check out the city's War Photography Museum, or if you have time, take a boat trip to nearby Lokrum Island, where you will find the French-built Fort Royal Castle, a monastery, and a botanical garden that dates back to when the Austrian archduke Maximilian had his holiday home on the island. Otherwise, Banje beach is an ideal spot to relax and savour the Adriatic views.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - HRK150
  • Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - HRK30
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - HRK50
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk HRK - HRK150
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - HRK30
  • Dubrovnik - Game of Thrones Tour - HRK200
  • Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - HRK120
  • Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Srd Hill Hike - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a public bus up the coast to Split. If Dubrovnik is considered the heart of Dalmatia, Split is certainly its soul. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, it's the second largest city in Croatia. Enjoy a free afternoon in this stunning seaside town, exploring the historic streets, and make sure you see the World Heritage-listed Diocletian's Palace. Alternatively, for a more in-depth introduction to this fascinating city why not join an optional guided tour with a local guide.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Split - City Museum - HRK22
  • Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
  • Split - Gallery of Fine Arts - HRK40
  • Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower (entrance fee) from - HRK70
  • Split - Diocletian's Palace - HRK42
  • Split - Fish Market - Free
  • Split - Hiking in Mosor with Traditional Dinner - EUR64
  • Split - Cooking Class including Lunch or Dinner - EUR80
  • Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery - HRK40
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today is approximately 5 hours.

Enjoy a free day in Split. At the heart of its atmospheric Old Town is a fascinating city-within-a-city – the remains of a third-century palace built for Roman Emperor Diocletian. Some places might have protected such an impressive complex in a museum, but not enigmatic Split. These ancient walls now house a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, restaurants and houses. Step back in time strolling its sprawling maze of passageways and courtyards and you’ll also find a 16th-century synagogue and a courtyard often filled with music. If your feet get tired, why not sample Croatia’s fine coffee culture with a frothy kava from a cafe on the Riva waterfront promenade, a prime spot for people watching. In the evening, Split boasts an increasingly bustling nightlife scene.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure - EUR50
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today you will visit one of Croatia's most beautiful sites – Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park was given World Heritage status 20 years ago and is 19 hectares of wooded hills that surround 16 stunning turquoise lakes, all connected by a series of waterfalls. The area is populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and some rare bird species, and the thick, primeval forest vegetation of beech trees, fir spruce and white pine adds another element to the park's beauty. You’ll have free time to explore here or simply follow your leader to see the best spots – all trails in the national park are well marked so it's difficult to get lost, but please follow the national park rules, which your leader will outline to you. A series of wooden walkways pass over the landscape, ensuring that there's as little impact on the park as possible. Look to the canopy for over 120 species of birds, including hawks and owls. After your memorable visit to the lakes, drive to Croatia's capital, Zagreb (approximately 3 hours).
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
  • Plitvice Lakes - Picnic
Meals Included
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today will involve a lot of walking, so please make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes.

Travel time today is approximately 6 hours (excluding stops).

Take a morning orientation walk with your leader who will point out local amenities and attractions you may want to visit along the way. The rest of the day is free, so check out both the upper town and the lower town to understand the city's culture. The tallest building in town is the gothic Zagreb Cathedral, with twin spires that dominate the city's skyline. Ban Jelacic Square is the city's central point, which is surrounded by multiple structures that reflect different periods of Zagreb's past. There is so much to see and do here, the hard thing is deciding what to choose. There are a number of excellent museums to visit including the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Zagreb - Mirogoj Cemetery - Free
  • Zagreb - Cathedral - Free
  • Zagreb - Lotrščak Tower - HRK20
  • Zagreb - Museum of Broken Relationships - HRK40
  • Zagreb - The Croatian Museum of Naive Art - HRK25
  • Zagreb - Mimara Museum - HRK40
  • Zagreb - City Museum - HRK30
  • Zagreb - Ivan Meštrović Atelier - HRK30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel by train across the Slovenian border and arrive in the cosmopolitan capital (pronounced 'Lyub-Li-Yana'). On arrival into Ljubljana, check-in to your accommodation and then head out on a short orientation walk with your leader. The rest of the day is free for you to delve deeper into this beautiful city. Located in the centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana is a city full of style and sophistication, history, monuments, churches, museums and great restaurants. In your free time, you can wander around the old city centre, renowned for its unique architectural appearance. The Old Town consists of three main squares and Baroque houses, and you can visit the Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas, and the Dragon Bridge. Stop at the central Preseren Square, dedicated to the Slovenian romantic poet, France Preseren. With views of the Triple Bridge and Ljubljana Castle on one side, and a magnificent Franciscan church on the other, you’ll feel like you’ve walked right into a scene from a beautiful postcard. Maybe also drop by the open market under the arcade.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Ljubljana - Dragon Bridge - Free
  • Ljubljana - Metelkova Neighbourhood - Free
  • Ljubljana - Castle and Funicular - EUR16
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today is approximately 3 hours.

Today is a free day to further explore Ljubljana. You have the option of heading on a day trip to Bled. Gifted with immense natural beauty, Bled ranks among the most beautiful of alpine resorts. Its fairy tale-like scenery which includes a castle, a stunning lake and a picturesque island topped with a church, is a dream to explore. Maybe head to the 11th-century cliff-top Bled Castle. Take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) across sparkling Lake Bled to its island, then climb the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake. It isn’t hard to find; nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims their cream cake is the best. There's also plenty of action for adrenaline junkies: rafting, caving, cycling, canoeing, boating and swimming are all on offer.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Ljubljana - Sights & Bites Urban Adventure - EUR65
  • Bled - Day Trip by Public Bus - EUR15
  • Ljubljana - Dragon Bridge - Free
  • Ljubljana - Metelkova Neighbourhood - Free
  • Ljubljana - Castle and Funicular - EUR16
  • Bled - Castle - EUR15
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip - EUR14
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, travel by bus to one of the world's most unique and romantic destinations – Venice. Renowned for its canals, Venice is comprised of hundreds of small islands connected by nearly 400 bridges; a watery wonderland of towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas. Rich with artistic masterpieces, modern Venice combines history with contemporary life through food, performance, art and architecture. Its famous sights – such as the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace (the ruler of Venice), the Piazza San Marco and the evocative Bridge of Sighs – are easily explored by foot. Wander the cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas, crossing hundreds of tiny bridges and you’ll find shops, markets, galleries and churches around every corner. Don't miss the chance to take a gondola ride through the romantic canals and sample a slice of tiramisu (coffee-soaked sponge cake), the region’s specialty. In the evening, perhaps join your fellow travellers and try two other local specialities, fresh lobster and squid ink pasta.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today is approximately 3.5 hours.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times. Venice is a charming city with much to do, and so it is highly recommend staying an extra day or two. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
  • Venice - Traghetto Boat Ride - EUR2
  • Venice - Guggenheim Museum - EUR16
  • Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR99
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
  • Venice - Venezia Ca' d'Oro - EUR14
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you didn't have enough yet why not join our connecting 'Highlights of Italy' Basix trip that takes in the highlights of this amazing country, such as the Cinque Terre and Florence, before ending up in Rome. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hostel (6 nights), Pension (2 nights), Hotel (1 night)

Included activities

  • Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
  • Plitvice Lakes - Picnic

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is not available on this trip.

Essential trip information

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