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

From mountaintop to seaside, discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia.

Spectacular natural beauty and fascinating cultural heritage go hand in hand in Slovenia and Croatia.
This 9-day Premium journey will take you from the glittering canals of Venice to the beaming waters of Lake Bled and the underground world of the Postojna Caves. Ride the cable car up Mt Vogel for views over Lake Bohinj, and appreciate the caves and waterfalls abound in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Indulge in the epicurean delights like truffles, wine and Adriatic sunshine. Let Croatia and Slovenia enchant you on this fulfilling small-group adventure.

Start
Venice, Italy
Finish
Split, Croatia
Destinations
Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMPY
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.

  • Enter the fantastical underground world of the Postojna Caves – one of the longest karst caverns in the world – home to strange rock formations and creatures like an eye-less salamander

  • Ride the cable car up Mt Vogel for exceptional views over the astonishingly beautiful Lake Bohinj and the foothills of the mighty Alps

  • 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.

  • Enjoy your own slice of paradise at your Feature Stay hotel. The stunning Hotel Istra sits on its own private island, with world class service, fantastic facilities and beautiful grounds to explore.

  • Explore scenic Croatian towns with glittering harbors and ancient facades, including the resort town of Opatija and seaside Sibenik, where you'll explore the 15th century stone Cathedral of St. James, decorated with 71 sculpted faces.

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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.

ZMPY - Colourful view of the Grand Canal gondolas in Venice, Italy
ZMPY - Plate of fresh seafood in Venice, Italy
ZMPY - Scenic view of Lake Bohinj landscape with mountains in the background
ZMPY - Plenta boat ride across Lake Bled, Slovenia
ZMPY - View of St. Mary's church across Lake Bled, Slovenia
ZMPY - Croatia Feature Stay: Island Hotel Istra twin room interior
ZMPY - Croatia Feature Stay: Island Hotel Istra exterior patio
ZMPY - Croatia Feature Stay: Island Hotel Istra aerial view
ZMPY - Croatia Feature Stay: Island Hotel Istra dining
ZMPY - Croatia Feature Stay: Island Hotel Istra beach view
ZMPY - Woman posing in front of waterfall while on hike in Plitvice National Park, Croatia

Itinerary
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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. 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. 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. 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
Optional Activities
  • Urban Adventures - Cicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice - EUR99
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
  • Venice - Traghetto Boat Ride - EUR2
  • Venice - Guggenheim Museum - EUR16
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
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
Optional Activities
  • Bled - Castle - EUR15
  • Triglav National Park - Vintgar Gorge - EUR10
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.

Spend a leisurely morning enjoying your hotel, and perhaps enjoy a swim in the sparkling ocean surrounding your island hotel. In the afternoon, head to your next destinaiton. Arrive at your accommodation, tucked away in the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Lyra or similar (1 night)
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. In the late afternoon top off the day with a sunset drink overlooking the bay.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kolovare or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Entrance & Hike
  • Zadar - Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
  • Zadar - Sunset Drink
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. If Plitvice whetted your appetite for waterfalls, take an optional tour to Krka National Park. Or, explore some of the 89 sun-soaked islands of Kornati National Park.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Kolovare or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Zadar - Krka National Park Day Trip - EUR90
  • Zadar - Kornati National Park Day Trip - EUR70
  • Zadar – Gold and Silver of the city of Zadar Museum - EUR6
  • Zadar – Museum of ancient glass - EUR6
  • Zadar - Archaeological Museum - EUR5
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Split, making a stop in the quaint town of Sibenik. Walk amongst the stone houses, churches, narrow alleys and lanes, where past and present sit in harmony. Visit St Jacob's Cathedral, a 15th-century jewel that’s UNESCO protected, before taking some time for lunch. 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
  • Sibenik - Orientation Walk
  • Sibenik - St. James Cathedral
Optional Activities
  • Split - Fish Market - Free
  • Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure - EUR50
  • Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
  • Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery - EUR12
  • Split - Archaeological Museum - EUR8
  • Split - Diocletian's Palace Cellars - EUR7
  • Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower - EUR10
  • Split - Ethnographic Museum - EUR3
  • Split - Gallery of Fine Arts - EUR5
  • Split - City Museum - EUR4
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Your adventure comes to and end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to extend your stay in Split, additional accommodation can be arranged ahead of time (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (7 nights), Feature stay (1 night)

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
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Entrance & Hike
  • Zadar - Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
  • Zadar - Sunset Drink
  • Sibenik - Orientation Walk
  • Sibenik - St. James Cathedral

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 Split 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 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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