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

Discover the rich artistic heritage, incredible natural attractions and acclaimed cuisine of Croatia, Slovenia and Italy on this ten-day small group adventure from Dubrovnik to Venice. Soak up Split’s stunning ocean views, Dubrovnik's famous walls and wander through the pristine natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Become acquainted with Croatia’s capital Zagreb, explore Ljubljana’s Old City and be romanced and entranced by Venice. Taking in both famous landmarks and lesser-known attractions, this trip is bound to enthral European novices and aficionados alike.

ITINERARY CHANGE 2019
Due to passenger feedback we will no longer visit Trogir on this trip in 2019. The itinerary will have a free day in Split instead.

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

  • Croatia's amazing array of food specialities mix multiple European influences, and Zagreb harnesses the best of them. Feast on Mediterranean fresh seafood, Italian-influenced antipasti and the crunchy, doughy dessert of fritule

  • Explore the streets, medieval buildings and restored castle of Ljubljana’s charming Old Town on foot

  • Romantic Venice is like no other city in the world. Be bewitched by its labyrinth of alleyways and canals, lagoon islands and endless historic attractions

Is this trip right for you?

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme 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. Please note that only some of our hotels will have air-conditioning, and is virtually non-existent on public transport.

  • As accommodation on this trip is multi-share, single travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same sex. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. Also, 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 en-suite. Please note that a single supplement is not available on this trip.

Map of Dubrovnik to Venice including Croatia, Italy and Slovenia
blue dinghies in split harbour, croatia
croatian food examples
venetian boat in canal
venetian mask with feathers
canal in ljubljana, slovenia

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 can easily be covered on foot. After tonight's group meeting, perhaps head out for a walk around Dubrovnik to help find your feet. Later on, possibly enjoy a meal with the group so you can get to know your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
  • Private Apartments (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm 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 that overlooks the Adriatic. Maybe take a walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame, enjoying views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea in this renowned jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. 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. Perhaps check out the 13th-century Franciscan monastery 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, even 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, maybe relax on the pristine Banje beach.
Accommodation
  • Private Apartments (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Lokrum Island Boat Trip - HRK100
  • Franciscan Monastery - HRK30
  • War Photography Museum - HRK50
  • City Walls Walk Dubrovnik - HRK150
  • Museum of Croatian War of Independence - Mt Srd - HRK30
  • Game of Thrones Tour - HRK200
  • Rector's Palace - HRK120
  • Church of St. Blaise - Free
  • Srd Hill Hike - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a public bus up the coast to Split (approximately 4,5 hours). 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. This stunning seaside town is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the coast. Enjoy a free afternoon 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. Split grew out from the 3rd century Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace and you can almost see it evolving in a multitude of different ways. Some cultures might have made the palace a museum, but the city of Split has always been a dynamic and vibrant place, and the palace houses many businesses and homes. If your feet get tired, why not grab a drink at a cafe on the Riva Promenade and people watch for a while. You can get lots of local interaction in Split, such as at the fish market on Marmontova Street or the markets just outside the palace walls.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • City Museum - HRK20
  • Marjan Hill Hike - Free
  • Art Gallery - HRK20
  • Split Cathedral & Tower - HRK45
  • Diocletian's Palace - HRK42
  • Fish Market - Free
  • Hiking in Mosor with Traditional Dinner - EUR64
  • Cooking Class including Lunch/Dinner - EUR80
  • Ivan Mestrovic Gallery - HRK40
  • Urban Adventures - Dalmatian Wine and Dine - EUR100
  • Urban Adventures - Wars, Warriors and Reforms - EUR35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a day trip by ferry to the pretty town of Trogir. Founded by Greek colonists in the 3rd century BC this beautiful coastal town is known for its Venetian architecture which warranted its inclusion in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore the streets and make sure you drop into Trogir's grand cathedral and some of the other churches, all dating from the 13th century. Return to Split in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening for more exploration.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Day Trip to Trogir
Optional Activities
  • Trogir Kamerlengo Fortress - HRK10
  • Trogir Cathedral - HRK25
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. Take an afternoon orientation walk on arrival. Your leader will point out local amenities and attractions you might want to visit along the way, so ask any questions you might have about the city during the walk.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Picnic in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Meals Included
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today will involve a lot of walking, so please make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes.

Today is a free day in Zagreb, 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 iconic 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
  • Mirogoj Cemetary - Free
  • Zagreb Cathedral - Free
  • Lotrščak Tower - HRK20
  • Museum of Broken Relationships - HRK30
  • The Croatian Museum of Naive Art - HRK25
  • Mimara Museum - HRK40
  • Zagreb City Museum - HRK30
  • Ivan Meštrović Atelier - HRK30
  • Zagreb Funicular - HRK4
  • Urban Adventures - Wine & Dine - EUR108
  • Urban Adventures - Made in Croatia: Crafts & Cuisine - EUR63
  • Urban Adventures - Mix & Mingle Walking Tour - EUR71
  • Urban Adventures - Taste of Croatia - EUR92
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel by train across the Slovenian border and arrive in the cosmopolitan capital (pronounced 'Lyub-Li-Yana') (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival into Ljubljana, check in to your accommodation and then head out to get to know the city on a short orientation walk where the leader will point out some of the highlights. 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 Prešeren Square, dedicated to the Slovenian romantic poet, France Prešeren. 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 just walked right into a scene from a beautiful postcard. Maybe also drop by the open market under the arcade. This evening enjoy Ljubljana by night.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free day. You may want to decide to take an optional day trip to Bled. With immense natural beauty, Bled, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful of alpine resorts. With a stunning lake, a castle, a picturesque island church and plenty of outdoor activities, Bled is a great place to explore. It's renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Maybe head to the cliff-top Bled Castle, dating from the 11th century and overlooking sparkling Lake Bled, then take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) to the island on Lake Bled – climb up the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. 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. There's also plenty of action for adrenaline junkies: rafting, caving, cycling, canoeing, boating, and swimming, to name a few.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Urban Adventures - Ljubljana Bites & Sights - EUR59
  • Bled - Day Trip - EUR15
  • Dragon Bridge - Free
  • Metelkova Neighbourhood - Free
  • Ljubljana Castle and Funicular - EUR10
  • Urban Adventures - Bohemian Slovenia - EUR63
  • Urban Adventures - Socialism and the City - EUR60
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning travel by bus to one of the world's most unique cities, legendary, romantic Venice, the final destination of this trip (approximately 3.5 hours). A grand city of canals, Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. This watery wonderland of towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of its iconic sights. Still rich with artistic masterpieces, modern Venice combines history with contemporary life through food, performance, art and architecture. The best way to enjoy your free time and explore is by foot, taking in all the famous sights – the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace (the ruler of Venice), the Piazza San Marco with its golden Basilica, and of course, the evocative Bridge of Sighs. Wander the cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas, crossing hundreds of tiny bridges. There are shops, markets, galleries and churches around every corner. Don't miss taking a gondola trip through the romantic canals or sampling a slice of region's desert speciality, tiramisu (coffee-soaked sponge cake). In the evening, perhaps join your fellow travellers for a final group dinner at a local restaurant. Venice is famous for its specialities of fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti dishes, so make sure you give one a try as this trip comes to an end.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

On the final day of the trip, there are no activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to do in Venice we recommend you to extend your stay by a few days. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Optional Activities
  • St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR3
  • Accademia Gallery - EUR15
  • Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs - EUR19
  • Venice Traghetto Boat Ride - EUR2
  • Guggenheim Museum - EUR15
  • Urban Adventures - Chicchetti of Venice - EUR80
  • Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • St Mark's Campanile - EUR8
  • Venezia Ca' d'Oro - EUR10
  • Urban Adventures - Canal & Aperitivo Experience - EUR113
  • Urban Adventures - Treviso Gourmet Discovery - EUR180
  • Urban Adventures - Sweet Taste of Venice - EUR36
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.

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry

Accommodation

Private apartments (2 nights), Hostel (4 nights), Hotel (1 night), Pension (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Day Trip to Trogir
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Picnic in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

ITINERARY CHANGE 2019
Due to passenger feedback we will no longer visit Trogir on this trip in 2019. The itinerary will have a free day in Split instead.

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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Reviews

Our Dubrovnik to Venice trips score an average of 4.84 out of 5 based on 19 reviews in the last year.

Dubrovnik to Venice, October 2017

Kaye Fraser

Review submitted 02 Nov 2017

Dubrovnik to Venice, October 2017

Laura White

Review submitted 29 Oct 2017

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