16 Day Gems Of Slovenia, Croatia & The Adriatic
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Make the most of your cruise and travel independently, with everything organised for you. Your international flights, pre-cruise stay, and cruise are organised so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time at sea. Of course, there is the option of extending your tour if you don’t want to head straight to the airport upon disembarkation.
✓ Limited Time Offer - Add return international airfares from only $999
✓ Incredible sightseeing including a traditional boat ride on Lake Bled, guided tours of charming villages and cities including Venice, Opatija, Rovinj, Split, Dubrovnik, Korčula and Hvar, truffle and olive oil tastings on the Istrian Peninsula and beautiful castles, caves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
✓ 8 nights in central 4-star accommodation in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia
✓ Breakfast daily, 9 lunches, 4 dinners
✓ 7-night premium, small ship cruise along Croatia's stunning Dalmatian Coast
✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide (days 1–9) until the cruise
✓ Arrival transfer included
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Italy! After you pass through Customs at Marco Polo Airport, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel.
Your evening is at leisure before you meet your tour guide and fellow travellers in the morning.
Arrival transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares please ensure you provided your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel.
After breakfast, meet with your tour leader and fellow travellers at hotel reception and depart for the floating city of Venice. Founded during the fall of the Roman Empire and a powerful Republic of the Middle Ages, Venice today is a living relic of its mighty past.
We tour this beautiful city taking in the sights including impressive St Mark’s Square, with its namesake basilica. Afterwards, we depart for Slovenia, and drive to the Julian Alps, a region famous for castles and its natural wonders, including its lakes.
Tonight, we will stay at Lake Bled, one of the most famous lakes in Europe. From your centrally located hotel, this evening is time at leisure for you to explore the lake on foot after dinner.
Enjoy a relaxing tour of stunning Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most popular destinations thanks to its picturesque setting, surrounded by mountains and forests. Yes, the colour of this alpine lake really is that intense turquoise!
After a ride on Lake Bled on a traditional Pletna boat, enjoy some free time. On the tiny island you can ring a bell for your wish to come true!
Then we’ll head to the medieval Bled Castle. Perched on a steep cliff above the lake you’ll have lovely views to admire this wonderful historic city, lake and surrounding mountains. On a clear day you can see Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain. The castle is considered the oldest in Slovenia.
Our final stop will be Lake Bohinj, one of the best kept secrets in the area. It feels a bit more unspoilt in comparison to Lake Bled and isn’t as busy. Get ready for more great photo opportunities!
We’ll visit neighbouring Austria today, which means you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the Alps – impressive at any time of year.
Across the border in the historic county of Carinthia, enjoy a panoramic tour of popular vacation spot Lake Wörth. At 20km long, it’s one of Europe’s bigger lakes. The setting is beautiful; mountain peaks, lush greenery, clear blue-green water.
We’ll continue to charming Klagenfurt, a university town with the beautiful Lindwurm Fountain dominating the old city square, Neuer Platz.
Before we return back to our hotel, we’ll have lunch in the Klagenfurt area.
We’ll head for Croatia today. On the way we’ll stop at Postojna Caves, one of the largest underground cave systems in Europe – some 24km long. You’ll find wondrous geological creations and magnificent cave formations, carved out of the limestone over millions of years. Enjoy a ride on the underground tourist train. This series of caverns, halls and passages is home to more than 150 animal species, the most famous of which is likely the olm… baby dragon!
Next we’ll see the beautiful Renaissance-style Predjama Castle, perched high on a rocky cliff with a certain fairytale charm. This 800-year-old beauty is a medieval delight and holds a certain mystery – underground tunnels connect it with the cave directly beneath.
We’ll then head for the Istrian Coast, a wedge-shaped peninsula in northwest Croatia with a rich history. We’ll arrive at the enchanting coastal town of Rovinj in the late afternoon, on the western side of the peninsula.
We’ll see the most precious jewels of the Istrian Coast today.
A walk through Rovinj’s labyrinth of cobbled streets will show you some of the most picturesque streets in the region. Rovinj’s old town, with its romantic marble streets and pastel-coloured houses, has a distinct Venetian influence in its architecture, being once a part of the Venetian Republic.
Istria is renowned for its food; no surprise given the Italian influence here. We’ll head towards Livade for a unique gastronomic experience, a sample of one of the tastiest Istrian treasures, the truffle.
You’ll then enjoy an olive oil tasting, appreciating the scent and flavour of various extra virgin olive oils at one of the most renowned local producers.
We’ll then head to Pula. This city, about 3000 years old, is the largest city in Istria and famous for its Roman ruins and ancient history. We’ll visit its well-preserved amphitheatre.
We’ll head away from the peninsula this morning, with our first stop at Opatija. Enjoy some free time to enjoy this little town full of magnificent villas and old hotels, once the famous winter resort of the Austrian elite. Take a stroll through Lungomare Promenade, visit gorgeous Angiolina Park, or simply enjoy a coffee break on the terrace at Caffe Wagner.
After we pass the mountainous Gorski Kotar region, we’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Fuzine to explore the Vrelo Cave. The cave is a popular respite in summer given its shade and cooler temperatures. It’s illuminated with artificial lighting and a mountain spring runs through the cave to add to the fairytale appeal.
We’ll then stop for a traditional lunch at local restaurant Bitoraj for an authentic taste of the region.
The trip continues through lush green scenery to the water paradise of Plitvice Lakes, where we will check in to our boutique hotel.
After breakfast we’ll head towards the spectacular Plitvice National Park, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 16 beautifully-coloured lakes, connected by a series of waterfalls and cascades.
Our journey continues towards Split, a buzzing city on the Dalmatian coast. Around here the locals say pomalo for a greeting – it means take it easy.
We’ll take a short evening walk. The old city is a must-see, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a city within a city: the wonderfully-preserved fourth-century Diocletian’s Palace, built for the Roman emperor. This renowned site is a sprawling treasure trove of history – original Roman streets, marble-tiled Pjaca Square and a host of Renaissance architectural delights. We’ll see the Grgur Ninski Statue and will see the Cathedral of St. Domnius, with its iconic bell tower.Tonight enjoy a group dinner in a konoba, a traditional Dalmatian restaurant.
Your tour finishes after breakfast, before you are transferred to the harbour for 11am to check in to your small-ship premium cruise, your home for the next seven nights as you cruise the vivid blue Adriatic waters of the dazzling Dalmatian Coast.
The boat will depart Split harbour at 1pm; lunch will be served as you enjoy your first views of the Dalmatian Coast from the water. We’ll stop at one of many secluded bays along the coastline for an afternoon swim before arriving in Makarska in the evening. A prominent resort and holiday destination, you will easily be able to explore the town on foot from the harbour to explore its many great restaurants and lively bars. Overnight onboard in harbour.
We depart early morning from Makarska harbour towards the island Mljet. En route we stop on the Pelješac Peninsula for a swim. Mljet itself is sparsely populated, and is famous for its national park.
Get back to nature in this quiet, protected area – one of the greenest islands of the Adriatic, over two thirds of the island is covered by forest. Explore the national park on arrival (€20 entry) where you can discover its seawater lakes, St Mary’s Island (with its church and monastery) and one of the many walking or biking trails. Overnight in the port of Polača or Pomena.
After breakfast, we depart for what is known as the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik, easily the most famous town in Croatia and an iconic European tourist spot. Dubrovnik’s well preserved old town has inspired generations of travellers, including contemporary culture with the likes of Game of Thrones and Star Wars, with the Irish writer George Bernard calling Dubrovnik ‘heaven on earth’. Once its own republic, Dubrovnik saw great wealth during the Middle Ages and its old town is scattered with its mighty history.
Upon arrival, we will join a guided city tour of the old town. The afternoon is yours to explore. You can catch the cable car up to Srđ mountain for spectacular views of the city, or explore the many shops and cafes that line Stradun, the main street, or walk the medieval walls that wrap around the entirety of the town itself. Overnight in port.
We enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a late morning departure. Depending on weather, we will either sail towards the island of Šipan or the small town of Trstenik on the Pelješac Peninsula. What will be certain today however, is that there will be gorgeous swimming stops, time at leisure at our destination and in the evening, your crew will put together a special Captain’s dinner on board. Overnight in port.
Today, we visit one of the most popular spots of the Croatian Islands, the island of Korčula and to the town that shares the islands namesake. Before arriving in town, we enjoy lunch on board in a picturesque bay. Famous for being the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korčula has a rich history, with the town's walls and bastions dating back to the 13th century – with it being known as ‘little Dubrovnik’.
The town itself has some incredible churches and notable museums. We enjoy an included tour of the town itself before dinner, when you will have time to explore the many seafront restaurants. Overnight in the port of Korčula.
We have quite a distance to sail today, so it’s an early morning departure from Korčula for Hvar. Upon arrival, enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this lively town. One of the more popular destinations along the coast, the town has remnants of its past with a fortress, castle and beautiful churches. The town itself is so beautiful, it looks like a film set with the Renaissance cathedral’s original bell tower still standing.
In recent years, the town has also become famous for its nightlife, where many of the town's alleyways and waterfront cafes are bursting with people enjoying the warm summer nights. Hvar is known for its jet-setters, excellent restaurants, bars and cafés. Overnight in the port of Hvar.
Departing Hvar, we stop at the island of Brač, home to the most photographed and famous beach in Croatia, Zltani Rat aka The Golden Horn. Known for its ever-changing shape, due to being defined by a very fine gravel, bathed by blue sea, depending on the direction of the wind, the water will rise or fall, distinctively changing the size of the beach itself.
We then visit Bol, a typical fisherman’s village that is now a popular tourist spot. After lunch, we start our return journey to Split. On our way back, we will take in wonderful views of the city itself. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the city's many attractions.
An early breakfast before final goodbyes to new friends and the crew. Your journey across the Adriatic has now come to an end. Please make your own way to the airport for your onward flight. We hope you’ve been inspired.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
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Booking Process
This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.
If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section
Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Baggage
Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:
|
Country of Origin |
Carry-on Baggage |
Checked Baggage |
|
Australia |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
New Zealand |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United States of America |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
Canada |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
India |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United Kingdom |
7kgs |
20kgs |
Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.
To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service? By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.
FAQs
For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs section.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry and is a welcome way to show your appreciation. If you feel that your guide/s and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
During the land section of your trip, we suggest tipping your leader and bus driver approximately 4-6 EUROS (AUD$7-10) per person per day. At local restaurants and cafes it is customary to tip 10%-15% of the bill.
For the cruise section of your trip, we recommend the following guidelines: Cruise Manager: EUR 5 (Kn 40) per person per day; Crew (all ship services and assistance with luggage): EUR 10 (KN 80) per person per day;
Local guide (offers in-depth information at specific locations) EUR 1-2 (10-15 KN per half day of sightseeing)
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2,967.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Maximum of 25 people on tour
50 - 70 people on Croatian cruise
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
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