Alpine Slovenia and Coastal Croatia - Overland Trip
2 weeks: Ljubljana to Dubrovnik (IMT-UTAS)
Intro
Slovenia has some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe with steep forested mountains and crystal clear lakes whilst Croatia has the exquisite Dalmatian coast with turquoise water, charming fishing villages and fabulous mediaeval cities like Dubrovnik. When possible we stay in local farmhouses, giving us an amazing insight into local life in the Slovenia and Croatian countryside.Maximum Group Size:
15Staffing:
By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guide in ZagrebTransport:
Public bus, trainAccommodation:
6 nights tourist class hotels, 7 nights farm stay/homestayActivities:
Hiking around Lake Bohinj, extensive walking, cycling, kayaking, optional swimmingEntrance Fees:
Included for all sites listed as part of the itineraryItineraries
Day 1,LJUBLJANAArrive in Ljubljana and make your way to the hotel.
Day 2,BOHINJAfter breakfast we enjoy a morning walking tour of the lovely mediaeval city of Ljubljana. In the afternoon we transfer to a local farmhouse in Bohinj, where we spend the next two nights. Bohinj is located in the Triglav National Park, an area of rivers, canyons, forests and alpine meadows which is also home to Slovenia’s highest mountain, Mount Triglav. (BD)
Day 3,LAKE BOHINJWe spend the day hiking in the mountains around Lake Bohinj an exquisite glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks and alpine pastures. (BD)
Day 4,BLED – MARIBORThis morning we travel to picturesque Bled, where we have time to wander the area around the lake with its idyllic 9th Century church on the small island in the middle. Later, we visit Maribor before continuing to our farm stay, nestled between the vineyards of the picturesque Stajerska region. (BD)
Day 5,FARM STAYA full free day to enjoy the area. There are opportunities to learn about the local way of life by helping the farmers as they go about their everyday routine, to visit Ptuj, the oldest city in Slovenia, or to experience a traditional Slovenian spa. (BD)
Day 6,FARM STAYA day excursion takes us to the Dolenjska region, which produces the best wine in the country. (BD)
Day 7,ZAGREBTravel by train to Zagreb via Ljubljana. (B)
Day 8,ZAGREBIn the morning we have a guided walking tour of Zagreb, which is packed full of delightful Austro-Hungarian architecture. Later in the day we transfer to the Istria peninsula, where we stay in a local farmhouse. This area is unique in Croatia due to its mix of cultures, and has strong links with Italy which add to the cosmopolitan atmosphere. (BD)
Day 9,ROVINJToday we visit Rovinj, the pearl of the Istria Peninsula. Rovinj is well known for its beautiful old town area, an ideal place to relax and explore the winding cobbled streets. We return to our farmhouse for the evening. (BD)
Day 10,PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK - ZADARDrive to Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with magnificent scenery. We walk around the 16 terraced lakes, which are linked by a series of lovely waterfalls and surrounded by thick forest, then continue to Zadar, a beautiful walled city whose highlights include the Byzantine Church of St. Donat. (B)
Day 11,ZADARToday is spent kayaking on the River Zrmanja. This river is part of the Velebit Nature Park and as we kayak we can enjoy the stunning views. (BL)
Day 12,SPLITWe transfer to Split, a beautiful old city with outstanding classical architecture and have time to explore on foot. In the afternoon, we continue to Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic. (B)
Day 13,DUBROVNIKAfter breakfast we explore the beautiful mediaeval city of Dubrovnik. The afternoon is free to visit Dubrovnik’s many churches, monasteries and palaces, or to relax in the area or visit one of the pretty fishing villages just a short boat trip away from Dubrovnik. (B)
Day 14,DUBROVNIKTour ends after breakfast. (B)
Last updated: 14th September 2009
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