Best of Slovenia and Croatia

After breakfast this morning, return to the station for a direct train across the Croatian border to Zagreb. Your journey today takes you from one capital city to another and from one former Yugoslav state to another.

The railway line follows the watercourse of the Sava River, which eventually flows into the Danube at Belgrade in Serbia. When you reach Zagreb, the Dubrovnik Hotel (or similar) is located a short walk from the station. You have 2 nights here.

Zagreb is a capital city with a historic pedigree going back to Roman times. Explore the medieval Upper Town with its colourful buildings and Gothic, twin-spired cathedral or wander the pedestrianised streets and parks around Ban Jelačić Square. There are some great museums to visit including the Mimara Museum, an art gallery housed in a 19th century neo-Renaissance palace. To get your bearings, why not take up bus up to the top of the Medvednica mountain for a 13th century fortress commanding fabulous city views?

Make your way to the comprehensive Zagreb Coach Station this morning and board your comfortable air-conditioned coach for the journey south to Plitvice Lakes. Much of the journey is by motorway so you will have a smooth ride as you gear up for visiting one of the Balkans’ most treasured attractions. On arrival, check in at the Hotel Plitvice (or similar) for a 2-night stay and head out to explore this natural wonder.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia, covering just under 297 square kilometres. The 16 lakes here are all on different levels, connected by a series of waterfalls. They are set against a backdrop of deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and rare bird species. A series of wooden footbridges and pathways snake around and across the tumbling water.

You can choose to simply wander around the park, which you can cover in around 6 hours on foot. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the free buses and boats which take you between the upper and lower lakes. You can purchase entrance tickets to the park in advance. Please ask for details.

Board a comfortable coach for your onward journey to the Croatian coastline. You arrive at the port-city of Split where you check into the Hotel Jupiter (or similar) for a 3-night stay.

Home to the summer house of the Roman emperor Diocletian, Split is one of the jewels of the Adriatic. Its historic centre is thought to date back to the 3rd or 2nd century BC, and there are hints of medieval and Venetian influences as you wander the evocative narrow passages of the Old Town. Complement your visits to the fascinating museums and galleries with a stroll along the harbour-front, where the fresh catch of the day is being transported to some of the city’s top restaurants ready for you to sample.

Whilst there are no rail links into Dubrovnik, you can get there easily by coach. Take a late-morning air-conditioned coach along the main highway south to Dubrovnik. During the summer months, it may be possible to undertake this journey by boat – contact the team for details. When you reach the fabulous city of Dubrovnik, you have a 3-night stay at the Rixos Libertas Hotel (or similar).

Dubrovnik was at the heart of one of most prosperous Maritime Republics during the Renaissance Period, and this wealth is clear to see in the magnificent and incredibly photogenic Old Town, overlooking the Adriatic. There was a large earthquake in 1667 which destroyed much of the city, but some stunning examples of Renaissance architecture remain, such as the Sponza Palace and St Saviour Church.

The best views are to be had from the historic city walls but you can also wander along the coast and even hit the beach on the laid-back Lapad Peninsula. During the summer season, there are many boat tours available to take you out to some of the enticing islands just off the coast.

It’s time to leave Dubrovnik today for your onward journey. Please let us know where you would like to go from here, and we can help plan your perfect itinerary. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in Dubrovnik for a few extra nights or go and stay on one of the bigger islands such as Hvar and Brac.