Highlights of Northern Croatia and Slovenia

Wander through Zagreb’s cobblestone streets while you explore its lovely architecture, cafes and museums! With a local guide by your side, discover the secrets behind the 18th and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian buildings and learn why the Zagrebcani (the locals) hear the Gric Cannon each day at noon. Walk through the charming hidden courtyards of the old town while you listen to ancient stories about the Golden Bull and the struggle of Gradec and the Capitol. Visit Dolac Market and watch people bustling to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Pick up a bottle of locally produced honey or a quaint handmade craft for your loved one back home. Take a peaceful ride on the funicular and stroll through the Lenuzzi Green Horseshoe on foot to admire its artistic parks and buildings. Stop over to explore the beautiful tree-lined cemetery of Mirogoj, also called the ‘Westminster Abbey of Croatia.’ Finish the tour with a visit to two more notable landmarks – the elegant 19th-century National Theatre and the reputed Zagreb University. (Half Day; Flexible Timings; Private Activity & No Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Meals Not Included; Funicular Ride Included; Please wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget your camera)

Discover unique cultural and historic heritage in the well-preserved medieval county of Samobor. Your will pass through the King Tomislav Square and the promenade with buildings flaunting French inspired baroque architecture. Ride alongside the fish-filled gurgling Gradna river, crossing it over covered bridges. Pass by elegant 18th century red-roofed houses, stopping by a cafe for a coffee and a kremšnita (local pastry). Drop into the majestic Livadic castle home to the town museum, where the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt stayed in 1846. Visit family handicraft stores including those that sell crystalware. Afterward, explore the winding streets on foot, or try a short nature hike to the Samobor Castle. (Full Day; Transfer Zagreb-Samobor duration is 40 minutes, distance 30 km; Fitness level: Easy; Includes a private guide, English speaking driver, & entrance fee to crystal manufacture; Please wear casual clothes.)

Explore the stunning natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park on this Half Day tour. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its spectacular landscape carved out of waterfalls centuries back, you will feel lost for words at the views around you. Set off on a hiking trail through the lush woodlands where 16 crystal clear lakes are interconnected through a series of waterfalls. Take a quick walk behind the waterfalls and carry on the forest paths. Listen to the sounds of rare birds piercing through the silence as you capture the rich colors of the flora and fauna on your camera. (Half Day; Self-explore Activity; Included: Entrance fee to the national park; Fitness Level: Easy; Please note that you will need to walk some distance; Please bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and hats; An early start is suggested to avoid crowds.)

Discover the picturesque and romantic little town of Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula! Stroll along the town’s beautiful narrow cobbled streets to the bustling old harbor with a local guide by your side. Take a walk on the Waterfront Promenade and see the numerous fishing boats, small ferries and traditional batana boats. Visit the Church of St. Euphemia, a favorite gathering place for artists from around the world. Wander around in the old town while you explore the hidden alleyways and adorable boutiques. Pop into a cafe for a bite to eat and a cup of coffee or grab a quick drink at a bar on the water’s edge. Weave through the town’s many art galleries, studios and beautiful cultural monuments. Finish your tour of this alluring, sunny town with a scenic walk along the Balota Beach. (Half Day; Flexible Timings; Private Activity & No Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy; Meals Not Included; St. Euphemia Church Entrance Fee Included; Please wear comfortable clothes, shoes, sunhat and sunglasses; Don’t forget your camera.)

Take a trip to the small hilltop village of Momjan near the verdant valley of northwest Istria in Croatia. This often overlooked hinterland is dotted with olive groves and medieval castles. Visit the family-owned, fourth-generation Kozlović winery that has been producing fine wines since 1904. After strolling through their vineyards, enjoy a guided walk of their modern eco-conscious winery and contemporary wine cellar, which are considered among the world’s best. Learn about traditional winemaking methods, preserving the heritage of the Istria region, as well as innovative new practices. Settling down in the tasting room indoors, or the glass-fenced terrace that overlooks the vineyards, sip on their prized wines, paired with seasonal local snacks. Apart from international favorites, try the signature Muscat Momiano, Muscat Rose, Teran, and the famous Malvazija, made with hand-harvested indigenous grapes. Explore the charming town of Rovinj on your way back. (Duration: Full day; Private Activity & Transfer; Wine tasting included; Travel time: 1 hr each way; Fitness level: Easy)

Discover the underground galleries and passageways of the world-famous Postojna Cave en route to Ljubljana! Known as one of the most beautiful caves in Europe, the 22-meter long attraction is open to everyone. Hop on an electric train and glide past stunning cave formations and shapes while you learn about their rich history. Marvel at the towering stalagmites and stalactites especially the five-meter tall bright white ‘Brilliant’ stalagmite which is the symbol of Postojna Cave. Walk along the subterranean chambers and witness the diverse fauna including the mysterious ‘baby dragons’ (olms) said to be born of a terrifying dragon that once lived inside the cave in the 17th century. These fascinating stories and old legends make for an unforgettable ride! (Half Day; Flexible Timings; Enroute Activity & Private Transfer, including 2.5 hr transfer from Rovinj to Postojna Cave to Ljubljana; Meals & Guide Not Included; Postojna Entrance Fee Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable, warm clothes and shoes as the temperature inside the cave is 10°C.)

Discover the elegant city of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital and one of Europe’s greenest cities! Explore Ljubljana Castle, a medieval fortress on top of a hill that was built in the 12th century. Take a funicular ride and witness a magnificent view of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke Mountain Range. Let your local guide show you the city’s beautiful bridges and buildings built by Jože Plečnik, Slovenia’s master of early-modern, minimalist design. See the Square of Three Bridges which connects Ljubljana’s old town to the modern city and walk around cultural monuments such as the National Museum and Opera House. Take a stroll on the leafy banks of the emerald-green Ljubljanica River which flows through the city’s heart. During summer, cafes set up tables on the bank transforming it into a nightly street party you can enjoy! (Half Day; Private Activity; Meals not included; Ljubljana castle & Funicular ride Fee Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Don’t forget your camera.)

Enjoy a day trip to Lake Bled that stands beside the picturesque old town of Bled, along with a visit to Bohinj Valley. Reach the Slovenian Tourist Information Centre at Krekov Trg, well in time to meet your local guide before the trip. Expect to encounter magical landscapes that seem to materialize right out of a picture postcard as you drive down. Spot the medieval castle precariously balanced on a jagged cliff-side, framed by the Julian Alps in the distance, as you enter Bled. From the ramparts of the castle, look out for the pretty spires of an old church on the lake’s island, the Church of the Virgin’s Nativity. Enjoy a gondola ride to the island, with the chance to walk up to the popular “Bell of Wishes” perched atop a flight of stairs. After your leisurely boat ride, drive down to Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest glacial lake. Take in the majestic views of the Julian Alps looming over the emerald green lake, before driving back to Ljubljana. (Full Day, Time: 0800 hrs; Shared Activity & Transfer; Group size: 8 max; Entrance fees, Not included: Boat ride & meals; Fitness level: Easy; Please dress comfortably).