Slovenia & Croatian Explorer
- Duration: 13 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEI9839
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
13 days
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Embark on an extraordinary 13-day journey through some of Europe's most enchanting yet undiscovered destinations, where fairy-tale castles reflect in emerald Alpine lakes, medieval hilltop towns overlook the sparkling Adriatic, and every day brings new wonders that will leave you speechless.
This isn't just another European tour - it's your passport to the hidden gems that past visitors whisper about. From Slovenia's pristine Alpine beauty to Croatia's sun-kissed Istrian coast, from Mozart's baroque Salzburg to Switzerland's picture-perfect Lucerne, you'll discover destinations that combine breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming hospitality.
What makes this adventure truly special?
- You'll experience Portorož's impressive collection of 4-star LifeClass Hotels, complete with thermal pools, spa treatments, and casino entertainment.
- You'll visit dramatic Bled Castle overlooking Slovenia's most famous lake, cruise across pristine Lake Bohinj's crystal-clear waters before taking a breathtaking cable car ride through the Julian Alps, explore underground caves that took millions of years to create, and witness the grace of world-famous Lipizzaner horses.
- You'll spend time on Croatia's Istrian Peninsula - where old towns reveal ancient secrets and azure seas beckon a swin in pure Mediterranean bliss
- You'll wander through medieval towns where time seems to have stood still, sample exceptional wines in fairy-tale Alsatian villages, and enjoy Swiss chocolate shopping in one of the world's most beautiful cities.
From the moment you cross into Austria and on to Slovenia's green heart to your final toast along the Alsace Wine Route, every day offers new discoveries, stunning landscapes, and those magical moments that transform a holiday into lifelong memories. This is Europe as it was meant to be experienced - authentic, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.
Join us on the Slovenia & Croatia Explorer, where every destination feels like a wonderful secret you'll be delighted to discover.
This is an ideal choice for:
- People keen to discover these beautiful countries
- Anyone who loves authentic local experiences and a more active holiday
- Lovers of fabulous food and drink
Please note valid passport required for travel
This holiday includes places that have uneven surfaces, steps and will naturally include some walking to get the best of the experiences. For these reasons it is not suitable for persons with walking difficulties. Rooms at the LifeClass Hotels are standard. If you’d like a sea view room here, have a limited number with balcony and sea view at a £70 per person supplement. Let us know if you have any allergies/phobias. Remember that we’ll (not limited to) see horses, go underground into caves, walk up a fairly short but steep incline to the top of Bled Castle, go in a cable car, drink wine (and possibly other alcoholic tipples), eat local food, go in thermal pools, go on boats, and generally have a good time. If you’re adverse to any of this – this holiday is probably not for you!
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1
Your Journey Begins...
An early start as we begin our exciting continental adventure, travelling through France to our overnight hotel. Settle into your comfortable hotel for a well-deserved rest after the journey. We will stop en route so that you can pick up dinner before we arrive at our overnight hotel.
Day 2
Into the Heart of Europe
After breakfast, continue our journey through the European countryside to our overnight stop in Austria. Arrive in the late afternoon to kick back, relax, and enjoy tonight's included evening meal at your comfortable hotel, which is within easy travelling distance of Salzburg.
Day 3
Mozart's City to Slovenian Beauty
After a refreshing night's sleep enjoy a tasty breakfast before travelling the short distance to the lovely city of Salzburg. Explore beautiful Salzburg at your leisure - visit the Old Town with its baroque architecture, stroll through the historic town and perhaps take the funicular railway to the magnificent Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic city views. Later, continue south into Slovenia where we check into our comfortable hotel close to Lake Bled for the next 2 nights with dinner included.
Day 4
Lake Bled & Bohinj Adventures
After breakfast, discover the magic of Lake Bled with a visit to the dramatic Bled Castle, perched high on a clifftop overlooking the emerald lake. Continue to pristine Lake Bohinj for a scenic boat cruise across its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering Alpine peaks. Experience breathtaking mountain panoramas with an exhilarating cable car ride, offering spectacular views of the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5
Underground Wonders to Coastal Paradise
Begin with breakfast before exploring the magnificent Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage underground marvel. Visit the world-famous Lipica Stud Farm, home to the elegant Lipizzaner horses, followed by delightful wine tastings paired with local meats showcasing Slovenia's culinary heritage. Continue to the elegant coastal resort of Portorož for a 5-night stay at one of the 4-star LifeClass Hotels. Dinner at your hotel.
Days 6 - 9
Your base for the next few days is delightful Portoroz on the Slovenian coast. Enjoy hearty buffet breakfasts every morning that are guaranteed to set you up for whatever your day holds. Take time to enjoy the hotel's extensive facilities or explore the pretty seaside resort of Portoroz but make sure you don't miss out on our INCLUDED excursions . Here's a taste of what you can look forward to...Day 6 - Relaxation by the Adriatic Portorož - Rest Day
A well-deserved day of leisure to fully enjoy your LifeClass Hotels experience. Relax by the thermal or seawater pools, indulge in Sea Spa treatments, or simply unwind on the seafront promenade.
Day 7 - Croatian Coastal Treasures
After your buffet breakfast, cross into Croatia to discover the stunning Istrian peninsula. Explore Poreč with its remarkable 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica (UNESCO World Heritage site) and charming medieval streets. Continue to picturesque Vrsar, a delightful fishing village perched on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic.
Day 8 - Hilltop Villages & Venetian Elegance
The Croatian adventure continues with a visit to medieval Motovun, a spectacular hilltop town surrounded by vineyards and truffle-rich forests. Later, discover Rovinj, often called the "Pearl of Istria," with its Venetian architecture and colourful houses cascading down to the harbour.
Day 9 - Venetian Charm & Leisure Time
After breakfast, visit enchanting Piran, Slovenia's most beautiful coastal town. This perfectly preserved medieval gem offers breathtaking views across the Adriatic. Return to your LifeClass Hotel for a relaxing afternoon - perfect for some ‘me time’ as you prepare to leave Slovenia and head into Italy.
Day 10
Alpine Lakes & Italian Elegance
Bid farewell to the coast as after breakfast you’ll journey into Italy's stunning Lake District. Arrive at magnificent Como town where Italian sophistication meets breathtaking Alpine scenery at the southern tip of magnificent Lake Como. This elegant lakeside destination captivates with charming medieval streets, sophisticated piazzas, and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, all set against dramatic mountain backdrops and pristine lake waters that create unforgettable Italian memories. Continue to your overnight accommodation with dinner included.
Day 11
Picture Perfect Switzerland
After breakfast, travel through stunning Swiss Alpine scenery to Lucerne, picture-perfect, and the place to get your Swiss choccies. Continue into France's enchanting Alsace region for an overnight stay with dinner included.
Day 12
Colmar & The Alsace Wine Route
Breakfast this morning is followed by some free time in Colmar, the "Little Venice of Alsace," with its perfectly preserved medieval old town, half-timbered houses, and flower-lined canals. We’ll then take the Alsace Wine Route with a petite stop for some well-earned wine tasting (when in the Alsace… as they say!). Continue on through the beautiful French and your final overnight hotel stop.
Day 13
Homeward Bound
After a final breakfast, complete your unforgettable Slovenia & Croatia Explorer adventure with the final journey home, carrying wonderful memories of this extraordinary European experience.
Tour Includes
- Return ferry crossings
- 2 nights bed & breakfast (Days 1 & 12)
- 10 nights dinner bed & breakfast
- Extensive buffet breakfast and dinners in Portoroz
- Use of extensive leisure facilities and casino at LifeClass hotels in Portoroz
- Visits to Salzburg, Lucerne, Como and the Alsace as itinerary
- Excursions and entrances to Lake Bled & Castle, Lake Bohinj cruise & cable car ride, Škocjan Caves, Lipica Stud Farm, wine tasting and Piran in Slovenia as itinerary
- Visits to the Croatian coastal towns of Poreč, Vrsar, Motovun & Rovinj as itinerary
- Direct Coach Travel & Net Zero Carbon
- Tourist Taxes Included Throughout
Salzburg - Mozart's Musical City
Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and setting for The Sound of Music, represents one of Europe's most beautiful baroque cities. This UNESCO World Heritage site combines stunning Alpine scenery with architectural masterpieces, creating an enchanting atmosphere that has inspired composers and artists for centuries.
The historic Old Town features narrow medieval streets, elegant squares, and magnificent churches, whilst the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress dominates the skyline. Visitors can explore Mozart's birthplace, stroll through the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, and enjoy the city's renowned musical heritage in the very places where classical music history was made.
Lake Bled & Castle - Slovenia's Fairytale
Lake Bled epitomises Slovenia's natural beauty with its emerald waters reflecting the surrounding Alps and the iconic island church at its centre. The lake's thermal springs maintain pleasant swimming temperatures, whilst the traditional Pletna boats provide romantic transport to Bled Island.
Bled Castle, perched dramatically on a 130-metre cliff, is Slovenia's oldest castle, offering breathtaking views and housing a fascinating museum. The castle's medieval atmosphere, combined with its spectacular setting, creates one of Europe's most photographed landmarks. Don't miss sampling the famous Bled cream cake whilst enjoying the magical Alpine scenery.
For more information on Lake Bled and its castle, just click on this LINK
Skocjan Caves, Lipica Stud Farm & Wine Country
Škocjan Caves represent one of the world's most spectacular underground phenomena, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. These magnificent caverns feature enormous chambers, underground rivers, and dramatic formations created over millions of years. The caves' unique ecosystem and geological importance make them a natural wonder of global significance.
To find out more about the Skocjan Caves, just click on this LINK
Lipica Stud Farm is the birthplace of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses, where these elegant white stallions have been bred for over 400 years. Visitors can witness classical dressage performances and learn about the centuries-old traditions that created these magnificent animals, once reserved for European royalty.
More information on the Lipica Stud Farm is available HERE
The surrounding Karst wine region produces exceptional wines using traditional methods, with local tastings featuring premium vintages paired with regional delicacies including prosciutto, cheese, and olive oil.
For more information on the Karst (or Kras) wine region, click on this LINK
Portoroz - Slovenia's Riviera
Portorož, meaning "Port of Roses," is Slovenia's premier seaside resort and the jewel of the country's short but stunning coastline. This elegant resort town combines Austrian sophistication with Mediterranean relaxation, offering beautiful beaches, world-class spa facilities, and a charming Belle Époque atmosphere. The town's salt pans have provided therapeutic treatments for centuries, whilst its mild climate and scenic promenade make it perfect for leisurely strolls. With excellent restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and the famous Grand Casino, Portorož provides the perfect base for exploring both Slovenia's coast and Croatia's nearby treasures.
To find out more about Portoroz, just click on this LINK
Porec & Vrsar - Istrian Coastal Gems
Poreč showcases 2,000 years of continuous habitation, with its crowning glory being the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning Byzantine mosaics. The town's Roman street layout remains intact, whilst Venetian palaces and Gothic houses create an architectural timeline through the centuries. The charming old town peninsula, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, offers excellent restaurants and boutique shopping.For more information on Porec, just click on this LINK
Vrsar offers a more intimate coastal experience, perched on a hilltop overlooking a scattered archipelago of small islands. This charming fishing village retains its authentic character with stone houses, narrow alleys, and stunning panoramic views across the Adriatic. The town's peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect retreat from busier coastal destinations.
To find out more abbout Vrsar, just click on this LINK
Rovinj & Motovun - Medieval Marvels
Rovinj stands as the undisputed "Pearl of Istria," with its enchanting old town rising dramatically from the Adriatic Sea. This former fishing village, with its Venetian bell tower dominating the skyline, features narrow cobblestone streets, colourful houses cascading down to the harbour, and romantic waterfront cafés. The town's artistic heritage lives on in numerous galleries and studios, whilst its excellent restaurants serve the finest Istrian cuisine.
To find out more about Rovinj, just click on this LINK
Motovun represents medieval Croatia at its most spectacular, perched dramatically on a hilltop surrounded by the Mirna River valley. This perfectly preserved fortified town, encircled by 13th-century walls, overlooks rolling hills covered in vineyards and oak forests famous for their truffles. The town's narrow streets, ancient gates, and panoramic views create an unforgettable medieval atmosphere.
For more information on Motovun, just click on this LINK
Como - Italian Lakeside Elegance
Discover the timeless beauty of Como town, where Italian sophistication meets breathtaking Alpine scenery at the southern tip of magnificent Lake Como. Historic Charm The elegant town of Como captivates with its charming medieval streets, sophisticated piazzas, and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral (Duomo) with its striking Renaissance façade.
The town's rich heritage as a silk-producing centre is evident in its beautiful architecture and refined atmosphere. Shopping & Culture Stroll through the elegant boutiques and silk shops that reflect the town's famous textile heritage, or enjoy a leisurely coffee in one of the charming lakeside cafés whilst soaking up the sophisticated Italian atmosphere.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Colmar & The Alsace Wine Route
Lake Bohinj & Vogel Cable Car Adventure
Your adventure continues with a scenic cable car journey up Mount Vogel, where panoramic vistas unfold before your eyes. As you glide 1,540 metres above sea level, the entire Bohinj valley spreads beneath you like a living postcard. From the summit, drink in breathtaking 360-degree views of Slovenia's highest peaks, including the mighty Triglav itself.
Accommodation
Overnight Hotels
Your overnight hotels will be comfortable tourist class hotels with facilities to match. You will be advised in advance of where you will be staying but our chosen hotel will be well located for your journey and the sightseeing planned en route.Lifeclass Hotels - Portoroz
Exceptional Accommodation & Dining
Stay at one of Portorož's renowned 4-star LifeClass Hotels, where beach-side meets wellness on Slovenia's stunning Adriatic coast. Enjoy buffet breakfasts featuring both hot and cold selections, and indulge in all-you-can-eat buffet dinners showcasing local and international cuisine. We will confirm exactly which LifeClass hotels we're staying a few weeks before departure, but whichever hotel we stay at, the experience is going to be amazing!
Wellness & Relaxation
Choose your perfect relaxation experience with entrance to either the rejuvenating thermal pools or the unique heated seawater pools. Pamper yourself at the Sea Spa, utilising the healing properties of Adriatic seawater and marine treatments (exztra charge), and stay active at the LifeFit fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
Entertainment
Experience the excitement with entrance to both the Grand Casino Portorož and Casino Riviera. Enjoy the hotel's entertainment and recreational programme, ensuring every evening offers something special.
For more information on our LifeClass Hotels, please click on this LINK
Hotel location