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Croatia & Slovenia:...
 

Croatia & Slovenia: The Old-World Adriatic

12 days |  15 days with Ljubljana & Lake Bled extension
Group size1535 travelers
Reviews

4.7 star rating

193
Physical activity
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Discover Old-World European romance, perfectly preserved.

See Dubrovnik’s storied city walls overlooking the pristine blue waters of the Adriatic. Step back in time as you explore the impressive Diocletian’s Palace complex in seaside Split. Wander past emerald scenery and tranquil waterscapes in the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. And experience “Europe in miniature” in Ljubljana, the stunningly green (and endlessly cultural) capital of Slovenia.

Your tour package includes

  • 10 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 10 breakfasts
  • 4 dinners with beer or wine
  • 9 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
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Included highlights

  • Dubrovnik
  • Mostar’s Old Bridge
  • Diocletian’s Palace
  • Ivan Mestrovic Gallery
  • Trogir
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Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Dubrovnik today.

Dubrovnik3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Dubrovnik
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Croatia! Gather with your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik
Included meal: Breakfast

Set on a peninsula on the Adriatic, Dubrovnik’s massive walls have served as the city’s calling card for centuries. Today, you’ll take a guided tour.

  • Pay a visit to the 13th-century Franciscan Monastery, which boasts the most  extensive library in the region
  • View the impressive Rector’s Palace and the city’s ornate cathedral

Enjoy a free evening in Dubrovnik or add an excursion.

Scenic Dubrovnik Coast Cruise & Dinner

From $105 per person

Day 4: Free day in Dubrovnik
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Dubrovnik or add an excursion.

Montenegro

From $115 per person

Split Region2 nights
Day 5: The Split Region via Mostar
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to the Split region today. Stop en route for a guided tour of Mostar, a city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  • Enter an old Ottoman mosque and traditional Ottoman house
  • Walk over the striking Old Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site that joins the banks of the Neretva River
Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Split
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a guided tour of Split, a coastal city with a local culture that seamlessly combines tradition and modernity.

  • Enter Diocletian’s Palace, an enormous third-century palace complex
  • View the monuments to the city’s varied cultural influences, including Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces, Venetian fortifications, and an Egyptian sphinx
  • Examine sculptures, drawings, and paintings at the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery
Plitvice2 nights
Day 7: Plitvice via Trogir & Zadar
Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer to Plitvice today. Along the way, you’ll stop in two Dalmatian Coast towns for guided tours.

  • Set off with your Tour Director and explore Trogir, where you’ll wander past Radovan’s Portal and Trogir Cathedral
  • Join a local guide in the seaside town of Zadar to view Roman ruins and the one-of-a-kind Sea Organ
Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Embark on a guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park, 16 levels of lakes nestled between Mount Mala Kapela and Mount Pljesevica.

  • Admire the upper lakes, forests, caves, and waterfalls with a local guide
  • Visit the lower lakes with your Tour Director leading the way
Zagreb1 night
Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Zagreb
Included meal: Breakfast

Continue on to Zagreb, where a local guide will introduce you to the best of Croatia’s capital city on a walking tour.

  • Pass by the Meštrović Pavilion, Zrinjevac Park, fortified Lotrščak Tower, and Mirogoj Cemetery
  • Enter the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art to admire the simplistic beauty of the artwork
Ljubljana2 nights
Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Ljubljana
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and join a local expert for a guided tour.

  • Stop in Prešeren Square to see the France Prešeren Monument
  • Pass by the Triple Bridge, Town Hall, and Baroque Robba Fountain
  • View Ljubljana Cathedral, the Dragon Bridge, and the famed open-air market
Day 11: Free day in Ljubljana
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Ljubljana or add an excursion. 

Tonight, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner with your group.

Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle

From $149 per person

Flight Home
Day 12: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore Slovenia.

Extension to Ljubljana & Lake Bled
Want to see mountains overlooking a castle overlooking a glacial lake, all surrounded by an emerald forest? We don’t blame you! Extend your stay to explore Lake Bled and more of Slove-nia’s northwest corner with a local guide, and find out why aristocrats have been vacationing in this romantic spot for centuries.
Ljubljana1 night
Day 12: Free day in Ljubljana
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Ljubljana or add an excursion.

Piran: Slovenia's Adriatic Gem

From $135 per person

Lake Bled2 nights
Day 13: Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj to discover why Europeans have come to this resort area for decades.

  • Drive around Lake Bled and enter Bled Castle
  • Continue on to Lake Bohinj, enjoying views of Slovenian villages along the way
  • Enjoy free time for lunch in the small, lakeside village of Ribcev Laz
Day 14: Free day in the Lake Bled Region
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in the Lake Bled region or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

The Julian Alps: Triglav National Park

From $155 per person

Flight Home
Day 15: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Ljubljana airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 star rating

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 193 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    2000 years of History -15 Days of Beautiful Nature
    5/4/23 by 13th-time traveler Dixie

    This tour exceeded my expectations everyday. We visited four countries and several walled cities centuries old. Guide Bojan was the most organized and knowledgeable one I had experienced in 14 Go-Ahead tour. Rainy weather didn’t keep us from enjoying our visits while everything which could keep us ...

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    4.0 star rating

    Tour guide makes the trip!
    5/4/23 by 1st-time traveler Ky

    The best part of this trip was Bojan, the best tour guide I've ever toured with. His knowledge of history, geography, culture and architecture was thorough and well articulated. He is extremely helpful, considerate and thoughtful with all of the guests. He went above and beyond several times. Hi...

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    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 5/24/23

    Thank you so much for taking the time to provide y...

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    5.0 star rating

    Highlights of the Balkans
    4/13/23 by 8th-time traveler Marilyn

    My sisters and I have traveled with Go Ahead several times in the past 8 years and we have come to expect excellent tour directors, lodging and excursions with local guides. This one did not disappoint. Our tour director, Tamara, was wonderful. Her English was excellent, she was well organized and e...

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    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Hotel LERO
    Hotel LERO

    This contemporary hotel is located in Lero, just outside of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Guests enjoy the Piano Bar, pool, and spa. Nearby you’ll find Bellev...

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    Atrium Hotel
    Atrium Hotel

    This modern hotel is located in Split. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and indoor pool. Nearby, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum Split,...

    Read more +
    Lyra Hotel Plitvice
    Lyra Hotel Plitvice

    This modern hotel is located in the village of Licko Petrovo Selo in Plitvice. Guests enjoy a fitness hall, wellness area, and bar. Nearby you’ll find...

    Read more +
    Sheraton Zagreb Hotel
    Sheraton Zagreb Hotel

    This traditional hotel is located in Zagreb’s Donji grad neighborhood. Guests enjoy a heated indoor pool, a spa, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll fi...

    Read more +
    City Hotel Ljubljana
    City Hotel Ljubljana

    This contemporary hotel is located in downtown Ljubljana. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and bike rentals. Nearby, you'll find Old Town, Ljublj...

    Read more +
    Hotel Park Bled
    Hotel Park Bled

    This contemporary hotel is located on the shores of Lake Bled. Guests enjoy a wellness center, indoor pool, and air conditioning. Nearby, you’ll find ...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • This tour visits Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
    • There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code CRO.
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    YesNo
    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 3 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Dubrovnik and depart from Ljubljana. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code CRO.
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    Cuisine
    • In Croatia, you may like to try traditional Balkan dishes, such as duvec (vegetables and meat), moussaka (eggplant and minced meat), sarma (minced meat and rice), and raznjici (grilled veal or pork). Almost every region of the country produces its own varieties of wine, each of which are quite delicious.
    • Slovenian cuisine blends elements of Italian, Hungarian, Austrian, and Balkan cooking. Pasta, gnocchi, and risotto are ubiquitous, as is the Austrian-inspired schnitzel and the Balkan burek, a phyllo pastry stuffed with salty cheese or meat.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E or F plugs with two small, round pins.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
    • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
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    Currency
    • You will use the euro in Croatia and Slovenia, and the Bosnian convertible mark in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
    • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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