From Venice to Dubrovnik Tour

By taking this tour you will cover the most beautiful destinations in the region and cover Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro. 

Itinerary: From Venice to Dubrovnik Tour

The tour starts with a pick up at your accommodation or an arranged destination closest to your accommodation. Our guide/driver will start the tour with you by driving to Rovinj over a scenic route.

We recommend that along the way you visit:

Basilica di Aquileia – Aquileia, one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Early Roman Empire, was destroyed by Attila in the mid-5th century. Most of it still lies unexcavated beneath the fields, and as such it constitutes the greatest archaeological reserve of its kind. The patriarchal basilica, an outstanding building with an exceptional mosaic pavement, played a key role in the evangelization of a large region of central Europe.

Duino Castle – This beautiful fortification built in the 14th century is overlooking the Bay of Trieste. In the 19th century it became one of the residences of Prince Alexander and Princess Marie von Thurn un Taxis and it’s still owned by their great-grandson. Interesting thing is that they hosted many poets, artists and writers in the castle including the famous Rainer Maria Rilke.

Miramare Castle – It is a 19th-century castle on the Gulf of Trieste near Trieste, built by Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota of Mexico. The castle’s grounds include an extensive cliff and seashore park of 22 hectares (54 acres).

Trieste – a city and a seaport, Trieste, is located at the head of the Gulf of Trieste and throughout history it has been influenced by its location at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures. Besides the city itself, you can visit the St Justus Cathedral (1320). Named after the city’s Patron, Justus of Trieste, the church’s interiors are decorated with beautiful Byzantine mosaics.

A bit more of a drive to your accommodation in Rovinj.

Istria is a magical peninsula where the green inland meets the blue Adriatic. This 2 days will be dedicated to exploring the peninsula. Many times, and not without a reason, Istria was referred to as the Croatian Tuscany.  First day is dedicated to getting to know Rovinj, the city you will be accommodated in. This little pearl of Adriatic will remind you a lot of Italy and it’s colorful cities. It was actually built on an island which was later joined to the mainland and now it’s a cute little peninsula full of life. We usually recommend, other than a walking tour of the city, a boat tour where you get a chance to see the city from the sea. Next is Poreč. This city is more for the ones that love history and architecture. You can visit the Euphrasian basilica, a UNESCO listed site, with mosaics dating all the way to the 4th century. The following two cities are taking you to the heart of Istria. Both are medieval fortified cities on hilltops with their own unique stories. They are both famous for the unique gastronomy: olive oil, truffles, vines, liquors which you can taste along the way.

Return to your accommodation in Rovinj.

We always try to show you things that are unique for the area or even unique in the world. In the city of Pula you will visit the Arena, the Roman Colosseum. You can easily say well there are a few of those you can visit and see, but Arena is also special and unique. One of the reasons is that it is the best preserved Arena in the world. By it’s size it’s the 6th in the world but it’s still fairy impressive. The city has a few monuments from the Roman times but it is also an industrial city, the biggest one in Istria.

On this day you will also be able to visit Brijuni, the Croatian national park where you can enjoy the stunning untouched nature, hear about it’s unique flora and fauna and in the end about it’s history and political and glamorous heritage.

Return to your accommodation in Rovinj.

Today you will be leaving Istria and heading to Zagreb, the Croatian capital. It’s not gonna be a boring ride because we planned a few stops along the way. First one is Opatija. This little coastal towns is one of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. Opatija was officially declared a climatic health resort for the aristocracy and prominent people of the time in 1889, and was the first of its kind in the entire Adriatic. We recommend that you visit the gorgeous parks of the city and take a walk on Lungomare, the magic promenade.

Next stop is Rijeka, the principal seaport and the third-largest city in Croatia. Historically, because of its strategic position and its excellent deep-water port, the city was fiercely contested, especially among Italy, Hungary (serving as the Kingdom of Hungary’s largest and most important port), and Croatia. Rijeka. Rijeka has a special vibe being an industrial city with a strong alternative culture. If you have a chance visit it at carnival time since the whole region is famous for it.

Accommodation in Zagreb.

Zagorje, often referred as a fairy tale at hand, is a hilly region north of Zagreb known for having the largest density of castles in Croatia. Full of history and legends, Zagorje will seem like a time travelling. You will have the day for exploring it’s sights. The first place to visit is Klanjec city. This small little city had a very important historical significance. Erdody family, owners of the castle, built a Franciscan convent which became a center of education and scientific work for the area. Other than the church and the monastery you can visit the basement where they keep the 2 restaured sarcophagi of the Erdody family members. Next stop is Kumrovec traditional village which is an open air museum. Not only that you can see the way of life from the locals in the past century, you can also visit the birth house of Tito, the former Yugoslav president and one of the founders of the Non-aligned movement.  Next is Veliki Tabor castle – one of the best preserved medieval castles of the area. Besides the architectural significance, the castle hides one of the most beautiful love stories of Zagorje region. Krapina is coming next. It is the administrative center of the municipality and a very important site in the neanderthal culture. It is the biggest neanderthal site in Europe and also one of the oldest. You an visit a museum dedicated to evolution itself and the neanderthals. Last stop is Trakošćan castle. For the castle and it’s surrounding park many say that it’s one of the most beautiful and romantic castles of the area.

Back to the accommodation in Zagreb.

Not many times on road trips you have a chance to visit the neighboring countries of the area. This day is all about visiting the most popular destinations in Slovenia. You will have a chance to visit Postojna cave, Bled lake and Ljubljana, the Slovene capital.

Postojna cave is one of the most visited caves in Europe. 25 km in length it is a fascinating system of galleries and passages. It is very interesting because you enter it by train, take a walking tour inside and take the train back out again. Not only that it a geological phenomena, it is also a home to the Proteus, a ”human fish” or the baby dragon.

Bled area is next. It is a Slovenian gem you definitely shouldn’t miss. This lake is the Julian Alps will leave you speechless. There are several options on how to spend time on the Lake: visit Bled castle and see the Lake from up above, visit the Bled island with a traditional Pletna boat, taste Bled cream cake (or other Slovenian specialties) or you can just take a walk or a cup of coffee with stunning views.

Last but not least is Ljubljana, the capital. Easy walk through the center of this vibrant little city, from the Prešern square to the Dragon bridge, open and closed market.

Return to Zagreb for an overnight.

On day 7 we are leaving again for the southern part of the Croatian Adriatic. But first a few stops along the way. First stop will be at Rastoke millers village, or Little Plitvice as people call it. This little village has wood/stone houses built on the cascades. Formerly mills, nowadays they are more into tourism and accommodation. The river Slunjčica plays a game through the rocks making beautiful waterfalls. It’s a great intro to Plitvice Lakes National park and an excellent point to have a coffee break before the Park.

Plitvice Lakes national park is the next stop. Lakes that go from turquoise to dark green, waterfalls and the crystal clear water you can feel on your face, animals enjoying their freedom… Plitvice Lakes national park is the oldest and the most visited Croatian park. It is protected by UNESCO and it is one of the most popular destinations in Croatia.

The city of Zadar is the last stop. This little city is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. It is a popular tourist city with a roman architecture and a modern summer buzz. People from Zadar like to mention that a wise man once said that nowhere in the world can a person witness a more beautiful sunset than in Zadar. The words were spoken fifty years ago by the famous movie director Alfred Hitchcock. Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun are modern unique installations that have become two of the most popular attractions that you can visit. They stand for urban, lively, hip, Zadar of the 21st century, but Zadar has proudly stood there for a few millennia, to which many a historical monument can testify.

Overnight in Zadar.

It’s not just the sunset, mornings are also perfect in Zadar. After your breakfast and a morning walk through the city, you will continue the tour to Krka waterfalls. Krka river is also a Croatian national park. Due to its special position and the mosaic distribution of various types of habitats, it is characterized by exceptionally rich and varied flora and fauna. The Skradinski buk waterfall is just one of the highlights of the park. Interesting fact is that this river had the first hydroelectric power plant in Europe and the second in the world, right after Niagara.

Šibenik is next. It is a historic city in Croatia, located in central Dalmatia where the river Krka flows into the Adriatic Sea. It is the oldest native Croatian town on the shores of the sea. We would say it is still in a way the undiscovered gem of the Adriatic. Shined out by more popular Zadar and Split we are sure that you don’t want to miss it. The central church in Šibenik, the Cathedral of St. James, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Overnight in Šibenik.

We continue to explore the coastal towns of Adriatic.

Trogir was formed by the Greek colonists in 3 century BC. Trogir has 2300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its culture was created under the influence of the ancient Greeks, and then the Romans, and Venetians. Trogir has a high concentration of palaces, churches, and towers, as well as a fortress on a small island, and in 1997 was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Movie and TV series fans will love the facts that Trogir appeared in several productions: Doctor Who, The Vampires of Venice, Game of Thrones…

Split is next. It is the second-largest city of Croatia and the largest city of the region of Dalmatia. The city was founded as the Greek colony of Aspálathos in the 3rd or 2nd century BC and later on was home to Diocletian’s Palace, built for the Roman emperor in AD 305. In 1979, the historic center of Split was included into the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in Croatia.

Overnight Split.

The excellent position of Split gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the magical Croatian islands. A boat tour takes you to the most popular destinations – Hvar, Vis, the Blue cave, Pakleni islands…  A day spent hopping the islands will give a bit of a change to this itinerary and also give you a chance not to miss the popular Croatian islands and untouched nature surrounding them.

Overnight Split.

Morning in Split and off to a new adventure. You will travel from Split to Dubrovnik on a scenic route that includes also Bosnia & Herzegovina. Mostar is a city that you will visit. People like to say it is a city where West meats the East and it’s true. The two sides of the city are connected with a beautiful Mostar bridge. It’s a chance to experience something different.

Another unique opportunity to add yet another destination to the itinerary – Montenegro. The tour starts at Dubrovnik, driving south alongside the Adriatic coast passing the cities of Cavtat and Konavle region and soon cross the border to Montenegro (do not forget your passports). We drive alongside the Kotor bay (Europe’s most southern fiord) passing the cities Igalo, Herceg Novi (two great Turkish, later Venetian fortresses), Bijela, Kamenari, pausing for a photo-stop in front of magical Perast – city of seamen and 2 small islands with churches, then a stop at Perast while the guide points out major buildings and explains its rich history, finally reaching the city of Kotor, nested at the very bottom of Kotor bay and surrounded by formidable verticals of neighboring mountains.

A walking tour of the city will show you around this magical city.

On your request we can organize a transfer to any regional airport.

Highlights:

  • The trip is fully customizable

  • Visit to 5 European countries

  • Visit to natural gems like Postojna cave

  • Visit to national parks such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka River national park

  • Sightseeing of capitals: Zagreb & Ljubljana

  • Sightseeing of Roman heritage: Arena in Pula & Diocletian’s palace

  • Sightseeing of UNESCO listed heritage

What is included:

  • Itinerary adjustable according Your wishes

  • Licensed tour leader

  • Transportation

  • Trip organization

  • Accommodation

  • Meals

  • Entrance fees for the attractions

Price:

  • Private trip price per person: from 

Attractions: Venice, Trieste, Istrian peninsula (Rovinj, Hum, Poreč, Pula, Brijuni), Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes national park, Slovenia (Ljubljana, Postojna cave, Bled area), Zadar, Split, Croatian islands, Šibenik, Trogir, Split, Krka river national park, Mostar, Dubrovnik and many more…

Kumrovec – Ethnological Museum ”Old Village” Kumrovec is a protected rural area. It is an open-air museum ”in situ” with preserved authentic farmhouses from the 19th and 20th century. There are around 40 preserved objects with historical and ethnological exhibits. Entering the village, it feels like stepping into history. Part of the village is also the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, Yugoslavian president, one of the leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement. Although the houses are part of the museum, surrounding residents give the home village the vibrancy and a sense of the past in the present.

Krapina – A city whose history dates back to 130 000 years ago. It was celebrated by a famous paleontologist Dragutin Gorjanović Kramberger by finding Neanderthal remains which located Krapina on the world map. The city was built under the medieval fortress with a rich history. It was often named as the favorite city of Croatian kings. Every place in Zagorje has its own legend and Krapina is associated with the legend of Čeh, Leh and Meh and glorious trilikum.

Trakošćan Castle – the moment your eyes see the white walls and towers surrounding the castle you will think that you are a part of a true fairy tale and you will anxiously climb up to the castle entrance. The castle was built in the 13th century as a part of the defense line against the Osman Empire and with time became an architectural pearl of this area. It is still a mystery how it got its name – was it a Thracian fortress named Arx Trachorum or was it the ownership of the Drachstein knights. Today it is a museum containing original castle furniture and armory collection.

Veliki Tabor is one of the best preserved medieval and renaissance fortified towns in Croatian mainland. The architectural forms, techniques and methods of construction prove that Veliki Tabor originates from the 15th century. It is not clear whether the Counts of Celje built Veliki Tabor, but it is known that they possessed it in the mid-15th century. Family Rattkay built a part of the castle during the 16th century and it remained in their possession until 1793.g. There are many legends associated with the castle and the most popular are those related to Veronica Desinic.

Kumrovec – Ethnological Museum ”Old Village” Kumrovec is a protected rural area. It is an open-air museum ”in situ” with preserved authentic farmhouses from the 19th and 20th century. There are around 40 preserved objects with historical and ethnological exhibits. Entering the village, it feels like stepping into history. Part of the village is also the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, Yugoslavian president, one of the leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement. Although the houses are part of the museum, surrounding residents give the home village the vibrancy and a sense of the past in the present.

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    About Viatica Travel
    Viatica Travel is travel agency specialized in private day trips from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National park, Bled lake, Postojna cave, Trakošćan castle, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Istria, Varaždin …

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