Day 1 : Ljubljana, Slovenia Arrival
Welcome to Slovenia! Upon arrival, settle into your hotel in Ljubljana and then head out on foot to take in the sights, sounds, and energy of the lively capital of Slovenia. The dragon is the symbol of Ljubljana, so as you explore the streets of the photogenic Old Town keep an eye out for the numerous dragons decorating the area from the Baroque era onwards.
The Ljubljianica River flows through the vibrant, colorful old town and most of what you will see and do is clustered right along these riverbanks. Stroll along the historic Cankarjevo Nabrezje, the pedestrian-only street along the riverside, and take a break at one of the many coffee shops, bars, and restaurants while soaking in the atmosphere, history, and architecture.
Included :
- Transfer : Airport pick-up
- Activities : Free time
- Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 2 : Ljubljana, Slovenia
This morning let’s make our way to Lake Bled which is a 45-minute drive away. Lake Bled is one of the most iconic sites in Slovenia and nominated as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World! This scenic lake surrounded by mountains & forest is highlighted with the only island in Slovenia. This world-renowned paradise has been impressing visitors with its natural beauty, legends, and special powers to restore well-being for centuries. We will have the option to view the lake from the cliffside medieval Bled Castle and visit the island featuring a historic church on a traditional “pletna” boat.
The most beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding mountain peaks is from the Bled Castle, the oldest castle in the country that towers over the lake on a cliff. In addition to the picturesque architecture, this 12th-century castle will transport you back in time as it is home to a museum collection, a castle printing press where you can learn about traditional manual printing, the castle cellar where you can bottle wine and seal the bottle with wax, a castle blacksmith, and a restaurant.
At the end of our visit, we will head back to Ljubljana to rest for the evening.
Included :
- Activities : Lake Bled & Bled Castle
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 3 : Zadar, Croatia via Plitvice National Park
This morning, we leave Slovenia and head to Croatia, a land of distinctive red-roofed houses, medieval walled towns, and vibrant ports that look out onto the crystalline turquoise waters of the Adriatic. We think you’ll soon agree that Croatia is one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating countries.
We’ll visit the famous National Park of Plitvice, the country’s oldest and largest national park, world-famous for its sixteen lakes and waterfalls cascading into one another.
To admire the beauty of this Unesco World Heritage site, we will take a walk along the trail and explore. Take in and photograph the distinctive colors of the lakes, varying from azure, green, grey, or blue. The colors change constantly depending on the number of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight.
At the end of our visit, we will drive to our next hotel in Zadar where we will spend the night.
Included :
- Transfers : Ljubljana – Plitvice National Park (approx. 3 hours); Plitvice National Park – Zadar (approx 1.5 hours)
- Activities : Plitvice National Park; Free time in Zadar
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Boutique hotel
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Day 4 : Zadar, Croatia
We’ll start our morning early with a ferry trip to the small town of Sali on the Island of Dugi Otok where we will embark on a fisherman’s boat in direction of the National Park of Kornati. The Kornati Islands National Park is a spectacular archipelago that includes 109 mostly uninhabited islands, islets, reefs, and craggy rocks scattered like jewels over an area of 224 square kilometers. The islands were visited by George Bernard Shaw who wrote “On the last day of the Creation God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath.” The stark almost lunar magic of the islands is still bewitching. It’s a sailor’s paradise.
On the southwestern side, the coasts of the Kornati Islands are marked by steep cliffs or “crowns” that make the coastline unique and dramatic. We will admire the surreal landscape of the Telascica cliffs as we drift around the unique rock formations and crystal clear waters.
We will end our tour with a fishing demonstration outside the protected zone in the remainder of the archipelago where we will enjoy the view of the land of fairytales. Lastly, we will join our fisherman for lunch in a small restaurant to enjoy local delicacies before making our way back to Zadar.
Included :
- Activities : Fishing demonstration; Kornati National Park; Sali Town; Free time
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Boutique hotel
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Day 5 : Split, Croatia
Departing in the morning, we will explore Croatia’s second-largest city, Split. Split is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean, as well as the Capital and Centre of the Croatian Dalmatia region. We will enjoy a personalized experience with our local guide as we walk around the city and gain insight into the daily lives of Split locals.
On arrival, you will join a local guide for the guided walking tour of the Diocletian Palace. Considered to be one of the most imposing Roman ruins, Diocletian’s palace is certainly the main attraction of the city of Split, Croatia. For the Games of Thrones fans, the palace is where Daenerys’s locked up and trained her dragons and is the location for Daenerys’s throne room as Meereen ruler.
We will then continue our adventure by climbing up to the top of Saint Domnius Cathedral which is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings still standing.
This will conclude our tour for the day. After we return to our hotel, you are free to enjoy the evening as you wish. Maybe a nice evening in the city or go for a stroll at the waterfront promenade which gets quite lively at night.
Included :
- Transfer : Zadar – Split (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes)
- Activities : Split guided walking tour; Diocletian’s palace; Domnius Cathedral; Free time
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Boutique hotel
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Day 6 : Korčula, Croatia
In the morning, we will take a ferry from Split and cross over to the island of Korčula. Korčula is located on Croatia’s southern Dalmatian coast and is arguably one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Thanks to the island’s history, nature, and gorgeous beaches, Korčula is one of Croatia’s true gems.
We will then head to Lumbarda, where our hotel is located. Well known for its sandy beaches, Lumbarda is a great destination for a sunshine holiday on Korcula. There is more to do here than just topping up your tan. Lumbarda has strong historical roots with archaeological discoveries still being made. Today the fertile land hosts numerous vineyards that produce delicious wine, notably Grk, a wine that is grown nowhere else in Croatia.
Included :
- Transfer : Split -Korčula by ferry (approx. 3 hours 45 minutes)
- Activities : Free time
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 7 : Korčula, Croatia
After breakfast this morning, we will head to the medieval Korcula old town influenced by Venetian Renaissance. The nucleus of Korcula Old Town is part of Croatian national heritage and is therefore protected as a top class national site. Please note that due to the town’s hilly relief, all streets in the Old Town are created of steps that run up and down from the main square and the main street.
We will have lunch in the old town and then we will have the option to visit the Cathedral of St. Mark or the house where Marco Polo used to live. St. Mark’s Cathedral is probably the most important building in the Korcula Old Town. It is built in Gothic-Renaissance style, completed in the 15th century at the place of other church from 13th century. It was built by local masters and craftsman of stone masonry, very well known in renaissance and baroque Dubrovnik and Venice.
Included :
- Activities: Korcula Old Town visit
- Meals : Breakfast; Lunch
- Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 8 : Korčula, Croatia
Today is a free day to do as you wish. Our hotel has a pool and is situated along the water’s edge making it perfect to take a dip in the clear turquoise water the Adriatic is so famous for.
Included :
- Meals: Breakfast
- Activities: Free time
- Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 9 : Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
We’ll have breakfast, check out of the hotel, and then head to Bosnia Herzegovina in our private vehicle. On the way to Sarajevo, we will stop in the town of Mostar for a short guided walk. The town of Mostar is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most popular destinations. With cobblestoned streets, old stone buildings, and its beautiful bridge spanning the picturesque Neretva River, this town looks like it was plucked from the pages of a fairytale.
During the visit, you will learn about the 90s war of Yugoslavia and the scars it left on this city. After the walk, we will enjoy a nice local lunch all together in the city before making our way to our accommodation in Sarajevo.
Included :
- Activities : Mostar guided walking tour
- Meals : Breakfast; Lunch
- Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 10 : Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Learn about Sarajevo’s complex past from your local guide during a walking tour of the city. Stroll through the historical center and admire the Astro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Yugoslav architecture while hearing about the history of the city from World War One until the present.
Included :
- Activities: Sarajevo walking tour, Tunnel of Hope war museum (entrance fee)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 11 : Dubrovnik, Croatia
Leave Bosnia and return back to Croatia by private transport. We will arrive in the afternoon and settle into the hotel. Afterwards, let’s get acquainted with Dubrovnik by taking a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik old town before going up to the defensive stone walls jutting up from the sea just in time for the sunset.
Included :
- Activities : Dubrovnik city walls, Dubrovnik guided walking tour
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Hotel
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Day 12 : Dubrovnik, Croatia
Free day at your own leisure
Included :
- Meals : Breakfast
- Accommodation : Hotel
NEXT DAY
Day 13 : Dubrovnik, Croatia
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.
Included :
- Activities: Free time
- Meals: Breakfast
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The Balkans 13-Day Trip
$3,800 – Trip Cost (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
If you would like a single room throughout the tour, you can purchase the “single supplement.” The single supplement fee for this trip is $700. If you would like your own room, you can purchase the additional supplement at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are encouraged to travel with us instead of paying a costly single supplement fee.
If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like to be paired with someone on the trip to avoid paying the single supplement, we can arrange this for you. If there is no other traveler with whom to pair you, you WILL have to pay the single supplement. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.
What is included :
- 12 nights accommodation (Double occupancy)
- Local guide/concierge/driver
- International airport pick-up from Ljubljana
- Breakfast served daily
- 3 Lunches
- All organized activities
What is not included :
- Most dinners & lunches
- Airport drop-off
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs
- International flight
- Supplementary insurance
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Each group consists of 4 – 12 travelers. We prefer boutique group travel because smaller groups are more easily able to integrate into society and have more authentic contact with the locals.
A small group number also means that tour group members will receive more personal treatment by the tour guide who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small tour groups are also more mobile and flexible so travel plans can be easily altered en route. If the group discovers a special event or festival that they would like to attend, and it is not covered in the original tour itinerary, it is possible to change the itinerary.
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Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
We think of our trips as get-togethers at amazing destinations. Past travelers have told us that the group dynamic and friendships made are the highlights of the trip.
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While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have free time and your guide can recommend and arrange any activity that interests you. Most of the activities can be arranged with little to no notice. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and will be paid at your own expense.
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Each country visited on this trip uses a different currency.
- The official currency of Slovenia is the Euro (EUR)
- The official currency of Croatia is the Kuna (HRK) but you can use the Euro to pay for almost everything.
- The official currency of Bosnia & Herzegovina is the Mark (BAM)
We strongly recommend that you use ATMs while in these countries as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
You can find ATMs at most banks and large supermarkets, some petrol stations, in shopping malls, airports, and some post offices.
It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card while traveling. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned of your travel plans.
Since euros are a popular currency most banks in your home town/city will exchange your local currency for euros. This a very convenient way to get euros but be aware that some banks might not have favorable exchange rates or charge additional fees to exchange. It is best to check with your bank to see what fees are associated with exchanging money in your home town.
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As most components of your tour have been prepaid, you will only need money for lunches, dinners, and any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.
We suggest having access to $500 – $800 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card.
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Americans, Australians, Canadians, and EU passport holders traveling to Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina for less than 90 days DO NOT need a visa.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
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When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Slovenia, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts in that country. See the example below:
Welcome to Slovenia! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may contact your service provider to learn about what international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data. Otherwise, all hotels we will be staying at will offer free wifi and most restaurants and other public places will offer it as well.
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Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet.
Plug facilities have 2-prong outlets with two round prongs in line, which look like this:
In all of the countries, we will be visiting the power plugs and sockets are of type C, E, and F. Type C is also known as the standard “Euro” plug. This socket also works with plug E and plug F.
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The Balkans spreads over 485 miles and the climate is generally similar between Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina’s coastal cities. All 3 countries have relatively hot summers (up to 80ºF) and cool winters (min. 40ºF). Spring and Autumn are warm. Pack lightweight clothing for summer days and a lightweight jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings.
Below are the average low and high temperatures which are fairly similar in all 3 countries we will visit.
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Even if you travel in the summertime, bring warm clothes to layer for chilly evenings.
Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable :
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cardigan or light jacket
- Warm jacket/coat/hoodie for night
- Small across the shoulder day bag or small backpack
- Sunglasses/hat
- Sunscreen (Biodegradable if possible)
- Swimsuit
- Flashlight
- Water shoes
- Flip flops/sandals
- Any prescription medication and over the counter medicine
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Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina do not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10% of the total bill is recommended.
Tipping your tour guide: If you feel she/he did an exceptional job, then you can tip anywhere from $5 – $15 USD a day.
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Almost all of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services at a fee. However, as we change hotels frequently during this trip we suggest bringing enough clothing with the expectation you will not have time to do laundry.
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Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina are safe countries in terms of violent and non-violent crimes. The most common offense that occurs is pickpocketing. However, it is not frequent and generally a cause of negligence, therefore, keep an eye on your belongings and you will have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
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Hotels throughout Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will be possible throughout the tour.
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Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you check with a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
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Yes, we offer private tours to Slovenia, Croatia and/or Bosnia Herzegovina for groups of 4 or more people. Sit back with your family and friends and enjoy a customized experience with our guide who will tailor the itinerary to your needs.
Please contact us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
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Our friendly team is here to answer all of your doubts questions! Feel free to reach us at any time by email at info@globe-drifters.com
Visa
Visitors from Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States who are traveling to Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina for less than 90 days DO NOT need a visa. If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
Flights
Your arrival city is Ljubljana (Slovenia) and the departure city is Dubrovnik (Croatia).
Please do not book any flights until you receive a confirmation from us.
Below are the average low and high temperatures which are similar in all 3 countries we will visit.
Each boutique hotel and accommodation throughout your trip to Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina has been handpicked. We prefer locally-owned or family-run hotels rather than big chains with crowds of tourists and hundreds of rooms. We try our best to select accommodations with impeccable service, old-world charm, and a central location.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
A family-owned hotel placed in the old part of Ljubljana town. The hotel’s interesting history and pleasant gardens make it an excellent choice for those looking for a charming atmosphere with a great location. This boutique hotel offers 34 rooms with comfortable beds and new high-quality mattresses made in Slovenia. Although the hotel is situated in the center of Ljubljana, it is a very quiet and peaceful place where you can relax and enjoy your stay. Breakfast is served in the hotel gardens during the summer months – from May to September.
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex, which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
Vaccinations
Below is information from the CDC and its recommendations regarding vaccinations for travel to Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina.
CDC Slovenia
