Choose our self-drive tour and spend eight memorable days exploring the superb culture and landscapes of Croatia and Slovenia. Start in Pula, Croatian Rome and wander around the remnants of ancient history while visiting Roman Amphitheatre, picturing gladiators fight in the blood-soaked dust. Step into the smallest European capital, Ljubljana and admire the fusion of old and modern legacy while exploring Ljubljana Castle or Dragon Bridge and its vibrant streets. Get allured by the Mediterranean flavours while tasting excellent specialities in Rijeka and surrounding charming villages, and take a hike in a must-see natural phenomenon, Plitvice Lakes National Park. This trip will definitely give you never ending fun and tons of memories that will last for a lifetime.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Pula: the largest city in Istria County with beautiful beach-lined coast and Roman ruins.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: with paradisiacal landscapes, mesmerizing waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, the Croatian national park is a nature´s lover paradise.
Ljubljana: Europeans greenest and smallest capital, full of lively atmosphere and beautiful architecture. The emerald-green Ljubljana River that flows through the city's heart, put the finishing touch to this picturesque Slovenian´s capital.
Rijeka: European capital of culture for 2020, a city rich for industrial and maritime heritage. Its surrounding hides many treks and cycling paths, and charming little villages invite you to experience the real Croatian gourmet phantasy.
Day 1: ARRIVAL PULA
Arrive at Pula Airport, meet and greet by our local representative who will assist you with your car hire and inform you how to proceed on your departure day. Drive to your hotel for check-in and explore the largest town on the Istrian peninsula. It offers a diversity of attractions to lovers of culture, history and gastronomy. Optionally you can book our two-hour Pula city tour and explore the hidden corners of this ancient city with a private guide.
Overnight in Pula.
Day 2: PULA
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you´ll start exploring Pula. Pula is to Croatia what Rome is to Italy. There is no hiding the city’s main attraction – an enormous Roman Amphitheatre. Wandering around the remnants of ancient history, you’ll be able to picture gladiators fight in the blood-soaked dust.
Overnight in Pula.
Day 3: PULA – LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA (105 km – 2.5 hrs)
After your leisure breakfast at the hotel, check-out from your hotel and follow your drive to Slovenia, natural paradise on Earth. You´ll be driving along the green-rivers, turquoise coastlines and snowy mountains until you reach Ljubljana, the smallest capital city in Europe. Check in to your hotel and start exploring this political and cultural heart of the Slovenian nation. Alternatively, you can book our optional 2 hours Ljubljana city tour and discover the city gems with a private guide.
Overnight in Ljubljana.
Day 4: LJUBLJANA
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by leisure day in Ljublana. Walk along the streets and admire the legacy of Roman Emona, through to the Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau periods. Take an inside of the Slovenian gastronomy at one of the local restaurants and find cultural events, open-air markets, bike lanes or shopping areas of this vibrant city. Perhaps you´ll feel like hiking or cycling, as Ljubljana area offers many hiking and biking paths in the heart of the city or in the close surroundings, or take a water raft experience in one of the adventure centre.
Overnight in Ljubljana.
Day 5: LJUBLJANA – PLITVICE (205 km – 3.15 hrs)
Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself to depart towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, a must-see natural wonder in Croatia and a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Surrounded by dense woods and characterised by its rich flora and fauna, Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. Stroll the paradisiacal paths of the park, admire the magnificent lakes, the beautiful cascading waterfalls, and the whole picturesque image of nature. Take your time and relax, getting ready for a comfortable night spent at your selected hotel in Plitvice. Alternatively, you can book our 4-hour optional tour, Plitvice National Park tour and with a company of an English speaking guide wonder around this natural gem.
Overnight in Plitvice.
Day 6: PLITVICE – RIJEKA (180 km – 2.15 hrs)
After the breakfast at the hotel, check-out and drive to your following destination, the colourful blend of Italian and Habsburg legacy, Rijeka. Commonly known as Port of diversity, Rijeka is a city full of cultural and entertainment possibilities, and you may choose to see the country’s biggest carnival, when thousands of masks participate on the parade along the main street, Korzo.
Overnight in Rijeka.
Day 7: RIJEKA
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and jump up for your following exploration of the beautiful region of Rijeka. Don´t miss to visit Trsat Castle and take a drive to other little charming villages around Rijeka, such as Mošćenice, Veprinac or Kastav and try local dishes in the well-known restaurants in Mošćenička Draga and Volosko. Optionally, you can book our optional 2-hours Opatja city tour (30 minutes driving from Rijeka) and get an inside of another vibrant city of Croatia.
Overnight in Rijeka.
Day 8: RIJEKA – DEPARTURE PULA (110 km – 2 hrs)
Spend your last morning in Croatia savouring your breakfast. After check-out from your hotel and drive back to Pula Airport where you will return the rental car and prepare for your return flight.
Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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