Croatia & Slovenia Exploration - Luxury Holidays & Concierge Travel

When we think about Europe for summer, we often imagine sun-kissed Italy, foodie France and Spain’s Balearics. But go a little further off the well-trodden route, and you can discover a whole new side to Europe in Slovenia and Croatia.

“Neighbouring Slovenia and Croatia offer a raft of active excursions in glorious nature – think towering alps, vast underground caves, gushing rivers and waterfalls, tranquil lakes and the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea. Perfect for an active family, you’ll explore both countries on foot, mountain bike, raft, kayak, cable car and yacht. Let the fun begin!”

Sarah Woodthorpe

Personal Travel Designer

01488 689700 Sarah.Woodthorpe@baileyrobinson.com Read Sarah’s profile

Split, Croatia: Cycling, Islands and Lakes

Start your family adventure in Split, located on Croatia’s Dalmatia coast. Explore Croatia’s second-largest city with a private guide, discovering Roman residence Diocletian’s Palace and the remarkable ensemble of Roman, Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance architecture in this atmospheric ancient city. Make time to cycle the Dalmatian hinterland – a wilderness that sprawls behind Split, on rugged roads that take you around valleys, springs, waterfalls and cliffs.

Spend a day on the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic on a private yacht to explore some of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches and hidden coves. Visit the caves and beaches of Vis, Biševo and Hvar Island plus the famous Blue Cave which glows with remarkable azure light. Snorkel, swim and stop at beach bars or step ashore to explore Hvar’s Old Town and old Venetian palaces.

Rovinj, Croatia: History and National Parks

“The beauty of Rovinj will take your breath away and its chic, upmarket atmosphere means plenty of restaurants and bars to soak up the scene.”

Driving to Rovinj in Istria from Split, a stop at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must – the chain of 16 lakes that gleam in iridescent blue make for an enjoyable stroll, and you may be lucky enough to spot brown bears, grey wolf or lynx amongst a plethora of rare birdlife.

Arriving in Rovinj, you’ll immediately see why it’s one of Croatia’s most charming and picturesque towns with its Medieval architecture and tangle of cobbled streets in the old town that gently ascend to the Baroque hilltop church of St. Euphemia. The islands scattered in the Adriatic are the Brijuni islands which you can explore by ferry – the main island Velika Brijunihas has wonderful botanical gardens, a Roman archaeological site and amazingly over 200 dinosaur footprints!

Slovenia: Caves and Hikes

From Istria in Croatia, it’s an easy two-hour journey to Slovenia making the two countries perfect holiday partners. Just inside Slovenia are the Skocjan Caves, a deep underground cavern that has a river running through it and dramatic rocky scenery to admire as you walk through.

Slovenia is also home to the Julian Alps, which you can visit from your base in Lake Bled. In this altitudinous landscape you can explore the Triglav National Park – appreciate deep river gorges, high-mountain karst shafts, and picturesque mountains. From Lake Bohinj, ascend the cable car to Vogel panoramic plateau for breath-taking views over the jagged, snow-dusted Julian Alps. Nearby is also Savica waterfall, which gushes through a steep rocky precipice into a jade green pool. The terrain around Lake Bohinj is ideal for biking – weave your way through winding paved and dirt roads through local villages, stopping for lunch at a local farm.

Slovenia: Lake Bled & Rafting

One of Slovenia’s most iconic sights, Lake Bled is a glistening body of water characterised by a central island topped with a tiny church. Visit the church by traditional hand-propelled pletna boat, walk around the lake in its entirety or settle down at one of its many beaches for a lake swim or paddleboard. Fuel up afterwards with a Lake Bled cream cake.

From Lake Bled there are many opportunities for active families such as kayaking or rafting on the emerald, green Soča River, experiencing the thrill of mild rapids. Canyoning is also great family fun. Cruise along natural sculptures created over millennia, swim in crystal-clear pools, slip through waterfalls and descend into the canyons. Luckily Lake Bled is also a very serene place to relax, so in between adventures you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Lake Bled Garden Village, before you start your return journey home.

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