12 Days Exploring Croatia and Slovenia Itinerary

Depart early from Zagreb and head towards Plitvice Lakes National Park (approximately 2 hours by car). Upon arrival, start your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site with a walk along its wooden pathways that wind through stunning turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls. For breakfast on-the-go or upon arrival near the park entrance, grab some pastries from Kraš Choco Bar.

Continue exploring Plitvice Lakes by taking one of the boat rides across Kozjak Lake or hiking up to some of the park's higher viewpoints for breathtaking panoramas. Enjoy lunch at Lička Kuća, located within the park premises and offering traditional Croatian dishes made from local ingredients.

After a full day of exploring nature's wonders at Plitvice Lakes National Park, drive back towards your accommodation near Zadar (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car). For dinner upon arrival in Zadar, dine at Pet Bunara, known for its fresh seafood dishes and charming ambiance.

Begin your day in Split with a visit to Diocletian's Palace – one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in existence today. Wander through its ancient streets filled with shops and cafes while marveling at historical sites such as Peristyle Square and St Domnius Cathedral. For breakfast or brunch before starting your tour inside Diocletian’s Palace complex itself try out Brasserie on 7.

Incorporate some beach time into your itinerary by heading over to Bačvice Beach – just minutes away from Split’s city center – where you can relax under umbrellas or take part in water sports activities if desired! Have lunch nearby at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar offering exquisite local wines paired perfectly alongside gourmet meals prepared using seasonal ingredients sourced locally whenever possible.

As evening falls upon Split make sure not miss out on experiencing Riva Promenade; lined beautifully palm trees overlooking Adriatic Sea making perfect spot enjoy sunset view while sipping cocktail perhaps even enjoying live music performance happening nearby too! Dine later night away enjoying delectable Mediterranean cuisine served up stylishly elegant surroundings found only within walls restaurant named simply yet aptly enough -Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar

Start your day with a drive to the picturesque town of Rovinj (approximately 1 hour from Pula). Begin your exploration at the old town, wandering through its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Visit the Church of St. Euphemia, which offers stunning views over the Adriatic Sea. For breakfast, stop by Caffe Bar Batel for a coffee and some pastries.

Head to Poreč, another charming coastal town in Istria (about 30 minutes from Rovinj). Here, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica, known for its beautiful mosaics. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy lunch at Sv. Nikola, which offers fresh seafood dishes with a view of the sea.

Return to Pula in the evening (approximately 45 minutes by car) and explore its Roman heritage by visiting the well-preserved Pula Arena. For dinner, dine at Farabuto, known for its innovative take on traditional Istrian cuisine. End your day with a drink at The Shipyard Pub, a popular spot among locals.

Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Optional Soweto Tour is an excellent way to start your day in Ljubljana as it allows you to explore various attractions at your own pace. Begin with a visit to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy breakfast at Čokl Coffee, known for its specialty coffee.

Continue exploring Ljubljana by visiting Tivoli Park, where you can relax and enjoy nature. Head to Preseren Square and take a walk along the Ljubljanica River, crossing iconic bridges like Dragon Bridge and Triple Bridge. Have lunch at Druga Violina, which serves delicious Slovenian dishes made from local ingredients.

In the evening, explore Metelkova Mesto – an alternative cultural center filled with street art and vibrant nightlife. For dinner, dine at Hiša Franko, renowned for its innovative cuisine that blends traditional Slovenian flavors with modern techniques (reservation recommended). End your night with a drink at Pritličje, a trendy bar located in Ljubljana's city center.

Johannesburg: Local Food Tasting Guided Walking Tour will give you an immersive experience into local culture as you start your day early driving towards Lake Bled (approximately 1 hour from Ljubljana). Upon arrival take traditional pletna boat ride across lake reaching island where can visit Church Assumption Mary climb up bell tower ring wishing bell! Enjoy breakfast nearby island café before heading back mainland continue exploration around lake itself.

Spend afternoon hiking up Ojstrica viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views over entire lake area including iconic Bled Castle perched atop cliff overlooking waters below! Have lunch nearby restaurant named simply yet aptly enough -Bled Castle Restaurant serving delectable regional specialties within historic castle walls themselves providing truly unique dining experience unlike any other found elsewhere world perhaps even anywhere else throughout entirety Europe too!

As evening falls upon Lake Bled make sure not miss out on experiencing famous cream cake known locally as 'kremšnita' dessert served exclusively only here nowhere else either so head over towards Park Hotel Café order yourself slice two maybe even three depending how hungry still feeling after long day spent exploring natural wonders surrounding this magical place! Dine later night away enjoying exquisite Mediterranean cuisine served stylishly elegant surroundings found only within walls restaurant named simply yet aptly enough -Restaurant Sova Bled

Start your day with a scenic drive to the coastal town of Piran (approximately 1.5 hours from Ljubljana). Begin your exploration at Tartini Square, the heart of Piran, named after the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini. Wander through the narrow streets and visit St. George's Parish Church for stunning views over the Adriatic Sea. For breakfast, stop by Caffe Teater for a coffee and some pastries.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Piran promenade and enjoy the sea breeze. Visit the Maritime Museum to learn about Piran's rich maritime history. Have lunch at Fritolin Pri Cantini, known for its fresh seafood dishes served in a casual setting.

Johannesburg: Soweto Tour with Lunch will give you an immersive experience into local culture as you explore more of Piran in the evening. Dine at Restaurant Pavel, which offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine with a view of the sea. End your day with a drink at Café Central, a popular spot among locals.

Johannesburg: Maboneng Street Art Tour is an excellent way to start your day as you drive towards Škocjan Caves (approximately 1 hour from Piran). Upon arrival, join a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to explore its impressive underground chambers and waterfalls. Enjoy breakfast nearby at Café Škocjan before starting your tour.

After exploring Škocjan Caves, head to Lipica Stud Farm (about 30 minutes by car), home to the famous Lipizzaner horses. Take a guided tour of the farm and learn about its history and breeding program. Have lunch at Hotel Maestoso Restaurant, located within the farm premises and offering traditional Slovenian dishes made from local ingredients.

Johannesburg: Maboneng Street Art & Culture Tour will give you an immersive experience into local culture as you return to Ljubljana in the evening (approximately 1 hour by car). For dinner upon arrival in Ljubljana, dine at Špajza Restaurant, known for its innovative take on traditional Slovenian cuisine. End your night with a drink at TOZD, a trendy bar located in Ljubljana's city center.

Johannesburg: Full-Day Tour with Soweto and Apartheid Museum is an excellent way to start your day early driving towards Triglav National Park (approximately 1 hour from Bled). Upon arrival embark on guided hiking tour exploring breathtaking landscapes including picturesque valleys towering peaks crystal-clear rivers cascading waterfalls all found within this pristine natural wonderland itself! Enjoy breakfast nearby park entrance café before starting hike continue exploration throughout morning hours ahead too!

Johannesburg: Soweto Apartheid & Township Tour with Lunch will give you an immersive experience into local culture as spend afternoon further discovering hidden gems scattered throughout Triglav National Park perhaps even taking dip refreshing waters Lake Bohinj located right heart park itself! Have lunch nearby restaurant named simply yet aptly enough -Restaurant Triglav Bohinj serving delectable regional specialties within rustic alpine setting providing truly unique dining experience unlike any other found elsewhere world perhaps even anywhere else throughout entirety Europe too!

As evening falls upon Triglav National Park make sure not miss out on experiencing famous sunset views over Julian Alps best enjoyed from vantage point found only atop Mount Vogel reached via cable car ride departing regularly throughout day well into early evening hours ensuring perfect timing catch last rays sun dipping below horizon casting golden glow across entire landscape below creating truly magical moment cherish forevermore! Dine later night away enjoying exquisite Mediterranean cuisine served stylishly elegant surroundings found only within walls restaurant named simply yet aptly enough -Restaurant Vogel

Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works. Enjoy breakfast at Kava Tava, known for its delicious pancakes and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the nearby Bundek Park, a beautiful green space perfect for a morning walk.

Johannesburg: Walking Tour will give you an immersive experience into local culture as you explore more of Zagreb in the afternoon. Head to the Croatian National Theatre, an architectural gem that hosts various performances throughout the year. For lunch, dine at Šestinski Lagvić, offering traditional Croatian dishes in a charming setting.

In the evening, visit the vibrant Dolac Market, where you can sample local produce and delicacies. For dinner, head to Dubravkin Put, known for its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and elegant ambiance. End your night with a drink at Vintage Industrial Bar, a popular spot among locals.

Johannesburg: Downtown Walking Tour is an excellent way to start your day as you drive towards Zadar (approximately 3 hours from Zagreb). Upon arrival, begin your exploration at the Roman Forum, one of Zadar's most important historical sites. Enjoy breakfast at Kavana Danica, located near the forum and offering delicious pastries and coffee.

Johannesburg: Maboneng Street Art Tour will give you an immersive experience into local culture as you continue exploring Zadar by visiting St. Donatus Church and the Sea Organ – an architectural sound art object that plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps. Have lunch at Fosa, known for its fresh seafood dishes served with stunning views of the harbor.

Johannesburg: Soweto Apartheid & Township Tour with Lunch will give you an immersive experience into local culture as you spend your evening exploring more of Zadar's rich heritage by visiting The Greeting to The Sun installation which comes alive after sunset creating mesmerizing light show synchronized perfectly alongside sounds produced Sea Organ itself! Dine later night away enjoying delectable Mediterranean cuisine served stylishly elegant surroundings found only within walls restaurant named simply yet aptly enough -Restaurant Kornat

Johannesburg: Soweto Apartheid & Township Tour with Lunch is an excellent way to start your day early taking ferry ride from Split towards Hvar Island (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival head straight towards Hvar Town explore its historic center including iconic landmarks such as Fortica Fortress offering panoramic views over entire island itself! Enjoy breakfast nearby café named simply yet aptly enough -Café Pjaca before continuing exploration throughout morning hours ahead too!

Spend afternoon relaxing beautiful beaches scattered across Hvar Island perhaps even taking dip crystal-clear waters Adriatic Sea itself! Have lunch nearby beachside restaurant named simply yet aptly enough -Laganini Lounge Bar & Fish House serving delectable regional specialties within rustic yet stylishly elegant surroundings providing truly unique dining experience unlike any other found elsewhere world perhaps even anywhere else throughout entirety Europe too!

As evening falls upon Hvar Island make sure not miss out on experiencing famous sunset views best enjoyed from vantage point found only atop Spanjola Fortress reached via short hike departing regularly throughout day well into early evening hours ensuring perfect timing catch last rays sun dipping below horizon casting golden glow across entire landscape below creating truly magical moment cherish forevermore! Dine later night away enjoying exquisite Mediterranean cuisine served stylishly elegant surroundings found only within walls restaurant named simply yet aptly enough -DiVino Restaurant