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Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast

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13 days From £3,349 £3,249 per person
4.1 stars(59 reviews)
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Embark on a voyage of discovery into magical southeast Europe, uncovering the natural beauty of three historic countries – Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro

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Save £100pp on Europe & British Isles 2025 holidays, when you book by 31st May 2025.

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Mobility Rating 3

2025 Tour code: CSG25

About the tour

Marvel at stunning natural wonders and idyllic towns during a fantastic holiday to the three former Yugoslavian countries of Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.

Unwind beside gorgeous Lake Bled, uncover Slovenia's pretty capital of Ljubljana and take a charming rail trip into the otherworldly Postojna Caves. Explore Croatia's historic capital, Zagreb, admire the jaw-dropping Plitvice Lakes, sail to Hvar from amazing Split. Travelling along the Adriatic coast, tour the remarkable walled city of Dubrovnik and visit Montenegro's beautiful Bay of Kotor.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Spending three nights at fairytale Lake Bled
Spending three nights at fairytale Lake Bled
Relax amongst the gorgeous scenery of Slovenia’s beautiful Lake Bled in a hotel overlooking the lake, its imposing castle and gorgeous island church, and savour local flavours during a visit to a beekeeper.
Uncovering the delights of Ljubljana and the Postojna Caves
Uncovering the delights of Ljubljana and the Postojna Caves
View the attractions of lovely Ljubljana on a tour of the impressive medieval fortress and decorative bridges, before enjoying a magical train ride into the huge Postojna Caves.
Marvelling at the natural beauty of the Plitvice Lakes
Marvelling at the natural beauty of the Plitvice Lakes
Experience the UNESCO-listed lakes and waterfalls on a guided tour of one of Croatia’s most-visited destinations, taking in the spellbinding majesty of the Veliki Slap waterfall which includes a drop of 200 feet.
Admiring the timeless gems of beautiful Split
Admiring the timeless gems of beautiful Split
Revealing breathtaking Roman remains, the Old Town of Split is dominated by the incredible Diocletian’s Palace and we explore this well-preserved structure and its fascinating basements on a guided tour.
Sailing to the Dalmatian island of Hvar
Sailing to the Dalmatian island of Hvar
Croatia is renowned for its attractive islands and we enjoy a scenic cruise on the azure blue waters of the Adriatic Sea to delightful Hvar for a tour of its idyllic Old Town.
Exploring the historic Adriatic towns of Dubrovnik and Kotor
Exploring the historic Adriatic towns of Dubrovnik and Kotor
Experience the real-life King’s Landing from Game of Thrones – the incredibly well-preserved walled city of Dubrovnik – and explore the beautiful Montenegrin town of Kotor including a cruise on the Bay of Kotor.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – To the heart of Bavaria by First Class rail

We gather at London St Pancras this morning to meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers as we set off on an amazing adventure to three wonderful countries on the Adriatic coast. Travelling in style in spacious Eurostar Plus on the Eurostar, we enjoy a light meal at our seats on the way to Brussels, before continuing to Munich in First Class. Our route crosses rolling wooded hills on its way from Cologne to Frankfurt then passes through the old Swabian towns of Ulm and Augsburg. Look out for the 14th-century Ulm Minster enroute as it has the tallest church spire in the world at nearly 530 feet.

Our destination tonight is historic Munich, one of Germany's best-loved cities and located within sight of the Alps. On arrival, we check into our 4-Star hotel just a short distance from Munich's main train station and get to know one another better over our first dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

*On tours departing on 20/09 and 05/10, we spend tonight in Ulm.

Includes
  • Dinner
  • Eurostar Light Meal
Day 2 – Arrival in beautiful Bled

With free time to explore Munich this morning, you could admire the Bavarian city's charming main square, Marienplatz, home to the neo-Gothic Town Hall and the famous glockenspiel. Near the square is the Church of St Peter, Munich's oldest parish church, known locally as 'Alter Peter' (Older Peter), with its eight clocks decorating the exterior.

Later this morning, we walk from the hotel to the station to board the First Class service through the Alps to Slovenia. In Austria's Salzach Valley, impressive and rugged ravines open on to scenery of lush meadows and rolling hills. Crossing into Slovenia, we are greeted by an idyllic rural landscape of charming chalets and verdant forests before arriving in Bled.

A short coach transfer takes us to our 4-Star hotel overlooking the serene turquoise waters of stunning Lake Bled, where we check in for three nights. With a wellness centre and thermal pools, our hotel is the perfect place to unwind and absorb the wonderful views of this spellbinding part of the world. This evening, we enjoy dinner together in the hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Exploring breathtaking Lake Bled at leisure

Today is a free day to take in your wonderful new surroundings at leisure. Looking across to the overlapping forested slopes of the Julian Alps, the focus of this exquisite lake is its delightful island. You might like to take a gondola ride out to visit the Baroque Church of the Assumption of Maria. Inside, there are some remarkable frescoes, a gold altar and a 'wishing bell' that you can ring to ask for your dream to come true.

Perched high above the lake is the resplendent 11th-century castle, which boasts impressive views. With its white walls and terracotta towers, Bled Castle looks every bit the fairytale medieval fortress. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from the area's history, including armour and weapons. There is also a three-mile circular walk around the lake that provides a gentle way of viewing the castle and island. Alternatively, hop aboard the small tourist train.

You are free to dine independently tonight. Local cuisine blends central European, Italian and southern European influences, with seafood, pastas, polenta and spicy Balkan sausages all popular.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 – Picturesque Ljubljana and the incredible Postojna Caves

Although it's one of Europe's smallest capitals, Ljubljana doesn't lack charm or beauty. After breakfast, we travel by coach to this enchanting destination where an expert guide introduces us to Slovenia's capital.

One of the most popular attractions is the Triple Bridge of three pretty, arched walkways spanning the gentle river. Nearby is the Dragon Bridge, on which stand a number of decorative statues of mythical beasts. From here, we head to the medieval fortress, set in large grounds on a hilltop. Ljubljana Castle has stood here since the 11th century and is now a symbol of the city and Slovenia itself.

There is time to explore over lunch before we travel by coach to the subterranean wonderland of the Postojna Caves, where the world's first cave railway was installed in 1872. We take a magical ride on a charming train through more than two miles of this jaw-dropping underground landscape, followed by a guided tour of the cave system and its fantastical stalactites and stalagmites.

We return to our Bled hotel in the early evening and enjoy dinner together.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – A taste of honey and onwards to Zagreb

This morning, we visit a local beekeeper in a nearby village after breakfast. In a region where there's a buzz about all things bee-related, we learn more about the native Carniolan bee and how its honey is used in all sorts of ways; from insomnia cures to massage oils. We also enjoy a tasting of the sweet produce, along with a glass of honey liqueur.

In the afternoon, we travel to the railway station to join a train bound for Croatia and its capital, Zagreb. This vibrant city nestled below Medvednica mountain is our base tonight. Wonderfully compact, the city's old centre is split into the Lower Town - filled with splendid architecture and peaceful parks - and the Upper Town, a charming area of attractive streets.

Located near the train station, our 5-Star hotel is a short distance from the Old Town. We check-in in the early evening, before dining in the hotel restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Uncovering Croatia’s absorbing capital

We get to know Zagreb better on a guided tour this morning, taking in the timeless beauty of the Upper Town. Exploring the cobblestone streets and elegant, colourful buildings, we uncover the history of the charming Old Town, including 13th-century St Mark's Church. With its colourful tiled roof displaying the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia, as well as the city of Zagreb, the church sits in the middle of St Mark's Square next to Croatia's parliament building.

There is free time to enjoy lunch independently. At just 216 feet long, the world's shortest funicular conveys passengers to the Lower Town. Extending northwards from Ban Jelačić Square is Tkalčića street, a historic, winding lane full of restaurants, cafés and bars.

This afternoon, we travel by coach through Croatia's rural landscapes to our accommodation near the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Located in the small village of Čatrnja, our 4-Star hotel was built in 2018 and provides spa facilities and a terrace overlooking verdant countryside. We check in for an overnight stay and dine together this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park

A highlight of any trip to Croatia awaits today as we enjoy a guided tour of the famous Plitvice Lakes, the country's most popular tourist destination. This is a UNESCO-listed Eden of 16 crystalline turquoise lakes interconnected with plunging waterfalls and surrounded by 116 square miles of verdant forest. The cascading Veliki Slap waterfall is simply stunning, as tumbling streams flow down 200 feet, creating a primeval and majestic landscape.

It is also home to bears, deer, wolves and wild boar, while there are 1,267 varieties of plants - including 55 types of orchid and rare plants as well as fir and beech trees believed to be up to 700 years old.

Afterwards, we visit a local restaurant for a three-course lunch of traditional Croatian food, before a coach transfers us to Split, arriving early evening. Croatia's second city lies on a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, and our 4-Star hotel is just outside the centre. With fantastic sea views from its rooftop pool, it is an ideal place to relax and explore during our three-night stay in Split.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Guided tour of Split and the incredible Diocletian’s Palace

The Old Town of Split is like a living museum with amazingly well-preserved Roman buildings appearing around almost every corner. This is due in part to the sprawling Diocletian's Palace - a 4th-century structure that still forms the beating heart of Split.

On a guided tour after breakfast, we explore this vast city-palace built by Diocletian - the emperor of Rome between 284 and 305AD. Born a few miles north of Split, Diocletian sought to retire near his Dalmatian home and ordered the construction of a palatial residence. Today, the remains of this massive fortress make up about half of the Old Town. Wandering through the labyrinthine alleys and attractive courtyards, we learn more about this incredible complex and enter the Basement Halls. Game of Thrones fans will recognise the subterranean vaults as the dungeons where the dragons are kept.

With the rest of the day at leisure, you could relax beside the Adriatic's blue waters or climb up the Cathedral of St Dominus' striking Romanesque tower. This evening, you dine independently and could opt for a restaurant with great coastal views.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 – Cruise to the Dalmatian island of Hvar

After breakfast, we cruise to the delightful island of Hvar. Sailing through the Dalmatian archipelago, passing the islands of Šolta and Brač, we arrive on Hvar for an hour-long guided tour. This charming old port is a feast for the senses, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields.

We explore the gorgeous town of Venetian-style buildings standing square on the picturesque harbour. Away from the shoreline, rustic stone houses reflect a time of grandeur and importance, while a fortress with a storied history clings to the hillside. There is free time after the tour to stroll through narrow lanes bedecked by colourful blooms.

Alternatively, visit one of its many excellent restaurants for a lunch of local delicacies such as grilled seafood or black risotto with a chilled glass of the treasured local wine, Prč, before returning to Split for time at leisure. One time-honoured tradition is rubbing the foot of the large bronze statue of Gregory of Nin, which bestows good luck as well as assuring your return to Split. This evening, we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Historic Makarska and arrival in Dubrovnik

Leaving Split after breakfast, we travel by coach down the Dalmatian coast to Makarska, dominated by the monumental mountains behind it. The craggy karst rocks of the Biokovo range run along this coast, and the highest peak, Sveti Jure, is nearby. Makarska perfectly blends its ancient Illyrian port with a thriving beach resort and has been ruled by the Romans, Venetians, Ottomans and French. There is free time to visit the 17th-century Franciscan monastery or dine at a waterfront bistro.

Continuing down the coast, we arrive in historic Dubrovnik this evening. As one of the Adriatic's most beautiful cities, Dubrovnik has long attracted tourists to its incredibly well-preserved Old Town and the shimmering coast. In recent years, it has had a starring role in TV series Game of Thrones.

There is free time to get acquainted with our new base after checking in for a three-night stay in a 4-Star hotel overlooking the harbour. With its beauty and undiminished appeal, Dubrovnik is also famed for its seafood, so you could find a local restaurant serving tuna, swordfish, cuttlefish or octopus.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 11 – Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor

Croatia may be a popular destination, but its near neighbour is very much up and coming. Montenegro boasts epic beauty and incredible history but has largely been off the tourist routes. We travel around the expansive Bay of Kotor, the shimmering blue waters of the large fjordlike bay contrasting with the green and grey elemental Balkan crags.Here, we sail to Our Lady of the Rocks. Legend has it that this tiny island was created after a sailor found an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock. Each time he passed he laid another rock in the bay. Over time, a small island emerged and a church was built. We explore the island and its church before cruising back to Kotor.

Back in Kotor, a local guide introduces us to this medieval fortified town and its sights. Walking along well-trod tiled pathways and narrow lanes, we encounter the Cathedral of St Tryphon, the twin Romanesque towers which rise high against the mountainous backdrop. After our walking tour, there is free time to look around Kotor at our own pace before returning to Dubrovnik for an evening at leisure.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 12 – Dubrovnik: The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’

A short journey to Dubrovnik's Pile Gate follows breakfast, where an expert local guide leads us on an informative tour of the breathtaking Renaissance port dubbed the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. The city's Old Town is UNESCO-listed, and you may recognise the terracotta streets and buildings from the many movies and TV shows filmed in this magnificent setting.

There's a rich array of picturesque buildings - from the world's oldest arboretum to one of Europe's first pharmacies, dating from the 14th century. Entry is included to the 14th-century Franciscan church and monastery, plus the Baroque cathedral that includes artworks by Titian. The historic town and its looming parapets have seen their share of hardship over the centuries, most recently the tragic bombardment during the Croatian War of Independence.

Your afternoon is free and you might like to stroll along the ancient walls or take the ferry across to the forested island of Lokrum, where you can visit the Benedictine monastery and botanical gardens. This evening, we gather at a local restaurant for our final dinner together.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 – Homeward bound

We bid farewell to Dubrovnik today as we transfer to the airport ready return to the UK. As we fly to London Gatwick, we can start to recall this fantastic tour and the spectacular sights we have witnessed.

The fairytale delights of Lake Bled, Ljubljana's pretty city centre and the mysterious Postojna Caves showed the variety and beauty of Slovenia. Croatia's abundant charm was uncovered on tours of its distinguished cities, including its capital, Zagreb. Spectacular views of UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes and a cruise to laid-back Hvar showcased the country's incredible natural beauty, while the amazingly well-preserved Diocletian's Palace in Split and the astonishing walled city of Dubrovnik revealed the history of the Dalmatian coast.

With Montenegro's breathtaking landscapes and ancient towns around the Bay of Kotor, all three countries have provided us with plenty of unforgettable experiences that we can treasure forever.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

While every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Rikli Balance Hotel

Rikli Balance Hotel, Bled

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Hotel Palcich Plitvice, Čatrnja

Hotel Palcich Plitvice, Čatrnja

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Hotel Lapad, Dubrovnik

Hotel Lapad, Dubrovnik

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Westin Zagreb

Westin, Zagreb

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Hotel Marvie, Split

Hotel Marvie, Split

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Trains

Eurostar
ICE Train
InterCity

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Flight upgrades
London Hotels
UK rail connections
Door to door luggage service

Reviews

4.1 stars4.1 / 5 · 59 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (25)
  2. 4 stars
    (19)
  3. 3 stars
    (11)
  4. 2 stars
    (2)
  5. 1 star
    (2)

Alan

5 stars

Submitted 15/May

An excellent holiday, visiting some amazing places in terms of scenery and history. The only downside was the flight back to Gatwick at the end - a little incongruous for Great Rail Journeys.

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Alan
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Brian Graham

5 stars

Submitted 08 Oct 2024

Great Trip, good group leader and a nice group of people.

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Mrs Louise French

5 stars

Submitted 04 Oct 2024

An excellent tour with beautiful scenery and interesting places to visit. Our tour manager Suzie was efficient, organised and friendly, just what we need. Highly recommend it.

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A Fairweather

5 stars

Submitted 01 Oct 2024

Excellent tour manager. Varied and interesting activities but also plenty of free time

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Della Harrison

5 stars

Submitted 19 Sep 2024

A brilliant trip exploring Central Europe. Beautiful scenery, great food, interesting culture. Well lead and staying in some great hotels.

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lyndar

5 stars

Submitted 18 Jul 2024

An absolutely great holiday. Every day was full of interest in this stunning part of the world. Our guide was very knowledgeable and coped very well with the unexpected, such as a couple of delayed trains that meant time was tight for making connections. All the hotels were excellent and we thought the tour was good value for money. It was hot and this is a very active tour. We were fine but a couple of people on our small group did find it hard going so I would just say people need to be realistic before booking.

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lyndar
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