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Tastes of Croatia & Slovenia Hosted Small Group Tour 2026

Zagreb - Ljubljana - Bled - Ljubljana - Postojna Cave - Predjama - Momjan - Poreč - Pula - Medulin - Poreč - Motovun - Poreč - Rovinj - Opatija - Plitvice Lakes NP - Zadar - Šibenik - Salona - Klis - Split

A Croatia Times Travel Signature Hosted Small Group Tour (with cruise extension available)

Discover Croatia and Slovenia on this exclusive 11 day adventure, expertly hosted by Ela Patajac and Aniela Edmond. Explore historic cities, charming villages, and breathtaking coastlines while uncovering hidden gems and savouring local flavours. This guided touring offers a deeply personal, enriching experience - more than a holiday, it’s a journey of a lifetime.

History & Culture
Throughout our tour we will be joined by local guides who will intrigue us with their tales of local history and culture. Together we will visit five of Croatia’s ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Landscapes & Nature
Imagine impressive mountain ranges, breathtaking National Parks, and the crystal clear Adriatic Sea.

Food & Wine
Experience the traditional flavours and cuisines of each region we visit, whether dining in a local restaurant for lunch or dinner, or enjoying a unique tasting.

Your Tastes of Croatia & Slovenia Tour Hosts

Wednesday 17 June - Saturday 27 June 2026
Wednesday 12 August - Saturday 22 August 2026


Ela Patajac
Born and raised in Osijek, Ela is of Croatian and Slovenian heritage. She has a deep connection to  Croatia’s history and culture. After many years of guiding tours across Europe, Ela made New Zealand her home and today is eager to share the vibrant heritage and stunning landscapes of the region. Her warm and engaging approach ensures guests feel welcomed and enriched, whether exploring ancient cities, natural wonders, or savouring traditional Croatian & Slovenian cuisine.


Aniela Edmond
Born in New Zealand with Croatian and Polish heritage, Aniela feels a deep connection to her roots. Her love for history, culture, and authentic travel shines through on every journey. Whether guiding you through medieval towns, natural and historic sites, uncovering hidden gems, or introducing you to incredible local cuisine, Aniela ensures each moment is immersive, heartfelt, and truly special.

Code: CTT

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1
Zagreb

Welcome to Croatia. Your day is at leisure before meeting your Host and Tour Director. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner at one of Zagreb’s most loved restaurants. (D)

Day 2
Zagreb - Ljubljana

Zagreb is home to a mix of 18th and 19th century buildings with many charming parks, squares and city markets. You will discover Ban Jelačić Square and medieval settlements of Gradec and Kaptol. See the Cathedral, Dolac Market, Tkalčićeva Street, Stone Gate and St Mark’s Church. Head to the Slovenian capital city. Ljubljana lies in a basin between the Karst and Alpine region. This city with a soul features the Baroque Old Town nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, the Art Nouveau mansions and masterpieces of the renowned architect Jože Plečnik. Upon arrival we will have free time to visit the local markets and explore the city before taking a walking tour and funicular to Ljubljana Castle. Rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 3
Ljubljana - Bled - Ljubljana

Lake Bled, together with its surroundings ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts. Enjoy a Pletna boat ride along the lake to Bled Island. See St Mary’s Church and later continue to the old medieval castle up on the cliff. The enchanting views and fairy-tale beauty are sensational. After sightseeing, enjoy a memorable lunch in Bled. Continue to visit a local producer of honey, to learn about the beekeeping tradition in Slovenia and to sample their products. Return to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure. (B, L, T)

Day 4
Ljubljana - Postojna - Predjama - Momjan - Poreč

Postojna Cave is one of the world’s largest karst monuments. Opened as a show cave in 1819. Then in 1872 the first documented underground railway opened to visitors, showcasing the spectacular subterranean world. Photo stop in front of the Predjama Castle before arriving to the small village of Momjan to visit an award-winning winery. This evening, dinner is at the hotel in Poreč. (B, T, D)

Day 5
Poreč - Pula - Medulin - Poreč

This morning take a tour of Pula and visit the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of Sergii. Later we visit a local olive grove in nearby Medulin, where we will partake in a cooking class and enjoy lunch. Return to Poreč for an afternoon at leisure. (B, L)

Day 6
Poreč - Motovun - Poreč

The seaside town of Poreč is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Euphrasius Basilica from the 6th century AD. The apse of the Basilica is ornately decorated with figural mosaics noted as one of the most remarkable examples of mosaic art in Europe. Proceed to the gorgeous hilltop town of Motovun, possibly the most picturesque medieval hilltop town of inner Istria. Lunch will be served in locally, where you will experience a tasting of Istria’s most famous delicacy, their truffles. Upon arrival back to Poreč, evening is at leisure. (B, T/L)

Day 7
Poreč - Rovinj - Opatija - Plitvice Lakes

This morning take a  tour of Rovinj, one of the most romantic and much photographed towns on the Mediterranean. There is free time to explore the town and its market before lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we depart for the Plitvice Lakes. Enroute stop in Opatija, one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic. It is often referred to as Croatia’s Monte Carlo and was once the playground of the Austro-Hungarian nobility. Arrival to Plitvice for supper at the hotel and evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 8
Plitvice Lakes - Zadar - Šibenik

Croatia’s most popular natural attraction is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Its beauty lies in the sixteen lakes, connected by a series of waterfalls. Set in deep woodland and home to rare bird species and wildlife such as the brown deer. We explore the park and have a picnic lunch. Later we continue to the Dalmatian coast and the charming town of Zadar, dating back to Roman times. Steeped in history, visit the Roman Forum, St Donatus Church, the Romanesque St Grisigono’s Church, St Mary’s Bell Tower and St Anastasia Cathedral. We walk along the promenade, to the Sea Organ & Greetings to the Sun, awarded for its use of architectural space. Continue to the coastal town of Šibenik with rest of the day at leisure. (B, L)

Day 9
Šibenik - Plastovo - Šibenik

Discover the oldest Croatian town on the Adriatic and see Croatia’s most beautiful monument, St James Cathedral. We continue to the village of Plastovo to visit one of Croatia’s most famous wineries, for an unforgettable lunch and wine tasting. Afternoon arrival back to Šibenik, the rest of your day is at leisure. (B, T/L)

Day 10
Šibenik - Salona - Klis - Split

This morning we are transferred to the ancient ruins of Salona, which was once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. We continue to a unique family owned estate where we will enjoy tasting of Dalmatian olive oil, visit their ethno-village and learn about traditional Dalmatian life, and the production of local delicacies. This evening enjoy a walk on the Split Riva following a Dalmatian dinner treat at a local restaurant. (B, T, D)

Day 11
Split

Morning at leisure, before enjoying a guided tour of Split, a historic town under UNESCO protection and part of the world heritage with an abundance of Roman architecture, including Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace and his cellars. For those of you returning home or travelling onwards you will be transferred to Split Airport. We are sure you will have made many friends and have a wealth of memories to treasure and take home with you. Sretan Put. (B)

Inclusions

Tour Includes

  • Croatia Times Travel Host
  • 10 Nights in 4-5* hotels
  • All transfers as per itinerary
  • 10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners (B, L, D)
  • Tour Director
  • Modern A/C motor coach
  • Service charges, hotel taxes & Porterage
  • Authentic Food & Wine Experiences (T)
  • Tipping

Highlights

  • Authentic dining experiences at local restaurants
  • Unique stays in centrally located hotels
  • Traditional Pletna boat ride along Lake Bled
  • Visit a traditional Slovenian apiary & learn about their beekeeping traditions
  • Wine Tasting in Istria region
  • Cooking Class in Istria region
  • Truffle Tasting lunch in the heart of the Istria region
  • Walk the scenic paths of Plitvice Lakes NP
  • Wine Tasting & lunch at one of Croatia’s most renowned Dalmatian wineries
  • Visit the ancient Roman ruins of Salona
  • Olive Oil Tasting at a family owned estate in Dalmatia region

Sightseeing with Local Guides

  • Zagreb
  • Ljubljana
  • Bled
  • Pula
  • Poreč
  • Motovun
  • Rovinj
  • Plitvice NP
  • Zadar
  • Šibenik
  • Split

Entrance Fees

  • Zagreb - Funicular
  • Ljubljana - Funicular, Castle
  • Bled - Castle, Pletna Boat, Church
  • Postojna - Cave
  • Pula - Amphitheatre Arena
  • Poreč - Euphrasius Basilica
  • Motovun - Shuttle Bus, Town Walls
  • Plitvice Lakes - National Park
  • Šibenik - St James Cathedral
  • Salona - Roman Ruins
  • Split - Diocletian Palace Cellars

Pricing and Accommodation

Start DateEnd Date
TwinSingle
Wed 17 Jun 26Sat 27 Jun 26
$12,565$15,300
Wed 12 Aug 26Sat 22 Aug 26
$12,565$15,300
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Included Accommodation (or similar)

Ljubljana - Eurostars uHotel

Poreč - BO Hotel Palazzo

Plitvice Lakes NP - Hotel Mirjana & Rastoke

Split - Cornaro Hotel

Would you like to extend your stay?

Zagreb - The Westin Zagreb

From $POA

Split - Cornaro Hotel

From $POA

Important Notes

Booking Terms & Conditions
Deposits: Upon confirmation a non-refundable deposit of NZ$1,000 per person is payable. Final Payment: Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure from New Zealand. Prices: All prices are in NZ$ based on twin share per person. Airfares and any costs not stated are not included. Solo Travellers: To guarantee a private room, solo travellers must book the ‘single use’ price. If you agree to share with another passenger of the same gender you will pay the ‘twin share’ price if available. Group Size: Hosted Tour up to 25. Guaranteed departure based on minimum 10 guests. Additional cost will apply if group size is below minimum numbers. Tour Arrangements: We reserve the right to alter the routing, change accommodation and services. Travel Insurance: It is a requirement of this travel arrangement that all travellers must take out a fully comprehensive travel insurance for the full duration of this trip. Contact us or your Travel Agent for more information. For full booking terms & conditions click here.

Extras and Add Ons

Add Sightseeing & Excursions

Insurance is required for this tour. We'll be happy to provide a quote or you'll need evidence of your own insurance.

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