7-Day Croatia and Slovenia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Croatia And Slovenia tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffCroatia and Slovenia travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Austria & Croatia, incl. Salzburg and Split

  The route meanders through Croatia and Slovenia's finest paths for 7 days. Starting at Postojna Caves, through Julian Alps to Split's UNESCO sites. Premium stays at hotels like Amabilis Hotel complement visits to Pag Island and Northern Velebit National Park.

  

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  • Day 1

    Salzburg, Austria

    Plan to reach Salzburg in the afternoon to avoid rush hour when getting your rental car. You'll need about 90 minutes for the vehicle briefing and GPS setup at your hotel. If you're flying into Munich, set aside 2.5 hours for the transfer to Salzburg because of possible border delays.

    
  • Day 2

    Grossglockner Pass to Wörthersee

    Get an early start on Austria's famous Grossglockner High Alpine Pass. This 48km route features 36 hairpin turns and climbs to 2,504 meters. Start before 9 AM to beat the tour buses and get clear mountain views. Bring extra layers since temperatures at the summit can be 15°C cooler than the valley. The drive typically takes about 3 hours with photo stops.

    
  • Day 3

    Austrian Alps to Slovenia

    The route includes 52 scenic curves through the Austrian Alps. Stop at the Porsche Museum near Gmünd to see where the first 356 models were built. You'll get great mountain views as you enter Slovenia's Julian Alps. Make time for Postojna Cave - the underground train tour runs 90 minutes. Bring a light jacket since it stays around 10°C inside.

    
  • Day 4

    Slovenia to Croatian Coast

    The road winds down from Slovenia's mountains until you get your first look at the Adriatic Sea near Rijeka. A local driver suggests: "Take the Postojna-Rijeka stretch in mid-morning when there's less truck traffic."

    
  • Day 5

    Croatian Coastal Drive

    You'll cover 60km of stunning coastline between Rijeka and Zadar. This route ranks among Europe's best drives. Take a break at Northern Velebit National Park. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The stretch near Senj is incredible - the contrast between mountains and sea is unreal, but watch for strong winds known as 'bura' that can be intense here."

    
  • Day 6

    Pag Island

    Cross over to Pag Island on its impressive bridge. The narrow roads need careful driving but offer amazing views. Stop for lunch at an olive grove or vineyard when the midday light is perfect for photos. The salt flats near Pag town make an interesting side trip.

    
  • Day 7

    Mountain Route to Split

    Your final day mixes mountain and coastal roads on the way to Split. Try to arrive before 4 PM to avoid traffic around the historic center. Leave your car at the hotel first since the UNESCO old town is best seen on foot. Without stops, the drive from Zadar takes about 3 hours.

    

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• 7 Day Croatia & Slovenia Itinerary, incl. Zagreb and Dubrovnik

  The route winds through Croatia and Slovenia for 7 days, from Zagreb's Cathedral to Dubrovnik's walls. Visitors browse Ljubljana's Central Market, soak in Bled's Alpine beauty, and wander Plitvice's 16 lakes. A Split palace tour and wine tasting on Pelješac peninsula round out the trip.

  

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  • Day 1

    Zagreb, Croatia

    Your journey starts in Zagreb, Croatia's capital. The airport transfer to city center takes 30 minutes, but allow 45 during morning traffic. Spend your free afternoon exploring the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) on foot. The cobblestone streets are steep so pack comfortable shoes and bring water, especially when summer temperatures climb above 85°F (30°C).

    
  • Day 2

    Zagreb to Ljubljana

    Take a morning tour of Zagreb. Visit St. Mark's Church with its unique tiled roof before 9 AM to avoid tour groups. The drive to Ljubljana is about 2.5 hours. "Ljubljana's old town is perfectly walkable. The Three Bridges area gets busy around sunset, but that's when the lighting is most photogenic." Visit the Central Market area in the evening when local cafes are most lively.

    
  • Day 3

    Bled and Plitvice Lakes

    Head to Lake Bled early (45 minutes from Ljubljana). Start with Bled Castle - the uphill walk takes 15-20 minutes. The afternoon drive to Plitvice is about 4 hours on mountain roads. "Take a light raincoat even in summer. The waterfalls create a fine mist and wooden walkways can get slippery."

    
  • Day 4

    Plitvice Lakes to Split

    Get to Plitvice Lakes at 8 AM opening time to avoid crowds and midday heat. Plan 2-3 hours for the basic loop. The drive to Split takes about 3 hours. Be ready for lots of walking on uneven stones during the Diocletian's Palace tour. "The palace basement stays cool even in summer heat, but bring a light jacket as it can feel damp."

    
  • Day 5

    Split to Dubrovnik via Pelješac

    Drive south in the morning and stop at Pelješac peninsula for wine tasting. The road is winding, so consider motion sickness pills. You'll reach Dubrovnik by late afternoon. "Book your city wall walk for the last two hours before closing - fewer crowds and softer light for photos, but bring water as there's little shade."

    
  • Day 6

    Dubrovnik

    Explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. Start early to see the old town before cruise ship crowds arrive around 10 AM. Take the cable car to Mount Srđ for the best city views - go before sunset but check the return schedule. "The side streets off the main Stradun are much quieter and have better-priced restaurants. Look for places where locals are eating."

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Dubrovnik

    Plan for 30-45 minutes to reach the airport from the old town. Book flights after 10 AM to avoid rushing through morning traffic in the Gruž port area.

    

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• 6 Days in Croatia & Slovenia, incl. Ljubljana and Zagreb

  A 6-day route showcases Croatia and Slovenia's gems: Ljubljana Castle, Lake Bled, and Postojna Caves. Visitors tour Zagreb's historic quarters and Trakošćan Castle, before reaching Plitvice Lakes. 4-star accommodations provided throughout.

  

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  • Day 1

    Ljubljana

    Arrive at Ljubljana airport and take a 30-minute transfer to the city center. Spend your afternoon on a walking tour of the old town, which is easy to explore on foot. Take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle for sunset views over the city. The funicular runs until 9 PM in summer. Want a perfect dinner spot? Book a table at one of the restaurants along the Ljubljanica River around 7 PM to catch the best lighting for photos of the Triple Bridge.

    
  • Day 2

    Bled & Postojna

    Start early at 8 AM for the 1-hour drive to Lake Bled. Take a traditional pletna boat to Bled Island in the morning when the lake is calm. Stop at Café Belvedere for the famous Bled cream cake before the tour buses arrive. Head to Postojna Cave after lunch, about 1.5 hours away. Pack a light jacket since the cave stays at 10°C year-round. The 3.7 km train ride through the caves is incredible. Finally, drive 2 hours to Zagreb for the night.

    
  • Day 3

    Zagreb

    Visit the busy Dolac Market before 9 AM to shop with locals. Take the quick 66-second funicular ride between the Lower and Upper towns. The Upper Town has steep cobblestone streets, so wear good walking shoes and take breaks at the many cafes. Your afternoon is perfect for exploring the Lower Town's parks and museums.

    
  • Day 4

    Trakošćan Castle

    Drive an hour north to Trakošćan Castle. Get there early to avoid crowds and take photos of the castle's reflection in the lake. The forest trails around this 13th-century fortress are well-marked and offer beautiful views. Spend your afternoon at a local winery enjoying Croatian food and wine before going back to Zagreb.

    
  • Day 5

    Plitvice Lakes

    Leave Zagreb by 7:30 AM and drive 2 hours to Plitvice Lakes. Stop at the watermill village of Rastoke on the way. At Plitvice, take the "C" route which takes 4-5 hours and covers both Upper and Lower Lakes. You'll see the best waterfalls while avoiding the busiest areas. Wear shoes with good grip since the wooden walkways can be slippery. Take the electric boat across Lake Kozjak to save time.

    
  • Day 6

    Departure

    Book your flight after 10 AM to avoid morning traffic to the airport. The drive takes about 30 minutes, but plan for extra time in July and August.

    

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