Destinations › Europe › Slovenia & Croatia
Slovenia & Croatia in 10 days: from Lake Bled to Dubrovnik
Fairy-tale lakes and castles in Slovenia, then the waterfalls of Plitvice and Krka and the Roman and Venetian towns of the Dalmatian coast.
Duration
10 days
Best time
May – September
spring & autumn for fewer crowds
Getting around
Rental car
Route
Ljubljana → Dubrovnik
I travelled
January 2020
Two small countries, two very different worlds: the green lakes, caves and castles of Slovenia, and the turquoise sea and stone towns of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.
This 10-day road trip starts in Ljubljana and ends in Dubrovnik, stopping at two of the most beautiful national parks in Europe along the way.
The route at a glance
Ljubljana to Dubrovnik
Tap a stop on the map to jump to that part of the trip
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1
Ljubljana
A city you can walk everywhere: Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge, the castle, the Dragon Bridge and Congress Square. In the evening, eat along the Ljubljanica river.
Day 2
Lake Bled, Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle
Forty minutes north to Lake Bled and its castle, then the spectacular Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, built into a cliff. If you have time, add Lake Bohinj for paddleboarding and kayaking.
Day 3 · 1 night
Zagreb
An hour and a half to Zagreb: the Upper Town with St Mark’s Church and Parliament, the 19th-century Lower Town for shopping and food, and modern Novi Zagreb.
Days 4–5 · 2 nights
Plitvice Lakes & Zadar
Allow four hours to walk around the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice, then continue to Zadar. Next day, explore the old town and listen to the Sea Organ — music played by the waves — before the Sun Salutation light show at sunset.
Days 6–7 · 2 nights
Krka & Split
Swim below the waterfalls of Krka National Park, then drive to Split. Explore Diocletian’s Palace, climb the bell tower of St Domnius, walk the promenade and visit the Klis fortress. With more time, take the ferry to Hvar.
Days 8–10 · 2 nights
Dubrovnik
Three hours south to Dubrovnik: the old town and city walls, a morning on Lokrum island and the cable car up Mount Srđ for sunset over the city. Fly home on day 10.
When to go
The best time to visit
Late May to September brings warm sea and sunshine, but also higher prices and crowds. Spring and autumn are cheaper, much quieter and still warm enough to swim.
Best Good OK
Before you go
My top 3 tips for Slovenia & Croatia
01
Rent a car
Pick it up in Ljubljana or Zagreb — it’s the easiest way to link the parks and the coast.
02
Don’t miss the Sea Organ
In Zadar, sit on the steps at sunset and listen to the waves play music. Relaxing and magical.
03
Go up Mount Srđ
The cable car in Dubrovnik gives the best view and photos of the old town at sunset.
Tailor-made
Want this trip, made for you?
I’ll design your Slovenia & Croatia trip — the route, the national parks, island hopping and the best hotels.
Photo gallery
Slovenia & Croatia through my lens
