Highlights
One of my favorite trips in Europe. Charming old world towns combined with outstanding hiking in the Julian Alps is hard to beat.
Itinerary
This 3 week road trip in Croatia and Slovenia in June of 2016 began in Dubrovnik and ended in Ljubljana. We followed the Rick Steves driving trip through these two countries, hitting his main recommendations; Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Rovinj in Croatia and the Julian Alps and Ljubljana in Slovenia. We added extra time in the Julian Alps for hiking.
We chose to do the trip from south to north in order to reach the Julian Alps as late as possible. Even in late June the higher trails were still under snow in 2016.
Dubrovnik
Exploring Dubrovnik
A lovely walled city to call home for a few days with tons to do including day trips to Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Wall Walk, Dubrovnik
This quintessential walk should be on everyone’s itinerary.
Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik
A great easy get away to chill for an afternoon in the sun and/or sea.
Cable Car up Mount Srd, Dubrovnik
For the best views over the city, the cable car should not be missed.
Early Morning Photo Walk, Dubrovnik
If you want this magnificent city to yourself in high season, it’s best to get up early.
Day trip to Kotor, Montenegro
Beautiful drive to one of Montenegro’s most charming cities.
Day Trip Mostar, Bosnia- Herzegovina
Heading in the other direction, Mostar makes another excellent day trip.
Sleeping and Dining in Dubrovnik
Hvar
Ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar
Info on taking the ferry, including the bus to the port and where to buy tickets.
Exploring Hvar
Photos from around Hvar City.
Day Trip around Hvar
We rented a car for a day to explore the islands dramatic landscape.
Hvar Fortress Walk
Just above Hvar City, this vantage point has great views of town and the sea beyond.
Sleeping and Dining in Hvar
Split
Rick Steves Walking Tour, Split
Photos from the tour.
Photo Tour, Split
More photos from this picturesque working Roman city.
Mestrovic Gallery and Kastelet Chapel, Split
One of Croatia’s premier artists the museum is worth a visit if you like 20th century sculpture.
Sleeping and Dining in Split
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Known world wide for it’s stunning waterfalls, it’s best to arrive early or late for a little solitude.
Afternoon Visit to the Upper Lakes
Morning Visit to the Lower Lakes
Plitvice Lakes Nat’l Park – Logistics and Other Tips
Rovinj
Drive from Plitvice to Rovinj via Motovun, Istria
A diversion to one of Istria’s most charming hilltop towns.
Photo Tour of Rovinj, Istria
A little slice of Italy in Croatia makes a great hangout spot for a few days.
Sleeping and Dining in Rovinj, Istria
Crossing the Border from Rovinj, Croatia to Kranjska Gora, Slovania
Julian Alps
Sleeping and Dining in Kranjska Gora
We spent 6 days hiking in this section of the Alps using Kranjska Gora as a base.
Day Hike Srednji Vrh, Kranjska Gora
Starting just in back of our hotel this 3 hour loop has great views from the mountains just across the road from town.
Day Hike Pec (Tromeja), Ratece
Starting from nearby Ratece this up and back trek takes you to the border with Italy and Austria.
Day Hike Sleme, Vrsic Pass
A short hike from Vrsic Pass with stunning 360 views.
Drive Through the Soca Valley
If you are in the region you shouldn’t miss this lovely valley of glacial blue rivers.
Day trip to Lake Bled, Slovenia
The quintessential storybook view of Slovenia.
Second Pass at Vrsic Pass
Often in the clouds this pass is worth a second pass.
Day Hike Spik, Kranjska Gora
For me this challenging hike with incredible views was the highlight of the trip.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana, Slovenia in Photos
The lively picturesque capital makes an ideal chill stop at the beginning or end of a trip.
Sleeping and Dining in Ljubljana