Slovenia & Croatia

From Slovenia’s jagged peaks to Croatia’s dreamy coastline, this adventure packs in fairytale lakes, hilltop towns and plenty of gourmet food. Welcome to the good life

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
Arrival transfer included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Stay in hand-picked 4-star hotels
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travelers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Gourmet dining in a Slovenian castle, sunshine and wine in Croatia’s take on Tuscany… If it’s a European adventure with a touch of finery you’re after, you’ve just struck gold.

First stop: Slovenia. Small but perfectly formed, this diminutive country packs in vast peaks, glacial lakes and wild bear-filled forests. Against this scenic backdrop, you’ll dine on gourmet food in Ljubljana’s castle restaurant. You’ll hike the dramatic Vintgar Gorge, canoe through the Bohinj Valley and witness the beauty of fairytale Lake Bled.

Then it’s over to Croatia and the northern region of Istria, likened to Tuscany for its countryside flecked with medieval hilltop towns, wineries and restaurants. Here, you’ll stay in a boutique vineyard hotel, hunting for truffles by day and clinking glasses by night. You’ll visit Pula’s spectacular Roman amphitheater, relax on Rovinj’s sunset-streaked coast and explore the culture-packed capital, Zagreb. Welcome to the good life.

A welcome castle dinner

Touch down in Ljubljana – one of Europe’s greenest capitals – and meet your private Flash Pack transfer to journey to your central hotel
Explore the cobbled streets of the old town with its piazza cafes and varied architecture lining the emerald Ljubljanica River
Take a funicular up to the hilltop castle for a welcome dinner of haute cuisine and world-class Slovenian wine as you get to know your group

Lakeside beauty

Hike through the dramatic Vintgar Gorge along a 1.6-kilometre trail of wooden walkways and bridges suspended from the rock face
Spend a few hours exploring Lake Bled, with its clifftop castle and turreted island chapel
Transfer to your hotel on the shores of Lake Bohinj: bigger and wilder but every bit as beautiful

Clear-water paddling

Wake up surrounded by the lush forests and mountains of Triglav National Park in the heart of the Julian Alps
Learn to canoe on one of Europe’s longest rivers, mastering the basic paddling techniques before tackling some rapids
Ride the Vogel cable car for spectacular views over beautiful Lake Bohinj; spend some free time exploring and hiking amongst the rugged high peaks

Istria through a lens

Travel to the Croatian region of Istria, a heart-shaped peninsula dotted with pine forests and olive groves, where lunch at a local restaurant awaits
Check in at your boutique hotel, the award-winning Roxanich Winery, complete with on-site gastro restaurant
Explore the pretty medieval hill town of Motovun equipped with a Polaroid camera, setting off in groups to complete a series of fun challenges against a backdrop of incredible valley views

Truffles & award-winning wine

Visit the nearby town of Buzet, the truffle capital of Croatia, where you’ll set out with an expert truffle hunter in search of the gourmet fungi
Enjoy lunch in a beautiful setting before heading to the medieval town of Grožnjan, where countless art studios and boutiques line the cobblestone streets
End your day with a gourmet wine tasting of the region’s finest bouquets

Roman Ruins & Rovinj

Journey south to the southern tip of Istria, where the region’s capital, Pula, is studded with ancient Roman sites
Take a walking tour of the city, stopping by the 2,000-year-old oval amphitheatre that doubles as a concert venue, and enjoy some free time to explore
End your day in Rovinj, whose Venetian-inspired old town is set on a tiny peninsula; soak up the atmosphere of the bustling seafront backed by pretty pastel houses

Relax by the sea

Relax with a day of leisure in Rovinj, perhaps navigating the winding alleys to St Euphemia Church or finding your own secluded bay in nearby Golden Cape Forest Park
Cruise past nearby islands and pristine beaches on a serene sunset boat tour, complete with atmospheric dinner on board

On to the capital

Travel to the laid-back town of Pazin where you’ll have the option to zipline over the gorge, reaching speeds of 30 mph as you soar across the abyss
Spend your final afternoon exploring Croatia’s dynamic capital, Zagreb, with its historic Upper Town dotted with church spires
Gather with your group for a final farewell dinner and raise a toast to your nine-day Balkan adventure

Time to fly

Say goodbye to your Flash Pack group – now firm friends – and make your own way to Zagreb airport for your onward flight
It’s back to reality with a bump as you look back on a fairytale adventure and question if it happened at all. The way to know it was all real? That feeling of newfound wonder and your WhatsApp group of new friends

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Hotel Bohinj

Nestled at the base of the soaring Julian Alps, this hotel has an idyllic setting within Triglav National Park. It’s just a stone’s throw to beautiful Lake Bohinj – ideal for a morning dip – while the shops, restaurants and cafes of Ribčev Laz village are right on your doorstep.

Roxanich Winery, Motovun

Enjoy fabulous views of the Mirna Valley from this striking design hotel, connected via a tunnel to an award-winning vineyard. Each room is different but equally chic, blending Italian Sixties decor with elements reflecting Istria’s rich heritage. And the wine, of course, is excellent.

Angelo d'Oro, Rovinj

This former 17th-century Bishop’s Palace is one of the few heritage hotels in Rovinj’s atmospheric old town. Expect centuries-old stone floors and vintage ceiling murals, antique-filled bedrooms overlooking the sea, and a gorgeous plant-filled garden courtyard.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Ljubljana International Airport (LJU) in Slovenia and out of Zagreb Airport (ZAG).

What time should my flight arrive? (to arrive in time for the welcome meeting)

We recommend booking a flight that lands in Ljubljana before 2:30pm on Day 1 of your adventure. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 5pm onwards starting at the hotel. The hotel is about 30 minutes from the airport.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. However, your Pack Leader will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 10-20 EUR per day
Driver: 5 EUR per day
Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, porters, waiters, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty (approximately 28 EUR) at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

What will the canoeing be like?

The Sava River is usually calm and wide, offering gentle paddling while you soak in the stunning scenery. Some sections feature grade I-II rapids. Helmets and other safety equipment will be provided.

After heavy rainfall, the river can rise and the rapids become more challenging. If the water levels become too high the canoeing activity will be replaced with canoeing or paddleboarding on Lake Bohinj.

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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