Highlights of Northern Croatia and Slovenia

Discover unique cultural and historic heritage in the well-preserved medieval county of Samobor. Your will pass through the King Tomislav Square and the promenade with buildings flaunting French inspired baroque architecture. Ride alongside the fish-filled gurgling Gradna river, crossing it over covered bridges. Pass by elegant 18th century red-roofed houses, stopping by a cafe for a coffee and a kremšnita (local pastry). Drop into the majestic Livadic castle home to the town museum, where the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt stayed in 1846. Visit family handicraft stores including those that sell crystalware. Afterward, explore the winding streets on foot, or try a short nature hike to the Samobor Castle. (Full Day; Transfer Zagreb-Samobor duration is 40 minutes, distance 30 km; Fitness level: Easy; Includes a private guide, English speaking driver, & entrance fee to crystal manufacture; Please wear casual clothes.)

Take a trip to the small hilltop village of Momjan near the verdant valley of northwest Istria in Croatia. This often overlooked hinterland is dotted with olive groves and medieval castles. Visit the family-owned, fourth-generation Kozlović winery that has been producing fine wines since 1904. After strolling through their vineyards, enjoy a guided walk of their modern eco-conscious winery and contemporary wine cellar, which are considered among the world's best. Learn about traditional winemaking methods, preserving the heritage of the Istria region, as well as innovative new practices. Settling down in the tasting room indoors, or the glass-fenced terrace that overlooks the vineyards, sip on their prized wines, paired with seasonal local snacks. Apart from international favorites, try the signature Muscat Momiano, Muscat Rose, Teran, and the famous Malvazija, made with hand-harvested indigenous grapes. Explore the charming town of Rovinj on your way back. (Duration: Full day; Private Activity & Transfer; Wine tasting included; Travel time: 1 hr each way; Fitness level: Easy)

Discover the elegant city of Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital and one of Europe's greenest cities! Explore Ljubljana Castle, a medieval fortress on top of a hill that was built in the 12th century. Take a funicular ride and witness a magnificent view of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke Mountain Range. Let your local guide show you the city's beautiful bridges and buildings built by Jože Plečnik, Slovenia's master of early-modern, minimalist design. See the Square of Three Bridges which connects Ljubljana's old town to the modern city and walk around cultural monuments such as the National Museum and Opera House. Take a stroll on the leafy banks of the emerald-green Ljubljanica River which flows through the city's heart. During summer, cafes set up tables on the bank transforming it into a nightly street party you can enjoy! (Half Day; Private Activity; Meals not included; Ljubljana castle & Funicular ride Fee Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Don't forget your camera.)

Enjoy a day trip to Lake Bled that stands beside the picturesque old town of Bled, along with a visit to Bohinj Valley. Reach the Slovenian Tourist Information Centre at Krekov Trg, well in time to meet your local guide before the trip. Expect to encounter magical landscapes that seem to materialize right out of a picture postcard as you drive down. Spot the medieval castle precariously balanced on a jagged cliff-side, framed by the Julian Alps in the distance, as you enter Bled. From the ramparts of the castle, look out for the pretty spires of an old church on the lake’s island, the Church of the Virgin’s Nativity. Enjoy a gondola ride to the island, with the chance to walk up to the popular “Bell of Wishes” perched atop a flight of stairs. After your leisurely boat ride, drive down to Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest glacial lake. Take in the majestic views of the Julian Alps looming over the emerald green lake, before driving back to Ljubljana. (Full Day, Time: 0800 hrs; Shared Activity & Transfer; Group size: 8 max; Entrance fees, Not included: Boat ride & meals; Fitness level: Easy; Please dress comfortably).