Premium Venice to Split
Experience Overview
Spectacular natural beauty and fascinating cultural heritage go hand in hand in Slovenia and Croatia. This nine-day Premium journey will take you from the glittering canals of Venice to the beaming waters of Lake Bled and the underground world of the Postojna Caves. Ride the cable car up Mt Vogel for views over Lake Bohinj, and appreciate the caves and waterfalls abound in Plitvice Lakes National Park, an amazing UNESCO World Heritage site. Indulge in the epicurean delights like truffles, wine and Adriatic sunshine and let this part of the world enchant you on a small-group adventure.
Highlights
- Enter the fantastical underground world of the Postojna Caves – one of the longest karst caverns in the world – home to strange rock formations and creatures like the eye-less salamander.
- Ride the cable car up Mt Vogel for exceptional views over Lake Bohinj and the foothills of the Alps.
- Treat yourself to a truffle tasting in Motovun during an Exclusive Experience. Truffles are combined with local specialty dishes and a sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable Istrian wines.
- Spend a night in Rovinj at the stunning Hotel Istra, which sits on its own private island. Then, head to your Feature Stay that pairs centuries of history with the perfect location right on the most gorgeous square in Split.
- Explore scenic Croatian towns like the resort town of Opatija and seaside Sibenik, where you'll explore the 15th century stone Cathedral of St. James, decorated with 71 sculpted faces.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana Zagreb. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3223
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMPY
Starts: Venice, Croatia
Finishes: Split, Croatia
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel (7 nights),Feature Stay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,895 ($766 /day)
Itinerary
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in the floating city of Venice. You’ll be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel by car and water taxi, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to explore among the bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years. Maybe walk to St Mark's Square and the Basilica, Doges’ Palace, Accademia Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. After the meeting tonight, join your leader and group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Venice is famous for seafood and fresh Veneto vegetables – perhaps try some fritto misto (a mix of fried seafood) or risotto with asparagus.
Included Activities:
- Venice - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities:
- Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure (112 EUR)
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs (30 EUR)
- Venice - Gondola Ride (80 EUR)
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury (5 EUR)
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile (12 EUR)
- Venice - Traghetto Ride (2 EUR)
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection (17 EUR)
- Venice - Accademia Gallery (16 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Say farewell to Venice this morning and travel to the Postojna Caves, where you’ll take some time out for lunch before exploring. A network of 20 km of passages, galleries and chambers, Postojna is the largest classic karst cave in Europe. Begin with a 2 km open-top train ride through narrow tunnels into the jungle of stalactites and stalagmites. In the vast chambers the electric lighting allows you to admire the size and splendour of the underground world, and your leader will explain the geology of these natural wonders. Continue to Ljubljana – a city full of style and sophistication. When you arrive, take a guided tour around the Old Town and earn about the city’s history as you visit Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and the Dragon Bridge. You'll also visit the open market under arcades before continuing to the lake side town of Bled.
Included Activities:
- Postojna - Caves Visit
- Ljubljana - Walking Tour
- Ljubljana - Castle visit & funicular
Accommodation:
- Hotel Lovec or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll drive through the misty Sava Bohinjka Valley to beautiful Lake Bohinj – the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia. Take a cable car to the top of Mt Vogel, where you’ll be greeted by views of evergreen woods sloping down the mountains to blue waters. Take some time to enjoy the area before returning to Bled – renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) to the island on Lake Bled and climb up the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Enjoy a free evening where you can seek out the famous Bled cream cake (nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims that theirs is the best).
Included Activities:
- Bled - Pletna Boat Trip on Lake Bled
- Lake Bohinj - Cable Car to Mt Vogel
- Lake Bohinj - Day Trip
Optional Activities:
- Bled - Castle (15 EUR)
- Triglav National Park - Vintgar Gorge (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Lovec or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, drive to Motovun – sitting on the top of a cone-shaped hill surrounded by the bountiful Mirna River Valley, whose forests are famous for truffle hunting. The medieval charm of the town is still found in its well-preserved architecture. Today, you’ll have the chance to sample the delectable local product during a truffle tasting combined with fritaja (Croatian omelette), a local speciality, on a visit to a family-owned farm. Your sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable Istrian wines to try, such as the famous Malvazija. Continue to the romantic Croatian town of Rovinj – one of the best-kept towns on the Adriatic Coast. Among Rovinj's qualities is the beautiful, architecturally intact Old Town and its venetian-style St. Euphemia Church. Tonight’s accommodation is set on a private island just a short boat ride from Rovinj. Away from the pressures of the mainland, the hotel makes the most of its scenic setting, with calming views at every turn.
Included Activities:
- Motovun - Truffle & Wine Tasting
- Rovinj - Orientation Walk
- Motovun - Town Walls Walk
Accommodation:
- Island Hotel Istra or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, make the most of a late morning before heading to the villages of Slunj and Rastoke which are beautifully preserved on the banks of the Korana River. Take a walk through the picturesque villages and admire the traditional wooden houses and water mills. From here you will head on to your hotel just outside Plitvice Lakes National Park. When you arrive, you have the option to head out on a leisurely walk with your leader to get your bearings. Then, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to spend at your leisure.
Included Activities:
- Slunj and Rastoke - Villages Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel Lyra or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll explore one of Croatia's most beautiful sites – Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fairy-tale land of wooded hills, turquoise lakes and waterfalls. Enjoy some time to discover the park’s trails – your leader will recommend the best routes to suit your interests and outline the park's rules. After your memorable visit to the lakes, drive to the walled city of Zadar. Take an afternoon sightseeing tour of the city with a local guide. Learn the ancient history of the Roman Forum built in the first Century and St Donatus' Church. Visit the reconstructed Romanesque St Grisigono's Church, St Mary's bell tower, St Anastasia's Cathedral, and the People's Square. Lastly, you will visit the Three and Five Wells Squares. There is also an opportunity to visit the Gold and Silver Museum. In the late afternoon, top off the day with a sunset drink overlooking the bay.
Included Activities:
- Plitvice Lakes National Park - Entrance & Hike
- Zadar - Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
- Zadar - Sunset Drink
Accommodation:
- Hotel Kolovare or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
The day is yours to continue to get to know Zadar. There are a number of excellent museums to visit including the Museum of Church Art, the Archaeological Museum and the National Museum. Don't forget to visit the famous ‘Greeting to the Sun’ and the ‘Sea Organ’, two of the more modern sights of Zadar. The latter is a man-made organ on Zadar's Riva that works with the motion of the waves and 35 pipes to create a musical soundscape. You could also visit the vibrant fish markets of this port town, take a dip in the clear coastal waters, or explore the cafe culture and do some people watching. If Plitvice whetted your appetite for waterfalls, take an optional tour to Krka National Park.
Optional Activities:
- Zadar - Krka National Park Day Trip (90 EUR)
- Zadar - Kornati National Park Day Trip (70 EUR)
- Zadar – Gold and Silver of the city of Zadar Museum (6 EUR)
- Zadar – Museum of ancient glass (6 EUR)
- Zadar - Archaeological Museum (5 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Kolovare or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, drive to Split, making a stop in the town of Sibenik. Walk among the stone houses, churches, narrow alleys and lanes where past and present are harmonious. Visit St Jacob's Cathedral, a 15th-century jewel that’s UNESCO-protected, before taking some time for lunch. Continue to your final destination of Split. This is Croatia's second-largest city in the heart of the Dalmatian coast, set on the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea against a backdrop of coastal mountains. Check into your Feature Stay accommodation – a boutique hotel with centuries of history (it started its life in the 1700's as the first cafe in Split!), situated on the most beautiful square in the city. This evening you may like to head to one of Split’s restaurants with your group for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Sibenik - Orientation Walk
- Sibenik - St. James Cathedral
Optional Activities:
- Split - Fish Market - Free
- Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure (64 EUR)
- Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
- Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery (12 EUR)
- Split - Archaeological Museum (8 EUR)
- Split - Diocletian's Palace Cellars (7 EUR)
- Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower (10 EUR)
- Split - Ethnographic Museum (3 EUR)
- Split - Gallery of Fine Arts (5 EUR)
- Split - City Museum (4 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to and end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to extend your stay in Split, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Pam - Traveled, October 2023
The tour is a great mix of nature, culture and history. My favourite sites were all things Slovenian and Plitvice National Park. Ivana, our tour guide was excellent. Always enthusiastic, well prepared and knowledgeable. She is a treasure and really helped our group enjoy each other. Other highlights were the feature hotel and truffle lunch. A fun and interesting trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2023
Thomas - Traveled, September 2023
Such an amazing trip to a beautiful country! Every stop was a new adventure with delicious food and friendly people. Our guide, Vlad, treated us like family the whole way. Highly recommend this trip to anyone who’s wanted to go to Croatia!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Alistair - Traveled, September 2023
It was everything and more thanx we’ll be back
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Savanah - Traveled, September 2023
Had a wonderful experience with Intrepid. The accommodations were lovely and the sites beautiful. I enjoyed getting to meet people in our group from all over the world who at the end of our trip became my travel family. Grateful for the memories and friendships I made through and Intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Pat - Traveled, September 2023
We enjoyed this trip very much. I wanted one that included Slovenia and this one did just that. Our tour leader was very helpful and full of local knowledge. We saw a great mix of beautiful scenery and also buildings, old walls etc. Had a good miz of free time and local tours.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Elizabeth - Traveled, September 2023
Loved this trip, a great combination of natural wonders, historic locations and great food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Sue - Traveled, September 2023
I would highly recommend this trip. Travelling with a small group made it fun and easy to get around
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Michael - Traveled, August 2023
Excellent itinerary and a great tour leader with breathtaking destinations, possibly the most surprising fun you will ever have
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/09/2023
Joshua - Traveled, August 2023
Great experience. Excellent itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2023
Julie - Traveled, August 2023
Great trip with amazing diverse group all ages Venice to Split. Inclusions fantastic, scenery amazing tour leader focused on making our trip experience ‘ the best’
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/11/2023
Al - Traveled, July 2023
Good tour, great leader in Hrvoje and beautiful countries. We enjoyed seeing Slovenia and Croatia and felt well taken care of.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2023
Viv - Traveled, July 2023
We just completed a premium small group tour from Venice to Split with tour guide Hrvoje. Would highly recommend the tour. Each day is packed with interesting places to visit gorgeous scenery and delicious food. A stress free way to.travel.with like minded people!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/04/2023
Lynne - Traveled, July 2023
With the exception of a hiccup with our airport transfer in Venice this was a fantastic trip. Our schedule gave us enough free time, hotels were excellent, transport was really good....and I loved having our luggage delivered to each hotel! Hrvoje was a fantastic leader and took care of everything along the way, advised us of good restaurants and places to visit. Plenty of inclusions...a fun trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Barbara - Traveled, June 2023
Just finished Croatia trip Venice to Dubrovnik recommend it to everyone so beautiful and informative
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2023
Faythe - Traveled, June 2023
My trip was amazing. It was the first time I travelled abroad by myself. I felt completely safe and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I met incredible, life long new friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2023
Emily - Traveled, May 2023
I was hesitant at first with Intrepid (couldn’t tell if all the reviews were fake) but the price was reasonable so we took a chance (Premium tour). Well… will only be using Intrepid in the future! Our expectations were blown away. You wont be disappointed! (Middleclass, W, F, 34age, from U.S., traveling w Husband)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2023
Karen - Traveled, May 2023
An incredible trip! The itinerary took us through the canals of Venice, the mountains of Slovenia and the coast of Croatia. Amazing food, culture, natural beauty and history. And our tour leader, Petar was phenomenal - he provided us with a fun, well organized trip that let us see, do, and eat so many memorable things.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2023
Kristin - Traveled, May 2023
Words cannot explain what a great trip this was from Venice to Split with our tour guide Peter. Very knowledgeable about the area. His attention to details and willingness to help a make sure everyone was taken care of.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2023
Madison - Traveled, May 2023
This is an excellent trip. You get a lovely taste of Venice followed by the best of Slovenia and Croatia without feeling like you are rushing through. The included activities are excellent, and a great focus is on immersion in the local culture and community. I recommend this tour to anybody curious about this part of the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2023
Owen - Traveled, October 2022
This trip was absolutely incredible. There was gorgeous scenery, delicious food and fun activities in each location.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2022
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