Slovenia and Croatia Itinerary: Discover the Best of Eastern Europe
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Are you ready for an adventure through two of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful countries? Slovenia and Croatia are home to breathtaking natural wonders, rich cultural history, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
You can experience some of the best that these two countries have to offer with this Slovenia and Croatia itinerary for 10 days, starting in Slovenia.
Day 1: Ljubljana
The city of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia is the best spot to start your journey because it’s a perfect hub to see all that Slovenia has to offer. Slovenia is so small that it is easy to get to other big spots in the country by bus from Ljubljana. I recommend making it your hub and just taking day trips for ease.
Ljubljana is a city that should be seen by everyone, I just loved it here! Spend the day exploring the city’s historic architecture, vibrant street cafes, and bustling markets.
Check out my list of things to do in Ljubljana to plan your day!
Day 2: Postojna
Grab breakfast in Ljubljana then head to the Ljubljana bus station to head to the town of Postojna to visit one of Slovenia’s most popular attractions, the Postojna Cave.
Explore this vast and wondrous underground world on a guided tour that includes a train ride into the cave and a walking tour through the towering stalactites and stalagmites. It’s a unique experience!
After the cave, you can check out Predjama Castle. Predjama Castle is one of the largest castles built into a cave. This was honestly much cooler than I expected.
Day 3: Lake Bled
Oh Lake Bled, how I love you. Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s top destinations, and for good reason. Lake Bled is a nature-filled beauty — truly picturesque.
Take a boat ride to the island in the center of the lake and ring the wishing bell for good luck. Hike up to the Bled Castle, perched high on a hill for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Check out my list of top things to do in Lake Bled!
Day 4: Travel to Split
Today, you’ll say goodbye to Slovenia and travel by bus from Ljubljana to the coastal city of Split in Croatia. The journey takes around 10 hours, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cross the border.
I booked my ticket for a more mid-afternoon time so that I could enjoy the morning in Ljubljana.
You can easily book a ticket from Ljubljana to Split through Flixbus — the company I used. You can book online or at the bus station.
Day 5: Split
Once you arrive in Split, explore the city’s stunning Diocletian Palace, an ancient Roman palace that now houses shops, cafes, and museums. Take a walk along the Riva promenade, a bustling pedestrian street with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Don’t forget to try some of the local cuisine. Which includes food like grilled fish or a hearty bowl of seafood soup.
I highly recommend spending some time doing either a food tour or a walking tour. If you start your day off with one of these, it will give you a great lay of the area and some good spots to spend the rest of your day.
There are also some really awesome adventure trips from Split to check out — like a trip to see the Blue Cave!
Plus, booking tours as a solo traveler allows you to meet new people. You might meet some people you want to spend the rest of the day with! I like to do this when I’m choosing to stay at an Airbnb or hotel instead of a hostel.
Day 6-9: Dubrovnik
From Split, you can take a bus or a high-speed ferry to Dubrovnik. I opted for the ferry ride to enjoy the scenery along the water. The ferry is between 4-5 hours and the bus ride is about 4-5 hours.
The bus ride is slightly cheaper. So really the way you choose to travel depends on personal preference and budget!
You can check out the ferry schedule here. You can book your bus from Split to Dubrovnik through Flixbus!
Spend the next four days exploring the city’s historic walls, charming Old Town, and beautiful beaches.
Take a cable car up to Mount Srd for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding islands. Go on a sea kayaking adventure, exploring hidden beaches and caves.
Take a day trip to nearby islands like Mljet or Korcula, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
Dubrovnik is another one of those places that are famous for a reason. It really is quite a magical city. It’s hard to go wrong with how to spend your day here.
Day 10: Travel Day
On your final day, take some time to say goodbye to the stunning city of Dubrovnik before traveling to the airport for your return flight home.
Although 10 days in Slovenia and Croatia is certainly not enough, it makes for a perfect getaway! It would also make for an awesome road trip adventure!
Where to Stay in Slovenia:
I definitely recommend staying in Ljubljana, because it’s centered to everything you would want to do. Plus, the city is so walkable!
Budget Option:
Mid-Range Option:
- Hostel Celica : This one is my pick. It’s an old military prison turned into a hostel! You can get a private room and it will feel like a hotel!
Luxury Option:
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik, Croatia:
If you want a really walkable option, I would recommend staying within the old walls! I stayed outside of them at a super cute little guesthouse which I loved, but it made it more challenging to navigate getting back and forth with the timing of the bus (since Dubrovnik is so hilly). If you do stay outside of the walls so you can have a great view or be close to the beach, just look for transport nearby.
Budget Option:
Mid-Range Option:
Luxury Option:
After venturing through this Slovenia and Croatia itinerary, one thing is certain: this part of Europe will completely steals your heart. From the fairytale streets of Ljubljana and the crystal waters of Lake Bled to the ancient cities and coastline of Croatia, this itinerary gives you a little bit of everything: adventure, history, culture, and incredible scenery.
What I loved most about this trip was how easy it was to experience so many different landscapes and experiences in such a short amount of time. One day you’re exploring caves and castles in Slovenia, and the next you’re wandering through centuries-old streets along the Adriatic Sea.
While you could easily spend weeks exploring both countries more deeply, 10 days is the perfect introduction to some of the best spots in Slovenia and Croatia. Whether you’re planning this as a solo adventure, couples trip, or even a road trip with friends, this itinerary is one that you’ll remember for a long time.
If you’ve been debating whether Slovenia and Croatia are worth adding to your bucket list — this is your sign to go.