Slovenia and Croatia are close neighbors with outsized appeal: storybook old towns, emerald lakes and waterfalls, limestone karst, and a coast once sailed by Romans and republics. Ljubljana’s riverside cafés and baroque facades set a relaxed tone before you head for the Julian Alps. South, Croatia’s Adriatic cities shine with Roman, Venetian, and Ragusan layers—and some of Europe’s best island-hopping.

In two weeks you’ll hike viewpoints above Lake Bled, taste native varietals like Rebula and Plavac Mali, walk Split’s 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace, and circle Dubrovnik’s famous walls. Day trips reach Krka and Plitvice waterfalls, the Blue Cave and Hvar, and the Elaphite Islands, with options to hop to Montenegro or Mostar.

This mid-range itinerary favors trains, buses, and ferries to keep costs balanced (budget level ~50/100). Book intercity travel and regional connections on Omio (trains), Omio (buses), Omio (ferries), and flights to/from Europe via Omio (flights). Expect spring–autumn to be ideal for hiking and islands; July–August bring heat and crowds—go early/late in the day and reserve ahead.

Ljubljana

Days 1–5: Old Town ambiance, Lake Bled & Bohinj hikes, Triglav vistas, and Vipava wines

Ljubljana is intimate and effortlessly green—the Ljubljanica River curls past outdoor cafés, Art Nouveau bridges, and a hilltop castle. It’s a compact base for the Slovenian Alps: Lake Bled, Bohinj, and Vintgar Gorge are within easy reach, and wine country sits just to the west.

• City highlights: Stroll Prešeren Square to the Triple Bridge at golden hour; ride the funicular for sunset from Ljubljana Castle. Browse the Plečnik-designed Central Market (produce, cheese, honey) and, in season (roughly Apr–Oct, Fridays), sample chefs’ stands at Odprta Kuhna.
• Lake Bled & Bohinj day: Bus from Ljubljana to Bled takes ~1–1.2 hours (€8–10). Walk part of the 6 km lakeside path, then hike the short but steep Ojstrica viewpoint (20–30 minutes) for the iconic island view. Continue by bus 30 minutes to Lake Bohinj for a swim or the 1.5–2 hour Mostnica Gorge hike; return to Ljubljana by evening.
• Vintgar Gorge: Wooden walkways over turquoise rapids (seasonal entry, fee required). Reach from Bled by shuttle/taxi in ~10–15 minutes; go early to avoid crowding.
• Wine & unique finds: Taste native whites (Rebula, Zelen) and reds (Modra Frankinja) at Dvorni Bar or Movia Wine Bar; meet locals at the riverbank bar-cafés near Križanke. Explore Metelkova, a living art space with murals and music after dark.

Where to stay: For central stays near the river, search mid-range apartments and hotels on VRBO (Ljubljana) or compare hotels on Hotels.com (Ljubljana). For value, look in Trnovo or Poljane—10–15 minutes’ walk to the center.

Eat & drink: Morning coffee at Stow Coffee Roasters (museum-side precision brews) or Café Čokl (small roaster, friendly baristas). Brunch at EK Bistro (creative eggs, river views). Grab a Kranjska sausage at Klobasarna or burek from Burek Olimpija for a budget lunch. For dinner, try TaBar (Slovene small plates with natural wines) or Julija (classic Slovenian fare; book ahead). Dessert: gelato at Vigò.

Getting there: Fly into Ljubljana (LJU), Venice (VCE), or Zagreb (ZAG) and connect by bus/train; check options and prices on Omio (flights), Omio (trains), and Omio (buses). Venice Mestre to Ljubljana is ~3.5–4.5 hours by bus (€20–35).

Travel to Split (morning of Day 6)

Depart around 8:00 by direct bus from Ljubljana to Split: ~7.5–9 hours, €30–45, with a lunch stop; book on Omio (buses). Alternatively, take a 2.5-hour train to Zagreb (~€20–25) and a 5-hour bus to Split (~€20–30), total ~8 hours; compare on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses).

Split

Days 6–10: Diocletian’s Palace, Marjan hikes, island-hopping, Krka or Plitvice

Split hums inside the limestone walls of Diocletian’s Palace, where Roman columns shelter cafés and tiny konobas. It’s a perfect base for beaches, the forested Marjan peninsula, and speedboat trips to the Blue Cave and Hvar.

• Wander & climb: Get lost in palace lanes, then climb the Saint Domnius bell tower for Adriatic views. Hike or bike Marjan Forest Park; try the loop to Telegrin peak, then descend to Kašjuni Beach for a swim.
• Beaches: Bačvice (shallow, famous for picigin), Kašjuni (scenic cove), and Bene (pine shade). Go mornings or late afternoons in summer.
• Food & wine: Sample Dalmatian prosciutto, Pag cheese, and anchovies at Uje Oil Bar; pair seafood with Croatian varietals at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar. Don’t miss a warm lepinja at Kantun Paulina (ćevapi) and gelato at Luka Ice Cream & Cakes.

Recommended activities (book ahead):

• Blue Cave and Hvar Tour - 5 Islands Tour from Split and Trogir

  

  Full-day speedboat to the Blue Cave, Stiniva Bay, Vis coves, and Hvar. Expect multiple swims and time for Hvar Town’s harbor cafés.

• Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time

  

  Guided tastings of Dalmatian classics—olive oil, seafood, and sweets—woven with history inside Diocletian’s Palace.

• From Split: Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour

  

  Trade the coast for boardwalks over cascading turquoise lakes; includes guide and park circuits.

• Split to Krka Waterfalls - Full Day Private Tour Including Free Detour

  

  Private day to the travertine cascades at Krka, with time for Skradin and a winery stop if you like.

Eat & drink like a local: Coffee at D16 (specialty espresso) or 4Coffee Soul Food (tiny, excellent). Lunch at Villa Spiza (blackboard menus, fresh fish), or Bokeria Kitchen & Wine (Dalmatian-Med with flair). For an atmospheric konoba, book Konoba Fetivi (grilled squid, octopus salad). Nightcaps at Ghetto Club (hidden courtyard bar) or within the palace lanes.

Where to stay: For walk-everywhere convenience, look just outside the palace walls (Veli Varoš, Manuš). Compare options on VRBO (Split) and Hotels.com (Split).

Travel to Dubrovnik (morning of Day 11)

Bus: ~4–4.5 hours along the scenic coastal road, €20–35; reserve on Omio (buses). Ferry/catamaran: ~4.5–6 hours via islands (seasonal schedules), €40–60; book on Omio (ferries). Morning departures (8:00–9:00) get you in by early afternoon.

Dubrovnik

Days 11–14: City walls, island time, epic viewpoints, and cross-border options

Dubrovnik’s marble lanes, terracotta roofs, and fortifications meet luminous Adriatic blues. Walk the walls early or late for shade, then chase sea breezes on an island cruise or by tuk-tuk to hidden viewpoints.

• Old Town essentials: Stradun, Onofrio Fountain, Rector’s Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery pharmacy. Swim off Buža’s rocks below the walls, then toast sunset with a cold drink.
• Views: Ride the cable car up Mount Srđ or take a panoramic drive; go just before sunset for golden light on the walls and Elaphite archipelago.
• Beach time: Lapad Bay promenade (family-friendly, cafés), Sveti Jakov (views back to the walls), or a half-day on Koločep/Lopud/Šipan.

Top activities (choose 3–4):

• E-Tuk Tuk Tour in Dubrovnik

  

  Beat the crowds and reach viewpoints big buses can’t—quiet, quick, and scenic.

• Dubrovnik Cable Car Ride, Old Town Walking Tour plus City Walls

  

  Two essentials in one: history-rich walk plus sweeping views from Mount Srđ and atop the ramparts.

• Dubrovnik: Epic Game of Thrones Tour + Lokrum Island Option

  

  See filming spots layered over real Ragusan history; add Lokrum for peacocks, botanical gardens, and swims.

• Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

  

  Unwind on Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan with swims, village walks, and a simple on-board lunch—easy and budget-friendly.

Optional cross-border day trip: If you crave one more stamp, consider Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor or Bosnia’s Mostar and Kravice Falls. Browse options and availability before you go:
Montenegro Full-Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Optional Boat Trip

Eat & drink: Start with pastries and espresso at Gradska Kavana Arsenal or Dubravka 1836 (gateside views). Great-value lunch at Barba (octopus burger, anchovies) or Pizzeria Mea Culpa (thin-crust pies). For dinner, book Pantarul (seasonal Adriatic menu) or Proto (historic seafood house); Azur blends Asian–Dalmatian flavors. Wine bars: D’Vino and Malvasija. Sunset drinks at Buža Bar clinging to the cliffs, or a later cocktail at Love Bar in Gruž.

Where to stay: Inside the walls is atmospheric but pricier; for value, look in Lapad or Gruž with easy buses to Old Town. Compare options on VRBO (Dubrovnik) and Hotels.com (Dubrovnik).

Wrap-up and departure

Fly home from Dubrovnik (DBV) or connect onward; check fares on Omio (flights). If you’re continuing by bus or ferry up the coast, compare on Omio (buses) and Omio (ferries).

Suggested pacing at a glance

• Days 1–5: Base in Ljubljana; day trips to Bled, Bohinj, Vintgar; evening wine bars and markets.
• Day 6 (AM travel): Bus to Split; afternoon palace wander and Marjan sunset.
• Days 7–10: Blue Cave/Hvar boat day; Split food tour; beach time; day trip to Krka or Plitvice.
• Day 11 (AM travel): Bus or ferry to Dubrovnik; cable car at sunset.
• Days 12–14: City walls and Old Town; Elaphite Islands cruise; optional GOT tour or Montenegro day trip.

With green valleys and blue seas, this two-country journey layers alpine hikes, island escapes, heritage walks, and nightly feasts. It’s paced for savoring—espresso by the river, swims between stones, and a glass of local wine wherever the sun sets.