Welcome to an 8-day adventure through Slovenia and Croatia, where Habsburg elegance meets Adriatic energy. You’ll wander riverfront lanes in Ljubljana, ride past red-tiled rooftops in Zagreb, and taste sea breeze in Split—three distinct cities stitched together by easy rail and bus links.

Expect postcard icons like Lake Bled and Diocletian’s Palace, plus UNESCO showstoppers Plitvice Lakes and (optionally) Krka National Park. Between highlights, we’ll keep things delightfully local: market lunches, family-run konobas, and craft coffee. This plan prioritizes budget-savvy choices without skimping on the good stuff.

Practical notes: Croatia is now in Schengen, so overland travel with Slovenia is passport-check free (still carry ID). Cash and cards are widely accepted (EUR in Slovenia, EUR in Croatia). Summers are hot on the coast; spring and fall are lovely for hiking and boat trips. Street food, bakeries, and set lunches stretch your euro further than sit-down dinners.

Ljubljana

Slovenia’s petite capital is a green, café-lined beauty shaped by architect Jože Plečnik. The Ljubljanica River curls past markets, bridges with dragons, and a hilltop castle that watches over it all. It’s compact, creative, and wonderfully walkable.

• Top sights: Prešeren Square, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Central Market, Ljubljana Castle (funicular up), Tivoli Park, Metelkova art quarter.
• Why we love it: Affordable dining, bike lanes everywhere, and easy day trips to Lake Bled or the karst caves.
• Eat + drink highlights: Kranjska sausage at Klobasarna, market-fresh lunches, craft brews at Lajbah, and sweets at Gelateria Romantika.

Stay (budget-first picks): Search great-value stays on Hotels.com (Ljubljana) or VRBO (Ljubljana). Specifics: design-forward InterContinental Ljubljana (often deals off-season) and artsy Hostel Celica (former prison turned creative hostel; private rooms available).

Getting there: Fly into Ljubljana (LJU) or nearby hubs (Venice, Zagreb, Vienna) and connect by train/bus via Omio (Flights Europe), Omio (Trains), or Omio (Buses). Venice Mestre–Ljubljana bus ~3h20 (~€20–30); Zagreb–Ljubljana train/bus ~2h20 (~€12–20).

Day 1: Arrive Ljubljana (afternoon), riverfront first impressions

Afternoon: Check in, then stroll Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge, and the riverside colonnades. For specialty coffee, pop into Cafe Čokl (tiny roaster, seasonal single origins). Snack on a warm burek spiral from a local pekarna (bakery)—cheap and filling.

Evening: Ride the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle for golden-hour views. If you want easy entry, grab the Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket.

Dinner at Slovenska Hiša – Figovec (classic stews, jota, and roasts; fair prices). Nightcap by the river at TOZD (casual) or Lajbah (Slovenian craft taps).

Day 2: Old Town deep dive + Plečnik’s Ljubljana

Morning: Join the excellent Classic Ljubljana Group Tour (runs year-round; great overview, local stories).

Grab breakfast beforehand at Le Petit Café (buttery croissants, omelets) or snack on fruit and cheese at the Central Market.

Afternoon: Trace Jože Plečnik’s touch at the riverside arcades and Shoemakers’ Bridge, then wander Tivoli Park (photo stop at Tivoli Mansion). For lunch, try Klobasarna (IGP Kranjska sausage with mustard and horseradish) or Güjžina (Prekmurje dishes, including the famous gibanica layer cake).

Evening: Explore Metelkova’s street art before dinner at Gostilna Vida (seasonal Slovenian plates; good value lunch specials). For sweets, Gelateria Romantika churns inventive, not-too-sweet flavors.

Day 3: Adventure to Lake Bled (half day) + chill Ljubljana afternoon

Morning (tour): Head to the Alps on the Ljubljana: Lake Bled Experience small group half-day tour (~5–6 hours; typically includes Bled Castle and lakeside time; ~€65–85).

Optional: rent a rowboat or try the famous Bled cream cake.

Afternoon: Back in Ljubljana, bike along the river or browse secondhand shops around Stari Trg. Budget lunch: Falafel from Abi Falafel or dumplings from Da Bu•Di. Coffee at Stow in the City Museum (serious about beans).

Evening: Catch sunset from Nebotičnik (the “skyscraper”) café terrace. Dinner at TaBar (Slovene-style tapas—share plates keep costs down). Early night—tomorrow you roll to Zagreb.

Zagreb

Croatia’s capital mixes Austro-Hungarian grandeur with a high-energy café culture. Two medieval hills—Kaptol and Gradec—anchor a city of markets, murals, and trams buzzing to leafy neighborhoods.

• Top sights: Dolac Market, Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark’s Church, Lotrščak Tower (noon cannon), WWII tunnels, and the Blue Tram rides.
• Eat + drink: La Štruk (baked štrukli), Heritage (Croatian street food bites), and Tkalčićeva’s patios for an evening promenade.
• Day trips: Plitvice Lakes National Park (a must), or Samobor for kremšnita and small-town charm.

Stay: Find deals on Hotels.com (Zagreb) or VRBO (Zagreb). Specifics: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel (iconic; watch for off-season promos), Hotel Dubrovnik (top location), and Chillout Hostel Zagreb (budget with private-room options).

Getting there (Ljubljana → Zagreb, Day 4): Morning train ~2h10–2h30 (~€15–25) or bus ~2h20 (~€12–20). Compare and book on Omio (Trains) and Omio (Buses).

Day 4: Arrive Zagreb (morning), Upper Town icons

Morning: Travel to Zagreb and drop bags. Kick off with coffee at Cogito (Varšavska) or Korica bakery (legendary sourdough, morning buns).

Afternoon: Explore the Upper Town: Stone Gate, St. Mark’s Church (color-tiled roof), and the WWII Tunnel. Consider the Zagreb Small Group Guided Walking Tour with WW2 Tunnels for context and hidden corners.

Budget lunch: Heritage (tiny spot serving local charcuterie sandwiches and spreads) or Pingvin for classic sandwiches.

Evening: Dinner on Tkalčićeva at Otto & Frank (Croatian comfort with a twist) or hearty grills at Vinodol. Craft pints at The Garden Brewery Taproom or The Craft Room.

Day 5: Full-day adventure to Plitvice Lakes

Let a pro handle transport and tickets on the Plitvice and Rastoke Day Trip from Zagreb (tickets included)—a budget-friendly way to see terraced turquoise lakes and wooden boardwalks without stress (~€80–110, full day).

Pack water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. Back in Zagreb, reward yourself with La Štruk (baked cheese-filled štrukli; savory or sweet) and gelato at Orijent (old-school favorite).

Split

Roman emperor Diocletian built his retirement palace here; today it’s Split’s living Old Town, a maze of marble alleys and laundry lines. Beyond the walls: beaches, the pine-scented slopes of Marjan Hill, and islands begging for boat days.

• Top sights: Diocletian’s Palace, Peristyle, Cathedral of St. Domnius bell tower, Riva promenade, Marjan Hill viewpoints.
• Eat + drink: Konobe (taverns) for grilled fish, peka (slow-cooked under the bell), and soparnik; bakeries for cheap, delicious snacks.
• Day trips: Blue Lagoon/Trogir by speedboat, Krka Waterfalls, or Hvar/Vis if time and budget allow.

Stay: Browse wallet-friendly apartments and rooms on Hotels.com (Split) or VRBO (Split). Tip: Staying just outside the palace (e.g., Varos, Bacvice) is quieter and cheaper.

Getting there (Zagreb → Split, Day 6): Morning bus via A1 motorway ~4.5–5.5h (~€20–30) or train ~6–7h (~€20–35). Search on Omio (Buses) or Omio (Trains). Budget flyers exist, but by the time you add airport transfers, bus wins on cost.

Day 6: Arrive Split (midday), Diocletian’s Palace and sunset

Morning: Travel to Split. Drop bags and grab a bakery bite at Kruščić (olive focaccia, pastries) or a quick ćevapi at Kantun Paulina.

Afternoon: Dive into Diocletian’s Palace: Peristyle, the cathedral, cellars, and narrow “kale” streets. Coffee at D16 (best espresso in the palace). Lunch at Villa Spiza (market-driven, chalkboard menu; arrive early to avoid queues).

Evening: Hike or taxi to Marjan Hill for golden-hour views over the islands. Dinner at Konoba Fetivi (grilled fish, black risotto). Nightcap on the Riva or craft beers at Leopold’s.

Day 7: Island time—Blue Lagoon and Trogir (half day) or Krka Waterfalls (full day)

Option A (budget-friendly, half day): Speed across sapphire water on the Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Small-Group Speedboat Tour (usually includes Trogir, swim at the Blue Lagoon, and a beach bar stop; ~€60–90).

Afterwards, relax at Kašjuni Beach (clear water, mountain backdrop).

Option B (full-day nature fix): Trade sea for rivers on the From Split: Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour (~€40–70; entry extra on some departures).

Expect boardwalks among emerald cascades and a stop in Skradin. Budget tip: pack snacks; buy fruit at Split’s Green Market (Pazar) before you go.

Evening: Back in town, share plates at Uje Oil Bar (excellent olive oils, seafood, and veg dishes) or hit Buffet Fife for low-cost Dalmatian classics. Gelato at Luka Ice Cream & Cakes to finish.

Day 8: Slow Split morning and departure

Morning: Coffee and a pastry at Bajamonti on the Riva, then browse Pazar (local cheeses, figs, olive oil). If you want one last guided whirl without much walking, the Eco City Tour Split in an electric vehicle is an easy add-on (~1.5–2h).

Grab picnic sandwiches (pršut, cheese) for the road.

Afternoon: Depart by bus or train; compare options on Omio (Buses) and Omio (Trains). If flying onward in Europe, check Omio (Flights).

Budget + Adventure Tips

• Travel smart: Intercity buses are usually cheaper and faster than trains on Zagreb–Split, and similarly priced vs trains Ljubljana–Zagreb.
• Eat like a local: Markets for lunch, bakeries for breakfasts, konobe for hearty dinners. Share plates and order daily specials.
• Free/low-cost fun: Castle hill walks, Marjan trails, cathedral bell towers (small fee), city beaches, and Old Town wanders.
• When to go: Late April–June or Sept–Oct = warm water, fewer crowds, better prices.

Intercity Transport Recap:

• Ljubljana → Zagreb: Train ~2h10–2h30 (€15–25) or bus ~2h20 (€12–20). Book on Omio (Trains) or Omio (Buses).
• Zagreb → Split: Bus ~4.5–5.5h (€20–30) or train ~6–7h (€20–35). See Omio (Buses) / Omio (Trains).

In eight days you’ll trace Roman palaces, Habsburg squares, and turquoise cascades—plus taste your way through markets and konobas. With smart bus and tour choices, this plan keeps costs in check while dialing up the adventure on lakes, islands, and trails. Safe travels, and savor every espresso on every sunny square.