Hi - My family and I are planning a trip to Croatia and Slovenia in August. We have not bought tickets yet but plan on flying into Ljubijana on August 12 and out of Zagreb on August 23. This is of course flexible, these connections just seem to be the most efficient at the moment. We have four kids under the age of 12 and have been traveling abroad with them about once a year since they were born. They have been all over and are generally ok with doing whatever (and their favorite part is always the plane ride). I have done several rushed itinerary type trips and would like help balancing between not being rushed and making good use of time. I think we'd be most interested in scenario and small towns. I have mapped out a little itinerary but hoping to get some boots-on-the-ground feedback of maybe some smaller out of the way places to stay near the towns I mentioned. Any and all other advice is much appreciated! The tentative plan is as follows: Fly in to Ljubljana then to Trieste then make way down to Zadar area then up through Plitice Lakes then to Zagreb I figured this would be a good swatch for 12-13 days-ish but not really sure practically. Thanks again for your help!
I would strongly recommend seeing Lake Bled, but it is in the wrong direction you are headed. However,the Postjona Cave is on your way to Trieste, a must see.
In Slovenia: 1.) Postojna Cave tour, whole family 2.) Predjama Castle, whole family 3.) Lake Bled, adults for vista and stroll. About an hour or less from Ljubljana. In Trieste: 1.) Espresso, hot chocolate, other food delights at "Caffe" at Via Vincenzo Bellini 51, or other nearby trattoria on the Canal Grande di Trieste, adjacent the Ponte Rosso bridge for Via Roma on which there is a famous stature of James Joyce (who lived in Trieste), whole family for food, Joyce for some adults. If using public parking, be cautious about valuables left in vehicle.
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/croatia https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/slovenia If you can, watch his DVDs before going.
Ljubljana sucks. I've rarely been to a city that goes so completely quiet after 20:00. Highly recommend flying into Venice instead, rent a car and drive down the coast to Dubrovnik. If you can swing it, make a small detour into Bosnia too--it's a really cool country mostly unspoiled by tourists. Depending on how much car your family can stomach, a loop back through Visegrad, Srebrenica and perhaps Belgrade would be fun too.
Not hijacking thread but we are in early stages of planning trip to Serbia and Croatia to visit my grandfather's birthplace. I found the above posts helpful. Thanks.
Loved Lake Bled . Took the kids and rented a row boat to the center island/church . Kids rang the bell . Jumped into the water for a swim . Trieste you need to see Mirimare Castle . Nice place to walk around as well. Ljubljana is nice to walk the Canal at night , I think it's not bad for the visit . Zadar is small but the sea organ is something special as the waves hit it and makes music . Most Important is to have fun and make the best of it . If you can make it down to Dubrovnik and Montenegro, that would be REALLY special....I know it's a big drive but one day ...
Start in Zagreb, Croatia's capital. It's got cool museums and parks. Then head to Plitvice Lakes for unreal nature vibes—waterfalls galore! Next up, Split is rad with its old town and Diocletian's Palace. You gotta hit up Hvar Island too—it's a party spot with gorgeous beaches.
We started in Dubradnic (sp?) then pretty much the exact same itinerary. Cool trip. But going from Dubradnic up to Split you have to pass through Serbia, which was a little weird.
In my childhood neighborhood on The West Side of Steelton, you could go from Croatia through Serbia and back to Croatia in three connected row houses.
For Slovenia, Ljubljana is a gem. Think colorful buildings, cute cafes, and a chill vibe. Lake Bled is a must—castle views and a stunning lake to kayak or chill by. And don't skip Postojna Cave—it's like another planet underground! For travel between cities, I'd use trains. They're comfy and scenic. Check out https://www.dbfahrplan.com/de/ for schedules and tickets—it's super handy!
Considering it was the season and comparing it to other destinations it was nice . Nothing "over crowded" to the point of not enjoying it . Rented a row boat and went to the center island church . A must . Great local 2 second story resturant with a view of the lake .
Went back and found some pictures..Biggest highlight was for the kids that they rang the church bell a few times ...Pretty cool . Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
