Zagreb Advent & Winter Escape: Plitvice Lakes, Ljubljana & Bled – 6 Days

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a fascinating 2-hour walking tour through Zagreb's historic centre.

Discover the city's cultural heritage, charming streets and fascinating stories as you explore its most celebrated landmarks.

Tour highlights include:

• Ban Jelačić Square, the vibrant heart of Zagreb

• Zagreb Cathedral and its historic surroundings

• Tkalčićeva Street, famous for its lively cafés

• Stone Gate, one of Zagreb's most treasured historic sites

• St. Mark's Church and the picturesque Upper Town

• Lotrščak Tower and panoramic city viewpoints

• The historic Grič Tunnel and Zagreb's famous funicular

Your guide will introduce you to Zagreb's traditions, architecture and local legends, offering an engaging introduction to Croatia's capital.

Following the guided tour, enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

During Advent, explore Zagreb's festive markets, beautifully illuminated squares and traditional seasonal food stalls. Outside the Christmas season, discover the city's museums, local shops and café culture.

Suggested schedule:

09:30 – Meet your guide in central Zagreb

09:30–11:30 – Guided Zagreb walking tour

11:30 onwards – Free time for sightseeing, lunch and independent exploration

Overnight in Zagreb.

After breakfast, depart Zagreb for a memorable full-day excursion to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia's most spectacular natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel through the picturesque Croatian countryside before arriving at the national park, renowned for its cascading waterfalls, interconnected lakes and breathtaking forest landscapes.

Accompanied by your guide, explore the accessible walking trails and scenic viewpoints, discovering the natural beauty that makes Plitvice one of Croatia's most celebrated destinations.

During winter, the park offers a particularly peaceful atmosphere, with the possibility of snow-covered forests, icy scenery and beautiful seasonal contrasts. The experience is equally rewarding throughout the year, as each season reveals a different character of the lakes and waterfalls.

The walking route and duration are adapted to seasonal conditions, park regulations and visitor safety. Certain pathways, boat services or panoramic vehicles may be unavailable during adverse weather.

Enjoy time for an optional lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Zagreb.

Suggested schedule:

08:00 – Departure from Zagreb

10:00 – Arrival in the Plitvice Lakes area

10:00–14:00 – Guided national park visit, subject to seasonal accessibility

14:00–15:00 – Optional lunch or refreshment break

15:00 – Departure towards Zagreb

17:00–18:00 – Estimated return to Zagreb

Overnight in Zagreb.

After breakfast, depart Zagreb for a scenic journey through northern Croatia, a region celebrated for its elegant historic towns, romantic castles and picturesque countryside.

Your first destination is Varaždin, one of Croatia's most beautiful Baroque towns and a former capital of the country.

Enjoy a guided walking tour through its charming historic centre, admiring colourful façades, elegant palaces, atmospheric squares and centuries of cultural heritage.

After some free time for coffee or independent exploration, continue towards the magnificent Trakošćan Castle.

Surrounded by forested hills and overlooking a tranquil lake, this romantic 13th-century castle is one of Croatia's most recognisable historic landmarks.

Discover its fascinating history and, subject to opening hours and the selected package inclusions, explore the preserved interiors and historic collections.

During the colder months, the surrounding landscape offers a peaceful and atmospheric setting, perfect for scenic photography.

Suggested schedule:

09:00 – Departure from Zagreb

10:00–11:30 – Guided visit of Varaždin

11:30–12:15 – Free time

12:15–13:00 – Transfer towards Trakošćan Castle

13:00–14:30 – Castle visit and scenic surroundings

14:30–16:00 – Return journey to Zagreb

Late afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight in Zagreb.

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing Zagreb for a full-day journey into neighbouring Slovenia, where spectacular Alpine scenery meets charming historic cities.

Travel towards Lake Bled, one of Slovenia's most iconic destinations, famous for its emerald-green lake, picturesque island church and breathtaking mountain surroundings.

Enjoy panoramic views and time to discover the lakeside atmosphere. Depending on the selected package and seasonal conditions, guests may visit Bled Castle or choose an optional traditional pletna boat ride to Bled Island.

Continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital, renowned for its elegant architecture, picturesque bridges and lively riverside atmosphere.

Meet your local guide for a walking tour through the historic centre, discovering landmarks such as Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge and the famous Dragon Bridge.

After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch, shopping or relaxing at one of the city's charming cafés.

During the Advent season, Ljubljana's historic centre is beautifully illuminated with festive decorations and seasonal market stalls, creating a magical atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, begin the return journey to Zagreb.

Suggested schedule:

07:30 – Departure from Zagreb

10:00 – Arrival at Lake Bled

10:00–12:00 – Lake Bled sightseeing and free time

12:00–13:00 – Transfer to Ljubljana

13:00–14:30 – Guided walking tour of Ljubljana

14:30–16:00 – Free time for lunch and independent exploration

16:00 – Departure towards Zagreb

18:30–19:30 – Estimated arrival in Zagreb

Overnight in Zagreb.

Important: This is a full-day excursion involving approximately 5–6 hours of driving in total, with visits to both Lake Bled and Ljubljana. An early departure is required, and the return to Zagreb is expected in the evening. The schedule may be adjusted according to traffic, weather conditions and daylight hours.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Zagreb and take some time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your journey through Croatia and Slovenia.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have additional free time for a final coffee, souvenir shopping or a short stroll through the city centre.

At the agreed time, your private driver will collect you from your hotel and provide a comfortable transfer to Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) for your onward flight.

Your six-day journey concludes with wonderful memories of historic cities, spectacular natural landscapes, charming castles and the distinctive atmosphere of Central Europe.

Included service: Private hotel-to-airport transfer.

End of tour.