9-Day Nature Itinerary in Croatia and Slovenia

  • Day 1: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
    Estimated Time: 2 hours (135km) from Zagreb, Croatia’s airport via rental car. 2 hours spent at the park.

    Plitvice Lakes National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in Croatia’s mountainous region. Visitors can hike through lush green forests, see cascading waterfalls, and admire the pristine blue waters of the sixteen interconnected lakes. The park offers different hiking trails for various fitness levels, so everyone can enjoy its beauty.

  • Day 2: Bled, Slovenia
    Estimated Time: 3 hours (248km) from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Bled via rental car. 4 hours spent in Bled.

    Bled is an idyllic town situated at the edge of a crystal-clear lake with a small island in the middle, where visitors can reach by traditional wooden boats, called 'pletna'. You can hike around the lake, visit the medieval castle that offers gorgeous views of the surroundings, and try the traditional cream cake called "kremna rezina". For more adventure, take a hike up to the nearby Julian Alps, which offer stunning views overlooking the town and the lake.

  • Day 3: Skocjan Caves, Slovenia
    Estimated Time: 1.5 hours (69km) from Bled via rental car. 2-3 hours spent at the caves.

    The Skocjan Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an awe-inspiring natural wonder. You can explore the deep cave systems and subterranean chambers that are formed by and span over the Reka River. Some of the chambers are up to 100m high, and visitors can walk over a bridge that hangs over a 40-meter deep abyss!

  • Day 4: Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
    Estimated time: 1 hour (38km) from Skocjan Caves via rental car. 4-5 hours spent at the lake.

    Lake Bohinj is Slovenia’s largest natural lake, surrounded by the stunning Julian Alps. Visitors can take a cable car to reach Mount Vogel, which offers magnificent views of the lake and the mountains. Other popular activities include hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming in the lake’s pristine blue waters.

  • Day 5: Postojna Cave, Slovenia
    Estimated time: 1 hour (50km) from Lake Bohinj via rental car. 2-3 hours spent at the cave.

    The Postojna Cave is the second-longest cave network in Slovenia and a unique natural wonder to explore. Take a train ride deep into the cave, explore the incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations, and see the rare and mysterious Proteus anguinus, a blind amphibian, and other unique animals living in the cave.

  • Day 6: Krka National Park, Croatia
    Estimated time: 2.5 hours (224km) from Postojna Cave to Krka National Park via rental car. 4-5 hours spent in the park.

    Krka National Park is a stunning oasis of waterfalls, rivers, and lush vegetation. The main attraction is Skradinski Buk, a magnificent cascade of waterfalls that you can swim beneath. You can also take a boat tour to see Visovac Island and its stunning Franciscan Monastery, or hike the trails and spot the park’s abundant wildlife.

  • Day 7: Paklenica National Park, Croatia
    Estimated time: 2 hours (138km) from Krka National Park to Paklenica National Park via rental car. 4-5 hours spent in the park.

    Paklenica National Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers, surrounded by striking canyons and imposing mountains. You can hike through the park's various trails, including some that lead to the highest peaks of Velebit Mountain, or try rock climbing on the towering cliffs that rise above the park.

  • Day 8: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
    Estimated Time: 2 hours (174km) from Paklenica National Park to Plitvice Lakes National Park via rental car. 3-4 hours spent at the park.

    End your trip by visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park once more to see its beauty at a different time during the day. You can take a different hiking route this time to see more lakes, and enjoy views of the park's waterfalls and bridges from another angle.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Zagreb Airport car rental (9 days, $300)
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance fee ($20)
  • Bled Castle entrance fee ($10)
  • Bled cable car ride ($20)
  • Skocjan Caves entrance fee ($20)
  • Postojna Cave entrance fee ($25)
  • Krka National Park entrance fee ($20)
  • Paklenica National Park entrance fee ($15)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $450

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can rent a bike in Bled and explore the nearby forests or visit the Baroque village of Radovljica. Also, there are plenty of delicious restaurants near each attraction: try the traditional Croatian 'Peka' dish in Paklenica, sample Slovenian wines in Bled, and enjoy seafood delicacies fresh from the coast in Krka National Park. In case of less time, you can skip the Postojna Cave or the Paklenica National Park, which are relatively further away than the other locations. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a rain jacket, as the weather in these regions can be unpredictable.

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