Slovenia and Croatia Road Trip with Adriatic Cruise and Venice Ferry Return

Day 1: Ferry to Slovenia and Piran Exploration

Venice, Italy to Piran, Slovenia on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo, Venice

Enjoy classic Venetian pastries and strong coffee at this well-loved bakery before boarding the ferry.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Ferry from Venice to Piran, Slovenia

Take the ferry that offers scenic views of the Adriatic coast, arriving promptly in Piran, a charming seaside town.
EUR40 per person, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fritolin pri Cantini, Piran

Savor fresh seafood and local Slovenian dishes in the casual harborside eatery, open daily 12pm-9pm.
EUR20 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Piran Old Town

Wander the narrow cobbled streets of Piran, visit Tartini Square and take in stunning coastal views.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check into nearby hotel

Rest and prepare for next days’ adventures in Slovenia.
Varies, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Pri Mari, Piran

Traditional Slovenian coastal cuisine with fresh ingredients paired with local wines.
EUR25 per person, 1.5h
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Day 2: Ljubljana and Bled

Piran to Ljubljana to Bled, Slovenia on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before departing to Ljubljana.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Ljubljana

A scenic 1.5 hour drive to Slovenia’s capital city.
Car rental cost, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Ljubljana Castle

Open 10am-6pm, medieval castle with panoramic views of the city and cultural exhibits.
EUR13 per person, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Druga Violina

Traditional Slovenian restaurant known for local flavors and a cozy atmosphere.
EUR18 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along Ljubljanica River

Stroll along the picturesque river lined by cafes and lively bridges.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Lake Bled

A 45-minute drive taking you to the iconic lake surrounded by mountains.
Car cost, 45m

4:00pm

Check in and kayak on Lake Bled

Rent a kayak (9am-7pm) for 1 hour on the pristine lake and visit the island with the church.
EUR15, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Vila Ajda

Upscale dining with stunning views of Lake Bled and traditional Slovenian fare.
EUR30 per person, 1.5h
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Day 3: Bled to Postojna Caves

Bled to Postojna, Slovenia on June 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast overlooking Lake Bled.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Postojna Caves

A 1.5 hour drive south to the famous cave system.
Car rental cost, 1h30m

12:00pm

Postojna Cave Tour

Open 9am-5pm, take a guided train tour through stunning karst caves, a unique natural wonder.
EUR27 per person, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Proteus

Delight in local cuisine near the cave entrance.
EUR20 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Cross into Croatia for a 2 hour drive to one of the most spectacular natural parks in Europe.
Car rental cost, 2h

5:30pm

Check into hotel near Plitvice

Prepare for next day’s exploration of the lakes.
Varies, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Licka Kuca

Traditional Croatian cuisine with hearty local flavors.
EUR25 per person, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Plitvice Lakes Adventure

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for a full day of hiking and sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Plitvice Lakes National Park Hike

Open 7am-8pm, explore trails around spectacular waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes, capturing breathtaking photos.
HRK200 per person, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Park Restaurant

Convenient dining with beautiful park views.
EUR15 per person, 1h

4:00pm

Drive to Zadar

About 1.5-hour drive to the historic coastal city on the Adriatic Sea.
Car rental cost, 1h30m

5:30pm

Check into hotel and evening stroll

Relax and walk along the sea promenade to see the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Pet Bunara

Innovative Dalmatian cuisine in an intimate setting.
EUR35 per person, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Zadar to Opatija via Rijeka

Zadar to Opatija, Croatia on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your morning with a bite before the drive.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Explore Zadar Old Town

Spend an hour visiting Roman ruins, the Cathedral, and vibrant city squares.
Free, 1h

10:15am

Drive to Opatija via Rijeka

Leave Zadar for a 3-hour drive north along the scenic coast; stop briefly in Rijeka for a coffee break.
Car cost + Coffee EUR5 per person, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Barcola, Rijeka

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes by the waterfront, a perfect rest stop.
EUR20 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Arrival and check-in at Opatija

Settle into your accommodation ready for cruise embarkation.
Varies, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at Plavi Podrum

Dine on Croatian specialties in one of Opatija’s finest restaurants.
EUR30 per person, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relax in Opatija

Opatija, Croatia on June 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Walk the Lungomare Promenade

Explore the 12km seaside walkway lined with beautiful villas and gardens.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kanela Bistro

Creative Croatian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
EUR20 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Spa and Wellness

Book a spa treatment to relax before cruise departure.
EUR60 per person, 2h

7:00pm

Early Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a quiet meal anticipating the upcoming cruise.
EUR25 per person, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Board Cruise in Opatija

Opatija, Croatia on June 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast prior to cruise embarkation.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Board Cruise Ship

Embark on your Adriatic cruise exploring Croatia and beyond from Opatija.
Included in cruise package, Check in and depart
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Disembark Cruise and Rovinj Stay

Rovinj, Croatia on June 28, 2025

9:00am

Disembark Cruise in Opatija

Leave the ship and drive approximately 1 hour south to Rovinj, a picturesque Istrian town.
Car rental cost, 1h

10:30am

Check-in at Rovinj hotel

Settle in and prepare to explore this coastal gem.
Varies, Rest of day

11:30am

Breakfast or Brunch at La Puntulina

Enjoy oceanfront dining with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and fresh seafood.
EUR25 per person, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Rovinj Old Town

Wander the cobbled streets, visit St. Euphemia’s Church and enjoy art galleries and shops.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Beach time at Lone Bay

Relax at this popular pebble beach just a short walk from town.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Monte

Indulge in Michelin-starred Croatian contemporary cuisine in Rovinj.
EUR70 per person, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 15: Rovinj and Istrian Countryside

Rovinj, Croatia on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast on your last days in Istria.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Motovun

Drive 40 minutes to this hilltop medieval town famous for truffles and views of the Mirna River valley.
Car rental cost, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zigante Restaurant

Known for truffle specialties and local delicacies near Motovun.
EUR30 per person, 1h30m

2:00pm

Return to Rovinj

Leisurely drive back to Rovinj for an afternoon coffee and shopping.
Car cost, 45m

4:00pm

Explore Rovinj Market and Galleries

Discover local crafts and art in the quaint market area.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Bottega

Casual yet refined dining with excellent local wine and meals.
EUR25 per person, 1.5h
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Day 16: Ferry to Venice

Rovinj, Croatia to Venice, Italy on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final Croatian breakfast by the sea.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Morning walk in Rovinj

Take a gentle stroll along the coastline or visit the harbor before departure.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Ferry from Rovinj to Venice

Take the ferry back to Venice, enjoying a beautiful crossing of the Adriatic Sea (approx. 3 hours).
EUR50 per person, 3h

2:30pm

Arrive in Venice and check into hotel

Settle into your hotel and rest after the ferry journey.
Varies, Rest of day

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Celebrate the trip's end with high-quality Venetian seafood and wine in a cozy setting (reservation recommended).
EUR50 per person, 2h
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Day 17: Departure Day

Venice, Italy on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before heading to the airport.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Venice Airport

Arrive with plenty of time for your flight back to San Diego.
Taxi or shuttle cost, 1h
View Hotel Availability