Slavic Gems
Highlights
Split & Balkan Countryside – Dreamy coastal city and private boat island hopping. Vineyards, gardens, and a UNESCO-protected cooking demonstration
Plitvice Lakes National Park -Explore the UNESCO-listed gem, wandering the trails of a thousand cascades
Opatija and Istrian Peninsula – The playground of Habsburg royalty, the Croatian Riviera with gladiator tunnels, olive estates, and rustic outdoor cooking class
Predjama Castle and Postonja Caverns – A stunning castle perched above and jaw dropping subterranean caves below
Trakošćan Castle – 13th-century neo-Gothic fairytale fortress perched above a serene lake with optional bike rides and paddle boats
Periquito Adventures & Travel believes in creating high-touch, seamless, soul-stirring journeys where you can simply relax and immerse yourself in the history, beauty, cuisine and local culture from start to finish.
Susie Langley has personally curated this trip just for you, and has done everything possible to ensure that more than 90% of the tour costs are baked into the package price. So, with the exception of your international flights, some meals, and a tip here or there… you can keep your wallet stored away!
Sept 24 – Arrival in Split | Welcome to the Dalmatian Coast!
Upon arriving at the small and efficient Split airport, you’ll be greeted by our friendly, English-speaking chauffeur who will whisk you away to the beautiful Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel… an absolute jewel tucked within the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace.
This evening, we will meet in the lobby and then walk together to Bajamonti, a beloved local restaurant just a short walk from our hotel. There, we will enjoy a lively and delicious Welcome Dinner and a toast to the adventure ahead.
Sept 25 — From Old Split to the Balkan Countryside
This morning, we’ll be joined by a fantastic local guide for a private walking tour through the ancient corridors of Diocletian’s Palace and Old Split. You’ll hear vivid tales of Roman emperors, empires, and everyday life within these storied walls.
Then its time to leave seaside behind and dive into the heart of the Croatian countryside for something truly special. Tucked amongst vineyards, gardens, and ancient fig trees stands a charming family-run farmstead. We’ll be welcomed like old friends and treated to a fascinating cooking demonstration of a Unesco-protected, centuries-old recipe that will become our delicious, hyper-local lunch. This experience is sure to tantalize your tastebuds and have you grinning from ear to ear. Come hungry. Leave happy.
Sept 26 — Island Hopping Private Boat Exploration
Today we explore the islands off the coast of Split in our own private boat. Swim in turquoise coves, wander tiny villages, and enjoy a leisurely lunch on one of the islands. We’ll return to the mainland in the afternoon, and the balance of the day is yours for a bit of self-exploration around Split. Enjoy the leisure time!
Sept 27 & 28 — Plitvice Lakes National Park
We will leave the city behind and find a respite for two days in a place filled with eye-candy deliciousness! We’ll stop in to stretch our legs and find lunch somewhere in the picture postcard-perfect village of Rastoke, before continuing on to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, where we will spend 2 nights. Upon arrival and check-in at our gorgeous lodge, everyone will have the balance of the 28th and the full day of the 29th to explore this Unesco-listed gem at your own pace. Feel free to wander the labyrinth of pathways and wooden walkways that wind through (and over) the 16 cascading lakes that have been stitched together by thousands of waterfalls!
Sept 29 — Vintage Vibes & Seaside Strides | Croatia’s Riviera
Welcome to the elegant seaside town of Opatija… once the playground of Habsburg royalty. After checking into your luxurious accommodations, be sure to get outside for a stroll the Lungomare promenade. Do your best to find The Maiden and the Seagull during your stroll and check out the little boutiques, gelaterias, and cafes along the way. And by all means, breathe in the sea air as you let yourself completely unwind in this graceful coastal gem.
Dinner is on your own tonight — plenty of options to explore.
Sept 30 — Gladiators, Golden Elixirs & Great Grub | Istria
Today we time-travel to the Istrian Peninsula, where ancient empires and culinary traditions collide in a most delicious way. Our day begins in Pula, home to one of the most beautifully preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.
Next, we trade chariots for charcuterie as we head to a famed olive estate for an incredible tasting school. You’ll learn the inside scoop about this golden elixir, and how the industry has been pulling the wool over your eyes for decades!
Finally, we’re headed into farmland once more for a RUSTIC, FANTASTIC outdoor cooking class with an amazing chef and sommelier! The wine never stops flowing and the food is unbelievable! Suffice to say it’s a great day to have our own chauffeur!
Oct 1 — Goodbye Croatia... Hello Slovenia!
As we say so-long to Croatia, we’ll kick off our time in Slovenia with explorations of both Predjama Castle and Postonja Caverns. Predjama Castle is perched dramatically in the mouth of a cliffside cave. Part fortress, part legend, it’s a quirky marvel with a past full of outlaws, secrets, and spectacular views.
Oct 2 & 3 — Vintgar Gorge & Family Reunion
Lace up your comfy shoes—we’re heading into the storybook beauty of Vintgar Gorge, where turquoise waters rush through narrow canyons and wooden walkways wind between mossy cliffs and cascading falls. It’s an easygoing stroll with maximum wow factor, perfect for breathing in fresh alpine air and snapping a few envy-inducing photos. We will be done around mid-day, so the afternoon is full of options!
Perhaps the Melinks can get a jump on their family reunion either in Bled or elsewhere in the country. For others in the group, feel free to walk or bike around the lake, go “tobogganing” above the lake, or take a plenta boat and explore Bled Island. Whatever way the wind blows you, just relax and enjoy… there are truly no bad choices in Bled!
Oct 4 — “Bee” our Guest, Fortress Feast, & Twilight Paddling
Early this morning we venture into the golden world of Slovenian beekeeping—where ancient wisdom, sustainable practices, and the gentle hum of bees come together in perfect harmony. You’ll learn the secrets of the native Carniolan honeybee and have the chance to taste golden-hued honey straight from the source. You may even meet a few queens—of the buzzing variety. It’s a sticky-sweet and soulful start to the day, and its safe to say you’ll never look at a honey jar the same way again. It’s a deliciously different way to connect with the land—and the people who keep its oldest traditions alive. 🐝 From hive to heart – this adventure is the bee’s knees!
Before returning to the hotel, we’ll visit Bled Castle for a couple of hours. Have a wee look around the castle on your own… maybe visit the wine-making monks, or take a spin through the delightful gift shop… or simply sip an iced coffee as you gaze out over the lake, below. After an hour or so, we’ll reassemble at the castle’s restaurant for a delicious meal with an even more delicious view. Following lunch we will drive anyone who wants to catch a ride back to the Hotel… but feel free to wind your way down the stone staircase and stroll along the lake on your way back to the hotel.
As dusk settles in and the lake turns to glass, we’ll reconvene for a guided kayaking experience unlike anything you’ve done before. These clear-bottom boats are lit from within, turning the water into a softly glowing dreamscape. Paddle through starlight reflections, drift beneath castle reflections, and let the quiet magic of Lake Bled at night seal this day into your heart forever. Cameras ready— you’re gonna want photos to help tell THIS story!
Oct 5 — Trakošćan Castle & Farewell
On this final full day of our time in Croatia, we’re heading to one of her most enchanting hidden gems—Trakošćan Castle, a 13th-century neo-Gothic fairy-tale fortress perched atop a serene lake and surrounded by lush parkland. We hope this day lets you unwind and prepare to return to “reality” tomorrow. Please make the most of the afternoon and evening in this gorgeous setting.
If you don’t feel like an official tour of the castle, check out the other things you might want to explore…
- Lakeside strolls: Follow shaded paths around the mirrored waters—perfect for gentle walks, reflection, or even a cozy picnic among the trees.
- Bike rides or paddle boating: Rent a paddle boat on the lake or cycle around the park’s scenic loops—ideal for active exploration and fresh-air bliss crodestinations.com.
- Local refreshments: Pop into a nearby café or family-run tavern to sample regional cheese, pastries, or simple village fare—perfect with a cup of linden tea or local wine.
- Photography and forest walks: For nature lovers, woodland trails wind into the surrounding hills—sprinkled with wildflowers, birdlife, and quiet viewpoints over the park and castle.
We’ll gather together again for a final dinner as a group (LOCATION TBD) around 7:30 pm. Surely a toast will be made to an amazing adventure together and the bonds will be forged between all participants of Slavic Gems Tour – 2026!
Oct 6 — A Fond Farewell | Transfers to Zagreb Airport
We hope you all head home with your hearts full of love for these two Slavic Gems! They are both spectacular in their own right.. but together they are truly special! We loved sharing them with you all!
NOTE ABOUT DEPARTURES: Because we are staying a little over an hour away from the Zagreb Airport, we will need to transfer to the airport as one group. We will do our best to coordinate flights back to the USA (or onward, as the case may be)… but if your flight is too far apart from others in the group, you may wish to arrange your own transport, or be prepared to hand in the airport for a while before your flight.
Reserve Your Spot
Pay a 25% deposit today to reserve your place on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!