Croatia & Slovenia

Slovenia

Beautiful and less-travelled Slovenia makes for a wonderful excursion from its more busy neighbors of Austria, Italy, and Croatia. We visited a couple spectacular destinations in Slovenia’s Karst region in the Southwest.

Watch the Video: This subterranean world of the Postojna Caves has amazed visitors for over 200 years with its jaw-dropping chambers and passageways. We ride a train about 1.5 KM underground to where we explore another 1.5 KM on foot, and then ride the train back out. We have been in a few caves before, but this is our best cave experience.

Watch the Video: Predjama Castle, the largest cave castle in the world, has stood half-way up a cliff for over 800 years in Slovenia. Truly a medieval structure, it tells the story of a legendary knight Erasmus of Lueg. Built onto the mouth of a cave, it has many rooms and passageways with the cliff rock-face as an inside wall. It’s upper levels with access to the large cave is fabulous.

Croatia

Spanning a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea, visitors to Croatia find romantic old towns and a natures paradise. With strong Italian historical influences and its own medieval maritime Republic of Dubrovnik, Croatia has a lot to appreciate and enjoy. And venturing further inland, we find natural parks with jaw-dropping waterfalls.

Watch the Video: Istria’s hill towns of Motovun and Groznjan are picturesque stone-walled villages resting high above green vineyards and truffle-filled forests in Croatia. While Motovun has the best panoramic views, Groznjan is more fun to meander through its cobblestone lanes, enjoying its fabulous stone buildings – many turned into shops and art galleries.

Watch the Video: Ravinj, on the west coast of Istria County, Croatia, has a stunning old town protruding into the sea. This charming lived-in village, with narrow cobblestone streets, tall stone houses, and a wonderful harbor, is a delight to explore.

Watch the Video: Krka National Park in Croatia is home to some of the world's most picturesque waterfalls, accompanied by serene natural pools and emerald lakes. Visitors meander along trails and boardwalks, in awe of the visual feast before their eyes. We explore 5 sites in the park as well as hidden gems off the beaten path.

Watch the Video: Not far from Dubrovnik, Korcula was a strategic outpost fortified by the Venetian Republic in the 13th century, and today is one of the best-preserved medieval island towns in the Mediterranean. Tourists enjoy its old town, along clear- blue water with palm-lined streets, wonderful restaurants, and beaches. And the beautiful port city of Vela Luka, has a stunning cave housing one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites.

Watch the Video: The beautiful village of Cavtat is a hidden gem on the Adriatic Coast, offers Dubrovnik tourists a tranquil escape with natural beauty and Mediterranean charm. Named #1 honeymoon location for 2024, Cavtat is surrounded by lush hillsides, crystal-clear waters, and pebbled beaches, with wonderful restaurants and cafes.

Watch the Video: The Walls of Ston in Croatia are Europe’s longest defensive wall system, built in medieval times to protect a most valuable commodity. Although no where near the size of China’s Wall, this Great Wall in Croatia is impressive and wonderful to explore.

Watch the video: Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is stunning with countless cascades and waterfalls flowing from one lake to another. It is truely a waterfall paradise!

Watch the Video: Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s finest fortified medieval cities with massive ramparts that have defended it for over 6 centuries. Walking its magnificent walls is one of the best ways to appreciate the city's medieval history, and its stunning views of terracotta-tiled rooftops and the Adriatic Sea are fabulous.