Adriatic Highlights: 11 Days Through Italy, Slovenia & Croatia

Fly into Venice and transfer directly to Ravenna, leaving plenty of time to settle in. Spend the evening strolling around the historic city center, taking in the charming streets and piazzas. Stop at a local café or gelateria for a light snack and soak in the relaxed Italian pace. If time allows, peek into some of the smaller churches or historic squares nearby. Enjoy your first Italian dinner in a local trattoria, savoring regional specialties like piadina or fresh seafood. This gentle introduction sets the tone for a mix of history, art, and coastal culture.

Dedicate today to Ravenna’s remarkable mosaics and early Christian monuments, all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit gems like the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, marveling at their vibrant mosaics and history. Take breaks in quiet piazzas or cafés to absorb the atmosphere and watch locals go about their day. Consider a short walk to the Dante Tomb, a site honoring the famous poet. End the day with a relaxed evening walk through the city streets, enjoying the calm of this artistic town.

In the morning, transfer back to Venice, arriving with enough time for an afternoon introduction to the city. Start with St. Mark’s Square, the iconic Rialto Bridge, or a short gondola ride through the canals. Wander the narrow streets and small squares, taking in Venice’s unique architecture and vibrant energy. Stop at a small artisan shop to see traditional crafts or sample cicchetti at a local bacaro. Pause at a café for an espresso while watching gondolas glide through the canals. Dinner at a canal-side osteria rounds out the first evening on the lagoon.

Spend a full day exploring Venice’s highlights, from the opulent Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica to the quieter neighborhoods of Dorsoduro or Cannaregio. Take a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal for a different perspective of the city’s architecture. Consider a visit to Murano, the world-famous glassmaking island, to see skilled artisans at work and pick up unique glass souvenirs. Pause in a tucked-away café for espresso and pastries, watching life unfold on the canals. End the day with Venetian cuisine—fresh seafood or cicchetti—at a traditional eatery, and perhaps an evening stroll through St. Mark’s Square after the crowds have thinned. For a special touch, enjoy the sunset from a bridge overlooking a quieter canal.

Transfer from Venice to Ljubljana, Slovenia, a short 2–3 hour drive or train ride. Spend the afternoon wandering the old town, crossing the Dragon Bridge, and strolling along the Ljubljanica River. Explore the small shops and cafés tucked along the cobbled streets. Stop for a gelato or coffee while soaking in the relaxed, green vibe of Slovenia’s capital. Take a moment to watch street performers or enjoy the artistic vibe along the river promenade. Ljubljana’s charming combination of Baroque architecture and pedestrian-friendly streets makes it an easy city to fall in love with.

Explore Ljubljana Castle for panoramic city views, then wander Tivoli Park and the Central Market. Discover the city’s small museums, street art, and quirky architectural details. Take a leisurely walk along the river in the evening, enjoying the glow of the bridges reflecting on the water. Visit a riverside café or wine bar to sample local dishes such as štruklji or fresh seafood. Finish the day with dinner at a riverside restaurant, soaking in the lively yet relaxed city atmosphere and watching the sun set over the river.

Travel south to Split, Croatia, arriving in the afternoon. Begin exploring Split’s historic center with a stroll along the Riva promenade, taking in the Adriatic ambiance. Visit Peristyle Square within Diocletian’s Palace and stop at landmarks like Jupiter’s Temple and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Wander the side streets to discover small artisan shops or tucked-away cafés. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a first taste of Dalmatian cuisine in a local restaurant. The afternoon is perfect for a relaxed introduction to this vibrant coastal city.

Spend the day exploring Split’s key landmarks, starting with the rest of Diocletian’s Palace and wandering its maze of narrow streets. In the afternoon, take a scenic boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and relax on small, secluded beaches. Enjoy time snorkeling or simply lounging on the boat, soaking in the sun and Adriatic views. Return to Split in the evening for dinner along the Riva promenade, enjoying fresh seafood and local wines. Split’s combination of Roman history, vibrant coastal life, and stunning natural beauty makes it a highlight of the Adriatic journey.

Transfer to Dubrovnik in the morning (3–4 hours), arriving in time for an afternoon introduction to the Old Town. Walk along the famed city walls for stunning coastal views and explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town streets. Visit Onofrio’s Fountain, Pile Gate, and the Franciscan Monastery to get a broader sense of Dubrovnik’s rich history. Stop at cafés or gelaterias along the way and savor your first taste of Dubrovnik’s cuisine. Evening at leisure allows time to rest or enjoy a sunset stroll along the walls or the harbor promenade.

Dedicate the morning to Dubrovnik’s highlights: explore Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and the Old Town squares. Take the cable car for panoramic views over the city and the Adriatic Sea. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip to the Blue Cave, a stunning natural grotto with luminous waters ideal for swimming or photography. Return to Dubrovnik in the evening for a relaxed dinner at a seaside restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood, local wines, and the golden light of the Adriatic coast. Take a final evening walk along the Old Town walls or Riva promenade to soak up the city one last time. Sadly, tomorrow it’s time to head home.