Croatia & Slovenia Nature Discovery

Unlike most guided European tours, Nat Hab trips shun big buses and crowded, touristy locations. By deliberately keeping our group size very small, we ensure access to the most intimate nature encounters and authentic cultural experiences. And if there are more than six travelers on a departure, we travel with two Expedition Leaders, for the utmost in flexibility, personalized service and superlative interpretation.

Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s) and local guides, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, some gratuities, airport/train station transfers on Day 1 and final day, private boat tour to the island of Cres, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

Moderate
Guests must be able to hike at least two miles at a time over terrain that is sometimes uneven and rocky, on trails that ascend and descend. While two miles is the minimum you need to walk to enjoy this adventure, some days the mileage will exceed this if desired as we sometimes offer a couple walks a day. Some trails have roots across the path that may require careful footing. Average elevation gain on hikes will be between 100-600 feet over a couple miles. One private small boat trip is included, and while the offshore waters are generally calm, travelers who have a predisposition to motion sickness may wish to take precautions as we do spent most of this day on a boat. This is likewise the case with regard to the mountain roads we travel: many are narrow and winding, and if you're prone to motion sickness, be prepared. We also visit a beekeeping farm to learn about honey production—and while we do not expect to get stung, those with bee allergies should be aware. The maximum elevation we will reach is approximately 5,400 feet on our cable car excursion up Mount Vogel in Slovenia's Julian Alps. Most included excursions are optional. If we have more than six travelers booked, we will be accompanied by two Expedition Leaders, which will allow us to break up into two smaller groups for activities of varying physical ability levels.   

While our focus on this unique itinerary is extensively on nature, and we spend most of our time immersed in beautiful and wild landscapes  from the Adriatic Sea to the Julian and Dinaric Alps, please be aware that this is not a wildlife-centric trip. While we might see a few animals here and there, and we do visit a special island reserve dedicated to the conservation of endangered griffon vultures, wildlife is not a prominent highlight. Be assured, however, that your experience will include magnificent natural places that conventional itineraries don't offer—our guests come home wowed by the diverse landscapes we encounter, and our connections with local people living on the land in rural areas.

Arrive in Zadar, Croatia by 2:30 pm to join a welcome presentation and walking tour of Zadar at 3:30 pm. You may depart from Ljubljana, Slovenia any time on the final day but we recommend before 1 pm.

We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as our staff is intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find better fares online.