Compare Venice - Ljubljana - Split - Zagreb by Train by TripMasters

Day 1 in Venice

Welcome to Venice! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Start your day by wandering around the giant maze of bridges, lanes and canals. Getting lost in Venice is not very hard to do, sure you can follow a map, but we recommend you put it down and allow yourself to get lost! As your strolling the side streets and alleyways, stop in one of the charming cafes to enjoy lunch and grab a souvenir at one of the many kiosks or shops you`ll pass along your way.

Enjoy your first evening in Venice by taking a sunset gondola ride. With the sky changing into hues of pink, the beauty of Venice`s waterways during this time of day is exceptionally picturesque. Hiring a gondolier who will hum Italian melodies while rowing you around is a one of a kind experience.

Afterward, spend some time over a relaxing meal at one of the city`s fancy restaurants. Wander alongside the canals and notice the mood of Venice change after the sun has set, so stay up late and embrace the city (and romance) of the evening!

Day 2 in Venice

Start your day off early at the City Center at Piazza San Marco and wander around the iconic public square. The city square, commonly known as St. Mark`s Square, boasts buildings and monuments representative of both the Baroque and Victorian era. From the Gothic styles to the intricate details that dominate the landscape about town, it`s definitely a sight to behold!

While at Piazza San Marco, you`ll notice the Basilica di San Marco, an elaborate structure illuminated with murals and gold embellishments. By getting to the Basilica early you may make it for an early morning mass: you`ll have the best part of an hour to reflect on the acres of glimmering mosaics. And unknown to most, the Basilica doubles as a museum and treasury for ancient artifacts, precious gems and jewels.

Don`t miss The Doge`s Palace, the most representative symbol of Venice`s culture, which, together with the Basilica of San Marco at the back and the Piazzetta in the forefront, forms one of the most famous sceneries in the world. Stop for a cappuccino or grab some lunch on the terrace of Caffè Florian for the most atmospheric surroundings on Piazza San Marco.

After lunch, explore the many bridges and canals while you head towards the legendary Grand Canal, Bridge of Sighs. If you`re wondering why it`s called the Bridge of Sighs, that`s because prisoners of the past convicted of crimes had to walk across that bridge to get to the prison grounds where they served their jail time. It is said that prisoners would sigh as they make their way across the bridge as a form of resignation to their fate. Today, the dark history of the bridge has been replaced with an urban legend where couples who kiss under the bridge will see their love stand the test of time.

Next, make your way to one of the most iconic bridges, the Rialto Bridge, located along the Grand Canal; this is the oldest and possibly one of the largest bridges in Venice. Unknown to most, the Rialto Bridge has experienced multiple collapses since its construction in the 16th century. Much like how the city might be submerging soon, it`s best to catch it while you can. (For the best photo, head to neighboring docks or bridges, which aren`t as crowded with tourists, you`ll get a clearer view.)

Spend your evening experiencing the local cuisine like a true Venetian. Know that most of the restaurants along the canals cater to tourists. Their menus are in English, the prices are a bit steeper, and the food is often just ok. To truly experience the best food in the city, get away from the touristy areas and step into restaurants that may require you to know a little bit of Italian.

Besides eating out at authentic Venetian restaurants, there are numerous ways to experience traditional cuisine and culture in Venice. Dine in the home of a local, go on a food tour, embark on a guided tour of Venice`s bacari wine bars and their famous cicchetti dishes, or take a Venetian pastry-making class!

Day 3 in Venice

Spend your last day in Venice Island hopping! Amongst the countless islands in Venice, Murano, Burano and Torcello are 3 major islands in the northern part of Venetian lagoon and are an absolute treat. Start off by exploring the island of Murano, a fisherman island and the biggest of the 3 islands, world famous for its glass factories. After visiting the Glass Museum and Chiesa di San Pietro Martire, jump back onboard your vaporetto (waterbus) and enjoy a half an hour ride to Burano. You may not know this, but the colorful walls of the residence in Burano are painted for a reason. The town`s city council used the vibrant colors as indicators marking the locals` houses to help guide the fishermen back home.

In Burano, make sure you drop by the Museo del Merletto (Burano Lace Museum) and the Church of San Martino Vescovo. After Burano, make your way to the Torcello and enjoy the grassy, secluded island decked in Byzantine mosaics and marshy muck lands. To put to perspective how secluded this island is, there are just about 75 inhabitants on the island! Walk around The Devil`s Bridge and Cattedrale di Torcello (Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta) and make your way back to Venice late in the evening.

On your last evening in Venice enjoy a visit to the beautiful Teatro La Fenice and experience the golden era of Italian Opera in this Baroque Opera house. The theatre once hosted world-renowned maestros like Verdi, Donizetti, Abbado, Muti and Chung, Rossini, Mirella Freni, Luciano Pavarotti and Bellini. The name La Fenice translates to `The Pheonix` and is a perfectly fitting moniker for this opera house that has been rebuilt from ash twice over during its existence. Teatro La Fenice was a space for Venice`s cultural elite before its fire stints after which it became a monumental attraction.

Today, this opera house is amongst Italy`s most celebrated monuments and rightly so. Soak in the opulence of this wonder; the plush seats, the stuccos and gold plated ceilings and walls, the Baroque elements and gilded private balconies while you`re here.

Additional Days in Venice

Should you be able to spend additional days in Venice we recommend you continue to explore the charming city of Venice. Make sure to see the historic Rialto Market sprawling on the western banks of the Grand Canal. This market will give you a glimpse of Venetian life as you watch the locals selling or buying local produce. The market is said to be a photographer`s paradise and despite the noisy buzzing atmosphere, you will have experienced a slice of venetian lifestyle when you step out of here. Markets have a way of telling you about the locals and their culture and the Rialto Market is the perfect example of this.

We also recommend you check out the plethora of churches and museums that you may have missed out on earlier in your trip, they are breathtakingly beautiful and rich in history. The city of Venice has a couple of passes that bundle a few options together so that you can visit more and save money at the same time. These passes also help you skip the line and gain priority access, hence saving you time and energy.

Your Last Day in Venice

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.

Day 1 in Ljubljana

Welcome to Slovenia! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Start your trip by walking Slovenska cesta, one of the busiest streets in the city. There are many great places to eat and shop on this street. From there, continue down to Cop Street and Preseren Square, window-shopping and people-watching along the way. For those who love art, stop at the National Gallery of Slovenia and view art from renowned Slovenian and European artists. If you are more interested in history, particularly the history of Yugoslavia as well as the history of Slovenia post-independence, peruse the exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary History.

Before sunset, explore Ljubljana`s largest green space, Tivoli Park. If you have time, decide on either a sunset viewing at the top of Mount Saint Mary, or visit Zoo Ljubljana and see the variety of animals that live in this geographically diverse country.

Day 2 in Ljubljana

Start your morning early by strolling the promenade along the Ljubljanica River in the pedestrian-only old town. Cross the Dragon Bridge and enter Vodnik Square, the site of Ljubljana Central Market. Peruse the offerings sold by local vendors and buy unique Slovenian-made souvenirs. Adjacent to the Central Market is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, one of the mother churches of the Archdiocese of Ljubljana. Cross Butchers` Bridge to get to the iconic red Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, another primary house of worship for Catholics in Ljubljana. On your way to Town Square, cross the Ljubljanica at Triple Bridge.

In Town Square, take some time to admire the Baroque-Venetian Town Hall and the Robba Fountain, inspired by the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in Rome. Finally, decide on your evening plans: have a drink at one of the coffeehouses and cafes in Metelkova mesto, or take in a show at the Slovene National Opera and Ballet Theatre or the Slovenian Philharmonic.

Day 3 in Ljubljana

Begin as soon as the National Museum of Slovenia opens. This is a large and detailed museum and you can spend hours exploring and learning about everything from archaeological finds to Slovenian coins. You will pass by the iconic Parliament building on your way to Slovenia`s national archive at the jewel in Joze Plecnik`s architectural crown: the National and University Library of Slovenia. You will have the chance to learn more about the life and the work of Joze Plecnik at his residence, the Plecnik House.

Religious architectural buffs will have the chance to see another noteworthy church, the Baroque Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1726. Afterwards, wander onto Congress Square and stop for a coffee at one of the nearby cafes. If you come to Ljubljana during the summer, try to attend a play at the Krizanke Summer Theatre. Otherwise, consider buying tickets to an event at Cankar Hall, Slovenia`s largest performing arts complex.

Additional Days in Ljubljana

Slovenia is well-known for its extensive underground cave systems. Skocjan Caves, outside of Ljubljana, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been described as `one of the largest known underground canyons in the world.` If you have time, go to Postojna, an hour southwest of Ljubljana, and explore the limestone passageways of Postojna Cave. Fun fact about Postojna Cave: it`s home to the world`s only underground post office!

Maribor is located about an hour and a half northeast of Ljubljana and is the second-largest city in the country. Its history stretches back to the 13th century and has a resilient nature, most recently rising from the ashes after being heavily damaged in World War II. A former European Capital of Culture and European Youth Capital, Maribor is home to a large and vibrant university subculture and lots of historical buildings and monuments, including Maribor Synagogue (the epicenter of the Jewish community in the city from 1429 to 1941).

Fifty miles southeast of Ljubljana, on the banks of the Sava River, the town of Sevnica was once a sleepy outpost tucked away in a lush green valley, until a girl named Melanija Knavs became Sevnica`s most famous homegrown export. You may know Ms. Knavs better as Melania Trump, the First Lady of the United States. Hundreds of thousands of tourists are now flocking to Sevnica to learn more about the First Lady`s hometown. Attractions include Sevnica Castle, the parish church of St. Nicholas, and nearby wineries.

Your Last Day in Ljubljana

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We hope you enjoyed your time in Slovenia`s beautiful capital city!

Day 1 in Split

Welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Make your way to Split and arrive at your hotel. Check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

The showcase attraction in Croatia`s second-largest city is Diocletian`s Palace. It is the most expansive and best-preserved example of a Roman-era palace left in the world today. Diocletian`s Palace was built between the years of 295 and 305 CE. The Roman emperor Diocletian was from the town of Salona (modern-day Solin), the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, located about four miles northeast of the site where his palace was eventually built.

Diocletian abdicated the throne on May 1 in the year 305 CE, and he stepped through Golden Gate to start his retirement on June 1. When he died six years later, he was interred in the mausoleum which is now part of St. Domnius Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint of Split who lived during the time of Diocletian. The noteworthy bell tower, which is nearly 200 feet tall, is a stellar example of Dalmatian Romanesque religious architecture.

The main square inside Diocletian`s Palace is called Peristyle. While in the square, you will see a Sphinx, which is the only surviving granite statue out of twelve given to Diocletian by the Egyptians. The gate to the west of the Peristyle is called Iron Gate; the gate to the east of the Peristyle is called Silver Gate. These gates connect Diocletian`s Palace to the outside fringes of the Old Town. If you head west, toward Iron Gate, you can see the shrine dedicated to Jupiter that was built at Diocletian`s behest. If you head south, in the direction of Riva, from Peristyle, you will first enter the Vestibule, which is where emissaries were received before gaining full access to the palace. The southern part of the palace grounds include Diocletian`s Palace cellars, which is a reproduction of the living quarters as they would have looked in the fourth century CE. Similar historic reproductions can be found at the Split Ethnographic Museum adjacent to the cellars.

Make your way to Fruit Square and grab yourself a snack from any one of the cafes lining the perimeter. From there, visit the Venetian Tower, the only remnant left of the Middle Ages-era Venetian castle meant to protect Diocletian`s Palace. Wind the day down and stroll the waterfront road, Riva, having dinner at one of the restaurants or cafes along the way. Find Brass Gate, accessible from Riva; once you have found it, you have seen all four original entrances to Diocletian`s Palace. Return to your accommodations at the end of the evening.

Day 2 in Split

Wake up bright and early and explore Marjan Forest Park, which is located about two miles to the west of the Old Town. If you prefer, walk Riva down from the Old Town to ACI Marina Split, where yacht charters and private yachts dock, and Sustipan, a park and green space built on the site of an old monastery. Hike up to the top of Marjan Hill and experience the breathtaking views of Split and the Adriatic Sea below. Afterwards, you can head back down the hill and view the life`s works of Ivan Mestrovic, the father of modern Croatian sculpture, at the Mestrovic Gallery, located south of the hill. If you want some beach time instead, there are two beaches to choose from in Marjan Forest Park: Bene Beach, on the northern side of the park, and Kasjuni Beach, on the southern side.

Head back in the direction of the Old Town via Riva and, if you have the chance, take a look around the Church and Monastery of St. Francis, which is home to thousands of religious artifacts dating back hundreds of years. Stroll two of the major squares in Split`s Old Town: Republic Square, modeled after St. Mark`s Square in Venice; and People`s Square, where you can stop for lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants. While in People`s Square, stop at the Old Town Hall, which has a beautiful Venetian-style loggia. After lunch, stroll Strossmayer Park, on the northern end of Diocletian`s Palace, where there are the remnants of the Chapel of St. Arnir and a statue of Gregory of Nin, the man who is credited with making Croatians predominantly Catholic by leading the first Masses in the Croatian language. Finish the day by enjoying a rare example of Modernist religious architecture by stopping by the Church of Our Lady of Good Health. Return to your accommodations at the end of the day.

Day 3 in Split

Many of us want to be `one with nature`, and Split offers many chances to experience the great outdoors. North of town, there are two cordilleras called Kozjak and Mosor, and their peaks are the highest points of elevation in Split and environs. There are very popular hiking trails in both places. If you like, choose one to hike. If you choose Kozjak, at the end of the cordillera, there is a cliffside fortress called Klis Fortress which was the home base for many generations of Croatian dukes and kings. On the way back into town, you will drive past the Diocletian Aqueduct, which brought water from a fresh water source inland directly to Diocletian`s Palace. If you`d like to know more about the seafaring traditions of Split, visit the Croatian Maritime Museum, located inside Gripe Fortress. Afterward, spend the rest of the day either at Bacvice Beach, the most popular beach in Split and the only sandy option in the area, or the quieter Znjan Beach. Party at one of the nightclubs in Bacvice before returning to your hotel or rental at the end of the evening.

Additional Days in Split

Consider taking a catamaran to Brac Island, 21 miles southeast of Split. The largest town on Brac Island is Supetar, named for St. Peter, which is also the namesake of the parish church and town square. Bol, on the western side of the island, is another sizable resort town, located just two miles from some of the most coveted holiday shoreline in Croatia, the Zlatni Rat, or the `Golden Cape`. Take time to explore the impressive stone facades of the village of Pucisca, the products of generations of stonemason expertise.

Split also offers direct catamaran service to Solta Island, 12 miles to the southwest. Solta, an island with a population of 1,700, is very sleepy, and many residents still work on fishing boats and in vineyards. The main port which will be your point of arrival is Rogac, and the largest fishing town is Maslinica. The oldest village on the island is called Grohote, and buildings here are hundreds of years old and built completely out of stone.

Finally, head further south on the catamaran and make a stop at Hvar Island, one of the top ten island vacation destinations in the world according to Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Imagine beautiful fields of Croatian lavender and rolling green hills and you would be imagining the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The plain sits between two sizable towns, Stari Grad and Jelsa, which are full of history and charm. The largest town, Hvar Town, sits on the southwest coast. The fully-pedestrianized city center buzzes with activity both day and night as a city known equally for its history and its heady nightlife.

Your Last Day in Split

Depart your hotel and head to the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer; if so, a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out. We hope you enjoyed the noteworthy sights of historic Split!

Day 1 in Zagreb

Welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Make your way to Zagreb and arrive at your hotel. Check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Start your trip in Zagreb by exploring Dolac Market, the largest open-air market in the city, and nearby Ban Josip Jelacic Square, which is fully pedestrianized and is Zagreb`s central square. Take the Zagreb Funicular up to Lotrscak Tower and view the art pieces on display, some of which were moved here from the Klovicevi Dvori Gallery, which is also nearby. In between Lotrscak Tower and the Klovicevi Dvori Gallery, you will see the Baroque-inspired St. Catherine`s Church, with its tall, whitewashed façade.

Past the Klovicevi Dvori, you will encounter Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata), which linked the two portions of the Upper Town in Medieval times. From here, explore St. Mark`s Square, which includes the iconic St. Mark`s Church, the parish church of the old neighborhood of Gradec, and Parliament Palace, where the Croatian Parliament meets. If you travel east from Stone Gate, you will encounter Tkalciceva ulica, where there are many restaurants and bars. Take some time to eat, drink, and people-watch. Return to your accommodations at the end of the evening.

Day 2 in Zagreb

Begin the morning by strolling the streets of Kaptol, the oldest portion of the city of Zagreb. Over nine hundred years ago, King Ladislaus proclaimed Kaptol as the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Croatia. The centerpiece of Kaptol is Zagreb Cathedral, the best-preserved Gothic cathedral southeast of the Swiss Alps. The spires shoot 350 feet in the air, making it the tallest building in all of Croatia.

Walk down to the lower portion of Upper Town and start a walking tour of Lenuci`s Horseshoe, which consists of seven green areas mostly linked in a U-shape. Be sure to stop in at the museums and other buildings you will see along the way. The first green space you will see is Nikola Subic Zrinski Square, locally called Zrinjevac, which is located in the upper-right quadrant of the `horseshoe`. On the western side of the square, there`s the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb; take some time to view its historical exhibits, such as the one on Ancient Egypt, the only one of its type in the former Yugoslavia. The next park down is Strossmayer Park, where the Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters is located, inside the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts building. The last of the green spaces on the eastern side of the horseshoe, south of Strossmayer Park, is King Tomislav Square, home of the Neoclassical-inspired Art Pavilion, the statue of King Tomislav, and Zagreb Main train station.

Walking west, the next green space you will visit is the Zagreb Botanical Garden. It is one of the oldest of its kind in Eastern Europe, having been open to the public for 130 years. Walking north, you will encounter Marko Marulic Square, where the Croatian State Archives are located. The Archives have saved documents important to the Croatian people and its laws for over 400 years. The next square to the north is Mazuranic Square, and just off that square is the Zagreb Ethnographic Museum. The final green space is Republic of Croatia Square, and in the middle sits the beautiful Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. If you have time at the end of the afternoon, visit one of the most breathtaking art museums in Zagreb, the Mimara Museum. In the evening, stroll one of Zagreb`s signature avenues, Ilica, do some shopping, and get something delicious to eat. Return to your accommodations at the end of the day.

Day 3 in Zagreb

Take the entire morning and part of the early afternoon by enjoying the natural sights of Zagreb`s largest public park, and one of the oldest in Eastern Europe, Park Maksimir. There are five lakes and a number of streams which run through the park, in addition to noteworthy buildings such as the 19th-century era Pavilion of Echoes and the Swiss House. The southernmost 17 acres are set aside for the Zagreb Zoo, which houses a number of endangered species.

Afterward, head to the Lower Town and explore the youthful and vibrant University of Zagreb campus. Then cross the Sava River and take in all the beautiful pieces at the Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing works by Croatian and international artists. Spend the rest of the afternoon taking in one more museums in Lenuci`s Horseshoe, the Museum of Arts and Crafts. Spend one more evening in Tkalciceva ulica and enjoy a Croatian beer with your dinner if you are so inclined. Return to your accommodations at the end of the evening.

Additional Days in Zagreb

If you have some extra days in Zagreb, take a day or two to `be one with nature`. Explore Park Maksimir some more, and then head southwest of the city to Lake Jarun. Lake Jarun is known for its world-class sports and leisure center, which includes water sports such as kayaking. Enjoy the sunshine and see if you can make friends with any of the other people basking in the beautiful scenery.

If you have another day, explore Medvednica, which includes a nature park, a ski resort (Sljeme Ski Resort), and Medvedgrad, a fortress built to protect the area around Zagreb after the Mongol invasion of 1242. The ski resort is world-class and popular with travelers in the wintertime, and the nature park offers hiking and spectacular views of Zagreb any time of year, but it is definitely most optimal in the spring and summer seasons.

Your Last Day in Zagreb

Depart your hotel and head to the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer; if so, a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out. We hope you enjoyed Croatia`s capital city!