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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast

Escorted rail and coach journey through Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro from London

Illustration of Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast

Great Rail Journeys operates a 13-day escorted journey from London St Pancras to Kotor, combining Eurostar, First Class Alpine rail, coach, and cruise travel. The tour unfolds across Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro, moving at a relaxed pace with three-night stays in Bled and Dubrovnik. Day 2 features a First-Class rail climb through the Alps into Slovenia. Day 4 includes a train ride through the vast Postojna Caves on the world's first cave railway, built in 1872. Days 3 through 6 offer leisure time at Lake Bled, a guided tour of Ljubljana's medieval castle and Triple Bridge, and exploration of the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes with its 200-foot Veliki Slap waterfall. Days 7 to 9 centre on Split, with a guided tour of Diocletian's Palace (built 284-305 AD) and a cruise to the Dalmatian island of Hvar. Days 10 to 12 are based in Dubrovnik, including a guided tour of its walled Old Town, a cruise around Montenegro's Bay of Kotor, and a tour of the medieval fortified town of Kotor. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and four-star hotel accommodation with breakfast daily, one included lunch, and seven dinners is provided. This trip suits first-time rail travellers, history lovers, and couples seeking guided comfort with periods of leisure.

What to know before you look closer

  • The group size can reach 30 people, which may limit the intimacy of some guided tours.
  • A single supplement applies: the from-price for single occupancy is GBP 3,899 compared to GBP 2,899 per person for doubles, a significant premium.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be purchased separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Munich

    To the heart of Bavaria by First Class rail

    Your adventure begins at London St Pancras. After meeting the Tour Manager and travel group, board the Eurostar service to Brussels, enjoying a light meal served at Plus class seats. In Brussels, switch trains continuing to Munich in First Class, crossing rolling forested hills from Cologne to Frankfurt then through Ulm and Augsburg. Check into a four-star hotel near Munich's main train station and enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Bled

    Arrival in beautiful Bled

    Free time to explore Munich this morning, including Marienplatz and the Church of St. Peter. Later, walk to the station to board a First-Class service through the Alps, passing ravines and lush meadows, arriving in Villach, Austria. Board a coach and continue to Slovenia, arriving in Bled. Check in for three nights at a four-star hotel overlooking Lake Bled, with wellness centre and thermal pools. Dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bled

    Exploring Lake Bled at leisure

    A free day to explore Slovenia at your own pace. Options include a Pletna boat ride to the Baroque Church of the Assumption of Maria, visiting the 11th-century castle above the lake, a three-mile circular walk around the lake, or hopping aboard the small tourist train. Dine independently this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Bled

    Visiting Lipica Stud Farm and Postojna Caves

    Excursion to the Lipica Stud Farm, home of the world-renowned Lipizzaner horses with over 400 years of history. Time to enjoy views across the Karst region and find lunch, before travelling by coach to the Postojna Caves. Ride on a train through more than two miles of underground landscape, followed by a guided tour of the cave system with its stalactites and stalagmites. Return to Bled hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Grabovac

    Discovering Ljubljana and onward into Croatia

    Travel by coach to Ljubljana for a guided tour of Slovenia's capital, including the Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge and the hilltop medieval Ljubljana Castle. After free time over lunch, continue by coach to Rastoke in Croatia, a picturesque village with vivid blue-green waters flowing over 23 waterfalls. Explore with a guide before continuing to the hotel in Grabovac near Plitvice Lakes National Park. Dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Grabovac

    Nature's glories in Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Guided tour of the famous Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO-listed Eden of 16 crystalline turquoise lakes interconnected with waterfalls and surrounded by 116 square miles of forest. See the stunning Veliki Slap waterfall cascading 200 feet. Home to bears, deer, wolves and wild boar, and 1,267 varieties of plants. Visit a local restaurant for a three-course lunch of traditional Croatian food. Afternoon free at the hotel with outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and Finnish sauna.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Split

    Arriving in beautiful Split

    Board a comfortable coach to Split, Croatia's second city on a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea. Check into a four-star hotel just outside the centre with rooftop pool and sea views for a three-night stay. Afternoon at leisure to explore the harbour, Žnjan beach or the palm-lined Riva Promenade. Dine independently this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Split

    Guided tour of Split and Diocletian's Palace

    Guided tour of Split's Old Town, exploring the vast Diocletian's Palace built between 284 and 305 AD, including the Basement Halls. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax by the Adriatic or climb the Cathedral of St. Dominus' Romanesque tower. Dine independently this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9overnight: Split

    Cruising to the Dalmatian island of Hvar

    Coach transfer to the shoreline, then cruise through the Dalmatian archipelago past the islands of Šolta and Brač to Hvar for an hour-long guided tour of its Venetian-style harbour town, vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. Free time to explore or dine locally. Sail back to Split for an afternoon at leisure. Return to the hotel for dinner with the group.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Dubrovnik

    Historic Makarska and arrival in Dubrovnik

    Travel by coach down the Dalmatian coast to Makarska, with its ancient Illyrian port, beach resort and the Biokovo mountain range. Free time to visit the 17th-century Franciscan monastery or dine at a waterfront bistro. Continue down the coast to Dubrovnik, checking in for three nights at a four-star hotel overlooking the harbour. Free evening to explore.

    Meals: Breakfast

  11. Day 11overnight: Dubrovnik

    Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor

    Early start by coach into Montenegro. Guided tour of Perast, a small coastal town with palaces, churches and boutiques. Cruise around the Bay of Kotor, passing Our Lady of the Rocks islet. Moor in Kotor for a guided tour of the medieval fortified town, including the Cathedral of St Tryphon. Free time in Kotor before returning to Dubrovnik for an evening at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast

  12. Day 12overnight: Dubrovnik

    Dubrovnik: The 'Pearl of the Adriatic'

    Guided tour of Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed Old Town starting at the Pile Gate, including the world's oldest arboretum, one of Europe's first pharmacies (14th century), the 14th-century Franciscan church and monastery, and the Baroque cathedral with artworks by Titian. Afternoon at leisure to stroll the ancient walls or take the ferry to the island of Lokrum. Final dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  13. Day 13

    Homeward bound

    Bid farewell to Dubrovnik and transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick. Holiday ends on arrival in London.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2First-Class train journey through the Alps from Munich, passing ravines and lush meadows before arriving in Slovenia and checking into a hotel on Lake Bled.
  • Day 4Train ride through two miles of the underground Postojna Caves followed by a guided tour of stalactites and stalagmites, using the world's first cave railway installed in 1872.
  • Day 6Guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO-listed site with 16 turquoise lakes, waterfalls including the 200-foot Veliki Slap, and 116 square miles of forest.
  • Day 9Cruise through the Dalmatian archipelago to Hvar, touring its Venetian-style harbour, vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields.
  • Day 11Guided tour of Perast and cruise around the Bay of Kotor, followed by a tour of Kotor's medieval fortified town and the Cathedral of St Tryphon.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 12 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus class travel (light meal included)
  • First & Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flight from Dubrovnik to London Gatwick
  • Breakfast each day
  • 1 lunch
  • 7 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of GBP 2,899 includes Eurostar Plus class from London to Brussels, First Class rail from Brussels to Munich and Munich to Villach, the specialist Postojna Caves railway, and all coach and cruise travel.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Great Rail Journeys operates this as a fully escorted tour. A UK Tour Manager travels with the group throughout the 13 days, and guided tours are included in Ljubljana, Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Perast, and Plitvice Lakes.
How many nights per location?
Three nights in Bled (Lake Bled), two nights in Grabovac (near Plitvice Lakes), three nights in Split, and three nights in Dubrovnik. The first night is near Munich.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is provided daily. One three-course lunch of traditional Croatian food is included at Plitvice Lakes. Seven dinners are included; several other evenings allow independent dining.
When does the tour run?
Departures are scheduled in April, May, June, August, September, and October. The operator lists eight departures between August 2026 and October 2027.
How much walking and activity is involved?
The tour includes guided walking tours of city centres (Munich, Ljubljana, Split, Dubrovnik), optional activities such as a three-mile walk around Lake Bled, and visits to caves and palace interiors. Most days combine coach travel with guided walking in destinations.

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