Hi guys, my name is Rok and I am a tour guide and I will show you the most beautiful places
in Croatia and Slovenia. These two small, but amazingly beautiful neighboring countries are
often visited together and that is why I can’t wait to show you The Best Of Croatia and Slovenia.
We begin with the winner of the title European Best Destination 2022, surprisingly beautiful,
green and safe Ljubljana. Slovenian capital city has a rich history predating the Roman times,
and is adorned with beautiful medieval, baroque and art Nouveau architecture that was carefully
enhanced by a remarkable architect Plečnik. Medieval old town sits right under the castle
hill. Its windy cobblestone streets are full of dragon legends, charming old squares, nice shops,
restaurants and cafes. Along the banks of the river are Baroque palaces and houses with numerous
cafes, bars and restaurants that serve as the city's living room for its relaxed cafe culture.
Streets and squares of one of the smallest European capitals are full of life,
concerts and events that create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere
where people like to enjoy coffee and watch the world go by.
Next we move to the beautiful Croatian coast and to its biggest costal city, Split.
It was built more than 1700 years ago as a huge retirement palace for Roman Emperor Diocletian.
Over the centuries the palace grew into a city but its remains represent the heart
of the historic core. Charming maze of stone paved pedestrian streets is full roman remains,
while in the old stone houses you can find nice shops,
cafes, restaurants and apartments. Here is also the oldest Catholic church in the world,
originally built as a mausoleum for the emperor Diocletian. Its bell tower is well
worth climbing as it offers beautiful views. Along the south wall of the ancient roman palace runs a
beautiful waterfront that is the most popular and most important public space in the city.
Besides amazing and charming heritage used as a filming location for the Game of Thrones,
the port of Split also serves as a gateway to beautiful Croatian islands.
Next on the list is one of the most spectacular and best known caves in the world located in
Slovenia, Postojna Cave. Over millions of years the river was carving the cave
and its water was slowly breaking and melting down limestone. Passageways and chambers were
created while at the same time water drops from the ceilings were depositing melted limestone
and creating some of the most amazing formations. The visit to the huge underground web of passages,
chambers and galleries packed with breathtaking and crazy formations
includes a spectacular ride with the first cave train for tourists in the world. Postojna
Cave is also home of a unique small animal called Baby Dragon. With amazing formations,
stunning beauty, unique train and cave animals this is the most visited tourist attraction in
Slovenia and the most visited cave in Europe. Now we go to Istria, a beautiful part of Croatia,
where is one of the most beloved and picturesque coastal towns, Rovinj. Town sits on a narrow
peninsula surrounded by an archipelago of beautiful islets. Like other towns in Istria,
Rovinj was home of the Romans, then it was ruled by the Byzantine Empire and for 500 years it was
part of the powerful Venetian Republic. Centuries of different cultures and nations contributed to
the creation of a beautiful town with charming winding stone paved streets. Old stone houses
have wooden window shutters and if you look up you can often spot a laundry hanging out to dry.
Due to the exceptional microclimate, flora and fauna Rovinj was used as a health resort. But
its various beautiful beaches and crystal clear Adriatic sea are its main attractions. Rocky,
sandy, pebble and concrete beaches scattered around beautiful coves make Rovinj one of the
most beloved and beautiful holiday destinations. Next is one of the most dramatic castles in the
world, located in Slovenia, Predjama Castle. It was built in the middle of a 120 meter or 400
feet high rocky cliff 800 years ago. The amazing part is, that the castle was partly built in the
natural cave and is connected to the cave system. According to the Guinness Book of World Records
this is the world's largest cave castle. Predjama castle also has a fascinating legend about its
owner the robber knight Erazem of Predjama and a secret passageway that makes it one of
the most fascinating castles in the world. You can visit the castle and the mysterious cave
and enjoy a drink or a lunch in nearby restaurants and bars with a spectacular backdrop.
Next we go to the mountainous region of Croatia, where forest hides the oldest
and largest national park in the country, spectacular Plitvice Lakes. Sixteen lakes
were created by the sedimentation of travertine, a special type of limestone that created barriers.
Barriers created a lake system that is cascading one into the next by a series of 92 waterfalls.
Water transverses numerous barriers and cascades, creating a landscape of remarkable beauty that is
kept pristine and untouched. The lake system has been divided into the Upper and Lower lakes that
are divided by the largest lake Kozjak. The lakes end in the impressive waterfalls with the Korana
River springing under the base of the falls. To get around the park you can use the panoramic
electric trains, electric-powered boats and walk on wooden trails suspended over the water.
Heading back to the Adriatic, this time to the Slovenian coast where a picturesque seaside town
of Piran sits on a small peninsula. Charming old town is partially still surrounded by medieval
town walls. Piran has a maze of charming windy stone streets with stone passageways,
cobbled alleys and small squares, surrounded by beautiful Venetian architecture. The heart of
the town is a large square named after famous violinist and composer Giuseppe
Tartini. Right above the square rises a small hill with the most prominent landmark of Piran,
the Roman catholic church named after St George, the town's patron saint who is thought to have
saved Piran when it was hit by a violent storm. A free-standing bell tower is the first thing
you see if you approach Piran from the Sea. It is a replica of St. Mark's bell tower in Venice
and shows a strong Venetian influence as for more than half a millennia Piran was part
of the Republic of Venice. Today Piran is one of the major tourist attractions in Slovenia.
Going south along the coast, to Croatia, is the sunniest place in the Adriatic and
one of the most luxurious beach destinations, spectacular Hvar island. Island has an amazing
and rich cultural heritage dating back to Greek times, delicious Mediterranean cuisine
based on olive oil and fresh fish and crystal clear sea with beautiful coves and beaches.
Hvar island has beautiful stone made villages and small towns but Hvar town is the heart of the
island. Hvar is the largest town of the island with charming old stone streets and squares,
amazing Venetian architecture and one of the most exclusive and lively waterfront
promenade strips on the Adriatic. On the hill above the town rises a massive stone fort
that offers great views of the town and a gorgeous chain of wooded isles
with many beautiful remote coves and great beaches that attract the finest yachts.
From the Croatian coast we jump to the Alps in Slovenia with a spectacular lake Bled,
famous for its emerald-green waters, small island with a church and an ancient castle on the cliff.
Most popular way to enjoy Bled mild Alpine healing climate is a walk around the lake. In
summer the lake becomes a popular swimming spot due to its clean waters and beautiful beaches.
You can also have fun on the lake as rowing is big around here. Bled has the Olympic Rowing
Centre and many international regattas have been organised here. Lake Bled has the only
island in Slovenia and on it stands a 15th century Church dedicated to the Assumption of
Mary. The most popular way to get to the island is by a traditional wooden boat called Pletna.
Upon reaching the island a staircase with 99 stone steps leads to the church. Above the lake
rises a towering cliff with a stunning ancient castle that offers spectacular views. Bled castle
is the oldest castle in Slovenia with a history spanning more than one thousand years. Lake Bled
is also a culinary experience as a delicious Bled cream cake dessert was invented here.
On the top of the list is world famous Dubrovnik, located on the very south of Croatia on a
spectacular location between the mountain and the Adriatic sea. Dubrovnik is one of the best
preserved medieval towns in Europe with the most spectacular defensive walls with mighty towers
that still completely surround the old town. Entrance to the old town is still possible
only through four medieval city gates. One of the finest defensive walls in the world
was never breached by any army and is a main landmark of Dubrovnik. The wealth accumulated
over the centuries is preserved in stone made old town that looks like a time capsule and was
often used as a filming location including for The Games Of Thrones. Old churches,
monasteries, palaces, squares and streets are all made of stone and create one of the most charming
places in the world. Besides the old town, Dubrovnik also has great beaches and wonderful
restaurants that make it a perfect summer holiday destination. To see more in depth videos about
these wonderful places in Croatia and Slovenia check out my playlist in the top right corner.
If you are still watching this, please, hit like and subscribe buttons and turn on the notification
bell to be notified about my new travel videos. Thanks for watching and see you next time.