This incredibly picturesque trip includes the most beautiful natural and cultural sights of Slovenia and Croatia. The first part of the trip is focused on the loveliest section of the Adriatic Sea – South Dalmatia and the islands. Every photographer is enchanted by Dubrovnik as well as other historic Dalmatian towns. Stable weather and scenic landscapes are a photographer’s paradise and leaving the coast will be heartbreaking. But there are two national parks waiting for us: Plitvice Lakes and Triglav National Park. The Julian Alps with mighty peaks, spectacular valleys and clear rivers and lakes are in stark contrast with the Adriatic coast and the nature will enrapture us again. White Ljubljana, a surprisingly lively and beautiful tiny capital, will be a perfect conclusion to the trip.
Photography
Full photographic tuition will be provided. Depending on the group size one or two expert photographers will accompany you. By taking photos in the field we will learn about various photographic techniques, and in the evening, after returning to our lodging, we will look at the pictures we took, make comments and discuss post-processing, workflow and other photography-related topics.
Itinerary and details
DAY 1: Arrival at Dubrovnik
Arrival at the Dubrovnik airport and transfer to the city. Orientation and tour details. We can already start taking photos the old city of Dubrovnik and its magnificent old palaces, mansions and churches. At our welcome dinner we can discuss itinerary in greater detail and get to know each other.
Overnight: Private apartment, D
DAYS 2–3: Dubrovnik
We will have two days to explore Dubrovnik and its vicinity. There will be enough time to take photos of the old city center and its streets, which are still permeated with the medieval spirit and the grandeur of the Republic of Dubrovnik. A stroll around the city walls and defense towers offers great photo ops. It will be possible to visit the nearby islets, ideal for a relaxing break in the gentle sea breeze. In the evenings we can listen to the music played by street performers and indulge in seafood at one of the numerous great restaurants.
Overnight: Hotel, downtown of Dubrovnik, BD
DAYS 4–6: Hvar Island
Our itinerary includes another scenic island in the Adriatic, known for its lavender fields. The small town of Hvar is one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic islands. The old town architecture as well as the nearby Pakleni otoci (Hell Islands) beg to be photographed. Two days on the island will also allow for some rest and a dip in the sea.
Overnight: Hotel, Hvar town centre, BD
DAY 7: Split
We will head to Split, Dalmatian capital, by ferry. Approaching the city we can already enjoy the views of the magnificent palaces and mountains in the backdrop. We will admire the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument, and sip some ice coffee or cold beer on the lively promenade. This will be the last opportunity for a photo of a sunset over the Adriatic Sea as we head inland the following day.
Overnight: Hotel, Split old town, BD
DAY 8: Plitvice Lakes NP
Leaving Dalmatia we will head into the mountainous regions of Croatia. Hidden in the mighty woods is another natural jewel of this wonderful country – the Plitvice Lakes. To make the best of the soft light and fewer visitors, we will explore the lakes, waterfalls and cataracts late in the afternoon and early in the morning. With the national park also being famous for rich flora and fauna, seeing birds and other inhabitants of the woods is not uncommon.
Overnight: Hotel in NP, BD
DAYS 9–10: Bled
Our next destination is located in Slovenia, where a gorgeous glacial Lake Bled with a tiny island lies amidst the Alps. We will visit the island by traditional boat called “pletna”. Bled Castle on the cliff above offers superb views of the lake, and there will be plenty of opportunities to capture landscape photos from this vantage point. The nearby Lake Bohinj is also of glacial origin but it has a very different setting with high peaks all around. After a brief stop to try some canoeing on the lake, we will head to the picturesque Savica waterfall. On our way back we will pass through many small picturesque traditional villages. Finally, after a long day of photographing, we will grab some of Bled’s famous “kremšnita” cream cake and renew our energy levels.
Overnight: Farmhouse at the heart of Bled, BD
DAYS 11–12: Soča River Valley
We will head to the highest mountain pass in the Julian Alps, Vršič; it affords beautiful views of the highest Slovenian mountains, and as we descend to the south we will meet the emerald waters of the Soča River. The river and its valley will be our base for the next two days as we explore all the hidden corners of the area, which offers numerous gorges, waterfalls, WWI remnants, and much more. The keen wildlife photographers can try their luck with Alpine Ibex, a wild mountain goat, which is the king of the Julian Alps. From here we can take a trip to the highest Slovenian road to the Mangart Saddle with the altitude of over 2000 m.
Overnight: Family owned pension at the heart of Bovec, BD
DAYS 13–14: Ljubljana
Driving across the Notranjska region we will arrive at Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana is a charming city where everything is within walking distance. The city offers an array of cuisine, you can eat at a traditional “gostilna” (inn), dine at a fine French restaurant, or enjoy delicious Italian fare. In three days we will cover all of the city’s highlights: the Baroque churches, the lively outdoor market place, the Ljubljana Castle, the romantic Ljubljanica River, and the masterpieces of renowned Slovenian architect, Jože Plečnik. After a long day of snapping it will be great to have some local beer along the Ljubljanica River promenade.
Overnight: Hotel, Ljubljana town centre, BD
DAY 15: Departure from Ljubljana
After breakfast check-out from the hotel. Transfer to Ljubljana airport. End of tour.
