Our journey through Europe took a magical turn when we left Venice and boarded a bus bound for Ljubljana, Slovenia. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect—but I was completely charmed from the moment we crossed the border.

The drive itself was spectacular. We followed small coastal roads, stumbling upon gorgeous little beach towns, before heading inland through peaceful countryside that felt untouched by time.

Ljubljana turned out to be absolutely stunning. We stayed at the Zlata Boutique Hotel, which was housed in a beautiful old building but had a sleek, modern interior—a perfect blend of charm and comfort. The city itself is built along a river lined with lively cafés and restaurants, yet it still felt calm and welcoming.

We spent our days wandering cobblestone streets, enjoying a boat ride, and even took a day trip to Lake Bled. There, we had wood-fired pizza before braving the icy water for some white-water rafting. It was freezing, but the scenery—mountains, lakes, and alpine charm—was breathtaking. At times, it felt like a mix of Switzerland and Amsterdam.

One of the most memorable experiences was dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant perched on top of a castle. It was truly a fairytale evening. Ljubljana left such a strong impression on me, and it’s definitely a place I’d love to return to.

From Slovenia, we drove down into Croatia, stopping at Plitvice National Park along the way. Hiking beside crystal-clear, impossibly blue lakes felt surreal—like walking through a dream.

In Croatia, we stayed in Airbnbs in both Split and Dubrovnik. In Split, we took a day trip to Hvar, where we relaxed at Beach Club Hvar, enjoying incredible food with unbelievable views. Later, at Hula Hula Beach Club, we soaked up the sun in a fun, lively atmosphere. The next day, we rented a boat and explored some of the more hidden, less touristy islands. It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Dubrovnik was just as unforgettable. We toured the castle where Game of Thrones was filmed, which was surreal to see in person. That evening, we visited Buza Bar, built right into the seaside cliffs, with panoramic views that felt magical.

On our last day, we kept it simple: sitting by the beach, eating sandwiches, and taking a nap before our flight. That slow, easy rhythm felt like the true spirit of Croatia—sun, sand, and pure relaxation.

This trip, from Slovenia’s fairytale charm to Croatia’s coastal beauty, was truly the best way to end my summer.

✨ Travel Tips & Must-Sees

For anyone thinking about visiting Slovenia and Croatia, here are a few highlights I’d recommend: