Balkan Christmas Markets: Ljubljana, Lake Bled & Zagreb
Itinerary
Five festive days across two capital cities: Slovenia and Croatia's Christmas markets, from the fairy-tale lights of Ljubljana to the buzzing celebrations of Zagreb. We open in Ljubljana's Old Town, wandering festive stalls strung with lights along the riverbank, warming up with mulled wine and local delicacies like kranjska klobasa and potica. Day two is a day trip to Lake Bled, complete with Bled Castle perched above the water, the famous cream cake and lakeside markets, capped off with a festive river cruise back in the capital. On day three we head over to Zagreb, diving into Croatian food with a food tour and our first evening at Zagreb Advent, widely regarded as one of Europe's best Christmas markets, with its squares full of stalls, mulled wine bars and twinkling lights. On day four we take a trip to the WWII Tunnels, and a ride on the funicular lead into a street-food and craft-beer crawl through the city's lively food scene, plus more Advent markets and an evening of ice skating beneath the lights of Ban Jelačić Square.

Welcome to Ljubljana
1 night: Ljubljana
Ljubljana Old Town & Christmas Markets
We meet in Ljubljana and head straight into the festive atmosphere, exploring the decorated Old Town, browsing the Christmas market stalls, and warming up with mulled wine and local delicacies like kranjska klobasa. We head for a group dinner and drinks at a restaurant overlooking the river to kick off the trip.
Lake Bled & Festive River Cruise
1 night: Ljubljana
Lake Bled Day Trip
Today we take a day trip out to Lake Bled, arguably Slovenia's most iconic destination. You’ll have the chance to head over to Bled Castle, grab a slice of the famous cream cake, and browse the lakeside Christmas stalls before heading back to Ljubljana.
Festive River Cruise
Once we’re back in Ljubljana, we hop onto the festive river cruise, the perfect way to take in the city's festive decor in all its glory. In the evening we’ll head out for another group dinner to try some jota or ričet.
Ljubljana → Zagreb
1 night: Zagreb
Travel to Zagreb & Christmas Markets
We leave Ljubljana after breakfast and head to Zagreb, checking into the hotel before getting stuck into Croatian food with a food tour or cooking class. In the evening we head into Zagreb Advent for our first evening among the lights, stalls, music and winter atmosphere.
Zagreb Street Food, Craft Beer & Christmas
1 night: Zagreb
WWII Tunnels Tour & Funicular
We start the day with a guided tour of Zagreb's Grič Tunnel, a network of underground passages carved beneath the city during the Second World War as an air-raid shelter for civilians. From there we head to the Zagreb funicular, one of the shortest and steepest public funiculars in the world, connecting the Lower and Upper Town in under a minute. It's the perfect way to reach Gornji Grad for sweeping views over Zagreb's rooftops before we dive into the city's food and Christmas market scene.
Street Food, Craft Beer & Advent
Around lunchtime we hit Zagreb's food scene with a street-food crawl, trying several Croatian specialities along the way, followed by some Croatian craft beers. Then it's Advent time: Christmas stalls, festive drinks and ice skating, before heading out for dinner and drinks in Zagreb.
Zagreb Christmas Tram
Zagreb Christmas Tram
We squeeze in one last festive experience before we leave: the Christmas tram through Zagreb, followed by a final coffee and a quick lunch together before we say a final farewell to our group and head on to the airport!
What's included
- 2 nights accommodation in Ljubljana
- 2 nights accommodation in Zagreb
- 4 breakfasts
- Transport to and from Lake Bled
- Transport from Ljubljana to Zagreb
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Optional activities
- No money pot
Additional info
- Shared rooms with private bathrooms
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
The Group Leaders
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A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.