What makes Slovenia a great destination for first-time visitors?
Slovenia is a small, mountain country that surprises most first-time visitors with how much scenery it packs into a short trip. One of our Windy City Travel advisors recently returned from a tour through the country and called it every bit as beautiful as its reputation suggests.
The highlight for most travelers is Lake Bled, a glacial lake framed by the Julian Alps with a small church sitting on an island at its center. Visitors can take a traditional wooden boat out to the island, and the setting is one of the most photographed in Europe for good reason.
Is Croatia worth visiting if you’ve already been?
Yes. Even for travelers who have visited Croatia in the past, the country’s national parks and coastline continue to offer new experiences. Our advisor’s recent trip included a stop in Zadar, a boat tour through Croatia’s national parks and its island-dotted coastline, and time in both Split and the surrounding islands.
A few things stood out on this most recent visit:
● The weather, hotels, and food were all consistently excellent
● The region has an Eastern European character that feels distinct from Western Europe
● Luxury options now exist for travelers who want them, alongside plenty of budget-friendly choices
Is Slovenia and Croatia an expensive trip?
No, Slovenia and Croatia can be a relatively affordable European destination compared to Western Europe, while still offering higher-end options for travelers who want them. That combination, affordable at its core with luxury available where you want it, is part of what makes this pairing such a strong value right now.
How do I get to Slovenia and Croatia from Chicago?
There are good flight options connecting Chicago to this region, making it an accessible add-on to a broader European itinerary or a standalone trip on its own. Our team can help map out routing and timing once you know how many stops you’re planning.
What other trips does Windy City Travel have coming up?
Alongside destination trends like Slovenia and Croatia, Windy City Travel currently has several river cruise deals available. One of our advisors is personally hosting a Trafalgar river cruise departing May 29, 2027, and a few spots remain for travelers who want to join. Learn more here. If river cruising, Slovenia, Croatia, or planning ahead for next year is on your mind, reach out to our team at Windy City Travel. We’re here to help you find the best deal based on what you’re looking for. Reach us at (312) 951-0710 or contact us here — your experts in adventure.