One Week in Zagreb

Check into hotel and freshen up. If arriving prior to check in, have the hotel keep your bags behind the desk while you venture out.

Stroll the streets around your hotel in the Lower Town. Walk from King Tomislav Square through the green spaces to Zrinjevac Park. If you're here near the holidays, this whole area will be a massive Christmas Market with skating rink.

We ate at Byblos our first night and I highly recommend it.

Ride the funicular from the Lower Town to the Upper Town.

If you plan to arrive here just before noon, you will experience the daily firing of the Gric Cannon. Afterwards, you can walk the stairs inside the tower all the way to the top floor viewing platform.

Admire and take photos of this famous church and surrounding medieval square.

Wonderful shrine to the Virgin Mary inside the old city's gate.

Wander along Tkalčićeva Street, one of the Upper Town's popular pedestrian areas to find lunch.

Zagreb's popular local farmers market.

End your afternoon in Zagreb's most popular public square. See street performers. People watch. Grab a coffee. If you're here near the holidays like I was, there will be a large Christmas market to enjoy.

Our first tour stop was Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana.

• Funicular up to Ljubljana Castle
• Wander the streets and shops next to the Ljubljanica River
• Dragon Bridge
• Franciscan Church of the Annunciation

Experience the incredible views of Bled Lake from above. Take tons of pictures. Stop in the cafe for a slice of the famous Bled Cream Cake.

Walk the trails of Bled Lake. Take in the views of Bled Castle from below. If you're here around the holidays, there will be a small but lively Christmas market right on the banks of the lake.

Walk through this former WWII bomb shelter from one side of the city to the other. During the holidays, the tunnel is festively decorated.

A popular museum is the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships. There are also several others to choose from depending on your interests:

• Nikola Tesla Technical Museum
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Zagreb City Museum
• Museum of Illusions

After several very busy days, today is slower. Find breakfast near your hotel. Linger over coffee and relax a bit.

Around lunch time, head to Samobor, about 20 minutes by car (we took Uber) from Zagreb.

Samobor is a small, picturesque town outside of Zagreb.

• Walk the trails along Gradna Creek
• Church of Saint Anastazia
• See the ruins of Samobor Castle from below
• Rest, shop, get coffee, the famous cream cake "Kremsnita", or a late lunch in King Tomislav Square

Suggested restaurants:

• Stari Fijaker (traditional Balkan)
• Zinfandel's (Michelin recommended, inside Esplanade Hotel)
• Boban (Croatian)

Hike the trails and admire the extraordinary and unforgettable lakes and waterfalls of the park. Wear good sneakers or hiking shoes.

Have a casual lunch at one of the park's quick service restaurants. We had burgers and hot dogs with a view!

On the way back from Plitvice Lakes, stop in the historic mill town of Rastoke. The tiny village features over 23 waterfalls and wooden water mills dating back to the 17th century.

Shop along Zagreb's main modern shopping street. Don't forget to pick up some souvenirs!

Grab lunch in one of the Lower Town's many cafes and restaurants. Try cevapi or Croatian style wood fired pizza.

Stop off one last time in Ban Jelacic Square.