Shann Fountain Alipour - Moon Croatia & Slovenia

Slovenian countryside

Croatia and Slovenia share a past that has seen many different rulers, wars, and various foreign empiresRoman, Venetian, Austro-Hungarianthat have all added a flavorful layer to these countries. Montenegro shares a fair amount of this history too, though its long occupation by the Ottomans and its hard-fought holdout from them has given it a special flair. However, the countries have all remained distinct with their own languages, customs, and cultures as different as the topography youll traverse. Drive a few hours and youll see everything from a sparkling coastline and barren-rock hinterlands to rolling hills of grapevines, thick green forests, and snow-topped mountains.

The diversity means there really is something for every sort of traveler. Hit up Istria for food and wine and truffle-hunting, Zagreb or Ljubljana for a European capital vibe with a twist, Dubrovnik for Roman and Venetian history at every turn, the islands for soaking up the sun, the mountains of Slovenia for skiing and adventure sports, or Slavonia for taking the road less traveled. In Montenegro head to Kotor, a medieval walled city, or Budva, Eastern Europes Riviera.

No matter how you plan your trip, youre likely to leave already planning your next one. Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro may be better known these days, but they havent lost the wild and wonderful quality that keeps you feeling youve truly gone somewhere special.

boats in the harbor in southern Dalmatia

Predjama Castle in Slovenia.

cherries in the market

Sipping your way through the many

Spotting storks and swimming pigs in inland Croatia is a wildlife lovers paradise.

Sampling the local cuisine, from (lamb) in Dalmatia, will have you dreaming of your meals in Croatia for years to come.

Wandering around and marveling at the imprint of one architect on the citys public spaces.

Traveling back to Roman times with a wander through the in Split.

Bumming around on a beach in Slovenias

Admiring the works of Ivan Metrovi, Croatias most famous sculptor, at the in Split.

Winding your way up Mount and stopping into one of the many alpine huts to share a bowl of grah (beans) and a mug of beer with the locals.