Itinerary review for Sarajevo-Croatia-Slovenia (Soca Valley?)

Rovinj and Piran are both Venetian towns with 13,000 and 4,000 residents, respectively. Really similar in many ways. I would pick sleepy Piran for 2-3 nights. Piran is an amazing place. I wanted to swim at a beach when there and the Hotel Fiesa— about a half-mile hike from Piran’s piazza— has a beautiful beach with emerald-green water.

Then I would add three nights in a town near Lake Bohinj like Ribcev Laz or Ukanc, to the two nights in Kobarid that you already have.

Zagreb is worth three nights and Ljubljana two nights.

This gives you three nights in a Venetian Adriatic town and five nights in Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps.

Tough decisions. I haven’t been to the Soca Valley nor Piran, so I can’t help with that comparison. But here are a few other random thoughts.

1. Sarajevo is definitely worth 4 nights. But if you move fast, it’s possible you could see it somewhat well in 2 full days and give Mostar a day trip without adding a night. That is faster than I like, but sometimes you can’t have it all.
2. I haven’t not been to Mostar in the summer - only in the fall - so I can’t speak to crowds. Mostar is fascinating, though.
3. There are flights Sarajevo to Zagreb - and yes, probably about the same cost as a private transfer (if you have to pay to check a bag). But you would actually save a half day by flying for whatever is already on your itinerary. Driving would be great but some of those sights would have to replace whatever you are looking at now. I do love Bosnia.
4. Funky Tours is good - I know Dave used them and I used them for one day trip. But my heart belongs to TourMage. lol. I have used them on two trips for a variety of things and enjoyed every guide, driver, and experience. They also have a private transfer and can tailor things to your specifications. https://tourmage.ba/tour/sarajevo-zagreb-transfer/
5. With this struggle, I think I would ask what you want to see in Rovinj. As much as I loved it, it seems it might be easier to get back to and not fit as well.
6. 3 nights would be plenty for me in Ljubljana (unless I was staying a week).

Hope I didn’t make a hard choice harder. :)

I really appreciate the feedback! It all helps. Missing context: my last trip included the Dalmatian coast, with stops in Zagreb and Ljubljana. So, Sarajevo and Rovinj are kind of the primary objectives here. I had a full day in Zagreb and several in Ljubljana, and enjoyed them so much that I’ve included them again. I like where I’m at with those two cities.

Piran provides a logical logistical step besides just more beach/relaxation (which I discovered in Dalmatia was also something I enjoyed!) Especially if I end up renting a car, I’d really need to pick that up in Slovenia vs Croatia. @Kenko, you describe Piran so nicely I’m leaning towards the third night there! @TexasTravelMom, I think you’re right and that can probably fit a day trip to Mostar in there. Perhaps TourMage has something that fits. Thank you.

It’s tough. All those places are great (even the ones I haven’t been to yet - ha!). You have good reasons for all your stops. I often do what others might consider “off the wall” stops but I always have a reason (that might not apply to anyone else).

And yes, Tour Mage can do a lot of different options - even things not on their website. Here’s their Mostar tour. https://tourmage.ba/tour/mostar-tour/

If you have time and inclination, I have taken the Grand Tour twice. And would take it again. And the Yellow Fortress at sunset is cool. Last time I was there during Ramadan - it was really memorable.

Ok, I will quit now. Ha!

Can I offer Itinerary D?

Sarajevo: 4 nights
Zagreb: 2 nights
Rovinj: 3 nights
Piran: 1 night
Kobarid/Soca Valley: 3 nights
Ljubljana: 3 nights

Piran is gorgeous. Don't get me wrong, but I personally would happily trade 2 beach spots and minimal mountain spots (only what you encounter in Bosnia & Herzegovina) for 1 beach spot and 1 solid mountain spot. I'm not crazy about one-night stops, but I think there is more to do in the Soča Valley than in Piran. I spent 4 nights in Piran in 2019, but I was there for the Tartini Festival (classical music festival) and Neptune's Baptism (the new students at the maritime school go through their initiation/"baptism" to enter the school). It's a pretty place to walk (and you should certainly check out Nina's Tiny House, the storefront of a local artisan who makes really neat things out of driftwood). But there is not a ton to do. You could leave there and hit Škocjan Caves along the way to the Šoca Valley. Spend a day at the WWI museum and hiking the Kobarid Historical Trail (which includes a waterfall). And spend a day hiking or exploring the local culture (Vesna helped me out with both of those -- https://slocally.com). Driving in the area is not bad, but there are some narrow roads. For example, the road to get to Javorca Memorial Church of the Holy Spirit is an old WWI army supply road that is quite narrow, but does have spots where cars can pass each other if encountered in opposite directions. For me, it was worth the white-knuckle drive (with Vesna for moral support) to reach the church.

Sarajevo is a very interesting place to visit but not necessarily beautiful. The bridge at Mostar (along with the city's Old Town) is stunning. I think I would consider a one-day trip there -- even with 4 nights in Sarajevo.

I have considered the Funky Tours drive, but I'm not going to do it because my path this fall is going to be Zagreb --> Plitvice --> Banja Luka. But I will probalby use them for that path and for several other tours/rides due to planning to spend about a month in BiH this fall. I don't know TTM's company, but she is a very experienced traveler. Aren't you lucky to have recommendations on 2 good companies?

Happy planning!