Bled Castle overlooking Lake Bled, Slovenia

The day started with a cappuccino in Venice, our spirits as high as the tide. Shehzadi, our trusty Toyota Tundra, and Chetak, the Odyssean Journey Toyota Hilux, were humming with anticipation. Today we would not just cross one, but two international borders — three countries, a shimmering lake, a wine-soaked sunset and at least six kinds of road trip snacks.

We were headed for Slovenia, then into Croatia, in one of the most charming cross-border days of our Silk Road expedition so far. The route was postcard-perfect: Venice → Valico di Sant’Andrea → Lake Bled → Ljubljana → Maribor → Obrežje border → Zagreb.

Adriatic Coastal Highway D8 at Pisak, Croatia

The D8 Highway, also known as the Jadranska magistrala (Adriatic Highway), is a scenic route along the Adriatic Sea that stretches along the Dalmatian coastline connecting Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia (Hrvatska). Croatia's stunning Adriatic coastline is dotted with picturesque towns and cities, each offering its own unique charm and beauty. Among the highlights of any visit to this breathtaking region are the historic cities of Split and Dubrovnik, both renowned for their rich history, cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery. For travelers seeking to experience the best of both worlds, a road trip from Split to Dubrovnik offers an unforgettable journey filled with scenic vistas, cultural discoveries and culinary delights, with the added bonus of a lunch break in neighboring Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Traveling from Split to Dubrovnik (MAP), we encounter a unique geographical quirk. The Neum Corridor, a narrow strip of Bosnia & Herzegovina, separates the two Croatian cities. This means we technically enter and exit Bosnia-Herzegovina as well while driving along the Adriatic coast.

Nikola Tesla Memorial Center in Smiljan, Croatia

While driving from Zagreb to Split, we take a detour into beautiful Croatian countryside to visit the house Tesla was born and grew up in.

Nikola Tesla, the brilliant inventor, engineer, and futurist whose groundbreaking contributions revolutionized the world of science and technology, was born in the quaint village of Smiljan, Croatia. Today, Tesla's birth home stands as a testament to his remarkable legacy, drawing visitors from around the globe to explore the roots of his genius and innovation.

St. Mark's Basilica

Zagreb, Croatia's capital city at the foothills of Medvednica Mountain, is a Central European blend of old and new. We begin our exploration of Zagreb at its Upper Town, a maze of cobbled streets lined with medieval wonders like St. Mark's Church with its colorful roof. Grand Austro-Hungarian architecture graces the Lower Town, boasting the elegant National Theatre. Vibrant street art pops against historic buildings, reflecting a thriving cultural scene. The Cathedral of Zagreb soars over the skyline with its neo-Gothic twin towers. Zagreb's modern charm shines through its bustling cafes and lively squares, offering a taste of contemporary Croatia alongside its rich history.