COASTS, LAKES & CAPITALS

Day 1 Fly from Heathrow to Zagreb and transfer to the 4-star Double Tree by Hilton for a two-night stay in the Croatian capital.

Day 2 A little city with a lively vibe and lovely setting, Zagreb combines cobbled streets and medieval church spires with 19th century palaces and Austro-Hungarian façades, the ornate roof tiles of St. Mark’s church and the steel and glass Sky Tower. A walking tour shows you the 13th-15th century Cathedral of Sveti Stjepana in the Upper town, its famous twin towers visible across the city; and takes you to the sculptures, cloisters, copper domes and tree-shaded tranquillity of the vast Mirogoj Cemetery. This evening, enjoy dinner and wine tasting at a family farm. (B, D)

Day 3 A full day excursion takes us to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s oldest and largest, with a landscape of striking karst rock formations, and a stunning tiered chain of sixteen lakes, with numerous cascades connecting each lake with the next. The visit includes a walk along the canyon’s east side, another through the limestone gorge of the Lower Lakes, and a boat trip across the largest lake, Kozjak. Continue to Opatija, tucked in a rocky bay at the entry to the Istrian Peninsula, for three nights at the 4-star Amadria Park Hotel Royal or 4-star Villa Royal. (B)

Day 4 Home to the Adriatic’s first sailing club, now a 200-berth marina; and hemming the shore with its 12km Lungomare promenade; Opatija (meaning ‘abbey’) was first recorded in the 15th century, as a tiny hamlet beside a Benedictine Abbey. The Church of St. James, on the site of the original monastery, is one of our visits on a walking tour of the town, which also includes the iconic ‘Maiden with Seagull’ statue, set atop a seafront rock plinth in 1956; and the beautiful nature and botanical park, surrounding the 19th century Villa Angiolina. Conclude the tour with coffee and cake. (B)

Day 5 A full day excursions takes us first to the seafront city of Pula. Its chequered past of wars and occupations has resulted in a mis-matched, much-rebuilt mix of architectural styles, but its oldest and most iconic monument, the Roman amphitheatre, survived and is still in use as a concert venue. Known as the Colosseum, we visit the 1st century structure today, and enjoy a tasting of local food, before continuing to Rovinj. With its characterful old town crammed onto a headland, a walking tour climbs the cobbled streets to the hilltop Baroque ‘basilica’, the church of St Euphemia, with a soaring belltower, serene interior, and splendid sea views. (B)

Day 6 Cross into Slovenia and visit Postojna Cave, an atmospheric underworld of high halls, murmuring rivers and legends of baby dragons; crossed by a cave train, and containing ‘the Brilliant’, a five-metre-tall, bright white stalagmite, one of world’s largest karst columns. A few kilometres away, enjoy the view of Predjama Castle, built into a cave mouth, halfway up a towering cliff, and overlooking the Lokva River. Continue to lakeside Bled for two nights at the 4-star Park Hotel. (B)

Day 7 A morning tour of Bled visits the island in the lake, reached by pletna rowing boats, where the medieval St. Mary’s church and belltower sit atop 99 stone steps; takes you to panoramic views from the clifftop perch of 11th century Bled Castle, overlooking the water; and pauses for coffee and a slice of ‘kremsnita’ cream cake. Afternoon at leisure to explore Bled. (B)

Day 8 This morning, drive to the capital, Ljubljana, for a walking tour. Lining the river with lively cafés, and crossing it with the Triple Bridge, Slovenia’s largest city is one of Europe’s smallest capitals. Uncrowded, unhurried, and remarkably green, its UNESCO listed monuments, designed by the architect Joze Plecnik, are a 20th century adaptation of ancient Athenian classicism. Transfer to Ljubljana airport for the return flight to London. (B, L)

• Key
• B - Breakfast
• L - Lunch
• D - Dinner