From lively capitals to picturesque landscapes, explore the vibrant city of Zagreb and the elegant Ljubljana, the emerald blue Istrian coast and the blissfully beautiful Lake Bled
The Habsburg influences in Northern Croatia and Slovenia contrast with the Venetian effect around the Istrian coast. Zagreb’s history stretches back to the 11th century when it developed from the villages of Kaptol and Gradec. Today it is a city with fine examples of Austro-Hungarian façades. The Plitvice Lakes were shaped by limestone sediments and minerals spread by water flow and absorbed by vegetation which over time turned to stone, a unique phenomena of this karst region.
Opatija is a fashionable resort, which since 1874 has seen many famous personalities, including Austro-aristocracy, Puccini, Checkhov and James Joyce. Istria is the Adriatic’s largest peninsula, where Italy’s influence extends to language and archaeology such as Pula’s Roman amphitheatre.
Slovenia declared its independence in 1991 from Yugoslavia after a short 10-day war with Ljubljana, its picturesque pint-sized capital. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, hot springs and superb climate, Bled is located on a glacier lake in the shadow of the medieval castle providing unparalleled mountain views.
Cultural & Countryside Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
UNESCO: Plitvice Lakes
Local Guide Throughout
Historic Hotel
Group size: 10 - 25
Enjoy a tour of olive groves followed by olive oil tasting accompanied with locally produced prosciutto, cheese and wine.
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow to Zagreb for two nights at the 4-star DoubleTree by Hilton. Walking tour includes the Upper town, cathedral of Sveti Stjepana and Mirogoj cemetery. Welcome Dinner. (D)
Day 2 Morning visit to the Mimara Museum, the former private art collection of Ante Topić Mimara, housed in a palace built at the end of the 19th century in neo-Renaissance style. Dinner and wine tasting at a family farm. (B, D)
Day 3 Travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring sixteen spellbinding blue-green lakes arranged in cascades. Visit includes a walk through the limestone canyon of the Lower Lakes, a boat ride across the largest of the lakes – Lake Kozjak, and a walk along the canyon’s east side. Continue to Opatija for three nights at the 4-star Amadria Park Hotel Royal or 4-star Villa Royal. (B, D)
Day 4 Walking tour of Opatija includes Lungomare, the famous coastal promenade, the Maiden with the Seagull statue, the 15th century St. James church, Angiolina Park and enjoy coffee and cake. (B)
Day 5 Drive to Pula, which has been occupied, destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. Visit one of the best preserved Roman Amphitheatres. Local food tasting. Continue to Rovinj for a walking tour including the hilltop church of St. Euphemia. (B)
Day 6 Cross into Slovenia and visit Postojna Caves, one of the world’s largest karst monuments. Admire the view towards Renaissance Predjama Castle, perched on a steep cliff and overlooking the Lokva River. Continue to the Baroque capital Ljubljana for a walking tour. Stay two nights at the 5-star Grand Hotel Toplice in Bled. (B)
Day 7 A Pletna boat ride on the lake with a visit to St. Mary’s Church on the island, Bled Castle and a slice of Bled cream cake and coffee. (B, D)
Day 8 Transfer to Zagreb for the return flight. (B)
Notes
This is a busy itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
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An elegant and historic 5-star lakeside hotel in the centre of Bled, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Restaurants, bar, indoor pool with thermal water, spa and WiFi (free). 87 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A modern 4-star hotel close to Zagreb’s old town. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool, sauna and WiFi (free). 152 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A comfortable 4-star design hotel with fine views to the bay and harbour. Restaurant, bar, private beach access and WiFi (free). 54 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
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A small 4-star hotel with a waterfront location. Restaurants, bar, pool, sauna, private beach access and WiFi (free). 32 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Portorož Extension
Portorož, Slovenia’s most popular coastal resort, at the southern end of the Piran Bay boasts a pretty tree lined promenade and a large crescent shaped sandy beach. Stay at the 5-star Hotel Slovenija next to the central promenade and with access to a private beach. Breakfast daily.
Day 1 Transfer to Portorož for three nights at the 5-star Hotel Slovenija. (B)
Day 2 At Leisure. (B)
Day 3 At Leisure. (B)
Day 4 Transfer to Venice airport for the return flight. (B)
A refurbished 5-star hotel next to the central promenade and with access to a private beach. Restaurants, bars, pools, spa and WiFi (free). 144 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £325
Accommodation Upgrades
Amadria Park Hotel Royal
Sea View £35
Single Supplement £35
Grand Hotel Toplice
Lake View £45
Single supplement £25
Flight Options
British Airways Club Europe from £195
Extension Options
Extension - Portoroz
3 nights £475
(Apr/Jun £545)
Single supplement £150
(Apr/Jun £185)
Extra nights – Zagreb
DoubleTree by Hilton
(per night) £55
Single supplement £45
Extra nights – Bled
Grand Hotel Toplice
(per night) £85
Single supplement £40
Independent Arrival
Save £150
Arrival transfer £20
Departure transfer £115
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 4 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
