Lakes & Mediterranean Harmony
Escorted Coach Tour - From only £1,585 per person
Seven nights and four countries; almost sounds like a mission more than a holiday….think again!
This small group escorted tour just edges into Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Austria, the close proximity of these four stunning countries allows for a fantastic trip that simply cannot be missed. A combination of Alpine views, vast and scenic lakes, historical towns and taste sensations all await on an incredible journey through some of Europe’s less explored land.
Using a hand-picked selection of hotels during your stay, this tour includes a mixed board basis; each day is different; this gives you the chance to sample eateries of your own choosing along the way. The journey is a wonderful mix of land and water, including drives over high mountain passes, boating in glacier made lakes, even a traditional vaporetto in Venice….there is also plenty of walking tours included so a moderate level of fitness and flat walking shoes is a must!
Highlights of The Lakes & Mediterranean Harmony tour:
Sightseeing of Venice by vaporetto boat . Boat ride to Bled Island and a visit to Bled castle . Visit to Carinthia, Austria and views of the Alps . Loibl high mountain pass . Postojna Caves one of the largest systems in Europe . Croatian family brewery sampling . Walking tours including Rovinj one of the most romantic towns in Istria, and sampling olive oil . Plitvice Lakes and UNESCO oldest protected park .
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Venice
Depart from the UK and arrive in Venice, transfer from the airport to your hotel. Afternoon and evening is free to explore Venice.
Day 2: Venice - Bled (D)
Meet your tour group at the reception in Venice at 11am followed by sightseeing of the unique Venice by a vaporetto boat. Enjoy a walking tour with an English speaking guide before returning back to land and continuing towards Slovenia. Dinner and overnight in the Bled area.
Day 3: Bled – Bohinj – Bled (B)
Enjoy a relaxing tour of glacier Lake Bled, one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia for it's picturesque setting. A boat ride to the island and a visit to Bled Castle. The terrace of the castle affords wonderful views of the lake and surrounding mountains – on a clear day you can see Slovenia’s highest mountain, Mount Triglav. Our final stop of the day will be the Lake Bohinj, one of the best kept secrets in the area, which will give you abundance of photo ops, as will the entire day. Overnight on Lake Bled.
Day 4: Bled - Klagenfurt – Wörth Lake – Bled (B,L)
Today we visit the neighbour country of Austria, which means this day will offer plenty of views of the Alps, impressive at any time of the year. We pass through the Karavanke tunnel and enter the historic county of Carinthia, to a popular vacation spot, the 20 km long Lake Wörth for a panoramic tour. We continue to the charming Klagenfurt, University town with the beautiful Lindworm fountain dominating the old city square, the Altplatz. After the visit, and before returning to Bled via the Loibl pass, a high mountain pass in the karavanke chain of the Southern Alps, we drive to a lunch on the shore of Worth Lake. Overnight Bled.
Day 5: Bled – Postojna – Rovinj (B,T)
Today we continue our trip towards Croatia and stop at the Postojna Caves. One of the largest underground caves system in Europe hides wondrous geological creations and is home of the olm. Next destination, Renaissance Predjama Castle situated on a high cliff, tells the 700 years old story of its predecessors and Postojna. After we arrive to Croatia, a visit to a family run brewery will open all your senses and the Croatian fairy tale can begin – try out the local delicacies and taste the beer made of fresh spring water, the best barley malt and hops. Arrival in Rovinj in the late afternoon. Overnight in Rovinj.
Day 6: Rovinj – Istriatour (B,T)
Our day will start with sightseeing one of the most romantic towns in Istria - Rovinj. A walk through labyrinths of cobbled streets of "Venice in a small", will lead you through some of the most picturesque streets in Istria and numerous galleries of unique art pieces. At the the hilltop, we will visit the dominating Basilica of St. Euphemia and can enjoy the stunning panorama views. The rest of the day offers a unique sensory experience - olive oil tasting rich in green scent and flavor of various sorts of extra virgin olive at one of the most renowned local producers. Overnight in Rovinj.
Day 7: Rovinj –Lake Bajer - Plitvice Lakes (B,L,D)
Travelling from Croatia’s biggest peninsula, we pass Gorski Kotar Region and arrive to a picturesque little place Fuzine to enjoy the boat ride on Lake Bajer. With everlasting impressions from the green lungs of Croatia, lunch that is awaiting us at the heartwarming restaurant Bitoraj, will be the blend of the traditional, home made food of the region: smoked deer ham, wild boar salami, spiced cheese, breaded frog legs, mushrooms and home made bread. Through the lush green scenery the trip continues to water empire of Plitvice Lakes. Overnight in the Plitvice area.
Day 8: Plitvice Lakes - Zagreb (B, D)
After breakfast, let yourself be carried away by the fascinating labyrinth of evergreen woods and lakes interconnected with stunning waterfalls. The UNESCO protected oldest Croatian national park proudly carries the title of one of world’s most impressive national parks. Our journey continues towards Zagreb for a short evening walk through the cosmopolitan Croatian capital where past and present are still noticeable in the Donji (Lower) and Gornji (Upper) Town, and reveal the hidden secrets of this continental gem. Farewell dinner in a typical Croatian brewery. Overnight in Zagreb.
Day 9 (B)
After the breakfast, it is time to say goodbye. Transfer to Zagreb Airport accompanied by the tour leader.