8 Days - 11 Meals, prices from
just £854pp
Highlights: Opatija, Moscenice, Pula, Porec, Ljubljana,
Bled, Plenta Boat Ride, Lipica Stud Farm, Wine Tasting, Hum, Motovun
SAVE £100 PER COUPLE
Travel by 30 April 2010
Book by 31 December 2009
Day 1-7 Hotel Milenij, Opatija
Day 8 In flight
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Explore two of Europe’s most beautiful, yet undiscovered, destinations;
Croatia and Slovenia.
Relax and unpack for seven nights in elegant Opatija.
See the remarkably well-preserved firstcentury Roman amphitheatre in seaside
Pula.
Discover Slovenian wines when visiting one of the finest wine producing areas
in the region.
Day 1: Arrive Opatija, Croatia - Tour Begins
Affectionately called the “Croatian Riviera,” Croatia’s Istrian
peninsula is a heart-shaped region jutting into the Adriatic Sea. Blessed with
medieval cities, an inviting coast, fascinating history and culture, this region
is one of the undiscovered gems of Europe. Welcome to Opatija, an elegant resort
and long-time favourite destination of European nobility. Opatija welcomes you
with swishing palms and stately seaside villas. This evening, join your fellow
travellers for a special welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included.
Day 2: Opatija - Moscenice - Pula - Porec - Opatija
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin
and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key
words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Travel to
the medieval hill town of Moscenice, perched on a dramatic precipice overlooking
Kvarner Bay. Enjoy free time to wander its narrow streets and soak up its romantic
charm. While in the village you will get to tour their local museum and learn
about the history behind their olive press and even sample their locally made
brandy! Continue your journey to the coastal city of Pula, beautifully situated
on the southern end of the Istrian peninsula. The earliest settlement here dates
back to the 10th century B.C. Embark on a walking tour that highlights the city’s
many artefacts from its time as a Roman colony. View the imposing and well-preserved
first-century amphitheatre. Next, it is on to the charming seaside city of Porec.
More than 2,000 years old, Porec’s city centre still follows its ancient
Roman street plan. Visit the Euphrasian Basilica Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage
site that features remarkably intact 6th century Byzantine art and early Christian
mosaics dating to the 2nd and 6th centuries. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 3: Opatija
Enjoy the many charms of Opatija at leisure today. Or, perhaps you will opt
to join the optional excursion to the staggeringly beautiful Plitvice Lakes,
a Croatian national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. Your option includes
travelling through spectacular scenery where sixteen terraced lakes tumble into
each other through a series of dramatic waterfalls and cascades, surrounded
by dense forests and lush vegetation; a short cruise will also take you across
the clear, pristine lake waters. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 4: Opatija - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Bled - Opatija, Croatia
Today travel to Croatia’s neighbour to the north, Slovenia. Your first
stop is its vibrant and friendly capital, Ljubljana. A locally guided tour reveals
the unique character of Stara Ljubljana, Ljubljana Old Town, where distinct
Baroque and Art Nouveau edifices blend with the striking creations of the visionary
20th century architect, Jože Plecnik. Continue your journey to the historic
and enchanting lake resort, Bled, nestled in the rugged Julian Alps. Enjoy the
old-world charm of taking a “pletna” boat to the island on the lake
to visit the 17th century cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, and the “wishing
bell”. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore
this fairy tale resort on your own, before returning to Opatija. Today breakfast
and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Opatija - Lipica - Opatija
Discover the historic home of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses when you visit
the Lipica Stud Farm. Charles II, Archduke of Austria, founded the farm in 1580
to breed horses for his powerful family, the Hapsburgs. Tour this fascinating
facility and learn about these docile and elegant creatures. Your next stop
is one of the finest wine producing areas in the region where you have the opportunity
to sample some locally produced varieties. Today breakfast and dinner will be
included.
Day 6: Opatija
Today is at leisure. Relax along the shore, enjoy Opatija’s many sights
and pleasures or you may choose to join the optional excursion to one of the
world’s most romantic cities, Venice, Italy. Upon arrival in Venice, cruise
to Murano Island* for a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration. Return to St.
Mark’s Square, the elegant piazza at the centre of Venetian life. Join
a local expert for a walking tour that reveals the Clock Tower with its famous
Moors, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the charming
bridge that spans the Rio di Palazzo, which was given the nickname “Bridge
of Sighs” by the English poet, Lord Byron. Your option continues with
time enjoy Venice on your own. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 7: Opatija - Hum - Motovun - Opatija
Today, travel to the world’s smallest town, Hum. Listed in the Guinness
Book of World Records, Hum is home to some of Istria’s most famous and
renowned frescoes. Also, while visiting the town, you will have the opportunity
to sample their famous mistletoe brandy. Then it’s on to Motovun, a beautiful
medieval city spread over the top of a 740 foot vineyard-covered hill. Step
into the past as you explore this one-time colony of the Venetian Republic,
still charming with the architecture of its colonial days. Finally, visit a
local farm where the family will show you their way of life in the Istrian countryside.
Join your hosts as you learn about the ingredients harvested from their land.
Complete the evening with a wonderful farewell dinner on the farm. Today breakfast
and dinner will be included.
Day 8: Opatija - Tour Ends – Arrive UK
Your tour ends in Opatija this morning. Today breakfast will be included.
Departure Dates:
2010 - February 23, March 9, April 20, October 12, November 2
2011 - March 15, April 12 |
