Croatia's Captivating Istrian Riviera

Day 1

After an early start, we cross the English Channel, stopping overnight in France this evening.

Day 2

Following breakfast, we continue our journey through Germany before arriving at our next overnight hotel on the German/Austrian border.

Day 3

On today's final scenic stretch, we travel towards the Carinthian region of Austria, where we visit pretty Villach; why not enjoy a stroll around the Hauptplatz Square and admire the city's medieval and Renaissance architecture? From here, we travel through Slovenia, arriving in captivating Croatia and our hotel on its Istrian Riviera later today.

Day 4

Our first day in Croatia includes a visit to neighbouring Opatija, a charming Adriatic coastal town with a rich history and culture; with plenty of impressive monuments, well-manicured parks and magnificent villas to visit, we enjoy a guided tour of the highlights before some free time for lunch. This afternoon, we continue inland to Buzet, where we experience an included tour and tasting of a Croatian Schnapps Distillery.

Day 5

We travel to Krk today, the largest of the Croatian islands. Found in the Adriatic Sea and connected to the mainland by a bridge, this scenic island provides beautiful mountains, sandy beaches and historic castles waiting for you to discover. Today's visit includes a guided tour of the island's 'capital', Krk, a picturesque old town home to a labyrinth of stone alleys, a magnificent waterfront promenade and medieval sights, including a cathedral and castle. After some free time for lunch, we drive the short distance along the coastal road to Punat, where we board a boat to the Franciscan monastery of Košljun, situated on a tiny island. Our final stop is Vrbnik, which seems to float on cliffs above the sea, where we enjoy a tasting of locally-made hams, cheeses and wines before returning to our hotel.

Day 6

Boasting over three thousand years of history and heritage, Pula is our next stop; today's guided tour reveals a beautifully preserved Roman Amphitheatre, where ancient gladiators once fought and medieval tournaments took place, more recently hosting modern-day pop stars. After time to explore and enjoy lunch, we continue onto Rovinj, where the famous St Euphemia Cathedral towers over charming cobblestone streets and a colourful waterfront. After a guided tour and plenty of time for photographs, we stop at a local olive oil grove for a tasting before returning to our hotel.

Day 7

Our full-day excursions first see us take in the world-famous Postojna Caves. Found in neighbouring Slovenia, this natural marvel is home to five kilometres of cave chambers, rock formations and underground rivers all accessed by the cave's railway. After an included lunch, we head to the Lipica Stud Farm this afternoon, famous for its white Lipizzaner horses, one of the oldest cultural horse breeds in the world. During your tour of this historic farm, you'll meet over three hundred of these stunning horses and explore the onsite stables, museums and exhibitions.

Day 8

Escape into nature today as we journey into the magnificent scenery of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's oldest and largest national park. Situated within a wooded mountain range, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to cascading lakes and waterfalls as well as numerous protected species, including bears, lynxes and wildlife.

Day 9

Our final full day in Croatia sees us travel to Motovun, a fortified village found in the Istrian hills. Enjoy wandering through the narrow streets and town walls with stunning views of the valleys and vineyards below; don't miss the chance to visit the thirteenth-century bell tower and municipal palace, both built in a Romanesque style. We continue onto Pazin for a traditional truffle lunch and Grožnjan, another walled village and a haven for artists during the summer months. With over twenty galleries to find, enjoy roaming the cobbled streets and shady squares transports you into the ancient, historic and authentic side of Croatia.

Day 10

After bidding our hosts farewell this morning, we head over the border into Slovenia to visit the breathtaking Lake Bled on the edge of the Triglav National Park. Formed by glaciers and surrounded by the magnificent Julian Alps, sit back and take in the scenery onboard a tranquil boat cruise on the Lake's crystal blue-green waters. We later continue to our overnight hotel in Germany this evening.

Day 11

We continue our journey home with an overnight stay in France this evening.

Day 12

We make our return ferry crossing and return home today.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner