Lakes & Mediterranean Harmony 12 Days
9 Days: Mestre – Venice – Bled – Bohinj – Klagenfurt – Wörth Lake – Postojna & Predjama Castle – Rovinj – Pula – Opatija – Lake Bajer – Plitvice Lakes – Split
Tour overview:
This tour starts in Venice, Italy and combines the Slovenia, Austria, and Croatia. Take in the picturesque Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj in Slovenia. Wonder at the impressive Austrian Alps. See the largest underground caves in Europe, the beautiful lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice, and the largest city on the Adriatic Coast, Split in Croatia.
Day 1 - Mestre
Individual arrival to Mestre Hotel.
Day 2 - Mestre / Venice / Bled
Meeting point with tour leader at the hotel reception from 09.00 till 09.30 AM. Departure towards Venice followed by sightseeing of this unique floating city. Enjoy a walking tour with an English-speaking guide before returning to land and continuing towards Slovenia. Dinner and overnight in Bled Lake area.(B,D)
Day 3 - Bled / Bohinj / Bled
Enjoy a relaxing tour of glacier Lake Bled, one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia for its picturesque settings. After Bled boat ride, time at leisure on the island. Afterward, visit the Bled castle to admire wonderful historic city, 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 Lake Bohinj, one of the best kept secrets in the area, which will give you an abundance of photo ops, as will the entire day. Overnight in Bled Lake area.(B)
Day 4 - Bled / Klagenfurt / Worth Lake / Bled
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. In the historic county of Carinthia, enjoy a panoramic tour of popular vacation spot, the 20 km long Lake Wörth. We continue to the charming Klagenfurt, a university town with the beautiful Lindworm fountain dominating the old city square, the Altplatz. After the visit, and before returning to Bled Lake area, lunch in Klagenfurt area. Overnight in Bled Lake area.(B,L)
Day 5 - Bled/Bohinj - Ljubjanja & Postojna cave - Rovinj/Vrsar
Before heading to Croatia, visit the enchanting capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, for a captivating walking tour. Next, explore the magnificent Postojna Cave, one of the largest underground cave systems in Europe, renowned for its wondrous geological formations and home to the mysterious olm. In the late afternoon, arrive on the coast of Croatia's largest peninsula, Istria. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Rovinj or Vrsar.(BD)
Day 6 - Rovinj – Istria Tour
Our day will start with sightseeing the most precious jewels of Istrian Coast. A walk through labyrinths of cobbled streets will lead you through some of the most picturesque streets in Istria revealing the rich history of this stunning peninsula. Departure towards inner Istria for a sample one of the Istrian tastiest treasures, the truffle. The rest of the day offers a unique sensory experience – olive oil tasting rich in green scent and flavour of various sorts of extra virgin olive at one of the most renowned local producers. Afterward, visit one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in the world, the jewel of Pula, a 3000-year-old city, administrative centre of Istria. Overnight in Rovinj.(B,T,T)
Day 7 - Rovinj / Opatija / Lake Bajer / Plitvice Lakes
Traveling from Croatia’s biggest peninsula, we drive through Opatija. You will have time at leisure to enjoy this wonderful little town full of magnificent villas and old hotels, once a famous winter resort of Austrian elite. Take a stroll through Lungomare promenade, visit Angiolina Park, or simply enjoy a coffee break at Wagner’s terrace. After we pass Gorski Kotar Region, we arrive at a picturesque little place Fuzine to explore the Vrelo Cave. With everlasting impressions from the green lungs of Croatia, lunch that is awaiting us at the heart-warming restaurant Bitoraj will be a blend of the traditional, homemade food of the region. Through the lush green scenery, the trip continues to water empire of Plitvice Lakes. Overnight in the Plitvice area.(B,L,D)
Day 8 - Plitvice Lakes / Split
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 the world’s most impressive national parks. Our journey continues towards Split for a short evening walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site, the largest city on the Adriatic coast. On our walking tour, we explore Diocletian’s Palace, built by the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century and see the Grgur Ninski Statue and will see the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St Domnius. Overnight in Split.(B)
Day 9 - Split
Enhance your Split experience with an extra night's stay. Revel in a leisurely day to uncover the city's charm and its environs. Unwind along the scenic promenade or embark on a Marjan hill hike. Indulge in local boutiques, eateries, and wine bars for an immersive exploration.(B)
Day 10 - Split - Dubrovnik
Your journey continues with an early transfer to the fast ferry from Split to Dubrovnik. Arrive in Dubrovnik around noon and check-in at the hotel. After leaving your luggage, head to the old town for a fascinating guided walking tour. After the tour, you'll have free time to explore at your leisure and can return to the hotel whenever you prefer.(B)
Day 11 - Dubrovnik
Enjoy a free day in Dubrovnik to explore its wonders. Choose among various activities: sea kayaking around the walls, cable car ride for panoramic views, Lokrum island visit or the world of Game of Thrones with a themed tour. Alternatively, you have the option to join an excursion to nearby Montenegro or the historic city of Mostar in Bosnia.(B)
Day 12 - Departure from Dubrovnik
Say goodbye to Dubrovnik as you transfer to the airport for your flight back home.(B)