From the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, discover the natural beauty of this northern arm of the Mediterranean on a 9-day tour from Venice to Split. Visit the sprawling Postojna Caves, sample truffles & olive oil in bucolic Istria, and of course admire the scenic waters of Lake Wörth in Austria, Lake Bled in Slovenia, and the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Italy
Friday. Upon arrival into Venice you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Mestre area of Venice. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Mestre
Venice
This morning, we meet our tour leader at the hotel reception, before embarking on a sightseeing tour of Venice with an English-speaking guide. We then board our air-conditioned coach and depart for Slovenia, arriving in the town of Bled for dinner.
Overnight: Bled | Breakfast, Dinner
Bled & Bohinj
Small but stunning Lake Bled, surrounded by the Alps, is one of Slovenia's most scenic destinations. On a boat ride, we'll sail past the tiny church-capped islet at the heart of the lake and the clifftop Bled Castle, where the terrace offers lovely views of the region. We'll end the day with a visit to Lake Bohinj, a lesser-known spot perfect for a scenic photo op.
Overnight: Bled | Breakfast
Carinthia
Passing through the Alps, we venture into southern Austria today. First we embark on a panoramic tour of Lake Wörth, an elongated lake and summer vacation spot once frequented by the Austrian elite. We then continue to Klagenfurt, a bustling university town. Its Alterplatz (Old City Square), dating to the Renaissance era, is marked by an impressive fountain depicting the local foundation myth of the Lindworm. After a lakeside lunch, we return to Bled, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure.
Overnight: Bled | Breakfast, Lunch
Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle
Our Slovenian journey continues today as we head south to the Postojna Caves. This underground cave system is over 24km long, hiding spectacular rock formations and an ancient species of salamander known as the olm. Our next stop is the nearby Predjama Castle, a Renaissance fortress built into a cliff with over 700 years of history and legend. Later that afternoon, we arrive in Croatia and the coastal town of Rovinj.
Overnight: Rovinj | Breakfast
Idyllic Istria
The Istrian peninsula is one of Croatia's most delightful regions. We start by sightseeing in Rovinj, where we'll find winding streets and art galleries in a picturesque coastal setting. We delight our tastebuds at our next stops, sampling truffles in Livade and olive oil crafted by local producers. Our final destination is the regional capital of Pula, where one of the world's few fully-preserved Roman amphitheatres is located, before returning to Rovinj for the evening.
Overnight: Rovinj | Breakfast
Opatija & Lake Bajer
We leave Istria this morning and continue to Opatija, a seaside winter resort where Austro-Hungarian aristocrats once holidayed in splendid coastal villas. Moving inland, we enjoy a traditional lunch in the town of Fuzine, overlooking the Vrelo limestone caves and man-made Lake Bajer. We then continue to the Plitvice Lakes for our overnight stay.
Overnight: Plitvice Lakes | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Plitvice Lakes & Split
Today we visit the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. On a boat tour, discover the wonders of this natural World Heritage site, where hundreds of waterfalls connect a series of dazzling lakes and lush forests. Heading south, our final destination is Split, Croatia's second-largest city. Here we embark on an evening walking tour of the UNESCO-listed town center, with sights such as the Roman 4th-century Diocletian's Palace and Cathedral of St Domnius, followed by a farewell dinner in a konoba (Dalmatian restaurant).
Overnight: Split | Breakfast, Dinner
Split
Our journey ends after breakfast. A departure transfer to Split airport is included.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Russot Hotel Venice, Venice
Set in the lush greenery of San Giuliano Park, Russot Hotel is located a short drive away from the heart of Venice. Situated overlooking the waterfront, with views over the old city of Venice, the hotel has two restaurants serving both Italian and international cuisine. Guest rooms are well equipped with well decorated interiors and en suite facilities. Enjoy a drink at the hotel bar where entertainment is regularly featured.
Hotel Park, Bled
Commanding a fantastic location on the shores of Lake Bled, Hotel Park offers beautiful views across the water. All guest rooms are bright, airy and comfortable offering a private balcony for guests to enjoy. On the top floor of the hotel you’ll find an indoor thermal swimming pool, with a magnificent view of the lake. With Bled promenade only a short walk away there are plenty of restaurant options close to the hotel, as well as the hotels own Rikli Pizzeria.
Hotel Eden, Rovinj
Set in the shadow of an ancient pine forest, Hotel Eden offers elegant and well presented rooms overlooking a quiet cove on the coast of the Istrian peninsula. Hotel Eden has large indoor and outdoor swimming pool areas and is located 50m from Mulini beach. Both indoor and Al fresco dining options are available at one of the 4 restaurants on offer within the hotel grounds.
Jezero Hotel , Plitvice Lakes
Nestled in the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Jezero Hotel is the perfect base for any overnight stay in this stunning locale. The property offers a selection of guest rooms and suites, and while the hotel interior is modern in design, the building has been constructed to sit perfectly amongst the natural surroundings. A short walk away is Kozjak – the park’s largest lake. Hotel amenities include an in-house restaurant and lobby bar, a night club and complimentary spa facilities including a gym, whirpool massage and two Finnish saunas. There’s also a small gift shop on site, plus room service and free WiFi.
Hotel Cornaro, Split
A seamless fusion of traditional and modern, Hotel Cornaro is well known for its professional and friendly service, with an enviable location right in the heart of the city. Diocletian's Palace and the Split City Museum are a 2 and 8 minute walk from the hotel, respectively. The rooms are stylishly decorated with large beds and elegant furnishings and flat screen TV’s. At this hotel you’ll find an inviting rooftop bar which offers wine tasting of local Croatian wines.
In Brief
