Alpine and Mediterranean Highlights

Individual arrival to Hotel Russott in Mestre. Overnight Mestre.

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 the land and continuing towards Slovenia. Dinner and overnight in the Bled lake area.

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 the 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 the Bled lake area.

Today we visit the neighboring 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 the 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 the Bled lake area, lunch in the Klagenfurt area. Overnight in the Bled lake area.

Today we continue our trip toward Croatia and stop at the Postojna Caves. One of the largest underground caves system in Europe hides wondrous geological creations and is home to the olm. The next destination, Renaissance Predjama Castle situated on a high cliff, tells the 700 years old story of its predecessors and Postojna. Arrive in the enchanting coastal town of Rovinj in the late afternoon. Overnight in Rovinj.

Our day will start with sightseeing the most precious jewels of the 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 Livade for a sample of 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 flavor of various sorts of extra virgin olive at one of the most renowned local producers. Afterward, you visit one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world, the jewel of Pula, a 3000-year-old city, the administrative center of Istria. Overnight in Rovinj.

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 the Austrian elite. Take a stroll through the Lungomare promenade, visit Angiolina park, or simply enjoy a coffee break at Wagner's terrace. After we pass Gorski Kotar Region we arrive in a picturesque little place Fuzine to explore the Vrelo Cave. With everlasting impressions from the green lungs of Croatia, the lunch that is awaiting us at the heartwarming restaurant Bitoraj will be a blend of the traditional, homemade food of the region. Through the lush green scenery, the trip continues to the water empire of Plitvice Lakes. Overnight in the Plitvice area.

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, see the Grgur Ninski Statue, and will see the Cathedral and Bell Tower of St Domnius. Overnight in Split.

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye. Transfer to Split Airport or join one of our Deluxe Cruises from Split to Dubrovnik (sold separately).