From the Alps to the Adriatic

Day 1 London to Lake Bled, Slovenia.

Fly by scheduled flight to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Bled Rose Hotel for our two night stay. Settle into your room before meeting for dinner at the hotel this evening. (D)

Day 2 Lake Bled.

Bled grew famous at the beginning of the 20th century as the most beautiful health spa of the then Austrian empire. After World War II it became one of the most attractive state residences for the former regime and hosted many of the world’s most important people who enjoyed the beauty of the town. After breakfast at the hotel, we will explore the impressive Medieval castle before joining a local ‘Pletna’ boat for a cruise to the lake’s famous islet. Once back ashore, transfer to nearby Radovljica and the beautiful Linhart Square to learn about the traditional Slovenian craft of lectar, a sweet honey-bread that is decorated by hand. Enjoy a local lunch here before returning to Bled for an afternoon and evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 3 Ljubljana.

Check out of the hotel this morningand drive to the nation’s capital, Ljubljana. The city has a rich heritage – it has been inhabited since the Bronze Age – and is situated by a river on which the mythological Argonauts carried the Golden Fleece. It was occupied by the Romans and was once the capital of Napoleon’s Illyrian provinces and has treasures from many epochs including Renaissance and Baroque, and striking architecture featuring many Art Nouveau facades. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s highlights before a ride on the funicular to reach Ljubljana Castle to discover its intriguing history and enjoy the panoramic views over the city. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will head south to Portoroz, where we will check in to the Kempinski Palace Hotel for our five night stay. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Piran.

This morning we explore Piran, one of the most photogenic cities in the Mediterranean. Influenced by the Venetian Republic, which left its mark on most Istrian towns, Piran has maintained the clustered Medieval structure of narrow winding streets, houses huddled close together and numerous squares and churches. Tartini Square is the gem found in the very centre of the city. It was named after the famous violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini whose statue is located in the centre of the square. During our guided tour we will be able to sample some local flavours including wine, chocolate and seafood. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. (B)

Day 5 Groznjan & Rovinj, Croatia.

Today we will cross the border into Croatia and travel into the Istrian interior, an area famed for its picturesque villages, vineyards producing fine Malvasia and Teran wines and the forests that produce Istrian white truffles. On a morning walking tour we will explore the quaint hilltop village of Groznjan. Once a 14th century Venetian fortress, the well-preserved Medieval centre is now home to many small art galleries and pottery studios and boasts stunning views over the Mirna Valley. We will stop at a local winery for a tasting before continuing to the coastal town of Rovinj. Here the houses inside the old town are small and lean into each other creating a unique atmosphere and our guided walking tour will include a visit to the town’s main landmark, St Euphemia Church, which is built on the top of a small hill. This Baroque building, constructed in Venetian style, was dedicated to the saint and martyr whose sarcophagus, according to a legend, was miraculously washed ashore sometime around 800 AD. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 6 Trieste, Italy.

This morning we cross the border to the nearby Italian city of Trieste. Once the major port for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it is now a bustling Italian city with a mixed identity. Our tour will begin with a panoramic visit of Trieste, its historical palaces, Piazza Unita and the wonderful waterfront. We visit the most memorable site of Trieste, the Castle of Miramare, located on the northern point of the Adriatic Sea. Once home to the Emperor Maximillian, its interior is unique as each room resembles a different passion and its gardens are rich and lush, decorated by an amazing array of plants. After lunch in a local restaurant, return to Portoroz where the remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B, L)

Day 7 Portoroz, Slovenia.

After a busy few days, today is free to relax and enjoy the magnificent facilities at the hotel or perhaps explore the resort town of Portoroz with its sandy beach and promenade. Meet this evening for our farewell dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 8 Portoroz to London.

Check out of the hotel this morning and transfer to Ljubljana airport for our return flight to London. (B)