A 10-day extravaganza of a tour to delve into the history, stunning scenery, Adriatic Sea and beautiful lakes of Italy, Croatia and Slovenia. Our new itinerary showcases all the highlights as we travel through these beautiful countries and provides you with an opportunity to venture further south in Croatia this year.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Gargnano, Villa Bettoni & Salò
We enjoy a scenic drive today, hugging the coastline via San Felice and along the west coast to the elegant resort of Gargnano. We have free time for a coffee and a stroll around this picturesque lakeside town which boasts hidden harbours and boutiques selling local delicacies. A short drive from here transports us into another world – that of the Italian aristocrats – as we embark on a private guided tour of Villa Bettoni and its Italianate gardens. We then enjoy free time for lunch in the beautiful town of Salò, which boasts the longest pedestrianised promenade on the entire lake.
Day 3 Morainic Hills of Lake Garda
Today our foray takes us into the lovely rolling hills just behind the lake, site of the many wars of independence during the 1850s and 60s. With a half day step-on guide, we visit the hilltop town of Solferino where we visit its ossuary and the monument celebrating the creation of the Red Cross. From here we then travel to Trattoria da Arturo where a leisurely blow out Italian lunch with plenty of wine awaits – time to relax and enjoy la dolce vita!
Day 4 Journey to Ancona & ferry to Croatia
After a leisurely breakfast we say goodbye to the Italian Lakes and head south to Ancona, with a STOP enroute. Depending on which route you take and your guests’ interests, there are several options to choose from including the Ferrari Museum near the pretty town of Modena, or lunch in the historic town of Ferrara. On arrival into Ancona, we board our overnight ferry to Croatia and have dinner onboard.
Day 5 Arrival in Croatia & Split
This morning, we have breakfast on the ferry before alighting at Split, we are met by a guide for a morning tour of the historic centre of Split. We have time at leisure afterwards for lunch and to explore this wonderful buzzing Mediterranean capital combining ancient history with sleek resort facilities and delicious local cuisine. Afterwards, we continue north to our resort hotel near Šibenik.
Day 6 Day in Resort Driver’s Day Off
We have the entire day at leisure to soak up the sun, sand and sea at our beautiful resort on the Adriatic Coast with stunning views of the blue seas and islands. Šibenik, a charming coastal city with a rich history is away from the usual crowds and is a delightful place to explore with its fortresses dating back to 1066.
Day 7 Adriatic Cruise & Šibenik
This morning, we join a cruise around the archipelago of islands off the coast, then onto Šibenik where we are met by a guide for a tour of the historic centre. Afterwards we have time at leisure to explore the historic monuments, cafes and shops before returning to our hotel by coach.
Day 8 Journey to Slovenia
Making an early start, we begin our journey north again. Travelling on the coastal route via the town of Opatija with its rich history and culture, parks and magnificent villas reminiscent of the Austrian Riviera and onto picturesque Lake Bled in Slovenia.
Day 9 Bled Driver’s Day Off
We spend our final day at leisure in Bled, settling into our accommodation and enjoying ‘Me Time’ relaxing in the hotel’s brand-new panoramic sauna or exploring the picture-postcard resort of Bled. Complete with medieval fairytale castle perched on a cliff and lush green mountain surroundings.
Day 10 Departure
After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
Hotel Splendid Sole
Manerba del Garda, Lake Garda
The 4 star Splendid Sole is perfectly located for exploring the south west area of Lake Garda and is within easy walking distance of a number of cafés, restaurants and gelaterias, with some affording wonderful views. The hotel’s bedrooms feature modern, neutral décor and furnishings, and offer a hairdryer, WiFi, TV, safe, minibar and air-conditioning. Food served in the restaurant is typically Italian in style and guests can also enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the bar. Leisure facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Note: Coach parking is on-site & free of charge (coach size restriction applies – up to 13 metres in length). Larger coach parking is off-site & free of charge.
Amadria Park Hotel Jure
Šibenik, Croatia
In a stunning beach front location overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea, the elegant Amadria Park Hotel Jure offers a relaxed atmosphere and an impressive range of leisure experiences. Relax at the spacious lounge and terrace restaurant or enjoy a drink at the palm tree-lined pool bar with sea views. Guest rooms with a Mediterranean theme and natural colours are airy and comfortable with Wi-Fi, satellite TV, safe and hairdryer included. The restaurant serves a delicious breakfast buffet.
Park Hotel, Bled
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Located in a stunning position overlooking the tranquillity of Lake Bled, this 4 star hotel is steps away from Bled’s shops, restaurants and bars. Water and forest are key to the hotel’s modern decor making it sit naturally within its surroundings, with gorgeous views of woods and lake all around. All 218 spacious bedrooms are well-decorated and equipped with a TV, hairdryer, balconies and air-conditioning. The leisure facilities, terraces, bar
and restaurant are spacious and offer spectacular views over the lake. Coach parking is off-site at the City Central bus parking area and is free of charge.
• Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is off-site & free of charge
Nights 1, 2 & 3
Hotel Splendid Sole
Manerba del Garda, Lake Garda, Italy
3 Nights Half Board
Nights 5, 6 & 7
Amadria Park Hotel Jure
Šibenik, Croatia
3 Nights Half Board
Nights 8-9
Park Hotel Bled
Bled, Slovenia
2 Nights Half Board
Inclusions:
- Return short sea crossing
- Guided tour of Villa Bettoni
- Half day step-on guide of Morainic Hills
- Lunch with wine at Trattoria da Arturo
- One-way overnight ferry crossing Ancona – Split
- Cabins, dinner and breakfast included onboard
- Guided walking tour of Split
- Cruise on Adriatic Coast
- Guided walking tour of Šibenik
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions