Croatia's Istrian CoastEscorted Tour, Croatia

Sparkling seas backed by lush forests, elegant resorts and attractive towns. Istria is Croatia's beautiful northern region, boasting a brilliant combination of intriguing history, idyllic scenery and picturesque coastlines – discover it all from your seafront hotel.

INCLUDES

Return flights

7 nights half board in a 4-star hotel

14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners

Welcome drink & farewell get-together

Tour Manager as your host & specialist Local Guide

Overseas transfers & other transportation

Porterage

Dedicated representative to greet you at all UK airports

Audio Guide

Included excursions and visits

Opatija tour & chocolate tasting

Visit Plitvice Lakes - Croatia's natural wonder

Discover Pula & Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula

ITINERARY

DAY 1 UK TO ZAGREB

You'll fly to Zagreb today and transfer to your hotel in Lovran, a charming town with a relaxed atmosphere on the eastern coast of Istria. Enjoy some time to settle in and explore your surroundings, before getting to know your travelling companions over a welcome drink, this evening we join the " Kvarner themed dinner in the hotel where you will sample some local specialities.

DAY 2 OPATIJA

Located in Kvarner Bay, the stylish resort of Opatija, boasts amazing sea views and splendid Austro-Hungarian architecture. You'll visit here on today's included excursion and take a stroll around the beautifully maintained gardens and along the lovely coastal promenade – the Lungomare – which forms a stunning backdrop to the town's elegant villas, hotels, shops and cafés. You'll also enjoy a chocolate-making demonstration followed by a tasting.

DAY 3 PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK

Croatia's UNESCO-listed Plitvice National Park is situated in a valley between forested mountainsides. Here 16 beautiful lakes spill into one another forming impressive cascading waterfalls, and you'll enjoy a full day wandering around the bridges and paths that connect the lakes. You'll take a relaxing boat trip across Lake Kozjak, the largest in the park, and look out for native deer, wild boar and a huge array of bird species.

DAY 4 PULA & ROVINJ

You'll discover more highlights of the Istrian Peninsula on today's included excursion. Your first stop is Pula with its Roman ruins and immense amphitheatre – one of the world's largest and best preserved. Next, you'll head to the popular resort of Rovinj to take in the sights of the bustling harbour and the Old Town, before calling at a traditional farm where we'll learn about olive oil production and enjoy a tasting

Please note that the itinerary for 2020 will differ slightly from that shown here. We have added a wine tasting - as well as a light lunch of cheese, prosciutto, bread and olive oil. This will be enjoyed after a tour of the winery’s cellars.

DAY 5 LJUBLJANA

Enjoy a free day to enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Perhaps take a dip in the pool or relax on the stone-paved beach, soaking up the sun as you look out over the Adriatic Sea. If you want to explore a little further afield, why not join our optional excursion to Ljubljana in neighbouring Slovenia. In the company of a Local Guide, you'll take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle, enter the courtyard and admire sensational vistas from the viewing tower. After lunch in a local restaurant you'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Perhaps shop for souvenirs or enjoy a drink with your travelling companions in one of the inviting local bars.

DAY 6 CRES & PAZIN

Explore at leisure today, either independently or in the company of your travelling companions. Your hotel is conveniently located just a short stroll from the historic centre of Lovran, with its rich architectural heritage. Alternatively, there are a couple of optional excursions to choose from. You could join us on an optional boat trip to the beautiful island of Cres. You'll drop anchor in a lovely bay where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy a tasty barbecue lunch on board. Or, for something completely different, how about a zip line adventure? You'll head to the town of Pazin and admire views of the stunning countryside, a river gorge and medieval castle as you soar through the air on this exhilarating experience. This evening there's a treat in store as you get together for a Mediterranean-themed dinner.

DAY 7 MOTOVUN & LIVADE

Enjoy another relaxing day today. Maybe take a dip in one of the hotel's pools or if you fancy some pampering, perhaps treat yourself to a beauty treatment or massage in the hotel spa. If you want to discover more, today's optional excursion takes you to the medieval hill-top town of Motovun where you'll admire wonderful views over the surrounding landscape. You'll head off on a truffle hunt with an official guide and his dog and will learn more about this local delicacy and how it is sought. Afterwards you'll enjoy a delicious truffle lunch at a farm in Livade. This evening, you'll gather as a group for a farewell get-together.

DAY 8 ZAGREB TO UK

Today you'll transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Croatia's Istrian Coast is located in Escorted Tour, Croatia. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 07/11/2019