Day One. We travel to our overnight ferry, enjoying dinner, entertainment and breakfast on board.
Day Two. We proceed to our overnight hotel for dinner, bed and breakfast.
Day Three. Continuing through Germany, we reach our second overnight stay.
Day Four. Onwards through Slovenia before arriving at Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula and the Laguna Maradiso Hotel in the charming resort of Novigrad. We check in for our seven night stay.
Day Five. Enjoy breakfast before we make the short journey to Porec, a historic town, idyllically set beside the azure blue waters of the Adriatic. Our guided tour will introduce you to the remarkable Roman architecture and includes entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Euphrasian Basilica. This incredibly well preserved building features a baptistry along with the Bishop’s Place and is renowned for its golden mosaics. Afterwards, there will be some free time before our afternoon guided tour of Rovinj. This onetime island city is now a quaint old town featuring a warren of narrow streets with pretty squares and pastel-hued buildings. It is watched over by the grand St Euphemia Cathedral, which is perched atop a hillside, with the highest church tower in Istria.
Day Six. Today’s sightseeing takes us further down the Istrian Riviera to the Roman city of Pula. Our guided tour treats us to the history and highlights of this ancient city, including the first century Roman amphitheatre, one of the most famous sights in the whole of Croatia. This astonishing arena, which was once used for gladiatorial fights, stands by the Adriatic Sea and is the best preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world. Other landmarks include the ancient Arch of the Sergii, the Temple of Augustus and the magnificent cathedral. This afternoon, relax on our boat trip to the Brijuni National Park, a chain of islands off the Istrian coastline. These isles were once an upmarket destination for the Austro-Hungarian elite, and served as the summer residence of President Tito, in the days of Yugoslavia, where he welcomed dignitaries and celebrities. There is also a safari park, an olive tree that is believed to be 1600 years old, and over two hundred dinosaur footprints!
Days Seven & Eight. Two days at leisure to explore Novigrad at your own pace, relax by the pool, or venture further afield.
Day Nine. Look forward to a full day guided excursion, touring the beautiful countryside of Istria. First gem is medieval Motovun, a hilltop settlement with splendid architecture, a charming main square, and stunning views. Here we walk the city walls, enjoying the picturesque scenery. We then include lunch at a traditional restaurant, sampling local delicacies. Afterwards, we wind our way to the hilltop village of Goznjan, renowned as an artists’ colony with its collection of over twenty galleries. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to the Middle Ages as you wander its romantic and atmospheric alleyways.
Day Ten. A further day at leisure to relax or explore.
Day Eleven. Farewell to Novigrad as we leave captivating Croatia and journey back to our overnight hotel.
Day Twelve. We proceed to Germany for our last night on the continent.
Day Thirteen. Onwards to our ferry back to the UK, enjoying dinner, entertainment and breakfast on board.
Day Fourteen. We make our way home after our wonderful, unforgettable experience.