Slovenia Croatia & the Adriatic 2012 

We set off from the magnificent station at St Pancras International and make our way by Eurostar to Brussels. We enjoy a light meal and drinks, served at our seats, during the journey. In the Belgian capital we change trains and continue via Cologne to Nuremberg, for an overnight stay at the 4-star Maritim Hotel. On Day 2 we continue our journey by First Class rail. Leaving Nuremberg, we travel across beautiful Bavaria, through Austria and the mighty Austrian Alps into Slovenia. We arrive in Bled, an enchanting town set on the shimmering, turquoise waters of the glacial lake bearing the same name. Surrounded by forested slopes and the jagged summits of the Julian Alps, the lake has a majestic backdrop and is crowned by Bled Castle, which stands on a steep cliff face overlooking the lake. On arrival at Lesce Bled we transfer to our hotel for four nights, the Grand Hotel Toplice, a 5-star hotel on the shores of the lake. (Day 1-E,D; Day 2-B,D)

Today you are free to explore the picturesque town of Bled and the surrounding area. One of the most popular options is to take a boat to the enchanting island near the lake's centre. Here you can climb the staircase to the beautiful Baroque Church of the Assumption. Surrounded by a thick covering of trees, the church makes an atmospheric setting for an excursion. Otherwise, you may wish to take one of the many signposted walks that lead around the lake and into the undulating hills beyond. (B)

Today we enjoy a journey on the fantastic Bohinj Railway, which operates steam-hauled trains. Passing along part of the historic Transalpina route, through the impressive Julian Alps and Triglav National Park, we travel down the valleys of the Soca and Sava Rivers. Our journey then continues by coach to the wine-growing region of Goriska Brda, where we have lunch before making the return trip back to Bled. (B,L)

Today's excursion takes us to Ljubljana, Slovenia's thriving capital city. Ljubljana boasts a wide range of architectural styles, from the Art Nouveau and Baroque of its medieval centre to the more modern architecture of the last 100 years. On arrival we enjoy a guided walking tour of its most famous sights, many of which are within its impressive pedestrianised Old Town, which is easily explored on foot. After a guided tour of the city, we head south by coach to the fascinating Postojna Caves. We enter the labyrinth of caverns on a small electric railway before enjoying a walk through the larger caverns into the very heart of the underground cave system, past magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. (B,D)

We depart Bled by train at lunchtime, travelling across the lush undulating scenery of Slovenia on our journey to the Croatian border and our next destination, vibrant Zagreb. The city of Zagreb is wonderfully compact; the old centre is divided into the Lower Town, filled with splendid architecture and pleasant parks, and the Upper Town, a charming area of cobbled streets. The highlights of the city are easily explored on foot, and the architecture and style of the city give Zagreb the feel of an Imperial city; a clear reflection of the city's importance in the Austro-Hungarian empire. Throughout the Upper and Lower Town, dozens of museums and galleries rub shoulders with lively pavement cafés and restaurants. Our hotel for two nights is the glamorous Hotel Esplanade, one of Zagreb's best loved landmarks. Built to serve the Orient Express, this 5-star hotel is surrounded by Zagreb's 'green horseshoe', an area of lush parkland within the city centre. On Day 7 we enjoy a guided tour of Zagreb, introducing us to sights such as the 14th century Gothic St Mark's Church, with its distinctive roof tiles, and the medieval Upper Town. We also see Kaptol, an urban complex of churches, palaces, museums and galleries. (B)

Today we travel by coach to the picturesque Plitvice Lakes. This region of turquoise-coloured lakes and mountains has UNESCO World Heritage status. Spring water runs from the mountains, cascading over the limestone cliffs, creating spectacular waterfalls and countless breathtaking photo opportunities. We continue to the walled port of Zadar, on the northern Dalmatian coast. The pretty town is filled with Roman ruins, Romanesque churches and a feast of lively sea-view cafés, bars and restaurants. We spend tonight in Zadar at the 4-star Kolovare Hotel. (B,D)

Today we discover more of Zadar on a morning guided tour. After some time for lunch we continue to Split, a city built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The charming city of white-walled buildings boasts the best-preserved Roman Palace complex in Europe, which remains at the very heart of Split. The city's compact city centre is a maze of narrow, haphazardly winding streets, stone stairways, low arches and twisting alleyways. Here we stay at the 4-star Hotel President for two nights, situated within easy reach of the Old Town and waterfront. (B,D)

This morning we take a tour of Split, which covers the key sights including the city's masterpiece, the Diocletian Palace. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is packed with historical buildings and museums as well as the National Theatre. Ironically, the Palace complex contains several churches representing the religion Diocletian spent his life trying to eradicate. In the afternoon you can discover more of this intriguing city at leisure. Alternatively, find a café and spend the afternoon watching the world go by, basking in the distinctly Adriatic atmosphere. (B)

Our early departure by ferry takes us along a scenic route through the picturesque Dalmatian islands, renowned for their crystal clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches. Relax on board and admire the rugged coastline as we sail to the fascinating city of Dubrovnik, arriving late afternoon. Here we spend two nights at the Hotel Neptun. (B,D)

Today's sightseeing tour introduces the breathtakingly beautiful Renaissance port and 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. We visit the stunning old city, another UNESCO World Heritage site and enjoy a panoramic tour of this unique destination. This afternoon is free, so you could take a walk along the city walls for a different perspective, or perhaps go for a stroll by the small harbour. Alternatively, you may choose to continue exploring the city further, or take a boat trip to one of the many islands, beaches and pretty seaside villages within easy reach. On Day 13 we transfer to Dubrovnik airport for the flight back to London where we arrive early evening. (Day 12-B,D; Day 13-B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday