Venice, Lake Bled & the Adriatic 2012 

We depart London St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris. We make the journey in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served at our seats. On arrival in Paris we cross the city by coach and continue in First Class on the high-speed train to Stuttgart in Germany. Here we stay overnight at the Hotel Maritim. (E,D)

We continue our journey this morning, travelling in First Class and heading south-east across Germany, passing though Munich and over the Austrian border. We continue right through Austria on a scenic journey which takes us through the Alps to Slovenia. After crossing the border we arrive at our destination, the picturesque resort of Lake Bled. The lake is encircled by the forested slopes at the foothills of the Julian Alps. An enchanting island lies near the centre of the lake, covered almost entirely by trees - the only exception being the moss-covered stone staircase that leads up to the island's idyllic Church of Assumption. Grand 19th century villas are dotted occasionally along the side of the lake, whose northern shore is dominated by Bled Castle, which watches over the turquoise waters of the lake from its proud position atop a sheer cliff face. On arrival at Lesce Bled we transfer to our hotel for four nights, the 4-star Park Hotel, situated close to both the centre of Bled and the lakefront. (B,D)

Today you are free to explore the picturesque town of Bled, the beautiful lake, and the surrounding area. This is a fairytale area for walkers; a stroll around the lake takes about an hour, but is only the beginning of the story - trails run into the foothills of the surrounding mountains and through the beautiful Triglav National Park. Otherwise you could perhaps join a boat trip out to the small island rising 100 metres out of the sparkling waters. Alternatively you could take the opportunity to visit Bled Castle, which comprises a Roman centre, medieval towers and Renaissance defence walls. (B,D)

This morning we travel by coach to Ljubljana, Slovenia's architecturally diverse capital city, filled with central European charm that reflects the city's rich history. Ljubljana has a pocket-sized city centre, and enjoys a truly vibrant atmosphere amid the beauty of its medieval heart - a mix of Baroque and Art Noveau. Most of the city's highlights are contained within its delightful pedestrianised Old Town, which is easily explored on foot. We enjoy a guided tour of the city before some free time to explore - perhaps take the funicular railway up to the city's imposing castle, which offers impressive views over the city. Alternatively, you can admire St Nicholas Cathedral with its twin bell towers and impressive green dome rising above the surrounding buildings. (B,D)

Today we take a coach excursion to the beautiful Julian Alps - a breathtaking landscape of sloping meadows, deep valleys and verdant forests. We head to Kranjska Gora, where we join the scenic Vrsic Mountain Pass to the Trenta Valley, travelling alongside the emerald green waters of the Soca River. We admire the wonderful views over the rugged mountains, before continuing on to the charming town of Bovec. After time for lunch, we carry on over the Predel Mountain Pass before returning to Bled. (B,D)

On our excursion today we visit Predjama Castle, a complex built into the side of a rock face. The current building is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture, but there has been a castle on the site since 1274. Following our visit, we head to the Postojna Caves, and enter the maze of caverns on a small electric railway before enjoying a walk past the incredible rock formations. This afternoon we travel by train from Postojna to Rijeka, where we take a coach to Opatija. Here we spend three nights in the Grand Hotel. (B,D)

We take a panoramic boat tour this morning, cruising out of Opatija harbour along the incredibly picturesque coastline. Relax on board as the boat cuts through the crystal clear water, and admire the wooded hillsides and sleepy villages of the Adriatic coast. (B,D)

Today's excursion by coach uncovers the delights of the Istrian Riviera, a land of pine forests and idyllic fishing villages. We travel to the West Istrian coast to visit Rovinj, on a small peninsula, and Porec, with its pretty harbour. We have time to admire the Old Town, or to visit the Euphrasia Basilica, a church complex glittering with mosaics. (B,D)

This morning we travel by coach to Trieste, where we pick up our high-speed train to the fabulous floating city of Venice. We stay at the welcoming Hotel Belle Epoque, situated in the heart of Venice, a short stroll from the railway station. Our afternoon arrival gives you plenty of time to start your exploration of Venice's many delights, before our dinner in a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Venice, beginning with a boat ride which takes us right into the heart of the city, the magnificent St Mark's Square. From here we see sights such as the imposing Doge's Palace and the famous Rialto Bridge, as well as the ornate Basilica di San Marco. Following the tour, you are free to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the colourful Rialto Fish Market or, for those who prefer a bird's eye view, take the opportunity to climb the Campanile di San Marco, which offers an incredible panorama of the buildings clustered around Venice's centre and the sparkling lagoons further out. Tonight you are free to dine in a restaurant of your choice, a great way to absorb this city's wonderful night-time atmosphere. (B)

This morning we leave Venice, travelling in First Class to Milan. Here we change trains and continue our journey west in First Class to the city of Turin, where we transfer to the ATA Hotel Concord. Your afternoon is free to explore at leisure. Turin spreads out over a pretty network of avenues and squares from the 17th and 18th century. Visit the Duomo di Torino, the city's Renaissance cathedral, and the Piazza Castello, the heart of Turin surrounded by beautiful buildings and always a hive of activity. The more relaxed Giardino Reale is close by - these wonderful gardens were created by the man responsible for the famous gardens at Versailles. (B,D)

Today we travel in First Class on the high-speed train to Paris. After crossing the city by coach we join the Eurostar to London, travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. (B,E)

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