Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast

Your amazing adventure to three wonderful countries on the Adriatic coast begins at London St Pancras this morning. After meeting the Tour Manager and travel group, we board the Eurostar service to Brussels, enjoying a light meal served at our Plus class seats. In Brussels, we switch trains, continuing to Munich in First Class. Our route crosses rolling, forested hills from Cologne to Frankfurt then passes through the old Swabian towns of Ulm and Augsburg. 

Our destination tonight is historic Munich, one of Germany's best-loved cities, located within sight of the Alps. On arrival this evening, we check into our four-star hotel a short distance from Munich's main train station, then sit down to our first dinner in the hotel's restaurant.

• Eurostar Light Meal
• Dinner

With free time to explore Munich this morning, you could admire the Bavarian city's main square, Marienplatz, home to the neo-Gothic Town Hall and the famous glockenspiel. Near the square is the Church of St. Peter, Munich's oldest parish church, known locally as 'Alter Peter' (Older Peter), with its eight clocks decorating the exterior.     

Later this morning, we walk from the hotel to the station to board the First-Class service through the Alps. We pass impressive and rugged ravines that open onto scenery of lush meadows and rolling hills, arriving in the Austrian city of Villach - here, we board a comfortable coach and continue to Slovenia. Crossing the border, we are greeted by an idyllic rural landscape of chalets and forests before arriving in Bled.    

Arriving at our four-star hotel overlooking the serene turquoise waters of stunning Lake Bled, we check in for three nights. With a wellness centre and thermal pools, our hotel is the perfect place to unwind and absorb the views. This evening, we have dinner together at the hotel. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a free day to get acquainted with Slovenia at your own pace. Lake Bled looks across to the overlapping forested slopes of the Julian Alps, though its focus is its delightful island. You might like to take a Pletna boat ride to visit the Baroque Church of the Assumption of Maria. Inside, there are remarkable frescoes, a gold altar and a 'wishing bell' that you can ring to ask for your dream to come true. 

Perched high above the lake is the resplendent 11th-century castle, which resembles a fairytale medieval fortress with its white walls and terracotta towers. The on-site museum houses a collection of artifacts from the area's history, including armour and weapons. There is also a three-mile circular walk around the lake that provides a gentle way of taking in the castle and island scenery. Alternatively, hop aboard the small tourist train. 

You are free to dine independently tonight. Local cuisine blends central European, Italian and southern European influences, with seafood, pasta, polenta and spicy Balkan sausages being among the most popular dishes.

• Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, we set out on an excursion to the Lipica Stud Farm. With over 400 years of history, this farm is where the world-renowned Lipizzaner horses originated, also known as Vienna's famous 'dancing horses'. This noble breed is celebrated for its stunning white coat, intelligence and elegance, and we have the opportunity to see them up close as we learn about the history of the farm and its wonderful animals.

There is time to enjoy the views across the Karst region and find lunch, before we travel by coach to the subterranean wonderland of the Postojna Caves, where the world's first cave railway was installed in 1872. We ride on a train through more than two miles of this jaw-dropping underground landscape, followed by a guided tour of the cave system and its stalactites and stalagmites. 

Returning to our Bled hotel in the early evening and enjoy dinner together.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Although it is one of Europe's smallest capitals, Ljubljana doesn't lack charm or beauty. After breakfast, we travel by coach to this enchanting destination, where an expert guide introduces us to Slovenia's capital. 

One of the most popular attractions is the Triple Bridge - three pretty, arched walkways spanning the gentle river. Nearby is the Dragon Bridge, which features numerous decorative statues of mythical beasts. From here, we head to the hilltop medieval fortress. Ljubljana Castle has stood here since the 11th century and is now a symbol of the city and Slovenia itself. 

After free time over lunch, we continue by coach to Rastoke, crossing the border into Croatia. This picturesque village centres around the Slunjčica River, whose vivid blue-green waters flow along several branches over 23 waterfalls throughout the town. We explore this fairytale setting with a guide, before we continue our journey to our hotel in Grabovac, near the Plitvice Lakes National Park. After checking in, we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A highlight of the vacation awaits today as we embark on a guided tour of the famous Plitvice Lakes, the country's most popular tourist destination. This UNESCO-listed Eden of 16 crystalline turquoise lakes is interconnected with plunging waterfalls and surrounded by 116 square miles of forest. Veliki Slap waterfall is stunning, as tumbling streams cascade 200 feet down, creating a primeval and majestic landscape.     

It is also home to bears, deer, wolves and wild boar, and there are 1,267 varieties of plants, including 55 types of orchid and rare plants to view. You can also admire fir and beech trees believed to be up to 700 years old.        

Afterward, we visit a local restaurant for a three-course lunch of traditional Croatian food. Returning to our hotel, the afternoon is free to spend as you wish. The hotel offers plenty of opportunity for relaxation - you could lounge by the outdoor pool or unwind in the Jacuzzi or Finnish sauna before dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, we board a comfortable coach to our next destination, Split. Croatia's second city lies on a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, and our four-star hotel is just outside the centre. With fantastic sea views from its rooftop pool, it is an ideal place to relax and explore during our three-night stay in Split.

On arrival early this afternoon, the rest of the day is at leisure to get to know your new surroundings. Our hotel is close to the harbour and Žnjan beach, a beautiful place to stroll and enjoy views across the Adriatic. Alternatively, head to the lively palm-lined Riva Promenade to soak up the atmosphere of this charming city. This pedestrian-only area is the social hub of Split, with sidewalk cafés and benches perfect for admiring the ocean views.

This evening, you are free to find dinner locally. Head to a "konoba" (tavern) for an authentic Dalmatian meal, such as pašticada, a heart beef stew, or black risotto, made with squid ink. Fresh Adriatic seafood can be found in restaurants throughout the city, and there is also plenty of international cuisine to enjoy.

• Breakfast

The Old Town of Split is like a living museum with well-preserved Roman buildings appearing around almost every corner. This is due in part to the sprawling Diocletian's Palace - a 4th-century structure that still forms the beating heart of Split.  

   On a guided tour after breakfast, we explore this vast city-palace built by Diocletian, Rome's emperor, between 284 and 305 AD. Born a few miles north of Split, Diocletian sought to retire near his Dalmatian home and ordered the construction of a palatial residence. Today, the remains of this massive fortress make up about half of the Old Town. Wandering through the labyrinthine alleys and attractive courtyards, we learn more about this incredible complex and enter the Basement Halls. Game of Thrones fans will recognize the subterranean vaults as the dungeons where the dragons are kept.     

With the rest of the day at leisure, you could relax beside the Adriatic's blue waters or climb up the Cathedral of St. Dominus' Romanesque tower. This evening, you dine independently and could opt for a restaurant overlooking the coast.

• Breakfast

After breakfast, a coach transfer takes us to the shoreline, where we cruise to the island of Hvar. Sailing through the Dalmatian archipelago, passing the islands of Šolta and Brač, we arrive on Hvar for an hour-long guided tour. This charming old port is a feast for the senses, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields.     

We explore the town of Venetian-style buildings on the picturesque harbour. Away from the shoreline, rustic stone houses reflect a time of grandeur and importance, while a fortress with a storied history clings to the hillside. There is free time after the tour to stroll through narrow lanes at your own pace or visit one of its many restaurants for a lunch of local delicacies, such as grilled seafood or traditional lamb 'peka', with a chilled glass of the local wine, Prč.    

  We sail back to Split for an afternoon at leisure. One time-honoured tradition is rubbing the foot of the large bronze statue of Gregory of Nin, which is said to bestow good luck. Return to the hotel this evening in time for dinner with the group.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Split after breakfast, we travel by coach down the Dalmatian coast to Makarska, dominated by the mountains behind it. The craggy karst rocks of the Biokovo range run along this coast, and the highest peak, Sveti Jure, is nearby. Makarska blends its ancient Illyrian port with a thriving beach resort and has been ruled by the Romans, Venetians, Ottomans and French, creating a unique environment to explore. With free time here, you could visit the 17th-century Franciscan monastery or dine at a waterfront bistro.     

Continuing down the coast, we arrive in historic Dubrovnik later today. As one of the Adriatic's most beautiful cities, Dubrovnik has long attracted tourists to its well-preserved Old Town and the shimmering coast. In recent years, it has set the backdrop in the TV series Game of Thrones.        

After checking in for three nights in a four-star hotel overlooking the harbour, there is a free evening to get acquainted with our new base. Dubrovnik is famed for its seafood, and you could find a local restaurant serving tuna, swordfish, cuttlefish or octopus for dinner.

• Breakfast

With an early start this morning, we take a coach into Montenegro, a country with no shortage of natural beauty. Our destination is Perast, a small coastal town beneath the hill of St Ilija. With a guide, we take a short tour of this picturesque town, passing palaces, churches and boutiques.

From Perast, we set off on a cruise around the Bay of Kotor, the blue waters contrasting with the green and grey elemental Balkan crags. As we sail, look out for Our Lady of the Rocks, a legendary islet with a beautiful Catholic church. 

  Mooring in Kotor, we enjoy a guided tour of this medieval fortified town. Walking along well-trodden tiled pathways and narrow lanes, we encounter the Cathedral of St Tryphon with its twin towers rising high against the mountains. After our tour, you have free time to look around Kotor at your own pace before returning to Dubrovnik for an evening at leisure. 

• Breakfast

Our day begins with breakfast and a short journey to Dubrovnik's Pile Gate, where an expert local guide leads us on an informative tour of the breathtaking Renaissance port dubbed the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. The city's Old Town is UNESCO-listed, and you may recognize the terracotta streets and buildings from the many movies and TV shows filmed here.     

There's a rich array of picturesque buildings, from the world's oldest arboretum to one of Europe's first pharmacies, dating to the 14th century. Entry is included to the 14th-century Franciscan church and monastery, in addition to the Baroque cathedral that includes artworks by Titian.        

You can continue your afternoon at your own pace, and you might like to stroll along the ancient walls or take the ferry across to the forested island of Lokrum, where you can visit the Benedictine monastery and botanical gardens. This evening, we gather at a local restaurant for our final dinner on the Adriatic.

• Breakfast, Dinner

On this Adriatic exploration, the delights of Lake Bled, Ljubljana's city centre and the Postojna Caves showed the variety and beauty of Slovenia. We uncovered Croatia's charms on tours of Split and idyllic Rastoke, beside the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes and while cruising to Hvar. Looking at Croatia's past, we admired the Diocletian's Palace in Split and the walled city of Dubrovnik, which revealed the history of the Dalmatian Coast. With Montenegro's breathtaking landscapes and ancient towns around the Bay of Kotor rounding out the adventure, we have seen many sides of this part of the world. 

We bid farewell to Dubrovnik today as we transfer to the airport ready for our return to the UK. Landing in London, your holiday comes to an end and you can make your way home.  

• Breakfast