The coastline of Croatia is just stunning and the area known as the Istrian Peninsula boasts some really magnificent scenery. Magical blue bays and wonderful beaches are all inter mingled with sheer cliffs and densely forested hillsides. Opatija, one of Croatia's most popular and well known resorts has a tourist tradition going back to the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today the resort still retains an air of grandeur with classical architecture and pastel facades, plus some lovely parks and gardens. There is an attractive tree lined promenade for that relaxing stroll, plus a range of modern restaurants, bars, cafes and shops to explore.

ITINERARY

• Day One: Early departure to Dover for a Channel crossing to France, then on into Belgium for an overnight stay at the Post Hotel in Liege.
• Day Two: Continue south into Germany and the City of Ulm with its cathedral and lovely historic old quarter. Overnight stay at four star Maritim Hotel.
• Day Three: Our journey continues through Austria and Slovenia into Croatia and the resort of Opatija where a welcome drink awaits at the five star Millennium Hotel.
• Day Four: A day at leisure to relax and explore Opatija.
• Day Five: Today we visit the charming old town of Rovinj on the Istrian Riviera. Originally developed by the Romans this pretty little town has kept much of its character. From the quaint cobbled streets lined with artists you can wander up to the magnificent Cathedral that dominates the town and enjoy spectacular views across the Adriatic.
• Day Six: An excursion to Postojna, just across the border in Slovenia. An opportunity to visit one of the largest and most beautiful cave systems in the world. The caves are 14 miles long and boast unique limestone formations and underground galleries, through which you travel on an electric train. (Admission fee payable) A stop will also be made at Lipica, home of those famous Lippizaner horses.
• Day Seven: We drive to the southernmost tip of the Istrian Peninsula and visit Pula, a city that has been in existence for over three thousand years. It represents a fine combination of old and modern and has one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world.
• Day Eight: Unfortunately it’s time to leave Croatia and head back to Germany where we spend another night at the Maritim Hotel in Ulm..
• Day Nine: Continue north into Belgium for another overnight stay at Liege.
• Day Ten: To Calais for our return Channel ferry crossing to Dover and on home to North Wales.