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Day 1: NEW ZEALAND – SINGAPORE
We depart NZ today bound for the mystique of Croatia, Dalmatia, Istria and Slovenia. Arriving late afternoon in Singapore we will be met and taken directly to our hotel.
Day 2: SINGAPORE two nights in Singapore
Singapore has long been the favoured stopover of New Zealanders en-route to the UK and Europe. The geographical location and conveniently breaks the journey and the ease of movement, cleanliness and abundance of activities in the city add to the appeal. The day is yours to do as you please and we’ll be on hand to assist with any sightseeing or shopping plans you have.
Day 3: Tonight we enjoy dinner together and take a flight on the ‘Singapore Flyer’ at 165-metres high this is the world’s largest observation wheel. Later this evening we transfer to Changi Airport for our evening flight to Istanbul
SINGAPORE – FRANKFURT – DUBROVNIK
Our flight departs late evening and our route takes us via Frankfurt, with a short transit before reaching our destination, Dubrovnik!
Day 4: DUBROVNIK three nights in Dubrovnik
On arrival in Dubrovnik we will be met by our local guide and driver and taken directly to our hotel conveniently located in one of the most charming areas of Dubrovnik know as Lapad, with the tepid Adriatic at our feet!
Day 5: We begin the day with a walk around the old fortified town, including a walk atop the wall itself. Of particular note are the Bell Tower clock, the 15th century Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace and the Dominican and Franciscan Monastery. The afternoon is yours to do as you please, you may like to stay a little longer in the old town and soak up the atmosphere, or perhaps return to our hotel and do some ‘soaking’ of a different kind in either the hotel pool or the warm clear waters of the Adriatic.
Day 6: Our excursion today takes us to one of the southernmost points of Croatia. Cavtat was an important Roman colony in this region and the second most important seaport, Today it’s a tourist town full of cultural and historical Monuments and a fine example of the breath taking Mediterranean beauty of the region.
Day 7: DUBROVNIK – SPLIT three nights in Split
Leaving the acclaimed ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ this morning we head north along the coastline, destined for the captivating city of Split. Stopping for photo opportunities en-route and lunch at the charming little town of Makarska, we arrive early afternoon, plenty of time to enjoy the vibrant evening activity.
Day 8: Split was established around the remarkable palace built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in his retirement. Many Roman and Gothic Structures lie within the walls of the palace including the Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral.
After a leisurely stroll viewing the highlights of the city centre, the afternoon is yours to do as you please. You may like to go down to the esplanade and partake in some ‘people watching’ or possibly make your way up the steps at Marjun to a spectacular city visa from the top.
Day 9: This morning we’re off the to medieval town of Trojir, its rich culture a combination of Greek, Roman and Venetian influences over a history of 2300 years. The pretty town also boasts one of the best open- air markets in Croatia.
Day 10: SPLIT-PLITVICE LAKES- OPATIJA 2 nights in Opatija
Making our way north east today with a number of comfort stops en-route, our aim is to provide maximum time to enjoy the incredible natural beauty of World Heritage listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, consisting of 16 lakes and numerous waterfalls, connected by kilometres of paths and wooden walkways amongst breathtaking scenery. Following lunch at the lakes we continue northwest to the Istrian town of Opatija. One of the most colourfully painted towns you are every likely to see, and our hotel within easy reach of the waterfront, linked by a wonderful promenade that spans the length of the shoreline.
Day 11: A day at leisure to enjoy the many shops, cafes and bars along the waterfront, or perhaps a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the Kvarmer Gulf. Opatija is the perfect place to put your feet up, relax and take it all in.
Day 12: OPATIJA- PULA- ROVINJ two nights in Rovinj
With batteries fully charged we depart Opatija today, making our way first to Pula, best known for its incredibly well preserved Roman amphitheatre, occupying a prominent position near the harbour and dating back to the 1st century. Continuing around the Istrian Peninsular our next stop is the charming seaside town of Rovinj
Day 13: The day is once again yours to do as you please. Rovinj’s quaint cobbled streets are lined with artist’s lairs and shops containing all manner of curios. A causal wander along the streets and alleyways will inevitably lead you up to the Cathedral which punctuates the small town and offers and impressive view over the peninsular and beyond.
Day 14: ROVINJ – POSTONJA – LAKE BLED two nights at Lake Bled
We head north again today and enter Slovenia for the first time making a stop at the incredible caves at Postonja. Europe’s biggest and one of the most spectacular caves in the world. Our tour here will include a ride in the miniature train 2kms inside the caves before we continue by foot with a local guide telling us more of the fascinating history of the caves and pointing out the different forms of stalactite and stalagmites. We continue later in the afternoon to the very beautiful Lake Bled, our restful home for the next two nights. Lake Bled was formed from the recession of the Bohinj glacier 2.1km long and up to 1.4km wide, the lake has a maximum depth of 30.6km. After the last ice age the Bohinj glacier deepened the natural hollow giving shape to its present form. The basin was filled with water when the ice melted and is punctuated by the small island toward the west of the lake.
Day 15: We start the day with a drive up to Castle Bled, perched in a most imposing position high above the Lake and seeming virtually impenetrable by any potential invading foe. The Castle is now home to a very informative, modern museum. After this visit take time to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of Lake Bled at your leisure. You can circumnavigate the Lake by foot or cycle, or maybe you’d prefer to be rowed out to the small island on a ‘pletna’, whence upon you might like to ring the bell to bestow good luck upon yourself!
Day 16: LAKE BLED- LJUBLJANA one night in Ljubljana
Our journey includes some of the most picturesque scenery of our tour to date. Leaving the ‘fairy tale like’ Lake Bled behind us we proceed to Ljubljana, where on arrival we will see the magnificent city hall, three bridges and take the funicular to Ljubljana Castle, affording spectacular views over the city. After lunch in one of the many canal side cafes the time is yours to browse the markets, sit and relax, or to continue exploring the many small ‘pedestrian only’ streets that make Ljubljana such a popular spot with tourists.
Day 17: LJUBLJANA- ZAGREB three nights in Zagreb
Leaving Ljubljana in the afternoon, the drive to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital is a short and interesting one. On arrival we will make our way to the hotel where some may choose to relax, and others may want to take a short walk to some of the prominent and historic buildings in the general vicinity.
Day 18: We begin the day with walking tour of Zagreb’s historic old town. Zagreb is effectively divided into three sections. The Upper town, which houses the multitude of museums, galleries and Croatian Parliament, on cobbled streets and illuminated by gas lamps. Of particular note is St Stephens Church and its ornate roof resplendently covered with colourful ceramic tiles. Then there’s the lower town with it’s shops, restaurants, café’s, theatre and parks, and finally ‘new Zagreb’ notable for it’s high rise buildings, corporate climate and not a tourist trap by any account.
Day 19: Today we take a short drive just outside Zagreb to one of the finest examples of a resorted castle at Trakosan. Rooms have been lovingly restored and maintain the authenticity of the period. There and incredible room dedicated solely to weaponry and views from the towers to the surrounding countryside are stunning. After her this we will drive on to the charming town of Varazdin, where we will have time for lunch and a wander at your leisure before we make our way back to Zagreb.
Day 20: ZAGREB – FRANKFURT - SINGAPORE
Last chance for shopping or sightseeing before we are taken by coach to the airport in the early afternoon begin our homeward flights
Day 21: SINGAPORE – NEW ZEALAND
Day 22: We land in New Zealand filled with fond memories of an incredible journey together and experiences that we will treasure forever.
