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Italy, Slovenia & Croatia, treasures of the Adriatic and ancient forests
5 stops
8 nights
363 miles
Venice, Trieste, Ljubljana: names that evoke a sense of escape. Marvel at the ethereal beauty of 'La Serenissima', then continue your journey across the Adriatic and find yourself captivated by the architecture and atmosphere of beautiful Trieste. Discover the forest-covered landscapes and turquoise-colored rivers of Slovenia and visit historic Ljubljana. Travel further south, still, to Croatia, where you can dive into the crystal clear waters of its wild cove or succumb to the charms of its Belle époque coastline towns.
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Departure
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Venice
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Ristorante Quadri
02
125 milesCar
Recommended duration : 1 night
Spodnja Idrija
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Triglav National Park
This is the highest mountain in the country (2,864 m) which gave its name to the only Slovenian national park. Home to the majority of the 400 peaks over 2,000 metres, the park provides a wonderful playground for all hiking and climbing lovers.
During your stay
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The Regata Barcolana
With some 2,500 boats, the Regata Barcolana is arguably the biggest regatta in the world. Held every year since 1969 on the second Sunday of October, it heralds an incredible party backdrop along the quays and everywhere in town. The competition brings together both professionals and boating enthusiasts on all kinds of sailboats. Each year, the Regata brings together around 25,000 sailors and ten times as many spectators in a memorable atmosphere...
During your stay
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Go down into the Škocjan caves
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the magnificent Škocjan Caves are one of Slovenia's tourist highlights. An unequalled karstic phenomenon, the caves stretch over more than five kilometres and up to 250 metres underground! Jules Verne could have written his Journey to the Centre of the Earth in these cavities…
03
34 milesCar
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Ljubljana
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To experience the relaxed atmosphere of Slovenia's green capital, stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica River and admire the different architectural styles on the medieval, Baroque or Art Nouveau façades of the historical center. Walk through the maze of secretive narrow streets up to the majestic hilltop castle to enjoy the grandiose view of the Julian Alps and take in the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Discovering Ljubljana
You can walk on foot along the Path of Remembrance and Comradeship around the city before climbing into the funicular railway up to 16th century castle and admiring the capital from its heights. From there you can contemplate 5,000 years of history! The ethnographic museum is particularly interesting and provides an insight into the history and lifestyle of its inhabitants.
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46 milesCar
Recommended duration : 1 night
Otočec
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Cvi?ek wine, Trška Gora
You have to try Cvi?ek, one of the famous Slovenian wines grown on the hills of Trška Gora, Vinji Vrh or Oto?ec. A light red, ruby colour and fresh and fruity aromas have naturally put it on the menus of the greatest restaurants in the country. Already mentioned in writings from the 12th century, the southern slopes of Trška Gora are known for gathering one of the highest concentrations of vineyards in the world…
During your stay
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Lose yourself in the Ko?evje primary forest
Protected since the late 19th century, the Ko?evje primary forest is still an enchanting world. In the shade of the ancient trees - some of them are over 500 years old!-, the brown bear (the biggest population in Europe) is king alongside the eagles and a fauna that is both wild and fascinating.
On the road
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The Kozlovi? Winery, Momjan
Franco Kozlovi?'s family has been producing wine on the beautiful lands of Istria since 1904. The majority of their vineyards are planted with a white grape variety of Malvasia (malvazija), which is typical of the region. It is real contrast with the neighbouring citadel of Momjan, to be admired from the terrace with a drink in your hand…
On the road
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Summer films and music
The medieval town of Grožnjan is now a favourite haunt for Croatian artists after being asleep for so long. On the heels of the sculptor Aleksandar Rukavina, the town has attracted many painters and musicians who have installed their studios there. Every summer, the Musical Youth of Croatia invest in these places (church, Grand-place, Loggia, etc.) and give free concerts! Meanwhile, the beautiful hilltop village of Motovun organises a major independent film festival with indoor and outdoor screenings…
On the road
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Istrian white truffles
Although less famous than the white truffle of Piedmont, Istrian white truffles have become an important product for food lovers in the last fifteen years. So in the autumn, thousands of specially trained dogs (breks) roam the forests between Oprtalj and Livade in the hope of finding a truffle as big as that found in November 1999: a white truffle weighing 1,310 grams!
05
160 milesCar
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Bale
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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The fishing port of Rovinj
Rovinj remains one of the most authentic fishing ports of the Adriatic Sea for many people. The price of its fame is that tourists rush to visit it. Yet having a coffee in the morning facing the fishermen throwing their nets out remains one of those precious moments that you'll take with you for much more than just one day...
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