Italian Lakes and Croatian Wildflowers

Enjoy the stunning Italian lakes, gardens and grand villas combined with the natural beauty of Croatiaand its wildflowers. The hotels on this 12 day tour are four star or the best available. A visit to the hidden jewell of Lake Orta and the beautiful village of Orta San Giulio plus Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.

Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Milan (D)
Travel from Milan to your accommodation at Stresa. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening.

Day 2: Isola Bella, Isola Madre Gardens (B,D)
Take a ferry to Isola Bella, one of the most extraordinary Baroque gardens of Italy with wonderful views of Lake Como. Head to Isola Madre, set in 20 acres on the largest of the Borromean Isles. Next, visit Lake Orta and Orta San Giulio, a picture perfect village and square with many beautifully frescoed façades.

Day 3: Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello Gardens (B)
At Villa Carlotta, see a range of plants, parterres, stairways, ponds and fountains. This afternoon, explore Villa Balbianello Gardens on the western shore of Lake Como. This garden is a magnet for poets and artists and offers a symphony of tranquil walks and lake vistas.

Day 4: Verona, Giardini Giusti (B,D)
Journey via Lake Garda to the romantic city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Visit sites associated with this famous play and “Giardini Giusti,” with its maze and terraces with sweeping views of Verona.

Day 5: Verona – Venice(B)
Journey to Venice and spend an afternoon at your leisure exploring the city. Wander through the canals, take a gondola ride, explore St Marks Square or some art galleries, shop or simply people watch.

Day 6: Venice – Opatija (B,D)
Enjoy the scenic countryside as you travel through Slovenia to Croatia. Arrive in the resort town of Opatija on the Bay of Kvarner

Day 7: Plitvice Lakes – Zadar (B,D)
Skirt the beautiful Croatian coastline and enjoy a scenic drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a World Heritage-listed site. This is breathtaking scenery of sixteen terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls and surrounded by dense mountains and lush vegetation. Then continue to Zadar, one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic coast and explore the ruins of the Roman forum.

Day 8: Split (B)
Travel south to the medieval city of Trogir, an artistic centre where scholars from around the world gather to study and paint. Continue to the coastal town of Split.

Day 9: Split – Dubrovnik (B,D)
Continue along the Croatian coast that boasts magnificent views of the Adriatic sea. Pass through quaint fishing villages and towns towards Dubrovnik. At Trsteno, visit the Villa Gucetic woodland garden and the Trsteno Arboretum, a typical Renaissance garden dating back to the 15th century.

Day 10: Dubrovnik(B)
Take a sightseeing tour through the recently restored walled city, then cruise to Lokrum Island, where it is believed Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked in 1192. Enjoy time at leisure to visit the beautiful botanical gardens and admire the views of Dubrovnik.

Day 11: Montenegro, Kotor (B,D)
Explore Montenegro with a scenic drive along one of the prettiest fjords in southern Europe. See the townships of Risan, Cetinje and the beautiful walled city of Kotor, before returning to Dubrovnik for a final dinner.

Day 12: Depart Dubrovnik (B)
The tour concludes after breakfast.

Included:
• 11 nights accommodation
• 11 Breakfasts, 7 dinners
• Services of a botanical guide and a tour manager
• Transport
• Touring and visits as per itinerary
• Tips

Validity: 25 May to 5 June 2024

Please contact your Concierge Traveller Advisor for more information on 1800 047 047.