Gondolas, Lakes & Split - 9 Days
9 Days Starting in Venice, Italy and ending in Split, Croatia
Visiting: Venice, Bled, Carinthia, Postojna, Pula, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes, Split
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 25
Age range:
16-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the heart of Europe with the "Gondolas, Lakes & Split" tour, exploring the enchanting landscapes of Austria, Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia. Begin your adventure in Venice, cruising the iconic Grand Canal and discovering its historic charm. Relax in the alpine beauty of Lake Bled, and traverse the scenic Alps to Austria's Lake Worth and Klagenfurt. Delve into the depths of Postojna's caves and marvel at the cliffside Predjama Castle. Experience the coastal allure of Istria, with its romantic Rovinj and ancient Pula amphitheater. Touch the Adriatic in Opatija, and wander through the stunning Plitvice Lakes. Conclude in Split, where Roman history meets vibrant Croatian culture. Enjoy guided tours, truffle and olive oil tastings, and comfortable accommodations, all while traveling in a small group with expert guidance.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Mestre
Friday. Upon arrival into Venice you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Mestre area of Venice. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2: Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bled
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we meet our tour leader at the hotel reception, before embarking on a sightseeing tour of Venice with an English-speaking guide. We then board our air-conditioned coach and depart for Slovenia, arriving in the town of Bled for dinner.
Day 3: Bled
Location: Bled
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bled
Meals Included: Breakfast
Small but stunning Lake Bled, surrounded by the Alps, is one of Slovenia's most scenic destinations. On a boat ride, we'll sail past the tiny church-capped islet at the heart of the lake and the clifftop Bled Castle, where the terrace offers lovely views of the region. We'll end the day with a visit to Lake Bohinj, a lesser-known spot perfect for a scenic photo op.
Day 4: Carinthia
Location: Carinthia
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bled
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Passing through the Alps, we venture into southern Austria today. First we embark on a panoramic tour of Lake Wörth, an elongated lake and summer vacation spot once frequented by the Austrian elite. We then continue to Klagenfurt, a bustling university town. Its Alterplatz (Old City Square), dating to the Renaissance era, is marked by an impressive fountain depicting the local foundation myth of the Lindworm. After a lakeside lunch, we return to Bled, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure.
Day 5: Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle
Location: Postojna
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Rovinj
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our Slovenian journey continues today as we head south to the Postojna Caves. This underground cave system is over 24km long, hiding spectacular rock formations and an ancient species of salamander known as the olm. Our next stop is the nearby Predjama Castle, a Renaissance fortress built into a cliff with over 700 years of history and legend. Later that afternoon, we arrive in Croatia and the coastal town of Rovinj.
Day 6: Pula
Location: Pula
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Rovinj
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Istrian peninsula is one of Croatia's most delightful regions. We start by sightseeing in Rovinj, where we'll find winding streets and art galleries in a picturesque coastal setting. We delight our tastebuds at our next stops, sampling truffles in Livade and olive oil crafted by local producers. Our final destination is the regional capital of Pula, where one of the world's few fully-preserved Roman amphitheatres is located, before returning to Rovinj for the evening.
Day 7: Opatija
Location: Opatija
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Plitvice Lakes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave Istria this morning and continue to Opatija, a seaside winter resort where Austro-Hungarian aristocrats once holidayed in splendid coastal villas. Moving inland, we enjoy a traditional lunch in the town of Fuzine, overlooking the Vrelo limestone caves and man-made Lake Bajer. We then continue to the Plitvice Lakes for our overnight stay.
Day 8: Plitvice Lakes
Location: Plitvice Lakes
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Split
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we visit the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. On a boat tour, discover the wonders of this natural World Heritage site, where hundreds of waterfalls connect a series of dazzling lakes and lush forests. Heading south, our final destination is Split, Croatia's second-largest city. Here we embark on an evening walking tour of the UNESCO-listed town center, with sights such as the Roman 4th-century Diocletian's Palace and Cathedral of St Domnius, followed by a farewell dinner in a konoba (Dalmatian restaurant).
Day 9: Split
Location: Split
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our journey ends after breakfast. A departure transfer to Split airport is included.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 and 4 star -
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
Enjoy daily breakfast, two lunches, and three dinners, including a farewell dinner.
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8 nights in 3-4 star accommodation
Stay for 8 nights in comfortable 3-4 star accommodations.
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Airport transfer on day 1 and 9
Airport transfers are included on day 1 from Venice Marco Polo and on day 9 to Split.
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Entrance fees for various attractions
Entrance fees are included for Venice Vaporetto, Bled Castle and boat ride, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, Vrelo Cave, Plitvice Lakes, and Pula Amphitheatre.
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Guided sightseeing tours
Enjoy guided sightseeing tours of Venice, Bled, Klagenfurt, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes, and Split.
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Truffle and olive oil tasting
Experience truffle tasting and olive oil tasting during the tour.
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Services of English speaking Tour Guide
Benefit from the services of an English-speaking tour guide throughout the trip.
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All relevant transfers and transportation
All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Entrance fees to sites other than those listed
Entrance fees to sites not listed in the inclusions are not covered.
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Tip for your tour leader
Tips for your tour leader are not included.
It is recommended to allow EUR 5-10 per day, per traveller.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Russot Hotel in Venice with its lush park setting, the elegant Antony Palace Hotel near Venice Airport, and the scenic Hotel Park on Lake Bled. Enjoy the coastal charm of Hotel Eden in Istria, the natural beauty of Jezero Hotel in Plitvice Lakes, and the central location of Hotel Cornaro in Split.
Age Policy
16+ if accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicles for all relevant transfers and transportation. Enjoy airport transfers on the first and last day, and explore destinations with guided sightseeing tours. The tour includes a water taxi ride in Venice and a boat ride on Lake Bled.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in 3-4 star accommodations throughout the tour, including hotels like Russot Hotel Venice, Antony Palace Hotel, Hotel Park, Hotel Eden, Jezero Hotel, Hotel Palcich, and Hotel Cornaro. These hotels offer amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and comfortable rooms with modern facilities.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport transfers are included on day 1 from Venice Marco Polo Airport and on day 9 to Split Airport.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners, one of which is a farewell dinner.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there will be guided sightseeing tours in Venice, Bled, Klagenfurt, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes, and Split with an English-speaking tour guide.
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What are some of the unique experiences included in the tour?
Unique experiences include a cruise along Venice's Grand Canal, a boat ride on Lake Bled, a visit to the Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle, truffle and olive oil tasting in Istria, and a walking tour of Split's historic center.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?
Yes, entrance fees for Venice Vaporetto, Bled Castle and boat ride, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, Vrelo Cave, Plitvice Lakes, and Pula Amphitheatre are included.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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