Croatia's Istrian Riviera

Porec, in the middle of the Istrian Riviera, is a pretty resort that stretches across a peninsula and looks out onto a cluster of exotic islands. There’s Roman architecture, Venetian houses and a Byzantine Basilica here which is a listed UNESCO ancient monument, not to mention plenty of pavement cafes, bars and restaurants – it’s a historic haven but with lots of modern twists. Porec is probably the best known resort on the Istrian coast and a long standing favourite of visitors from Britain. Relax on the beach, admire the views from the promenade and enjoy our programme of included and optional excursions and visits.

Included in price

• 7 nights at the 4 star Velamar Zagreb hotel in Porec
• 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
• Bedrooms with private en-suite facilities
• Excursion to Pula and Rovinj
• Excursion to the Island of Krk
• Wine tasting
• Excursion to Slovenia
• Visit to the Postonja caves
• Visit to Predjama castle
• Air conditioned coach travel in Croatia
• Return flights from a selection of airports
• One piece of hold luggage and one piece of hand luggage per person
• Transfers between airport and hotel
• Services of a Mistral Tour Manager

Accommodation

Excursions

During our stay we have arranged a programme of included and optional excursions and visits, all taken at a leisurely pace.

Day 1 - Flight

On arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to our hotel in Porec, where we stay for seven nights on a half board basis.

Day 2 - At leisure in Porec

Today is at leisure, enabling you to relax in the comfortable surroundings of the hotel or to make your first discoveries in Porec. Porec mixes beautiful natural scenery with architectural heritage, with its links to Venice being seen almost everywhere in the Old Town. Situated mainly on the flat, it is perfect for people who don’t like hills and the Old Town is home to the UNESCO listed Basilica of Euphrasius, with amazing golden mosaics. A popular venue for summer concerts, the tangle of streets date back to Roman times and are lined with hidden courtyards, bars and restaurants. There’s also a great choice of boat trips to be enjoyed and some wonderful wooded walks by the seaside. The area has a rocky coastline so expect rocky beaches, backed with pine and cypress trees. The sea is crystal clear and fromthe headlands there are some far reaching views.

Day 3 - Pula and Rovinj

We spend the day today discovering more of the Istrian Peninsula on our included excursion.Travelling by coach we head to the historical town of Pula, home to an impressive, perfectly preserved Roman Amphitheatre (entrance ticket included). Pula is nestled beneath 7 hills on the very southern tip of the Istrian peninsula. Here pavement cafés and colourful boutiques sit happily among ancient Roman ruins. After time for lunch we make our way to medieval Rovinj, a pretty resort with a lovely Old Town and picturesque harbour. Rovinj is reminiscent of Venice, with its houses seemingly rising out of the water. Here you can stroll through the cobbled lanes and pretty piazzas. At its heart is the Cathedral of Saint Euphemia, with its 60-metre-high bell tower and fabulous pine forest views.

Day 4 - The Island of Krk

Our included excursion today takes us to the island of Krk (pronounced Kirrk), travelling by coach across Istria to the peninsula’s eastern coast. Krk is Croatia’s largest and most populated island and is linked to the mainland by a bridge. The historic delights of the partially walled Krk Town include its ramparts, towers, pretty narrow streets and a picturesque waterfront. The 5th-century Krk Cathedral has a marble altar and stone Corinthian columns engraved with Christian symbols. After our visit here we take a short journey by boat to the tiny island of Kosljun, where we visit the Franciscan monastery. We end the day with a wine tasting before making our way back to Porec.

Day 5 - At leisure

Today is at leisure for you to relax in the comfortable surroundings of the hotel, or to make further discoveries in Porec. Perhaps relax on the beach, spend time shopping, visit the Basilica or you could take an enjoyable boat trip along the coastline.

Day 6 - Postonja Caves and Predjama Castle

We travel into neighbouring Slovenia today, for a visit to the spectacular and awe inspiring Postojna Caves and a visit to Predjama Castle. The Postojna Caves are a series of incredible caverns which have been carved out over thousands of years by the Pivka River and extend over 20km of passages and chambers. We have a train journey into the heart of the caves, which are full of stalactites and stalagmites, the most spectacular being the 5 metre high stalagmite called Brilliant, because of its shiny white appearance.After our visit we continue on to the nearby village of Predjama to see its impregnable castle. This unique castle is half way up a steep hill and has actually been built inside a huge natural cave. Although most of the castle was built in the 16th century, the castle has been here since the beginning of the 13th century. Inside the four storey high castle are secret passageways and dark dungeons – everything you expect to see in a medieval castle. After our visit we head back to Porec.

Day 7 - At Leisure

Our last full day is again at leisure. Perhaps do some last minute shopping or take a dip in the Adriatic, or simply take it easy and enjoy the facilities of the hotel.

Day 8 - Flight home

At the appropriate time, we transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.