Croatia's Istrian Riviera & Lake Bled

Croatia's Istrian Riviera & Lake Bled

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tourhub | Newmarket Holidays | Croatia's Istrian Riviera & Lake Bled | 14638
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8 Days From

$1447

$1260

Croatia's Istrian Riviera & Lake Bled

8 Days Starting in pula and ending in Lovran, Croatia

Visiting: Pula, Lovran, Istria, Lake Bled, Plitvice Lakes National Park

Tour operator:

Newmarket Holidays

Tour code:

14638

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 50

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Sightseeing

From:
$1447
$1260 (USD) including Flights from the UK Operator discount: -$187 -13%

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the treasures beside the blue Adriatic - Roman glories, stunning scenery and one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes.


Spend a week in a beautifully appointed shore-side hotel in the genteel, colourful resort of Lovran - a favourite destination of the Viennese elite during the Habsburg Empire, and now one of Croatia’s premier holiday havens - and join three marvellous included excursions. You’ll enjoy the delights of the Istrian Riviera, journey into beautiful Slovenia to the beautiful shores of Lake Bled and spend a wonderful day in the spectacular surroundings of Croatia's glorious Plitvice National Park.

Highlights

  • Visit the exquisite, emerald-green Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most charming attraction

  • Discover Pula's stunning Roman amphitheatre

  • Witness the waterfalls and breathtaking scenery in Plitvice National Park

  • Join an optional Krk and Cres islands excursion

  • Partake in an optional Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle tour

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Fly To Croatia Or Italy

Location: Pula, Lovran

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Excelsior

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive in Venice or Pula, and transfer to your hotel in Lovran, on the Kvarner Gulf, one of the most sun-kissed corners of the Adriatic Sea. If transferring from Italy, you'll pass briefly into Slovenia then into Croatia on the way to your hotel.

Day 2 : At Leisure In Lovran

Location: Lovran

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Excelsior

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is free to enjoy the facilities and explore the delights of Lovran. A popular destination for the nobility of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Lovran has a rich history dating back to the Roman era and is the perfect destination for peace and tranquillity. Sit and relax with a drink in St George’s square and people-watch.

Day 3 : Included Istrian Peninsula Excursion

Location: Istria

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Excelsior

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

On the first of our included tours you'll see some of the beauty of the Istrian peninsula in the company of our friendly tour manager. Highlights will include bustling Pula, the provincial capital famed for its vast Roman amphitheatre, the immense arches of which tower over the city’s port and ancient centre. You’ll also discover remarkable Lim Fjord, a wooded gash in the coastline that, according to local legend, once served as a hiding place for Welsh pirate (and later governor of Jamaica) Captain Henry Morgan. You’ll visit stunning Rovinj, which rises Venice-like out of the water, its narrow streets and pastel-painted buildings leading ever upwards to the Baroque church of St Euphemia. Make the climb to enjoy the tremendous view, before returning to the harbourfront below, perhaps to enjoy a well-deserved ice-cream.

Day 4 : Included Slovenia And Lake Bled Excursion

Location: Lake Bled, Lovran

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Excelsior

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s long but memorable excursion takes you north through scenic countryside into Slovenia, and past the country’s capital Ljubljana, to beautiful Lake Bled. Ringed by forested hills and looking out across the usually still waters to an island crowned by a Baroque church, Bled itself is a wonderful resort town surrounded by nature's glories. Enjoy the views of Bled Castle, which overlooks the town from a lofty perch on the opposite shore, before spending time enjoying the lakeside resort. Stop for lunch (payable locally), or perhaps take gondola-like pletna across to the island (payable locally). The energetic can even choose to row themselves!



You’ll return to Lovran this evening in time for dinner.

Day 5 : Optional Krk And Cres Islands Excursion

Location: Lovran

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Excelsior

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rest and relax in and around your hotel, today, or join our optional boat tour to explore two contrasting islands lying off the beautiful Croatian coast. Board your vessel and head out into the Kvarner Gulf. Your first stop will be Krk (pronounced "Kirk") a former Roman and Venetian outpost, and the largest island in the Gulf (and indeed the entire Adriatic). Across a narrow strait, Cres ("Tsress") is slightly smaller and less inhabited than its neighbour. Explore the historic fishing port of Beli, charmingly set on a hilltop overlooking its picturesque harbour.



During the day, you'll also have the chance to enjoy a traditional Croatian 'fish picnic' prepared by the crew of your boat.

Day 6 : Included Tour Of Plitvice National Park

Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Lovran

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Excelsior

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The last of our included excursions takes you inland to Plitvice - justifiably Croatia’s most celebrated and most visited natural attraction. Here, 16 bodies of water are surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and linked by a series of rushing waterfalls and rapids that tumble down the ancient, time-weathered terraces. After a drive through the beautiful scenery of Croatia’s interior, you’ll spend time exploring the park on foot before returning to Lovran this evening.

Day 7 : Optional Postojna Caves And Predjama Castle Excursion

Location: Lovran

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Excelsior

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a final day in Lovran or join our final tour and cross the border into Slovenia once again, heading to the rolling Karst region, which has lent its name to anywhere in the world where underground streams and caves are found.



Today, you’ll visit the giant chasm at Postojna to travel two miles underground by train then walk with a personal audio-guide through a wonderfully illuminated netherworld of stalactites and stalagmites where the strange ‘human fish’ – a tiny amphibian – lives out its sightless life. After a fascinating visit, you’ll journey to Predjama Castle, a remarkable Renaissance castle that clings to a sheer cliff-face at the mouth of another of the region's immense caves, its upper floor stairwells carved from the bedrock.



Return to Lovran to enjoy dinner and the last evening of your holiday.

Day 8 : Fly Back To The Uk

Location: Lovran

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport to check in for your flight home, after a wonderful stay in this delightful corner of the world.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Seven nights' dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    Yes

  • Fully Guided

    The services of a friendly, experienced tour manager

  • International Travel

    Return flights to Venice or Pula

  • Transport

    Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout

What's Not Included

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours from Venice and Treviso airports and one hour 20 minutes from Pula airport.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Activity levels

Due to the nature of the landscapes explored (national parks, lakes and countryside), this holiday is not recommended for customers with walking difficulties.

Plitvice National Park and Lake Bled

The journey from your hotel to Plitvice National Park and Lake Bled will take approximately three hours.

Airport development fees

An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Travelling to Europe after Brexit

New rules apply when travelling to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.
Passport - British passport holders need to have at least six months validity left on their passport and it needs to be less than ten years old; passports which have a longer validity than ten years are not valid for travel once the tenth anniversary of issue has passed. These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure.
Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information. You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Mobile Roaming - Roaming charges have been re-introduced by some UK providers when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Prior to travel, please do check with your phone operator for the most up to date information.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel. Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Airport development fees

An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Travelling to Europe after Brexit

New rules apply when travelling to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.

Passport - British passport holders need to have at least six months validity left on their passport and it needs to be less than ten years old; passports which have a longer validity than ten years are not valid for travel once the tenth anniversary of issue has passed. These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.

Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure.

Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.

Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information. You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Mobile Roaming - Roaming charges have been re-introduced by some UK providers when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Prior to travel, please do check with your phone operator for the most up to date information.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.


Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").


Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.


European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Your luggage allowance is stated on your Confirmation Invoice. You will also receive details of your baggage allowance with your final travel documents, which we will send approximately one week prior to your departure date. We do not include any hold luggage on our Christmas Markets or Lapland breaks.

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    Generally no more than 50

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Return flights to Venice or Pula

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1983

  • Vaccination Requirements

    Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • Fitness to Travel

    We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.

Reviews of this Operator

Mr Albert Owen  

Help is at hand at Newmarket holidays

04-Jan-2023

I tried to book myself on line for an Andre Rieu concert in Vienna but I didn’t manage to complete the booking. I rang the next day & spoke to Sharon who was very helpful. I am a 76 year old pensioner & not totally au fa with the internet. However, Sharon went through it step by step & I felt more confident. She completed the booking for me & said she would also send a paper copy.

Iain Moir  

Newmarket Holidays…top dollar!

06-Jan-2023

Having booked late the service we received from Newmarket staff has been excellent - helpful, friendly, painstaking and above all going further than we could really expect to ensure our requests were all satisfied. We would like to particularly thank Naima for her attention to detail and perseverance in following up our queries. This is the first time we have tried NH but it wont be the last

Miss F J Murphy  

This is the third holiday I have taken…

05-Nov-2021

This is the third holiday I have taken with Newmarket Holidays. They made it easy to change from the Holiday I originally booked to one in the UK. The tour leader was excellent as was our driver, both of whom went the extra mile to ensure we had a lovely holiday. There were difficulties at the hotel due to COVID but we were made very welcome and the staff went out of their way to help us. So I have no complaint about Newmarket's choice of hotel. I am a single traveller and normally do not like to travel in groups but the laidback atmosphere of Newmarket Holidays is fine.

Trustpilot
Caroline N, GB  

Hurrah for Eddie and Simon, Newmarket's highlands duo!

26-Oct-2021

Very happy time on an action packed trip to the Scottish highlands. Eddie as tour manager and Simon as driver. Eddie shared his passion for Scottish history and between them they treated us to many unscheduled cultural stops that enhanced our holiday. They went above and beyond all the time. Train trips were amazing and views unforgettable. Hotel was welcoming and food was good. Hot water aplenty for bath. We wanted to escape to another world for a few days and we truly did. THANK YOU. Chris and Caroline

Trustpilot
Tony King, GB  

Canada October 2021

28-Oct-2021

We have returned from our long overdue trip to Canada Niagara Falls to the Rockies stating in Toronto and finishing in Vancouver. Well we happened to be the first trip back after the Coiid outbreak and it was so good to go. The company had made sure we were all safe and masks were worn where ever they had to be but this did not dampen the trip at all, the Tour directors ( guides ) were brilliant and we saw and did so much it was a fantastic trip which I would recommend to everyone, defiantly one for the bucket list.

Trustpilot

Dates & Availability

Sunday - Sunday

May 12, 2024 - May 19, 2024
$1810 $1720 (USD)

Operator discount: -$90 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

May 19, 2024 - May 26, 2024
$1810 $1539 (USD)

Operator discount: -$271 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

May 26, 2024 - Jun 02, 2024
$2117 $1906 (USD)

Operator discount: -$211 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 02, 2024 - Jun 09, 2024
$1947 $1753 (USD)

Operator discount: -$194 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 23, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024
$2304 $1959 (USD)

Operator discount: -$345 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024
$2297 $2109 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024
$2217 $2029 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024
$1747 $1685 (USD)

Operator discount: -$62 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024
$1667 $1480 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
$1472 $1285 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
$1447 $1260 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
$1730 $1542 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$1735 $1547 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

May 04, 2025 - May 11, 2025
$1834 $1647 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

May 18, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$2059 $1872 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$2042 $1854 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
$2042 $1854 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
$2366 $2179 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$2391 $2204 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$1842 $1655 (USD)

Operator discount: -$187 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Vaccination Requirements

    Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.

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