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Croatia's Istrian Riviera and Lake Bled

Name: Croatia's Istrian Riviera and Lake Bled
Brand: Newmarket Holidays
SKU: 14638

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.

High shot of waterfalls in front of a dark turquoise body of water, surrounded by forested hills. In the forefront is a piece of rock and trees.

Witness the waterfalls and breathtaking scenery in Plitvice National Park

View of the town of Rovinj from the water, with colourful stone buildings on the waterfront, rows of these and trees going up the land behind and a tower with a statue on top. The sky is blue with pink clouds.

Explore the pretty fishing port of Rovinj

Birds eye view of a fjord, with three sail boats sailing close together in a line. Either side of the fjord is forested land.

Seek out the remarkable Lim Fjord, the one-time hideaway of Captain Morgan

Wide angle shot of Lake Bled, showing its forested surrounding areas, and mountains in the distance. In the middle of the lake, there is a small island with trees and a towered building

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shot of a church on a small bit of forested land on water, there is a pathway leading up to the church which has some people and boats at the bottom. Behind, there are mountains and clouds, under a blue sky.

Bird's eye view of the ruins of an Amphitheatre and its surrounding area. A church with a tower in the left forefront, and regular buildings to the right. A boat harbour to the top right of the image, next to the rest of the sea to the right.

View of Rovinj from the water, showing boats docked at the harbour and colourful buildings. Slightly further back is a stone tower. The sky is blue and clear.

Back of two pletna boats docked on Lake Bled, with forests on the other side. A large building on a hill and one on ground level, and mountains in the distance.

Back of a green statue of a lady holding a bird, on some rocks, facing the sea. Past the sea, there is a silhouette of a mountain, and on the right is a town. The sky is blue but cloudy

Join an optional Krk and Cres islands excursion

Enjoy a week in Lovran, the former retreat of the Viennese elite

Partake in an optional Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle tour

Discover Pula's stunning Roman amphitheatre

Seven nights' half-board accommodation at the four-star Hotel Excelsior, Lovran
Visits to Pula, Rovinj and Lim Fjord on a tour of the Istrian Peninsula
Excursions to Lake Bled in Slovenia and to Plitvice National Park in Croatia
Return flights to Pula or Venice
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Departure point	Departure date	Price (per person)	Availability
Birmingham	April 2026 - October 2026	from £1,396 pp	11 dates available
London Gatwick	April 2026 - October 2026	from £1,384 pp	11 dates available
London Heathrow	April 2026 - October 2026	from £1,520 pp	11 dates available
London Stansted	April 2026 - October 2026	from £1,408 pp	11 dates available
Manchester	April 2026 - October 2026	from £1,400 pp	11 dates available

Seaside view of Hotel Excelsior in Lovran, Croatia, with terraced buildings surrounded by greenery, overlooking the clear blue Adriatic Sea on a sunny day

Hotel Excelsior, Lovran Lovran, CroatiaRinged by trees and facing the Adriatic Sea, this sleek hotel encompasses an expansive outdoor saltwater swimming pool and offers access to the sea.

Hotel Ičići, Opatija Opatija, CroatiaThis new hotel, built in 2017, is surrounded on three sides by verdant vegetation and the brilliant blue Adriatic on the remaining side, and is located close to the town of Opatija and the city of Rijeka.

Hotel Marina, Moscenicka Draga Moscenicka DragaNestled along the Adriatic Sea, the hotel offers comfortable and elegant rooms with modern amenities and stunning sea views.

Hidden Italy – Trieste & Friuli Venezia Giulia – Premier Collection

Italy

Experience the cosmopolitan highlights of Friuli-Venezia’s most intriguing centres with lighter-paced, small-group excursions and a luxury hotel stay on the Italian Adriatic.+ 5 More

Take in historic Trieste, one of Europe’s coffee capitals, witness its Austro-Hungarian architecture and embrace its café culture
Explore Palmanova, the world’s first Venetian star fort, and soak up its cosmopolitan atmosphere under guidance
Experience the Italian and Slovenian sides of border town Gorizia and sample some of its finest local labels at a neighbouring winery

8 days from £1,575 pp
was £1,749 pp
Flights included
Dates Available
April 2026 - October 2026
Duration
8 days
Depart From
12 airports
Excursions & Visits
6 included
Meals
7 included

Explore

The French & Italian Rivieras

France, Italy

Experience the best of both worlds with the laid-back beauty of the Italian Riviera and the glamour of the French Riviera.+ 3 More

Visit Nice where you’ll see the Palais de Justice, Opéra de Nice, and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Visit Antibes, where you can see the Picasso Museum and the historic centre
Experience Genoa on an optional excursion with its medieval landmarks like Piazza San Matteo, Palazzo Ducale, and San Lorenzo Cathedral

8 days from £1,292 pp
was £1,435 pp
Flights included
Dates Available
May 2026 - October 2026
Duration
8 days
Depart From
7 airports
Excursions & Visits
5 included
Meals
14 included

Explore

Adriatic Discovery – Slovenia, Croatia & Italy

Slovenia, Croatia, Italy

Moments of relaxation are paired with immersive cultural experiences across this eight-day single-centre escape to the Italy, Slovenia and Croatia’s finest Istrian cities.+ 2 More

Experience the wonders of magical Lake Bled, a scenic gem in the Slovenian Alps on an optional excursion
Discover the Austro-Hungarian influences of port city Trieste with a guided tour around its major sights
Immerse yourself in the Pula’s fascinating heritage sites and spend time amongst Rovinj’s glittering seafront

8 days from £1,296 pp
was £1,619 pp
Flights included
Dates Available
April 2026 - October 2026
Duration
8 days
Depart From
12 airports
Excursions & Visits
6 included
Meals
14 included

Explore

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 arrive (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.

The EES scheme commenced on the 12th October 2025, and the phased implementation will last until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026, EES will be fully operational at all EU borders. - the latest information can be found at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr

EES is a new digital border management system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of most European countries. Once introduced, when you go through passport control on arrival, as well as producing your passport for checking, you will also have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned. The system will register your entry on arrival and your exit when departing. You will only need to do this on your first entry into Europe after the scheme starts.

For those travelling via Eurostar, there is a dual British and French/Belgian border in operational at St Pancras International. Therefore the EES system will be in place at the station, you will not need to be checked again on arrival at the other side. For further information please visit the https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/upcoming-changes-travel-europe here.

Please note: Irish passport holders or British Passport holders with an EU residency are currently excluded.

Following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, changes have been planned which affect the eligibility of citizens of the United Kingdom to have visa free travel to the EU. ETIAS travel authorisation is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of the European Union and Schengen counties.

The ETIAS system is not live yet - the latest information can be found at www.etias.com. We recommend keeping yourself updated on the planned commencement date and, once live (and if applicable to you), apply for your ETIAS in good time prior to travel.

Newmarket Holidays will not be able to undertake ETIAS applications on your behalf, so have instead instructed the services of the Travel Visa Company to provide help, should you need it. You can find more information about this service here.

Please note: ETIAS will not be required for UK citizens travelling on our UK and Ireland tours.

*Save up to 15% offer discount applies to new bookings only booked between 23 December 2025 to 13 March 2026 and cannot be applied retrospectively to bookings already confirmed. This offer does not apply to child pricing. The offer does not apply to departure dates with late availability pricing.

Maximum 15% discount is not valid on Premier Collection, Festive, River Cruise, André Rieu events, Edinburgh Tattoo, or Wimbledon. This offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other discount, promotion or concession. When booking a holiday as described above, prices shown will automatically have the discount applied. The discount applies to the original tour price (excluding any discounts already applied, extras and holiday insurance) at the time of booking.

This offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Newmarket Holidays reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any tour. Holidays booked with Newmarket Holidays, are financially protected in accordance with ABTA, ATOL & ABTOT regulations. Newmarket Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 02238316.

Croatia's Istrian Riviera and Lake Bled

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