Spring Wildflowers of the Italian Lakes, Slovenia & Croatian Islands Cruise

Milan to Dubrovnik. 17 Days on a small group botanical journey, including a 7-night small ship cruise. Discover the pristine lakes, Romanesque architecture, villas and gardens of the Italians Lakes district, before crossing into Slovenia to the beautiful town of Bled. Continue into Croatia to the Plitvice Lakes, then sail along the picturesque Dalmatian Coast.

Highlights

• Learn about the history of each region from your Tour Manager

• Visit Isola Bella and Isola Madre within the Italian Lakes district

• Explore Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello Gardens

• Marvel at the Giardini Giusti Garden

• Discover Romeo and Juliet’s Verona

• Spend time in Venice

• Uncover Dubrovnik’s history

• Explore the islands of Croatia

Included

• Services of a Tour/Cruise Manager and Botanical Guide

• Transfers on first and last day, port taxes, tipping and porterage

• Seven nights aboard the Royal Eleganza cruising the Dalmatian Coast

• Stay in centrally located 4-5 star hotels

• 30 Meals – 16 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 10 Dinners

Day 1. Arrive Milan

Upon arrival into Milan, be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at 6.30 pm this evening.

Stay: Milan, Starhotel Rosa (D)

Day 2. The Italian Lakes

Today you will enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Milan, before continuing to the gorgeous Italian Lakes District. This magical region is graced with natural beauty and incredible diversity. Set within beautiful valleys, explore the serene beauty of Italy’s sparkling lakes. Dotted along the lakes are seasonal flowers set amongst the cypress, chestnut, sycamore and palm trees.

Two Nights: Stresa, Regina Palace. (BD)

Day 3. Isola Bella and Isola Madre Gardens

Travel by ferry to Isola Bella, an exquisite island situated on the Borromean Gulf and is entirely occupied by its palace with one of the most extraordinary privately owned Baroque gardens of Italy. The gardens form an extraordinary flowered monument laid out over a series of ornate and overlapping terraces. Discover many rare and exotic plants, and the spectacular blossom filled with marvellous colours and scents. Afterwards, head to Isola Madre, the largest island of the Isole Borromee archipelago. Transformed in the early 19th-century, this English-style park is a direct contrast to Isola Bella and is often referred to as a botanical garden on water. (BD)

Day 4. Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello Gardens

At Villa Carlotta, see a range of plants, stairways, ponds and fountains that date back to the 17th-century. Later, explore Villa Balbianello Gardens, famed for its elaborate terraced gardens overlooking Lake Como. Afterwards, take a ferry to Bellagio, one of the most romantic towns of Italy, often referred to as the ‘jewel of the lake’. This picturesque town is located on stunning Lake Como, which sits in a romantic position with the mountains surrounding the lake with the many villas and small towns situated on its banks.

Stay: Como, Barchetta Excelsior Hotel. (B)

Day 5. Verona, Giardini Giusti and Venice

Today we will travel to the quaint city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Later, continue to Venice. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was six hundred years ago, which adds to its fascinating character and charm. Admire the spellbinding grand canal palaces and be captured by the romance of gondoliers serenading as they gently glide their gondolas through the serene canals.

Two Nights: 5-star hotel in Venice, Luna Hotel Baglioni (BD)

Day 6. Venice Sightseeing

Today is yours to explore Venice at your leisure. Perhaps stroll through the incredible St Mark’s Square, visit the gleaming Basilica and view the Campanile (bell tower). You may also like to visit the famous Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge. No visit to Venice is complete without a romantic Gondola ride through the city’s network of canals. (B)

Day 7. Slovenian Wildflowers and Bled

Journey across the border into Slovenia where we will make our way to the beautiful town of Bled set on the stunning lake. Take the opportunity to admire the magnificent wildflowers along the way.

Two Nights: 5-star hotel in Bled, Grand Hotel Toplice. (BD)

Day 8. Bled

After breakfast, take a morning tour of Bled and the surrounding picturesque countryside. Afterwards, enjoy free time to wander around the quaint shops or enjoy the many activities around the lake. Enjoy leisure time this evening (B)

Day 9. Croatia

This morning we will visit the Arboretum Volcji Potok in Radomlje – with 2,500 different trees and shrubs. Journey through the scenic European countryside to Croatia and into the World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Stay: Plitvice Lakes, Hotel Jezero. (BD)

Day 10. Plitvice Lakes and Split

Continue to explore the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park showcasing nature’s garden at its best. The flowing waters formed natural dams, which have emerged into stunning lakes and waterfalls. A variety of wildlife is abundant, including many rare bird species. Enjoy time to explore the scenic pathways that wind around the lakes. Then continue to the city of Zadar, where you will board your luxurious ship, your home for the next 7 nights. Enjoy dinner on board this evening as the ship moors overnight in Zadar.

Seven Nights: MS Royal Eleganza (BD)

Day 11. Split

Sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean waters. Arrive in Split in the early evening in time for a short guided walk through this fascinating city. See the 4th-century Palace of Diocletian built by the Emperor for his retirement, the Cathedral and walk through the Old Town. This evening, choose to dine in one of the many restaurants on the Riva promenade as we moor overnight. (BL)

Day 12. River Cetina and Hvar

Sail this morning to Omis. Here we will board small boats for the trip along the valley of the emerald green River Cetina. Over centuries, the river has cut a magnificent canyon in the mountains surrounding it. We arrive at Radmanove Mlinice (Radman’s Mills). Dating from 1722, the mill was used to grind cereals for the inhabitants of Omis. On our return to the ship, we will stop at one of the picturesque sandy beaches that fringe the Dalmatian coast. We then sail into the harbour of Hvar, an island renowned for its lavender. This evening you are greeted by an impressive sight with the town’s elegant Renaissance churches and old stone buildings forming three sides of a picturesque harbour. Enjoy dinner on board as we moor overnight. (BLD)

Day 13. Hvar and Korcula

Enjoy a free morning on Hvar exploring the old town, starting in the main square which is the largest piazza in Dalmatia, the cathedral and the palatial quarter of Grad and the more humble residential area of Burg. Rejoin the Royal Eleganza to cruise to Korcula. Said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula boasts crooked medieval streets, and elegant squares which are flanked with palaces of the old nobility. Tonight dine independently in one of the local restaurants. (BL)

Day 14. Day At Sea Sailing to Dubrovnik

Enjoy more time sailing around the islands of the Dalmatian Coast, relaxing on board and taking in the wonderful coastal scenery throughout the day. (BLD)

Day 15. Kotor, Montenegro

This morning enjoy a tour of the city of Kotor including the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in the old town, and the ancient walls which stretch for 4.5 km directly above the city. (B)

Day 16. Dubrovnik

Today enjoy a guided walk through the breathtaking city of Dubrovnik. Its many historic and cultural treasures have earned it the designation as a World Heritage-listed site. See the major attractions such as the Rectors Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Dominican and Franciscan Monasteries, and the Sponza Palace. Meet later for the Captain’s Dinner, after which you can enjoy a final evening on board with your fellow travellers. (BD)

Day 17. Disembark Ship and Depart Dubrovnik

Disembark this morning and be transferred to the airport for your flight. (B)

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Trip Code: BTILC17

Departure: 1 June 2015
Twin Share: $11,495 per person
Solo Traveller: $17,245

Cabin Upgrades
Prices shown are based on a Category D (Lower Deck). See deck plans for more information.

To upgrade, add per person:
Category Deck Twin Share Solo Trav.
C Lower $195 $295
B Main $595 $895
A Main/Upper $1,195 $2,390