Our Europe destination expert, Belinda, has curated an enriching tailor-made European tour that starts onboard the iconic Orient Express train from Paris to Venice and continues by road, east through the verdant mountains and lakes of Slovenia and down the coast of Croatia, savouring the epicurean delights of the Adriatic region.
September is the perfect time of year to embark on an adventure like this and each trip is entirely bespoke and tailored to your specific requirements. Get in touch with Belinda today to start planning your adventure through Europe.
Begin your journey on the iconic Orient Express from London or Paris to Venice. Travel through Alpine passes, lush forests, and picturesque countryside, reliving the golden age of travel on the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express.
Arrive in Venice and spend the next two or three days exploring
this fabulous city – one that everyone should visit at least once in their
life. Cultural highlights include the Basilica San Marco and the Chiesa San
Zaccaria. A gondola ride is of course a must as is a trip to one of the many
local islands, and don’t forget to enjoy a cocktail or two at the iconic
Harry’s Bar.
Stay in one of our favourite hotels in Venice, Hotel Danieli or Hotel Cipriani - each an iconic property in its own right.
Head east from Venice across the border into Slovenia, one of
Europe’s prettiest countries and a delight to explore by road. The charming 5,000-year-old city of Ljubljana
is your first stop, a three-hour drive from Venice. The cobbled streets of
Slovenia’s capital city are a delight to explore with a rich history, ornate
architecture and a thriving culinary scene.
From Ljubljana there are some wonderful excursions you can enjoy
in the surrounding countryside, known as the ‘green heart of Europe’, including
a full day of hiking around two of Slovenia’s most beautiful lakes - Bohinj and
Bled, at the foot of the Julian Alps. A visit to the fairytale ‘castle in the
rock’ Predjama Castle and the historic Postojna Caves is a highlight.
Leave Slovenia behind and continue your journey to the Istrian
peninsula in Croatia, well-known for its olive-oil production and wineries.
Explore the city of Pula with a history dating back to the Roman Empire, before
exploring the local countryside around the small town of Bale. Istria is a
foodie-lovers paradise where rare and highly coveted truffles grow wild. Join a
truffle hunting excursion before indulging in a truffle themed lunch with
paired wines.
Then it’s onto Plitvice National Park renowned for its cascading waterfalls and terraced lakes and multiple varied hiking trails. Explore on your own or with an expert local guide.
Venture south to the
heart of the Dalmatian Coast and the city of Split - once a holiday home for
the Roman Emperor Diocletian, whose palace is a must-visit UNESCO-listed site. The
food here is some of the best you can enjoy in Europe with succulent seafood,
sun-blushed produce, and truffles featuring heavily on the menus.
From Split you can jump on a private boat to the island of Hvar which is best explored by bike (if you’re feeling energetic) or join a wine tasting tour and wander around the island’s famous lavender fields and olive farms.
The final stop on this epic journey through Central and South-Eastern Europe is Dubrovnik, ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic’. Here you can take the cable car up Srdj Hill for stunning views over the town and Elaphiti Islands. For the oyster lovers amongst you, we can arrange a visit to the oyster farm at Ston for a gastronomic lunch featuring oysters of course.
Stay at Villa Dubrovnik which has sublime views over the medieval walled town, Adriatic Sea, and Lokrum Island. This contemporary five-star retreat offers luxurious accommodation, exquisite service, first-class facilities, and speedboat transfers into the Old Town.
September is out
of school holidays but the weather makes it the perfect time of year to embark
on a European adventure combining history, nature, and culinary delights. Each
trip is entirely bespoke and tailored to your specific requirements. Get in touch with Belinda to start planning your European odyssey now.
Cappadocia Istanbul Montenegro Croatia Dubrovnik
Take in the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Enjoy a private boat ride around the Bosphorus
Laze on the pink-sand beaches of Montenegro
Wander the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik
Cruise to the island of Mljet - one of the most beautiful in the Adriatic
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