* Price shown: 11 Oct 2010 - London Gatwick
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Adriatic jewels
Discover delightful Croatia, and experience all the delights of a holiday by the warm Mediterranean in one of its most wonderfully unspoilt corners. All the comforts of a well-appointed hotel, modern resorts close to historic towns, and a stunning coastline fringing clear, blue waters all await - with the chance to join some fascinating optional excursions.
Single rooms are available for a supplement
Choose between two delightful resorts on the Adriatic coast.
Jutting out into the Gulf of Venice, Porec is a handsome sight. Its ancient promenade is backed by stout houses and cobbled streets, which surround its striking Venetian bell-tower. Along the main harbour jetty, fishing boats and larger day boats offer the attractions of a day at sea - perhaps even visiting Venice.
Rabac, set beneath the historic town of Labin, has attracted visitors since the mid-19th century, when travellers first discovered the beautiful location and the surrounding waters. Today, the resort is wholly dedicated to holiday pursuits from shopping and the pleasures of the beach to more energetic activities like tennis, mini-golf and hiking, often with tantalising views of Kvarner Bay and the Adriatic coast.
During your stay, you can choose to join a selection of great-value excursions to many places of interest.
On this optional excursion you'll see the very best of the Croatian province of Istria: remarkable Lim Fjord, a wooded gash in the coastline and - reputedly - a hideaway of the pirate Captain Morgan; Rovinj, rising Venice-like out of the water, her narrow streets leading ever upwards to the Baroque church of St Euphemia; and the provincial capital, Pula, famed for its vast Roman amphitheatre.
This excursion is a half-day for those staying in Rabac, and a full day for those staying in Porec.
Journey into neighbouring Slovenia on our final full-day optional excursion, to visit one of the world's most famous caves - the giant chasm at Postojna. Take the train some two miles underground, then tread the paths of this nether world of stalactites and stalagmites.
Later, you'll head to the famous stud farm at Lipica, where the white Lipizzaner horses of Vienna's Spanish Riding School are bred for their grace and beauty.
Once the private retreat of Yugoslav President Tito, the tiny island of Veil Brijuni, today's optional excursion destination, is now a National Park famous for its zoological gardens, stocked with animals originally given as gifts by visiting dignitaries. Tour the park by miniature train, and gain an insight into privileged life behind the Iron Curtain at the compelling 'Tito on Brijuni' exhibition.
On this afternoon excursion, you'll enjoy time 'on the water' as you board a boat skippered by a local fisherman and set off not only to explore the stunning beauty of the rugged coastline around the resort, but also to enjoy a taste of the day's catch as you stop to enjoy a delicious 'fish picnic'.
The stunning lakes of Plitvice National Park are justifiably Croatia's most visited natural attraction. Sixteen bodies of water, backed by breathtaking scenery, are linked by waterfalls and rapids, which tumble down the time-weathered terraces. Enjoy this wonderful optional excursion amid the beautiful scenery before returning to Porec this evening.
The order in which our optional excursions take place will differ from resort to resort.
As you might expect from countries lying between the Adriatic and the Alps, the local cuisine varies from seafood and Italian-influenced pastas to hearty meat-dishes. In the majority of hotels, you will enjoy on-the-spot 'show-cooking', as chefs prepare dishes in front of you. Don't miss any opportunity to try prsut, local home-cured ham.
The region's wines - especially those produced in Slovenia - are very pleasant, and several local breweries provide an endless supply of good beers.
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