Enjoy stunning Italian lakes and gardens combined with the natural beauty of Croatia and its wildflowers with Botanica World Discoveries.
Day 1. Fri. Arrive Milan, Italian Lakes
Travel from Milan to your accommodation at Stresa. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight.
Day 2 Sat. Isola Bella, Isola Madre Gardens
Take a ferry to Isola Bella, one of the most extraordinary Baroque gardens of Italy with wonderful views of Lake Como. Head to Isola Madre, set in 20 acres on the largest of the Borromean Isles. Transformed in the early 19th century, this fashionable English-style park is a direct contrast to Isola Bella. Next, visit Lake Orta and Orta San Giulio, taking in the town hall with its frescoed facade.
Day 3 Sun. Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello Gardens
At Villa Carlotta, see a range of plants, parterres, stairways, ponds and fountains. This afternoon, explore Villa Balbianello Gardens on the western shore of Lake Como. This garden is a magnet for poets and artists and offers a symphony of tranquil walks and lake vistas.
Day 4 Mon. Verona, Giardini Giusti
Journey via Lake Garda to the romantic city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Visit sites associated with this famous play and “Giardini Giusti,” with its maze and terraces with sweeping views of Verona.
Day 5 Tue. Verona, Venice
Journey to Venice and spend a free afternoon exploring this magical city. Wander through the canals at leisure, take a gondola ride, explore St Marks Square or shop for typically Venetian treasures.
Day 6 Wed. Venice, Opatija
Enjoy the scenic European countryside as you journey through Slovenia to Croatia. Arrive in the resort town of Opatija on the Bay of Kvarner.
Day 7 Thu. Plitvice Lakes, Zadar
Today skirt the beautiful Croatian coastline and enjoy a scenic drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a World Heritage-listed site. Admire the breathtaking scenery of sixteen terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls surrounded by dense mountains and lush vegetation. Nature’s garden at its best. Then continue to Zadar, one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic coast, and explore the ruins of the Roman forum.
Day 8 Fri. Split
Travel south to the medieval city of Trogir, an artistic centre where scholars from around the world gather to study and paint. Continue to the coastal town of Split.
Day 9 Sat. Split, Dubrovnik
Continue along the Croatian coast with views of the Adriatic sea. Pass through quaint fishing villages and towns towards Dubrovnik. At Trsteno, visit the Villa Gucetic woodland garden and the Trsteno Arboretum, a typical Renaissance garden dating back to the 15th century.
Day 10 Sun. Dubrovnik
Take a sightseeing tour through the recently restored walled city, taking in the local colour and flavour of this ancient city. Then cruise to Lokrum Island, where it is believed Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked in 1192. Enjoy time at leisure to perhaps visit the beautiful botanical gardens and admire the views of Dubrovnik.
Day 11 Mon. Montenegro, Kotor
Explore Montenegro with a scenic drive along one of the prettiest fjords in southern Europe. See the townships of Risan, Cetinje and the beautiful walled city of Kotor, before returning to Dubrovnik for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 12 Tue. Depart Dubrovnik
Your tour concludes today after breakfast.
