- Escorted by an expert Botanical Guide and Cruise Director
- Privately chartered eight-night cruise aboard Lady Eleganza, with a maximum of 36 guests, and seven nights’ accommodation in centrally located four- to five-star hotels
- Return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage, port taxes, plus 37 meals and select beverages
- All sightseeing, shore excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Spend three nights in the beautiful lakes district of Italy, including visits to Isola Bella and Isola Madre
- Stay on beautiful Lake Bled and explore the wildflowers and dramatic landscapes of Slovenia
- Explore the gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi with your Botanical Guide, marvel at the Giardino Giusti Garden and Romeo and Juliet’s Verona
- Visit Krka National Park and the pristine islands of Croatia, including Hvar, Korčula, Mljet, Lokrum and Lopud
Gardens of the Italian Lakes, Slovenia and Croatia & Adriatic Coast Cruise
Trip Type: Coastal Cruise
Italy
|
16 Days
Starts From:
NZD 19,795.00 /Person
Join our exclusive charter of the Lady Eleganza, admire the prominent gardens and breathtaking scenery of the Italian Lakes District and the stunni...
Gardens of the Italian Lakes, Slovenia and Croatia & Adriatic Coast Cruise
Join our exclusive charter of the Lady Eleganza, admire the prominent gardens and breathtaking scenery of the Italian Lakes District and the stunning sights of Slovenia. Observe the contrast in styles between Italian and Croatian gardens and visit Krka National Park, which includes forests, lakes, and wetlands, all rich in biodiversity. See the fields of lavender on the island of Hvar and the ’Green Island’ of Mljet. See a mix of formal gardens and natural landscapes, which are both prevalent throughout our journey.
Depart the pre-tour hotel at 10.00am and enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Milan, before continuing to the magnificent Italian Lakes District. This magical region is graced with natural beauty and incredible diversity. Explore the serene beauty of Italy’s sparkling lakes, set within beautiful valleys. Dotted along the lakes are seasonal flowers set among the cypress, chestnut, sycamore and palm trees. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation
Two Nights, Stresa, Regina Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included
Lunch
Location
Stresa , Italy
Travel by ferry to Isola Bella, an exquisite island situated on the Borromean Gulf. The island is entirely occupied by its palace, and features one of the most celebrated privately owned Baroque gardens of Italy. The gardens form an extraordinary flowered monument, laid out over a series of ornate and overlapping terraces. Discover the many rare and exotic plants here, and spectacular blossom with marvelous colours and scents. Afterwards, visit 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.
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Location
Stresa , Italy
At Villa Carlotta, we see a succession of plants, staircases, ponds and fountains. Taking centre stage is the villa itself, which dates back to the 17th century. Afterwards, take a ferry to Bellagio, one of Italy’s most romantic towns. Often referred to as ‘The Jewel of Lake Como’, this picturesque town sits at the foot of the Italian Alps, which surround Lake Como. Explore the Villa Melzi Gardens, with its exotic trees, Egyptian sculptures and Roman statues, all adding to the garden’s romantic atmosphere.
Accommodation
Como, Hotel Palace in Lake View Rooms or similar
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch
Location
Stresa , Italy
Today we travel to Verona. The city was made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and still retains its old-fashioned charm. While here, we visit the beautiful garden of Giardino Giusti. The garden is maintained “all’antica”, adhering to stylistic principles of the ancient past. This committed preservation lends the garden a restrained and classic quality. Continue this afternoon to our hotel.
Accommodation
Verona, Hotel Due Torri or similar
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch
Location
Stresa , Italy
This morning, cross the border into Slovenia. From here, we make our way to the beautiful town of Bled, set upon the banks of a stunning turquoise lake. Take an afternoon tour of Bled, which includes visits to the castle and church on the idyllic Bled Island.
Accommodation
Two Nights, Bled, Grand Hotel Toplice or similar
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch
Location
Stresa , Italy
This morning, travel to Triglav National Park in Bohinj. Enjoy a cable car journey from Lake Bohinj to Vogel. From here you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the Bohinj Basin with Lake Bohinj. While here, catch sight of wildflowers and also admire the Julian Alps, including its highest peak, Triglav.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Location
Stresa , Italy
Depart Bled and journey through the scenic European countryside to Slovenia’s most visited botanic garden, Arboretum Volcji Potok. Join your Botanical Guide, as you see more than 3,000 roses here in bloom. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Slovenia’s charming capital, Ljubljana. You might choose to spend time in the botanical garden; visit the Museum of Modern Art (at own expense); or simply stroll the beautiful canal, which is lined with many cafes, restaurants and shops. This afternoon we continue to the town of Opatija, in Croatia, where we will board the Lady Eleganza, our home for the next eight nights.
Accommodation
Eight Nights, Lady Eleganza
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch
Location
Stresa , Italy
Cruise along the Adriatic coast from Opatija to Pag today. Here, we disembark for a tour of the Olive Groves of Lun. These olive trees were featured on Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens and are the oldest olive trees in the world, dating back approximately 2,000 years.
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Location
Stresa , Italy
This afternoon arrive in the city of Zadar. During a walking tour, we see the Sea Organ architectural sound-art piece; the Greeting to the Sun monument; and the Church and Monastery of St. Mary, where we see its permanent exhibition of religious art. The Benedictine nuns who lived here kept Zadar’s most precious relics safe for centuries. At this exhibition, you will see relics that range from the seventh to the 18th century. Visit the People’s Square, Zadar’s centre of urban life, as well as the Land Gate, once the main entrance to the city.
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Location
Stresa , Italy
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean. Arrive in Šibenik this afternoon for a visit to a local Mediterranean garden. From here, we set out for the sublime Krka National Park, famous for its waterfalls, including the spectacular multi-tiered Skradinski Buk falls. The park also has a wide variety of flora and fauna, with more than 800 species of plant life.
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Location
Stresa , Italy
Today, our vessel brings us to the island of Hvar. Visit the island’s lavender fields to learn about lavender culture and the oil production process from the creators of the best lavender essential oil in the world. Afterwards, explore the Old Town, with an opportunity to dine in one of its many restaurants this evening.
Meals Included
Breakfast,Dinner
Location
Stresa , Italy
Arrive on the nearby island of Korčula, reportedly the birthplace of Marco Polo. The island possesses medieval streets, elegant squares and its fair share of palaces. Another brief cruise delivers us to the island of Mljet, almost all of which is still draped in ancient Adriatic forest. Visit Mljet National Park and see the Great Lake and the Monastery of St Mary situated on a central islet. We moor overnight in Mljet.
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Location
Stresa , Italy
Returning to the mainland, we make our way to Trsteno Arboretum, the 15th-century Renaissance summer residence of the Gučetić-Gozze family. The garden here has been continually cultivated since that time, right up to the present day. We then travel to the historic town of Metković, a former Roman trading post, for lunch. Afterwards, board a wooden boat for a guided tour along the Delta River to Neretva. The Neretva Valley, once a swamp, is now one of Croatia’s important agricultural regions. The principal crop here is the Neretva tangerine, also known as the neretvanska mandarina.
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Location
Stresa , Italy
Arrive on the small island of Lokrum today and visit its botanical garden. The garden has around 800 species of plants, many of them collected from around the world in order to research their ability to adapt to Lokrum’s climate. This afternoon, arrive in Dubrovnik and enjoy a guided walk across this astonishing city. The many historic and cultural treasures here have earnt it the status of a World Heritage-listed site. See the Rector’s Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Dominican and Franciscan monasteries, and the Sponza Palace.
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Location
Stresa , Italy
Disembark the Lady Eleganza in Dubrovnik and travel by ferry across to Lopud Island. The island is free of cars, so we explore on foot. Visit the Lopud Franciscan Monastery*, which dates back to 1483. The buildings and garden here have undergone a 20-year restoration. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner back in Dubrovnik this evening.
Accommodation
Dubrovnik, Hilton Dubrovnik or similar
Meals Included
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Location
Stresa , Italy
Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for your onward flight.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Location
Stresa , Italy
- Exclusive charter of the MV Lady Eleganza for up to 36 guests. To view deck plans, visit www.botanica.travel/cruise-fleet
- Our experience of gardens, their flora, and other aspects of nature, is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which may vary
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- *The Lopud Franciscan Monastery is subject to confirmation
- Fitness Rating: Medium - involves walking on uneven surfaces and stairs, and being able to stand for up to one hour, while keeping up with the pace of the group
Provided by
APT
Reference Code:
BTILC16
BTILC16
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Milan, Italy
Milan, Italy
Trip Finishes:
Italy
Italy
Countries Visited:
Italy
Italy
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Destination Details
Italy
|
16 Days
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