Central Europe Hidden Gems

THURSDAY 25 MARCH

Meet your tour leader at 0345hrs in time for check-in for your flight to Zagreb. Upon arrival, continue to Bohinj, home to Slovenia’s largest natural lake. Later, proceed to Bled, known as the ‘Pearl of the Slovenian Alps’. Here you may opt for a traditional Pletna boat ride (extra) to Bled Island, with time to visit the Church of the Assumption and ring the wishing bell (against a donation). Enjoy a walking tour of Bled before checking in at your hotel before dinner.

FRIDAY 26 MARCH

After buffet breakfast, visit Laghi di Fusine, a pair of glacial lakes nestled amidst the Julian Alps. Later, proceed to Kranjska Gora, an alpine village close to the borders of Slovenia, Italy and Austria. Join your tour leader for an orientation walk, followed by time for personal sightseeing. Continue to Lake Jasna, two interconnected artificial lakes along the road to the Vršič Pass, before returning to your hotel.

SATURDAY 27 MARCH

After breakfast, travel to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. Join your tour leader for a walking tour, discover its picturesque squares, historic streets and riverside landmarks. You may then opt for a panoramic river cruise (extra), before continuing to BTC City, one of Ljubljana’s largest shopping and leisure complexes, before returning to your hotel for dinner.

SUNDAY 28 MARCH

Soon after breakfast, travel to Kamnik, a charming medieval town at the foot of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. Join your tour leader to discover its historic centre, where rich heritage meets beautiful natural surroundings. In the afternoon, continue to Velika Planina, a spectacular high-altitude karst plateau renowned for panoramic views and traditional shepherds’ huts. Later take the cable car (included) to around 1,500 metres and explore the plateau before returning to your hotel for dinner.

MONDAY 29 MARCH

After breakfast and check-out, proceed to Rogla Mountain.  Join your fellow travellers and experience the Treetop Walk (included), a spectacular 1km wooden pathway through the Pohorje forests. Continue to Moravske Toplice and check in at your thermal spa hotel. Join your tour leader for a short orientation walk before relaxing in the thermal pools. Dinner follows.

TUESDAY 30 MARCH

After buffet breakfast, visit a typical pumpkin seed oil farm, where you can discover the traditional production process and taste and purchase local produce. Later, drive towards Lake Balaton before Tihany, a charming jewel of the Balaton Highlands. Stroll through town, browse lavender-inspired souvenirs, natural beauty products and local delicacies Later board a ferryboat (included) for a short crossing along Lake Balaton towards Szantod before returning to your hotel for dinner.

WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH

After breakfast, visit Lake Soboško before continuing to Bukovniško Jezero, situated within the Goričko Landscape Park. Enjoy a relaxing forest walk to the lake. In the afternoon, visit Lendava, where you may opt for a Wine House tour (extra), including a tasting of five fine wines accompanied by homemade cold cuts from the family farm. Conclude with the traditional Grandma’s Retasi, a delicious filo pastry strudel before returning to your hotel to relax in the thermal pools before dinner.

THURSDAY 01 APRIL

After breakfast and check-out, travel to the medieval town of Ptuj. Join your tour leader for a walk through the historic centre, passing ancient Roman monuments and magnificent medieval façades. Later, cross into Croatia and visit Varaždin, situated along the Drava River. Explore this beautiful historic town before your evening transfer to Zagreb Airport for your return flight to Malta, departing at 2245hrs.