OPATIJA In year 1844, Iginio Scarpa, a wealthy citizen of Rijeka, built the Villa Angiolina in the center of a park. This was the beginning of tourism in Opatija, a meeting-place of European mondane society of the 19th century: Wilhelm II, Franz Josef, Gustav Mahler, Isidora Duncan…
Protected from the north winds by the mountain Ucka, the entire Opatija Riviera is full of lush evergreen Mediterranean vegetation.
PROGRAMME:
1st day:
Arrival in hotel, welcome-drink and dinner.
2nd day:
Breakfast followed by sightseeing of Opatija. A nice walk across the main park, along the sea promenade “lungo mare” and lovely Austro-Hungarian villas. After the walk we continue by bus along the rivirea towards Moscenice. The small medieval town of Moscenice(approx. 100 inhabitants) is a ‘must see’ for all groups staying in Opatija. During the visit you will meet the city mayor who will personally take you through this enchanting old town. Lovely little alleys, a taste of typical grappa, visit to the town’s museum with an authentic olive press – and all this mixed with a lot of humor from the mayor himself.
3rd day:
Whole-day Krk Tour. Sightseeing of Krk, the main town of the island. The drive continues to Punat. Boat drive to small island of Košljun, situated in the bay of Punat going deeply inland. Sightseeing of the Franciscan monastery and museum with expert guide. The following place to visit is Vrbnik, a town high on a cliff above the sea, well known for its golden Zlahtina wine. In Vrbnik you will have a chance to taste wine, with home-made smoked ham and sheep cheese. In the evening return to hotel.
4th day:
Whole-day Istra Tour. Pula, the 3000-year-old city with its famous amphitheatre. Today it is the cultural and economic centre of Istra. From Pula the road will take you to Rovinj, the most picturesque town of Istra. Lunch in a typical Istrian country restaurant. If enough time, also visit of Porec and the famous Euprasiana Basilica. Return to the hotel in the evening.
5th day:
Plitvice lakes The most beautiful and the oldest national park in Croatia and UNESCO protection – consists of 16 lakes connected via waterfalls. The park is visited mostly on foot – however the entrance includes a boat ride across the Emerald Green Lake “Kozjak” and a train ride back to the main entrance. The visit of the park grounds takes approx. 2,5 – 3 hours.
6th day:
Opportunity for a ship excursion along the Opatija Riviera. During the 3 hours drive the visitors have the chance to see the beauty of the Opatija Riviera from the seaside. Free afternoon.
7th day:
Free– we recommend a walk along the coast-promenade to Volosko, a fishing village 3 km away, and to the famous “Claudio Frank” gallery.
8th day:
After breakfast transfer to Pula airport.
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