Croatia Holidays:
Istria + Kvarner Gulf - Brijuni Islands & Risnjak Park
Our tailor-made Croatia holidays include the heart-shaped Istria Peninsula on the northern coast, across the Adriatic from Italy. It is so beautiful that it is used for film locations, with stunning pebble beaches, olive groves, vineyards & medieval hilltop villages.
The islands of the Kvarner Gulf are within reach, as well as the Brijuni Islands & the wildlife of Risnjak Park. Venice is a easy day trip, as it is only 2 hours away, and if you hire a car you can visit Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Price: from £795 per person sharing
No. nights: 7
Deposit: £150 pp
Best Time to Go: April – October
Reference Code: PCR5
SAMPLE ITINERARY
The heart-shaped Istrian Peninsula on the northern Croatian coast, across the Adriatic from Italy, is so beautiful that it is used for film locations. Located at the head of the Adriatic Sea, between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf, it is shared by three countries: Croatia, Slovenia and Italy.
With stunning pebble beaches, olive groves, rolling valleys, vineyards & medieval hilltop villages, it offers an ideal getaway. The beautiful Brijuni Islands, Risnjak National Park (home to brown bear and lynx) & the islands of the Kvarner Gulf are all within easy reach, as well as Venice which is a 2 hour day trip away. You can choose between Porec, Rovinj or Pula on the Istrian Riviera; historic Opatija, or the island towns of Rab or Mali Losinj in the Kvarner Gulf.
Istria has a great programme of festivals, many relating to food & wine (especially truffles). Events featuring theatre, music & dance take place all over the region, including some inside Pula’s famous Roman amphitheatre and the Porec Street Life Festival (June to September) is one of the largest in Croatia. The restaurants here are excellent, some with Michelin stars. There are also two golf courses in the region, riding stables where you can swim with your horse in the sea & many outdoor mountain biking trails.
The Kvarner Gulf has fabulous hidden coves on its islands, which include two of Croatia’s largest islands, Krk and Cres, whilst Rab Town (located on Rab Island and reached by ferry) resembles Dubrovnik in miniature. Mali Lošinj is another lovely island town, with a beautiful waterfront & wonderful coastal walks. Sophisticated and historic Opatija offers a programme of open-air theatre from May to October and its Lungomare pedestrianised seaside promenade is the longest in Croatia, passing through the city and hugging the coastline for 7.5 miles.
If you hire a car you will have the freedom to explore further afield, including exploring stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park.
PRICING
Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis & flights from London, with regional departures on request. Transfers can be arranged from Pula airport (around 1 hour, depending on the location of your hotel) or Trieste airport in Italy (around 1.5 hours). Car hire can also be arranged on request.
We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.
It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence, if you intend to hire a car. The AA and FCO should also be consulted.