THE SECRET GARDENS AND PARKS OF CROATIA

Price from £2000 - £2500pp

(Low Season)

Duration: 7 nights

Prices include: Flights Transfers Breakfast

Aerial view of the old town of Krk in Croatia, cathedral tower and marina in background

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Holiday At A Glance

Dates 4-11 October 2025
7 nights ( 8 days)
Includes return flights from Stansted ( including cabin bags and reserved seats- hold bag available at a supplement)
Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with an experienced driver
Services of experienced tour manager.
All entrances to gardens and attractions including boat travel (Kosljun Island and Brijuni Islands National Park)
Accommodation in four-star hotels in Opatija and in Pula on a breakfast and dinner basis
Daily breakfast and 7 evening dinner
Sightseeing with local guides and with Julia Berg - Opatija, Brijuni National Park, Krk island including Krk Town and Kosljun, Pula. Rovinj,
3 nights in Opatija with half day of free time, 4 nights in Pula with one day of free time

Embark on an expertly escorted small group journey, step off the beaten path and into the enchanting parks and gardens of the Northern Adriatic. Designed and led by Julia Berg, this unique tour is not to be missed!

Croatia is a destination that has captivated travellers for years, with most visitors gravitating toward the sun-soaked Dalmatian coast in the south. However, the Northern Adriatic region holds a unique charm often overlooked—a haven of lush gardens and serene parks that reflect a rich history of European aristocratic influence. This area became a favoured retreat for nobility, who brought with them a passion for landscaping and horticulture, leaving behind a legacy of breathtaking green spaces for us to explore today.

Our exclusive tour, The Secret Gardens and Parks of Croatia, invites you to discover this enchanting side of the country, one that feels worlds away from the usual tourist trails. The tour has been expertly crafted by Julia Berg, the UK's leading expert on Croatia, who brings over 25 years of experience in guiding and designing immersive travel experiences. Julia’s deep knowledge and passion for Croatia have shaped a one-of-a-kind itinerary that offers unparalleled access to the region’s hidden gems. From exquisite aristocratic gardens to tranquil seaside parks, every stop on this journey is infused with history, natural beauty, and Julia’s unique insights.

With Julia as your tour manager, you’ll not only benefit from her extensive expertise but also enjoy her personal touch. She is eager to assist with suggestions during your free time and is available to discuss the tour in detail with anyone interested. While the tour involves some leisurely walking of up to two hours on certain days, the pace is designed to allow you to savour each site without feeling rushed. There is also ample time to relax and soak in the region’s serene ambience, ensuring a balanced and enriching experience.

Join us for this unforgettable journey into Croatia’s hidden heart, where gardens whisper stories of a bygone era, and parks offer peaceful havens far from the bustling crowds. This is more than a tour—it’s an invitation to see Croatia in a completely new light, guided by one of the foremost experts in the field.

This escorted tour with 15-19 travellers takes you through Croatia’s Istrian peninsula and Kvarner Gulf, where you'll explore Opatija’s elegance, Pula’s Roman heritage, the charming streets of Rovinj, the serene Brijuni Islands, and the captivating island of Krk. This carefully curated journey blends cultural discovery, breathtaking landscapes, and Julia's guided expertise for an inspiring travel experience.

Dates: 4-11 October 2025

Price: £2220pp based on Single occupancy £1995pp double occupancy

Day 1

Fly from Stansted at 1:05 PM, arriving in Pula at 4:20 PM. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to the Grand Hotel Adriatic in Opatija, where you will be welcomed with a lovely dinner.

Day 2

Depart the hotel at 9:30 AM to meet the local guide for sightseeing in Opatija, with a focus on Angiolina Park and Sv. Jakov Park. At noon, enjoy a coffee break (at your own expense). At 1:00 PM, choose between a walk to the American Gardens or return to the hotel. The guided tour concludes between 2:30 and 3:00 PM. Spend the afternoon leisurely or join a walk with your guide Julia. Dinner will be at the hotel.

Day 3

Depart at 8:30 AM by coach with a local guide for a day of exploration. Begin with sightseeing in Krk Town, including the time for coffee at your own expense. Continue to Punat for a boat ride to Košljun, where you will visit the monastery and its beautiful gardens during a 1.5-hour stay. Next, head to Omišalj to visit the Immortelle Farm for approximately 1 hour. Return to Opatija late afternoon, arriving between 4:00 and 5:00 PM. Dinner will be at the hotel.

Day 4

Check out and depart by coach at 9:00 AM for Fažana. Take the 11:30 AM boat to Brijuni for an independent visit (no local guide). If needed, guide Julia can collect tickets from the National Park office. Return on the 4:00 PM boat from Veliki Brijun and meet the coach in Fažana at 4:30 PM near the ramp at the end of the street. Transfer to the hotel in Pula for check-in, followed by dinner at the hotel.

Day 5

Depart at 9:00 AM by coach for a morning tour of Pula with a local guide, exploring the Roman Arena, Forum, and Arch of the Sergii. The guided tour will conclude around 1:00 PM. Guests can choose to return to the hotel by coach or enjoy free time in Pula at their own pace. Julia will provide information on buses and taxis for those returning later. Dinner will be at the hotel.

Day 6

Depart at 9:00 AM by coach for Rovinj, with a brief stop at Lim Kanal for a panoramic view. No local guide is required, as Julia will provide commentary during the journey. Spend 2 hours exploring Rovinj before departing at 12:30 PM for the Histria Aromatica farm estate in Bale, located just 20 minutes away. Enjoy 1.5 hours at the estate, with free entrance included, before heading back to the hotel. The return drive takes approximately 35 minutes, with an expected arrival between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 7

Free day with no coach required. Julia will provide suggestions the day before and will also try to secure discounts at the Park Plaza Histria spa in advance. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 8

A late check-out until 1:30 PM will be arranged. Leave the hotel at 2:30 PM to reach Pula Airport for the flight departing at 5:05 PM and arriving at Stansted at 6:20 PM.

Included services:

- Transfers with a minibus for 15-19 persons as per itinerary

- Local Guide for: Opatija tour; Krk tour; Pula tour

- Entrances to: Franciscan Monastery Košljun with boat transfer; Immortelle Farm; National Park Brijuni with boat transfer; Amphitheater in Pula.

Your Hotels

Grand Hotel Adriatic, Opatija

Nestled in the heart of Opatija, the Grand Hotel Adriatic offers a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort. Overlooking the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea, this hotel boasts stunning views and easy access to the famous Opatija Riviera promenade. Guests can enjoy spacious and stylishly furnished rooms, many with private balconies to soak in the scenic vistas.

The Grand Hotel Adriatic is also renowned for its luxurious spa facilities, including a rooftop wellness centre that offers panoramic sea views, a heated indoor pool, and a range of rejuvenating treatments. Dining here is a treat, with a selection of restaurants serving both local specialities and international cuisine. Whether you're enjoying an alfresco meal on the terrace or sipping a cocktail at the elegant bar, every moment feels indulgent. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring Opatija’s beautiful parks, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene.

Park Plaza Histria, Pula

Located on the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula, the Park Plaza Histria in Pula combines contemporary luxury with breathtaking natural surroundings. Perched on the waterfront, this hotel is an excellent base for discovering the rich history and stunning coastal landscapes of the region. The spacious, modern rooms are designed with comfort in mind, many offering balconies with views of the sparkling Adriatic or the hotel’s lush gardens.

Guests at the Park Plaza Histria can indulge in a wide array of amenities, including outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a spa with wellness treatments, and several on-site restaurants that showcase fresh, local flavours. The hotel is also a short drive from Pula’s iconic Roman amphitheatre and vibrant city centre, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying water sports, or strolling along the marina, the Park Plaza Histria ensures a memorable stay in one of Croatia’s most beautiful regions.