Day 1, Piran / Portoroz, Slovenia
You'll be met in Venice, Italy (or Ljubljana, Slovenia) and transferred by a scenic drive past Trieste and along the coast to the predestrianized, artist village of Piran on the Adriatic coast still surrounded by 7-12th century walls. Enjoy a walking tour with small apertif. On to Portoroz (Port of Roses), Slovenia for check-in your seaview hotel (10 min drive). Free time to enjoy the activities and scenery of the resort. This evening you'll stroll with your local host to a favorite waterfront, restaurant for a sumptuous dinner with wine. On the way back to the hotel you may wish to try your luck at the casino that is within walking or taxi distance of your hotel, (bring your passport necessary for the casino entrance) or return directly to the hotel. Overnight Portoroz. (D,O)

Day 2, Opatija - Motovun - Groznjan, Croatia
Breakfast at your hotel is followed by a full day tour in the Istra region, visting the royalty vacation beach resort of Opatija and the quaint stone villages of Motovun and Groznjan where many artists live and perform their crafts. Included is delightful farm lunch in a specialty truffles restaurant of the area with a scenic panoramic overlook. Return to Porotroz for overnight. (B,L,O)

Day 3, Portoroz, Slovenia (optional Postojna and Lipica Tour)
Breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing free day to swim in the clear, cool Adriatic or sun at the hotel pool. Many spa services are also offered by the hotel (advance reservations recommended). There are also many artisan kiosks and shops along the promenade where you can purchase beautiful gifts or souvenirs. Overnight Portoroz.(B,O)
(Optional tour available: Postojna and Lipica - the tour begins in Postojna, home of the largest caves in Europe. You'll tour the fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train followed by a snack lunch. On to picturesque village of Lipica, where for more than 400 years have bred the aristocratic Lipizzaner horses.Included is the show-program featuring the star lipizzaner studs. $179 per person/4 minimum)

Day 4, Pula / Rovinj, Croatia
Breakfast at your hotel. Your full day tour will begin in Pula, the capital of Istria. A walking tour through the old city includes visits to the Hercules Gate, the majestic Portico and its six Corinthian columns embedded in the Temple of Rome. The impressive Arenas, still used for major events in the city, stands majestically near the sea. It is one of the six major Roman amphitheaters still standing. Then its on to Rovinj, with centuries-old red-roofed houses clustered around the hill of a former island, crowned by the monumental baroque church, which has a typical Venetian bell tower. Throughout the summer, the winding cobbled streets are crowded with vacationers from all reaches of Europe. Lunch is included during the tour. Return for overnight Portoroz.(B,O)

Day 5, Ljubljana - Bled, Slovenia
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, surrounded by the Julian Alps. You'll have a some free time after a walking tour of the colorful old town with its Baroque Town Hall, the three-bridges and charming open-air market. Afterward you'll head into the mountains to the charming pristine village of Lake Bled, often mentioned as the pearl of the Alpine region, you'll understand why when you visit its emerald-green lake, the church on the island in the middle of the lake and photograph the medieval 11th-century castle perched high on a cliff above the lake. Late afternoon returning to Portoroz for overnight. (B,O)

Day 6, Portoroz, Slovenia (optional Wine Country Tour)
Breakfast at your hotel. Day of leisure. Overnight Portoroz. (B,O)
(Optional tour available: Wine Country to Vrsic Pass, (5,252 ft) to the valley of the Soca River, one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. You will pass the sites of great World War I battles along the green mountain valley to the vineyards in the Brda hill. You’ll enjoy wine tasting and lunch in Goriska Brda on “The Wine Road” where wonderful vistas of hills, churches, countless vineyards, and orchards assault your senses. Included are wine tastings and lunch. $179 per person/4 minimum)

Day 7, Portoroz, Slovenia
Breakfast at your hotel. Day of leisure. A great day to take advantage of the many optional spa activities available in your hotel complex. Advanced reservations suggested. Tonight you'll indulge in a gala farewell dinner as you regretfully bid farewell to the charms of Slovenia and Croatia. Overnight Portoroz. (B,D,O)

Day 8, Depart Slovenia
Early morning departure to the airport in time for your departing flight from either Venice or Ljubljana. (B)

Key: B=Breakfast; S=Snack; L=Lunch; D=Dinner; O=Overnight