Train Type:  First-Class

The Tour
A voyage of discovery into this magical region beyond the shores of Italy. Our grand tour includes the heritage Bohinj Railway, serene Lake Bled, the pretty Slovenian capital Ljubljana, leafy historic Zagreb, the seaside city of Split and wonderful Dubrovnik.

The Itinerary
Day 1: London to Nuremberg
Meet your tour manager and fellow travelers at London’s St. Pancras train station this morning. Board the Eurostar to Brussels, enjoying a complimentary meal and drinks served at seat (Leisure Select Class). Continue by Thalys to Cologne, where we change trains for Nuremberg. Here we stay for two nights at the four-star Maritim Hotel, situated close to the historic Old Town. (E,D)

Day 2: Nuremberg
A morning guided walking tour of Nuremberg’s picturesque Old Town is followed by free time to explore the city at your leisure. Attractive sights include the Imperial Castle, towering over the quaint half-timbered houses and Gothic churches surrounding it, and the lively market square Hauptmarkt, dominated by the beautiful Church Frauenkirche and the Gothic fountain Schöner Brunnen. Check out the city's extensive tram system. Or visit the German Railway Museum, the country 's oldest railway museum. It includes some 40 historic rail vehicles, among them the legendary "Adler" steam locomotive. (B)

Day 3: Nuremberg to Lake Bled
We depart Nuremberg after breakfast, heading south through Bavaria into Austria through beautiful scenery towards the Slovenian border. On arrival at Lesce Bled station we make the short transfer to our hotel for four nights, the Grand Hotel Toplice, a five-star hotel on the shores of tranquil Lake Bled. (B,D)

Day 4: Bohinj Railway
Today we step back in time on the “Oldtimer” steam-hauled locomotive. Passing along part of the historic Transalpina route, through the impressive Julian Alps and Triglav National Park, we travel down the Soca and Sava river valleys. Our journey then continues by coach to the wine-growing region of Goriska Brda, where we enjoy lunch before making the return trip back to Bled. (B,L)

Day 5: Lake Bled
Today is at leisure to relax in our wonderful lakeside hotel or explore the area at your own pace. (B)

Day 6: Ljubljana and Postojna Caves
We travel to Slovenia’s impressive capital city, Ljubljana, on the peaceful banks of the Ljubljanica River, dominated by an imposing castle. After a guided tour, we head south by coach to the fascinating Postojna Caves, entering the labyrinth of caverns on a small electric railway before enjoying a walk through the larger caverns past magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. (B,D)

Day 7: Bled to Zagreb
Our lunchtime train crosses the lush undulating scenery of Slovenia on its journey to the Croatian border and our next destination, vibrant Zagreb. Our hotel for two nights in Croatia’s capital city is the glamorous Hotel Esplanade, one of Zagreb’s best loved landmarks. Built in 1925 to serve passengers from the Orient Express, this five-star hotel is surrounded by Zagreb’s “green horseshoe,” an area of lush parkland within the city center. (B,D)

Day 8: Zagreb
A guided tour of charming Zagreb introduces sights such as the 14th-century Gothic St. Mark’s Church, with its distinctive roof tiles, the medieval Upper Town and Kaptol, an urban complex of churches, palaces, museums, galleries and government buildings. The afternoon is free to explore further as you wish. Hop aboard one of the city's many trams for great people- and tram-watching. (B)

Day 9: Zagreb to Split
We depart from Zagreb, through the stunning scenery of the mountainous Lika region, on our way to the ancient Roman city of Split on the Dalmatian Coast. Here we stay at the five-star Hotel Atrium for two nights, situated within easy reach of the Old Town and waterfront. (B,D)

Day 10: Split
This morning, a tour of Split covers the city’s masterpiece, the Diocletian Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site built originally for the Roman Emperor at the turn of the 4th century. In the afternoon you can discover more of this intriguing city at leisure and take in the distinctly Adriatic atmosphere. (B)

Day 11: Split to Dubrovnik
We have an early departure by ferry today, traveling along a picturesque route through the Dalmatian islands and arriving in fascinating Dubrovnik in the afternoon. Here we spend two nights at the Hotel Neptun. (B,D)

Day 12: Dubrovnik
Today’s sightseeing tour explores this breathtakingly beautiful Renaissance port and “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Visit the stunning old city, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy a panoramic tour to view this unique destination. Take a walk along the city walls for a different perspective, or have a stroll by the small harbor, complete with boats bobbing in the breeze. (B,D)

Day 13: Return to London
We transfer to Dubrovnik airport for the flight back to London, arriving early evening.  (B)

2011 Dates:
May 26-June 7
June 9-21
June 16-28
June 23-July 5
Sept. 1-13
Sept. 29-Oct. 11

The Prices

Other:
May 26 & September 29 departures are less £50 per person.

Tour priced in British pounds. For approximate exchange rates, visit http://www.xe.com.

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