Slovenia, Croatia and the Adriatic by Rail

Discuss this breathtaking adventure with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182

Day 1
Travel from St Pancras International to Brussels by Eurostar, with onward train connections to Cologne and Nuremberg. We will be staying at the 4-star Maritim Hotel in Nuremburg, conveniently located at the heart of the historic Old Town.

Day 2
The morning will be spent on a guided walking tour of Nuremberg's quaint Old Town, followed by free time to discover the many sights including the Imperial Castle and Gothic churches surrounding it, and the bustling market square Hauptmarkt.

Day 3
After breakfast we will head southwards through Bavaria, into Austria through breathtaking scenery and reach the charming town of Bled in Slovenia. Accommodation is the Grand Hotel Toplice, a 5-star hotel on the shores of tranquil Lake Bled.

Days 4-5
Taking a trip back in time, we will boad the 'Oldtimer' steam-hauled locomotive, travelling along part of the historic Transalpina route, through the stunning Julian Alps, the Soca and Sava river valleys. Enjoy lunch in the wine-growing region of Goriska Brda, and once back in Bled, enjoy day 5 relaxing at the wonderful hotel.

Day 6
After a guided tour of Slovenia's impressive capital city, Ljubljana, dominated by an imposing castle, we head south by coach to the delightful Postojna Caves, entering the labyrinth of caverns on a small electric railway.

Day 7
Our lunchtime train passes the pleasant verdant scenery of Slovenia on the way to our next destination, lively Zagreb. Accommodation for two nights is the glamorous Hotel Esplanade surrounded by Zagreb's 'green horseshoe', an area of beautiful parkland within the city centre.

Day 8
Visit wonderful sights on a guided tour of leafy Zagreb including the 14th century Gothic St Mark's Church, the medieval Upper Town and Kaptol, an urban area of churches, palaces, museums, galleries and government buildings.

Day 9
Leaving Zagreb, we pass through the stunning mountainous region of Lika, reaching the historic Roman city of Split on the Dalmatian coast. Accommodation is the 5-star Hotel Atrium for two nights, within close distance of the Old Town and waterfront.

Day 10
A guided tour of Split takes in the Diocletian Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site built originally for the Roman Emperor, followed by free time to enjoy the typical Adriatic atmosphere.

Day 11
Travel by early morning ferry through the stunning Dalmatian islands and arrive in Dubrovnik in the afternoon. Accommodation is at the Hotel Neptun for two nights.

Days 12-13
A guided tour of the gorgeous Renaissance port and 'Pearl of the Adriatic', followed by a visit to the old city, another UNESCO World Heritage site. On Day 13 transfer to Dubrovnik airport for the flight back to London, or alternatively take the ferry and train back to London via Italy.

Discuss this breathtaking adventure with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182.

More about the trains 

 Eurostar: The high speed Eurostar trains link St Pancras International in London with Paris, Lille and Brussels. In your dedicated Standard Premier (the highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers) carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

Where you’ll stay

Hotel Neptun, Dubrovnik: In Dubrovnik, our base is the 3-star Hotel Neptun at the Importanne Resort, where the well-appointed rooms have balconies, many with a view of the sea. Hotel facilities include two swimming pools, a restaurant, massage room, beach bar and sauna. Rooms are equipped with minibar, television, telephone and safe.

Grand Hotel Toplice, Lake Bled: On Lake Bled, the 5-star Grand Hotel Toplice has unrivalled lakeside vistas from its pleasant lounges, leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, wellness centre, its own lido and even its own rowing boats for trips out onto the lake. Other facilities include two bars and two restaurants. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, minibar, safe, television, telephone and hairdryer. Winner of the Great Rail Journeys' Bronze Award in the 'Best Hotel' category in 2010

Maritim Hotel, Nuremberg: In close proximity to the picturesque old town, we enjoy elegant surroundings at the 4-star Maritim Hotel in Nuremberg, close to the railway station and only a short walk to the National Museum. The hotel boasts health and fitness facilities, swimming pool, restaurant and piano bar. Guest rooms include minibar, television, telephone, air conditioning, hairdryer and safe. Winner of the Great Rail Journeys' Gold Award for outstanding customer service in 2009 and the Gold Award for Best German Hotel in 2010.

Hotel President, Split: Our 4-star hotel in Split is the Hotel President, situated within easy reach of the Old Town. Facilities include a restaurant and bar, an excellent fitness room in addition to a pool, jacuzzi, massage rooms and wellness centre. All rooms are air-conditioned, and feature a telephone, television, safe, hairdryer and minibar.

Hotel Kolovare, Zadar: The 4-star Hotel Kolovare in Zadar is located on the beachfront, close to all of the main sights. It boasts facilities including a restaurant, bar and wine boutique. The modern rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, and feature satellite television, a telephone, safe, minibar, hairdryer and balcony.

Regent Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb: This Art Nouveau hotel has been welcoming distinguished and famous visitors since its opening in 1925. Hotel facilities include health fitness centre, massages, beauty treatments, sauna and steam room, a cocktail lounge, and two restaurants. Rooms include television, telephone, air conditioning, minibar, hairdryer and safe.Winner of the Great Rail Journeys' Silver Award for its excellent customer service