Undiscovered Mediterranean

Explore the history and natural beauty of the hidden gems of the Mediterranean.

Wine

Taste wines from the new frontiers of European winemaking: Italian Carso, Slovenian Brda and Croatian Istria

Cuisine

Sample the best regional cuisine of the northern Adriatic coast enjoying traditional local recipes and fine gourmet fare.

History

Travel to a  region  rich in history, former territories of the Venetian Republic and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Nature

Delight in  the  colors of nature – the blue Adriatic sea and the rivers and lakes of Slovenia; the green regions of Carso and Istria;  the dazzling white Carso rocks and the red iron-rich soil.

Active

Regenerate the mind and body as we hike through the beautiful countryside, passing through charming villages as we go.

Relax

Your bilingual Sommelier (wine expert) guide and  private chauffeur will lead you throughout the tour of the Undiscovered Gems of the Mediterranean, sharing history and culinary traditions, taking care of logistics and arranging every detail to make sure you experience all the best the area has to offer.

Itinerary:

Day 1
Arrival & Trieste

Arrive at the airport in Trieste where you will meet your guide and driver. Transfer via private car/van to luxury accommodations in Trieste followed by free time to relax and settle in. In the evening we will toast your arrival with a “welcome to the Adriatic” guided wine tasting of excellent local wines. Enjoy a delicious gouremt dinner paired with rare local wines followed by our “Trieste by Night” tour of the historic city center.

Day 2
Castles & Wine

In the morning  visit Miramare castle, the romantic setting of the legendarty love story between the Archduke Massimiliano d’Asburgo and Carlotta del Belgio. Enjoy a casual lunch of traditional local cuisine before heading out to walk along the panoramic Rilke path on your way to visit Duino castle owned by the Royal family Thurn und Taxis. Return to Trieste and free time. In the evening,  enjoy a gourmet dinner at a popular restaurant and sample more fine local wines followed by a walk along the sea.

Day 3

Carso & Slovenia Wine tour

In the morning depart for the breathtaking Slovenian wine country, stopping en route to tour beautiful Carso wineries to sample some of the famous local wines. Enjoy lunch at a typical “agriturismo”. In the afternoon, check in to a charming inn and have free time to relax and settle in. In the evening experience an incredible Gourmet Fusion Dinner served with local Slovenian wines.

Day 4
Soca River Valley Hike & Wine

In the morning  hike along the trails surrounding Kobarid village and discover the beauty of the Soca River Valley followed by a lunch at a local Gostilna (Trattoria). In the afternoon discover the Brda wine area, one of the new frontiers of European winemaking, to visit some of the most important Slovenean wineries and enjoy  dinner at the local Enoteca where you will learn more about Brda wines.

Day 5
Kranjska Gora & Bled – the Alpine area

In the morning depart for Istria, Croatia, driving through the beautiful mountain scenery of the Vrsic pass and stopping to visit the popular Slovenian mountain resort of Kransjka Gora. Enjoy a traditional Slovenian lunch followed by a walking tour around the alpine lake of Bled, with a visit to Bled castle, and a walk along the breathtaking Vintgar ravine. We will have dinner en route to a charming inn in Istria.

Day 6
Istria

In the morning travel along the winding Istrian roads, passing through old stone villages in the green heart of the Croatian peninsula.

Enjoy a lunch with typical local products and taste local wines. After lunch drive to the coast and tour important Istrian wineries.

In the evening sample a gourmet dinner served with locally produced wines.

Day 7
Coastal Istria & Venice

In the morning depart Istria for Venice. En route visit Venetian-style seaside villages with free time for lunch and shopping. Transfer by boat to Venice where we will check in to our hotel. Before dinner at a traditional Venetian restaurant, enjoy a walking tour of the Cannaregio district and the historic Jewish quarter.

Day 8
Venice & Lagoon Islands

In the morning  enjoy a guided tour of some of Venice’s most charming neighbourhoods including San Polo, the Rialto bridge and Saint Mark’s square with our local art historian guide. After free time for lunch and shopping, rendezvous with our private water taxi for an afternoon boating tour through the lagoons of Venice and a visit to the islands of Murano (famous for its beautiful glass) and Burano (a charming, colourful island in the lagoon). Return to the hotel and then get together for our farewell dinner

Day 9
Departure

In the morning check out of the hotel and, after a final walking tour of Venice, we will transfer you to the airport for departure.

Price per person 3820.00 Euro (based on a group of 4)*

Price per person Euro 3150.00 (based on a group of 6)*

*all prices for custom trips are subject to change according to final itinerary

Trip dates:

July 16-24, 2006

- Private and custom versions of this trip are available on the dates of your choice. Prices for private and custom trips may vary.