Trieste is most famous as the cultural melting pot of the Austro-Hungarian empire. It is a city that James Joyce knew well and has been wonderfully described in Jan Morris’s book, Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere. Explore Trieste’s Miramare castle and spend some time in the neighbouring Lipica stud farm a cradle of the famous Lipizaner studs, used among others at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.


Explore Istria through its unforgettable towns, steeped in history: Rovinj, with its tangle of cobbled streets and Italianate charm; Pula and its miraculously preserved Roman Arena and Opatija, the Austro-Hungarian monarchy’s favourite seaside resort and consequently the birthplace of Croatian tourism. Visit Tito’s famous hideout of Brioni Islands, indulge your tastebuds with the delicious truffles after hunting them by yourselves & finishing a homemade gnocchi workshop, savour the olive oil during the sunset dinner at the olive groves.


Drive from Istria to Plitvice Lakes through the virgin forests of Gorski Kotar mountains and the alpine beauty of Lika. From Plitvice travel via Smiljan, the birthplace of the famous inventor, Nikola Tesla, and end your voyage in Split.