Gondolas, Lakes & Split - 9 Days

Gondolas, Lakes & Split - 9 Days

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9 Days From

$3915

$2936

Gondolas, Lakes & Split - 9 Days

9 Days Starting in Venice, Italy and ending in Split, Croatia

Visiting: Venice, Bled, Carinthia, Postojna, Pula, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes, Split

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 25

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

16-

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3915 $2936 Operator discount: -$979 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the heart of Europe with the "Gondolas, Lakes & Split" tour, exploring the enchanting landscapes of Austria, Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia. Begin your adventure in Venice, cruising the iconic Grand Canal and discovering its historic charm. Relax in the alpine beauty of Lake Bled, and traverse the scenic Alps to Austria's Lake Worth and Klagenfurt. Delve into the depths of Postojna's caves and marvel at the cliffside Predjama Castle. Experience the coastal allure of Istria, with its romantic Rovinj and ancient Pula amphitheater. Touch the Adriatic in Opatija, and wander through the stunning Plitvice Lakes. Conclude in Split, where Roman history meets vibrant Croatian culture. Enjoy guided tours, truffle and olive oil tastings, and comfortable accommodations, all while traveling in a small group with expert guidance.

Highlights

  • Venice - Cruise along the beautiful Grand Canal in a water taxi and explore the city on a walking tour.

  • Bled - Relax in one of the most beautiful alpine resorts, known for its thermal lake.

  • Austria - Embark on a day trip through the Alps to scenic Lake Worth and the university town of Klagenfurt.

  • Postojna - Explore one of Europe's largest underground caves and the adjoining Renaissance castle.

  • Istria - Discover the coastal region known as 'Croatian Tuscany', including the romantic town of Rovinj and the ancient amphitheater at Pula.

  • Opatija - Visit this 19th-century seaside resort on the edge of the Adriatic coast.

  • Split - Wander through a historic port city with ancient Roman monuments.

  • Plitvice Lakes - Traverse a stunning series of lakes, cascading waterfalls, and travertines.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Venice

Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Mestre

Friday. Upon arrival into Venice you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Mestre area of Venice. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Venice

Location: Venice

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bled

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we meet our tour leader at the hotel reception, before embarking on a sightseeing tour of Venice with an English-speaking guide. We then board our air-conditioned coach and depart for Slovenia, arriving in the town of Bled for dinner.

Day 3: Bled

Location: Bled

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bled

Meals Included: Breakfast

Small but stunning Lake Bled, surrounded by the Alps, is one of Slovenia's most scenic destinations. On a boat ride, we'll sail past the tiny church-capped islet at the heart of the lake and the clifftop Bled Castle, where the terrace offers lovely views of the region. We'll end the day with a visit to Lake Bohinj, a lesser-known spot perfect for a scenic photo op.

Day 4: Carinthia

Location: Carinthia

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bled

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Passing through the Alps, we venture into southern Austria today. First we embark on a panoramic tour of Lake Wörth, an elongated lake and summer vacation spot once frequented by the Austrian elite. We then continue to Klagenfurt, a bustling university town. Its Alterplatz (Old City Square), dating to the Renaissance era, is marked by an impressive fountain depicting the local foundation myth of the Lindworm. After a lakeside lunch, we return to Bled, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure.

Day 5: Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle

Location: Postojna

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Rovinj

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our Slovenian journey continues today as we head south to the Postojna Caves. This underground cave system is over 24km long, hiding spectacular rock formations and an ancient species of salamander known as the olm. Our next stop is the nearby Predjama Castle, a Renaissance fortress built into a cliff with over 700 years of history and legend. Later that afternoon, we arrive in Croatia and the coastal town of Rovinj.

Day 6: Pula

Location: Pula

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Rovinj

Meals Included: Breakfast

The Istrian peninsula is one of Croatia's most delightful regions. We start by sightseeing in Rovinj, where we'll find winding streets and art galleries in a picturesque coastal setting. We delight our tastebuds at our next stops, sampling truffles in Livade and olive oil crafted by local producers. Our final destination is the regional capital of Pula, where one of the world's few fully-preserved Roman amphitheatres is located, before returning to Rovinj for the evening.

Day 7: Opatija

Location: Opatija

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Plitvice Lakes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave Istria this morning and continue to Opatija, a seaside winter resort where Austro-Hungarian aristocrats once holidayed in splendid coastal villas. Moving inland, we enjoy a traditional lunch in the town of Fuzine, overlooking the Vrelo limestone caves and man-made Lake Bajer. We then continue to the Plitvice Lakes for our overnight stay.

Day 8: Plitvice Lakes

Location: Plitvice Lakes

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Split

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we visit the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. On a boat tour, discover the wonders of this natural World Heritage site, where hundreds of waterfalls connect a series of dazzling lakes and lush forests. Heading south, our final destination is Split, Croatia's second-largest city. Here we embark on an evening walking tour of the UNESCO-listed town center, with sights such as the Roman 4th-century Diocletian's Palace and Cathedral of St Domnius, followed by a farewell dinner in a konoba (Dalmatian restaurant).

Day 9: Split

Location: Split

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our journey ends after breakfast. A departure transfer to Split airport is included.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3 and 4 star

  • Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners

    Enjoy daily breakfast, two lunches, and three dinners, including a farewell dinner.

  • 8 nights in 3-4 star accommodation

    Stay for 8 nights in comfortable 3-4 star accommodations.

  • Airport transfer on day 1 and 9

    Airport transfers are included on day 1 from Venice Marco Polo and on day 9 to Split.

  • Entrance fees for various attractions

    Entrance fees are included for Venice Vaporetto, Bled Castle and boat ride, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, Vrelo Cave, Plitvice Lakes, and Pula Amphitheatre.

  • Guided sightseeing tours

    Enjoy guided sightseeing tours of Venice, Bled, Klagenfurt, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes, and Split.

  • Truffle and olive oil tasting

    Experience truffle tasting and olive oil tasting during the tour.

  • Services of English speaking Tour Guide

    Benefit from the services of an English-speaking tour guide throughout the trip.

  • All relevant transfers and transportation

    All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Entrance fees to sites other than those listed

    Entrance fees to sites not listed in the inclusions are not covered.

  • Tip for your tour leader

    Tips for your tour leader are not included.

    It is recommended to allow EUR 5-10 per day, per traveller.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations including the Russot Hotel in Venice with its lush park setting, the elegant Antony Palace Hotel near Venice Airport, and the scenic Hotel Park on Lake Bled. Enjoy the coastal charm of Hotel Eden in Istria, the natural beauty of Jezero Hotel in Plitvice Lakes, and the central location of Hotel Cornaro in Split.

Age Policy

16+ if accompanied by an adult

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicles for all relevant transfers and transportation. Enjoy airport transfers on the first and last day, and explore destinations with guided sightseeing tours. The tour includes a water taxi ride in Venice and a boat ride on Lake Bled.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in 3-4 star accommodations throughout the tour, including hotels like Russot Hotel Venice, Antony Palace Hotel, Hotel Park, Hotel Eden, Jezero Hotel, Hotel Palcich, and Hotel Cornaro. These hotels offer amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and comfortable rooms with modern facilities.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, airport transfers are included on day 1 from Venice Marco Polo Airport and on day 9 to Split Airport.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners, one of which is a farewell dinner.

  • Will there be any guided tours during the trip?

    Yes, there will be guided sightseeing tours in Venice, Bled, Klagenfurt, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes, and Split with an English-speaking tour guide.

  • What are some of the unique experiences included in the tour?

    Unique experiences include a cruise along Venice's Grand Canal, a boat ride on Lake Bled, a visit to the Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle, truffle and olive oil tasting in Istria, and a walking tour of Split's historic center.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?

    Yes, entrance fees for Venice Vaporetto, Bled Castle and boat ride, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, Vrelo Cave, Plitvice Lakes, and Pula Amphitheatre are included.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Friday - Saturday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$4015 $3011

Operator discount: -$1004

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May 02, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$4015 $3011

Operator discount: -$1004

Friday - Saturday

Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$4295 $3221

Operator discount: -$1074

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Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$4215 $3161

Operator discount: -$1054

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Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$4015 $3011

Operator discount: -$1004

Friday - Saturday

Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$4015 $3011

Operator discount: -$1004

Friday - Saturday

Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$3915 $2936

Operator discount: -$979

Prices last published on 24-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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