Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Pettenasco - Venice - Bled - Pivka - Bale - Portoroz - Smartno - Bergame
100% customisable for you
Once your suitcases are all packed for the next three weeks, head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy some refreshments in the airport lounge. Your flight to Milan will take about two hours, so make sure you have your Sharky and George packs on hand to keep the little ones entertained.
Once you touch down, collect your family-friendly hire car and travel one hour to Pettenasco, a beautiful village on the eastern shore of Lake Orta. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of this afternoon settling in before tucking into a hearty Italian meal this evening.
After a hearty breakfast overlooking the lake, it’s time to start exploring. Lake Orta’s charm lies not just in its natural beauty, but also in its rich architectural heritage. Catch a boat from nearby Piazza Motta to the tiny island of San Giuli, where you can visit the Basilica of San Giulio. This grand Romanesque and Gothic monument features a fine collection of 14th to 16th-century frescoes and a 12th-century?ambo?(pulpit) adorned with powerful bas-reliefs.
Back on the mainland, visit the Sacro Monte di Orta. This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of 20 Franciscan chapels, each depicting an episode in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi through frescoes and statuary. The complex encapsulates architectural features from the Renaissance, Mannerist, Baroque and Neoclassicism periods. Keen to keep the children entertained today? Fear not, we’ll provide fun games booklets for them to work through as you trot around the sites (gelato stops help, too).
Today, swap the lakes for another of Italy’s watery wonders: the ‘Floating City’ of Venice. The three-and-a-half-hour journey passes through several beautiful cities, including Milan and Verona, perfect for a thrilling family game of I Spy.
Once you arrive, hop onto a?vaporetto?(a classic waterbus) from the Grand Canal in Cannaregio to Saint Mark’s Square. Wander through the cobbled streets and admire some central sights, including the Basilica, Doge's Palace, and Gallerie dell’Accademia, before stopping for coffee (babyccinos for the little ones) at Caffe Florian, the oldest café in Venice. If you’re feeling peckish, head to the Rialto fish market to sample everything from anchovies to sea cicadas.
Not quite tired yet? You could also visit Lido Beach, the Pinault Collection or the Punta della Dogana. Once the youngsters’ feet start to drag, glide through Venice’s canals on a gondola before heading back to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
Rise and shine, as today we’ve arranged a private family walking tour focused on Venice’s local crafts and artistic history. In the company of a local guide, you’ll first visit a traditional?squero?(gondola building site). Each site is a custodian of long-established techniques and ensures the renewal and upkeep of these beautiful boats. From here, your guide will take you to a mask factory to learn about the fascinating art of mask-making – a tradition as emblematic of Venice as the gondolas.
The rest of today is yours to spend discovering Venice. Gelatos in hand, stroll along the canals, rest in the shady piazzas and step into crumbling courtyards. It’s also your last day in Italy, so make sure to sample any delicacies you haven’t yet tried: spaghetti with squid ink, creamy polenta or perfectly sweet tiramisu.
The time has come to bid farewell to Italy and continue your European adventure in Slovenia. Hit play on our expertly curated playlist (you’re welcome) and strap in for a four-hour drive to the sweeping Triglav National Park, just south-west of Bled.
Spend the rest of the afternoon settling in for three nights in nature – the children can get stuck into some outdoor games while the adults kick back and relax after the drive. For dinner this evening, enjoy your first taste of Slovenian specialities by sampling some delicious dishes at the in-house restaurant.
The next few days are all about nature. Triglav National Park is known for its alpine meadows, high-altitude lakes, dramatic gorges and soaring peaks, all of which can be enjoyed on the park’s well-marked hiking trails. Wander through lush beech forests and admire the pretty edelweiss, gentian and bluebells that grow here. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife too – who can be the first to spot cute chamois and soaring griffon vultures?
Today, you’ll be armed with an entrance ticket to Vintgar Gorge. Here, the River Radovna has carved out a narrow mile-long passage with limestone cliffs towering on both sides. Walk through the gorge along wooden footbridges to the Sum Waterfall, where a powerful stream of water flows into an emerald pool. Both adults and children alike will enjoy feeling like true explorers in this mystical setting.
Lake Bled has become something of a mecca among lovers of the great outdoors – its snow-capped peaks and charming island (the only one in the country) create a postcard-perfect alpine setting. Head onto the water on kayaks or traditional boats (depending on the children’s ages) and paddle to the 17th-century Baroque church on the lake’s tiny island.
Back on the mainland, it’s time to feast on local Slovenian delicacies. Kremsnita, in particular, is a must-try. This pastry treat features a flaky base generously topped with whipped cream and icing sugar. It’s the perfect sweet treat for the little ones after a busy day of outdoor adventures.
It’s time to say goodbye to Bled, so after a hearty breakfast this morning, jump back into your hire car and travel three hours to Sneznik Forest, near Pivka.
After settling in and freshening up, it’s time to explore. We’ve arranged tickets to the beautiful Postojna Cave Park, one of Slovenia’s natural wonders, located just six miles from Pivka. A small electric train takes you into the heart of the karst system, where you can walk on foot through majestic chambers punctuated by dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
You can also visit nearby Predjama Castle, which was built directly into the cliffside between the 13th and 16th centuries. After you’re suitably wowed, head back to your hotel for a locally-sourced meal, most likely featuring game from the nearby forest.
Today, step into the boots of the adventurous family from We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Alongside a talented forest ranger, set off on a guided walk through the forest to catch a glimpse of the three great European predators: bears, wolves and lynx. Your expert guide knows how to safely lure these creatures out into the open, so you’re (pretty much) guaranteed a sighting of these majestic animals, as well as roaming stags, does and grouse.
It’s time to (temporarily) say goodbye to Slovenia and hop across the border into the third and final country you’ll visit this trip: Croatia. Your first destination is the beautiful village of Bale, nestled in the heart of the Istrian countryside, a two-hour drive from Pivka. Settle in for four nights in the centre of the village and spend the rest of today relaxing in your new Croatian setting. Tuck into a delicious meal this evening at the hotel’s restaurant – why not try Istria’s famous truffles?
The next two days are yours to explore Bale and its scenic surroundings. The beautiful Istrian coastline offers snorkelling, diving and canoeing, while the nearby city of Rovinj is one of the most beautiful in Croatia.
Closer to home, explore the surrounding countryside of Bale on bikes, horses or simply on foot. If you've budding palaeontologists in tow, they’ll be thrilled to learn that the gigantic Histriasaurus dinosaur once roamed these lands (and that you can visit their fossils at the town’s museum).
Bale also has plenty to offer history buffs. The town’s circular core is clustered around the parish church, typical of regional settlements, and the small 15th-century Church of the Holy Spirit boasts beautifully preserved Gothic frescoes. Fancy travelling further afield? We recommend visiting the first-century amphitheatre in Pula and the Byzantine mosaics of the sixth-century Euphrasian basilica in Porec.
Today is your last day in Croatia, and what better way to spend it than exploring the Brijuni Islands, one of the country’s most beautiful national parks? Accompanied by a friendly local guide, set off this morning for Veliki Brijun, the largest island in the archipelago. Here, hop on bikes and discover the island’s beautiful Mediterranean vegetation, including cedars, bamboo and pyramidal yew. You can also visit the island’s Safari Park, home to a range of exotic species gifted by former Yugoslavian president Josip Broz Tito, including an elephant, mountain zebras, mouflons, hares and chitals. There’s more dinosaur fun to be had at paleontological sites here, too, as well as plenty of swimming opportunities at peaceful coves.
After four days of Croatian fun, it’s time to head back into Slovenia. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before bundling the family back into your hire car and driving an hour to the beautiful coastal town of Portoroz.
Once you’ve settled in for three nights here, the rest of today is yours to play with. You can either head down to the beach to enjoy a swim before sunset or spend the afternoon enjoying the facilities at the hotel – the choice is yours. When dinnertime rolls around, head to the hotel’s restaurant to tuck into a hearty meal.
The next two days are all about slowing down and appreciating your coastal surroundings. Make a beeline for the beach to enjoy a balance of fun and relaxation – there’s a range of watersports to keep the youngsters entertained while parents can get stuck into their new holiday reads. And relax…
If you’re looking for something more active, we can also arrange a game of beach volleyball, a scenic bike ride or a peaceful Nordic walk. Our clued-up Concierge is always on hand to recommend fantastic hiking routes or spots to watch the sunset.
The time has come to leave the beach behind and head into the countryside. After a delicious breakfast at your hotel this morning, hop back into your hire car and drive one and a half hours to the Medieval village of Smartno. Spend the rest of today settling into the rhythm of the countryside in the heart of the village: enjoy a leisurely stroll around town, sample some local delicacies and tuck into a delicious home-cooked dinner.
Make sure the youngsters (and adults) fuel up at breakfast this morning, as you’ll be spending the day discovering the region’s scenic and cultural delights by bike.
The Goriska de Brda wine region is a beautiful emerald landscape dotted with pretty villages, vineyards and plenty of olive trees. Cycle to the village of Dobrovo, where you can tour a grand 17th-century castle, visit a colourful art exhibition by famous Slovenian painter Zoran Music and taste local wines (only if you’re over 18, of course).
Today you’ll be heading back into Italy for one last day of?la dolce vita?(the sweet life) before returning home. Drive four hours from Smartno to the charming city of Bergamo, your final destination on this epic European adventure.
After checking into your hotel, head out to discover Bergamo. The city’s old town is chock-full of historic sites, each demonstrating historic Renaissance military architecture. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, which dates back to the 12th century and features magnificent marquetry works attributed to Lorenzo Lotto.
Tummies will be rumbling after a long day of sightseeing, so enjoy your final meal at a traditional restaurant in the heart of the city. Make sure to order a polenta-based dish – it’s a must-try Bergamo speciality.
This morning, it’s (sadly) time to say ciao to Italy. After one last delicious breakfast at your hotel, drive to Milan airport and drop off your hire car. Enjoy a moment of peace and quiet in the airport lounge before hopping onto a two-hour flight back to the UK, armed with enough souvenirs, photos and memories to last the little ones a lifetime (or until your next trip, at least).
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
