Plitvice lakes to Opatija

This morning back in the mini buses to transfer to our tour bus. Raining and foggy. Weather only 10 degrees at 9.30am

On our way to the next town of Opatija we had a stop at a little village of Rastoke . Well what a little gem of a place. Only 30 residents still live there and grind the corn in the mills. The old lady Mrs Carter gave a demonstration. What was spectacular place. Certainly got the wow factor with the water /waterfalls running between or under the houses, which sit on the side of the river bank. Absolutely beautiful. It was so pretty you could imagine fairies or pixies fluttering around or little white rabbits hoping over the green grass or colourful fish jumping from the ponds, fairyland. Certainly an unexpected highlight. So many photos, just wanted to walk the village again and soak it all in but of course you can't when on a tour.

About 1 hour later stopped for lunch then onto Opatija.
Arriving around 4pm. Weather has improved now around 21 still overcast and some shower to come in later. Little walking orientation of the town then booked into our hotel room. Opatija is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, in the bay of Kvarner, and known for its grand spa . The town is like a smaller version of Niece. Beautiful buildings with Italian influence.

Did some more washing, before walking the main street into town. Wandered around, met up with a couple of the other for a drink on the foreshore. Walked back along the promenade, stopped at supermarket for our cold collect and french stick for tea. Early night as we have an early start for our tour of the Peninsula.

On the bus by 8.00 am. Had rain most of the night, now 10 degrees and foggy.

We travelled along the Istrian peninsula to the town of Porec. Weather now fine and about 22 degrees. In the town we visited the Eufrasius Basilic ruins and church, which has beautiful mosaic alter. There was then just enough free time for a coffee, which was a bit disappointing, as it looked a really great town to discover, seemed to have lots of character. Then onto another coastal town, Rovinj, where we had 2 hours for lunch and a wander. This town again had the alleyways, shops and cafes down to the promenade with all the weathy yatchs. Again, as per the theme of this whole trip so far , would have liked more time.

From there onto the town of Pula to see Roman Amphitheatre.

Another big day on the road. Back to hotel around 6pm. Around 6.30pm the skies lit up with lightning and then the thunder and very heavy rain came in.

Brian having a sleep, now 5 days without alcohol and hand is getting better.