RIJEKA, CROATIA

We will begin our approximate 1½ hour drive from the port of Rijeka and head towards the Republic of Slovenia to reach the Postojna caves on the western side – a 20 kilometre (12 mile) labyrinth of subterranean passages, filled with fantastic stalagmites, stalactites and other rock formations.

We will begin our approximate 1½ hour drive from the port of Rijeka and head towards the Republic of Slovenia to reach the Postojna caves on the western side – a 20 kilometre (12 mile) labyrinth of subterranean passages, filled with fantastic stalagmites, stalactites and other rock formations. It is considered by experts to be one of the finest examples of Karst landscape, where limestone rock has been heavily eroded to form underground streams. Upon arrival at the caves we shall join the electric train, which will carry us deep underground, through the long corridors chiselled by the Pivka River. During our train journey we will be able to admire the many rock formations, in a variety of colours and shades, the mysterious caves and halls and the disappearing rivers and brooks. If we are lucky we may catch a glimpse of another unique feature of the cave – the ‘Human Fish’ (Proteus Anguinus), so called due to the colour of it’s skin. Our train journey ends under Great Mountain, also known as Calvary, an underground hill 146 feet at the junction of three galleries. From here we will continue by foot, as a world begins to open up before our very eyes, a world which the British sculptor Henry Moore described, in his enthusiasm, as “Nature’s most wonderful gallery”. Following our visit to the caves we shall return to our awaiting ship.

Please note that this tour does involve a moderate amount of walking over uneven ground and approximately 80 steps will be encountered at the caves. We recommend that you take a pullover or a light jacket along with you, as the temperature does drop to approximately 8ºC in the caves. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are also recommended. We do not recommend this tour if you suffer from Claustrophobia. We do advise that you take a bottle of water along with you on this tour as refreshments are not included.