Croatia & Eastern Europe Highlights - 14 Days

Welcome to Munich! Begin your day meeting the tour leader at the hotel, followed by an orientation tour of this vibrant city. Known for seamlessly marrying prosperity with a welcoming atmosphere, Munich is a haven for explorers, rich in cultural treasures amid modern industries and upscale shopping. Despite its sophistication, the city retains an irresistible charm that captivates all who visit.

You have the option to delve deeper into Munich's allure today with an excursion featuring top sights and a taste of Bavarian delicacies. This evening, we will dine together at a traditional Bavarian restaurant, where you'll savour genuine German cuisine. What a perfect start to your Croatian & Eastern Delights adventure!

As we journey to Slovenia's capital, we'll make a stop in Salzburg, Austria. Here, you'll be enchanted by its striking architecture, a grand fortress perched on a cliff, and stunning mountain views—it’s as if you've stepped into a fairy tale. Explore this city, known as Mozart's birthplace, and immerse yourself in its rich musical heritage.

Our next pause is at Slovenia's Lake Bled, where you'll have the chance to capture the scenic beauty of Bled Island, the medieval Bled Castle, and the imposing Julian Alps.

On arrival in Ljubljana, we'll embark on a walking tour of this delightful city. Despite its size, Ljubljana offers a rich tapestry of cultures, activities, and attractions to explore. In the evening, you can opt to savour Slovenian food and wine with our optional 'Taste of Ljubljana' excursion.

Prepare to be amazed by the stunning landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's largest national park and a jewel of European nature. We will meander along scenic boardwalks, taking in the spectacular waterfalls, verdant surroundings, and a series of enchanting turquoise lakes—truly a delight for photographers.

After immersing ourselves in this natural wonder, we travel to Split for a group dinner at a charming local restaurant. We then check into our hotel for the night, where you can relax and enjoy a restful sleep.

Today, we journey towards Dubrovnik with intriguing stops en route. Our first pause is in Split, a historic gem nestled along the beautiful Dalmatian coast. Here, we embark on an orientation tour to acquaint ourselves with the town's rich history, followed by free time to wander its charming streets.

Our next stop is Ston, renowned for its impressive ancient walls and exquisite oysters. You will have free time to enjoy lunch and perhaps sample these local specialities.

Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, we have a guided tour led by an expert local guide. We will explore the city's stunning architecture, including its churches, monasteries, and museums. In the evening, you may wish to enhance your experience with a sunset cruise on a historic ship, topped off with a delightful local dinner.

Immerse yourself in Dubrovnik's allure today with a day at your leisure. Most attractions are conveniently located within the historic city walls, allowing you to effortlessly explore the 'old town'. For spectacular views of the area and its islands, take the cable car up Mount Srd—perfect for capturing breathtaking sunset photos.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider joining an optional excursion to Montenegro, one of Europe's hidden gems. This journey takes you through picturesque countryside to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Kotor, where you can appreciate its natural beauty and rich heritage. En route, we'll stop for photos at Verige and explore the delightful village of Perast, ensuring a day filled with unforgettable experiences.

Departing from the captivating city of Dubrovnik, we head towards Sarajevo, pausing en route at the charming town of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Known for its stunning architecture and historical importance, Mostar showcases an intriguing mix of Roman, Greek, Croatian, and Ottoman influences through its diverse religious buildings.

Continuing to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital, you'll experience a vibrant blend of eastern and western cultures. Despite its turbulent history in the 1990s, Sarajevo has resiliently transformed, offering insightful perspectives into its past. Later today, join us on a walking tour to explore the city's fascinating history further.

Farewell, Sarajevo! Today we eagerly journey to Belgrade, the lively capital of Serbia. Upon arrival, we will embark on a guided city tour with a local expert, who will introduce us to key sights such as Republic Square, the expansive Kalemegdan Park, and the legendary Belgrade Fortress.

Belgrade is a city of intriguing contrasts, where stern socialist architecture meets opulent historic buildings, creating a unique urban landscape. After our walking tour, we will enjoy a group dinner. The evening is then yours to continue exploring this dynamic city at your own pace.

Travel to Hungary, beginning your journey with a visit to a traditional horse farm valued for its historical significance as the homeland of Hungarian horse lords. We’ll watch a captivating horse show, where locals display their impressive riding skills. Enjoy a meal of authentic Hungarian goulash during our lunch at the farm.

We then proceed to Budapest, a city famed for its striking art nouveau architecture and scenic charm. An evening driving tour will introduce you to the city's key attractions. We'll cross the majestic Danube River, with stunning views of the iconic Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Basilica across the water. These landmarks are perfect for exploring further on your upcoming free day in Budapest.

Today, take the opportunity to explore Budapest at your own pace. Delve into the city’s rich history by visiting sites that reveal remnants of WWII and the 1956 uprising, offering a glimpse into Budapest's turbulent past. Savour Hungarian cuisine, try some renowned local wines, or relax in one of Budapest's legendary thermal baths. Known as a "spa town" since Roman times, Budapest boasts 123 thermal and 400 mineral springs sourced from fourteen different locations across the city.

For those who wish to delve deeper, join the optional Budapest+ excursion. This guided tour immerses you in the city's captivating history, architecture, culture, and cuisine. You’ll visit iconic sites such as St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Central Market Hall, among others.

As evening falls, consider an optional Danube river cruise for a captivating view of the city illuminated under the night sky.

Discover the splendour of Vienna with a stop in Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital. We start with an orientation tour, exploring major landmarks such as the impressive Bratislava Castle, which offers sweeping views over the city. Enjoy a tasty traditional Slovak lunch before we journey onwards to Vienna.

Upon arrival in Austria's capital, embark on a guided driving tour to uncover the city’s unique blend of history and modernity. Immerse yourself in the legacy of musical luminaries like Mozart and Beethoven, admire artwork by Klimt and Schiele, and experience the lively café culture and vibrant music scene.

In the evening, you have the opportunity to indulge in an optional three-course Austrian dinner, followed by a classical music concert in the exquisite Schönbrunn Palace Orangery. Delight in the masterpieces of Vienna's celebrated composers in this splendid setting.

Today, we journey to the Czech Republic. En route, we will visit the Mauthausen concentration camp, reflecting on this poignant part of history. Our next stop is the charming town of Český Krumlov, celebrated for its magnificent castle and striking Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It offers an ideal pause for refreshments.

Later, we will arrive in Prague, a city rich with art, architecture, and charming cobbled streets. We will uncover its wonders on a guided tour, exploring the Old Town, the Primatial Palace, the Slovak National Theatre, and the Main Square. As night falls, savour a traditional Czech dinner at a local restaurant.

Today, delve into the wonders of Prague! We offer the Prague+ excursion for a thorough exploration of the city's highlights. Visit the majestic Prague Castle and meander through the picturesque Malá Strana neighbourhood, capped off with a scenic lunch cruise on the Vltava River.

Alternatively, you might choose to independently cross the iconic Charles Bridge, contribute to the John Lennon Wall, or savour the diverse local cuisine, including an array of renowned beers. This evening, you have the option to experience Traditional Czech Folk Music and Dance for a memorable evening of excellent food and lively entertainment.

As we travel back to Munich, we'll pause in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city. On our orientation tour, we'll explore Nuremberg's impressive architecture, which has been carefully reconstructed with original materials after WWII.

This evening is your final opportunity to savour Germany as you wish. Perhaps join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner, creating lasting memories of your time together.

After two enriching weeks exploring the stunning landscapes of Croatia and Eastern Europe, our journey concludes this morning. Enjoy your final breakfast with the group. Before you leave, don't forget to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers—these connections and shared memories are souvenirs of your unforgettable adventure!