Eastern Capitals & The Dalmatian Riviera
From Imperial Vienna, join those in the know who are heading for the sun-drenched islands of Dalmatia. Embark on a journey to areas of stunning natural beauty and historical significance.
Planning your holiday is easy, Contact Us and speak to your friendly Consultant.
Day 1: Welcome to Vienna
On arrival at Vienna airport, your transfer will leave for your hotel at 10:00, 13:00 or 15:30. Join your Travel Director at 17:30 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna, 2 nights
Day 2: Vienna
Join a Local Expert for a private tour of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and explore its formal gardens at your pace. Then get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. Built along the lines of the old city walls, it showcases many of the capital’s architectural highlights, including the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, the Austrian Parliament Building and Karlskirche. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continuing exploring.
Day 3: Maribor and Ljubljana
In the morning, cross the border into Slovenia and journey to its second largest city, Maribor. After spending time in this charming location, head to the beloved city of Ljubljana.
Hotel: Hotel Lev Ljubljana, 2 nights
Day 4: Exploring Lovable Ljubljana
Your Local Expert will reveal the Baroque elegance of the Slovenian capital. The medieval castle stands as an ancient guardian, the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas testify to its historical importance, while the Triple Bridge spans the river adorned with cafes and restaurants. Spend time in the glorious Central Market, rich with the heady aromas of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat and spices. Your Local Expert will share insights into some of the Slovenian delicacies on display and regales you with a tasting of a local specialty. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. In the evening, choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 5: Zagreb’s Twin Towns
Journey into Croatia where on arrival in Zagreb, you meet your Local Expert for an exploration of this capital. Donji Grad, the Lower Town, is devoted to business, art and spacious parks, where streets are wide and airy and the layout is designed to give a sense of grandeur. See the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square and continue to Ban Josip Jelacic Square en route to the cathedral. The medieval Upper Town, is a network of little streets, stretching between the Kaptol and Gradec hills. View the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark’s Church and the Lotrščak Tower.
Hotel: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, 2 nights
Day 6: Zagreb
A free day to relax and enjoy a city that is bursting with culture. Perhaps spend time exploring one of the many museums or browsing the shops in Donji Grad? Maybe try the local cuisine in one of Zagreb’s interesting restaurants or cafes or join an Optional Experience to the charming village of Kumrovec and meet a local to hear their perspective on the region’s history?
Day 7: On to Plitvice National Park
Journey south to visit one of Europe’s great natural wonders. Your Local Expert will lead you through zig-zagging timber footbridges and the crystal blue-green beauty of Plitvice National Park, a scenic wonderland of 16 interconnected lakes, flanked by waterfalls and primeval forest. See Veliki Slap, the highest waterfall in the park for spectacular panoramic views. Spend the evening in your boutique hotel, perfectly located close to the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Hotel: Hotel Lyra
Day 8: Along the Dalmatian Coast
The green forests give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters as you travel to Trogir, a historic town founded by the Greeks 2300 years ago. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace, before continuing to the historic port of Split. The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700 year-old palace cellars, and learn the story of the infamous emperor. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje’s- originally Diocletian’s Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Your exploration then continues underground as you are guided through the cellars. In the evening, don’t miss the opportunity to dine like a true local at a traditional Konoba.
Hotel: Hotel President Solin, 2 nights
Day 9: Split
Always buzzing, this lively city has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. See Dalmatian life as it’s really lived with a full day free to explore Split and its surroundings. Why not join an Optional Experience to discover the beautiful Dalmatian island, Hvar? Explore the historic Old Town with your Local Expert before having free time to relax by the seafront or admire the stunning views from the hilltop fortress.
Day 10: Mostar to Sarajevo
In the morning, cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina to Mostar. During your guided walking exploration with your Local Expert, see the famous Stari Most, or Old Bridge, reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the Croat–Bosniak War. The cobbled old town stretches on both sides of the bridge and is filled with shops selling Turkish-style souvenirs. Continue to Sarajevo, a town with a turbulent past – in 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked World War I and more recently, it endured the longest siege in modern military history. Follow the scenic route to Sarajevo for a unique and rewarding insight into the local way of life as you are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner with drinks. Savour the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture and experience the local culture.
Hotel: Swissotel Sarajevo, 2 nights
Day 11: Sarajevo, the City of Culture
Morning sightseeing with a Local Expert introduces you to the Sarajevo War Tunnels Museum, housing part of the secret tunnel that was the city’s lifeline during the Bosnian war. Talk to one of the survivors, for whom the siege of Sarajevo remains a defining moment in their life. You will also see the Latin Bridge where Austrian Crown Prince, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated. Continue to Baščaršija, the cobbled old town market where Sarajevo was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century. In the afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure.
Day 12: Medjugorje and Dubrovnik
In the morning, travel south to stop at the small town of Medjugorje, made famous by six children who claim to have seen visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Cross the border back into Croatia and journey to the walled town of Dubrovnik. On arrival, join your Local Expert to explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions of the old town. See Onofrio’s Fountain and the Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Hotel: Hotel Croatia Cavtat, 2 nights
Day 13: Dubrovnik – Optional Montenegro Experience
In the morning, why not visit Montenegro? This Optional Experience travels to Kotor, where your camera can capture one of the most beautiful parts of the bay as you learn the history of the area, before returning to Dubrovnik with a short cruise. As the sun begins to set, and should the weather permit, join your fellow travel companions as you sit back and enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik. Admire the most important feature of the city, the mighty city walls rising straight from the cliffs, perfectly-preserved from the Middle Ages, before your cruise moors in the Old Town Harbour. Later, enjoy a Celebration Dinner of typical Dalmatian Coast cuisine, washed down with local drinks – wine and grappa being the most famous.
Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik
Your travels draw to a close after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dubrovnik airport at 05:00, 09:00 and 11:30.
| 2020 Dates & Prices | Twin Share | Solo Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| April: 26 | $5,025.00 | Price on Application |
| May: 10 | $5,195.00 | Price on Application |
| May: 24 | $5,225.00 | Price on Application |
| June: 07 | $5,250.00 | Price on Application |
| June: 21 | $5,325.00 | Price on Application |
| July: 05, 12, 26 | $5,375.00 | Price on Application |
| August: 09, 23 | $5,375.00 | Price on Application |
| September: 06, 20 | $5,395.00 | Price on Application |
| October: 04 | $5,250.00 | Price on Application |
| Inclusions | |
|---|---|
| Meals: | 13 breakfasts, 6 dinners |
| Transport: | Airport Transfers &Luxury air-conditioned motor-coach while touring |
| Accommodation: | 13 nights accommodation |
| Guide: | An expert Tour Director and separate Driver. |
| Entrance Fees & Touring: | Entrance fees & activities as per itinerary |
* Tour departure dates are subject to availability at time of booking.
* Prices and itinerary are correct at time of publication and are subject to change without notice.