Croatian & Eastern Delights

Welcome to Munich! Start your day by meeting your tour leader at the hotel and then set off on an orientation tour of this dynamic city. Munich seamlessly blends prosperity with a cosy atmosphere, offering a delightful contrast for explorers. Amidst modern industry and upscale shopping districts, you'll find numerous cultural treasures. Despite its sophistication, the city maintains an irresistible charm that captivates visitors. Discover more of Munich’s magic on today’s optional excursion and see the top sights and taste delicious Bavarian cuisine! This evening, gather with your tour group at a traditional Bavarian restaurant to experience authentic German cuisine. What a beginning to your Croatian & Eastern Delights adventure!

On route to the Slovenian capital, stop in Salzburg, Austria, on the way. With its stunning architecture, majestic cliff-top fortress, and breathtaking mountain vistas, Salzburg feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Discover the hometown of Mozart and see if a bit of his genius rubs off on you! Continuing your adventure, pause at Lake Bled in Slovenia for a picturesque photo opportunity. Marvel at the captivating views of Bled Island, medieval Bled Castle, and the majestic Julian Alps. Upon reaching Ljubljana, embark on a walking tour of this charming city. Despite its modest size, Ljubljana captivates with its diverse cultures, activities, and attractions. Tonight, choose to indulge in Slovenian cuisine and wine with our Taste of Ljubljana optional excursion.

Brace for breathtaking beauty! Today, explore the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's largest national park and home to some of the most picturesque natural landscapes in the whole of Europe. Wander along boardwalks through cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, and countless turquoise lakes – a photographer's paradise! After soaking it all in, head to Split where the group will indulge in a three-course dinner at a stunning local restaurant. After, check into the hotel for the evening and enjoy a good night’s rest.

Today, travel to Dubrovnik, with exciting stops along the way. Pause in Split, nestled along the picturesque Dalmatian coast. Enjoy an orientation tour of this historic town, followed by free time to explore its charming streets. Next, stop in Ston, which is famous for its ancient walls and delectable oysters! Take advantage of free time for lunch to indulge in these local delicacies. Later, arrive in Dubrovnik for a guided tour of the city led by an expert local guide. Delve into its spectacular architectural tapestry of churches, monasteries, and museums. Afterwards, why not end the evening with a magical sunset cruise on a historic ship followed by a delicious local dinner?

Dive deeper into Dubrovnik's charm today with a free day! The majority of attractions are within the historic city walls of the 'old town' making it easy to plan and navigate your day. For unparalleled views of the 'old town' and surrounding islands, ascend Mount Srd via the cable car — an ideal spot for capturing stunning sunset photos. Adventurous souls keen on further exploration can opt for the optional excursion to Montenegro, uncovering one of Europe's hidden treasures. Journey through stunning countryside to the UNESCO Heritage-listed town of Kotor, and admire its natural splendour and rich history. Along the way, enjoy a photo stop at Verige and visit the charming village of Perast, enriching your travel experience with unforgettable memories.

Leaving behind the stunning city of Dubrovnik, the journey continues towards Sarajevo, with a stopover in the enchanting Balkan town of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar, renowned for its beauty and historical significance, boasts a variety of religious buildings and churches, reflecting a blend of Roman, Greek, Croatian, and Ottoman influences. As we proceed to Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, prepare to be immersed in its compelling east-meets-west atmosphere. Despite facing adversity in the 1990s, Sarajevo has emerged resilient, offering a poignant glimpse into its troubled past. Embark on a walking tour later today to delve deeper into the fascinating history of this remarkable city.

Farewell, Sarajevo! Belgrade, Serbia's vibrant capital, awaits. Once in Belgrade, join a guided tour of the city, led by a knowledgeable local guide who will unveil the highlights, including Republic Square, Kalemegdan Park, and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. Belgrade offers a unique blend of architectural contrasts, where gritty socialist blocks are set against grandiose buildings, radiating a gritty exuberance. Following the walking tour, indulge in an included dinner before venturing out to explore the city at your leisure.

Travel to Hungary and stop at a farm in the homeland of Hungarian horse lords. Witness a traditional horse show, where locals showcase their remarkable equestrian skills. Indulge in a delicious Hungarian goulash during a lunch hosted by the farm. Next up is Budapest, renowned for its blend of natural beauty and stunning art nouveau architecture. Kick off your Budapest experience with an evening driving tour, offering a sweeping overview of the city's highlights. Traverse the majestic Danube River and be treated to breathtaking views of the Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Basilica across the river. Take mental notes of these landmarks to revisit during your upcoming free day in Budapest!

Explore Budapest at your own pace today! Discover remnants of WWII and the 1956 uprising, offering insights into Budapest's tumultuous past. Indulge in Hungarian cuisine, sample acclaimed wines, or unwind in one of the city's famed thermal baths. Budapest, a "spa town" since Roman times, boasts 123 thermal and 400 mineral springs from 14 different sources running through the city! Join the Budapest+ optional excursion to immerse yourself further in the city’s fascinating history, architecture, culture and food! Experience Budapest’s most famous sights including St. Stephen’s Basilica, Central Market Hall and more on this guided tour. As dusk settles, consider an optional Danube cruise for a mesmerising view of the city.

Vienna's grandeur awaits! En route, pause in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Set off on an orientation tour for a glimpse of its main sights, including the Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city. Then, sit down for a delicious, traditional lunch. Next, arrive in Vienna and take a driving tour. This city pulses with a vibrant mix of past and present. Witness the legacy of musical giants like Mozart and Beethoven, marvel at art by Klimt and Schiele, and delve into the modern buzz with lively cafés and music venues. End the day with an optional three-course Austrian dinner followed by a classical music concert. Delight in the sounds of some of Vienna’s greatest composers in the Schönbrunn Palace Orangery!

It’s time to travel to the Czech Republic today! On the way, learn about a sombre chapter of history at the Mauthausen concentration camp. Then, escape to the picturesque town of Český Krumlov. Renowned for its stunning castle and Renaissance and Baroque architecture, Český Krumlov is the perfect place for a comfort stop. Later today, reach Prague, a city brimming with art, architecture, and cobbled lanes. Unravel its secrets on a guided tour, seeing the Old Town, Primatial Palace, Slovak National Theatre, and the Main Square. As evening falls, enjoy authentic Czech cuisine at a local restaurant.

Immerse yourself in Prague today! Consider joining the Prague+ excursion for in-depth exploration, encompassing top attractions such as Prague Castle and the charming Malá Strana neighbourhood, followed by a delightful lunch cruise along the Vltava River. Alternatively, explore on your own and wander across the iconic Charles Bridge, leave your mark on the John Lennon Wall, or indulge in the diverse flavours of local cuisine, including the famous and varied beers. Or, join this afternoon’s Prague Tastes & Tales optional excursion, deep diving into Prague’s history and ending with a Slivovitz distillery tasting tour. Tonight, opt for the Traditional Czech Folk Music and Dance for an unforgettable blend of great food and entertainment!

As the tour journeys back to Munich, make a stop in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city for an orientation tour. Nuremberg is renowned for its remarkable architecture, most of which has been meticulously restored using original stone following the devastation of WWII. Tonight marks the final night of the tour, and the evening is yours to spend as you please. Consider gathering with your newfound travel companions for a farewell dinner as a memorable final evening in Germany.

After an enriching two weeks exploring breathtaking destinations across Croatia and various Eastern European countries, the journey comes to a close today following breakfast. Before parting ways, be sure to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers, cherishing the memories shared and the bonds formed during this unforgettable adventure. Safe travels, and may our paths cross again in the future!