Across the Balkan Peninsula |
14 days / 13 nights
Vienna - Budapest - Zagreb - Spilt - Korcula - Dubrovnik - Plitvice - Ljubljana - Vienna
Day 1 Vienna
Arrival at Vienna airport. Transfer to hotel.
Day 2 Vienna – Budapest (250km/3,30h)
Cross the Hungarian border & continue to Budapest. Enjoy a panoramic view across the Danube from the lofty Citadel atop Gellert Hill. Then ascend the Castle Hill district to marvel at the murals in Matthias Church beside the Fisherman`\'s Bastion. View the Royal Palace of Buda, then cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes Square & rassy Boulevard.
Day 3 Budapest
A whole day to relax or explore this Grand metropolis. Perhaps shop for bargains in fine porcelain or maybe take an optional excursion to the famous artists colony of Szentendre.
Day 4 Budapest – Zagreb (350km/5h)
Drive alongside tranquil Lake Balaton & hear about the excellent wines produced along the shores. Stop to admire the abbey of Tihany, then continue to the Croatian border & the capital, Zagreb. A guided tour takes you to Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square & the cathedral. Walk through the medieval Upper Town to see the Stone Gate, St Mark`s Church & Lotrscak Tower.
Day 5 Zagreb
Today is yours to explore at your will. The Ilica is the hub of Zagreb`s shopping scene, or perhaps take an excursion to the Zagorje region to learn about local culture & tradition.
Day 6 Zagreb – Split (410km/5,30h)
Head for the charming fishing villages & sun drenched resorts along the Adriatic Riviera. Visit the ancient Roman port of Salona. Admire the 2nd century amphiteatre, Roman baths & necropolis. Stay tonight in the historic port of Split.
Day 7 Split – Korcula (140km/4h)
1700 years ago the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here & your local guide will lead you through the labyrinth of streets & historical buildings within that same palace. See St. Duje`s, (originally Diocletian`s mausoleum), the Temple of Jupiter (today, a baptistery) & the Golden Gate. Later drive along the coast for a short ferry crossing to the island of Korcula.
Day 8 Korcula – Dubrovnik (100km/3,30h)
Your guided walking tour of Korcula town takes you to the Cathedral, the town museum & the Bishop's Palace. The locals also claim Marco Polo was born here & you also see his ruined house next. After some free time, cross over to the beautiful southern slopes of the Peljesac peninsula. Stop amid the age-old vines to see how wine is produced & enjoy a taste. Continue to Dubrovnik.
Days 9 Dubrovnik
Start the day with a guided city tour and explore the stone paved streets inside the 16th century bastions of Dubrovnik’s old town. See Onofrio’s fountain & the Rector’s Palace, as well as the Franciscan & Dominican monasteries. For the remainder of your stay, you are at leisure in this "pearl of the Adriatic".
Day 10 Dubrovnik – Trogir (260km/5h) - Plitvice (460km/7h)
Enjoy the scenery of the Dalmatian coast - sparkling deep blue seas, studded with rocky islands. Visit Trogir, founded by the Greeks in 400 BC. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace before continuing to the Plitvice region.
Day 11 Plitvice – Ljubljana (220km/4,3h)
Get ready for one of Europe’s natural wonders, Plitvice National Park; a scenic wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes, flanked by thundering waterfalls & primeval forest. This afternoon drive through the unique region of Lika, crossing into Slovenia & reaching the "beloved" city of Ljubljana.
Day 12 Ljubljana
A local guide reveals the Baroque elegance of the Slovenian capital. The imposing medieval castle st&s as ancient guardian, the City Hall and Cathedral of St Nicholas testify to its historical importance, while the Triple Bridge spans the river adorned with cafés & restaurants. This afternoon is at leisure to shop or for optional excursions.
Day 13 Ljubljana – Vienna (390km/5h)
It's only a short drive back across the Austrian border to the forested mountains of Styria. Return to the stately capital of Vienna for your final night on tour.
Day 14 Vienna
Transfer to the airport for your final departure.