Eastern Capitals & the Dalmatian Riviera (Small Groups, 14 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Vienna
Duration
14 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating 14-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, from the imperial grandeur of Vienna to the medieval charm of Dubrovnik. Along the way, you'll be guided by local experts, dine on authentic regional cuisine, and have plenty of opportunities for personalized exploration. Whether you're marveling at the architectural wonders of Vienna's Ring Road, strolling through the picturesque streets of Ljubljana, or delving into the turbulent history of Sarajevo, this tour promises a wealth of unforgettable experiences.

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Included

13 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels

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6 Dinner with Wine (DW)

13 Breakfast (B)

Vienna: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a drink, followed by a pleasant dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Ljubljana: Your Travel Director offers you a varied selection of charming restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening - a culinary experience not to be missed.

Sarajevo: You are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner and drinks. Savour the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture.

Dubrovnik: Toast the culmination of your journey with a typical Dalmatian Coast Celebration Dinner, accompanied with wine and grappa.

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Choose between two carefully selected activities

Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park. Learn about the studies taking place to monitor and protect the natural habitat, and education initiatives on the marine environment and best practices for a low-impact experience. The site participates in habitat restoration and is constantly working to protect the parks natural ecosystems and animal population. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land. Alternatively, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.

Plitvice Lakes National Park: Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens’ Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Vienna: A private, guided exploration of Schönbrunn Palace will have all your senses tingling. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames where Mozart performed as a child prodigy.

Ljubljana: Spend time with your Local Expert in the glorious Central Market and learn about some of the Slovenian delicacies on display and relish in a tasting.

Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.

Zagreb: Your Local Expert guides you this two-tiered capital. Explore Donji Grad, the Lower Town, and see the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelačić Square and the cathedral.

Zagreb: Ride the funicular to Gornji Grad, the medieval Upper Town, to view the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower.

Split: Join a Local Expert and discover Diocletian’s Palace as you walk through its well-preserved Cellars. See the Temple of Jupiter, St Duje’s Bell Tower and the Golden Gate. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares of the Old Town.

Split: Explore above and below the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace. A Local Expert guides you through labyrinthine streets to see St. Duje's, the Temple of Jupiter, the Golden Gate and the Cellars.

Mostar: Learn the history and symbolic significance of Stari Most and explore the old town with your Local Expert.

Sarajevo: A Local Expert will show you the cobbled old town market where Sarajevo was founded by the Ottomans, known as Baščaršija. You will also see the Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated.

Sarajevo: Meet an expert of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and hear a first-hand account of when the city was under siege for 44 months.

Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.

Dubrovnik: As the sun descends and should the weather be favourable, enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Vienna: During your orientation led by your Travel Director, travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.

Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.

Trogir: See the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace during an orientation with your Travel Director.

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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Destinations

Split city beaches aerial view, Croatia.Split
Photo of aerial view of Korenica village, Croatia.Korenica
The aerial view of Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea, Europe.Dubrovnik
Zagreb - city in CroatiaZagreb
Photo of aerial view of the old bridge and river in city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Mostar
Capital of Slovenia, panoramic view with old town and castle.Ljubljana
Maribor - city in SloveniaMaribor
Grad Trogir - city in CroatiaTrogir
Church Heiliger Franz of Assisi at Mexikoplatz, Vienna, Austria.Vienna

Map

Attractions

Photo of Sign of Zagreb zoo park, Croatia.Zagreb Zoo
Trogir Ciovo, Trogir, Grad Trogir, Split-Dalmatia County, CroatiaTrogir Ciovo
Ljubljana. Beautiful cities of Europe - charming, capital of Slovenia, panoramic view with old town and castle.Ljubljana Castle
Central Market, Ljubljana, Upravna Enota Ljubljana, SloveniaArch. Plečnik's Marketplace
Photo of Latin bridge in Sarajevo in a beautiful summer day, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Latin Bridge
Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures, MZ "Baščaršija", Stari Grad Municipality, City of Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and HerzegovinaSarajevo Meeting of Cultures
Sarajevo City Hall, MZ "Baščaršija", Stari Grad Municipality, City of Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and HerzegovinaSarajevo City Hall
Riva, Split, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia County, CroatiaRiva
Photo of aerial view of Schonbrunn Palace is a major tourist attraction in Vienna, Austria.Schönbrunn Palace
photo of view of Burgruine Mödling, Gemeinde Mödling, Austria.Burgruine Mödling

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Vienna

  • Vienna - Arrival day
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Welcome to the enchanting city of Vienna, Austria's capital. Spend your afternoon leisurely exploring the city before joining your Travel Director for a delightful Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll enjoy delicious Austrian cuisine and fine wine.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Vienna

  • Vienna
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  • Schönbrunn Palace
  • Burgruine Mödling
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Join a Local Expert for a private tour of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. Explore its beautifully manicured gardens at your own pace. Later, embark on a scenic drive around the famous Ring Road, a grand boulevard showcasing some of Vienna's most impressive architectural highlights. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps indulging in traditional Austrian dishes at a Country Mansion or enjoying a classical music performance.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Slovenia

  • Maribor
  • Ljubljana
  • Vienna
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In the morning, we cross the border into Slovenia and travel to the charming city of Maribor, the country's second-largest city. After spending some time here, we continue our journey to the beloved capital city of Ljubljana.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Ljubljana

  • Ljubljana
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  • Dragon Bridge
  • Ljubljana Castle
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Your Local Expert will guide you through the Baroque elegance of Ljubljana. Visit the medieval Ljubljana Castle, the City Hall, and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Stroll across the Triple Bridge, a unique architectural masterpiece adorned with cafes and restaurants. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. You might choose to join an optional visit to the Postojna Caves. In the evening, enjoy a dine-around experience at one of the local restaurants hand-picked for you.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: From Slovenia to Croatia

  • Zagreb
  • Ljubljana
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  • Lotrščak Tower
  • St. Mark's Church
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Spend the morning in Slovenia, where you can opt for a visit to the stunning Lake Bled or simply relax at a local café. Later, we journey into Croatia and upon arrival in Zagreb, the capital city, you'll join a Local Expert for an exploration of this vibrant city. Visit the art Pavilion, the Academy of Sciences and Art, and Zrinjevac Park. Ride the city's funicular to St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower, then stroll back down through the Stone Gate and return to the Square.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Free Day in Zagreb

  • Zagreb
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Enjoy a free day in Zagreb, a city brimming with culture. You might choose to explore one of the city's many museums, shop in Donji Grad, or sample local cuisine in one of Zagreb's unique restaurants or cafes. Alternatively, you could join an optional experience to the charming village of Kumrovec and engage in a conversation with a local about the region's history.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Visit to Plitvice National Park

  • Zagreb
  • Korenica
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Today, we journey south to one of Europe's greatest natural wonders, Plitvice National Park. Choose between two unique experiences: join a Local Expert to explore the park and learn about its conservation efforts, or visit the Tara Community Centre, where local women produce handicrafts, fostering employment and community engagement.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: From Plitvice to Split via Trogir

  • Trogir
  • Korenica
  • Split
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  • Trogir Ciovo
  • Diocletian's Cellars
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Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trogir, a historic town founded by the Greeks over 2,300 years ago. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace before continuing to the historic port of Split. Explore the heart of the Old Town, the 1,700-year-old Diocletian's Palace, with your Local Expert. Discover the palace cellars, St. Duje's, originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter. In the evening, dine like a local at a traditional Konoba.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Free Day in Split

  • Split
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Enjoy a full day at your leisure in the vibrant city of Split. You might choose to join an optional experience to 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.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Journey to Bosnia & Herzegovina

  • Mostar
  • Split
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  • Walled town of Vidoški
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Cross the border into Bosnia & Herzegovina and travel to Mostar. During your guided walking tour, see the famous Stari Most, or Old Bridge, a symbol of the city's resilience. Continue to Sarajevo, a city with a turbulent past. Here, you'll be invited into a local family's home for an authentic dinner, where you'll hear inspiring stories about their culture and way of life.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Sarajevo

  • Istočno Sarajevo
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  • Latin Bridge
  • Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures
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Morning sightseeing with a Local Expert introduces you to the Sarajevo War Tunnels Museum, a testament to the city's resilience during the Bosnian war. You'll also visit the Latin Bridge, the site of the assassination that sparked World War I. Continue along the Miljacka river and see the historic Hapsburg center of the city. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Journey to Dubrovnik

  • Dubrovnik
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Cross back into Croatia and journey to the walled city of Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, join your Local Expert to explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th-century bastions of the old town. Visit Onofrio's Fountain, the Rector's Palace, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Free Day in Dubrovnik

  • Dubrovnik
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Enjoy a free day in Dubrovnik. You might choose to join an optional experience to Montenegro and visit the beautiful town of Kotor. In the evening, if the weather permits, join your fellow travelers for a relaxing cruise around the bay of Dubrovnik. Later, enjoy a Celebration Dinner of typical Dalmatian Coast cuisine, accompanied by local wines.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Departure from Dubrovnik

  • Dubrovnik - Departure day
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Your memorable 14-day journey through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina comes to an end after breakfast. Safe travels!

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