Eastern Capitals & the Dalmatian Riviera (Small Groups, 14 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 14-day journey through the heart of Central and Eastern Europe, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This multi-day tour takes you from the imperial elegance of Vienna to the vibrant streets of Sarajevo, with stops in Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Discover architectural marvels, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of each destination. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a variety of optional experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and leisure time. Whether you're strolling through the baroque streets of Ljubljana, marveling at the natural wonders of Plitvice, or savoring local cuisine in Dubrovnik, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories. Join us for a journey that celebrates the diverse cultures and landscapes of this captivating region.
Included
13 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels
5 Dinner (D)
13 Breakfast (B)
1 Dinner with Wine (DW)
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.
Dubrovnik: Toast the culmination of your journey with a typical Dalmatian dinner.
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. This experience advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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.
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.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
- Vienna - Arrival day
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Arrive in the enchanting city of Vienna, where your journey begins. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the Austrian capital's vibrant streets and historic sites. In the evening, meet your Travel Director for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, setting the tone for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2
- Vienna
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- Belvedere Palace
- Austrian Gallery Belvedere
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Bergkirche
- Vienna Music Society
- Burgruine Mödling
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Delve into Vienna's rich history with a private tour of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and its exquisite gardens. Capture the essence of the city as you drive along the iconic Ring Road, passing architectural marvels like the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, and more. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, with options to enjoy a traditional Austrian evening or a classical music performance.
Day 3
- Maribor
- Ljubljana
- Vienna
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Embark on a scenic journey from Vienna to Slovenia, stopping in Maribor, the country's second-largest city. Enjoy the charm of this delightful location before continuing to Ljubljana, where the blend of history and modernity awaits your exploration.
Day 4
- Ljubljana
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- Dragon Bridge
- Ljubljana Castle
- Ljubljana Cathedral
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Discover the baroque beauty of Ljubljana with a local expert. Visit the medieval castle, City Hall, and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Stroll across the picturesque Triple Bridge and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the riverside cafes. The afternoon is free for you to explore or join an optional excursion to the fascinating Postojna Caves.
Day 5
- Zagreb
- Ljubljana
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- Stone Gate
- Samobor Castle
- Church of St Anastasia
- Lotrščak Tower
- Art Pavilion in Zagreb
- Rudnik Zrinski
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Spend a relaxing morning in Slovenia, with the option to visit the stunning Lake Bled. Later, cross into Croatia and arrive in Zagreb. Meet your local expert for a guided exploration of the city's highlights, including the Art Pavilion, Academy of Sciences and Arts, and Zrinjevac Park. Ride the funicular to St. Mark's Church and Lotrščak Tower, and stroll through the historic Stone Gate.
Day 6
- Zagreb
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Enjoy a day at leisure in Zagreb, a city brimming with culture. Explore the many museums, shop in Donji Grad, or savor local cuisine at one of the city's charming restaurants or cafes. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the picturesque village of Kumrovec to learn about the region's history from a local perspective.
Day 7
- Zagreb
- Korenica
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- Plitvice Lakes National Park
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Travel south to one of Europe's natural wonders, Plitvice National Park. Choose between two unique experiences: explore the park with a local expert and learn about its conservation efforts, or visit the Tara Community Centre to engage with local artisans. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 8
- Trogir
- Korenica
- Split
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- Trogir Ciovo
- Golden Gate
- Saint Domnius Cathedral
- Church of St. Peter
- Diocletian's Cellars
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Journey to the coastal town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can admire the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and Cipiko Palace. Continue to Split, where the ancient Diocletian's Palace awaits. Explore the palace cellars, St. Duje's Cathedral, and the Temple of Jupiter with your local expert. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal at a local Konoba.
Day 9
- Split
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Split with a full day to explore at your own pace. Discover the city's blend of tradition and modernity, or opt for an excursion to the stunning island of Hvar. Enjoy the historic Old Town, relax by the seafront, or take in the breathtaking views from the hilltop fortress.
Day 10
- Mostar
- Split
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- Most Musala
- Old Bridge Mostar
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Cross into Bosnia & Herzegovina to visit Mostar, known for its iconic Stari Most bridge. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, filled with shops offering Turkish-style souvenirs. Continue to Sarajevo, a city with a rich and complex history. Enjoy a unique dinner experience with a local family, gaining insight into their culture and traditions.
Day 11
- Istočno Sarajevo
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- Bosnian Cultural Center
- Djevojačka pećina
- Latin Bridge
- Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures
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Explore Sarajevo with a local expert, visiting the Sarajevo War Tunnels Museum and the Latin Bridge, where history was made. Stroll along the Miljacka River and discover the historic Hapsburg centre. The afternoon is free for you to delve deeper into the city's unique blend of cultures and histories.
Day 12
- Dubrovnik
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- Zavala Monastery
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Cross the border into Croatia and arrive in the stunning walled city of Dubrovnik. Join your local expert to explore the historic Old Town, with its stone-paved streets and 16th-century bastions. Visit Onofrio's Fountain, the Rector's Palace, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, immersing yourself in the city's rich history.
Day 13
- Dubrovnik
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- Sokol grad
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Consider a day trip to Montenegro, exploring the breathtaking Kotor Bay and learning about its history. Return to Dubrovnik for a relaxing cruise around the bay, enjoying the stunning views as the sun sets. Conclude your journey with a Celebration Dinner featuring Dalmatian Coast cuisine and local wines.
Day 14
- Dubrovnik - Departure day
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After a delightful breakfast, your unforgettable journey through Central and Eastern Europe comes to an end. Depart from Dubrovnik with cherished memories and newfound friends.
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