Day 1: Depart USA for Vienna, Austria
Day 2: Arrive in Vienna, Austria.
Time to rest or to explore the city, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. GC. (D)
Day 3: Vienna.
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide starts with vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then, drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House and the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit ST. Stepen's Cathedral. An optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace and an evening out to one of Vienna’s concert halls can be arranged. (B)
Day 4: Vienna–Ljubljana,
Slovenia. Scenic Semmering Pass, stately Styrian crossroads towns, and Carinthian lakes and resorts provide the ever-changing Alpine backdrop to today’s journey through the loveliest parts of Austria to Slovenia and its elegant capital, Ljubljana. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the medieval castle, the impressive City Hall, and a visit to magnificent St. Nicholas Cathedral. (B,D)
Day 5: At Leisure in Ljubljana.
Enjoy a full day at leisure. There is plenty of time to explore at your own pace, and to stroll along the Ljubljanica River or through the many attractive parks. An optional excursion to Lake Bled is available. (B)
Day 6: Ljubljana–Split, Croatia.
Enter Croatia and travel south to the Dalmatian Coast and Split, the ancient Spalato. During your guided walking tour, learn about the history of this captivating resort and visit the labyrinth of 4th-century Diocletian's Palace, a well-preserved fortress and a living part of the Old Town. (B,D)
Day 7: Split–Bosnia-Herzegovina–Dubrovnik, Croatia.
This morning, cross the Bosnia-Herzegovina border and admire stunning seascapes as you drive along the Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,D)
Day 8: Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik, beautifully situated on a promontory jutting into the Adriatic Sea, was once an independent maritime republic rivaling Venice. Enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide and see the impressive ramparts, erected during the Crusades to protect the town against land attacks, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. You will also visit the 15th-century Rector's Palace.. Afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)
Day 9: At Leisure in Dubrovnik.
A full day on your own to just relax. You may wish to join an optional boat cruise. (B)
Day 10: Dubrovnik–Plitvice.
Enjoy a pleasant drive north through the Croatian countryside to Plitvice for your overnight stay. (B,D)
Day 11: Plitvice–Zagreb.
Time to soak in the pure beauty of the national park, famous for its lakes, waterfalls, and forests. Then, head for Zagreb, capital of Croatia. Meet your Local Guide and start your afternoon sightseeing, which features all important landmarks of the Lower and medieval Upper Town, such as the Parliament, Stone Gate, the Archbishop’s Palace, and more, plus a visit to the majestic cathedral. (B,D)
Day 12: At Leisure in Zagreb.
A whole day to explore the city on your own: wander through the main center and browse through the shops or visit one of the excellent museums and art galleries. Your Tour Director has suggestions for exciting optional activities. Tonight is your chance to try out traditional dishes in one of Zagreb’s fine restaurants. (B)
Day 13: Zagreb–Budapest, Hungary.
Today, leave Croatia and enter Hungary. Drive along Lake Balaton and stop to take pictures of the beautifully situated Abbey of Tihany before arriving in Budapest, Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. Tonight, perhaps join an optional dinner outing. (B)
Day 14: Budapest.
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second-largest Jewish synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then, visit the 13th-century Matthia's Coronation Church and Heroes’ Square. The afternoon is at leisure, and tonight a farewell dinner has been prepared at the hotel to celebrate the success of your Eastern European vacation. (B,D)
Day 15: Budapest.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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