Tour Croatia+ trip

From Central Europe to the Southeast: Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro private tour

If you are looking to experience the real diversity of Europe and learn about it, look no further - this is a perfect trip for you. In less than two weeks you will cover the middle European, Mediterranean and even oriental way of life, culture, religion and architecture. Such differences sound almost surreal, but this region blends them gradually and quite naturally.

Trip highlights

  • Discover palaces of Vienna and enjoy traditional wine taverns
  • Visit to Austria's Imperial Crypt in Graz
  • Ride in traditional boat "Pletna" on magical Bled lake in Slovenia
  • Experience the stunning Postojna Cave, largest in Europe
  • Walk in the Plitvice National Park and see its 16 spectacular waterfalls
  • See UNESCO protected architectural marvels in Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik and Kotor

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Austria is a premium cultural highlight of Europe and that's where you start from. From beautifully preserved old towns, grand castles, and world-famous composers, this amazing country will put you under its spell. Visit the imperial Vienna and the charming Italian-style city of Graz. The spectacular architecture, the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and old wine village of Grinzing, the colourful Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna and the Kunsthaus in Graz which floats like a mysterious blue balloon between the roofs of the historic city centre are only a few highlights of this magical cities.

Whether you’re interested in unspoiled Mediterranean, edgy urban culture, Game of Thrones location tours or simply splashing around in the Adriatic’s famously clear waters, Croatia is a place to discover many different landscapes and experiences. Enjoy the natural grandeur of the reflective lakes, waterfalls and cascades of Plitvice Lakes National Park and stroll among the ancient columns, temples, walls and underground cellars of Diocletian’s Palace in Split that once made up the Roman emperor’s retirement home. Wander the narrow alleys and cobbled streets and absorb Dubrovnik’s timeless beauty. The country also stands on one of the great fault lines of European civilization, where the Catholicism of Central Europe meets the Islam and Orthodox Christianity of the East.

Slovenia and Montenegro, small but vibrant European countries will offer you a variety of unforgettable experiences. Known for its mountains, ski resorts and lakes, Slovenia, a country in Central Europe, has a lot to offer as well as Montenegro with its mountainous medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches.

You are about to visit a number of diverse cities, regions and countries. Here you can learn a few basic interesting facts about each one of them.

Austria

Relatively small and landlocked, Austria offers alpine scenery, world-class museums, cobbled quaintness, and Wiener schnitzel. Austria is content to bask in its good living and elegant, opulent past as the former head of one of Europe's grandest empires. Austrians tend to be relaxed, gregarious people who love the outdoors as much as a good cup of coffee in a café. If the only image you have of Austria is the von Trapp family dancing around in their lederhosen, you’re going to be blown away by the beauty and variety of this small but spectacular country.

Vienna

The Austrian capital, situated on the banks of the Danube, is considered the cultural capital of Europe. Home to imperial palaces, endless balls, and of course, music. You could spend weeks walking in the footsteps of musical giants like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert or emperors and empresses of the glittering Hapsburg dynasty.

The tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its famous multi-coloured, tiled roof has dominated Vienna’s skyline since it’s construction. The Gothic church is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace is the 1,441-room Baroque palace considered one of the most important historical, cultural, and architectural building in all of Austria. The former hunting grounds of the royal court, the Schönbrunn Palace as you see it today was largely built in the mid-1700s by Empress Maria Theresa. Since that time this palace has been the summer residence to the Hapsburgs. The tour of the palace will take you through 40 of the palace’s splendidly furnished rooms. You can see the Mirror Room, where a 6-year-old Mozart gave his very first concert.

Grinzing is situated in Döbling, Vienna's 19th district. Grinzing is a unique part of Vienna as it preserves the charm of an old wine village by having architectural objects from the 16th, 17th, and even 12th centuries. Some fragments of Roman ruins can still be found here as well. This region has attracted many prominent people. Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, Gogol, Mahler, Einstein, Freud and many others have visited Grinzing or lived here.

More than 200 trees and shrubs on the balconies and roof terraces make the Hundertwasserhaus a green oasis in the heart of the city. Like the Hundertwasserhaus, the Kunst Haus Wien, just a few minutes' walks from the Hundertwasserhaus, was also designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. As is typical of Hundertwasser's buildings, there are hardly any straight lines to be found here.

Graz

Despite being the second largest town in Austria, Graz is much less well known than Vienna and Salzburg. The city has a charming Old Town, which is full of hidden courtyards and passageways. The Italian influence is evident in everything from the architecture to the gelato. You will love al fresco foodie culture and that people were outdoors enjoying Aperol Spritz around every corner (another thing Graz has acquired from the Italians).

The spectacular architecture of Graz Kunsthaus leaves nobody cold. Whilst it’s not common for existing, traditional urban buildings to sit so perfectly next to the breathtaking new architecture, with the setting of this museum of contemporary art in Graz it’s definitely the case. The Kunsthaus floats like a mysterious blue balloon between the roofs of the historic city centre. Named friendly alien by its creators, its fascinating magic draws visitors in.

Slovenia

Slovenia, a country in Central Europe, is known for its mountains, ski resorts and lakes. On Lake Bled, a glacial lake fed by hot springs, the town of Bled contains a church-topped islet and a cliffside medieval castle. In Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, baroque facades mix with the 20th-century architecture of native Jože Plečnik, whose iconic Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) spans the tightly curving Ljubljanica River.

Bled

The ninth‐century Bled Castle is the oldest in Slovenia, perched precariously 130 meters (426.5 feet) up on a rocky precipice overlooking the lake of the same name among the peaks of the breathtaking Julian Alps. Built as a stronghold for the aristocratic bishops of the Brixen dynasty to defend their territories from attack, its fortified Romanesque walls and ramparts today hide a largely 16th‐century Renaissance castle built after a devastating earthquake in 1511 destroyed the previous building. It is centred around a pair of courtyards, constructed in an enticing jumble of red‐roofed wine cellars, forges, servants’ quarters, mansion, a stately knight’s hall and a chapel swathed in frescoes.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana (pop. 293,000) is one of the smallest European capitals. It’s never crowded – but also never boring. 50,000 university students give it its youthful appeal, and as an economic and cultural hub of Slovenia, it has a lot to offer to locals and visitors alike. The city tour begins in front of the Town Hall, takes you through the historical city centre, whose unique architecture is the legacy of the Baroque and Art Nouveau periods and, most notably, the work of the famous 20th-century architect Jože Plečnik.

Croatia

The mere mention of Croatia conjures up images of pristine landscapes, sparkling seas and fortified towns furnished with quaint outdoor cafés.

The country includes seven World Heritage sites and eight national parks.

Many of Europe's greatest empires including the Romans, Venetians, Ottoman Turks and Habsburgs, left their mark on Croatia in the form of architecture, language, art and food. Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Central Europe and the Balkans — Croatia has it all, from beautifully preserved medieval cities to stunning natural wonders.

With more than 1,200 islands, azure waters and colourful villages rich in history, Croatia is drawing more and more travellers to its shores. In fact, Croatia closed the 2012 tourism year as the Mediterranean’s fastest-growing destination, luring travellers with its pristine national parks, adventure sports and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik. Croatia entered the European Union in summer 2013 as the 28th member state.

Zagreb

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, boasts typical Central European architecture: cobbled streets, impressive public buildings and well laid out greenery. It is a top sight for its wealth of museums, restaurants and nightlife. The Upper Town has delightful hilly narrow streets with cafes, shops and bars filling the 18th-century buildings. Here you'll find the towering Zagreb cathedral, the Dolac market with a panoply of fresh, local produce and the City Museum for a glimpse of Zagreb's history.

Opatija

Town of Opatija is a holiday destination with an aura of imperial glamour – tourism started to develop here in the 19th century, while Croatia was still part of Austria-Hungary. Majestic villas and hotels still dominate Opatija and its surrounding area, while the 12 km-long waterfront promenade beckons visitors throughout the year.

Plitvice

A soothing feeling of peace and tranquillity will surround you as soon as you arrive in Plitvice. Release your inner explorer and see for yourself why Plitvice Lakes have found their place on UNESCO's World Heritage List. A wide variety of plants and animals can be found in this national park. It is a truly unique place with extensive flora and fauna, which are protected and endemic, and it is also home to the "Gospina papučica" or "Lady's Slipper", the most beautiful orchid in Europe.

Zadar

Zadar, which has been a city for the past 2,000 years, has always been one of the most prominent cities on the east Adriatic coast. First of all, it had one of the safest ports on the main European maritime route towards the eastern Mediterranean, which passed between the Croatian islands because the flat Italian coast offered little protection. Also, Zadar itself was one of the safest cities in the Adriatic, situated on a peninsula, surrounded by walls and protected by a moat on the mainland.

Split

Split is the largest city on the Croatian coast, and yet it has preserved the relaxed lifestyle of the Mediterranean. You are expected to take it easy here since some call it “The craziest city in the world”. The city grew around the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian which had been built almost two millennia ago. The historic centre of Split, built entirely from white stone, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but the ancient landmarks are a normal backdrop of everyday life - they are not enclosed or set up as an archaeological site.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful stone-built cities in the world. An important maritime port and a one-time state, it has always been a cultural metropolis. More than a thousand-year history is reflected in every part of the town. As one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Dubrovnik owes its special charm to the historic monuments which testify to its rich history. Dubrovnik is also full of vivid cafes, boutiques and local curiosities, nestled in the intricate network of the cobblestone streets.

Montenegro

Montenegro is a Balkan country with rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline. The Bay of Kotor, resembling a fjord, is dotted with coastal churches and fortified towns such as Kotor and Herceg Novi. Durmitor National Park, home to bears and wolves, encompasses limestone peaks, glacial lakes and 1,300m-deep Tara River Canyon. The country boasts 2 UNESCO sites: Kotor and Durmitor National Park.

Kotor

Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen. Characterized by winding streets and squares, its medieval old town has several Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. It's also home to the Maritime Museum, which explores local seafaring history. Kotor truly is one of the most dazzling jewels in Montenegro's crown. A UNESCO world heritage site boasting a majestic location in a spectacular fjord, Kotor's old city is impressive enough on its own even when you don't count the fortified walls that stretch up the surrounding cliffs.

Cetinje

The ancient, former capital of Montenegro. The highlight here is King Nikola's Palace, which was the seat of the Montenegrin Royal Family and now a popular museum. Situated in the fields of Cetinje, at the base of the Lovćen mountain, Cetinje is a treasure of Montenegrin cultural and historical heritage. During King Nikola’s reign, many embassies were built that give it today’s specific looks. Two of the most representative buildings are the Monasteries of Cetinje and Biljarda.

Budva

Once a small and quiet coastal town, today, Budva is a metropolis of Montenegrin tourism and one of the loudest and most packed towns at the Montenegrin coast during the summer. Its life began on the headland two and a half millennia ago and has poured out of the ramparts towards luxurious yachts, new buildings, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs where fun awaits. It is raised on the island, which used to be connected with the land by a sandy covering and so it grew into a peninsula. The Old Budva’s town is a unique architectural and urban entity which is mentioned as a lodgment even in the antique period.

Day-by-day itinerary

DAY 1

Welcome to Vienna

Arrival in Vienna, Austria. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Vienna is consistently voted as the most livable city in the world. From its Old Town to the Museums Quartier complex, historical and contemporary creations coexist with inspiring results. In the evening transfer to the old part of the city Grinzing, a well-known wine village famous for its Heurigen, which are traditional wine taverns, serving delicious local wine and food. Dinner at one of the “Heuriger – taverns”. Transfer back to the hotel and overnight in Vienna.

DAY 2

Visit the imperial Vienna and amazing Hundertwasserhaus

Breakfast at hotel, half-day guided city tour, partly panoramic drive. Among the sites that would be visited: from Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Imperial Palace all the way to the baroque palace Schönbrunn. As you see it today, the palace was largely built in the mid-1700s by Empress Maria Theresa. Since that time this palace has been the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Continue to the Hundertwasserhaus, an apartment house built after the idea and concept of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The Hundertwasser House is one of Vienna's most visited buildings and has become part of Austria's cultural heritage.

Just a few-minute walk from the Hundertwasserhaus, there is KunstHouse Wien which was also designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Vienna.

DAY 3

Glorious monuments of Vienna and continuation to Graz

Breakfast at the hotel. Continuation of the city tour. Get a sense of the luster and glory of the old Spanish Riding School, as well as the sarcophagi in the Imperial Burial Vault (Kapuzinergruft). The Spanish Riding School is an Austrian institution dedicated to the preservation of classical dressage and the training of Lipizzaner horses, whose performances in the Hofburg are also a tourist attraction. The Imperial Crypt is located beneath the Capuchin Church and is intended for members of Austria’s former Habsburg dynasty, who have been laid to rest in the crypt since 1633. Ali in all, 149 Habsburgs, including 12 emperors as well as 19 empresses and queens, have their final resting place here. Time at leisure and in the afternoon continue to Graz. Check-in at the hotel and overnight in Graz.

DAY 4

Graz – Zagreb

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of this World Cultural Heritage site. Graz is a bustling student city with a stunning Old Town. Visit to the Graz Kunsthaus which floats like a mysterious blue balloon between the roofs of the historic city centre and Schlossberg, towering over the city, translating as ‘castle hill’, a rugged hill in the city centre with a famous Clock Tower on top. In the afternoon, departure to Zagreb. Check-in at the hotel and overnight in Zagreb.

DAY 5

Walking city tour of Zagreb

Breakfast at the hotel, then morning walking guided city tour. Sightseeing of Zagreb includes the Upper Town - historical center of the city, the Stone Gate, Church of St. Mark with the famed multi-colored roof, Dolac open-air market. Zagreb grew out of two fortified towns on adjacent hills in the Middle Ages: Kaptol, which was the center of the bishopric, and Gradec, also known as Upper Town, which was granted the status of a free royal town in the 13th century. Afternoon at leisure. You could visit some of the many unusual museums such as Museum of Illusions or Museum of Broken Relationships, Museum of Contemporary Art or other. Overnight in Zagreb.

DAY 6

See beautiful Slovenian Lake Bled and walk along the city center of Ljubljana

After breakfast, head towards Bled. Upon arrival, a sightseeing tour of the fairytale castle Bled, and the mediaeval city perched on a high cliff 100 m over the lake. Ride on a traditional boat „Pletna“ to the small island in the middle of the lake, comprised of the church of St. Mary of the Lake which dates from the 17th century. Climb the monumental stairs to the notorious „Wishing Bell“ from 1534. After Bled continue to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Walk along the river Ljubljanica which passes through the town's center, tour the Three Bridges, baroque City Hall and Ljubljana Castle from the 13th century. Check-in at the hotel and overnight in Ljubljana.

DAY 7

Experience one of the most stunning caves in Europe and enjoy an evening in Opatija

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Postojna Caves. Postojna Cave, the biggest cave in Europe is known as one of the most stunning caves in the world. Ride on a miniature electric train through the cave. During an hour and a half long guided tour, you will learn about all of the most important karst features, you will see the largest, 5-metre-high stalagmite known as Brilliant, you visit the oldest underground post office in the world and the most famous underground animal – the human fish (proteus).

Continue the journey to Opatija, one of the most famous tourist resorts in the Mediterranean known as the „Croatian Nice“. Since Roman times Opatija has been a „spa town” offering rest and recreation to its numerable visitors. Option to explore around on your own. Check-in at the hotel and overnight in Opatija.

DAY 8

The magnificent National Park Plitvice Lakes

Breakfast at the hotel, departure to Plitvice. Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, the most famous Croatian national park, registered on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites. The park is a magical world of 16 lakes, waterfalls, moss and forests interconnected by foaming cascades and deep falls.

A sightseeing walking tour includes a boat ride and allows you to experience first-hand the magical beauty of the lakes and waterfalls. (Electric boat and panoramic train rides are subject to weather conditions). Check-in at the hotel and overnight in the region of Plitvice.

DAY 9

On the way to impressive Dalmatian cities of Zadar and Split

Breakfast at the hotel, departure to Zadar. Upon arrival sightseeing tour which includes the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, considered to be the most impressive basilica in Dalmatia, church of St. Donatus, the ruins of Roman Forum. No matter what time it is, you can always sit next to the Sea Organ, a one-of-a-kind instrument embedded in the waterfront, and listen to the music created by the waves. In the afternoon proceed to Split. Check-in at the hotel and overnight in Split.

DAY 10

Morning city tour of Split and continuation to Dubrovnik

Breakfast at the hotel and the city tour of Split, the largest city on the Croatian coast, registered on the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage, which has preserved the relaxed lifestyle of the Mediterranean.

Besides the Diocletian’s Palace visit to Peristyle, Cellars, the Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of St. Domnius.

In the afternoon proceed to Dubrovnik Riviera. Overnight at a hotel on the Dubrovnik Riviera.

DAY 11

City tour of the most famous Adriatic city Dubrovnik

Breakfast at the hotel and then morning guided tour visiting the old city of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List ever since its inception four decades ago and you will join a memorable excursion through Croatia's most famous medieval city that begins at the monumental Pile Gate, located at the top of Stradun, the splendid main promenade of the Old Town. Follows a visit to the Franciscan Monastery and its cloister, one of the most magnificent sites in the city. Move on to the third oldest pharmacy in Europe and the oldest one still in use on the continent. A little farther on is the Sponza Palace that today houses the State Archives and before finishing the tour a Cathedral visit is on the list. In the late afternoon you could join the Game of the Thrones Tour. Check-in and overnight on the Dubrovnik Riviera.

DAY 12

Visit Montenegro and its historic cities

Breakfast is followed by a full day trip to Montenegro. Visit to Kotor, the city of traders and famous sailors, situated in Boka Kotorska Bay, also listed on the UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage List. One of the most recognizable symbols of the city is the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, a monument of Roman culture.

The drive continues to Cetinje, once the capital of Montenegro. After a short sightseeing tour, continue to Budva, the most famous tourist resort in Montenegro. The Old Town of Budva will be visited, followed by a stop to take photos of St. Stephan (not entering the island), today a luxurious resort that once used to be a small fishing village. Return to Dubrovnik. Overnight on the Dubrovnik Riviera.

DAY 13

Farewell Dubrovnik

Breakfast at the hotel and free time until transfer to Dubrovnik airport. 

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