Tour Croatia+ trip
From the fantastic Hungarian capital Budapest which is nothing short of iconic, to Central Europe's largest lake, Lake Balaton, there's beauty around every corner. The unique cultural mix of Sarajevo and Mostar is where the Orient met the Occident in the heart of the Balkans. Get the authentic feeling of being lost in the wonders and intense colours that Croatia offers, from its charming capital Zagreb to the water world of Plitvice Lakes and some of the Dalmatian Coast's finest locations.
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Enjoy the spectacular Hungarian capital, "the grand city "Budapest, admire ornate Art Nouveau façades and Neo-Gothic landmarks and walk along the grand boulevard of Andrássy Avenue to Heroes' Square. Experience a ride to Balaton Lake, the Hungarian sea, with its beautifully diverse landscape. Drive through impressive Bosnian landscapes to Sarajevo, the unique cultural mix of different worlds and cross the UNESCO-protected Old Bridge in Mostar. Take time to admire the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace in Split, walk the walls of the Old Town of Dubrovnik and be reinvigorated by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic.
Beautiful Baroque Palace in Gödöllő, the former summer residence of the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary Elisabeth and Franz Joseph
UNESCO protected Plitvice Lakes National Park is a magical world of lakes, waterfalls, moss and forests.
Mostar combines influences from Christian Europe and Muslim Middle East. The city's star is the UNESCO-protected Old Bridge
Dubrovnik, with approximately 50.000 residents, is located at the very south of Croatia and is often called “Pearl of the Adriatic”
You are about to discover the handpicked highlights of Hungary, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here you can learn a few interesting facts about some of them.
Hungary
Located in central Europe, Hungary offers a wide range of unique destinations. Low mountain ranges, lakes and rivers, plains and more are spread across the country, as are many small, quaint villages. With easy access to Europe due to its convenient location, visitors to Hungary will enjoy the ability to experience a vivid culture that showcases its worthiness as one of the top 15 global destinations.
Hungary is also the birthplace of many famous people. Erno Rubik, a sculptor and professor, invented Rubik's Cube in 1974. Hungary boasts 13 Nobel Prize winners, and magician Harry Houdini was also born in the country's capital, Budapest.
Budapest
The Hungarian capital, Budapest, with a population of 2 million people, is situated on both sides of the river Danube. Pest is flat, while Buda is hilly. The grand city full of European charm reveals a multi-cultural past in Europe rich with Roman, Renaissance, Turkish, German and Austrian impressions, and Hungarian culture's rare ability to fuse these interactions with its own unique identity. To see the city from her best angle, head up to the Fisherman's Bastion for incredible views from Castle Hill.
Visitors to Budapest are often impressed by its wonderful late 19th- and early 20th- century buildings, incorporating motifs from old Hungarian architecture - folk art and even oriental features. If you are an art lover looking for a truly unique architectural style in Hungary, or if you like to explore different styles, you'll find Hungarian Art Nouveau fascinating.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is an almost landlocked country – it has a narrow coast at the Adriatic Sea, about 20 kilometres long surrounding the town of Neum. It is bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south; Serbia to the East; and Montenegro to the southeast. The inland Bosnia is a geographically larger region than Herzegovina, with a moderate continental climate, hot summers and cold and snowy winters. The region's climate has given Bosnia and Herzegovina a wealth of diverse flora and fauna.
Sarajevo
The capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, is located near the country's centre.
In Sarajevo, you can find traces of the Neolithic Butmir Culture, Illyrians, Romans, and Slavs, as well as remains representing the medieval Bosnian Kingdom, the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Socialistic Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Over the past 100 years, Sarajevo has found itself a member of six states and has witnessed the Sarajevo Assassination, the First and Second World Wars, the XIV Winter Olympic Games, and the longest-running siege of any town in modern history. Sarajevo is steeped in history and is always eager to share its many fascinating stories with visitors.
Croatia
With approximately 1,200 islands, azure waters and colourful villages rich in history, Croatia is drawing more and more travellers to its shores. Croatia is the Mediterranean's fastest-growing destination, luring travellers with its pristine national parks, adventure sports and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The mere mention of Croatia conjures up images of colourful landscapes, sparkling waters and fortified towns furnished with quaint outdoor cafés. 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.
Zagreb
The capital of Croatia, the city of Zagreb, is divided into three parts. The thousand-year-old Gornji grad (Upper Town) contains the Presidential Palace, the iconic St Mark's Church, the Croatian parliament, museums and galleries. All of those are set in cobbled streets lit by gas lamps. The 19th-century Donji grad (Lower Town) with its shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres and parks; and the modern post-World War II area of Novi Zagreb ('new Zagreb') which is full of high-rise buildings.
Zagreb holds many museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants and cafés, green areas, viewpoints and places to stroll around. Admire the glass ceiling at Oktogon, the Secessionist-style tiled facade at Kallina house, rummage through vibrant produce at the Dolac Market and wander through 'the Green Horseshoe', a U-shaped configuration of city squares and parks in downtown.
Split
Split is the largest city on the Croatian coast, and yet it has preserved the relaxed lifestyle of the Mediterranean. The city grew around the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, which had been built almost two millennia ago. The centre of the complex is made entirely of white stone and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the palace itself are antiques which include three 3500-year-old sphinxes brought to Split from Egypt for the Emperor. It is a city within a city with a labyrinth of narrow streets packed with people, bars, shops, cafes and restaurants located within old buildings. To get the best view of the city, you must climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius Cathedral, considered the world's oldest Catholic cathedral.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is known as one of the world's finest and most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world. The neatly contained Dubrovnik centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the result of meticulous reconstruction after the earthquake of 1667. But its allure also lies in the fact that it is a lived-in city, vibrant and bustling with locals whose homes line the narrow streets and sunlit squares.
Dubrovnik Old Town weaves the story of its history and its present into the splendid fabric of fine architecture and magnificent city walls. Starting from Pile square on the eastern side of Dubrovnik Old Town, walk through the maze of narrow streets, lively piazzas, and stunning palaces like Sponza and churches like St. Blaise.
Your private driver will pick you up from the airport in Budapest and transfer you to your hotel.
Check-in at the hotel and time at leisure.
In the evening, take a private transfer from your hotel to visit the illuminated 'Paris of the East". Driving along the embankment and passing by the Parliament, the Royal Palace, and the illuminated bridges is a real experience. You will even stop at the top of the Gellért Hill (Citadel), where you can enjoy the wonderful panorama.
During this tour, you will visit a typical Hungarian restaurant to taste the Hungarian cuisine's different flavours (traditional Hungarian three-course menu accompanied with wine). You can enjoy a colourful folklore show with dancers (dressed in folk costumes) and gipsy music.
Return to the hotel and overnight in Budapest.
Breakfast and pick-up at your hotel. Spend the first part of the day exploring the city, visiting sites such as City Park, St. Stephen's Basilica, Parliament, and the Castle area.
St. Stephen's Basilica is a Roman Catholic basilica named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c 975–1038), whose mummified right hand is housed in the reliquary and today the third largest church in Hungary.
The Hungarian Parliament, the third largest parliament in the world, richly decorated inside and out, was inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London. It was designed in a Neo-Gothic style, although it also has Renaissance and Baroque elements.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Buda Castle is the historical palace complex of the Hungarian Kings in Budapest, first constructed in 1265. Later, a royal palace was added, now housing the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum.
After hours of exploring, enjoy a 2-course meal at a local restaurant before hopping aboard a 2-hour (or 1-hour, depending on the part of the year) cruise along the Danube with a stop at Margaret Island, an island in the middle of the Danube River that runs through the city.
Return to your hotel. Overnight in Budapest.
After breakfast, pick up from your hotel.
Visit the beautiful Baroque Palace in Gödöllő, the former summer residence of the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary Elisabeth and Franz Joseph, only a 30-minute drive from Budapest.
After the end of the family line, the palace had several owners before it was purchased by the Hungarian state in 1867 and, following renovations, gifted to the Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, Franz Joseph I and Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary Elisabeth as a coronation gift. Later, the palace became the favourite rural holiday destination of the couple. To please Sisi, before her visits, the gardeners of the palace always planted her favourite flowers in the front garden near her suite: violets and pansies. During their visits, she invited the cream of aristocratic society and held horse races and hunts, or, when she wanted to relax, she stayed in her suite to read or took walks through the palace garden.
The palace has a double U shape and is surrounded by an enormous park. The interior visit of the Gödöllő Palace gives you a glimpse of times under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You will become acquainted with the secrets of private life, the hidden doors, rooms and lovers of the royal couple.
After the guided tour through the palace, you can have a coffee and look around in the souvenir shop.
Return to Budapest to your hotel. Rest of the day t leisure. One unmissable activity is a soak in the healing waters of Budapest's hot thermal baths.
Have dinner (on your own) at one of the many local restaurants. For dessert, go for the Gundel pancake stuffed with walnuts and chocolate sauce or Somlói Galuska, a sponge cake with chocolate sauce and cream.
Overnight in Budapest.
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Your private driver will meet you at the hotel.
Drive to Zagreb with a stop at Siófok, a town on the south coast of Lake Balaton Lake, the largest lake in central Europe, called "the Hungarian sea". Time to explore the city on your own or drink at the famous Café Móló.
Continue to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Upon arrival, you will take a private walking tour of the city before checking into your hotel. In about two hours stroll, you learn about Zagreb's history, architecture, and traditions. The tour will take you through the historic parts of Zagreb's Upper Town, along its narrow streets, each with its own stories from the past. The Stone Gate, Grič Cannon and St. Mark's Church are some of the Upper Town's most cherished sights. There is also the elegant architecture of Zagreb's Lower Town and its Austro-Hungarian buildings and parks.
End your day with the local dining experience at one of the traditional restaurants in the city centre (on your own).
Overnight in Zagreb.
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure on tour to the Hrvatsko Zagorje region, well known for its beautiful scenery – hills covered in vineyards.
The excursion leads first to the city of Krapina - you'll travel back in time to 32 000 B.C. when the Krapina area was home to Neanderthal man. You'll visit the Krapina Neanderthal Museum featuring an exhibit that takes each visitor from the beginning of cosmic evolution through to the present day.
Then follows a visit to Veliki Tabor, a 12th-century fortress surrounded by Zagorje's remarkable rural landscapes that whisper of the romantic and dramatic past of Hrvatsko Zagorje.
Proceed to Kumrovec, the birthplace of the late Yugoslav President Tito. The old quarter of Kumrovec is an open-air museum with beautifully restored thatched cottages and wooden farm buildings that offer an authentic look at rural life in the 19th century.
A guided wine tasting of 3 local autochthonous wine varieties is coming up with a snack at one of the well-known local wineries in Kumrovec.
Return to Zagreb and overnight.
Breakfast and check-out. Departure towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, a magical world of lakes, waterfalls, moss and forests. A guided sightseeing tour includes a boat ride and allows you to experience the beauty of the lakes and waterfalls, each spectacular in its own right. (Electric boats and scenic train rides are subject to weather conditions).
Nestled in the embrace of the surrounding wooded mountains are sixteen smaller and larger crystal turquoise lakes interconnected by foaming cascades and deep falls. The Park includes the headwaters of the Korana River in an area surrounded by dense forests, caves, springs and flower-filled meadows, which show the vast diversity of flora and fauna in the Park. This interplay of water, rock and plant-life creates a wondrous, dynamic landscape, changing the water colour from azure to bright green, and deep blue to grey.
A meal at a local restaurant features a delicious array of local specialities (on your own).
Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Overnight in the Plitvice region.
After breakfast and check-out, you will start your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the morning.
Driving through the landscapes of Bosnia, passing Jablanica, where you can visit the museum "Battle for the Wounded on Neretva River "(self-guided), you will arrive in Sarajevo.
After arrival, you will take a private city tour of the charming town, home to Bosniaks, Croats, Turks, Jews and Serbs. The city of many diversities shows the unique link between the East and the West. Visit Baščaršija, old Sarajevo merchant streets from the 15th century, when Isa-bey Isaković founded the entire city, the oriental Svrzina House representing the lifestyle of an urban Muslim family in the late 18th and throughout the 19th century and Princip Bridge.
The word Baščaršija stems from the word "baš", which in Turkish means main, so the word Baščaršija means the main market. The market was categorized and organized based on the crafts, so every street had shops dedicated to one or more complementary crafts (the streets were called Smiths, Coppersmiths, Leathersmiths, and Jewellers).
Check-in at the hotel.
We recommend dinner (on your own) at one of the famous restaurants such as Kibe, Inat kuća, Hajdučke vrleti or similar. Try some domestic food like cevapi, grilled ground meat rolls served in flatbread, burek, baklava or the best Bosnian coffee served in small copper pots.
Overnight in Sarajevo.
After breakfast and check-out, you will start the journey from Sarajevo to Mostar.
Situated on the bank of the river Neretva, Mostar is the city of contrasts, wide streets, narrow alleys and traditional old bazaars. Mostar is the main centre of Herzegovina and was founded by the Turks in the 15th century. Known as one of the most fascinating cities in the world, the city combines influences from Christian Europe and Muslim Middle East.
The city's star is the UNESCO-protected Old Bridge, built in the 16th century. Most of the city's historic old town (including the Old Bridge) was destroyed in the 1990's conflict, and the town has since been rebuilt and restored. The Ottoman-style Old Bridge was rebuilt in 2004 and connects the city's two sides. It serves as a symbol of reconciliation and harmony between diverse communities. There are also many mosques and Turkish influences throughout the city.
Wander the cobblestone streets of the bazaar and experience the city's multi-cultural and multi-faith vibe on almost every corner. Admire the slender minarets of the Middle Mosque and the ornate wooden balconies of the everyday houses.
Check-in at the hotel. We recommend that you have dinner (on your own) at one of the famous local restaurants, such as Šadarvan or Hindin Han.
Overnight in Mostar.
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Your private driver will bring you to Međugorje, one of the world's most famous Roman-Catholic pilgrimage destinations. What made it famous are the apparitions of the Virgin Mary on Crnica Hill that have been occurring since 1981. Guided visit to the shrine.
Continue to Makarska, a small Adriatic coast town located in a naturally protected harbour surrounded by the beautiful peninsula of St. Peter and cape Osejava. It is the only harbour of this kind in this area. It served as a shelter for sailors in the past if they got caught in stormy weather. Free time for lunch (on your own).
Your final destination is Split, the relaxed Mediterranean beauty. Check-in at the hotel. We recommend that you spend the evening at one of the famous restaurants such as Zoi, Duje, Zrno soli, Dvor, MaToni with jazz and funk music or visit some of the unusual coffee houses and bars such as Academia Ghetto Club, one of the most popular bars in Split among locals.
Overnight in Split.
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning private walking tour of Split (approx. 2 hours), including Diocletian's Palace, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will also be visiting the cellars of Diocletian's Palace and its central square, the Peristyle, which is situated at the crossroads of two major ancient roads. The Peristyle is dominated by the majestic Cathedral of St. Domnius. A black sphinx is in front of the entrance to the cathedral, which serves as a reminder of Diocletian's fascination with these mythical creatures.
Your next stop is the magnificent Golden Gate, which was exclusively used by Diocletian and his family members. After this, you will continue to the Croatian bishop Gregory of Nin statue. The toe of this colossus has lost some of its lustre since it is frequently rubbed by passers-by for good luck in the hope that their wishes will come true.
Time at leisure. To see how Split's inhabitants go about their day, try Marmont Street, which extends down to the water and is flanked at the upper end by shops, cafes and restaurants. Or you can walk through the Varos neighbourhood to Marjan Hill with the hilltop viewing platform for 360-degree views over the sea and city.
Overnight in Split.
After breakfast and check-out, your private driver will take you further south of the country's most famous gem, the eternal Dubrovnik. On the route, stop to visit the glittering salt pans in Ston, the oldest active salt plant in the Mediterranean, and experience a unique oyster-tasting session.
You'll embark on an oyster-tasting experience, a unique gastronomic attraction. Sailing in a boat, you will enjoy the untouched natural beauty of the protected ecosystem of Mali Ston Bay. Taste world-famous oysters taken out of the sea on a floating dock in the middle of the oyster farm.
You can have lunch (on your own) and experience authentic indigenous Dalmatian cuisine at the Bota Sare restaurant. Almost everything you eat and drink here is farmed, caught, or produced within 100 m of your table.
When you're ready, continue your journey down the coast and after a 30-minute drive, make a short stop in a beautiful green oasis of Trsteno Arboretum (self-guided). This oldest arboretum in this part of the world was used as the setting and filming location for the world-famous series Game of Thrones.
Check-in at the hotel and overnight in Dubrovnik.
After breakfast at the hotel, take a private walking city (approx. 2 hours) tour of the stunning Dubrovnik.
The tour begins at the monumental Pile Gate, located at the top of Stradun, the splendid main promenade street of the Old Town. You will keep walking to the Franciscan Monastery, whose cloister is one of the most magnificent sites in the city and then to the oldest pharmacy in Europe opened in 1317. A little further is the Sponza Palace, notable for its portico with columns and elaborate stone carvings, which today houses the State Archives. The tour ends with a visit to the Cathedral which was built on the ruins of a 12th C church but then destroyed by the great earthquake in 1667.
Enjoy lunch (on your own) in one of the famous restaurants in the Old Town, and taste local dishes such as pašticada with gnocchi, cheese in oil, and the traditional dessert of Dubrovnik - "rožata"
In the afternoon, take the cable car (on your own) from the Old Town to Srđ mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Walls and the Elaphiti Islands, or meander through the narrow streets, exploring the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the city.
Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Dubrovnik simply calls for photos. We recommend you walk along the 2 km long Dubrovnik's city walls and enjoy the views of the fortresses, lively squares, and the hidden narrow streets below. Take a lovely photo of Dubrovnik's red roofs and hidden spots that you normally don't see but from the bird's perspective.
You can also head to Banje beach for a swim or take a kayaking trip to explore nearby Lokrum island. Though if you desire to get out of the city, consider joining a half-day excursion to the charming town of Cavtat and the Konavle region. Alternatively, you might like to venture further afield to discover Montenegro's Bay of Kotor. Whatever you decide, a great way to end the day is to catch the sunset from the water on a sunset dinner cruise (2.5 hours) on a replica of a traditional karaka ship (excursions on request, surcharge)
We recommend dinner (on your own) at one of the famous restaurants in Dubrovnik, such as Arsenal, Dalmatino, Kopun or your choice.
Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. On your last day, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel in Dubrovnik on time for your departure flight. Remember to bring all your souvenirs and unforgettable memories from Croatia!
We will double-check availability and make reservations for your rooms, restaurants, guides etc.
With reservations confirmed, we will prepare the best offer possible in regard to your arrival date & party size
You will get the offer via e-mail, along with the payment options. Feel free to request further customisations!
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