Off the known tracks in three countries: From the Eastern Alps to the Adriatic

Waltz your way through Vienna before you get to enjoy the quaint feeling of Klagenfurt and the Austrian lake Wörthersee, the customs and the mountains there in the Eastern Alps. Prepare to be introduced also to Slovenia's fairy-tale Lakes Bled and Bohinj and explore the magical walkways, waterfalls, trails and lakes of National Parks Plitvice Lakes, Krka, and Paklenica. Indeed, this side of Europe beats with a unique pulse. From the cobblestone streets to medieval towns and amiable family estates, get to know these three friendly countries in a responsible manner, helping local communities all the while learning about the local heritage treasures: from Klagenfurt’s old night guard tour, to the olive groves around inland Istria, fortified Motovun, Opatija’s promenade and stylish architecture, all the way to nature’s mazes and pathways with some of the clearest and finest waters in Slovenia and Croatia. End the trip with an espresso on a coffee place terrace of the Split “riva”, i.e., boardwalk or promenade. This Croatia, Slovenia and Austria tour takes you through some of the gems and off-the-main-route Central and Southern European locations, exploring the stunning forests, parks, rugged mountains, brimming rivers, and gorgeous coastlines all testaments to the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires, but most of all a testament to Mother Earth and its masterpiece work of “art”. Discover the effects of the past on the present, both historically and geologically and allow yourself to be present and live in the moment. 

Here you can learn a few interesting facts about each of the locations you are about to visit.

Vienna

It is also the "City of Music" as many composers lived here, such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, Brahms, Mahler, and Schoenberg, to only name a few. Still today, the Viennese Philharmonics, the Vienna State Opera, or the Vienna Boys Choir are some of Vienna's internationally most important cultural testimonials.

There will be no lack of fascinating stories about the Habsburgs during your Vienna stay (such as the emperor couple Sisi and Franz Joseph), marriage and burial rites, or the history of the Sachertorte and Viennese coffee houses. In these traditional coffeehouses it is quite easy to just relax, to enjoy local or international specialties, or to simply read newspapers (including the foreign ones). In recent years, a modern coffee house generation and culture has developed as well, with trendy interior designs and hip music by DJs - coffee house tradition combined with modern trends.

Klagenfurt and Wörthersee Lake

Klagenfurt as Carinthia's capital, is ideally located near Wörthersee lake, one of Europe’s largest and warmest Alpine lakes. Carinthia is among Austria's best kept secrets, a beautiful region with over 200 splendid lakes and a landscape marked by high peaks and chiselled valleys. Perfect slopes and great snow conditions for skiing trips, plus top spa, and wellness hotels for summer retreats, make this province an Austrian paradise in any season.

Klagenfurt is an 800-year-old town that boasts one of Austria’s more noticeable historic town centres and has been thrice awarded the prestigious Europa Nostra Diploma for its lovingly restored arcaded Renaissance courtyards with today’s modern boutiques, trendy bars, and authentic beer gardens located within.

Lake Wörthersee, or Lake Wörth, is the largest lake in Carinthia, and it is also, due to its climatic conditions, one of the warmest Alpine lakes. In summer, the water reaches temperatures of 28°C (82°F). In wintertime, when the lake freezes, it becomes one of Austria's largest skating rinks and a beautiful sight to enjoy. Situated in a depression in the mid-Carinthian hill country, the lake is surrounded by breath-taking mountain peaks. The view extends all the way to the Karavanks Range to the South, and to the hilltops of the Ossiacher Tauern mountain ridge in the North. In addition, there is also great access to Lake Wörthersee’s Eastern bay, an illuminated running track, a challenging fitness course at Kreuzbergl mountain, a golf course, and great setting for some sailing.

Pyramidenkogel - At 100 metres tall, it is the highest wooden viewing tower in the world.

The construction comprises 16 immense, elliptically arranged, larch glulam supports and 80 diagonal steel braces. The actual structure is 67 metres high. Resting on this is the tower head with the two highest viewing platforms and the ‘Sky Box’. The ‘Sky Box’ (on the 9th floor) is entirely glazed, giving it protection from the elements…

Bled

Bled is nothing short of an image of paradise. This tourist gem known worldwide is located on the edge of the Triglav National Park and was nominated one of the seven new wonders of the world. It is distinguished by a mild, healing climate and thermal springs of lake water.

The Bled castle - dates to 1004 when the German king Henry II conferred the estate of Bled on Bishop Albuin of Brixen. The first castle was built by the bishops Brixen around 1011 for defence reasons. During the Middle Ages additional towers were built and the fortification system with the wall and lifting tower above the ditch were upgraded.

Double structure is typical of the castle with its fortified main section intended for the residence of feudal lords, and the exterior part with the units for servants. In 1511, the castle was strongly damaged by and earthquake, but it was later rebuilt in the manner as it is today. The castle is decorated with the images of coats-of-arms, painted in fresco art technique, some are engraved in stone.

Bled island - The most recognisable symbol of the island is the Church of the Mother of God on the lake with a long and interesting history. You can explore interesting island buildings such as the bell tower, provost's house, small hermitage, and other locations.

The wishing bell is popular with many visitors who come by “pletna” boat to the island. When they ring the bell, they recommend themselves to the Mother of God and express their wishes and requests for her to hear them and protect them.

Opatija

Opatija is a quaint little coastal town in the Northern Adriatic known for its promenade, splendid hotels, villas, and restaurants. The town was built in the 19th century as a summer and health tourism resort for the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy.

Istria

Continental Croatia meets the Adriatic Sea in Istria, the heart-shaped, 3600-square-kilometres peninsula in the country's northwest. Its bucolic interior with rolling hills and fertile plains attracts foodie- and culture-focused visitors to Istria’s hilltop villages, rural hotels, and farmhouse restaurants, besides its highly acclaimed coastal areas (Rovinj, Poreč, Pula, to name a few...)

Motovun - is a captivating, fortified town perched on a 277m hill above the Mirna River valley. The setting is astonishing, fairy-tale worthy, and a large part of its appeal is in the lost-in-time views over the green and lush valley. The damp and dark Motovun Forest also has a storytelling quality as it contains hidden treasure in the form of Istria's famous truffles (both black and white).

Grožnjan - medieval town of artists and music, located only twenty minutes from Umag on the coast. It is a dreamy and hilly location with terraced olive groves and vineyards and is a sandstone elevation formed by the down-cutting action of two streams, Kanistran and Pistion, on the ground. Small and closely built houses, and the castle are a clear testimonial to its Medieval past, nowadays adorned with several tiny arts and crafts shops, art galleries, cafés, and charming bistros.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Nestled in the embrace of the surrounding wooded mountains are sixteen smaller and larger crystal turquoise lakes, Plitvice Lakes are interconnected by foaming cascades and deep falls. The park includes the headwaters of the Korana River in an area surrounded by dense forests and is additionally ornamented by several caves, springs, and flower-filled meadows, which show the vast diversity of flora and fauna in the national park.

Paklenica National Park

Stretched over 145 kilometres and creating a natural barrier between inland and coastal Croatia, the rugged summits of the Velebit Range are an impressive and remarkable sight. Paklenica National Park takes up 95 square kilometres of limestone mountains and boasts some of Croatia’s most dramatic mountain views and observation points. It is ideal for the trekking enthusiasts; you can do some serious hiking there but also take it down a notch by doing a bit of climbing or just ambling along one of the many streams or mountain huts located along the route.

Krka National Park

Another stunning park with numerous waterfalls, the location of Krka National Park, close to the Dalmatian part of the Adriatic coast makes this a popular place worth visiting. Its 17 cascades stretch over 800 m of the riverbed. The water foams and leaps over barriers, sparkling with a turquoise tint in the calmer parts.

The island of Visovac, where a monastery from the 18th century is to be found, is one of the main attractions in the park. Taking one of the excursion boats is a great way of making your way through Krka National Park and getting to know it better. Also do take notice of the famous Skradinski buk (waterfall) and the same name Skradin town where the sea water meets the crispy Krka River.

Split

Split’s most striking landmark would be the Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today it constitutes the heart of the old city of Split. You can visit there the Ancient Cellars and the Peristyle, the central square of the palace and later proceed to the Cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic coast, take notice of former Roman Temples, the famous Golden Gate, and the statue of Grgur Ninski - a revered Croatian bishop. Gelato and coffee places on the famous Split “riva” (waterfront) are there to remind you to truly “carpe diem”.