From Vienna to Dubrovnik via Slovenia in 13 days. Private tour in modern A/C van

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria! A vibrant city with baroque streetscapes, imperial palaces, art and design, musical masterpieces and coffee-house culture.Arrival to your hotel and time to freshen up. In the evening meet your Tour guide at your hotel for orientation briefing, followed by a lovely welcome dinner.

Start your day with an orientation walk of the old town that once was surrounded and protected by the city walls. See St. Stephen’s Cathedral – one of Europe’s great Gothic structures, stroll on Kärntnerstrasse and perhaps stop in the famous Sacher hotel, where even more famous Sacher chocolate cake was invented. Free time for lunch. Get your camera ready for a circuit of the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard is built along the lines of the old city walls and showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House and magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence. 

a visit and magnificent tour of the Schoenbrunn Palace. The site of the Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn is outstanding as one of the most impressive and well preserved Baroque ensembles of its kind in Europe. A small hunting lodge and later summer residence of the Habsburg family became a symbol of the power and influence of the House of Habsburg over a long period of European history, from the end of the 17th to the early 20th century. Free time to explore the gardens where you can visit Europe’s oldest ZOO or get lost in Maze & Labyrinth. A walk away there is also a Technical museum of Vienna. 

Afternoon at leisure for your own discoveries.

Afternoon at leisure for your own discoveries.

Afternoon at leisure for your own discoveries.

Afternoon at leisure for your own discoveries.

Afternoon at leisure for your own discoveries.

Before departing from Vienna to Graz, stop to see a unique work of architectural art – colourful Hundertwasser house, an architecture style so different and fun but still very livable.

Thal, a village known as a birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger. “I’ll be back.” Hardly anyone could fail to recognize Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous line. Even though he doesn’t actually come back in person that often, nevertheless you can gain an intimate insight into the childhood and career of this international star at the Arnold-Schwarzenegger Museum, located at his place of birth in Thal near Graz. The beautiful building was constructed in 1806 and is the original forester’s lodge of the Count of Herberstein and Eggenberg. 

Afternoon arrival to a nearby city of Graz, the second-largest city in Austria after Vienna. For centuries, Graz was more important to Slovenes, both politically and culturally, than the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana and strong ties remained to this day. Have a walk through Graz’s historic center, one of the best-preserved ones in Central Europe and learn about this UNESCO listed city which is boosting with another title from 2008 – City of Culinary Delights. 

Slovenia’s second largest city, Maribor; European Capital of Culture of 2012. Maribor is a home of the oldest – 400 years old – vine in the world. We will have a lovely stroll through this city of wine, friendly people, great sights and monuments 

Ljubljana. Centrally located capital city of Slovenia has a feel of metropolis with small-town friendliness. With over 50,000 students it is a city with a young vibe and great respect for seniors. With over 10,000 cultural events that take place in the city every year, Ljubljana is called a city of culture. Boosting with a rich history; from the legacy of Roman Emona; through to the Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau to modern Ljubljana that was shaped by the strong personal style of Jože Plečnik, it is also a home of one of the oldest philharmonic orchestra in the world. By arrival to Ljubljana, we take you on a culinary journey of Slovenian food and drinks. Our excellent graded Slovenian food & wine city walk in Ljubljana includes a selection of Slovenian typical dishes and wines. Along with tastings in different restaurants, we will visit Ljubljana’s best features like Plecnik’s Triple bridge, baroque St. Nicholas Cathedral, Renaissance City hall and Art Nouveau street. We will not let you leave hungry of food nor information.

Start your day excursion to the sunny side of the Julian Alps. Enjoy a picturesque hike in a 1,6 km/1 mi long Vintgar gorge* which carves its way through the vertical rocks and is graced with waterfalls, pools and rapids. 

A short ride brings us to the shores of the beautiful glacial lake of Bledsurrounded by the Julian Alps. This place is a nature escape for those searching peace and fresh mountain air. 

To step back in time, we will visit a typical medieval gothic Bled castle built on 130 m/426 feet high cliff. 

Optional visit to the tiny island of Lake Bled in the middle of the lake is possible with a traditional wooden rowing boat called pletna. In the island’s church, you can ring a bell of wishes, a tradition, that is most possibly 500 years old.

Let’s explore deeper in Triglav National Parkand drive through picturesque alpine villages and pastures full of hayracks to the biggest Slovenian lake – Bohinj. 

Optional cable car ride to Mt. Vogel** where you will be rewarded with astonishing views of mountain peaks and lake Bohinj on your palm. If you decide to get a lift above the clouds, let us give you a hint: Lunch up there tastes even better!

Today we will take you to the home of baby dragons and knights. It sounds like a fairytale, right? Number one visited attraction in Slovenia is the Queen of the caves – Postojna cave. It is a system of chambers, halls and passages that you enter by open train which adds to the experience of depths and adventure. Countless stalagmite and stalactite formations are lit well enough even to take pictures. You will hear about Slovenia’s most unusual creature that we are fond of and call a human fish.

A short drive away there is one of a kind, the Renaissance-style Predjama castle which has a reputation for being the most hunted castle in Europe. It is nestled in the mouth of a cave and is set within a 123-meter-tall (404 feet) rock face. Let us walk you through the story of chateau’s famous resident knight Erazem Lueger.

Drive back to the capital to learn more about beer making in the city’s largest brewery and its museum and enjoy the best part of the process; beer tasting*. Traditional lunch that will compliment brewer’s nectar, is included in this beer experience.

Morning start to a place that looks like something out of The Lord of the Rings. Skocjan caves are a UNESCO protected site. The real attraction here is the largest underground cavern in all of Europe. What steals the show from other caves are spectacular views from many footbridges overlooking underground canyon and the underground river flowing inside the cave. As you walk along, you have to remind yourself that what you see is real. 

On the way to the coast, we shortly stop in Lipica stud farm, home to almost 400 white Lipizzaner horses, nourishing a tradition of over 400 years. 

Photo stop on the edge of Karst that offers views over Slovenian coast and Italian town of Trieste. 

On the coast is the town of Piran where Venetian Republic has left its legacy that one can feel in narrow winding streets, houses huddled close together, beautiful squares and churches. Enjoy some free time wandering around this well preserved medieval town with cafes and ‘gelaterias’ lined on the seaside promenade. 

Morning departure from Ljubljana to Zagreb, Croatia. Drive through Dolenjska region in Slovenia towards Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. Zagreb is a trendy city that has roots in Central European urban culture, enriched by Mediterranean and Balkan traditions. It is also a city of green parks and walks. Upon arrival to Zagreb, you will have an escorted city walk and see vibrant parts of the capital of Croatia; start at Zagreb’s central square ‘Trg Jelacica’, take the shortest city funicular in the world to reach Upper town where you can enjoy the views over Zagreb Lower town, stop at‘Lotrscak Tower’ where a cannon is fired every day at noon, optional visit of rewarded Museum of broken relationships (an innovative concept that displays mementos of failed relationships and the stories that surround them) and/or Gallery of Naive Art, take a picture of Zagreb’s most photographed multi-colored tile roof of St Mark’s church, pass Parliament ‘Sabor’ and presidential palace ‘Ban’s palace’, stop to see people praying in front of the shrine of Virgin Mary at Stone Gate, walk on Tkalciceva street filled with little cafes that could only be described as ‘bohemian’, visit fruit and vegetable market at ‘Dolac’, enterCathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary whose spires are visible from afar and complete the circle. After city walk, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Suggestions and pointers will be given to you by your guide: take a walk at Esplanade Park, enter some of the many museums, buy flowers at the flower market, have lunch in numerous restaurants and taverns, shop your way around the city and enjoy yourself.

Depart from Zagreb to Split. Stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Europe’s great natural wonders, for a beautiful 3-4-hour experience in nature. Zig-zagging timber footbridges will lead you through the blue-green beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a scenic wonderland of 16 interconnected lakes, flanked by waterfalls and primaeval forest. Complete the experience with a short cruise that takes you into the heart of this natural wonder. 

Witness a dramatic change in landscape, as you travel through Mediterranean olive groves on your way to a historic town of Trogir. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Little Venice of Dalmatia or The Stone Beauty – Trogir, is a remarkable example of urban continuity. First settlement dates back to the Ancient Greek period and it was embellished by successive rulers with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications. Its beautiful Romanesque churches are complemented by the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period. Enjoy a stroll in the old town before dinner.

Depart from Trogir to Dubrovnik. Start your day with a guided tour of Split, explore ancient streets of former Diocletian’s palace, now a lively residential area one simply cannot imagine before seeing it. One of the most significant Late-Roman historical monuments is listed on a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your local guide will take you to some places you might saw in a fantasy drama, Game of Thrones. Explore the underground substructure of Diocletian’s palace to understand the magnificence of this ancient building. No visit to Split can be accomplished without a visit to its green market or Pazar, as locals call it. It is one of the town’s iconic spots, an excellent place to explore and to blend with locals. 

Early afternoon departure to Dubrovnik. Scenic road from Split to Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful stretches of land in the Mediterranean. It’s comparable to the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Arrival to Dubrovnik, dinner and time to relax.

Morning tour of the walled town of Dubrovnik, ‘paradise on earth’ according to George Bernard Shaw. Join a walking exploration of the “Old Dubrovnik,” a UNESCO World Heritage site, guided by a Local guide. Get a glimpse into local life, as you explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th-century bastions of the Old Town. Walk past Onofrio’s Fountain, visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy lies, admire Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral, many museums and perhaps ascend on top of the City Walls to see town’s hidden spots. The medieval fortress makes for a memorable workout. The stone ramparts, gates, bastions, forts, and towers that they connect span nearly 2 kilometers1.2 miles). From every point, the walls give visitors a glimpse into the city’s construction and centuries of defence. Afternoon is at leisure or maybe hop on a cruise around the mighty walls of the old town.

Visit the Franciscan Monastery, where Europe’s oldest pharmacy lies.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Spend the day at your leisure or enjoy an optional visit to Montenegro. Your chosen excursion sees you journeying along the coast and cross the border to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor (or “the Boka”); once known as Europe’s southernmost fjord, it is actually a ria (a long, narrow inlet). Your guide will introduce you to the region’s many legends and stories. Before arriving at the very end of Boka Bay, stop at the town of Perast to take a short cruise to the island, where a beautiful Catholic church, Our Lady of the Rocks, sits. Island’s local guides will share with you stories of the former glory and wealth that seamen brought from far away seas to the town of Perast. Continue along the bay, to many a photographer’s dreams, to the pretty port town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy orientation walk and free time before returning back to Dubrovnik. Since this is our last evening together on a tour, we will raise our glasses over a farewell drink to wish each other Safe travels!

DUBROVNIK – tour endsPossible transfer to the airport. Safe travels!