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ITINERARY
Tour Pace
Well balanced tour with exceptional three night stay in Cavtat, close by Dubrovnik, and two nights in Budapest, Zagreb & Ljubljana. Wonderful scenic driving days with frequent stops for refreshment & photo opportunities.
DAY 1 – SAT – VIENNA AT LEISURE
On arrival at Vienna Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink. Tonight, perhaps start your tour with a special concert? Hotel: Crowne Plaza.
DAY 2 – SUN – VIENNA – BUDAPEST
A leisurely drive today takes us through farming country to the Hungarian border. We pass the eagle, overlooking the town of Tatabanya, before arriving in Budapest. We first enjoy a panorama across the Danube from the lofty Citadel atop Gellert Hill. Then marvel at the murals in Matthias Church beside the Fisherman's Bastion. We view the Royal Palace of Buda, then cross the Danube to the Pest district, where we visit Heroes' Square and drive along Andrassy Boulevard. This evening we enjoy a highlight dinner with traditional gypsy entertainment. Hotel: Sofitel Atrium. (Buffet breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 3 – MON – BUDAPEST AT LEISURE
Today is totally free to explore this fascinating city on our own, or perhaps shop for bargains in fine porcelain and colourful embroideries? Or you might like to take an optional excursion to explore the secrets of Szentendre, the charming baroque town famous for its artists colony? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 4 – TUE – BUDAPEST – ZAGREB
Our day starts with an enchanting drive alongside tranquil Lake Balaton. We stop to admire the picturesque abbey of Tihany, perched on a peninsula reaching out into the lake, then across rich farmland to the Croatian border and the capital of Zagreb. Our guided tour takes us to Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the cathedral. Walking through the medieval core of the Upper Town, we see the seat of the Government, the Croatian Parliament, Stone Gate, St Mark's Church and the ancient Gric Tower. Hotel: Sheraton. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 5 – WED – ZAGREB
Today is at leisure to explore the Croatian capital and its surroundings. Zagreb is renowned for the best shopping in Croatia or perhaps take an excursion to the Zagorje region to learn more about the local culture and traditions? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 6 – THU – ZAGREB – SPLIT
This morning we head southwards to the Adriatic coast to the historic port of Split, but first we visit the ancient Roman port of Salona. Here we admire the 2nd century Amphitheatre, Roman Baths and Necropolis. Then to Split where 1700 years ago the Roman Emperor, Diocletian, built his palace. Today those very buildings make up the heart of the old town, listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. On our guided walking tour we explore the labyrinth of streets built within and without the walls of Diocletian's Palace, unique because it is still lived in! Now to our hotel and time to relax along the palm lined water front promenade. Hotel: Marjan. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 7 – FRI – SPLIT – CAVTAT
Today we have some free time to explore the old town on our own. Then it's on to Dubrovnik and our resort hotel, beautifully situated on a nearby peninsula overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the picturesque old city of Cavtat. Hotel: Croatia. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 8 – SAT – DUBROVNIK SIGHTSEEING
Our guided sightseeing tour in the old town this morning explores the stone paved streets inside the 16th century bastions. We see Onofrio's fountain and the Rector's Palace, the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. This afternoon is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 9 – SUN – CAVTAT AT LEISURE
Today is completely free to shop for handicrafts in the bazaar, sample local fish delicacies... or follow the advice of George Bernard Shaw - 'Those who seek Paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik!' (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 10 – MON – CAVTAT – PLITVICE
Today a magnificent drive takes us along the Dalmatian coast - a scenic symphony of sparkling deep blue sea, studded with rocky islands. We visit Trogir, founded by the Greeks in 400BC, where we admire the Romanesque cathedral and the Renaissance Cipiko Palace. Then we head inland to reach one of Europe's natural wonders – Plitvice National Park. Hotel: Jezero. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 11 – TUE – PLITVICE – LJUBLJANA
Cameras at the ready today as we cruise the crystal blue-green beauty of the Plitvice Lakes; a scenic wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes flanked by waterfalls and primeval forest. We visit Korana Canyon to see the 230 feet high falls and Tomicevo Pogledalo for spectacular panoramic views over the park. In the afternoon we drive through the unique region of Lika, then crossing into Slovenia, we reach Ljubljana, our home for the next two nights. Hotel: Lev. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 12 – WED – LJUBLJANA SIGHTSEEING
This morning our local guide shows us the Baroque elegance of the 'White City'. Its medieval castle sits atop the hill as an ancient guardian; the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas testify to its historical importance; and the Triple Bridge spans the river Ljubjanica, whose banks disappear under the colourful umbrellas of the riverside cafes and restaurants. Later we have time at leisure. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 13 – THU – LJUBLJANA – VIENNA
It's only a short drive back across the Austrian border to the forested mountains of Styria. We pass by Graz, Austria's second largest city and the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger, to return to Vienna. Maybe celebrate with a farewell dinner tonight? Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 14 – FRI – VIENNA
Our tour ends with a transfer to the airport. (Buffet breakfast)
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