15 Days ~ Austria ~ Hungary ~ Croatia ~ Slovenia

Country Roads of Dalmatia

Tour Pace
A well balanced tour with an exceptional three-night stay in Cavtat, near Dubrovnik, and two nights in Budapest, Zagreb and Ljubljana. Scenic driving days with frequent stops for refreshment and photos.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Vienna.

DAY 2 – SAT – VIENNA AT LEISURE
On arrival at Vienna Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: NH Danube City.

DAY 3 – SUN – VIENNA – BUDAPEST
Take a leisurely drive through farming country to the Hungarian border. Pass the eagle, overlooking the town of Tatabanya, before arriving in Budapest. Enjoy a panoramic view across the Danube from the lofty Citadel atop Gellert Hill, then marvel at the murals in Matthias Church beside the Fisherman’s Bastion. View the Royal Palace of Buda, then cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes’ Square and drive along Andrassy Boulevard. As night falls, enjoy a Highlight Dinner with traditional Gypsy entertainment.
Hotel: Hilton West End. (BB,HD)

DAY 4 – MON – BUDAPEST AT LEISURE
The day is totally set aside for you to explore this fascinating city on your own or perhaps shop for bargains in fine porcelain and colorful 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. (BB)

DAY 5 – TUE – BUDAPEST – ZAGREB
Take an enchanting drive alongside tranquil Lake Balaton. Stop to admire the abbey of Tihany, perched on a peninsula reaching out into the lake, then cross farmland to the Croatian border and the capital of Zagreb. A guided tour takes you to Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the cathedral. Walk through the medieval core of the Upper Town to see the Croatian Parliament, Stone Gate, St Mark’s Church and the ancient Gric Tower.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – WED – ZAGREB
Spend the day at leisure exploring the Croatian capital. Zagreb is renowned for its shopping, or perhaps you prefer to take an excursion to the Zagorje region to learn about local culture and traditions. (BB)

DAY 7 – THU – ZAGREB – SPLIT
Head south to the Adriatic coast towards Split, visiting the ancient Roman port of Salona. Admire the 2nd century Amphitheatre, Roman Baths and Necropolis. More than 1700 years ago in the historic port city of Split, 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 a guided walking tour, explore the labyrinth of streets built within and without the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, unique because it is still lived in.
Hotel: Atrium. (BB)

DAY 8 – FRI – SPLIT – DUBROVNIK
Spend the morning exploring Split’s Old Town on your own before travelling on to Dubrovnik and your resort hotel, which is beautifully situated alongside the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and pine fresh forest.
Hotel: Ariston. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – SAT – DUBROVNIK SIGHTSEEING
If the Dalmatian Coast is the zenith of the Mediterranean, then Dubrovnik is the jewel in the crown! A guided sightseeing tour in the Old Town explores the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio’s fountain and the Rector’s Palace and the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 10 – SUN – DUBROVNIK AT LEISURE
The day is completely free to follow the advice of George Bernard Shaw: “Those who seek Paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Shop for handicrafts in the bazaar, sample local fish delicacies or just relax by the pool. (BB)

DAY 11 – MON – DUBROVNIK – PLITVICE
A magnificent drive takes you along the Dalmatian coast – a symphony of sparkling deep blue sea, studded with rocky islands. Visit Trogir, founded by the Greeks in 400BC, and admire its Romanesque cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace. Head inland to one of Europe’s finest natural wonders, Plitvice National Park.
Hotel: Jezero. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – TUE – PLITVICE – LJUBLJANA
Cruise the crystal blue-green beauty of the Plitvice Lakes; a scenic wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes flanked by waterfalls and primeval forest. Visit Korana Canyon to see the 230 foot high falls and Tomicevo Pogledalo for spectacular panoramic views over the park. In the afternoon, drive through the unique region of Lika, crossing into Slovenia and reaching the capital, Ljubljana, your home for two nights.
Hotel: Lev. (BB,D)

DAY 13 – WED – LJUBLJANA SIGHTSEEING
A local guide shows you the Baroque elegance of the ‘White City’. Its medieval castle sits atop a 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 colorful umbrellas of the riverside cafes and restaurants. Spend the afternoon at leisure. (BB,D)

DAY 14 – THU – LJUBLJANA – VIENNA
It’s only a short drive back across the Austrian border to the forested mountains of Styria. Pass by Graz, Austria’s second largest city and the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger, to return to Vienna. Consider celebrating your final night on tour with a farewell dinner.
Hotel: NH Danube City. (BB)

DAY 15 – FRI – RETURN TO USA
Your tour ends with transfers to the airport. (BB)