Eastern Capitals & the Dalmatian Riviera - Small Group
Tour Type: Country Roads
Brochure Type: IV Europe Summer 2024 v1
From Vienna to Ljubljana and onto Dubrovnik, this grand tour takes in the natural wonders of Plitvice National Park, the historic wartime Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope and the ancient town of Trogir-founded by the Greek Empire over 2000 years ago. Beginning the journey in royal style, a Schonbrunn Palace tour in Vienna brings the dynasty of the Habsburgs to life as a Local Expert guides you through the palatial ballrooms, and stately grounds. In the Slovenian capital, the intoxicating aromas of Ljubljanan's Central Market are food for the soul, while the Croatian capital of Zagreb showcases the architectural grandeur of its twin towns. A tour of the Dalmatian Riviera serves up the 1700-year-old cellars of Split and the pearl of the Adriatic-Dubrovnik.
Choice Highlights
Brochure Type: IV Europe Summer 2024 v1
From Vienna to Ljubljana and onto Dubrovnik, this grand tour takes in the natural wonders of Plitvice National Park, the historic wartime Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope and the ancient town of Trogir-founded by the Greek Empire over 2000 years ago. Beginning the journey in royal style, a Schonbrunn Palace tour in Vienna brings the dynasty of the Habsburgs to life as a Local Expert guides you through the palatial ballrooms, and stately grounds. In the Slovenian capital, the intoxicating aromas of Ljubljanan's Central Market are food for the soul, while the Croatian capital of Zagreb showcases the architectural grandeur of its twin towns. A tour of the Dalmatian Riviera serves up the 1700-year-old cellars of Split and the pearl of the Adriatic-Dubrovnik.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park. Learn about the studies taking place to monitor and protect the natural habitat, and education initiatives on the marine environment and best practices for a low-impact experience. The site participates in habitat restoration and is constantly working to protect the parks natural ecosystems and animal population. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities & Communities. Alternatively, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens' Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities & Communities. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- "It's magical to see how a group of guests comes together over the course of our trip. I can always tell when that's happening because suddenly the enthusiasm is palpable."
- "One thing I really love about showing guests Eastern Europe is the rich history and culture of places that have previously been impossible to visit due to political situations."
- Vienna: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a drink, followed by a pleasant Welcome Dinner served with wine at a local restaurant.
- Ljubljana: Your Travel Director offers you a varied selection of charming restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening - a culinary experience not to be missed.
- Sarajevo: You are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner and drinks. Savour the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture.
- Dubrovnik: Toast the culmination of your journey with a typical Dalmatian Coast Celebration Dinner, accompanied with wine and grappa.
- Dining Summary: 6 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 13 Breakfast (B)
- Vienna: A private, guided exploration of Schonbrunn Palace will have all your senses tingling. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames where Mozart performed as a child prodigy.
- Vienna: During your orientation led by your Travel Director, travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
- Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.
- Ljubljana: Spend time with your Local Expert in the glorious Central Market and learn about some of the Slovenian delicacies on display and relish in a tasting.
- Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
- Zagreb: Your Local Expert guides you this two-tiered capital. Explore Donji Grad, the Lower Town, and see the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the cathedral.
- Zagreb: Ride the funicular to Gornji Grad, the medieval Upper Town, to view the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotr?cak Tower.
- Trogir: See the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Split: Join a Local Expert and discover Diocletian's Palace as you walk through its well-preserved Cellars. See the Temple of Jupiter, St Duje's Bell Tower and the Golden Gate. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares of the Old Town.
- Split: Explore above and below the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace. A Local Expert guides you through labyrinthine streets to see St. Duje's, the Temple of Jupiter, the Golden Gate and the Cellars.
- Mostar: Learn the history and symbolic significance of Stari Most and explore the old town with your Local Expert.
- Sarajevo: A Local Expert will show you the cobbled old town market where Sarajevo was founded by the Ottomans, known as Ba?car?ija. You will also see the Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated.
- Medjugorje: Explore this quaint town as your Travel Director leads you on an orientation.
- Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
- Dubrovnik: As the sun descends and should the weather be favourable, enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik. Gaze out at views of the glistening Adriatic before your cruise moors in the Old Town Harbour.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park. Learn about the studies taking place to monitor and protect the natural habitat, and education initiatives on the marine environment and best practices for a low-impact experience. The site participates in habitat restoration and is constantly working to protect the parks natural ecosystems and animal population. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities & Communities. Alternatively, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens' Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities & Communities. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.
- Sarajevo: Meet an expert of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and hear a first-hand account of when the city was under siege for 44 months. Alternatively, take a nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Call 800-747-0368 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17541994
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2023
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Vienna | Welcome to Vienna: On arrival at Vienna airport, your transfer will leave for your hotel at 10:00, 13:00 or 15:30.Join your Travel Director at 17:30 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, for a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. Hilton Vienna Park. |
| Day 2 | Stately Vienna | Exploring Stately Vienna: Join a Local Expert for a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schonbrunn Palace and explore its formal gardens at your pace. Then get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. Built along the lines of the old city walls, it showcases many of the capital's architectural highlights, including the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, the Austrian Parliament Building and Karlskirche. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continuing exploring. Hilton Vienna Park. |
| Day 3 | Maribor and Ljubljana | Maribor and Ljubljana: In the morning, cross the border into Slovenia and journey to its second largest city, Maribor. After spending time in this charming location, head to the beloved city of Ljubljana. Hotel Lev Ljubljana. |
| Day 4 | Lovable Ljubljana | Exploring Lovable Ljubljana Relaxed Start: Your Local Expert will reveal the Baroque elegance of the Slovenian capital. The medieval castle stands as an ancient guardian, the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas testify to its historical importance, while the Triple Bridge spans the river adorned with cafes and restaurants. Spend time in the glorious Central Market, rich with the heady aromas of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat and spices. Your Local Expert will share insights into some of the Slovenian delicacies on display and treats you to a tasting. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Postojna Caves?In the evening, choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. Hotel Lev Ljubljana. |
| Day 5 | Zagreb | Zagreb's Twin Towns Relaxed Start: Spend the morning in Slovenia before journeying into Croatia, where on arrival in Zagreb, you meet your Local Expert for an exploration of this capital. Donji Grad, the Lower Town, is devoted to business, art and spacious parks, where streets are wide and airy and the layout is designed to give a sense of grandeur. See the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square and continue to Ban Josip Jelacic Square en route to the cathedral. The medieval Upper Town, is a network of little streets, stretching between the Kaptol and Gradec hills. View the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotr?cak Tower. Sheraton Zagreb Hotel. |
| Day 6 | Zagreb | Zagreb at Leisure Relaxed Start: A free day to relax and enjoy a city that is bursting with culture. Perhaps spend time exploring one of the many museums or browsing the shops in Donji Grad? Maybe try the local cuisine in one of Zagreb's interesting restaurants or cafes or join an Optional Experience to the charming village of Kumrovec and meet a local to hear their perspective on the region's history? Sheraton Zagreb Hotel. |
| Day 7 | Plitvice National Park | On to Plitvice National Park Relaxed Start: Journey south to visit one of Europe's great natural wonders.Explore Plitvice with Insight Choice. Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of species. Alternatively meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Centre, who produce handicrafts, enabling employment and engagement in the community. Hotel Lyra, Licko Petrovo Selo. |
| Day 8 | Split | Along the Dalmatian Coast: The green forests give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters as you travel to Trogir, UNESCO World Heritage site, a historic town founded by the Greeks more than 2,300 years ago. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace, before continuing to the historic port of Split. The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700 year-old palace cellars, and learn the story of the infamous emperor. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje's- originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Your exploration then continues underground as you are guided through the cellars. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity to dine like a true local at a traditional Konoba. Hotel President Solin, Split. |
| Day 9 | Split | Exploring Split Relaxed Start: Always buzzing, lively Split has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. See Dalmatian life as it's lived with a full day free to explore Split and its surroundings. Why not join an Optional Experience to discover the beautiful Dalmatian island, Hvar? Explore the historic Old Town with your Local Expert before having free time to relax by the seafront or admire the stunning views from the hilltop fortress. Hotel President Solin, Split. |
| Day 10 | Mostar to Sarajevo | Mostar to Sarajevo: In the morning, cross the border into Bosnia & Herzegovina to Mostar. During your guided walking exploration with your Local Expert, see the famous Stari Most, or Old Bridge, reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the Croat-Bosniak War. The cobbled old town stretches on both sides of the bridge and is filled with shops selling Turkish-style souvenirs. Continue to Sarajevo, a town with a turbulent past - in 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked World War I and more recently, it endured the longest siege in modern military history. Follow the scenic route to Sarajevo for a unique and rewarding insight into the local way of life as you are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner with drinks. Savour the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture and experience the local culture. Swissotel Sarajevo. |
| Day 11 | Sarajevo | Sarajevo, the City of Culture: Morning sightseeing with a Local Expert introduces you to the Sarajevo War Tunnels Museum, housing part of the secret tunnel that was the city's lifeline during the Bosnian war. You will also see the Latin Bridge where Austrian Crown Prince, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated. Continue along the Milajacka river and see the historic Hapsburg centre of the city. In the afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure. Swissotel Sarajevo. |
| Day 12 | Stolac and Dubrovnik | Stolac and Dubrovnik: In the morning, travel south to Herzegovina to the ancient village of Stolac for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Choose to learn about the ancient techniques of herbal soap. Alternatively, taste the traditional fig cake. Cross the border back into Croatia and journey to the walled town of Dubrovnik. On arrival, join your Local Expert to explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions of the old town. See Onofrio's Fountain and the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. |
| Day 13 | Optional Montenegro Experience | Optional Montenegro Experience Relaxed Start: In the morning, why not visit Montenegro? This Optional Experience travels to Kotor, where your camera can capture one of the most beautiful parts of the bay as you learn the history of the area, before returning to Dubrovnik with a short cruise. As the sun begins to set, and should the weather permit, join your fellow travel companions as you sit back and enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik. Later, enjoy a Celebration Dinner of typical Dalmatian Coast cuisine, accompanied by local wines. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. |
| Day 14 | Dubrovnik | Depart Dubrovnik: Your travels draw to a close after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dubrovnik airport at 05:00, 09:00 and 11:30. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
