The Great Balkan Fairytale from Ljubljana

An incredible 26 day fairytale journey through six amazing countries with the best highlights of the Balkans.

26 Days including Ljubljana, Bled, Postojna, Zagreb, Plitvice, Split, Korčula, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Sremski Karlovci, Novi Sad, Budapest, Timisoara, Hunedoara, Alba Iulia, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Targu Mures, Bucovina painted monasteries, Brasov, Bran, Sinaia and Bucharest.

Day 1
Arrival to Ljubljana

  • Upon arrival to Venice, Trieste or Ljubljana airport transfer to hotel.

Day 2
Ljubljana

  • This morning, we will first head to Bled, beautifully set in the Julian Alps. A sightseeing tour of Bled features the charming town, the lakeshore, and a visit to the imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake.
  • After the visit of Bled return to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, for a walking tour. See the sights of the old city center, including the picturesque open-air Central Market, Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, and Robba’s Fountain.

Day 3
to Postojna and Zagreb

  • After breakfast, we head to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe – Postojna Cave. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train.
  • Afterward, continue to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia.

Day 4
Zagreb

  • This morning enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, Parliament, and the Government Palace.
  • The rest of the day is free to explore the winding streets of the Old Town.

Day 5
to Plitvice and Split

  • Travel to spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. Have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around several of the lower lakes.
    Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation.
  • Then we continue our journey to Split.

Day 6
Split

  • Enjoy a city tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
    Finally, see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral.

Day 7
to Korčula

  • Today we head to the island of Korčula. Upon arrival free time to enjoy this beautiful island.

Day 8
to Dubrovnik

  • The beautiful medieval town Korčula has streets arranged in the shape of a fish bone, which ensures the flow of fresh air and protects from strong winds. According to legend, the famous adventurer Marco Polo was born here.
  • After the visit, head to Dubrovnik.

Day 9
Dubrovnik

  • Start the day with a walking tour of Old Dubrovnik this morning. Visit the Rector’s Palace, and see the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column and Sponza Palace.
  • Next, see the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world.
  • The rest of the day is at leisure to explore on your own, enjoy the picturesque setting, shop or simply relax.

Day 10
to Mostar

  • We continue our trip towards Mostar. Mostar is situated on the Neretva River and was named after the bridge keepers (mostari) who guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge) over the Neretva in the medieval times. The Old Bridge, built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most recognizable landmarks, and is considered one of the most exemplary pieces of Islamic architecture in the Balkans.

Day 11
to Sarajevo

  • Travel to Sarajevo, the capital of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city of Sarajevo has been influenced by several cultures and civilizations over its long history. On your city tour, visit the Turkish Bazaar Bas Carsija, Husref Bay’s Mosque, the Olympic Stadium, and Gavrilo Princip Museum.

Day 12
to Belgrade

  • Today, we travel to Belgrade, Serbia.

Day 13
in Belgrade

  • With a history dating back more than 7,000 years, Belgrade is a fascinating city to visit. Your morning sightseeing tour includes the city’s main attractions: the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically situated at the joining of the Sava and Danube Rivers; Republic Square and Mihajlova Street; Saint Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox Church in the city; and Tito’s Memorial. The afternoon is free.

Day 14
to Sremski Karlovci and Novi Sad

  • In the morning, departure to Sremski Karlovci, the museum-city that was the center of culture and religion in Serbia during the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • After a short stop with a wine degustation included, we continue to Novi Sad, the capital of Vojvodina. It is the administrative, economic, cultural and university center of the region, which also has the well-preserved Petrovaradin Fortress that faces the city from the other side of the Danube.
  • Return to Belgrade.

Day 15
to Budapest

  • Today we travel to Hungary and the capital city of Budapest. Upon arrival free time at leisure.

Day 16
in Budapest

  • In 1873, the twin cities of Buda and Pest joined with ancient Obuda to form a new, unified city, Budapest. Charming and beautiful, the city was declared a World Heritage site in 1987. Your morning sightseeing tour includes views of all the main attractions: The Parliament, Royal Palace, and the Castle Hill area, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Heroes’ Square, and Gellert Hill with its Citadel.
  • The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting city on your own.

Day 17
to Timisoara

  • In the morning departure to Timisoara. Romania’s third-largest city (after Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca) is also one of the country’s most attractive urban areas, built around a series of beautifully restored public squares, and lavish parks and gardens. With western Romania’s nicest hotels and finest restaurants, it makes a perfect base for exploring the Banat region.

Day 18
to Hunedoara, Alba Iulia and Sibiu

  • In the morning, we travel to Hunedoara, where iron has been extracted since the Iron Age. One of its most memorable buildings is the Corvin Castle, a fine example of secular Gothic architecture with spiky, spooky fantasy topped with asymmetrical pointed towers and turrets.
  • Continue to the city of Alba Iulia, a symbol of national unity in Romania. Built on 13th century foundations, the imposing Habsburg citadel is star-shaped with seven bastions and successive walls.
  • Head to Sibiu for overnight.

Day 19
Sibiu

  • Morning free at leisure. In the afternoon we take a panoramic walk through the city of Sibiu. Sibiu is one of the most important cultural centers of Romania and bears a strong resemblance to a southern German or Austrian town. The old city center has retained a largely Saxon aspect and managed to fuse the Middle Ages with the new.

Day 20
to Sighisoara and Targu Mures

  • Today, we travel first to the picturesque city of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad Dracula. It is the only inhabited fortified citadel in Romania and is an enchanting city of sloping roofs, pastel facades and cobbled streets.
  • We continue to Targu Mures.

Day 21
to Piatra Neamt

  • Targu Mures remains a noticeably Hungarian town. Dating back at least to the 14th century it has long been an important commercial and academic center.
  • After the visit that includes the Palace of Culture, we continue to Piatra Neamt through the Bicaz Gorge, the largest gorge in Romania, admiring the beauty of the landscape, the Red Lake and its hill station.

Day 22
Bucovina

  • Departure to the Bucovina region to visit its monasteries, the most representative monuments of Moldovan art. Declared a World Heritage Site, these monasteries are one of the most important legacies of Byzantine art in the world, in which their brightly colored interior and exterior fresco paintings stand out.
  • Visit of the Monasteries of Sucevita and the black pottery workshops of Marginea.
  • In the afternoon visit the Voronet Monastery, considered the best architectural and pictorial example in the region, called the “Sistine Chapel” in the East.
  • Return to Piatra Neamt.

Day 23
to Brasov

  • In the morning, we leave Piatra Neamt and travel south to Brasov. Arrival in the afternoon, followed by a tour of the fascinating medieval city of Brasov. Visit the old town and see the exterior of the Black Church, the most representative Gothic monument in Romania.

Day 24
to Bran, Sinaia and Bucharest

  • Continuation towards the town of Bran. Visit of its famous Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle.
  • In the afternoon arrival in the city of Sinaia, known as “the pearl of the Carpathians” because of its beauty.
  • In the afternoon we will visit the wonderful Peles Palace, the former summer residence and retreat place of the royal family, built in the second half of the 19th century by the first King of Romania, Carlos I.

Day 25
Bucharest

  • We will get to know the Romanian capital, once known under the nickname “Little Paris”. The visit will take us to the Romanian Athenaeum, the Opera House, the Military Club of the Nation, the Military Academy and the Arc de Triomphe. Bucharest is Romania’s capital and largest city, as well as the most important industrial and commercial center of the country. With 2 million inhabitants in the city proper and more than 2.4 million in the urban area, Bucharest is one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe.

Day 26
Depart Bucharest

  • After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

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From Prague to Budapest

Experience the best of Central Europe on this 13-day classical exploration from Prague to Budapest. 

Visit “The City of a Hundred Spires” and discover the hidden fairy tale gem of Cesky Krumlov. Learn a thing or two in historic Krakow and let yourself be surprised by the second largest city in the Czech Republic – Brno. Vienna will inspire and recharge you to conquer the Castle in Bratislava and prepare you for the dramatic finish – discovering the hilly Buda district with flat Pest in Budapest.

Day 1
Arrival to Prague

  • After arrival to Prague meet with your tour director at the Airport and proceed for a short sightseeing in Prague Old town.
    Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, that is bisected by the Vltava River. Nicknamed “The City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show. After sightseeing check in to hotel and time at your own leisure until dinner. Dinner either at the hotel or in a local restaurant in Prague.
  • Overnight in Prague.

Day 2
Full day in Prague

  • After Breakfast start with the full day sightseeing of Prague castle and Mala Strana (lesser town). Prague Castle is a castle complex in Prague, Czech Republic, dating from the 9th century. It is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. The castle was the seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. Continue your tour to Mala Strana (lesser town), a hillside area with views
    across the Vltava river to the old town. Hotels, casual eateries and traditional pubs line its narrow streets, and visitors scribble messages to the late Beatle on the John Lennon Wall. The riverside Kampa area offers fine dining, and exhibits of photos and letters at the Franz Kafka Museum. Visit the Church of Our Lady Victorious (Baby Jesus). Cross the Vltava river over the famous Charles Bridge. Completed in 1402, pedestrian Charles Bridge is
    lined with statues of Catholic saints. After sightseeing proceed for Lunch in brewery including sightseeing of the Brewery with possibility to train your beer tapping skills. After lunch time at your own leisure, which you can use for shopping or exploring the city on own. Afterwards dinner in either hotel or local restaurant. (also possible to organise dinner cruise on luxurious
    boats, or folklore dinner – supplement).
  • Overnight in Prague.
    Note: we can add shopping in an outlet Fashion Arena – no
    supplement

Day 3
Excursion to Cesky Krumlov

  • After Breakfast start with the full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov. The city lies in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. It’s bisected by the Vltava River, and dominated by its 13th-century castle. The castle has Gothic, Renaissance and baroque elements, an 11-hectare garden and an original 17th-century baroque theatre. There are panoramic views of the old town and the river from the top of its round bell-tower. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and in the afternoon visit the castle. Dinner either in Hotel or in a local restaurant in Cesky Krumlov.
  • Overnight in Prague.

Day 4
From Prague to Wroclaw
After breakfast proceed to Wroclaw by bus. A city on the Oder River in western Poland. It’s known for its Market Square, lined with elegant townhouses and featuring a modern fountain.
Also on the square is the Gothic Old Town Hall, with its large astronomical clock. Nearby is the Panorama of Racławice, a painting depicting the 1794 battle for independence. The Centennial Hall auditorium, with its giant dome and tall spire, lies across the river. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and in the afternoon
a short sightseeing in the city. Dinner either at the hotel or in a local restaurant in Cesky Krumlov. Overnight in in Wroclaw.
Day 5
From Wroclaw to Krakow

  • After breakfast proceed to Krakow by bus. Stop on the way in Jasna Góra Monastery to see famous Black Madonna painting. Blessing and sightseeing by local Monk or Nun. Possible also by the local priest from the Philippines. Move on towards Krakow and stop in Częstochowa, for sightseeing and lunch. A city in southern Poland on the Warta River with 224,376 inhabitants making it the thirteenth-largest city in Poland. It is situated in the Silesian Voivodeship since 1999, and was previously the capital of the Częstochowa Voivodeship. Dinner either in Hotel or local restaurant.
  • Overnight in Krakow.

Day 6
Full day of Krakow

  • After breakfast meet your private English speaking local guide for the city sightseeing including entrance to Wawel Cathedral and View of Wawel Castle (outside only). St. Mary’s church is being reconstructed and is open for masses only. Krakow is the southern Poland city near the border of the Czech Republic and is known for its well-preserved medieval core and Jewish quarter.
    Its old town – ringed by Planty Park and remnants of the city’s medieval walls – is centred on the stately, expansive Rynek Główny (market square). This plaza is the site of the Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era trading outpost, and St. Mary’s Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church. Lunch in a local restaurant in the Jewish district of Kazimierz in Krakow Old Town. After lunch depart for the guided visit in the Auschwitz concentration camp,
    a complex of over 40 concentration and extermination camps built and operated by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II and the Holocaust. Dinner either at the hotel or a local restaurant.
  • Overnight in Krakow.

Day 7
From Krakow to Brno

  • After breakfast proceed to Brno by bus. stop on the way in the beautiful town of Olomouc a city in the eastern province of Moravia in the Czech Republic. It’s known for its 6 baroque fountains and the 18th-century Holy Trinity Column, a monument adorned with religious sculptures. On Wenceslas Hill are the Gothic St. Wenceslas Cathedral and the Romanesque Bishop’s Palace. The Town Hall is a former merchant’s house with vaulted rooms and an astronomical clock. Have free time to explore the city and lunch.
  • Proceed to Brno for dinner at the hotel or in a local restaurant.
  • Overnight in Brno.

Day 8
From Brno to Vienna

  • After breakfast have a short sightseeing of Brno, a city known for its modernist buildings, like the restored Villa Tugendhat, completed in 1930 by architect Mies van der Rohe. The medieval Špilberk Castle houses a city museum, gardens and a former prison with vaulted tunnels. The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul has baroque altars, a 14th-century statue of the Madonna and Child, and city views from its steeple.
  • After lunch proceed to Vienna and have a short orientation sightseeing in which you will discover everything Vienna city centre offers for shopping or cultural history. Austria’s capital, lies in the country’s east on the Danube River. Its artistic and intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. The city is also known for its
    Imperial palaces, including Schönbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence. In the MuseumsQuartier district, historic and contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists. After arrival lunch in local restaurant and afternoon sightseeing of city centre. Dinner either in Hotel or local restaurant.
  • Overnight in Vienna.

Day 9
Full day Vienna

  • After breakfast start your tour of Schoenbrunn castle (highlights tour) visit the state rooms and private apartments of the imperial couple. After tour and time for leisure continue to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch continue with sightseeing of the cities treasures and its artistic and intellectual legacy.
    Dinner either at the hotel or in a local restaurants in Vienna.
  • Overnight in Vienna.

Day 10
Excursion to Bratislava

  • After breakfast start with the full day Excursion to Bratislava. The capital of Slovakia, is set along the Danube River by the border with Austria and Hungary. It’s surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains, crisscrossed with forested hiking and cycling trails. The pedestrian-only, 18th-century old town is known for its lively bars and cafes. Perched atop a hill, the reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooks old town and the Danube. Explore the castle and have a break for lunch. Return
    to Vienna for dinner either in Hotel or local restaurant.
  • Overnight in Vienna.

Day 11
From Vienna to Budapest

  • After Breakfast proceed to Budapest. After arrival break for
    lunch and later enjoy the day at your own leisure and spend
    some time for shopping in the centre of Budapest or explore
    the city on own. Dinner either at the hotel or in a local restaurant
    in Budapest. Overnight in Budapest.

Day 12
Full day Budapest

  • After breakfast start your city tour of Budapest. Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward. Trinity Square is home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fisherman’s Bastion, which offers sweeping views.
    After lunch, enjoy the time for exploring and later meet for dinner in an upscale restaurant and overnight in Budapest.

Day 13
Departure from Budapest

  • After breakfast enjoy the day at your own leisure and have lunch until your departure for the Airport.

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Prague

Prague, Vienna, Budapest

Visit three of the most important cities in the glorious Austro-Hungarian empire and experience the beauty and charm of Central Europe. Located very close to each other, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest offer a unique experience you can hardly find anywhere else in Europe.

Uncover the history of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire on this 10-day journey from Prague to Vienna and Budapest. Get a glimpse into Europe’s history as you stroll along the Vltava River in Prague and visit Vienna’s beautiful palaces, museums, churches and royal residences.  Take a photo with the famous and largest Gothic structure in Europe in the background – Budapest’s Parliament.

Day 1
Arrive Prague

  • Arrive in Prague followed by Meet & Greet by our representative
  • Arrive at the Hotel followed by Check-in
  • Evening at your own leisure
  • Optional Sightseeing
  • Crystal Dinner Cruise on the River Vltava
  • Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 2
Prague

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Proceed for Prague Sightseeing tour (regular and private available):
    A guided walk through the Prague Castle complex to discover the major sights within. Admire the grandeur of Saint Vitus Cathedral, the architecture of the Old Royal Palace, and enjoy stunning views over the whole of Prague. From Prague Castle we head for the river, for a stroll across the Charles Bridge, and for more wonderful views of the city. We then continue our Prague tour with a walk through the Jewish Quarter,
    Wenceslas Square at its heart, Lesser Town (Mala Strana) the historic Astronomical Clock and the Old Town Square.
  • Afternoon at your own leisure
  • Optional Activities
    Visit to Staropramen Brewery museum, Beer Tapping
    school and dinner
    Original Medieval Dinner and Folklore show
  • Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 3
Prague

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Day at your own leisure
  • Optional Sightseeing tour
    Full day tour of Cesky Krumlov (regular and private available) – The fairy tale town of Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Bohemian region and home to one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe.
    Explore one of the most beautiful towns of Europe, the magnificent Renaissance castle, its stunning gardens, the church of St. Vitus and its medieval times’ cobbled streets.
    • Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 4
Prague - Vienna

  • After breakfast, check-out of the hotel, settle extras directly.
    Proceed to Vienna.
  • Arrive in Vienna, check-in to the hotel. Evening at your own leisure or optional activity
    Mozart and Strauss Concert in the evening

Day 5
Vienna

  • After breakfast proceed for the Vienna city tour (regular and private available) – The tour gives you a thorough overview of Vienna’s most significant historical sights and focuses on the famous Schonbrunn Palace. You’ll also see the Museum of Applied Arts, the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History. The Hofburg is another highlight, the famous residence of Empress Elizabeth. Plus, you’ll see a lot of other fine buildings, including the Parliament, City Hall, the Burgtheater, the University and the Votive Church, Maria Theresa, your tour ends by the SüdtirolerPlatz.
  • Evening at your own leisure.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 6
Krakow

  • Breakfast at the hotel. Day at your own leisure
  • Optional sightseeing:
    Option 1: Day trip to Hallstatt (regular and private available)- Hallstatt is noted as one of the most beautiful Lake towns in the world. During the tour visit the old town with 19th century Evangelical Church and Market Square. The attraction not to miss here is the Skywalk located 350m above Hallstatt for stunning views of the region and the salt mines with its mining methods and subterranean lake hides the history of more than 7000 years old.
    Option 2: Day trip to Wachau Valley (regular and private available) – A full-day excursion, from Vienna reveals the exquisite beauty of the Wachau Valley. You’ll travel through gorgeous Austrian countryside. The history and legends of this lovely part of Austria come to life as you travel your way past charming old villages, steep vineyards and mysterious castles. One such castle is the well-known Durnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned while waiting for his ransom to arrive from England. Then,
    you’ll enjoy a boat ride down the Danube from Spitz to Melk, passing the heart of the Wachau Valley at the old wine town of Krems. To complete your superb day trip, you will visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a pearl of the Austrian Baroque style.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 7
Vienna - Budapest

  • After breakfast, check-out of the hotel, settle extras directly.
    Proceed to Budapest.
  • Arrive in Budapest, followed by hotel check-in. Evening at leisure.
    Overnight at the hotel
  • Optional activity
    Budapest Ruin Pubs and Bars Tour
    Budapest Danube River cruise with dinner

Day 8
Budapest

  • After breakfast proceed for BUDAPEST CITY TOUR (regular and private available): The Grand City Sightseeing Tour makes the perfect introduction of the city. Your travel will take you across the Danube on the Margaret Bridge, show you the House of Parliament, the Royal Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion and much more. You will cross the Danube on the Margaret Bridge (Margaret Island) and drive to the Royal Castle on the Buda side.
    Here you will visit the Fisherman’s Bastion (Promenade) and the Matthias Church (Interior visit). You will also climb the Gellert Hill for fantastic photo opportunities of the city before crossing Elizabeth bridge and driving by the City Park towards Heroes’ square (Promenade). Passing by the Opera and St. Stephen’s Basilica you then reach the city centre, where your tour ends.
    • Evening at your own leisure
    • Optional activity
    Famous Gellert thermal bath and spa
    • Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 9
Budapest

  • Breakfast at the hotel. Day at your own leisure.
  • Optional sightseeing
    Full day tour of the Danube Bend (regular and private available) – Before reaching Budapest the River Danube turns sharply between rocky hills providing one of the most scenic views of Hungary: the Danube Bend. The
    Danube Bend is surrounded by historic and picturesque cities like Visegrad, Esztergom and Szentendre. Must-visit attractions in this trip are Castle of Visegrad, triangular shaped and perched on top of a 333metres hill soaring over the Danube bend Esztergom Basilica is the largest church in Hungary
    and third biggest in the world. It is the centre of the Hungarian Roman Catholic church.
    Szentendre, an adorable town full of art museums, galleries and churches.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 10
Depart Budapest

  • Breakfast at the hotel, check out, extras to be settled directly.
  • Transfer to airport for your departure flight.

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