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Tour Central Europe on an adventure from Vienna to Dubrovnik

Travel from Vienna to Dubrovnik on a tour through Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia. Discover a region where the past continues to weave its spell through alpine towns and green valleys, and emanates from medieval castles and austere monasteries - getting a sense of the hidden magic of Central Europe. Traversing nine countries, there is much to see and plenty of opportunity to experience the culture and the people of this enchanting pocket of Europe. Better yet, there's loads of flexibility for you to do it your own way.

Start
Vienna, Austria
Finish
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Destinations
Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Montenegro, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
AMSNC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Soak up the royal history of Krakow's Wawel Castle and step back in time with a stroll through the city's medieval main square

  • Immerse yourself in the history, architecture and bohemian vibes of the Czech Republic. Soak up the smooth sounds of jazz at a low-lit bar in Prague before stepping right into a fairytale in the World Heritage-listed town of Cesky Krumlov

  • So much of what is great about Europe can be found in Vienna. Revel in the city's rich offerings of art, history and music and stroll along the eclectic Ringstrasse

  • Enjoy a scenic walk along the banks of the River Danube in Budapest. Threaded with bridges and hemmed in by castles and historic city buildings, Europe’s second longest river is also one of its most beautiful

  • Hike in the picturesque Tatra Mountains and traverse the steep slopes via funicular, gondola and electric steam train

  • A sobering tour of Auschwitz concentration camp offers insight into one of the most tragic periods in human history

  • Cross the Chain Bridge in Budapest and take the funicular up to Buda Castle for beautiful views over Pest

  • Sip Serbian wine at a family-run vineyard in quaint Sremski Karlovci, just outside of Novi Sad. Known as the Serbian Athens, Novi Sad has been built, destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries

  • Wander through Belgrade’s Bohemian quarter and grand 19th-century boulevards, before launching yourself into its animated nightlife

  • Witness Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of a bridge that has stood their for centuries

  • Sarajevo is one of the most scenically located cities in Europe. See the sights on a guided walking tour and learn about its recent history as a city under siege

Is this trip right for you?

  • Sections of this trip will be travelled by train. The journey from the Tatra Mountains to Budapest will be especially long, taking approximately 10 hours and with at least 3 changes. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning, toilets, a snack bar (or vending machine) and power points. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the trip notes.

  • On day 5 & 6 we will stay in private apartments in Prague. Apartments are of different size and usually have two or three rooms. You will share the apartment with other members of the group and it is likely you will also be sharing a bathroom within the apartment with them too. Several separate apartments are located in the city centre so you may be a short walk away from some other group members and your leader. Most of the apartments have fully equipped kitchens (again, shared between the group members staying in one apartment) and you can choose to buy your own groceries and supplies for meals. Please note the apartments are not hotels, which means there's no reception, room service or daily cleaning service, no televisions or washing machines, but plenty of charm and the location is perfect.

  • On day 12 we plan to go for a day’s hike in High Tatra Mountains. To fully enjoy the day, you should have a basix level of fitness. Please also make sure you bring appropriate clothing and footwear; rain coat and sturdy trainers or walking boots are a must.

  • In many Central European cities streets are made of cobblestones and you may expect potholes. That is also the case in the Balkans. In addition, some of the accommodation we use across these regions may not have lifts, so you will be expected to carry your luggage up and down some stairs. It is recommended that you leave any wheelie bags/case at home and bring a backpack instead.

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • As accommodation on this trip is multi-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. However, if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.

  • As this is a combination of 2 trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change in Budapest.

  • This trip is designed to give you a fair amount of free time so you can explore each destination at your own pace. We will, however, take you on regular orientation walks, so you'll be on your feet quite a lot. While this may be tiring for some, it’s the best way to get your head around a place and to set yourself up for further discoveries.

Map of Vienna to Dubrovnik including Austria, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic and Hungary
austria alps cow
austria hallstatt mountain village
austria hallstatt mountain village rural
austria vienna lederhosen
croatia dubrovnik fort
croatia dubrovnik port
croatia lakes boats
czech republic cesky krumlov cycling
Pest Skyline
Prague Clock
Teplice Lake - Czech Republic
Prague
Dubrovnik

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2019 - 31 December 2019

Welcome to Vienna, Austria. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please confirm with the hotel reception where and when it will take place, or check the reception noticeboards. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. Vienna is a beautiful city, so if you arrive early make sure you go for a walk. Perhaps even take a spin on the famous old Prater Ferris Wheel. Use the evening getting to know your fellow travellers over dinner.

Your base for two nights in Vienna is Magdas Hotel – an accommodation that is unlike any other hotel you are likely to come across on your travels. Magdas Hotel is a social project bringing refugees from all over the world to work together in one place. Hotel is staffed with refuges so expect to hear different languages and different stories from all over the world. Also the building’s history is interesting – it’s a former old people’s home and homeless shelter which has been completely renovated. Most of the furniture is also re-cycled, renovated and re-purposed. The place is full of love, passion and unity. It’s full of colours and smiley faces. Magdas Hotel ‘brings together what belongs together’

Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the hotel by early evening, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Join your leader for a walk through the city's compact centre this morning (approximately 2 hours). Stop at the gothic looking St. Stephens Cathedral, wander past the neo-classical grandeur of the Graben and onwards to the Hofburg Palace. Finish your orientation of the city at the State Opera House, one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture. Art lovers have a vast choice of museums, from the Albertina to those located in the Museum Quarter.

You have the rest of today to explore Vienna and its surrounds. You might like to head out to Schoenbrunn for a guided audio tour of the summer palace, designed by Empress Maria Theresa. The Gloriette Monument has incredible views of Vienna and the palace gardens are free to all visitors, but there's a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. In the evening, perhaps head out for some Viennese cuisine.

Notes: Avoid long queues at Schoenbrunn Palace by pre-booking your tickets at: schoenbrunn.at. Also, the Spanish Riding School doesn't operate throughout the summer months. You will need to book tickets in advance to see the performance of the Lipizzaners. Phone: +43 (0)1 505 77 66 55 or e-mail info@viennaticketoffice.com to arrange tickets.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Belvedere Lower Gallery - EUR13
  • Albertina Museum - EUR13
  • Sisi Museum - EUR14
  • Spanish Riding School Practice - EUR28
  • St Stephen's Tower - EUR5
  • Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR14
  • Hofburg Palace and Sisi Museum - EUR14
  • Leopold Museum - EUR13
  • Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR10
  • Vienna Boys Choir concert - EUR70
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart Vienna by minivan in the morning and cross the border into the Czech Republic (approximately 3.5 hours). Our first stop is the southern Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. This picturesque medieval town dates back to the 13th century and is straight out of a fairytale. Cesky Krumlov (pronounced 'Che-skee Krum-lov') means 'crooked meadow', which is befitting of a town that's nestled in a sharp bend of the Vltava River. Venture out on an included cycling trip in the afternoon, across rolling hills and through tiny hamlets (approximately 2-2.5 hours). If you have time, explore the city's castle and its fabulous masquerade hall, or climb the tower for aerial views of the town. For the active, there's the option to canoe or kayak down the river.

Notes: During the cooler and winter months, cycling is often not possible. You'll take an extended walking tour of the town instead.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free for you to enjoy as you please. Perhaps take an optional guided walking tour of the town, which includes commentary of the mysteries that lie behind every shopfront and house on the crooked little streets. For those who want a bit more culture, and time permitting, visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum and browse the gallery that's dedicated to the Austrian painter. If you are an adventurous spirit, jump in to a canoe and discover the town from a perspective of Vltava River.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Brewery tour - CZK130
  • Guided walking tour - CZK300
  • Egon Schiele Art Centrum - CZK160
  • Raft/canoe trip per person - CZK1200
  • Guided castle tour - CZK250
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Farewell this southern bohemian town and travel by bus to Prague (approximately 4 hours). During your stay in Prague, you'll have share the apartment with other members of the group. Several separate apartments are located in the city centre so you may be a short walk away from your other group members and your leader. Staying in the city centre allows easy access to all the sights and the restaurants and bars. Each apartment has two to three rooms with one or two shared bathrooms. Most of the apartments have fully equipped kitchens and you can choose to buy your own groceries and supplies for meals. On arrival into Prague, head out on an orientation walk with your leader, and spend the rest of your afternoon as you wish.

Notes: The apartments are not hotels, which means there's no reception, room service or daily cleaning service, no televisions or washing machines, but plenty of charm and the location is perfect. Please also note that individual rooms are allocated on a same gender twin share basis, however the apartments itself are allocated on a mixed gender basis, which means you will be sharing a two, or three room apartment with the other members of the group. Apartments may only have one bathroom and one fully equipped kitchen and these facilities are also shared between the group members staying in the same apartment. If you have booked a single room, you will be allocated one, however, this again will be a single room in shared apartment, not a single or studio apartment.
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Urban Adventure - Prague Discovery - EUR66
  • Urban Adventure - Prague Beer and Czech Tapas Tour - EUR68
  • Urban Adventure - Bohemian Tastes and Neighborhoods - EUR58
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is free to explore Prague. The city offers many possibilities, so perhaps take a walk around the Jewish Quarter and pay respects at the Gothic looking Old Jewish Cemetery. This is Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, with 12,000 tombstones and 100,000 graves. Visiting The Museum of Communism can shade some light on this part of dark history shared by most of central European countries which somehow isn’t yet well known to the broader audience. Visiting town hall Clock Tower is a great way to finish off a busy day, before heading out for a dinner, and perhaps discovering another great side of Prague: the longest-standing and respected jazz scenes in Europe. If you should find yourself out until the early hours in an atmospheric jazz club, have a wander along Charles Bridge or Old Town Square as the sun rises for magical photo opportunities.
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Jewish Quarter - CZK500
  • Kafka Museum - CZK200
  • Day Trip to Kutna Hora - CZK250
  • Mucha Museum - CZK240
  • Museum of Communism - CZK190
  • Prague Castle Entrance - CZK350
  • Sedlec Ossuary - CZK90
  • Church of St Barbara - CZK60
  • Town Hall Clock Tower - CZK250
  • Bike tour - CZK490
  • The Dancing House - Free
  • John Lennon Wall - Free
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Spend some time this morning at Prague Castle, the biggest castle in the Czech Republic, where you'll find the famous St. Vitus Cathedral and colourful alleyway of the Golden Lane. A bike tour through the city is a great way to see a lot of the city's sights and attractions in a short period of time. If you can make time, take a day trip out of town and visit Kutna Hora. The Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary) is a particularly unique experience. Perhaps use your evening to head out for dinner with the group.
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Heading north by train, arrive in the small town of Broumov from where you'll cross the Czech–Polish border. From here you'll be transferred in a private vehicle to the nearby small village in range of Gory Sowie (translated as Owl Mountains). Today's travel time will be around four hours in total. On arrival, check in to our pension situated at the foot of highest mountain in the range – Wielka Sowa. On arrival, visit a nearby underground city from the tragic times of the II World War. Osowka is a mysterious underground complex where workers from concentration camps were forced to work in order to create huge systems of concrete corridors, fortifications and halls. As the work was kept in secret, until now there is many theories trying to explain what the underground city was meant to be used for. Find out yourself on an included guided visit this afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Underground City of Osowka visit
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Continue east today by private bus and journey to Oswiecim (Auschwitz) (approximately 4 hours). On arrival, learn more about the history of World War II at the former Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz, with a guided tour of the Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau (approximately 2.5 hours). After this sobering day trip, carry on driving to Krakow (approximately 1.5 hours). Possibly the best known of all Poland's cities, Krakow was the residence of Polish kings from the 11th to the 17th centuries, and its Old Town is a World Heritage-listed site. In the evening, perhaps head out for some good Polish grub.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided visit to State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
Optional Activities
  • Urban Adventure - Home Cooked Krakow - EUR60
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note the day of visiting Auschwitz Museum will depend on tickets availability. We will do our best to secure tickets for today, but on rare occasions your visit maybe postponed until next day.

Today, explore the city in your own time. Discover Wawel Royal Castle, which sits atop a hill next to the Vistula River. Check out the 13th-century town square of Rynek Glowny and get a glimpse inside St Mary's Basilica which features an extraordinary wood-carved Gothic altarpiece. There's also the lovely neo-Gothic St Francis' Basilica, which has some of Poland's best Art Nouveau. In Krakow, you will also find the second oldest university in Central Europe (the oldest is in Prague). Jagiellonian Univeristy counts Copernicus and Pope John Paul II among its alumni.

If you can tear yourself away from Krakow, head out to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a network of tunnels and chambers some 135 metres below the ground. This is a salt mine that was in operation for over 700 year and is listed as the UNESCO world heritage site. The mine has a labyrinth of tunnels, pits, and chambers, all hewn by hand from solid salt, with beautifully adorned chapels and underground lakes. Don't miss a look at the elaborate salt chandeliers and carvings in the Blessed Kinga Chapel.

Krakow has many cellar restaurants and pubs. Perhaps end the day indulging in a few drinks and a plate of pierogi in one of the city's cheerful establishments.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • History Museum - PLN8
  • Galicia Jewish Museum - PLN15
  • Schindler's Factory Museum Tour - PLN65
  • Wawel Royal Castle - PLN25
  • Walking tour - PLN30
  • St. Mary's Basilica - PLN10
  • Wieliczka Salt Mines tour - PLN145
  • Cloth Hall 'Sukiennice' Krakow - Free
  • Rynek Underground Museum - PLN19
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Say farewell to Krakow today and travel by local buses through southern Poland to Zakopane where you will switch on to a private transport (approximately 5 hours altogether). The trip may be long and a little slow, but the scenery of rolling hills and tiny villages is soothing. Tatranska Lomnica is your destination in Slovakia. It's a small alpine resort at the base of the Vysoke Tatry (High Tatra) Mountains. The Tatras, the highest range of the Carpathians, stretch for about 60 kilometres across the Polish-Slovakian border and are a trekker's dream. The evening is free for you to enjoy as you please. Perhaps the best way to do it is to sit back, kick your feet up and soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful mountainous region.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Between the months of April and October, the group will go on an included hike in the Vysoke Tatry mountains.
The most known one is about 6 Km in length and it is normally completed in 3 hours, including stops on the way. The route includes gradual hill ascents and descents and walking on gravel with some slippery sections. The pace and distance will be decided on the day, depending on weather and group abilities – parts of it will involve traveling by funicular, gondola and electric train (weather dependable) and a snack lunch will be supplied during the trek. It won’t be very challenging, but basic level of fitness will help you to enjoy it to the fullest. An alternative and much easier route can be suggested by the tour leader to those that do not wish to complete the long one . We recommend a good pair of comfortable shoes and clothes for unpredictable mountainous weather.
During the walk, you may notice that some parts of the forest have been destroyed. This was the result of a tornado-like storm in 2004 that decimated approximately 10,000 hectares of timberland. In the afternoon, head back to the accommodation and enjoy the balance of the day in this beautiful location. The reminder of the day is free for you to enjoy.

Notes: There may be still be considerable snow in April and May, which may prevent us from choosing the usual hiking route. Please ensure you bring extra warm clothes and waterproof boots in April. Having said that, the crisp, clear atmosphere and fewer tourists make this a fantastic time to visit.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hiking in the Vysoke Tatry mountains (not between Nov and Mar)
  • StareSmoke Electric train
  • Smokovec Funicular
  • Gondola, Tatranska Lomnica
Optional Activities
  • Summer Luge - EUR3
  • Bike rental- Tatranska Lomnica - EUR10
  • Spa treatment in Grand Hotel Praha (starting from price) - EUR20
  • Ski Museum - EUR3
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

You have an early start today for the long journey to Budapest As there won't be too much free time to explore on arrival, perhaps check in to the accommodation and then go for a brief walk around the city to get your bearings. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a bygone era, while glamorous stores and glitzy restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. Take the evening as an opportunity to relax after a long day of travelling. Visiting one of Budapest's many restaurants or bars is a great way to do it.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Bike Ride - HUF6000
  • Great Synagogue - HUF3500
  • House of Terror - HUF2000
  • Hungarian National Museum - HUF1600
  • Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF3000
  • Parliament Tour - HUF5200
  • Pub Crawl - Starting from - HUF5000
  • Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
  • Thermal Bath - Starting from - HUF4500
  • Urban Adventures - Budapest Custom Tour - EUR35
  • Urban Adventures - Buda Castle Explorer - EUR45
  • Urban Adventures - Bites & Sights - EUR64
  • Private Budapest: Best Beers of Budapest - UA - EUR97
  • Budapest Central Market - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you have a full free day to explore Budapest. Known as 'The Pearl of the Danube', Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water. Perhaps take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to the castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building. Perhaps head to Statue Park to see the communist monuments that were removed from the city after the fall of the Iron Curtain. One unmissable activity is a soak in Budapest's hot thermal baths. The pools vary in temperature, and some even feature whirlpools or seats where you can enjoy a game of chess. You might like to take part in one of our Urban Adventure day tours, such as the Budapest Custom Tour or Bites and Sights. See more at urbanadventures.com.

Note: Many museums throughout Europe are closed on Mondays. If you are interested in a particular museum, you may want to check the opening times and plan your arrival into Budapest accordingly.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is free for you to enjoy as you please. Set out to discover more of Budapest in detail. With great restaurants, art galleries, shopping and nightlife on offer, Budapest is a world-class city exuding confidence and style through every pore.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Today you have a full free day to explore Budapest, known as 'The Pearl of the Danube'. Admire intricate carvings on resplendent buildings, cross the iconic Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District, or simply meander through winding streets snacking on local delicacies. Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water. Perhaps take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to the castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building. With so much to see and do, hiring a bicycle is another great way to move between the sights. Perhaps head to Statue Park to see the communist monuments that were removed from the city after the fall of the Iron Curtain. You might like to take a tour of the beautiful Hungarian State Opera House, or check out the Hungarian National Museum. One unmissable activity is a soak in the healing waters of Budapest's hot thermal baths. You could also take part in one of our Urban Adventure day tours, such as the Budapest Explorer or Bites and Sights. Check them out at urbanadventures.com.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Bike Ride - HUF6000
  • Great Synagogue - HUF3500
  • House of Terror - HUF2000
  • Hungarian National Museum - HUF1600
  • Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF3000
  • Parliament Tour - HUF5200
  • Pub Crawl - Starting from - HUF5000
  • Thermal Bath - Starting from - HUF4500
  • Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
  • Danube Boat Trip - EUR15
  • Urban Adventures - Buda Castle Explorer - EUR45
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Cross the border into Croatia and travel by private van through the Hungarian Puszta to a land of cornfields, vineyards and pastel-hued villages, famed for its cuisine – the Slavonian capital of Osijek (approximately 4 hours). This laid-back university town features an enchanting medieval citadel (Tvrđa), as well as the Upper Town, only a short walk along the banks of the Drava. Many cafes line the river, inviting you to join in on the Croatian national pastime: people watching. Osijek is a fairly well-designed city easily navigated on foot. There are also numerous cycling routes throughout the city. Navigate the hallways of grand buildings, stroll along the banks of the Drava River or pick up the true flavours of this destination at a local cafe.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore Osijek and its surrounds. You might like to visit the small provincial town of Dakovo, about 35 kilometres south of Osijek. The town is dominated by an impressive neo-Romanesque cathedral. While here, don't miss seeing a workout session at the Lipizzaner horse training stables and learn about their history from a local guide. You could also use the day to visit the wetlands of Kopacki Rit Nature Reserve for a spot of bird watching, visit nearby Tikves Castle, or historical Batina Hill from where you can see both Hungary and Serbia across the Danube. In Osijek itself there’s the Museum of Slavonia and the Archaeological Museum to explore. Or you could just hire a bike and cycle around this delightful region. However you're feeling, there are plenty of options to choose from today. This evening, maybe discover some of the best cuisine in Croatia with traditional dishes like fiš paprikas (fish stew with hand-made noodles), kulen (spicy sausages), and čobanac (stew).
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Day Trip to Dakovo, Kopački Rit Nature Reserve and Tikveš Castle (including lunch) - HRK320
  • Museum of Slavonia - HRK20
  • Osijek Archaeological Museum - HRK10
  • Bike Hire - HRK75
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today cross into Serbia by private minibus. Learn more about recent history by taking a side trip to nearby Vukovar en-route, a town that symbolises the devastation of the recent war – the town fell in 1991 after the fiercest and most protracted battle seen in Europe since 1945. The town's ruined water tower now stands as a memorial of the ethnic war that raged in this region during the early 1990s. Head to the historic town of Novi Sad (approximately 3 hours). Sitting on the banks of the Danube River, the city is surrounded by fertile farms and vineyards and features an interesting mix of traditional Serbian cultural heritage and Austro-Hungarian architecture. In the afternoon head out of town to visit a local vineyard in Sremski Karlovci and see the workings of a family-run wine making business. Attached is a unique honey museum where you can sample the local produce while relishing the scenic surroundings. If there’s time, you could stop by the city’s fortress of Petrovaradin, which sits right on the Danube and contains a museum of historic artefacts from the region.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Honey Museum Sremski Karlovci
  • Orientation walk of Vukovar, including guided hospital visit
Optional Activities
  • Petrovaradin Fortress - Free
  • Museum of Vojvodina - RSD200
  • City Museum of Novi Sad - RSD500
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel by two-hour train or bus to Belgrade. Known as the' White City', Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Sitting at the confluence of two major rivers the – Sava and the Danube – it’s an important intersection between Eastern and Western Europe. Here you’ll experience an energetic mix of progressive flamboyance and conservative customs. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the city’s wide boulevards and squares, and the historic and green heart of Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River here for centuries. In the evening, head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and enjoy the lively atmosphere, in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to fashionable nightclubs.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided Tour Belgrade
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free day to further discover Belgrade. You might like to take a 90-minute cruise along the Danube River, passing the Kalemegdan Fortress, Pancevo Bridge and the artist village of Zemun. The local market Pijaca Venac near Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) can keep you occupied for hours. Perhaps take a stroll through the Nikola Tesla Museum to learn about the life and work of Serbia's greatest inventor, or check out the city's Ethnographic or Military Museums. You can climb the 36-metre, 1896 Gardos tower in Zemun for sweeping views of the city and the Danube, or get crash course in Serbian contemporary art at Zepter Museum. If the weather is warm, why not brave the crowds on Ada Ciganlija beach, where you can swim, take part in water-sports or simply soak up the sun with a cocktail. Throughout the summer months, Belgrade hosts a variety of musical and cultural events and the city is abuzz with people and activities. The city’s nightlife has become legendary throughout Europe, with several hundred floating bars, restaurants and nightclubs lining the Danube and Sava rivers.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Military Museum - RSD200
  • Ethnographic Museum - RSD150
  • Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD500
  • Tito’s Mausoleum (House of Flowers) - RSD400
  • Sveti Sava Church - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today travel by bus through beautiful countryside to Sarajevo. The journey will take around eight hours in total, so sit back and enjoy the scenery. Sarajevo is Bosnia and Herzegovina's small but vibrant capital. Twenty years after the end of a devastating war, Sarajevo is slowly asserting itself as one of Europe's most beautiful and interesting destinations. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a city that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. On arrival, embark on a guided tour to gain an insight into the history and culture of the city. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that features an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque (the famous Begova Džamija) all within close proximity. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a simple but delicious meal in Bascarsija, Sarajevo's old bazaar. Out from here the city’s history unfolds – from Ottoman-era buildings to the elaborate constructions of the Austro-Hungarian period and on to the ugly structures of the communists. Try the local speciality of bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices).
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided Tour Sarajevo
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today head out of Sarajevo for a day trip to Mostar, a town situated in a beautiful valley in the high mountains of Herzegovina (approximately 2.5 hours). Thanks to the river Neretva Mostar was able to develop as a city in the barren landscape of Herzegovina. Neretva's size turned Mostar into a trading centre of the region very early on. The city was the most heavily bombed settlement in Bosnia during the war, but it has since been rebuilt and now features on UNESCO's World Heritage list. On arrival, head to the famous Stari Most Bridge, first built by the Ottomans in 1565 – it was the great architect Mimar Hajrudin who succeeded with the impossible mission to cross the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. The bridge also made headline news during the Yugoslav wars when it was destroyed in 1993. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2004, and there’s an interesting museum about its history next to the bridge itself. If you’re lucky you’ll see the famous bridge divers hurl themselves into the icy waters below. It’s a tradition for the young men of the town to make the jump, and it’s now an annual competition. In the evening, return to Sarajevo, where you'll enjoy a cooking class and included dinner at your pension.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cooking Class & Dinner Sarajevo
  • Mostar Day Trip
Optional Activities
  • Mostar Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret - BAM4
  • Mostar Old Bridge Museum - BAM5
  • Mostar War Photo Exhibition - BAM6
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo. You could take an optional day trip out to the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza, the source of the River Bosna. You might prefer to discover local history with a visit to the History Museum and the Sarajevo War Tunnels (dug underneath the airport runway and used to smuggle provisions into the city during its siege), or learn about the tragedies faced by the city's Jews at the Jewish Museum. Perhaps get cultural with a stroll through the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Perhaps return to Baščaršija and get lost in the mosques, caravanserais, and stone-vaulted bazaars, snacking on burek or ćevapi, or ramble along through Park Prinčeva for views of the city. The Pivnica HS brewery, which also has a restaurant, is a good place to sample local award-winning beer and spend an evening.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Svrzo's House - BAM3
  • National Museum - BAM6
  • Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum - BAM53
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Board our private transfer and travel through beautiful countryside to Montenegro, arguably one of the most stunning countries in the world. The drive today is long (approx 6-7 hours) but very scenic, and we will stop numerous times, so have your camera at the ready. Get back to nature by travelling into the heart of the beautiful Durmitor National Park. This World Heritage site was formed by glaciers and is crisscrossed with rugged mountains (40 of which reach over 2,000 metres in height), pristine pine forests, two deep canyons, rivers, crystal lakes and underground streams. Enjoy an easy walk through this wonderful, lesser-explored wilderness, along the shores of a lake (approx 2km) and keep an eye out for some of the 163 species of bird or 50 species of mammal that the region is home to. In the evening perhaps tuck into a delicious barbecue dinner on the terrace of the guesthouse.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Durmitor National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today drive to Kotor (approximately 3 hours). This 5th-century World Heritage-listed city is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a rocky coastline dotted with pretty waterside towns. When you arrive, head out on a short orientation walk, checking out the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tryphun. The walk will also take you past the South Gates of Kotor (the Gurdich Gate) and the Armoury Square (Trg od oruzija). Afterwards, you might like to get delightfully lost in the crooked alleyways, checking out the boutiques and cafes, or climb the hills behind the city to visit Kotor's ruined fortification walls. A one-and-a-half hour hike up the stone steps, past churches, gates, and bastions to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan at the top rewards you with magnificent views across town and the brooding Bay of Kotor. In the evening the city walls are prettily lit up to provide a unique night-time perspective.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you have the opportunity to take part in optional day trips out of Kotor. Perhaps take a cruise on Kotor Fjord, visiting the twin islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and Sveti Dordje (St George), with its church in the middle of the bay. Legends has it that sailors once spotted an image of the Virgin Mary on a rock here, and so then each time they completed a successful voyage they added another rock as an offering. Eventually so many were added that an island emerged and the church was built on top of it. Alternatively, consider a trip to Budva, a mere 30-minute busy ride out of Kotor. With its busy beaches, charming Old Town, bustling restaurants and bars, Budva is like Montenegro's little version of Miami. For some more history, head up to Montenegro's former capital Cetinje, now a laidback village with grand mansions that were used as embassies in days gone by. Enjoy a final night in Kotor, perhaps by listening to some of the live music that gets the cobbled streets busy.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR30
  • Kotor Maritime Museum - EUR4
  • St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR2
  • Kotor Fortress - EUR3
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart Montenegro on a three-hour bus journey along the beautiful southern coast of Croatia to Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik's walled old town is often referred to as the pearl of the Adriatic despite its tiny size, and it's now famed for it's part in the TV show ‘Game of Thrones’. On arrival, head out on a walk along the city walls with your leader, enjoying views of the sparkling Adriatic Ocean. You'll also visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, built by the European architect Onofrio della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city. Afterwards, perhaps check out the 13th-century Franciscan monastery or the Sponza and Rector's Palaces, the only Renaissance buildings in the city to survive a devastating earthquake and fire in 1667. You might like to visit the city's War Photography Museum, or if you have time, even take a boat trip to nearby Lokrum Island, where you will find the French-built Fort Royal Castle, a monastery, and a botanical garden that dates back to when the Austrian archduke Maximilian had his holiday home on the island. At the end of your journey, perhaps you'd prefer to simply unwind on a beach. On the last night of your trip, why not enjoy one last meal with the group and toast to your adventures.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • City Walls Walk Dubrovnik
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you are free to depart at any time. There's lots to see and do here in the wonderful city of Dubrovnik, so perhaps stay a few extra days.
Optional Activities
  • Game of Thrones Tour - HRK200
  • Franciscan Monastery - HRK30
  • Lokrum Island Boat Trip - HRK100
  • War Photography Museum - HRK50
  • Rector's Palace - HRK120
  • Museum of Croatian War of Independence - Mt Srd - HRK30
  • Hike up Mt Srd - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

25 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Bicycle, Metro, Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Train

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nights), Hostel (1 night), Hotel (16 nights), Pension (5 nights), Private apartment (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Underground City of Osowka visit
  • Guided visit to State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
  • Hiking in the Vysoke Tatry mountains (not between Nov and Mar)
  • StareSmoke Electric train
  • Smokovec Funicular
  • Gondola, Tatranska Lomnica
  • Honey Museum Sremski Karlovci
  • Orientation walk of Vukovar, including guided hospital visit
  • Guided Tour Belgrade
  • Guided Tour Sarajevo
  • Cooking Class & Dinner Sarajevo
  • Mostar Day Trip
  • Durmitor National Park
  • City Walls Walk Dubrovnik

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Important notes

A single supplement is available on this trip with exception of Day 3-4 Cesky Krumlov and Day 26-27 Kotor.

Essential trip information

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Reviews

Our Vienna to Dubrovnik trips score an average of 5 out of 5 based on 10 reviews in the last year.

Vienna to Dubrovnik, September 2018

Zoe Sargant

Review submitted 12 Oct 2018

Vienna to Dubrovnik, August 2018

Margaret McKee

Review submitted 25 Sep 2018

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