Epic Europe Experience

TOUR DETAILS

Day 1: Arrival, Zagreb

Our agent will welcome you at Zagreb Airport and take you to your hotel for check-in (after 14:00). You will have time for unpacking and lunch, which will be followed by a light walk downtown with a panoramic city tour. We will see Donji grad, the Kaptol with the Zagreb Cathedral, the largest church in Croatia, Gornji Grad, Bloody Bridge, Stone Gate and St. Mark’s Square. Overnight stay in Zagreb.

Day 3: Ljubljana

After breakfast, we will drive to Slovenia and our tour guide will take you on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Ljubljana, proclaimed by the European institutions the »European Green Capital 2016«, and show you its main attractions, from Prešeren Square and Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) to Town Square with its baroque fountain and Town Hall. We will climb the Ljubljana Castle Hill and admire its panoramic view of this lovely city. You will have one hour free for visiting the castle (optional) or enjoying a coffee break. Afternoon free for shopping or sightseeing. Overnight stay in Ljubljana.

Day 4: Lake Bled

After breakfast, we will drive to another part of Slovenia – Gorenjska (Upper Carniola) Region – to the most renowned tourist place in Slovenia, Lake Bled. As Bled is a place for relaxation and enjoyment, you will hear all the relevant stories, facts and directions/tips on the way and learn more about Bled upon arriving there. You can decide how you want to spend the next few hours at leisure at the resort by yourself and choose from the possibilities you will learn about. Our guide can take you on a tour of the majestic Bled Castle (optional), which is located on a steep 139 m high cliff overlooking the lake and offers a heavenly view of Lake Bled, as well as the surrounding alpine mountain tops and valleys. Bled Castle, first mentioned in 1011, is one of the oldest Slovenian castles. You can admire the old wooden Gutenberg printing press and the castle’s smithy, while Bled Castle is also famous for being one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Europe.

Alternatively, you can take a pleasant walk around the lake or join a “pletna” boat ride to the island in the middle of the lake, which is named after the town of Bled and is, in fact, the only island in Slovenia. You can take a look at an impressive medieval church and its “wishing bell”. After that experience, you can take some time to treat yourself to a good cup of coffee, enjoying the beautiful view of the lake at the foot of Pokljuka and tasting the traditional local dessert “kremšnita” (cream cake), which has been made in Bled for over 60 years. Another possibility is visiting the magnificent Vintgar Gorge nearby (typically open between April and November). Return to Ljubljana in the afternoon, overnight stay in Ljubljana.

Day 5: Alpine Region, Goriška Brda

After breakfast, we will get to enjoy the stunning view of the Julian Alps while crossing the Vršič Pass, Slovenia’s highest mountain pass, which joins two Slovenian regions – Gorenjska and Primorska. The road over the pass was built during World War I by over 1000 Russian prisoners. To those who died there, the Russian Chapel was raised.

The road descends to the Trenta Valley with the prominent Soča River, known as “the emerald beauty” because of its turquoise colour. Passing by Kobarid and Most na Soči, we will make our way to Goriška Brda, to the village of Šmartno with its old walls and an abundance of stories about the wars between Venice and Habsburg dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries. Due to its great heritage, Šmartno was proclaimed the monument of highest importance, while the beautiful nature of Goriška Brda earned it a flattering nickname “Slovenian Tuscany”. Return to Ljubljana, overnight stay in Ljubljana.

Day 6: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Piran, Portorož

After breakfast, we will visit the Postojna Cave, one of the largest Karst landmarks in the world. An electric train will take us through the tunnels of the cave, which is with its 20 km long cave system the most impressive and the most visited cave in Europe. We will be able to spot human fish, the most famous cave animals in the world that used to be believed to be dragon offspring. We will continue with a tour of the mighty Predjama Castle from the 12th century, mounted on a 123 m high cliff above the Lokva River. There are many mysterious tales and legends about the castle and its knights. The most famous of them all is the story of Knight Erazem of Predjama, who rebelled in the 15th century against the emperor and became the first Slovenian Robin Hood. Today’s castle is from the Renaissance period and incorporates a museum.

The Slovenian coastal road will lead us to the lovely town of Piran, also called “little Venice”. We will walk through its narrow streets and beautiful squares up to the church of St. George to see the view of three countries – Slovenia, Italy and Croatia, as well as nearby salt fields. The salt there is acquired from the sea in a unique, traditional and natural way: with the help of the sun, petola mud and wind. Afterwards, we will head to Portorož, the modern capital of Slovenian tourism. With its mediterranean climate, unforgettable sunsets over the Adriatic Sea, spa and wellness centres, this is the place to visit when you want to relax and be pampered. Return to Ljubljana, overnight stay in Ljubljana.

Day 7: Budapest

After breakfast, we will check out and drive to Budapest, an old metropolis with a turbulent past. The Hungarian capital is also called “the beauty on the Danube”, mainly because of its picturesque location and grand architecture from the golden era of the city in the second half of the 19th century, which gives it a special touch. We will check in to our hotel and enjoy a light walk downtown. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 8: Budapest

After breakfast, it is time to discover Budapest and visit its main attractions. We will drive across the Chain Bridge to the Castle Hill, where Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle (a.k.a. the Royal Palace) stand, offering a beautiful view of Budapest. Our guide will show you around the Castle District, Matthias Church (outside) and take you to the Fisherman’s Bastion. We will also visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, which is the third largest Parliament building in the world. We will continue with a panoramic tour of the city centre, passing by Liberty Square, the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica, Vaci Street, which is considered the heart of the city, and other prominent sights. There will also be some free time for you to buy souvenirs and explore the city on your own. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 9: Budapest

Day at leisure in Budapest. We suggest visiting the Great Market Hall (a particularly interesting covered market). For a unique and truly unforgettable experience, you can take a boat ride along the banks of the Danube from the Margaret Island and pass through all the important bridges, the facades of the Parliament and the famous Citadella. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 10: Bratislava

After breakfast, we will check out and drive to Slovakia’s capital city Bratislava. We will go on a panoramic tour to see the city’s main attractions. We will see the majestic cathedral dedicated to St. Martin in which, during the time of Turkish occupation of Budapest, the Hungarian kings were crowned. We will walk under the Michalová (Michael’s) Tower, the only remaining medieval gate which leads to the city and ranks among the oldest town buildings, see the Renaissance Roland Fountain and the classicist Primasovo (Archbishop) Palace, where in 1805 the “Peace of Bratislava” was signed after the defeat of the monarchy against Napoleon.

En route to the Old Town, there are lovely statues exhibited to warm up the atmosphere, such as the beautiful Naci, Napoleonic soldier, Čumil and others. We can also spot Mozart’s palace, where the famous composer had one of his first concerts as a child, the Slovak National Theatre and a monument dedicated to the Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, who visited Bratislava in 1840 and got his inspiration for the fairy tales “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Little Match Girl” there. Overlooking the city is the famous Bratislava Castle, where the Celts controlled the trade route and its passage over the Danube from. The last major renovation of the castle was commissioned by the Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century, when the castle was renovated in Baroque style. When leaving Bratislava, we will make a short stop by the Slavin Memorial above the city, which offers a striking view of the city. Early evening drive to Vienna, overnight stay in Vienna.

Day 11: Vienna

After breakfast, we will go on a guided walking city tour, where you can learn more about Vienna and its attractions. We will see the Vienna State Opera, Maria Theresa Square and City Hall, which was built in the prominent Neo-Gothic style, and many other sites en route: the main city promenade Kärntner Straße, which leads to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the most famous Viennese cathedral; as well as the former imperial palace Hofburg Palace, which hosted emperors of the Habsburg dynasty, and walk around the Hofburg area (outside). It was the principal imperial winter residence, while Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence. Today it serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria. After the sightseeing tour, you will have free time for lunch and tasting the most famous Viennese delight Sacher Torte (our recommendation is its authentic home where it was originally made – Hotel Sacher Wien). The rest of the afternoon and evening free for you to discover the city on your own. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Day 12: Vienna

After breakfast, we will go on another city tour to get to know Vienna better. The bus tour includes a panoramic ride through the 5.2 km long circuit “Vienna Ring Road”, which surrounds the Innere Stadt. The famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud walked around the Ring daily. From there you can spot prominent Vienna’s buildings: UNO City (Vienna International Center), Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater Park, Austrian Parliament, Imperial Court Theatre, City Hall, University, Vienna State Opera, Museum of Art History and Museum of Natural History. We will visit the famous Baroque palace Schönbrunn Palace with its glorious gardens, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List – right after a short photo stop by the Belvedere Museum. After the visit, we will return to our hotel, afternoon and evening free. We recommend visiting the Belvedere Museum. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Day 13: Vienna

Day at leisure in Vienna. We recommend visiting the Viennese Prater amusement park. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Day 14: Departure

Check-out, transfer to Vienna Schwechat Airport.

PLEASE NOTE:

In the case of unexpected events (traffic conditions, weather conditions or other inconveniences that we cannot influence), we can change the order of trips and sometimes the contents to make the tour as logistically convenient as possible.

What to see in Zagreb

Must-see attractions in Zagreb are Donji grad, Kaptol with the Zagreb Cathedral (the largest church in Croatia), Gornji Grad, Bloody Bridge, Stone Gate and St. Mark’s Square. As Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb has a lively urban, cultural and art scene full of lovely cafés, events, gallery and other exhibitions.

What to see in Slovenia

With its breathtaking landscapes, green forests, emerald rivers, deep blue Alpine lakes, exciting mountain tops, scenic historical towns and castles, Slovenia is like a real size postcard! It also boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Škocjan Caves, Idrija and the Ljubljana Marshes, where great mysteries unravel.

What to see in Budapest

One of Budapest’s staples is driving across the Chain Bridge to the Castle Hill, where Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle (a.k.a. the Royal Palace) stand, offering a stunning view of the city. In the city center, you can see Liberty Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Vaci Street (considered the heart of the city), Great Market Hall and the prominent Danube.

What to see in Bratislava

Bratislava’s top attractions are the Renaissance Roland Fountain, Fountain of St. George and the Dragon, the classicist Primasovo (Archbishop) Palace, Mozart’s palace, St. Martin Cathedral, Michalová (St. Michael’s) Tower, Slovak National Theater and the famous Bratislava Castle. On route to the Old Town, lovely statues of Naci, Čumil and others are exhibited.

What to see in Vienna

Vienna is a former imperial city with a high quality of life and world-wide known tourist attractions such as the Vienna State Opera, Maria Theresa Square and City Hall, the main city promenade Kärntner Straße, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace with its glorious gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Belvedere Museum.

What to do in Zagreb

For the best cultural experience of Zagreb, you must visit its colourful markets, starting with “Britanski trg” (British Square), the oldest open-air market only 10 min walking distance from the main square. If you wish to escape from the city rush, you can stroll through the Maksimir Park, visit the Botanical Gardens or take a trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park.

What to do in Slovenia

Take time to enjoy a city tour of Ljubljana, discover Slovenia’s natural treasures, listen to our tour guide’s interesting stories about Slovenia’s historical and cultural heritage, taste the local cuisine and exquisite wine, relax or try some exciting activities, such as rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking and SUP-ing.

What to do in Budapest

You can visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, which is the third largest Parliament building in the world. For a unique and truly unforgettable experience, you can take a river cruise along the banks of the Danube from the Margaret Island and pass through all the important bridges, the facades of the Parliament and the famous Citadella.

What to do in Bratislava

Slovakia’s capital boasts one of the loveliest city centers, where you can take a really enjoyable walk and feast your eyes on the local attractions. Definitely worth visiting are Bratislava Castle, Bratislava City Museum, Bratislava Forest Park and Botanical Garden. You can also stop by the Slavin Memorial above the city, which offers a striking view of Bratislava.

What to do in Vienna

When in Vienna, you simply have to taste the most famous Viennese delight Sacher-Torte (we recommend Hotel Sacher Wien, where it was originally made) and drive around “Vienna Ringstrasse”, which surrounds the Innere Stadt and offers a view of Vienna’s prominent buildings: UNO City, Giant Ferris Wheel, Austrian Parliament, Imperial Court Theater, City Hall, University, Museum of Art History and Museum of Natural History. On the top of our to-do list is also visiting the Viennese Prater amusement park.