Vienna to Venice

TOUR DETAILS

Day 1: Arrival

Our agent will welcome you at Vienna International Airport and take you to Ljubljana for hotel check-in (after 14:00). You will have time for unpacking and lunch, afternoon free. We recommend an evening walk through Ljubljana, proclaimed by the European institutions the »European Green Capital 2016«. Overnight stay in Ljubljana.

Day 3: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, 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. Our day comes to an end in Portorož, the modern capital of Slovenian tourism, where the remaining afternoon is free for exploring the town. 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. Overnight stay near Portorož.

Day 4: Trieste, Piran

After breakfast, we will hop across the Italian border to Trieste, a city of great importance for the Habsburg dynasty and ruled by many more throughout history, with the second largest port in Italy. We will visit the city centre and the mesmerising Miramare Castle (entrance optional), built by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian I for himself and his wife Charlotte of Belgium. It shows its visitors an example of a luxurious aristocratic residence, which has preserved its original furnishings. 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. Overnight stay near Portorož.

Day 5: Venice

After breakfast, our guide will take you to Venice for a panoramic city tour of this wonderful lagoon port, which is also the capital of the Veneto Region. You will get to see the famous St. Mark’s Square and Basilica with its exceptional gold mosaics, the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge, the Doge’s Palace and the evocative Bridge of Sighs, and much more. While walking to St. Mark’s Square and around the town, you will get to feel the romantic Venetian ambience and admire its attractions along the way. While it can be hard sometimes to find your way around the narrow streets of Venice, our guide will make it a piece of cake to navigate them! We will of course also find some time to enjoy high-end shopping, delightful coffee and delicious tiramisu. Return to Portorož, overnight stay near Portorož.

*Upon request: 2-hour-long shopping trip to the outlet village Noventa di Piave near Venice (optional).

Day 6: Vienna

After breakfast, we will head towards Vienna. After check-in, 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. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Day 7: 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 of course also 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. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Day 8: 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 Ljubljana

Our tour guides can take you on sightseeing tours of Ljubljana to show you its main attractions, from Prešeren Square and Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) to Town Square with its baroque fountain and Town Hall. Another thing you cannot go without is climbing the Ljubljana Castle Hill and admiring its panoramic view of this lovely city.

What to see in Venice

Venice is a true feast for the eyes that never disappoints! Definitely a must-see when in Venice, the Grand Canal (Canal Grande) amazes with its reflections of the glorious Venetian architecture situated by its banks. Doge’s Palace is one the most prominent attractions, which captures its visitors with intriguing history, architecture and heavenly views from the Bridge of Sighs.

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 Ljubljana

Visiting the Tivoli Park is a must! You can walk under the oak trees, see an open-air exhibition and feel the care-free urban vibe there. You can take a Ljubljanica Boat Cruise, go SUP-ing or treat yourself to some gelato in one of the ice-cream shops. The best cafés and restaurants are found in the Old Town, laid-back during the day and full of life and lights during the night.

What to do in Venice

To discover the world-famous Venetian culture, there are numerous museums, art galleries, palazzos and palaces you can visit. The heart of Venice is by St. Mark’s Square with its Basilica and Campanile San Marco, with cafés and restaurants nearby. If you wish to ride a bit further away than the canals, you can take a trip to the lagoon islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.

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 Theatre, 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.