DAY 1

Welcome to Vienna.
Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. On arrival at Vienna airport, your transfer will leave for your hotel at 10:00, 13:00 or 15:00. Join your Travel Director at 17:30 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna.
Meal: Dinner with Wine

DAY 2

Exploring Stately Vienna.
Join a Local Expert for a private tour of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and its formal gardens. Then get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, 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.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 3

Maribor and Ljubljana.
In the morning, cross the border into Slovenia and journey to its second largest city, Maribor. Home to the oldest grape-producing vine in the world, spend some time in this charming spot on the Drava River, before heading to the beloved capital of Ljubljana.
Hotel: Hotel Lev Ljubljana.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 4

Exploring Lovable Ljubljana.
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 regales you with a tasting of local specialties. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. In the evening, choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Hotel: Hotel Lev Ljubljana.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 5

Zagreb’s Twin Towns.
Journey 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 Lotrščak Tower.
Hotel: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 6

Zagreb at Leisure.
A free day to relax and enjoy a city that is bursting with culture.
Hotel: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 7

On to Plitvice National Park.
Journey south to visit one of Europe’s great natural wonders. Your Local Expert will lead you through zig-zagging timber footbridges and the crystal blue-green beauty of Plitvice National Park; a scenic wonderland of 16 interconnected lakes, flanked by waterfalls and primeval forest. See Veliki Slap, the highest waterfall in the park and Tomicevo Pogledalo for spectacular panoramic views. Spend the evening in your boutique hotel, perfectly located close to the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Hotel: Hotel Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo, Plitvice Lakes.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 8

Along the Dalmatian.
The green forests give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters as you travel to Trogir, a historic town founded by the Greeks in 2300 years ago. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace, before continuing to the historic port of Split. 1,700 years ago, the Roman Emperor Diocletian, built his palace here and today it forms the nucleus of the old town. Your Local Expert will lead you through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares. See St. Duje’s, which was 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 indulge in local flavours and fun at a traditional Konoba.
Hotel: Hotel President Solin, Split.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 9

Exploring Split.
Always buzzing, this lively city has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. See Dalmatian life as it’s really lived with a full day free to explore Split and its surroundings. Why not join an Optional Experience to discover the largest Dalmatian island, Brač? The adventure includes sailing to the island and venturing to the highest peak for incredible views before visiting the island’s oldest settlement and stopping for a light lunch.
Hotel: Hotel President Solin, Split.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 10

Mostar to Sarajevo.
In the morning, cross the border into Bosnia and 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 recent struggles.
Hotel: Swissotel Sarajevo.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 11

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. Talk to one of the survivors, for whom the siege of Sarajevo remains a defining moment in his life. You will also see the Latin Bridge where Austrian Crown Prince, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated. Continue to Baščaršija, the cobbled old town market where Sarajevo was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century. In the afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure.
Hotel: Swissotel Sarajevo.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 12

Medjugorje and Dubrovnik.
In the morning, travel south to stop at the small town of Medjugorje, made famous by six children who claim to have seen visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 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, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Hotel: Hotel Croatia Cavtat (Sea View Rooms), Dubrovnik.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 13

Optional Montenegro Experience.
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. 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. Admire the most important feature of the city, the mighty city walls rising straight from the cliffs, perfectly-preserved from the Middle Ages, before your cruise moors in the Old Town Harbour. Later, enjoy a Celebration Dinner of typical Dalmatian Coast cuisine, washed down with local drinks – wine and grappa being the most famous.
Hotel: Hotel Croatia Cavtat (Sea View Rooms), Dubrovnik.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 14

Depart Dubrovnik.
Your travels draw to a close after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dubrovnik airport at 05:00, 09:00 and 11:30. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.
Meal: Breakfast

Authentic Dining

• 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 with drinks. Savour the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture.
• Dubrovnik: Sit down to a delicious Celebration Dinner of local Dalmatian-Coast cuisine and drinks, and raise a glass to toast your adventures.
• Dining Summary: 13 Breakfasts (B) and 6 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.

Insight Experiences

• Sarajevo: Gain a personal insight into a city under siege! Visit the Tunnel of Hope, and speak with a resident who lived through the 44-month blockade and was privy to the city’s secret lifeline.

Stay in Style

• Vienna: Set in the heart of Vienna and featuring contemporary decor, the award-winning Hilton Vienna hotel is one of Austria’s premier hotels.
• Split: The modern Hotel President Solin is conveniently located just a few minutes from the ancient city of Split and the famous Diocletian’s Palace.

Top Rated Highlights

• Vienna: A private tour with a Local Expert showcases the sheer opulence of Schönbrunn Palace, rich in Rococo and glittering gold. Spend some time in the formal gardens.
• 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: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
• Ljubljana: Spend time with your Local Expert in the glorious Central Market and learn about some of the Slovenian delicacies on display.
• 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 Lotrščak Tower.
• Plitvice Lakes: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at the water wonderland of Plitvice National Park as you walk along stunning cascades, guided by your Local Expert. Visit Korana Canyon to see the falls and Tomicevo Pogledalo for spectacular panoramic views.
• Trogir: See the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace during an orientation with your Travel Director.
• Split: With a local historian, explore above and below ground within the walls of the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s palace – now in the heart of modern-day Split. See Diocletian’s Mausoleum, now St. Duje’s and the Temple of Jupiter, now a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate.
• Split: Sightseeing with your Local Expert continues through the old town. Walk through the Jewish Quarter to reach Narodni Trg, the centre of Old Split. Continue to Trg Braće Radić, translated as the Square of the Radić brothers, but better known to the locals as Voćni Trg, or the Fruit Square.
• 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 Baščaršija. You will also see the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and 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.
• Scenic Drives: Throughout your journey, witness the beauty of the Carinthian Lakes, Plitvice National Park and the Dalmatian Coast.

Included Insight Services

• Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
• Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
• 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 enchant 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.