Tour 20) Alps to Adriatic – Cities, Mountains & Mediterranean Magic — a 13 nights / 14 days tour through Central Europe & the Balkans
Arrival Munich – Salzburg – Hallstatt – Graz – Zagreb – Plitvice – Sarajevo – Mostar – Dubrovnik – Montenegro – Hvar – Split – Zadar – Postojna – Ljubljana – Bled – Dolomiti/Seceda – Innsbruck – Departure Munich
Day 1 – Arrival in Munich
Arrival in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a first glimpse of the city, perhaps walking through the historic center around Marienplatz, the New Town Hall and the pedestrian streets. Munich combines impressive architecture, Bavarian traditions and a lively atmosphere. Overnight in Munich.
Day 2 – Munich – Salzburg
Begin the morning with a city tour of Munich, including Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, the former royal residence and the famous Viktualienmarkt. Continue south through the Bavarian and Alpine landscapes to Salzburg. In the afternoon, discover Salzburg’s historic center, Mozart’s birthplace, Mirabell Gardens and the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress. Overnight in Salzburg.
Day 3 – Salzburg – Hallstatt – Graz – Zagreb
Depart for picturesque Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most beautiful lakeside towns. Enjoy time to explore its charming streets, traditional houses and spectacular setting on Lake Hallstatt. Continue to Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, for a short introduction to its historic center and Schlossberg. Cross into Slovenia and Croatia before arriving in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival. Overnight in Zagreb.
Day 4 – Zagreb – Plitvice – Sarajevo
Leave Zagreb and travel towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, famous for its turquoise lakes, waterfalls and wooden pathways through lush forests. After visiting the park, continue south through the dramatic Balkan mountain scenery and cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Arrive in Sarajevo, a fascinating city shaped by Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and modern European influences. Overnight in Sarajevo.
Day 5 – Sarajevo – Mostar – Dubrovnik
Discover Sarajevo during a morning city tour, including the historic Baščaršija district, Latin Bridge and the city’s characteristic Ottoman architecture. Continue to Mostar, where the famous Stari Most bridge spans the Neretva River above the historic old town. Cross back into Croatia and follow the spectacular Adriatic coastline towards Dubrovnik. After arrival, enjoy a first evening contact with the city and its illuminated medieval walls. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Day 6 – Montenegro Excursion: Kotor Bay
Enjoy a full-day excursion into neighbouring Montenegro. Travel along the magnificent Bay of Kotor, surrounded by steep mountains and dotted with picturesque villages and historic settlements. Discover the atmospheric town of Kotor, with its medieval streets, churches and imposing city walls. The journey offers some of the most spectacular scenery of the Adriatic region before returning to Dubrovnik. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Day 7 – Dubrovnik – Ston – Neum
A morning city tour introduces Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, including the Stradun, historic squares, churches and magnificent city walls overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Afterwards, travel north along the coast to Ston, famous for its medieval defensive walls and oysters. Continue to Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s only coastal town, situated on a beautiful stretch of the Adriatic. Overnight in Neum.
Day 8 – Neum – Hvar – Split
Travel by ferry towards the island of Hvar, enjoying beautiful views across the Adriatic islands. In Hvar Town, explore the picturesque harbor, elegant Venetian architecture, historic squares and the impressive fortress overlooking the town. Continue by ferry to Split. In the evening, enjoy a first introduction to this lively coastal city and its historic waterfront. Overnight in Split.
Day 9 – Split – Trogir – Zadar
Discover Split on a morning city tour, focusing on the extraordinary Diocletian’s Palace, the Peristyle, the Cathedral and the lively Riva waterfront. Continue to nearby Trogir for an orientation tour of its charming medieval center and waterfront. Follow the spectacular Croatian coastline northwards to Zadar. In the evening, discover the historic center and enjoy views of the Adriatic. Overnight in Zadar.
Day 10 – Zadar – Postojna – Ljubljana
Leave Croatia and travel north into Slovenia. Visit the remarkable Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s best-known cave systems, with its spectacular underground chambers and formations. Continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s attractive capital. During a city tour, discover the Old Town, Triple Bridge, Prešeren Square, the Ljubljanica River and the hilltop Ljubljana Castle. Overnight in Ljubljana.
Day 11 – Ljubljana – Bled – Lienz – Bolzano Area
Travel to beautiful Lake Bled, surrounded by the Julian Alps. See Bled Castle dramatically positioned above the lake and enjoy the peaceful Alpine scenery. Continue through Austria and the Italian Tyrol towards Lienz, a charming town surrounded by mountains. Continue into the Dolomites and admire the spectacular Seceda Mountain, famous for its dramatic rocky peaks and panoramic Alpine views. Overnight in the Bolzano area.
Day 12 – Bolzano Area – Innsbruck – Nordkette/Top of Innsbruck – Tyrolean Folk Show
Travel north through the spectacular Alpine scenery to Innsbruck, known as the “CAPITAL OF THE ALPS.” Explore the historic city center, including the famous Golden Roof and Maria-Theresien-Straße. Afterwards, ascend the Nordkette by cable car to the “Top of Innsbruck” for magnificent views over the city and surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tyrolean Show with the Gundolf Family, accompanied by a delicious local dinner. Overnight in Innsbruck.
Day 13 – Innsbruck – Wattens – Achensee – Munich
Depart Innsbruck and travel to Wattens to visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds, combining art, design and sparkling crystal creations, with time for some final shopping. Continue towards beautiful Lake Achensee, surrounded by the Tyrolean Alps. Weather and schedule permitting, enjoy an optional panoramic cruise on the lake. Continue through Bavaria to Munich for your final evening, with time to relax or enjoy the city center. Overnight in Munich.
Day 14 – Departure from Munich
After breakfast, the tour concludes in Munich. Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for some final sightseeing or shopping in the Bavarian capital. Transfer to the airport or continue with your onward journey, taking home memories of the historic cities, Adriatic coastline, Balkan landscapes and spectacular Alps visited during the tour. Departure from Munich.