• Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 15

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner with gypsy music in Budapest (HD)
• 13 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

15 Days ~ Austria ~ Hungary ~ Croatia ~ Slovenia

Country Roads of Dalmatia

Tour Pace
A well balanced tour with an exceptional three-night stay in Cavtat, near Dubrovnik, and two nights in Budapest, Zagreb and Ljubljana. Scenic driving days with frequent stops for refreshment and photos.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Vienna.

DAY 2 – SAT – VIENNA AT LEISURE
On arrival at Vienna Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: NH Danube City.

DAY 3 – SUN – VIENNA – BUDAPEST
Take a leisurely drive through farming country to the Hungarian border. Pass the eagle, overlooking the town of Tatabanya, before arriving in Budapest. Enjoy a panoramic view across the Danube from the lofty Citadel atop Gellert Hill, then marvel at the murals in Matthias Church beside the Fisherman’s Bastion. View the Royal Palace of Buda, then cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes’ Square and drive along Andrassy Boulevard. As night falls, enjoy a Highlight Dinner with traditional Gypsy entertainment.
Hotel: Hilton West End. (BB,HD)

DAY 4 – MON – BUDAPEST AT LEISURE
The day is totally set aside for you to explore this fascinating city on your own or perhaps shop for bargains in fine porcelain and colorful embroideries. Or you might like to take an optional excursion to explore the secrets of Szentendre, the charming baroque town famous for its artists colony. (BB)

DAY 5 – TUE – BUDAPEST – ZAGREB
Take an enchanting drive alongside tranquil Lake Balaton. Stop to admire the abbey of Tihany, perched on a peninsula reaching out into the lake, then cross farmland to the Croatian border and the capital of Zagreb. A guided tour takes you to Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the cathedral. Walk through the medieval core of the Upper Town to see the Croatian Parliament, Stone Gate, St Mark’s Church and the ancient Gric Tower.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – WED – ZAGREB
Spend the day at leisure exploring the Croatian capital. Zagreb is renowned for its shopping, or perhaps you prefer to take an excursion to the Zagorje region to learn about local culture and traditions. (BB)

DAY 7 – THU – ZAGREB – SPLIT
Head south to the Adriatic coast towards Split, visiting the ancient Roman port of Salona. Admire the 2nd century Amphitheatre, Roman Baths and Necropolis. More than 1700 years ago in the historic port city of Split, the Roman Emperor, Diocletian, built his palace. Today those very buildings make up the heart of the Old Town, listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. On a guided walking tour, explore the labyrinth of streets built within and without the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, unique because it is still lived in.
Hotel: Atrium. (BB)

DAY 8 – FRI – SPLIT – DUBROVNIK
Spend the morning exploring Split’s Old Town on your own before travelling on to Dubrovnik and your resort hotel, which is beautifully situated alongside the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and pine fresh forest.
Hotel: Ariston. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – SAT – DUBROVNIK SIGHTSEEING
If the Dalmatian Coast is the zenith of the Mediterranean, then Dubrovnik is the jewel in the crown! A guided sightseeing tour in the Old Town explores the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio’s fountain and the Rector’s Palace and the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 10 – SUN – DUBROVNIK AT LEISURE
The day is completely free to follow the advice of George Bernard Shaw: “Those who seek Paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Shop for handicrafts in the bazaar, sample local fish delicacies or just relax by the pool. (BB)

DAY 11 – MON – DUBROVNIK – PLITVICE
A magnificent drive takes you along the Dalmatian coast – a symphony of sparkling deep blue sea, studded with rocky islands. Visit Trogir, founded by the Greeks in 400BC, and admire its Romanesque cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace. Head inland to one of Europe’s finest natural wonders, Plitvice National Park.
Hotel: Jezero. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – TUE – PLITVICE – LJUBLJANA
Cruise the crystal blue-green beauty of the Plitvice Lakes; a scenic wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes flanked by waterfalls and primeval forest. Visit Korana Canyon to see the 230 foot high falls and Tomicevo Pogledalo for spectacular panoramic views over the park. In the afternoon, drive through the unique region of Lika, crossing into Slovenia and reaching the capital, Ljubljana, your home for two nights.
Hotel: Lev. (BB,D)

DAY 13 – WED – LJUBLJANA SIGHTSEEING
A local guide shows you the Baroque elegance of the ‘White City’. Its medieval castle sits atop a hill as an ancient guardian; the City Hall and Cathedral of St Nicholas testify to its historical importance; and the Triple Bridge spans the river Ljubjanica, whose banks disappear under the colorful umbrellas of the riverside cafes and restaurants. Spend the afternoon at leisure. (BB,D)

DAY 14 – THU – LJUBLJANA – VIENNA
It’s only a short drive back across the Austrian border to the forested mountains of Styria. Pass by Graz, Austria’s second largest city and the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger, to return to Vienna. Consider celebrating your final night on tour with a farewell dinner.
Hotel: NH Danube City. (BB)

DAY 15 – FRI – RETURN TO USA
Your tour ends with transfers to the airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 12

Quality Dining

• Enjoy a highlight seafood dinner at a local restaurant in Korcula (HD)
• 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

12 Days ~ Serbia ~ Bosnia & Herzegovina ~ Croatia

Tour Pace
Between Belgrade and Dubrovnik there are two early starts in order to fulfil the day’s itinerary. However, once on the coast, the tour is far more leisurely with two-night stays in Dubrovnik and Korcula and relatively short driving distances between the towns.

DAY 1 – SUN – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Belgrade.

DAY 2 – MON – ARRIVE BELGRADE
Welcome to the Balkans! According to recent articles, those in the know are forsaking the crowded beaches of Europe and heading for the sun-drenched islands off the coast of Croatia. On arrival at Belgrade Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. Tonight join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Best Western Sumadija. (D)

DAY 3 – TUE – BELGRADE SIGHTSEEING
Your morning sightseeing tour with a local guide shows you the city's main attractions: St Sava Church, the third largest Orthodox Church in Europe, Terazije Street, the National Museum and National Theatre in Republic Square. Finish your tour at the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner with local live music in a typical national restaurant in the old bohemian quarter of Skadarlija? (BB)

DAY 4 – WED – BELGRADE – SARAJEVO
Your route today winds southwards through the remote villages and spa resorts which nestle in the forested Bosnian mountains. Your destination is Sarajevo, a city that has attracted its fair share of international attention over the years. In 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked WWI and more recently, it endured the longest siege in modern military history. On arrival transfer to your hotel and relax before dinner.
Hotel: Radon Plaza. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – THU – SARAJEVO – DUBROVNIK
This morning your city tour shows you the old town market (Bascarsija) where the city was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century, Gazi Husrev-beg's Mosque, Olympic Stadium and you visit the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum, revered by the locals as an inanimate war hero. Now drive through the marvellous gorge of the River Neretva to Mostar where you can walk across the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), recently reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the war. The cobbled old town stretches on both sides of the bridge and is filled with shops selling Turkish style souvenirs. Now on to your hotel in Dubrovnik, beautifully situated alongside the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and pine fresh forest.
Hotel: Ariston. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – FRI – DUBROVNIK SIGHTSEEING
Dubrovnik has to be the most stunning medieval walled city on the Mediterranean. Your guided sightseeing tour in the old town explores the stone paved streets inside the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio’s fountain and the Rector’s Palace, the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The afternoon is at leisure to stroll with your friends along the ancient city walls. Perhaps conclude the day with a sunset dinner cruise? (BB)

DAY 7 – SAT – DUBROVNIK – KORCULA
After breakfast drive along the beautiful southern slopes of the Peljesac peninsula. Stop amid the age-old vines to see how wine is produced and enjoy a taste. Now take the short ferry crossing to Korcula, an island of exceptional grace, history and culture. Upon arrival, explore Korcula town with its ramparts and well known legends. Your walking tour takes you to the Cathedral, the town museum and the Bishop’s Palace. The locals also claim Marco Polo was born here and you see his ruined house next.
Hotel: Marco Polo. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – SUN – KORCULA EXCURSION
Enjoy a panoramic tour of the island, stopping to see (and taste) some of the local produce. On your return to the capital you are free to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town. Tonight join your Tour Director for a highlight seafood dinner at a local restaurant (BB,HD)

DAY 9 – MON – KORCULA – SPLIT
After breakfast, head down the sparkling Dalmatian coast to the historic port of Split. 1700 years ago the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here and your local guide will lead you through the labyrinth of streets and historical buildings within that same palace. See St. Duje's one of the oldest cathedrals in the world, the Temple of Jupiter (today, a baptistery) and the Golden Gate.
Hotel: Atrium. (BB)

DAY 10 – TUE – SPLIT – ZAGREB
Today’s route takes you through one of Europe’s natural wonders – Plitvice National Park; a scenic wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes flanked by waterfalls and primeval forest. Continue past Karlovac, an important junction at the confluence of the Korana and Kupa rivers to Zagreb.
Hotel: Westin. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – WED – ZAGREB SIGHTSEEING
Zagreb, Croatia’s proud capital is yours to discover today. Meet your local guide who unfurls the city’s rich history and culture. See the beautiful facades of Ban Jelacic Square. Just around the corner lies the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, visible from most parts of the city. Now to the medieval core of the Upper Town, including the Presidential Palace, Stone gate, St Marks Church and Lotrscak Tower. (BB)

DAY 12 – THU – RETURN TO USA
Bid farewell to your new found friends. There are transfers to the airport after breakfast. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 11

Quality Dining

• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Prague (DA)
• 9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 2 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

11 Days ~ Germany & Czech Republic

Tour Pace
This is really three relaxing city stays linked together with interesting travelling days and important stops en route like the visit to Colditz Castle. There is the opportunity for extensive sightseeing and exploration in each city plus ample leisure time to just sit back and people-watch.

DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Berlin.

DAY 2 – FRI – BERLIN AT LEISURE
Welcome to Berlin! On arrival at Berlin’s Tegel Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Perhaps spend the afternoon walking along the ‘Ku-damm’, before joining your fellow passengers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Berlin.

DAY 3 – SAT – BERLIN SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing with a local guide takes in both parts of this reunited city, seeing monuments from every period of its history. Start on Museum Island before driving along the Unter den Linden, seeing the beautifully restored State Opera House. Pass the Brandenburg Gate, which has become one of the symbols of the city, and, in the western part of the city, see the Reichstag building, a symbol of Hitler’s rise to power. Drive through the Tiergarten, the oldest park in the city, passing the towering Victory Column before returning to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure: why not visit the vast collections of the Pergamon Museum. (BB)

DAY 4 – SUN – BERLIN – COLDITZ – DRESDEN
Cross the mighty river Elbe to visit Wittenberg where, in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Schlosskirche and set the Reformation in motion; Luther lies buried in the same church. Continue to the vibrant city of Leipzig, known for its music and commercial fairs, to visit the tomb of J.S. Bach in the world-famous Thomas Church. Drive through rural villages to visit the forbidding fortress of Colditz, used as a supposedly escape-proof prisoner of war camp in World War Two. Afterwards, make your own ‘escape’ to the baroque city of Dresden.
Hotel: Westin Bellevue. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – MON – DRESDEN SIGHTSEEING
A tour introduces the splendors of ‘Florence on the Elbe’, now rising again from the destruction of horrific air raids in 1945. The most recent example is the Frauenkirche, which you can view before admiring the ‘Procession of Dukes’, colossal mosaic on the castle wall. Next door, see the cathedral and the tiered facade of the Semper Opera House. Visit the Royal Palace to admire the Green Vault collections, the artistic treasures assembled by the Saxon princes over the centuries. Later, there is time to shop or continue sightseeing. (BB)

DAY 6 – TUE – DRESDEN – MEISSEN EXCURSION
Journey to Meissen, home of fine German porcelain since 1710, and visit the factory’s museum to see some of the finest examples of their work. Return to your hotel in the afternoon to relax and enjoy the magnificent views of Dresden and the river – all from the summer terraces. (BB)

DAY 7 – WED – DRESDEN – PRAGUE
Travel along the valley of the River Elbe to the sandstone pinnacles and cliffs of ‘Saxon Switzerland’, one of Germany’s most spectacular natural wonders. Across the Czech border, pay your respects at the Terezìn Memorial, a former fortress town which was converted into a concentration camp by the Nazis during World War Two. Stop in the lovely town of Melnik before reaching Prague, the ancient capital of Bohemia and the Czech Republic’s leading city. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Dine-Around evening of ambience and cuisine offered from a selection of restaurants.
Hotel: Andel’s. (BB,DA)

DAY 8 – THU – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
A walking tour introduces the highlights of ‘Golden Prague’, which spread either side of the Vltava River. From the heights of Prague Castle, a ‘city within a city’ dominated by the soaring spires of St Vitus’ Cathedral, look down on the Old Town. Descend to explore the Old Town Square – don’t miss the Four Apostles appearing above the Astronomical Clock on the hour. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 9 – FRI – PRAGUE AT LEISURE
The day is set aside for you to explore this beautiful city at your own pace. Stroll with your loved one across the romantic Charles Bridge or visit the Jewish Quarter where the world’s oldest synagogue still operates. Consider joining a tour to one of the nearby country castles or to the ancient mining town of Kutná Hora. Alternatively, dedicate the day to two of the most famous Czech products: fine crystal and beer. (BB)

DAY 10 – SAT – PRAGUE – BERLIN
Travel north across the Erzgebirge Mountains and back into Germany. Following part of the original ‘Hitler highway’, return to Berlin in time for dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Berlin. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast with transfers arriving at Berlin’s Tegel Airport at 08.00 and 10.00 hrs. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 16

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner with traditional entertainment in Istanbul (HD)
• 14 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

16 Days ~ Austria ~ Slovenia ~ Croatia ~ Montenegro
Albania ~ Macedonia ~ Bulgaria ~ Turkey

Tour Pace
This tour has a well balanced itinerary with two nights in Vienna at the beginning, a relaxing two-night stay in Dubrovnik in the middle and two in Sofia and Istanbul at the end. The other one-night stays are comfortably reached in a day’s drive.

DAY 1 – SAT – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Vienna.

DAY 2 – SUN – VIENNA AT LEISURE
Welcome to Vienna! Complimentary transfers depart from Vienna Airport to your tour hotel. Why not take a stroll through the Stadtpark to see the golden statue of Strauss. Meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Hilton.

DAY 3 – MON – VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing highlight this morning is a guided visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and gardens. Sightseeing continues past St Charles’ Church and tours the ‘ring’, seeing the Opera House, the magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament Building. Consider spending time in Prater Park and riding its famous ferris wheel. (BB)

DAY 4 – TUE – VIENNA – ZAGREB
Head south through Styria’s forested mountains, past Graz and over the Slovenian border to the 700-year-old university town of Maribor. Follow the Drava River to Croatia and its capital, Zagreb. On your guided tour see Roosevelt Square, the attractive facades of Ban Josip Jelacic Square, the Cathedral, and, in the medieval Upper Town, the Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St Marks Church and Pope’s Tower.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB)

DAY 5 – WED – ZAGREB – PLITVICE REGION
Time is at leisure this morning. Maybe take an optional excursion to the home of the late Marshall Tito in Kumrovec, before departing for one of Europe’s natural wonders, Plitvice National Park.
Hotel: Jezero. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – THU – PLITVICE REGION – ZADAR
Tour the Plitvice Lakes, a wonderland of 16 lakes flanked by thundering waterfalls and primeval forest. Visit Korana Canyon’s 230 foot high falls and Tomicevo Pogledalo for views over the park. A delightful drive brings you to the Dalmatian coast’s sparkling deep blue seas and rocky islands.
Hotel: Kolovare. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – FRI – ZADAR – SPLIT
Head down the coast to visit Trogir. Founded by the Greeks in 400BC but now renowned for its fine cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace. Continue to the ancient port of Salona to admire the Roman Baths, Necropolis and Amphitheatre. Stay tonight in Split where, 1700 years ago, the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace. Explore the labyrinth of streets and historic buildings within that same palace.
Hotel: Dalmina. (BB)

DAY 8 – SAT – SPLIT – DUBROVNIK
Travel through charming fishing villages to Dubrovnik. A guided sightseeing tour in the Old Town explores the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio’s fountain and the Rector’s Palace, the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Your hotel is beautifully situated overlooking Lapad Bay.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Park. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – SUN – DUBROVNIK AT LEISURE
Today is at leisure. Perhaps relax in one of Dubrovnik’s cafés or take a lovely walk around the Lapad peninsula. Why not join a sunset cruise tonight? (BB)

DAY 10 – MON – DUBROVNIK – TIRANA
Over the border in Montenegro, visit the Old Town of Kotor, perched beside the only European fjord outside Norway. Continue to Albania and stop in the town of Shkodra before continuing to the Albanian capital, Tirana.
Hotel: Sheraton Hotel & Towers. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – TUE – TIRANA – OHRID
Take a guided sightseeing tour of Tirana before heading to the Albanian border and crossing into Macedonia. Reach Lake Ohrid to stay in the resort town of the same name.
Hotel: Flamenco Donco. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – WED – OHRID – SOFIA
First stop is in the Macedonian capital city of Skopje to see the main square, the mosques and old Turkish buildings. Cross the north of the country to reach the Bulgarian border, and make your way to the capital, Sofia, for dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Kempinski. (BB,D)

DAY 13 – THU – SOFIA SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing takes in the St Sofia Church across the square from the golden domed St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archeological complex, dominated by St George’s Church. Explore on your own or perhaps take an optional excursion to the magnificent Rila Monastery, the largest and most important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. (BB)

DAY 14 – FRI – SOFIA – ISTANBUL
Head east, joining the road to Turkey taken by the Romans, the Crusaders and others over the centuries. Once over the border, continue to Istanbul, uniquely located on two continents.
Hotel: Conrad. (BB)

DAY 15 – SAT – ISTANBUL SIGHTSEEING
Tour the highlights of Istanbul, including St Sophia and a visit to the famous Blue Mosque. Visit Topkapi Palace, former seat of the Ottoman Emperors, to admire the treasures of the Sultans, before finishing the tour at the 4,000 shops, tea houses and cafés of the Grand Bazaar. Celebrate your amazing journey with a Highlight Dinner, complete with traditional entertainment. (BB,HD)

DAY 16 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with a transfer to the airport for our homeward flight. Or why not combine this tour with our Wonders of Turkey tour (BB)