Vienna to Dubrovnik

Guten Tag! Welcome to Austria. Your adventure begins in Vienna with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not walk around to get your bearings or, better yet, take a spin on the famous Prater Ferris Wheel nearby for a bird’s eye view. Make sure you stop for kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake) for a break from your exploring. Vienna is known for its coffeehouse culture – so much so that UNESCO lists it as an example of ‘intangible cultural heritage’. After the meeting, why not use tonight to get to know your new travel pals over dinner. Your leader will have all the best recommendations for where to try local specialties like goulash or Wiener schnitzel – maybe save some room for a slice of sachertorte (chocolate cake filled with apricot jam) for dessert.

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Join your leader for a walk through the city's compact centre this morning. Stop at the gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral, wander past the neo-classical Graben and have a look at the Hofburg Palace. Continue along the Ringstrasse and then finish your orientation walk of the city at the State Opera House – one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture. Then you’re in for a real treat! Stop for kaffee and kuchen at Vollpension – a local cafe that empowers older members of the community by providing them with employment and purpose, while bridging the gap between the staff and the younger patrons who visit the cafe. This afternoon is free for you to keep on checking out the sights of the city.

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Depart Vienna by bus this morning and cross the border into the Czech Republic. Your next stop is the southern bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. This picturesque medieval town dates back to the 13th century and looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Cesky Krumlov means crooked meadow, because it sits on a tight bend of the Vltava River. When you arrive, set off on a guided tour of the town with a local guide, starting in the main square. Wander through the Old Town, see the city's oldest pharmacy then arrive at the Cesky Krumlov Castle. See the royal gardens from above and enjoy the panoramic views of the town below.

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Today is free for you to enjoy as you please. Maybe take an optional guided castle tour, which lets you in on the mysteries that lie behind every corner of this stronghold dating back to 1253. For those who want a bit more culture, you could visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum and browse the gallery that's dedicated to the Austrian painter. If you’re after something more active, jump into a canoe and check out the town from a different perspective – on the Vltava River.

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Leave Cesky Krumlov and travel by bus to Prague. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader so you can get your bearings of the local neighbourhood. For your free afternoon and evening, why not discover another great side of Prague – its music! The city has one of the longest-standing and respected jazz scenes in Europe, with jazz clubs playing into the early hours of the morning. Otherwise, maybe along Charles Bridge or Old Town Square for some great photo opportunities.

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Today is free for you to explore Prague. The city offers endless possibilities – maybe take a walk around the Jewish Quarter and pay your respects at the Gothic-inspired Old Jewish Cemetery. This is Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, with 12,000 tombstones and 100,000 graves. Tonight, be sure to meet back up with your group and maybe organise dinner and drinks at one of the city’s renowned beer halls.

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This morning, you'll take a local train and private bus across the border into Poland before continuing to Wroclaw. Wroclaw is the cultural centre of southwest Poland, sitting on the banks of the River Oder for over 1000 years and shaped by Czech, German and Polish influences. On the way, stop in Swidnica – a town known for its fascinating Lutheran Church of Peace. Arrive in Wroclaw in the early afternoon and settle into your hotel, then follow your leader on an orientation walk around this city that feels as though you’ve stepped back in time. The rest of today and tomorrow are free for your own discoveries.

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Spend today exploring Wroclaw however you’d like! Maybe explore Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island), the Old Town Square and the Four Denominations District, where the city’s incredible architecture and history is on full display. Don’t miss out on appreciating Wroclaw from River Oder or experiencing the vibrant cultural scene – your local leader will be on hand to give recommendations on local hotspots.

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Hop back on a local train to Krakow. Possibly the best known of all Poland's cities, Krakow was the residence of Polish kings from the 11th to the 17th centuries, and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Join your local leader on an orientation walk around the city, then maybe head to one of the biggest medieval squares in Central Europe. You could also visit Wawel Royal Castle, which sits on a hill next to the Vistula River, or check out the 13th-century town square of Rynek Glowny and get a glimpse inside St Mary's Basilica. This city is also home to the second oldest university in Central Europe – Jagiellonian University, which boasts Copernicus and Pope John Paul II among its alumni. Tonight is again all yours to do as you please – maybe make your way to the Jewish Quarter for laidback vibes and good food.

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Today, travel to Oswiecim. When you arrive, you’ll join a guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. Back in Krakow in the afternoon, spend some more time exploring in your own time. Or, if you can tear yourself away from Krakow, head out to the Wieliczka Salt Mines – a network of tunnels and chambers some 135 m below the ground. This is a salt mine that was in operation for over 700 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. At night, pull up a pew and indulge in a plate of pierogi and a few beers to say cheers to another adventure.

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Say farewell to Krakow today and travel by local bus through southern Poland to Tatranska Lomnica, a small alpine resort in Slovakia.Your accommodation sits at the base of the Vysoke Tatry (High Tatra) Mountains – the highest range of the Carpathians – which stretch for about 60 km across the Polish-Slovakian border and are a hiker’s dream. This evening is free for you to enjoy as you please – maybe sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful mountainous region.

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This morning, head out on an included hike in the High Tatra Mountains. Parts of it will involve travelling by funicular, gondola and electric train. During the walk, you may notice that some parts of the forest have been destroyed. This was the result of a tornado-like storm in 2004 that decimated approximately 10,000 hectares of timberland. In the afternoon, head back to the accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day in this beautiful location.

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You have an early start today for the journey to Budapest. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. As there won't be too much free time to explore, maybe check into the accommodation and then go for a brief walk around the neighbourhood to get your bearings. The grand architecture and boulevards, cafe culture and interesting laneways make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. Take the evening as an opportunity to relax after a long day of travelling. Visiting one of Budapest's many restaurants or eclectic ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter is a sure-fire way to have a good night out with your crew.

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Today is free for you to explore Budapest at your own pace. Known as 'The Pearl of the Danube', Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water. Maybe take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to Buda Castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building and the Pest side of the city. One unmissable activity is to soak in Budapest's hot thermal baths. The pools vary in temperature, and some even feature whirlpools or seats where you can enjoy a game of chess. You might also like to take part in one of our Urban Adventure day tours. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled!

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Szia! Welcome to Hungary. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Budapest. If you arrive early, maybe visit the historic Buda Castle or wander through the winding streets of the Castle District, which dates back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, maybe a cruise along the Danube to see the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges linking Buda and Pest. Tonight, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner, then take a night walk along the Danube to see the buildings and bridges lit up in lights.

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Today is a full free day to explore Budapest. See the intricate carvings on the local architecture, cross the Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District or walk through winding streets, snacking on local delicacies. Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water, so maybe take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to the castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building. Hiring a bicycle is another great way to move between sights. Perhaps round off your day with a drink in the popular ruin bars, where the night comes to life.

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Head for Kopacki Rit today – a nature park in eastern Croatia, home to the white-tailed eagle. Since the park is made up of many different waterways, like lakes and canals, you’ll go on a guided tour of the area after you drop your belongings at your family-run accommodation. In the evening, join your group for a home-cooked dinner on the property.

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Get off the tourist track today and drive to Novi Sad – the second largest city in Serbia. Along the way, you’ll visit nearby Vukovar – this town symbolises the devastation of the recent war and you can learn about the sobering local history here. Visit the local hospital and the museum in its basement used as a refuge during the siege and listen to wartime stories from hospital staff. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Maybe visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, which was constructed in the 17th century and used to protect the city during the Napoleonic Wars. Or you can walk around Liberty Square and take in the Neo-Renaissance architecture, perhaps finishing the day off at a carda tavern (a fish restaurant along the Danube River).

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After breakfast, begin your journey to Belgrade. Known as the White City, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. When you arrive, take a guided tour of the city’s wide boulevards and squares and the green heart of Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River for centuries. Tonight, maybe head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and soak up the lively atmosphere in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to nightclubs.

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Today, make your way to the neighbourhood of Zemun. This Old Town favourite has a rich history and is now known as the bohemian part of town, home to many of the city’s artists and writers. As Zemun used to be an independent town – only joining Belgrade in 1934 – the small village atmosphere still stands, transporting you to the past. After your orientation walk, maybe head to a market and explore the local wares. Stroll along the river promenade and stop for an optional lunch in one of the riverside restaurants serving fresh fish. Later, head back to Belgrade’s centre in the late afternoon, where you have free time to visit the imposing Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) or learn about the life of Serbia’s greatest inventor at the Nikola Tesla Museum. The city’s nightlife has become legendary throughout Europe, with several hundred floating bars, restaurants and nightclubs lining the Danube and Sava rivers – so you’ll find the perfect way to spend your evening.

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Travel by bus through the countryside to Sarajevo this morning. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a city that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. When you arrive, take a guided tour for an insight into the history and culture of the city. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that features an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque all within proximity. Tonight, maybe sample the local specialty of bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices) in Bascarsija – Sarajevo's old bazaar.

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Today, take a daytrip to Mostar – a city that sits in a valley among the high mountains of Herzegovina. Thanks to the Neretva River, Mostar was able to develop into a city within a barren landscape. It was the most heavily bombed settlement in Bosnia during the war but has since been rebuilt and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head to the famous Stari Most Bridge, first built by the Ottomans in 1565 by architect Mimar Hajrudin, who succeeded in the seemingly impossible mission of crossing the Neretva River with a single-span stone bridge. Maybe see the famous bridge divers hurl themselves into the icy waters below before returning to Sarajevo in the afternoon, stopping at Konjic on the way to discover one of the best-kept secrets in the former Yugoslavia at Tito's nuclear bunker. Step back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and what life was like in the not-so-distant past.

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Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo. Maybe take an optional daytrip to the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza – the source of the Bosna River. Or discover local history with a visit to the History Museum and the Sarajevo War Tunnels, dug underneath the airport runway and used to smuggle provisions into the city during its siege. You can also learn about the tragedies faced by the city's Jewish population at the Jewish Museum or explore the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Pivnica HS brewery and restaurant is a great place to sample local award-winning beer and grab some dinner tonight.

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Today, you’ll travel through the countryside to Montenegro. Although it’s a long drive, there will be plenty of stops along the way. You might stop at the bridge over the Piva Canyon, the top of Kruska Mountain or the Saddle Peak viewpoint – wherever you pause, you’ll find great photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs. When you arrive at Durmitor National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site formed by glaciers – set off on a hike through the lesser-explored wilderness along the shores of Black Lake and keep an eye out for some of the 163 species of bird or 50 species of mammal that roam the region. Finish your day in the nearby town of Zabljak where you’ll spend the night.

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Enjoy a free day to unwind in nature. Since Durmitor National Park is so vast, there are plenty of trails available for an optional guided hike. Feel free to choose one that suits the group’s interests and fitness levels – your guides will expertly mix and match the routes to create a half day of hiking everyone can enjoy. One thing is certain – lakes, pine forests and crisp alpine air are guaranteed on any trail. You could also see the park from behind the handlebars by hiring a bike to ride into town and along the trails, or by walking to Black Lake to rent a boat.

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Today, you’ll drive to Kotor. This 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a coastline dotted with waterside towns. When you arrive, you might visit the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Tryphon, the South Gate of Kotor and Armoury Square. This afternoon, continue your explorations – maybe wander the narrow alleyways, browse the boutiques and cafes or climb the hills behind the city to see Kotor’s ruined fortification walls. You could also set off on an optional hike up the stone steps, past churches, gates and bastions, to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan – the top rewards you with views across the town and the Bay of Kotor.

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You can take an optional day trip out of Kotor today. Maybe take a cruise on Kotor Fjord to visit the twin islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and Sveti Dorde, with its church in the middle of the bay. Legend has it that sailors once spotted an image of the Virgin Mary on a rock here, and each time they completed a successful voyage, they added another rock as an offering. Eventually, so many were added that an island emerged, and a church was built on top of it. Alternatively, maybe take a trip to Budva. With its busy beaches, charming Old Town, lively restaurants and bars, Budva is like Montenegro's little version of Miami. For more history, head up to Montenegro's former capital, Cetinje – now a laidback village with grand mansions that were once used as embassies. Enjoy a final night out in Kotor and maybe catch some live music that keeps the cobbled streets thriving.

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Say goodbye to Montenegro this morning and travel along Croatia’s southern coast to Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik's walled Old Town is often referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic, and its landscape is now famed for its role in Game of Thrones. When you arrive, walk along the high city walls with your leader. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain – built by European architect Onofrio Della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the 13th-century Franciscan Monastery or the Sponza and Rector’s Palaces – the only Renaissance buildings in the city to survive the devastating earthquake and fire of 1667. As it’s the last night of your trip, why not head out for one final meal with the group and toast to your adventures.

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Today, your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you can depart at any time. There's lots to see and do here in Dubrovnik, so if you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

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