14-Day Eastern, Central and Southern Europe Tour from Frankfurt

We'll depart in the morning, reaching the Czech border in the early afternoon and Prague by dusk. Commonly referred to as Zlata Praha, or Golden Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic is a resplendent vision of Old World glory.

  

Your Prague adventure begins with a spectacular walk along the coronation path of the kings and queens of old Bohemia. We'll start at the top of Castle Hill in the Hradcany District and then visit Prague Castle, official residence of the president of the republic, and according to Guinness Book of World Records, the largest ancient castle in the world. Fees for the castle also include admission to Golden Lane, a street of 11 historic houses situated inside the castle complex, and the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Crossing the Charles Bridge, we'll enter the old quarter and see the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square, which has played host to both uprisings and executions, and remains the political and cultural heart of the city to this day. After lunch in the square, our coach will make the scenic transfer from Prague to the hotel in or near the Slovakian capital, Bratislava.

  

After breakfast we'll depart for Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Major attractions on our tour include Heroes' Square, featuring statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important national leaders, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; the Hungarian Parliament Building; Elisabeth Bridge; Fisherman's Bastion; and Matthias Church. You will then have the option of joining the scenic Danube River cruise. We'll spend the night in Budapest.

  

In the morning, you will have a wonderful drive to Balaton Lake, it's one of the best Resort in Hungary. Affectionately called "Hungarian Sea," Lake Balaton is one of the largest lakes in central Europe. Lake Balaton and its region have become more popular because of its attractive scenery.

Then you will have a wonderful drive to the Croatian capital Zagreb. This is a city which went through wars, but the buildings are still well preserved. The ancient city is full of beautiful Gothic architecture, decorations are exquisitely crafted. Together with Mediterranean cuisine and locally produced wines, as well as the friendly Croatian hospitality, Zagreb is sure to be a wonderful experience. You will visit the city's highlights such as the Zagreb Cathedral, the Ban Jelačić Square and the Church of St. Mark.

Overnight stay in Zagreb or city nearby.

 

Today you will enjoy a guided tour into the Plitvice Lakes National Park, known as the Jiuzhaigou of Europe. It consists of 16 lakes joined by waterfalls, walkways and hiking trails. In the dense mountains, layers of travertine barriers make a natural dam, forming fairy tale lakes. The calcium carbonate rich water has a special silver colour, mirroring the trees on its surface and forming tiny crystals, the view is stunning. Surrounded by trees, the lakes have the perfect tranquil atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Zadar or city nearby.

 

After breakfast you enter the ancient city of Zadar. The city has a strong religious atmosphere, still retaining the narrow streets and buildings of the Middle Ages. It's like going back in time. Close to the waterfront, you can admire the modern Sea Organ and Sun Salutation, an amazing solar light display. Then you will head to Split, the second largest city in Croatia. The city has many ancient Roman style buildings, which date back to over 1,700 years. The most famous are the ruins of Diocletian's Palace, which was built in the fourth century AD.

Overnight stay in Dubrovnik or city nearby.

 

The Nobel Prize winning writer Bernard Shaw once said: "If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik". He wasn't exaggerating. Dubrovnik is a place where people can fall in love at first sight. You must not miss exploring this seaside city that inspired Miyazaki's masterpiece 'The Witch's Delivery Service', and is 'King's Landing' in Game of Thrones! You see the famous places: the old town, the city walls, the defensive tower, the Rector's Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. You can take a cable car to go up in the mountain and admire the beauty of the city. Your day of heaven on earth ends with an overnight stay in Dubrovnik or city nearby.

Overnight stay in Dubrovnik or city nearby. 

 

The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the focus of today's itinerary and was originally one of the six socialist republics of the former Yugoslavia. First stop today is Počitelj, the stepped medieval fortress village, which has now been included in the World Cultural Heritage List. You also see stunning Blagaj with its Dervish Monastery nestled into a 200 meter high cliff and surrounded by crystal clear streams. Then you head on to the ancient city of Mostar, to cross the magnificent ancient arch bridge and capture the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river. After visiting this ancient city of poetry and paintings, you drive to the hotel and stay in Sarajevo or city nearby.

According to the regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the number of people entering and exiting as a group must be consistent, so it is not possible to leave the group on the same day.

Overnight stay in Sarajevo or city nearby. 

 

Sarajevo was once an important gateway to the East. This city, which combines different religions and cultures, has a very different European style. As if reborn after a fire, it was recently selected by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten travel destinations in the world. Its profound historical imprint, which includes the assassination at the Latin Bridge that caused the First World War, and the "Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures Line" on the ground, can still be found in the Old Town. The rebirth and transformation of Sarajevo is reflected in the modern architecture of the new city. After the visit, you cross the border into Croatia.

According to the regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the number of people entering and exiting as a group must be consistent, so it is not possible to leave the group on the same day.

Overnight stay in Vinkovci or city nearby.

 

Departing in the morning and returning to Hungary – you visit Pecs. Located between the Danube and the Drava, it is one of the most attractive cities in Hungary, with a pleasant climate and long history. Pecs also features a magnificent museum and the best Turkish ruins in the country. Pecs is known for music, opera and ballet. Highlight is the Pécs Cathedral towering over central Szent István Square. You drive back to Budapest in the afternoon.

  

After breakfast, it's off to Vienna, the capital of Austria, to see Schonbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Imperial family and preferred living quarters of Empress Maria Theresa; Stadtpark (City Park), home of the gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss; the Austrian Parliament Building; the world-famous Vienna State Opera; and Hofburg Palace. After a stroll along the Kartnerstrasse we'll arrive at St. Stephen's Cathedral. Tickets for a Viennese Waltz concert may also be arranged (at your own expense).

  

After joining the scheduled tour in Vienna, you'll head up into the Alps to fabled Mondsee, a town situated on the shores of Lake Mondsee, home to the medieval Mondsee Abbey. The cloister church was used as the site for the wedding in The Sound of Music. After arriving in Munich, we'll visit Marienplatz, a central square in the city center, and New Town Hall, which has continuously housed the city council, the mayor's office, and part of the the administrative body since 1874. Our hotel for the evening will be in Munich or a neighboring city.

  

After breakfast we'll take the mountain roads farther into Switzerland, slowly winding our way up to the snow-capped giants of the Alps. Once in Engelberg, we'll take the gondola 45 minutes up to Mount Titlis, 10,623 feet above sea level. Go inside a glacier cave and stroll across the Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe's highest suspension bridge. You may opt to have your lunch at one of the several dining options at the peak. Afterwards we'll drive to picturesque Lucerne to see the Lion Monument and venture into the narrow alleyways to find the perfect souvenir. Shops selling Swiss watches are also in abundance here. We'll spend the night in Zurich or a neighboring city.

  

  

After breakfast we'll go out into beautiful Zurich, the financial capital of Switzerland. Our first stop will be Lake Zurich for some of the best photo opportunities of the day, followed by a trip to Schaffhausen to see Rhine Falls. Then we'll take the mountain roads back across the German border to see the Black Forest and Lake Titisee. The optional lunch by the lake includes pork knuckle and authentic black forest cake.