10-DAY EUROPEAN “SAFARI” TOUR PROGRAM

(Example tour for up to 7 people)

KEY INFORMATION

Tour duration: 10 days, Vienna to Budapest
Group size: max. 7 people
Destination(s): Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy and Hungary
Specialty categories: Cultural Journey and sightseeing
Season: May – September
Airfare included: NO
Personal Insurance included: NO
Tour Customizable: YES

DAY 1 – Vienna: St. Stephan and the famous Sachertorte

vienna-1

 

 

 

Arrive at Vienna International Airport and meet your guide. Transfer to the Hotel.  Late in the afternoon a city stroll in the car free zone and visiting the most famous of all churches in Austria –  the St. Stephan Dome.  Dinner and stay over night.

Suggested 5* hotel in city center is: Hotel Sacher.

DAY 2 – Vienna: Belvedere palace, City Hall and Schoonbrunn

Vienna, the glorious city first mentioned in 1137 as a city. Vienna is Austria’s primary city; with a population of about 1.7 million  (2.1 million within the metropolitan area), it is by far the largest city in Austria as well as its cultural, economical and political center. It is the 10th largest city by population in the European Union. City full of history and monuments. Learn about Franz Josef and Marija Terezija and their impact on Vienna and European history. A guided tour of Prater, Opera House,  Belvedere and Schoonbrun Palace are just few sights. Afternoon leisure and shopping or a relaxing bike ride along the Donau river. Dinner and stay over in suggested hotel.

vienna-2
  

DAY 3

A 5-hour drive to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, known as Emona in the Roman Era, a meeting point of Roman, Germanic and Slavic nations. In the afternoon a guided tour of Ljubljana with a local guide. The Old Town lies between the Castle Hill and the river, where we can admire Baroque architectural masterpiece by Jože Plečnik, the most famous architect working in Ljubljana and Vienna. Central food market, the triple bridge, The castle and more…Dinner in a typical Slovenian restaurant- gostilna.
  
Suggested  4* hotel: Grand Hotel Union.
Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenija. Most famous of all Slovenian poets – France Prešern, the tripple bridge  and Ljubljana in winter.

DAY 4 – The Slovenian stars: Bled and Bohinj Lake in the heart of the Alps

A day trip to Bled with its emerald lake, picturesque church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke as backdrops. A short ride with pletna to the island with it’s Church. After visiting Bled we will continue to Lake Bohinj only 25 km away. We will take the Cable car to the Mt. Vogel wit its spectacular views on the valley and surrounded Julian Alps. A typical late lunch in a Mounatain Hut.  Return to Ljubljana at evening. Dinner and stay over in suggested hotels.

DAY 5

After breakfast we will start driving (5h) to the Italian Dolomites, the most beautiful mountain chain in Europe. Our destination will be Cortina d Ampezo, on of the most famous ski resorts in Europe. A day for hiking or just enjoying fresh air. In Cortina you don’t need to do anything, the nature has done it all. Stay over in Cortina –  Hotel de la Poste.


My personal favorites: Italian Dolomomites

DAY 6

We will leave the mountains and will drive (2h) south to magnificent Venice. Visit to attractions such as St Mark’s Square, the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. St. Mark’s Square used to be the political and religious center of the Republic of Venice; since ancient times it has been a place extraordinarily rich in historical and artistic value: we shall visit the basilica with its precious mosaics and the Ducal Palace with its well-known Bridge of Sighs. Free afternoon to enjoy the moment of being in Venice, maybe a time to call your friends and make them envy you.  Stay over in Venice. – Hotel Santa Marina
 
Venice – one of the world’s most beautiful and unique cities.

DAY 7

We will be continuing to Croatia and the Istria Penninsula, often referred to as the “new Tuscany”, and on to its emerald, Rovinj, approximately a 6-hour drive from Venice. Rovinj was first mentioned in the 7th century. Now one of the most prestigious towns on the Croatian coast with a very friendly climate. A day for rest and strolling narrow streets of old town Rovinj. Stay over in Rovinj.
Suggested Hotel: Antiq Hotel Angelo d’ Oro.
 
Rovinj – the pearl on the Croatian coast

DAY 8

This day we will visit another historical place – Pula (30 minutes drive) with its spectacular amphitheatre. If we will have time we will visit the Brioni National Park, where Josip Broz Tito had its summer residence. Dinner and a short drive back to Rovinj. Stay over in Rovinj. Suggested Hotel: Antiq Hotel Angelo d’ Oro.
  
Pula – Amphitheatre by day and night and Brioni National park

DAY 9

After breakfast we head towards our next destination Gorski Kotar area, very close to Slovenian border and the river Kolpa (or, Kupa). We will visit on the travelers wish, small villages Lukovdol and Osojnik.  Stay in Bed & Breakfast in Severin na Kupi small village in that area.


Lukovdol – the wild and pure nature of Gorski Kotar area

DAY 10

After breakfast a 5-hour drive to Balaton Lake in Hungary, Central Europe’s largest lake.   A day for walking, wine tasting, boat sightseeing, kayaking or also slow biking along the lake. We will stay in Anna Grand Hotel in the town of Balatonfured.


Lake Balaton
 

DAY 11

After breakfast, we will continue to our farewell destination Budapest just 90 minutes drive away. Your guide will drop you off at your desired hotel or place in Budapest and farewell.

Budapest – a charming city 
Additional tours in Hungary can be arranged upon request.

TYPICAL PRICING

(can vary)
€ 2,570 / person sharing a triple room – valid for 6 travelers
€ 2,750 / person sharing a double room – valid for 6 travelers
€ 640 / single supplement

THE PRICE INCLUDES

–                    Twin-bed rooms with breakfast in 4-5* hotel
–                    Hotel taxes and service charges
–                    Service of a professional tour guide
–                    Pletna ride to Bled Island
–                    24h Chauffeur- guide service with a luxury Mercedes Benz Van
–                    Tour end in Budapest
–                    VAT

NOT INCLUDED

–                    Airfare
–                    Lunch and dinner
–                    Entrance fees
–                    Personal expenses, hotel services (phone calls, laundry, minibar, room service, etc.)
–                    Travel personal Insurance
–                    Meal and gratuity for guide