This incredible vacation begins with two overnights in Vienna, once the center of the Habsburg Empire. Guided sightseeing shows off the must-see landmarks, including Hofburg Palace, the State Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and visits St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Head across scenic Semmering Pass, through Styria and Carinthia, and via the Alps to Ljubljana in Slovenia, where guided sightseeing features the medieval castle and visits magnificent St. Nicholas Cathedral. Continue to the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia and overnight in Split, with a visit to 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace, then cross into Bosnia-Herzegovina to visit the pilgrimage town of Medjugorje. In Dubrovnik, admire the impressive Crusade-era ramparts and the 15th-century Rector’s Palace before continuing to picturesque Plitvice National Park. North to the Croatian capital of Zagreb for guided sightseeing, then enter Hungary with a stop at beautiful Lake Balaton and two nights in cosmopolitan Budapest. Here, guided sightseeing includes views from Fishermen’s Bastion, a visit to Matthias Coronation Church, and a celebratory farewell dinner. Notes: Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.Note that this tour passes twice through Bosnia-Herzegovina.This vacation can be combined with a river cruise.

Day 1 (Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Vienna, Austria. (Mon.) Time to rest or to explore the city, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 3 Vienna. (Tue.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide starts with vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then, drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House and the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. An optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace and an evening out to one of Vienna’s concert halls can be arranged. (B)
Day 4 Vienna–Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Wed.) Scenic Semmering Pass, stately Styrian crossroads towns, and Carinthian lakes and resorts provide the ever-changing Alpine backdrop to today’s journey through the loveliest parts of Austria to Slovenia and its elegant capital, Ljubljana. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the medieval castle, the impressive City Hall, and a visit to magnificent ST. NICOLAS CATHEDRAL. (B,D)
Day 5 At Leisure in Ljubljana. (Thu.) Enjoy a full day at leisure. There is plenty of time to explore at your own pace, and to stroll along the Ljubljanica River or through the many attractive parks. An optional excursion to Lake Bled is available. (B)
Day 6 Ljubljana–Split, Croatia. (Fri.) Enter Croatia and travel south to the Dalmatian Coast and Split, the ancient Spalato. During your guided walking tour, learn about the history of this captivating resort and visit the labyrinth of 4th-century DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE, a well-preserved fortress and a living part of the Old Town. (B,D)
Day 7 Split–Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina–Dubrovnik, Croatia. (Sat.) This morning, enter Bosnia-Herzegovina and stop for lunch in Medjugorje, a famous pilgrimage town. Re-enter Croatia and admire stunning seascapes as you drive along the Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,D)
Day 8 Dubrovnik. (Sun.) Dubrovnik, beautifully situated on a promontory jutting into the Adriatic Sea, was once an independent maritime republic rivaling Venice. Enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide and see the impressive ramparts, erected during the Crusades to protect the town against land attacks, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. You will also visit the 15th-century RECTOR’S PALACE. Afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)
Day 9 At Leisure in Dubrovnik. (Mon.) A full day on your own to just relax. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions. (B)
Day 10 Dubrovnik–Plitvice. (Tue.) Enjoy a pleasant drive north through the Croatian countryside to Plitvice for your overnight stay. (B,D)
Day 11 Plitvice–Zagreb. (Wed.) Time to soak in the pure beauty of the NATIONAL PARK, famous for its lakes, waterfalls, and forests. Then, head for Zagreb, capital of Croatia. Meet your Local Guide and start your afternoon sightseeing, which features all important landmarks of the Lower and medieval Upper Town, such as the Parliament, Stone Gate, the Archbishop’s Palace, and more, plus a visit to the majestic CATHEDRAL. (B,D)
Day 12 At Leisure in Zagreb. (Thu.) A whole day to explore the city on your own: wander through the main center and browse through the shops or visit one of the excellent museums and art galleries. Your Tour Director has suggestions for exciting optional activities. Tonight is your chance to try out traditional dishes in one of Zagreb’s fine restaurants. (B)
Day 13 Zagreb–Budapest, Hungary. (Fri.) Today, leave Croatia and enter Hungary. Drive along Lake Balaton and stop to take pictures of the beautifully situated Abbey of Tihany before arriving in Budapest, Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. Tonight, perhaps join an optional dinner outing. (B)
Day 14 Budapest. (Sat.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second-largest Jewish synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then, visit the 13th-century MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes’ Square. The afternoon is at leisure, and tonight a farewell dinner has been prepared at the hotel to celebrate the success of your Eastern European vacation. (B,D)
Day 15 (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

City Highlights
Vienna: Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral Ljubljana: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Nicholas Cathedral Split: Guided walking tour, visit Diocletian’s Palace Medjugorje: Lunch break Dubrovnik: Guided walking tour, visit Rector’s Palace Plitvice: National Park Zagreb: Guided sightseeing, visit the cathedral Lake Balaton: Take pictures of the Abbey of Tihany Budapest: Guided sightseeing, panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion, visit Matthias Coronation Church; farewell dinner
Hotels
Vienna Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier (F), Ljubljana Austria Trend Ljubljana (F), Split Atrium (SF), Dubrovnik Valamar Lacroma Resort (F), Plitvice Jezero (F), Zagreb The Westin Zagreb (SF), Budapest Radisson Blu Beke (SF)
Meals
Full buffet breakfast (B); 7 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Vienna and a farewell dinner in Budapest.