Eastern Capitals & the Dalmatian Riviera - Small Group

Eastern Capitals & the Dalmatian Riviera - Small Group

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14 Days From

$5550

$5172

Eastern Capitals & the Dalmatian Riviera - Small Group

14 Days Starting in Vienna, Austria and ending in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Visiting: Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SE961ZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $5550 $5172 Operator discount: -$210 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$168

NB: Prices correct on 05-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

From Vienna to Ljubljana and onto Dubrovnik, this grand tour takes in the natural wonders of Plitvice National Park, the historic wartime Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope and the ancient town of Trogir—founded by the Greek Empire over 2000 years ago. Beginning the journey in royal style, a Schonbrunn Palace tour in Vienna brings the dynasty of the Habsburgs to life as a Local Expert guides you through the palatial ballrooms, and stately grounds. In the Slovenian capital, the intoxicating aromas of Ljubljanan’s Central Market are food for the soul, while the Croatian capital of Zagreb showcases the architectural grandeur of its twin towns. A tour of the Dalmatian Riviera serves up the 1700-year-old cellars of Split and the pearl of the Adriatic—Dubrovnik.

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park. Learn about the studies taking place to monitor and protect the natural habitat, and education initiatives on the marine environment and best practices for a low-impact experience. The site participates in habitat restoration and is constantly working to protect the parks natural ecosystems and animal population. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience.  This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land. Alternatively, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park: Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens’ Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience.  The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Vienna: A private, guided exploration of Schonbrunn Palace will have all your senses tingling. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames where Mozart performed as a child prodigy.
  • Vienna: During your orientation led by your Travel Director, travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
  • Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.
  • Ljubljana: Spend time with your Local Expert in the glorious Central Market and learn about some of the Slovenian delicacies on display and relish in a tasting.
  • Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
  • Zagreb: Your Local Expert guides you this two-tiered capital. Explore Donji Grad, the Lower Town, and see the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelacic Square and the cathedral.
  • Zagreb: Ride the funicular to Gornji Grad, the medieval Upper Town, to view the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotršcak Tower.
  • Trogir: See the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace during an orientation with your Travel Director.
  • Split: Join a Local Expert and discover Diocletian’s Palace as you walk through its well-preserved Cellars. See the Temple of Jupiter, St Duje’s Bell Tower and the Golden Gate. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares of the Old Town.
  • Split: Explore above and below the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace. A Local Expert guides you through labyrinthine streets to see St. Duje's, the Temple of Jupiter, the Golden Gate and the Cellars.
  • Mostar: Learn the history and symbolic significance of Stari Most and explore the old town with your Local Expert.
  • Sarajevo: A Local Expert will show you the cobbled old town market where Sarajevo was founded by the Ottomans, known as Bašcaršija. You will also see the Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated.
  • Sarajevo: Meet an expert of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and hear a first-hand account of when the city was under siege for 44 months.
  • Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
  • Dubrovnik: As the sun descends and should the weather be favourable, enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik.

Make Travel Matter

Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park. Learn about the studies taking place to monitor and protect the natural habitat, and education initiatives on the marine environment and best practices for a low-impact experience. The site participates in habitat restoration and is constantly working to protect the parks natural ecosystems and animal population. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience.  This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land. Alternatively, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.

Plitvice Lakes National Park: Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens’ Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience.  The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.

Sarajevo: You are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner and drinks. Savor the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture. This experience advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Authentic Dining

Vienna: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a drink, followed by a pleasant dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Ljubljana: Your Travel Director offers you a varied selection of charming restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening - a culinary experience not to be missed.

Dubrovnik: Toast the culmination of your journey with a typical Dalmatian dinner.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Vienna

Location: Vienna

Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park.

Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to beautiful Vienna. Enjoy your afternoon in the Austrian capital before meeting your Travel Director at a local restaurant for a pleasant evening of dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Stately Vienna

Location: Vienna

Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park.

Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Join a Local Expert for a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and explore its formal gardens at your pace. Then get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. Built along the lines of the old city walls, it showcases many of the capital's architectural highlights, including the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, the Austrian Parliament Building and Karlskirche. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continuing exploring. Perhaps join an optional evening to a Country Mansion to indulge in Classic Austrian dishes. And don't forget to experience a performance of the waltzes and classical music for which Vienna is world-renowned!

Day 3: Maribor And Ljubljana

Location: Ljubljana

Accommodation: Hotel Lev Ljubljana.

Accommodation Name: Lev Ljubljana

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, cross the border into Slovenia and journey to its second largest city, Maribor. After spending time in this charming location, head to the beloved city of Ljubljana.

Day 4: Exploring Lovable Ljubljana Relaxed Start

Location: Ljubljana

Accommodation: Hotel Lev Ljubljana.

Accommodation Name: Lev Ljubljana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Your Local Expert will reveal the Baroque elegance of the Slovenian capital. The medieval castle stands as an ancient guardian, the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas testify to its historical importance, while the Triple Bridge spans the river adorned with cafes and restaurants. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Postojna Caves? In the evening, choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around evening.

Day 5: Zagreb’S Twin Towns Relaxed Start

Location: Zagreb

Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.

Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend the morning in Slovenia during which you can join an optional visit to stunning lake Bled, or relax with locals in a nearby café before journeying into Croatia, where on arrival in Zagreb, you meet your Local Expert for an exploration of this capital. Take a walk to see the art Pavillion, the academy of Sciences and Art and pass Zrinjevac Park. We then board the city's funicular to St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower, take a walk back down through the Stone gate and back to the Square.

Day 6: Zagreb At Leisure Relaxed Start

Location: Zagreb

Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.

Accommodation Name: Sheraton Zagreb

Meals Included: Breakfast

A free day to relax and enjoy a city that is bursting with culture. Perhaps spend time exploring one of the many museums or browsing the shops in Donji Grad? Maybe try the local cuisine in one of Zagreb's interesting restaurants or cafes or join an optional experience to the charming village of Kumrovec and meet a local to hear their perspective on the region's history?

Day 7: On To Plitvice National Park Relaxed Start

Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Accommodation: Hotel Lyra, Licko Petrovo Selo.

Accommodation Name: Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey south to visit one of Europe's great natural wonders. Explore Plitvice with Insight Choice. Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of species. Alternatively, meet one of the women of the Tara Community Center, where  handicrafts are produced, enabling employment and engagement in the community.

Day 8: Along The Dalmatian Coast

Location: Split

Accommodation: Hotel President Solin, Split.

Accommodation Name: President Solin, Split

Meals Included: Breakfast

The green forests give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters as you travel to Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a historic town founded by the Greeks more than 2,300 years ago. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace, before continuing to the historic port of Split. The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700 year-old palace cellars, and learn the story of the infamous emperor.Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje's - originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Your exploration then continues underground as you are guided through the cellars. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity to dine like a true local at a traditional Konoba.

Day 9: Exploring Split Relaxed Start

Location: Split

Accommodation: Hotel President Solin, Split.

Accommodation Name: President Solin, Split

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Always buzzing, lively Split has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. See Dalmatian life as it’s lived with a full day free to explore Split and its surroundings. Why not join an optional experience to discover the beautiful Dalmatian island, Hvar? Explore the historic Old Town with your Local Expert before having free time to relax by the seafront or admire the stunning views from the hilltop fortress.

Day 10: Mostar To Sarajevo

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation: Swissotel Sarajevo.

Accommodation Name: Europe, Sarajevo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, cross the border into Bosnia & Herzegovina to Mostar. During your guided walking exploration with your Local Expert, see the famous Stari Most, or Old Bridge, reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the Croat–Bosniak War. The cobbled old town stretches on both sides of the bridge and is filled with shops selling Turkish-style souvenirs. Continue to Sarajevo, a town with a turbulent past - in 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked World War I and more recently, it endured the longest siege in modern military history. Follow the scenic route to Sarajevo for a unique and rewarding insight into the local way of life as you are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner with drinks. Savor the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture and experience the local culture.

Day 11: Sarajevo, The City Of Culture

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation: Swissotel Sarajevo.

Accommodation Name: Europe, Sarajevo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning sightseeing with a Local Expert introduces you to the Sarajevo War Tunnels Museum, housing part of the secret tunnel that was the city's lifeline during the Bosnian war. You will also see the Latin Bridge where Austrian Crown Prince, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated. Continue along the Milajacka river and see the historic Hapsburg center of the city. In the afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure.

Day 12: On To Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Hotel Ariston.

Accommodation Name: Royal Ariston, Dubrovnik

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross the border into Croatia and journey to the walled town of Dubrovnik. On arrival, join your Local Expert to explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions of the old town. See Onofrio's Fountain and the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.

Day 13: Optional Montenegro Experience Relaxed Start

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Hotel Ariston.

Accommodation Name: Royal Ariston, Dubrovnik

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, why not visit Montenegro? This Optional Experience travels to Kotor, where your camera can capture one of the most beautiful parts of the bay as you learn the history of the area, before returning to Dubrovnik with a short cruise. As the sun begins to set, and should the weather permit, join your fellow travel companions as you sit back and enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik. Later, enjoy a Celebration Dinner of typical Dalmatian Coast cuisine, accompanied by local wines.

Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Meals

    5 dinners, 13 breakfasts, and 1 dinner with wine are included.

  • Activities

    Choose between two carefully selected activities at Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours with Local Experts in various locations including Plitvice Lakes National Park, Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Split, Mostar, Sarajevo, and Dubrovnik.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included.

  • Porterage

    Porterage charges at hotels are included.

  • Baggage Handling

    Baggage handling is included, with bags delivered to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Wi-Fi

    Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is included.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

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What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as visits to Postojna Caves, Lake Bled, Kumrovec village, and the Dalmatian island of Hvar are not included.

  • Additional Transfers

    Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)13 Breakfast (B)1 Dinner with Wine (DW)

Additional Included Highlights

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Well-being

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are offered at Plitvice Lakes National Park?

    At Plitvice Lakes National Park, you can choose between two unique experiences. One option is to join a Local Expert to explore the park and learn about the ongoing studies to monitor and protect the natural habitat, as well as education initiatives on the marine environment. Alternatively, you can meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center, where they produce handicrafts, providing them with financial and psychological support.

  • What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?

    The tour offers a variety of authentic dining experiences. In Vienna, you will enjoy a dinner with wine at a local restaurant. In Ljubljana, you have the opportunity to choose from a selection of charming restaurants for a Dine-Around evening. In Dubrovnik, you will toast the culmination of your journey with a typical Dalmatian dinner.

  • How does the tour incorporate cultural insights and local interactions?

    The tour includes several opportunities for cultural insights and local interactions. In Sarajevo, you are invited into a Sarajevan family home for dinner and drinks, where you can savor authentic cuisine and hear stories about their culture. Additionally, guided tours with Local Experts in various locations provide in-depth knowledge and personal stories about the places visited.

  • What are some of the highlights of the guided tours included in the itinerary?

    The guided tours include a private exploration of Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, a visit to the Central Market in Ljubljana, a tour of the two-tiered capital of Zagreb, and an exploration of Diocletian’s Palace in Split. In Sarajevo, you will visit the Tunnel of Hope and learn about the city's history during the Bosnian War.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom, an onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Saturday

May 04, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$5550 $5172

Operator discount: -$210

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$168

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$5695 $5312

Operator discount: -$210

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$173

Sunday - Saturday

May 03, 2026 - May 16, 2026
$5975 $5583

Operator discount: -$210

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$182

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026
$6125 $5729

Operator discount: -$210

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$186

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
$6225 $5826

Operator discount: -$210

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$189

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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