Compare Europe Jewel by Expat Explore vs Imperial Cities of Europe - 6 Countries by Serbia Tour Operator

Day 1: London - Amsterdam

Welcome to the Europe Jewel tour from Expat Explore! Leaving London behind us, we make our way to Amsterdam, crossing the channel on the way and driving through rural France and Belgium. Arriving in Amsterdam in the late afternoon, we’ll check in to our hotel before joining a complimentary Amsterdam canal cruise! Get on board and have those cameras at the ready – this is the best way to be introduced to Amsterdam, a city of beautiful 17th Century architecture, and a charm all its own. Watch the city drift past as you sail by, and listen out for tips and interesting insights into the city from your tour leader.

Experiences
Amsterdam Canal Cruise - Sail along Amsterdam's stunning canals at twilight and enjoy a delicious pizza as you cruise.  A perfect introduction to Amsterdam you will cruise along Amsterdam's atmospheric canals.

Accommodation
Hampton by Hilton Schipol Airport
Holiday Inn Express Schipol Airport
Park Inn Plaza Amsterdam Airport
Crowne Plaza Amsterdam Schiphol
Lake land Hotel
Other Foods to try
Dutch Kroket, cheese, bitterballen and pastries!
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Valley

This morning we’ll take a look at a cheese-making demonstration, revealing how cheese has been made in the traditional way in these parts for many years. Following that, we’ll learn about that most quirky of Dutch footwear choices – the clog – and see how these traditional shoes are carved. Stopping off at the Riekermolen windmill for a photo stop, you’ll be able to appreciate the scenery that the Netherlands is famous for. If the season is right, look out for flowers in the fields! Continuing on to the Rhine Valley, we’ll board a Rhine Valley river boat and sail from St Goar to Boppard. Admire the passing scenery - with the highest concentration of medieval castles in all of Europe, this is a memorable trip, especially with all the vineyards, cliff faces and medieval German towns! Later we will visit a local wine merchants for an included wine tasting - if the harvest has been good, you may even get to try eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine that is produced in very small quantities as it can only be harvested when the temperature drops below freezing.

Experiences
Visit Riekermolen Windmill: a great photo stop
Cheese and clogs demonstration – see how these famous shoes are traditionally made by hand and taste some fantastic cheeses. Of course the chance to shop and get those unique souvenirs.
Cruise down the Rhine and see the beautiful scenery and the largest concentration of gothic castles (Sterrenberg, Liebestein, Katz and Fortess Rheinfels).
Rhine Valley Wine Tasting: visit a local wine merchants in one of Germany's most famous wine growing regions, and sample several types of delicious German wine. Popular varieties from the surrounding area and neighbouring regions include Riesling, Spätburgunder and Pinot Noir. The region is also well-known for eiswein (ice wine), a very sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested in the freezing winter months.

Accommodation
Rheinlust
Ibis Bonn
Hotel Weiland
InterCity Bonn
Other Foods to try
The Rheingau, one of Germany's distinguished wine regions, stretches along the Rhine between Lorch and Hockenheim. Try Riesling and Eiswein.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 3: Nuremburg - Prague

Today we’re off to Prague via Nuremburg, stopping in the Bavarian city for a comfort stop. Having served as a residence for German kings over many centuries, Nuremburg was an architectural marvel, and famous for its artists too. Heavily bombed during WW2, the city was painstakingly rebuilt, and today has been returned to some of its former glory – many buildings being rebuilt in the original stone. Arriving later in Prague, you'll discover a beautiful city, boasting elaborate baroque, gothic, art nouveau and cubist architecture, and one that rewards those who explore it with quirky bars, cobbled lanes and courtyards. This evening we'll experience authentic Czech cuisine at a local restaurant.

Experiences
Visit to Nuremberg: we take a comfort stop in this historic Bavarian city. See the medieval castle and take the chance to explore the old town. For hundreds of years this was a major city in the Holy Roman Empire, and the residence for many of Germany's kings, who often chose to store their crown jewels here. After almost complete destruction during WWII, years of painstaking reconstruction have restored many of the major buildings to their former glory.
Prague dinner: experience authentic Czech cuisine at our local restaurant on your first night in Prague, the history of this restaurant dates back hundreds of years and it is a favourite place for locals as well as our Expat Explore groups. You will also have the option to try the famous Czech Beer.

Accommodation
Hotel Duo
Other Foods to try
Try svíčková na smetaně - a typical Czech dish consisting of beef sirloin in a cream sauce, commonly served with dumplings, cream and cranberries.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 4: Prague

This morning a local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city, introducing you to the most popular and well-known sights, including the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge. You then have the rest of the day free to explore the city. Described by some as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Central Europe, you’ll find that Prague is just as beautiful as Rome, London and Amsterdam. Start off with the Charles Bridge, which joins the old and the new town, and marvel at how Prague’s dramatic history is reflected in the beauty of its churches, opera houses, concert halls and of course Prague castle.

Experiences
Prague walking tour: this morning a local guide will take you on a  walking tour of the capital city of the Czech Republic. See the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Rudolfinum (concert hall) and a view of Prague Castle.

Accommodation
Hotel Duo
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 5: Bratislava - Budapest

Moving on to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava! Located in a country dominated by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and wilderness, Bratislava is a charming city. Here you’ll find a medieval castle overlooking the old town, along with more recent Socialist-era architecture. After enjoying an included lunch, we'll make for beautiful Budapest. With a huge number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, we start things off with a driving tour to help you get acquainted with the city. With a huge variety of architectural styles adorning the city, Budapest promises all manner of untold treasures. Featuring hundreds of thermal and mineral springs, bathing in Budapest has been in vogue since Roman times. Hungarian food, too, is experiencing something of a revival after being somewhat repressed in the Soviet era. Explore and be amazed at the bounty of Budapest!

Experiences
Driving tour of Budapest: we meet our local guide who takes you on a driving tour of this fabulous city pointing out places of interest and imparting their local knowledge and history.  You will experience amazing views from Fisherman's Bastion, drive through the city to include a stop at Heroes Square, see Budapest Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the State opera, Castle District and Chain Bridge, and then drive along Andrassy Avenue.
Optional Excursions
Danube Evening Cruise €18
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Ibis Styles Budapest City
Ibis Budapest Centrum
Holiday Inn Budapest-Budaors
Other Foods to try
Hungarian Goulash - a soup or stew of meat and vegetables, seasoned with paprika and other spices
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6: Budapest - Vienna

Heading next to Vienna, we’ll have lunch in one of the city’s traditional beer halls before taking a walking tour of the city led by one of our expert local guides. As a centre for art and culture in Europe for centuries, Vienna was host to some of the world’s leading musical minds at one time or another – including luminaries like Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. But along with its classical heritage, magnificent concert halls, palaces and museums, Vienna is also a modern city, with a vibrant café, restaurant and nightclub culture. Explore the city this afternoon and take it all in!

Experiences
Walking tour of Vienna: on the drive into Vienna, Austria’s capital city, you will see the Schonbrunn Palace before reaching the Inner City and one of the best vistas from Belvedere Hill. Vienna is known as the 'City of Music’ due to its classical heritage and the prodigies that worked there including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms to name a few as your local guide on your walking tour will tell you. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the Ring Strasse (Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater).Then discover the courtyards and passages around the Hofburg (Imperial Castle) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is Vienna’s geographic and historic centre. 
Optional Excursions
Mozart Concert €65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Roomz Hotel Vienna
Lenas Donau Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Wien Schönbrunn
Jufa Hotel Wien
Other Foods to try
Schnitzel - a boneless meat, thinned with a meat tenderizer, coated with flour, beaten eggs and bread crumbs, and then fried. Similar to the French dish escalope, it is typically made from chicken, beef, turkey or pork.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 7: Graz - Ljubljana

After leaving Vienna, we’ll take a comfort stop in Graz – Austria’s second-largest city, but also one of its liveliest. Admire the verdant parkland and Renaissance architecture, and get a glimpse of the small, fast-flowing river which gushes through the centre. Our final stop of the day is the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, often thought of as a hidden gem of Europe. With its castles, stunning architecture and natural beauty, Ljubljana packs a punch more powerful than its small size would suggest. We’ll take a walking tour of the city with a local guide to soak it all in.

Experiences
Comfort stop in Graz: we take a comfort stop in this beautiful city, a UNESCO listed World Cultural Heritage Site. You have a chance to visit the old town and see the Rathaus (town hall) and Schloßberg, a hill dominating the old town with amazing views of the city. 
Walking tour of Ljubljana: your local guide will take you on a walking tour of this city, the capital of Slovenia where you will see the medieval old town, Preseren Square, City Centre, the Riverfront, Dragon Bridge and Cobblers Bridge.  In your free time you may wish to see St. Nicholas Church built in the 13th century to honour St. Nicholas, patron of fishermen and boatmen and the present structure dates from 1701 and is a fine example of Baroque architecture. 
Optional Excursions
Slovenian Evening €35
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Hotel Park Ljubljana
M Hotel
Other Foods to try
Visit a "gostilna" restaurant, a traditional place to enjoy good food and wine in good company. Often serving dishes prepared to old recipes using local ingredients.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 8: Ljubljana - Venice

Venice is our next stop, a city immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries. Its timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces (more per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth) make it truly unique – this is a city that will capture your heart and imagination. Being Italian, there’s no shortage of incredible food and culture either! Your tour leader will introduce you to the city with an orientation walk, during which you'll see sights like the world famous St Marks Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this unforgettable city on your own - don't miss the opportunity to take a gondola and water taxi to explore Venice from the water.

Experiences
Orientation tour of Venice: your tour leader will take you into the heart of this unique  floating city for an orientation to help you explore and see St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Optional Excursions
Trip T-shirt or Hoodie €21-32
Venice Gondola Ride €20
Venice Water Taxi €20
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Elite Residence Hotel
NH Laguna Palace
Hotel Complex Ambasciatori & Delfino
Hotel Venezia
Other Foods to try
Pizza. Thin, crispy, fresh basil and delicious toppings!
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 9: Florence - Tuscany

Although we leave Venice today, ahead of us are the hills of Tuscany – marvel at the countryside as we head for Florence. On arrival we’ll get a fabulous panoramic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, then take a fascinating walking tour of the city with a local guide. Learn about the history of the city and see historical landmarks dating from Roman times to the glory days of the Renaissance. After exploring, we make our way to the Tuscan countryside, where we spend the night.

Experiences
Walking Tour of Florence: the capital city of the Tuscan region of Italy and considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance.   We will take you on a walking tour with a professional local guide where you will see Florence's Baptistery, Bell Tower, Gates of Paradise, Brunelleschi's Dome, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio.
Optional Excursions
Tuscan Dinner €22
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Hotel Massimo d'Azeglio
Hotel Meridiana Florence
Other Foods to try
Lampredotto is a Florence street food, consisting of the fourth stomach of the cow cooked in a broth and then served with salsa verde or/and spicy sauce.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 10: Pisa - Swiss Alps

Departing Tuscany, we make for one of the world’s most famous buildings. This is also definitely a place where you’ll want to have your camera charged – Pisa! Learn the story behind the leaning tower, and be sure to take some photos! It’s time to cross over to the Alps. Is there a better way to enjoy the magic of Switzerland than staying in a typical Swiss Alpine town? Take in the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the greenery around you.

Experiences
View the Leaning Tower of Pisa: your chance to see the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower.
Scenic Mountain Drive: spectacular views as we drive through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breath-taking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.

Accommodation
Alpenrose Hotel & Gardens
Swiss Youth Hostel Interlaken
Hotel Baren Ringgenberg
Hotel Schonbhul
Hotel City Oberland
Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes
Other Foods to try
Cheese fondue - dip bread and meat into a pot of delicous melted cheese.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 11: Swiss Alps - Free day

The splendour of the Alps is yours today – don’t miss the chance to join our optional excursion up to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! The trip to the top is a real highlight; you might find yourself pressed up against the windows as the picture-perfect Swiss countryside rolls beneath you. Look out for quaint villages nestled in the valleys beneath snow-capped peaks and tumbling mountain waterfalls. Once we’ve reached the top, enjoy the year-round snow and breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and craggy mountaintops. Once you’ve had a chance to explore and capture as many photos as possible, it’s back down to lower altitudes for the rest of the afternoon. Take the chance to head into nearby Interlaken to see the lakes of the region, shop for chocolates and cuckoo clocks, or have a fondue!
Optional Excursions
Train to Jungfraujoch €175
White-Water River Rafting €108
Sky-diving CHF395
Paragliding €155
Swiss Dinner €25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Day 12: Swiss Alps - Paris

It’s an early start today as we make our way out of the mountains and make for the city of lights and love: Paris! Arriving in the afternoon, we'll take you on a driving tour of the French capital; get your cameras ready – you’ll be seeing some of the city’s most treasured landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe! After the driving tour we'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter, an eclectic, bohemian and historic neighbourhood. We'll then travel back to the hotel on Paris' world famous metro system, ready to explore the city further on our free day tomorrow!

Experiences
Driving Tour of Paris: we’ll take a driving tour of this famous city when you arrive. Look out for L’Opéra Garnier, the Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Hotel de Ville, The River Seine, l'Ile de la Cite, the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Lovers Bridge, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Pigalle (the Red Light District) and the Moulin Rouge!

Accommodation
Ibis la Defense
B&B Porte Des Lilas
B&B Paris Malakof
Ibis Paris La Villette Cité des Sciences
B&B Paris Italie Porte de Choisy
B&B Hôtel Orly Chevilly
Other Foods to try
It's not all fine dining - visit a boulangerie (bakery) and try simple but delicious baguette, croisants and Jambon-beurre sandwiches.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 13: Paris - Free day

Today is all yours to explore as you wish. Take an optional cruise up the River Seine, head up the tower of Montparnasse for exquisite views, visit L’Opéra Garnier, the Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Hotel de Ville, the River Seine, l’Ile de la Cite or the Louvre Museum. Get a glimpse of that most famous avenue, the Champs Elysees, overlooked by the famous Arc de Triomphe. Alternatively, why not head to the boutiques of La Marais? Or visit the graves of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison at Père Lachaise Cemetery? Those with a taste for the macabre can even descend to the infamous catacombs! Alternatively, stay above ground and explore the museums, people-watch from a roadside café, or simply stroll the city, following in the footsteps of great painters, musicians and writers.
Attractions to discover in your free time
Arc de Triomphe Daily, 1 October - 31 March 10:00-22:30, 1 April - 30 September 10:00-23:00 with a last entry 45 minutes before closing time, Closed on 1st January, 1st May, 8th May (morning), 14th July, 11th November (morning), 25th December Full price: 12 EUR, Reduced: 9 EUR
Disneyland Paris Daily 10:00 - 19:00
(Click here for info) varies
Sacré Coeur Daily 06:00 - 22:00 Free
Notre Dame Daily 07:45 - 18:45, Sat & Sun 07:45 - 19:15 Free
Louvre Various times 09:00 - 18:00 (Closed Tues) Adults €15 ; Children (under 18) Free
Catacombes Tue-Sun 10:00 - 20:30 (last entry 19:00) Adults €13; Children (under 18) Free
Optional Excursions
Paris + Tour €50
River Seine Cruise €12
Cabaret Show €70-90
Montparnasse Observation Deck €15
An Evening in Montmartre €40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Day 14: Paris - London

It’s our last day already! Today we leave the mainland and cross the Channel on our way back to London. Be sure to swap details with your fellow travellers – we hope you’ve loved every minute of your Europe Jewel adventure!

Experiences
You arrive back in London late afternoon - by this point you will have enjoyed 14 incredible days exploring the very best of Europe!
Other Foods to try
As we depart for London, make sure you have bought all the favourite foods you have tried during your tour to bring back to friends and family!
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Please note:

If you are arriving in Budapest a few days prior to the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $65 (Standard package) or $105 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.

Day 1: Arrival to Budapest

Upon arrival in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, you will be welcomed by your driver and escorted to your hotel. On the short coach ride from the Ferenc Liszt International airport, sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of Budapest, the city of bridges and thermal baths. Known by its youthful atmosphere and beautiful architecture, Budapest is with good reason nicknamed “Paris of the East”. Check-in at your hotel.

Use your free time to rest and prepare for the trip. At 7pm in the hotel reception, you will be greeted by your guide who will introduce himself and provide you with detailed information about the entire trip. Overnight.

Day 2 / Leisure day: Budapest Sightseeing

After breakfast, you will set off on a tour (walking and driving) around Budapest. With a unique, youthful atmosphere, a world-class classical music scene as well as a pulsating night life and, last but not least, an exceptionally rich offering of natural thermal baths, Budapest is one of Europe’s most delightful and enjoyable cities. Due to its scenic setting and its architecture, it is nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’. Thanks to their cultural and architectural significance, the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Budapest sightseeing tour will show you all the major landmarks of the city: Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, the Castle District with Matiass Church, the Fishermen’s Bastion with the beautiful panoramic views, Gellért Hill (Citadel) with the most spectacular view of Budapest, Elisabeth Bridge, the Central Market Hall, the largest synagogue in Europe, the City Park, Heroes’ Square with statues of the most famous Hungarian kings and dukes, the Opera House, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament Building and many others.

Optional excursion in Budapest :

Danube Cruise: Experience the beautiful sights of Budapest from a different perspective, during a 1.5 hour cruise along the Danube River. On board you can enjoy a welcome drink and one glass of wine, with the option of a traditional Hungarian buffet dinner.

Day 3: Budapest – Vienna

Breakfast. Drive to Vienna with expected arrival around noon.

Visiting Vienna is an architectural dream! You cannot help but be impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of some of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The sightseeing tour starts with buildings and attractions within Ringstrasse, which are excellent examples of 16th and 17th century architecture. After passing the old university, your attention will be caught by Vienna City Hall, a building in the neo-Gothic style. The Parliament building, Burgtheater, Naturhistorisches Museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum and Hofburg Imperial Palace all give you the impression that you are travelling through history. Walking along the main pedestrian street, you will see the newer and renovated part of Vienna, before you reach Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, the most important Gothic structure in Austria. Continuing along the street from Stephenplatz, right after Hotel Sacher and the famous Albertina museum, you will stumble upon the impressive Vienna State Opera, considered one of the most important Opera houses in the world and the home of the famous Vienna Opera Ball.

In the afternoon and evening, use your free time to explore the city further, or visit some of its great museums, or try the famous Wiener Schnitzel and other local specialties in one of the many traditional restaurants.

Day 4: Schönbrunn Palace – Bratislava – Prague

Breakfast. For visiting royal city of Vienna one day is not enough! Start your second day in Vienna with a visit to the astonishing Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most important architectural and historical landmarks in all of Austria, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the palace and its gardens spans over 300 years and reflects the changing tastes and aspirations of Austria’s monarchy. While you are visiting the former imperial summer residence, you can feel how the imperial family once lived. At the end of the tour, you will have time to take a stroll through the palace labyrinth gardens or to enjoy a cup of original Viennese coffee and a piece of delicious apple strudel.

In the afternoon, Bratislava is waiting for you. Start the tour with a visit to the most important and historical sights of the city, such as the Presidential Palace, Eurovea – the modern city centre, the National Theatre, the Art Nouveau church and others. The tour will stop at Bratislava Castle for you to take pictures, as well as at the Slavín memorial monument, which not only highlights the tragedy of war but also offers fantastic views.

Drive to Prague. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 5 / Leisure day: Prague Sightseeing

Breakfast. Prague – a European city of culture, the Golden City, the City of a Hundred Towers – is a magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold towers and church domes, situated on the river Vltava. It has the best preserved medieval town centre in Europe and all the attributes of one of the most modern European cities. Start your sightseeing at Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), the most popular attraction and officially the largest ancient castle in the world. Within its walls lies a varied and fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums and galleries. Listen to interesting stories and walk around Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of Saint George and other historical gems inside the walls. Before heading down to the old city, you will stop at two viewpoints with amazing views over Prague. Below the castle, cross the amazing Charles Bridge and feel like you are in a medieval storybook. Wander through the small, charming streets of the old town until you arrive at Old Town Square, the location of the Town Hall and Astronomical Clock, one of the oldest clocks in the world and a symbol of Prague.

Optional excursion in Prague:

Vltava Cruise with dinner: Sip a glass of Moravian plum brandy, sit back, relax and enjoy the views of Prague’s illuminated attractions. On the leisurely 3 hour cruise, feel the magic of Prague by night and taste different Czech specialties from the delicious buffet.

Day 6: Prague – Regensburg – Munich

Breakfast. Drive to Regensburg, one of the top 10 sights and travel attractions in Germany. The medieval centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testimony of the city’s status as the cultural centre of southern Germany in the middle Ages. The old stone bridge over the Danube, the cathedral and Krauterermarkt square with the Collegiate Church of Saint John, the Cathedral Treasury Museum, Heuport house and the historic Adler Pharmacy are Regensburg’s most significant architectural landmarks.

The evening is reserved for Munich, famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration. Germany’s unofficial southern capital, proud of its pretzels, BMW and football club Bayern Munich, is considered the most liveable city in Germany. Walking around the centre of the city, you will see some world-class sights and typical Munich architecture with alpine influence. Sights on your tour include the Pinakotheken art museums, the world famous Hofbrauhaus, the National Theatre with the Royal Palace, Marienplatz and the Viktualien market with its colourful outdoor stalls and many others. Hotel check-in and overnight.

Day 7: Munich – Salzburg – Hallstatt – Villach

Breakfast. Continue your journey with a visit to Salzburg, a cultural hub of Austria, famous as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Its picturesque old town with its world famous baroque architecture is one of the best preserved city centres in the German-speaking world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing walk with your guide, listen to unheard stories and see the Mirabell Gardens, Mozarteum – a music academy, the Marionette and Regional Theatres, Markart Square, Blasius Church, Mozart’s Square… and many more! Make the most of your time in the city by taking a walk along the Salzach River or climbing up to the Hohensalzburg fortress, and don’t forget to try the popular Mozartkugeln, chocolate-covered marzipan balls inspired by the famous composer, Salzburg’s most famous son, Mozart.

The next stop in Austria will be the breathtaking village of Hallstatt. With pastel-coloured houses that cast shimmering reflections onto the glassy waters of the lake and with towering mountains on all sides, Hallstatt’s beauty alone would be enough to guarantee it fame. Boats chug tranquilly across the lake from the train station to the village, situated precariously on a narrow stretch of land between mountain and shore. Until the 19th century, the beautiful Austrian village of Hallstatt was accessible only by boat or mountain trail. Today, this beautiful village is easily accessible and willing to show its main attractions: the Kalvarienberg Church, Market Square, numerous archaeological artefacts, Hallstatt Museum, The Charnel House in Michael’s Chapel with 1200 skulls, among others.

The small Austrian tour will be finished with an evening visit to Villach, the second largest Austrian city, well known for its legendary carnival. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, close to one of the crossroads of central Europe, the city attracts many visitors. In this so-called walker’s paradise, you will see Villach Main Square with Trinity Column, Holy Cross Church, the Parish Church of Saint Jacob and many others. Hotel check-in and overnight.

Day 8: Villach – Bled – Ljubljana

Breakfast. Start the Slovenian daily tour with a visit to Bled. This alpine lake with its beautiful island (the most photographed sight in Slovenia) has been a world renowned paradise for centuries, impressing visitors with its natural beauty, wealth of legend and reported special powers believed to help restore wellbeing. You will get to try the famous Bled cream cake and rest your soul looking at the picture-postcard in front of you – emerald green mountain lake that is decorated with island and a church in the center of it, and the medieval castle on a top of the rocky cliff, which reflects in the lake in order to complete this lifelong memory.

Proceed to Ljubljana, the magical capital of Slovenia that boasts of real charm and a great cultural scene. You will be led along the riverfront to the city’s beautiful cultural landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, the medieval town square “Mestni Trg” and Robba’s Fountain, as well as the picturesque central open-air market and the Triple Bridge. After the tour, you will have free time to take a lunch on the banks of the romantic Ljubljanica River.

Check-in at the hotel.

Day 9: Departure

Breakfast and hotel check-out. As most of our clients decide to extend their trip within their own organisation, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like Serbia Tour Operator to organise a departure transfer on their behalf are welcome to contact us. End of services.

Please note:

If you are departing from Ljubljana a few days after the tour end, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $65 (Standard package) or $100 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.