16-Day Balkan Odyssey from Paris Frankfurt (Germany, France, Austria): Prague, Budapest, Frankfurt, Vienna, Munich

What you'll experience

Highlights

16 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Paris - Reims - Luxembourg

   Our tour leaves from Paris for a delightful scenic journey through the rolling countryside of the Champagne region, famous the world over for the sparkling white wine produced here. Enjoy seeing the historic attractions of provincial capital Reims, including the city’s cathedral – a key national heritage site, where coronations of French kings took place from the 11th century onwards.
   
   History and tradition are equally evident in your next location: Luxembourg, the world’s only remaining Grand Duchy. After arriving in refined Luxembourg City, you’ll be introduced on foot to the main places of interest, including the Place de Constitution and Pont Adolphe, before having time for further exploration on your own.

   

   Place de la Constitution

   

   Pont Adolphe

   

   Our Lady of Reims Cathedral

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Innside Luxembourg, Ibis Esch Belval
2. 2

   Day 2 — Luxembourg - Trier - Koblenz - Rudesheim am Rhein - Frankfurt

   Today we leave Luxembourg behind and head across another European border into Germany. The first stop is historic Trier, Germany's oldest city and the birthplace of Karl Marx. You'll have the chance to see from the outside the house where the influential philosopher was born, which now functions as the Karl Marx Haus museum.
   
   Your walking tour then takes you into the centre of Trier; here you can look around the city's impressive cathedral, where the celebrated Holy Robe – said to be the tunic of Christ – is preserved and occasionally displayed. Trier is also known as 'The Second Rome' (Constantine served as an administrator here for 10 years), and significant legacies of the once-great empire remain today. The highlight is undoubtedly Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, which you'll get to see and photograph.
   
   After an exciting morning in Trier, you'll drive on to Koblenz, famous as the location of the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Here you have the option of indulging in a relaxing lunch alongside the water, and then afterwards you can also choose to add on a scenic Rhine boat cruise for some memorable city vistas. Back on dry land you'll drive through the wine-making town of Rüdesheim. Then it's on to Frankfurt am Main, where you'll discover the delights of Römerberg, a charming plaza with a distinctive medieval town hall as its centrepiece

   

   Rhine River

   

   Porta Nigra

   

   Karl Marx House

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: NH Frankfurt Airport West, Mercure Frankfurt Airport Langen
3. 3

   Day 3 — Frankfurt - Prague

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

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Best Western Amedia Prague, NH Prague City
4. 4

   Day 4 — Prague - Bratislava

   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, we will make the scenic transfer from Prague to the hotel in or near the Slovakian capital of Bratislava.
     

   

   Prague Castle

   

   St. Vitus Cathedral

   

   Golden Lane

   

   Charles Bridge

   

   Prague Old Town Square

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Vienna House Easy Chopin Bratislava
5. 5

   Day 5 — Bratislava - Budapest

   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.
     

   

   Heroes' Square

   

   Hungarian Parliament Building

   

   Fisherman's Bastion

   

   Elisabeth Bridge

   

   Matthias Church

   

   Danube River

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles Budapest City West, Expo Congress Hotel
6. 6

   Day 6 — Budapest - Zagreb

   We'll drive to the Croatian capital Zagreb, whose buildings are still well preserved despite having gone through several military incursions. This ancient city is full of beautiful Gothic architecture with exquisitely crafted detailing. Together with its Mediterranean cuisine and locally produced wines, as well as friendly Croatian hospitality, Zagreb is sure to be a wonderful experience. You will visit the city's highlights such as Zagreb Cathedral, the Ban Jelacic Square, and the Church of St. Mark.
    

   

   Zagreb Cathedral

   

   St. Mark's Church

   

   Lake Balaton

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Diplomat
7. 7

   Day 7 — Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes National Park - Zadar

   Enjoy a guided tour to Plitvice Lakes National Park, consisting of 16 lakes joined by waterfalls, walkways, and hiking trails. In the dense mountains, layers of travertine barriers create a natural dam, forming fairy tale lakes. The calcium carbonate rich water has a special silver color, mirroring the trees on its surface. The views are stunning.
    
   
   Accommodations for the evening are in Zadar or a nearby city.

   

   Plitvice Lake National Park

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Porto
8. 8

   Day 8 — Zadar - Split - Dubrovnik

   After breakfast we'll do some sightseeing in the ancient city of Zadar. This city retains the narrow streets and buildings of medieval times, infused with a strong religious atmosphere. Close to the waterfront, you can admire the modern Sea Organ and Sun Salutation, an amazing solar light display. Then we'll drive to Split, the second largest city in Croatia. The city has many ancient Roman style buildings dating back over 1,700 years. The most famous are the ruins of Diocletian's Palace, built in the fourth century AD.
   
    
   
   Accommodations for the evening are in Dubrovnik or a nearby city.

   

   Zadar Old Town

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel in Dubrovnic
9. 9

   Day 9 — Dubrovnik

   People fall in love with Dubrovnik at first sight. This culturally and historically rich city is more recently known as the filming location for King's Landing in Game of Thrones. But the real stars of the show are Dubrovnik Old Town, the city walls, Lovrijenac Fortress, Rector's Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. You can also take a cable car to up to the mountain for an aerial view of the city below (own expense).
    
   
   Accommodations for the evening are in Dubrovnik or a nearby city.

   

   Dubrovnik Town

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel in Dubrovnic
10. 10

    Day 10 — Dubrovnik - Pocitelj - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo

    The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the focus of today’s itinerary. Our first stop: Pocitelj, the stepped medieval fortress, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will also see stunning Blagaj with its Dervish Monastery nestled in a 200 meter high cliff, surrounded by crystal clear streams. Then we head 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, we'll drive to our hotel for the evening, in or near Sarajevo.
     

    

    Blagaj Town

    

    莫斯塔尔小镇

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles Sarajevo, New Hotel
11. 11

    Day 11 — Sarajevo - Vinkovci

    Sarajevo was once an important gateway to the East. This city, which combines different religions and cultures, has a very unique European style. Its profound historical imprint, which includes the assassination at Latin Bridge that caused the First World War, and the Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures Line, 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 our visit, we'll cross the border back into Croatia.
     
    
    Accommodations for the evening are in or near Vinkovci.

    

    Sarajevo Old Town

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Slavonia, Hotel Admiral
12. 12

    Day 12 — Vinkovci - Pecs - Budapest

    Departing in the morning we'll first 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. The highlight is the Pecs Cathedral towering over central Szent Istvan Square. We'll drive back to Budapest in the afternoon.
      

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles Budapest City West, Expo Congress Hotel
13. 13

    Day 13 — Budapest - Vienna

    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).

    

    Schönbrunn Palace

    

    Vienna State Opera

    

    Hofburg Palace

    

    Golden Hall

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel ibis Vienna Airport
14. 14

    Day 14 — Vienna - Mondsee - Munich

    After breakfast, we'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.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tulip Inn München Messe, NH Munchen Ost Conference
15. 15

    Day 15 — Munich - Mt. Titlis - Lucerne - Zurich

    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.
      
    We'll go inside a glacier cave and stroll across Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe's highest suspension bridge. You may opt to have your lunch at one of the several dining establishments at the peak (own expense).
      
    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. 

    

    Mount Titlis

    

    Lion Monument

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mövenpick Zurich Regensdorf
16. 16

    Day 16 — Zurich - Rhine Falls - Titisee - Frankfurt

    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. We'll return to Frankfurt in the evening.

    

    Lake Zurich

    

    Rhine Falls

    

    Lake Titisee

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Meeting & drop-off

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

• Participation in the brown line requires holding a Schengen multiple-entry visa.
• Please prepare enough Euros. You are recommended to exchange the Euros 1-2 weeks before the departure date at your local bank. It is not that convenient and cost-efficient for the exchange at destincation's ATMs, airports or railway stations due to the exchange rate.
• There might be some adjustment on tour per the actual situation, due to the COVID-19, please understand
• Plitvice Lakes National Park admission tickets are not included in the display price, and must be purchased directly on the Plitvice Lakes National Park official website, for the 11:00am to 12:00pm time slot, Entrance 1.

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double Occupancy applies when two people stay in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Child applies when child of 2-11 years stays as the 3rd person in one standard hotel room.
* Child younger than 2 years of age travels for free, provided they do not occupy a seat on the bus, or a bed in the room.
* Tour prices are based on Euros (EUR) and converted into US dollars (USD). Constant fluctuations in the exchange rate cause prices to change on a regular basis. You will be charged the price based on the applicable exchange rate at the time of payment. All transactions are final. We do not offer discounts or compensation to those citing lower prices at a later date. Bookings will be subject to penalties when modified or cancelled.

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