12-Day Central Europe and Balkan Tour from Frankfurt: Prague, Brastislava, Budapest, Dubrovnik and Vienna

What you'll experience

Highlights

12 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Frankfurt - Prague

   After boarding the luxury coach in Frankfurt, sit back and enjoy a scenic ride through some classic German countryside en route to the Czech Republic. Prague, one of Europe’s most ornate cities, is your first destination. You will arrive in the evening, ready to discover this charming capital city with its fairy-tale architecture, the following morning.
     

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Amedia Express Prague ***
2. 2

   Day 2 — Prague - Bratislava

   Your Prague adventure begins with a spectacular walk along the Royal Route, following the traditional coronation path of the kings and queens of old Bohemia. You’ll start from the top of Castle Hill in the Hradcany district, famous for its views over the red-roofed old city, and then tour Prague Castle. The castle has been the historic seat of Bohemia royalty since the 9th century, as well as home to the nation’s presidents in recent times. Your exploration then heads off around the imposing gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and along Golden Lane, an ancient thoroughfare lined with some wonderful traditional buildings.
   Later you will stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, which arches gracefully over the Vltava, and on through the winding alleys to the Old Town Square, where you can see the City Hall and one of Prague’s most well-known sights, the Astronomical Clock. After lunch in the square, you’ll make the scenic transfer from Prague to the hotel in or near the Slovakian capital, Bratislava.
     

   

   Prague Castle

   

   St. Vitus Cathedral

   

   Golden Lane

   

   Charles Bridge

   

   Prague Old Town Square

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Vienna House Easy Bratislava ***
3. 3

   Day 3 — Bratislava - Budapest

   On Wednesday morning you will arrive in Hungary, the fourth country of the tour. Its capital, Budapest, is known as the Pearl of the Danube, and is essentially two different cities joined together: Buda is on the west of the river, Pest on the east, each with its own distinct characteristics. One of the best ways of seeing this unique location is by taking a river cruise, which many people choose to do. After a morning of activity, you’ll relax over lunch at Buda Palace, and then have a chance to look at the exhibitions in the Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gallery, or do a spot of souvenir shopping.
   
   Next you’ll explore both sides of the city on a cultural and historic tour. Highlights on the Buda side of the Danube include the towered terrace of Fisherman’s Bastion, the medieval Matthias Church and a walk up to the summit of Gellért Hill for panoramic views. While over in Pest the sights include the expansive Heroes’ Square and Hungary’s dramatic riverside Parliament Building. In the evening, you can choose to round off an eventful day with an optional dinner in the heart of Budapest, where you can sample traditional dishes such as goose liver, goulash, duck leg and local wine, accompanied by Hungarian folkdance and music.
     

   

   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 ***
4. 4

   Day 4 — Budapest - Lake Balaton - Zagreb

   In the morning, you will have a wonderful drive to Balaton Lake, it’s one of the best Resort in Hungary. Affectionately called “Hungarian Sea,” Lake Balaton is one of the largest lakes in central Europe. Lake Balaton and its region have become more popular because of its attractive scenery.
   Then you will have a wonderful drive to the Croatian capital Zagreb. This is a city which went through wars, but the buildings are still well preserved. The ancient city is full of beautiful Gothic architecture, decorations are exquisitely crafted. Together with Mediterranean cuisine and locally produced wines, as well as the friendly Croatian hospitality, Zagreb is sure to be a wonderful experience. You will visit the city's highlights such as the Zagreb Cathedral, the Ban Jelačić Square and the Church of St. Mark.
    

   

   Zagreb Cathedral

   

   St. Mark's Church

   

   Lake Balaton

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Diplomat ****, Hotel Phoenix ****
5. 5

   Day 5 — Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes - Zadar

   Today you will enjoy a guided tour into the Plitvice Lakes National Park, known as the Jiuzhaigou of Europe. It consists of 16 lakes joined by waterfalls, walkways and hiking trails. In the dense mountains, layers of travertine barriers make a natural dam, forming fairy tale lakes. The calcium carbonate rich water has a special silver colour, mirroring the trees on its surface and forming tiny crystals, the view is stunning. Surrounded by trees, the lakes have the perfect tranquil atmosphere.
    

   

   Plitvice Lake National Park

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Porto ***
6. 6

   Day 6 — Zadar - Split - Dubrovnik

   After breakfast you enter the ancient city of Zadar. The city has a strong religious atmosphere, still retaining the narrow streets and buildings of the Middle Ages. It’s like going back in time. Close to the waterfront, you can admire the modern Sea Organ and Sun Salutation, an amazing solar light display. Then you will head to Split, the second largest city in Croatia. The city has many ancient Roman style buildings, which date back to over 1,700 years. The most famous are the ruins of Diocletian's Palace, which was built in the fourth century AD.
    

   

   Zadar Old Town

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Grand Hotel Park Dubrovnik ****, Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel ****, Hotel Lero Dubrovnik ****
7. 7

   Day 7 — Dubrovnik

   The Nobel Prize winning writer Bernard Shaw once said: "If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik". He wasn’t exaggerating. Dubrovnik is a place where people can fall in love at first sight. You must not miss exploring this seaside city that inspired Miyazaki’s masterpiece 'The Witch's Delivery Service', and is 'King’s Landing' in Game of Thrones! You see the famous places: the old town, the city walls, the defensive tower, the Rector’s Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. You can take a cable car to go up in the mountain and admire the beauty of the city. Your day of heaven on earth ends with an overnight stay in Dubrovnik or city nearby.
    

   

   Dubrovnik Town

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Grand Hotel Park Dubrovnik ****, Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel ****, Hotel Lero Dubrovnik ****
8. 8

   Day 8 — Dubrovnik - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo

   The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the focus of today’s itinerary and was originally one of the six socialist republics of the former Yugoslavia. First stop today is Počitelj, the stepped medieval fortress village, which has now been included in the World Cultural Heritage List. You also see stunning Blagaj with its Dervish Monastery nestled into a 200 meter high cliff and surrounded by crystal clear streams. Then you head on 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, you drive to the hotel and stay in Sarajevo or city nearby.
   According to the regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the number of people entering and exiting as a group must be consistent, so it is not possible to leave the group on the same day.
   * Please note: Participation in the this line requires holding a Schengen multiple-entry visa.
    

   

   Blagaj Town

   

   Mostar Old Town

   

   Mostar Old Bridge

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles Sarajevo ****, Hotel Espana ****
9. 9

   Day 9 — Sarajevo - Vinkovci

   Sarajevo was once an important gateway to the East. This city, which combines different religions and cultures, has a very different European style. As if reborn after a fire, it was recently selected by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten travel destinations in the world. Its profound historical imprint, which includes the assassination at the Latin Bridge that caused the First World War, and the "Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures Line" on the ground, 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 the visit, you cross the border into Croatia.
   * According to the regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the number of people entering and exiting as a group must be consistent, so it is not possible to leave the group on the same day.
    

   

   Sarajevo Old Town

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Admiral ***
10. 10

    Day 10 — Vinkovci - Pecs - Budapest

    Departing in the morning and returning to Hungary - you 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. Highlight is the Pécs Cathedral towering over central Szent István Square. You drive back to Budapest in the afternoon.
      

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles Budapest City West ***
11. 11

    Day 11 — Budapest - Vienna

    Today starts with a short journey to another of Europe’s grand capitals, Vienna, where you’ll get to explore the Austrian city’s resplendent palaces, striking churches and prestigious art museums. Your Vienna adventure begins at one of the city’s most popular attractions, Schönbrunn Palace, the Rococo-style summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, rulers of Europe and the Church for many decades. 
    
    After lunch in this refined setting, you will take a driving tour past many grand, famous buildings, including the City Hall, the Austrian Parliament, Hofburg Palace and Heroes’ Square.
    In the afternoon, you’ll have some shopping time, before adding the Wiener Staatsoper (opera house) to your checklist of key Vienna buildings.
      
     Later, opt for dinner in the heart of the city or visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, before taking a stroll in Stadtpark, which is known for its range of sculptures, including the famous gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss II.
    
    In the evening, we recommend the option of attending a Viennese waltz concert, which will allow you the unforgettable experience of hearing the music of Mozart and Strauss in the place where it was composed.

    

    Schönbrunn Palace

    

    Vienna State Opera

    

    Hofburg Palace

    

    Golden Hall

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Vienna Airport *** , LifeHotel Vienna Airport ***
12. 12

    Day 12 — Vienna - Mondsee - Munich

    From Vienna it’s on to another Austrian gem, Mondsee. Mondsee is a town located on the shore of the Lake Mondsee. The town is home to the historic medieval Mondsee Abbey. The cloister church was used for the site of the wedding in The Sound of Music. 
      
    After lunch you will continue to cross the German border to Munich. After arriving in Munich, you'll visit the Marienplatz and the New Town Hall. Marienplatz is a central square in the city centre of Munich since 1158. The New Town Hall is at the northern part of Marienplatz. It hosts the city government including the city council, offices of the mayors and part of the administration since 1874. Or you can enjoy a German beer in one of the beergardens before ending the tour.

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

What's included

Meeting & drop-off

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator