Eastern Europe Pure Sightseeing Tour: 6 Countries – Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic (12 Days)

Meet at Toronto International Airport where our professional tour leader will assist with check-in formalities before boarding your flight to Venice, Italy.

Upon arrival, travel to the magnificent Postojna Cave, the largest cave system in Europe with over 700 million years of history. Inside, the temperature remains a cool 7 to 10°C year-round. Begin your journey with a train ride deep into the cave, followed by a guided walk to admire the breathtaking underground formations that showcase the wonders of nature.

Continue to Slovenia’s fairytale haven, Lake Bled, surrounded by rolling mountains and enchanting scenery. Discover the iconic Church of St. Mary on the lake’s island and the medieval Bled Castle perched on a cliffside, both reflected in the tranquil waters, creating a picture-perfect setting. After dinner, check in to the Park Hotel or a similar standard accommodation.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia, praised by Time Magazine as one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. The Ljubljanica River flows through the heart of the city, with the iconic Triple Bridge connecting both sides with its unique design. Much of the city’s architecture showcases elegant Baroque style, creating a picturesque old-town atmosphere. Continue to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and explore the historic Old Town. Highlights include Ban Jelačić Square, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the sacred Stone Gate, Tito Square, and the colorful St. Mark’s Church. Stay for two nights at the 5-star Westin Zagreb or a similar standard accommodation.
Next, proceed to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Visit the Old Town Square, Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the sacred Stone Gate, Marshal Tito Square, and the colorful St. Mark’s Church.

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1979. Enjoy a traditional roast pork lunch before embarking on a scenic boat ride through the park. Known as the “Jiuzhaigou of Europe,” Plitvice features breathtaking landscapes where mountains, lakes, and forests blend into one. The park spans over 29,000 hectares, with sixteen interconnected lakes creating its most enchanting scenery. Return to Zagreb in the evening. Stay overnight again at the 5-star Westin Zagreb or a similar standard accommodation.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive past the Lake Balaton region, the largest inland lake in continental Europe. Continue the journey to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, known as the “Pearl of the Danube.” Upon arrival, visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, where the treasured national relic “Holy Right Hand” of Hungary’s founding king is preserved. Explore Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Monument dedicated to the country’s unknown heroes. In the evening, enjoy a Hungarian Royal Banquet featuring Goulash, accompanied by authentic local dishes and a traditional folk dance performance. Overnight stay at the Radisson Hotel or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Budapest’s famous landmarks including the neo-Romanesque Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church—where generations of Hungarian kings were crowned—Buda Castle, and the Parliament Building. You may also choose an optional Danube River cruise to admire the city’s stunning skyline from the water.

Continue to the most scenic section of the Danube Bend, visiting three charming towns. First, explore Szentendre, a picturesque town known for its natural beauty, souvenir shops, and art galleries. Pass through Visegrád, the heart of the Danube Bend, and continue to Esztergom, home to Hungary’s largest church, the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In the afternoon, drive to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Visit landmarks such as the Presidential Palace, April 4th Square, and St. Martin’s Cathedral. Overnight stay at the Crowne Plaza or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most enchanting medieval towns in Europe. Stroll through the Old Town, where highlights include St. Vitus Church, the Town Square, and charming walking paths filled with old-world elegance that will truly captivate you.

After lunch, continue to České Budějovice, known as the “Bohemian Rose” and the birthplace of the world-famous Budweiser beer. Explore the main square, the Town Hall, St. Nicholas Cathedral, and the iconic Black Tower.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Clarion Hotel or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, continue to the charming spa town of Karlovy Vary, where you will have ample time to shop for souvenirs and sample the famous mineral waters. Over the centuries, many renowned figures such as Tsar Peter the Great, Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Goethe visited this celebrated spa destination. The hot springs are believed to have therapeutic benefits for ailments such as digestive disorders, nervous system issues, and stomach conditions. Guests may taste the waters from different springs and browse local specialty shops.

Later, journey to the Czech capital Prague, affectionately known as the “Medieval Jewel” and the “Golden City.” The city still preserves its old-world medieval charm, making it a popular setting for countless films.

Enjoy an upgraded two-night stay at the luxurious Grand Hotel Prague Tower or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the day with a visit to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, once the seat of Bohemian kings and now the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. Explore the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral, then stroll across the historic Charles Bridge, adorned with statues of saints and historic figures. Continue to the Old Town Square to admire the famous Astronomical Clock and take in the charm of medieval Prague.

Guests will also have the opportunity to shop for the Czech Republic’s world-renowned Bohemian crystal products, perfect souvenirs to take home. After lunch, enjoy free time to wander the medieval streets at leisure—perhaps shop along the luxury boutiques of Na Příkopě Street or take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the old city.

In the evening, you may join an optional Golden Prague river cruise, before savoring a traditional Czech specialty dinner. Enjoy your second night of upgraded accommodation at the luxurious Grand Hotel Prague Tower or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Prague and journey to the magnificent city of Vienna, renowned as the “City of Music.” Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before the option to visit the imperial Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Step inside the lavish halls filled with priceless treasures, and afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped palace gardens.

Stay for two consecutive nights at the NH Hotel Vienna or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a sightseeing tour of Vienna. Visit the golden statue of Johann Strauss, the “King of Waltz,” at the very music pavilion where he once performed. Continue along the grand Ringstrasse, passing by many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Enter through the gates of the Hofburg Palace to admire the impressive Heldenplatz (Heroes’ Square), then view the Parliament Building, City Hall, and the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, dating back to the 14th century.

Stroll through the lively pedestrian streets where you’ll have ample time to shop for world-renowned luxury brands or relax in a traditional Viennese café with coffee and pastries.

After dinner, you may opt to attend a world-class performance by the celebrated Mozart Orchestra, a highlight of Vienna’s rich musical heritage.

Stay for the second consecutive night at the NH Hotel Vienna or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport and board your international flight back to Toronto.