Eastern Capitals & the Dalmatian Riviera

(20 reviews)

From:

CAD $5,699 Was CAD $6,705

14 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

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.

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Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 31 Aug 2025

Experience Overview

From Vienna to Ljubljana and onto Dubrovnik, this grand tour takes in the natural wonders of Plitviče 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.

Highlights

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D)
13 Breakfast (B)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitviče 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.

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.

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

Insight Choice

Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitviče 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 guided exploration of Schönbrunn 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 through this two-tiered capital. Explore Donji Grad, the Lower Town, and see Ban Josip Jelačić Square and the cathedral.
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 Baščaršija. You will also see the Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated.
Sarajevo: Meet an expert on the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope and learn about the 44-month siege of the city.
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 day comes to a close and should the weather be favourable, enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik towards your celebration dinner.

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.

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Trip Details

Product Code: 19631

Tour Type: Group Tour

Accommodation: Deluxe

Transport: Private

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury

Tour Operator: Insight Vacations (CA)

Supplier Code: 50.125A

Starts: Vienna, Austria

Finishes: Dubrovnik, Croatia (Hrvatska)

Duration: 14 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Easy

Includes

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,699 ($407 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Vienna

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.

Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Exploring Stately Vienna

Join a Local Expert for a 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!

Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Maribor and Ljubljana

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.

Accommodation: Exe Lev Ljubljana
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Exploring Lovable Ljubljana Relaxed Start

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.

Accommodation: Exe Lev Ljubljana
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Zagreb’s Twin Towns Relaxed Start

Spend the morning in Slovenia during which you can join an optional visit to stunning lake Bled, or relax with locals in a nearby cafe 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. You'll then travel to St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower, take a walk back down through Stone Gate and back to the square.

Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Zagreb at Leisure Relaxed Start

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?

Accommodation: Sheraton Zagreb
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: On to Plitvice National Park Relaxed Start

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.

Accommodation: Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Along the Dalmatian Coast

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.

Accommodation: President Solin, Split
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Exploring Split Relaxed Start

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.

Accommodation: President Solin, Split
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Mostar to Sarajevo

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.

Accommodation: Europe, Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Sarajevo, the City of Culture

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. Continue along the Milajacka river and see the historic Hapsburg center of the city. In the afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure, or join an optional tour to experience the flavors of Bosnia and to visit the Latin Bridge where Austrian Crown Prince, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated.

Accommodation: Europe, Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: On to Dubrovnik

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.

Accommodation: Royal Ariston, Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Dubrovnik at Leisure Relaxed Start

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 day comes to a close, 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.

Accommodation: Royal Ariston, Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik

After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to Dubrovnik and your newfound friends as your journey comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast

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Tour Operator

Insight Vacations (CA)

Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.

In Business Since 1978

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Reviews

Mark B. - Traveled, October 2024

Great. The T D, was fantastic with her knowledge and organisational skills. The coach driver, was highly skilled, patient and engaging with his passengers while at all times remaining professional. The places we visited were interesting. The pace was okay for us 68 and 66 but older passengers may have struggled a little but no one was ever late for our departures.