Zagreb, Slovenia, Austrian Alps, Salzburg

3-Day Tour

Our tour of European capitals continues as we head from Budapest for a short visit to Zagreb, Croatia, and Ljubljana, Slovenia. Both of these Balkan countries are former members of Yugoslavia. Slovenia, however, with it's setting in the Julian Alps and close proximity to Austria, has always been more Central European than Balkan and Croatia has become a tourist mecca with its nearly 3,600 miles of shoreline along the blue Adriatic Sea, many islands, beautiful cities, and Roman ruins!

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a combination between Eastern and Western Europe. Our tour will include the medieval Upper Town with its interesting architecture, large buildings, and landmark churches.

Ljubljana, in tiny Slovenia (pop. 1.97 million), is probably not a well-known European capital for many. However, this lovely town in alpine Slovenia shouldn't be missed! We will see the historic Old Town on the banks of the Ljubljanica River, cross the Triple Bridge, and visit Ljubljana castle!

Note: At this point our very popular 2-day tour to Venice, Italy is available. Please see description below.

Early next morning we're off to the Julian Alps to visit Bled and its mountain scenery, dramatic castle, and emerald-green alpine lake. We then leave lovely Slovenia to visit its big sister to the north, Austria!

Nothing can prepare you for Hohe Tauern National Park or for the site of 12,457 ft. Mt. Grossglockner, the highest peak in Austria! This national park in the Austrian Alps contains some of the most incredible sights in Europe including: towering peaks, verdant valleys, alpine lakes, fields of edelweiss, glaciers, and unique flora and fauna. Hohe Tauern is also the largest national park in Europe!

What makes things so special for visitors is the Grossglockner road which transverses the majestic Alps in Hohe Tauern National Park rising to a height of 8,202 feet. This is what you've always dreamed the Alps to be and is Austria at its best!

Note: At this point an optional 2-day tour to lovely Innsbruck, Austria and the unforgettable Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, including a crossing of the Barvarian Alps, is available! Please see description below.

Coming down from the dizzying heights of the Austrian Alps our tour doesn't slow down as we take you to the musical city of Salzburg - home of Mozart and sight of the filming of The Sound of Music!

Salzburg takes second place only to Vienna as tourists stream here to take in the architecture and musical atmosphere under the watchful gaze of the Festung Hohensalzburg fortress high above the city. Sit back, relax, and watch horse drawn carriages go by while sipping a coffee and enjoying Mozartkugeln, the town's famous chocolate!

Day three will begin with a tour of the Festung Hohensalzburg fortress including spectacular views of the city from on high. And what would a trip to Salzburg be without visiting the Mozart-Wohnhaus where the great composer lived and worked? After a hearty Austrian meal we'll spend time just roaming around the narrow streets of Salzburg, a sight in itself!

The Sound of Music was filmed in and around Salzburg in 1964. For those interested, there are Sound of Music tours available and we offer the option of participating in one of these tours (prior notice required).

Note: At this point an optional 2-day tour to Munich, Germany and Dachau concentration camp is available. Please see description below.

This three-day whirlwind tour will leave you wanting to see more of what this part of Europe has to offer - so why stop here? We offer several extensions to our Expanded South tour detailed below.

2-Day Venice, Italy

Venice… just saying the word conjures up images of gondolas, canals, romantic sights and experiences, beautiful architecture, and an altogether unforgettable experience. And Venice doesn't disappoint! We'll have two days to explore La Serenissima, plenty of time for you to fall in love with the “Queen of the Seas!”

Romantic Venice!

Venice is a floating city made up of many islands. No cars are allowed and so we will be exploring the city by foot (get your walking shoes ready!) and by boat. The Grand Canal curves its way through Venice and a trip down its length is a must just for the stunning rococo, Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance architecture and palaces. Hundreds of canals carve their way through Venice and romantic gondolas are everywhere. This unique experience can't be beat!

Entering Piazza Di San Marco (St. Mark's Square) is a once in a lifetime experience. Surrounded by the stunning architecture and the incredible St. Mark's Basilica you'll wonder if it can really get any better than this…that is, if you can see through the thousands of pigeons which fly about vying for the seeds purchased by the mass of tourists visiting this amazing place!

Venice is a unique place and we'll spend time just traipsing around the city, shopping, sampling the local food and drink, soaking in the atmosphere, and having a blast! It's a trip you'll never forget.

2-Day Innsbruck and Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

The mountain scenery continues as we make our way to Innsbruck, passing through the stunning Zillertal Valley and classic Austrian countryside; get your camera ready! There is much to see in this area and we may have a surprise or two for you along the way!

Innsbruck's Altstadt (Old Town) alone makes a visit here worthwhile but the mountain backdrop which surrounds the city makes it a site to behold. You won't wonder why this city was host to the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976!

A nice stroll through Innsbruck is a must followed by a hearty Austrian meal! After we are refreshed (and probably a little sleepy) from our big lunch we will hit the road, this time making our way to Austria's big brother to the north, Germany. Germany is a large country with so much to do you could easily spend a month here and not see it all. So since we have only one day, why not see one of Germany's number one tourist attractions, the fairy-tale like Neuschwanstein Castle?!

The Neuschwanstein Castle is generally recognized as the finest castle in the world, and rightfully so! The inauspicious road which takes you to this castle hides its secret well. But when the castle suddenly appears, it takes your breath away. Your excitement builds on the 15-minute walk up to the castle as you catch glimpses of it through the trees. Or maybe you would prefer to relax and be whisked up the hill by a horse-drawn carriage.

Walt Disney is said to have designed his Fantasyland Castle after the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is no surprise as the castle seems to be something out of a fairy tale. Designed by the slightly mad Kind Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein castle reflects his obsession with swans and Wagnerian operas.

Many castles in Europe are in ruins or are neglected, but not Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle is in pristine condition and a tour of the castle will most certainly remain one of the most vivid memories of your unforgettable tour of Europe.

2-Day Munich, Germany and Dachau concentration camp

Munich is Bavaria's capital and is an attractive, laid-back city known for its museums, Oktoberfest, and beer! It also contains many parks and green spaces including the Englischer Garten, one of the largest city parks in Europe. Due to time constraints, our itinerary in Munich will be based on your personal preferences.

On day two we will visit Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp, built in March, 1933. This sobering visit highlights the plight of 200,000 Jews, political prisoners, and other 'undesirables' sent here by the Third Reich. Over 30,000 people died here. Dachau is a very moving experience.