29 Day Splendours Of Europe

Welcome to the Czech Republic! You’ll be met at the airport and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.

Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.

Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 6pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

You’ll have a 24-hour ticket for the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, which takes you around the city to the most important and popular sights. Choose the sights you’d like to explore at your own pace – your ticket includes a visit to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, and a boat cruise along the Vltava River.

Stop by the Old Town Square, a central location full of energy that is a great place to acquaint yourself with Prague’s beauty and charm. Some of its Gothic buildings date back to the 14th century. For dinner, you’ll find old-fashioned Czech favourites alongside contemporary options.

The architecture and ambience of Prague can’t be overstated – once you’ve seen Prague Castle shining brightly against the nighttime sky you’ll understand.

Beautiful Austria awaits. We’ll leave for Vienna this morning. On the way we’ll stop at the lovely medieval town of Český Krumlov in South Bohemia, for lunch and a walking tour with a local guide. This fairytale town was built around its grand 13th-century castle and the historic centre surrounding the castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We’ll head on to the capital of Austria. Vienna is, quite simply, a beautiful city. The art and architecture is mind-blowing. Located on the banks of the Danube, the capital of Austria has a lot to admire. Enjoy free time when we arrive. Experience Viennese charm with its majestic avenues, its palaces and the vibrant city centre.

If you’re after a foodie experience, head to the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s main food market. For a street food option, enjoy a creamy käsekrainer – a cheese, pork and beef sausage – at one of the many wurstelstands dotted around the city.

You’ll have a free morning in Vienna. Your tour leader will be on hand to help you plan the best way to spend your morning in Vienna.

Peckish? Relax in one of the many traditional coffee houses and taste some Viennese cakes. Hofzuckerbäckerei Demel – fondly known as the Demel – is the oldest cafe and bakery in Vienna and a lovely experience. With mouthwatering cakes and pastries made from centuries-old recipes, it’s the perfect spot for a strudel or scone. There is also the Sacher Cafe, famous for its Sachertorte. Austrians love this famous chocolate sponge so much there is even a National Sachertorte Day on December 5.

In the afternoon, you’ll take the metro with your group and tour the imposing Schönbrunn Palace, with a cool 1441 rooms. It’s a spectacular sight. This former summer residence of the imperial family is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts a beautiful park-like setting with its expansive, elaborate gardens.

After the tour, your public transport ticket is valid for 24 hours so you can travel around the city independently.

There are plenty more beautiful palaces to see. The Belvedere palace complex, a UNESCO site, is home to the Belvedere Museum. The two palaces here, Upper and Lower Belvedere, were constructed in the late 17th and early 18th century and sit at opposite ends of the landscaped gardens. You can tour these Baroque-style palaces, where you’ll see an impressive collection of Austrian art. The Upper Palace is home to the magnificent two-storey Marble Hall, with numerous period sculptures.

The Hofburg is arguably the most historically significant of this city’s beautiful palaces. The architecture here represents various periods, from Gothic to Baroque to Renaissance. If you want to explore this palace, it covers 59 acres with 18 groups of buildings.

Near the Hofburg, Vienna’s Museum Quarter is home to restaurants, bars and many renowned museums, like the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Art History. The Natural History Museum, with 39 exhibit halls, is known for its enormous Dinosaur Hall and its Digital Planetarium.

This morning you’ll be taken to the train station for your scenic journey to Salzburg, the city of Mozart.

On arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel and the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore this picturesque city. Whether you feel like walking, visiting a museum or the fortress, your tour leader will help you plan your afternoon. Salzburg is a tourist drawcard for Mozart and The Sound of Music fans but there is much more to do and admire.

You’ll see a lot of this charming city on your tour tomorrow, but today perhaps you could explore Hohensalzburg Fortress, a fascinating piece of history. The imposing castle sits on top of the Festungsberg Hill and can be reached by walking or cable car. You’ll see lovely, far-reaching views over Salzburg.

Discover the beautiful streets of the beautifully preserved old town centre, a UNESCO site, full of stunning Baroque architecture. Wander these narrow streets, taking in the interesting architecture, famous squares and quaint wrought-iron shop signs. The fortress and mountains beyond make for a fairytale backdrop.

Today we’ll see the sights of Salzburg and the beautiful landscapes where the opening scenes of The Sound of Music were filmed on a four-hour walking tour. Your local guide will introduce you to the background and history of the region as you trace the steps of the von Trapp family.

You’ll see Mirabell Gardens and Palace, where Maria and the children danced. Wander through the elaborate Italian Baroque-style palace gardens, famous for its mythology-themed statues, the Pegasus Fountain and the Rose Garden. You’ll have a beautiful view of Hohensalzburg Fortress. You’ll also see Nonnberg Convent, the house where the Trapp family lived in the movie, the wedding church and the gazebo where the Baron kissed Maria for the first time.

Lunch is delicious schnitzel and apfelstrudel in a traditional restaurant.

You’ll travel by train today to Innsbruck and be taken to your hotel on arrival.

The rest of the afternoon is free to explore this historic city, nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Perhaps wander the compact, colourful Old Town. Admire the Baroque-style Cathedral of St. James, or stop by nearby Gothic church The Hofkirche (Court Church) and count the 28 bronze statues of the ancestors and heroes of Austria inside.

You can take a cable car to the top of the Nordkette Mountains for stunning 360-degree views of this breathtaking mountain scenery.

Have dinner in the Golden Roof area at the Old Town, so named for the 2,657 glimmering fire-gilded copper tiles that adorn the roof of the alcove balcony – they’ve been there for over 500 years.

Your Innsbruck Card today includes admission to museums and sights. Wander the historic centre or stop by the Imperial Palace (Hofburg), a striking palace that now houses five themed museums. When you feel like unwinding, make time for the Imperial Gardens, an impressive green space in the heart of the city.

We’ll travel by private vehicle to Treviso today, gateway to Venice. We’ll leave by 9am and should arrive in Treviso by 4pm.

Welcome to Italy! Treviso is much slower paced than its popular neighbour Venice, but still boasts charm and character, with its canals, narrow streets and well-preserved 15th-century city walls and gates. Start with the main square, Piazza dei Signori, a great place to people watch. Perhaps sit and savour a Bellini – the region produces the highest-quality Prosecco.

As this is a combined trip, today your tour leader may change and new travellers may join the group. There will be a group meeting today at approximately 6pm to meet new faces and have a briefing about the itinerary for the next few days.

This morning, you’ll have a walking tour of Treviso with your local guide, before catching a train over to Venice’s main station, St. Lucia at 11am.

You’ll have a walking tour for a few hours to get acquainted with this romantic city. Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, enchanting Venice has no roads – just canals, including its famed Grand Canal thoroughfare. Given its unique architectural and cultural heritage, the city and its lagoon are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Of course, a boat cruise is a must-do. You can relax in a gondola as you’re rowed along the Grand Canal and under the stone-arch Rialto Bridge, admiring the grand palaces lining the canal.

In the afternoon, catch the train back to your accommodation.

We’ll travel to Slovenia today to explore Postojna Caves, one of the largest underground cave systems in Europe – some 24km long. You’ll find wondrous geological creations and magnificent cave formations, carved out of the limestone over millions of years. Enjoy a ride on the underground tourist train. This series of caverns, halls and passages is home to more than 150 animal species, the most famous of which is likely the olm – baby dragon!

After lunch we’ll head out to Plitvice Lakes National Park in central Croatia, to arrive in the afternoon.

After breakfast, we’ll start the day with a visit to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. Enjoy a leisurely walk around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, consisting of 16 beautifully-coloured lakes, connected by a series of waterfalls and cascades.

Then, we’ll have lunch and make our way to Split, a journey of approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. This is a buzzing city on the Dalmatian coast. Around here the locals say pomalo for a greeting – it means take it easy.

As this is a combined trip, you may welcome new travellers into your touring group.

Enjoy a guided walking tour this morning. After a stroll around you’ll understand why some Game of Thrones scenes were filmed here. The old city is a must-see, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a city within a city: the wonderfully-preserved 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace, built for the Roman emperor. This renowned site is a sprawling treasure trove of history – original Roman streets, marble-tiled Pjaca Square and a host of Renaissance architectural delights.

The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – visit a konoba (traditional tavern) to get a real feel for the local cuisine. Have a coffee or simply wander along the Riva, a bustling waterfront space in front of Diocletian’s Palace. It’s the heart of the city, a popular place to socialise and take in the atmosphere.

Art buffs will enjoy the Ivan Meštrović Gallery, dedicated to the work of this celebrated local 20th-century sculptor. Or, visit the Ethnographic Museum for a deeper insight into Croatian culture and tradition.

The Cathedral of Saint Domnius (originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman emperor Diocletian) and its iconic 13th-century bell tower are hard to miss. One ticket covers entrance to the cathedral, crypt and bell tower. You can climb the steps all the way to the top of the bell tower for spectacular views.

Get out of the bustling city and hike to Marjan Hill – this forested area has a great viewpoint of the old city. It’s about one hour there and back at a relaxed pace.

Your tour leader can help you book an olive oil tasting at a local restaurant. Many of the olive trees were cut down in the 19th century to make room for more vineyards on the islands – despite this, production and traditions endure today and the region produces some fine olive oils.

Early this morning we’ll board a catamaran and navigate these vivid blue Adriatic waters to reach the neighbouring island of Hvar.

Hvar – a favourite among celebrities and the jet set crowd – is the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic, known for lavish lavender fields and breathtaking beauty. It’s a stylish, glamorous, upmarket destination; just look at the yachts docked at the harbour.

The striking Spanjola Fortress is worth a visit for perfect views. Built to protect Hvar and the port, it’s situated on a hill above Hvar town. The fortress itself is now a museum of local history. The Baroque-style Cathedral of St. Stephen presides over the main square of Hvar town, a great spot for people watching.

In the evening Hvar lives up to its reputation as a party island, offering an abundance of entertainment open long into the night. Cocktail bars, seafood restaurants, beach clubs, cafes along the waterfront ripe for people watching. It’s all here.

We’ll head to the island of Vis this morning, once a strategic naval base and closed to the public for decades. Due to this isolation, Vis has a special untouched charm, like “the Mediterranean as it once was”. It’s not only incredibly picturesque – think red rooftops, lush green scenery and the brilliant blue little bay – it also has a rich history given its strong military roots. It’s a fascinating oasis.

We’ll visit the small fishing town of Komiza before heading to the next stop, the small island Biševo. Here you’ll have a chance to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon. The iridescent blue colour of the water is a marvel.

We’ll make a few more stops for swimming, relaxing and sunbathing before heading back to Hvar.

Please note: Due to the unpredictable nature of ocean conditions, entrance to the blue cave is not included, and can be paid on the spot if you wish to visit.

In the morning, we’ll travel by catamaran to Korčula Island, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to the small village of Lumbarda, where you’ll stay tonight.

In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to Korčula’s enchanting Old Town, tucked away behind massive walls on a tiny peninsula. One of the best preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean, it really is a living piece of history. A fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korčula Old Town to reduce the effects of wind and sun and provide sheltered and comfortable accommodation. It’s small and compact so easy to walk around, and is often referred to as ‘Little Dubrovnik’. As you explore the narrow, winding streets connected by stone steps you’ll notice the Venetian influence reflected in the architecture.

In the evening we’ll head back to our accommodation.

Lumbarda boasts a strong history of viticulture – they’ve been making wine here for more than 2,000 years and this fertile area is renowned for its unique white variety called Grk. With your group, you’ll visit a local winery today for a tasting.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the small, but sandy, local beaches.

You’ll be taken to the port of Korcula today to head to Dubrovnik, a medieval delight set between cobalt seas and the rugged Dinaric Alps

The special charm of this ancient harbour town is the buildings that have remained since its time of the old Dubrovnik Republic, enclosed by massive 16th-century defensive stone walls.

You’ll be transferred to your hotel to settle then, then you can take the local bus from the hotel to take a walking tour of old Dubrovnik. Discover lively promenades and narrow lanes lined with churches, monasteries, shops and cafes.

As this is a combined trip, some of your fellow travellers may finish their journey today.

You’ll have the day free before boarding a ferry in the evening.

Take the three-minute cable car from the Old Town to the summit of Mount Srđ for the best views. For those keen, we recommend a walk on top of the city walls – it’s a great way to see the sights and it takes about two hours. Walk across the Pile Gate’s drawbridge and get lost in the buzz of the limestone-paved Stradun, the beautiful main street.

You’ll have your own room on this overnight ferry to head back to Italy – your cabin is a twin-bed cabin with two single beds. These rooms are simple but comfortable, with ensuite facilities.

Please note: Meals onboard the ferry are available but not included as they can only be paid at the canteen. Dinner costs approximately EUR 42 and breakfast EUR 6.5 per person. Please be aware the quality of food may not be what you are accustomed to on this tour – we strongly recommend bringing your favourite snacks and drinks with you.

Welcome back to Italy! You’ll wake up in Bari, a charming port city in southern Italy’s Puglia region.

On arrival in port, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and the day is yours to relax and explore this charming city. There will be an orientation walk with your tour leader to help you get your bearings.

Being part of the Puglia region, the food here is delightful – great olive oil, great cheeses, orecchiette pasta, and given the location, good seafood is a given.

Today enjoy a day touring nearby Matera, an interesting hillside city that is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. It’s famous for its incredible landscapes thanks to the sassi – the word literally means stones – an extensive complex of cave dwellings carved into the mountainside. These prehistoric caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s a truly fascinating experience wandering these ancient neighbourhoods.

We’ll discover the small town of Alberobello today, famous for its distinctive trulli filling the landscape. These traditional dwellings, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This morning you’ll be taken to the train station to travel to Naples. Framed by Mount Vesuvius along a dramatic skyline, this 2800 year-old port city is full of historical sites, churches, and museums that make it a fascinating place for you to explore.

Upon arrival, you’ll head to your hotel to settle in. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace, or join your guide for an orientation walk.

Your tour leader is on hand to help you plan your day and arrange activities in Naples so you can explore at your own pace.

Naples, with its historic city center deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has several important archeological sites and landmarks. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli for a world-class collection of Greek and Roman artifacts.

If you’d like to venture a little deeper, then exploring Naples from below the ground is a must. Start with a trip into the basement of the San Lorenzo Maggiore church where you’ll find a partially excavated Roman market and a little deeper, just below the Roman ruins, you’ll find remnants from the Greeks to discover.

In the region where pizza was first invented, you know the food is going to be incredible. Whether you’re looking for a thin, wood-fired Margherita pie, spaghetti alle vongole or a zeppole dusted with icing sugar, the bountiful edible treasures of Naples are sure to please.

We’ll spend the day discovering the most beautiful and charming villages along the famed Amalfi Coast, a spectacular stretch of dramatic mountainous coast that has managed to retain its character and charm despite its popularity.

This quintessential Mediterranean setting is, quite simply, jaw-dropping. From the sherbet-hued houses of upmarket Positano, to Ravello perched high in the hills above the sea and the historic gem Sorrento on the other side of the peninsula, this is a mesmerising part of the world.

Today you’ll board a train to Rome, Italy’s capital.

Upon arrival you’ll be taken to your hotel and the afternoon is free for you to wander the cobblestone piazzas and streets.

You’ll have a one-day ticket on the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus to get around and choose which sights you’d like to see.

Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art and religious iconography. Visit iconic symbols of Imperial Rome; the ancient 50,000-seat Colosseum and the Roman Forum. See the large sunny square Piazza Venezia, the central hub of Rome, or Capitoline Hill, the smallest of the seven hills of ancient Rome.

In Vatican City, visit the Vatican Museums and gaze upon the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel.

While you’re here see St Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church. The Pantheon, easily the best-preserved building from ancient Rome, is an architectural wonder.

Culinary delights abound here. Authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato.

It’s a free day for you in Rome today. Your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time you first used it yesterday.

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your European adventure comes to an end. After checking out of your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.

Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.

Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!