Highlights Of Austria, Slovenia And Croatia

Waltz your way through Vienna, the 'City of Music' – a fitting introduction to an unforgettable At Leisure journey through some of Europe's most enchanting landscapes. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of the city's dazzling sights.

Soak up the elegance and style of this imperial capital. Your Local Specialist will share such iconic sights as the Opera House, Parliament, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the 13th-century Hofburg Palace, at the heart of Vienna. Explore the narrow lanes of 'Am Hof' before spending time at leisure immersing yourself in the Kaffee culture of the city, or perhaps join an Optional Experience to nearby Bratislava. This evening, you could choose to indulge in Vienna's intoxicating musical scene, attending a classical music concert hosted in one of the city's halls, churches or palaces.

We journey south via the breath-taking Loibl Pass to Slovenia and the rustic natural retreat of Lake Bled, set against the backdrop of forests and mountains. Consider joining an Optional Experience to visit the mystical Bled Island and admire Lake Bled's crystal clear waters. Later, we travel to Ljubljana where we stay for two nights.

A Local Specialist will share some of the Ljubljana's most iconic sights, including the Cathedral, Three Bridges Square and Castle. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Travel south across the Croatian border to the exquisite Plitvice Lakes National Park, where you will enjoy a Make Travel Matter® Experience and join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour along the wooden pathways suspended over mesmerizing natural landscapes. As you absorb the irresistible beauty of as many as 16 upper and lower lakes and caves that are all magically connected by waterfalls, you'll see first-hand why this is justifiably one of Croatia's most beloved places and an important natural treasure that deserves to be preserved for generations to come.

Today, we travel to Croatia's sun-kissed Dalmatian coast to the city of Split. Here, we'll meet our Local Specialist and Dive Into Culture on a tour of the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, a veritable fortress built as the would-be retreat for the 4th-century Roman Emperor after which it is named. View the Cathedral and Baptistery of Split, once the Temple of Jupiter, before traveling to the glamorous island of Hvar for a relaxing three-night stay.

Set your watch to island time and enjoy a leisurely guided walking tour with a Local Specialist to Hvar's Old Town. See the 16th-century Cathedral and loggia built by famed Venetian architect, Sanmicheli. Explore the peace of a village where time has stood still and Connect With Locals over lunch cooked in a traditional style under an iron bell at our exclusive Be My Guest experience. Savor the heavenly flavors of locally produced ingredients against the backdrop of the vivid-blue Adriatic before returning to Hvar for an evening at leisure.

Restore your spirit, relaxing in beautiful surrounds on this full free day to do as you wish. Explore the gorgeous rocky coastline on foot or join an Optional Experience taking in the island's sights and tastes, with a stop at one of Europe's oldest settlements, Stari Grad.

Journey south along the picture-perfect Dalmatian coast, past seaside villages to the medieval city of Dubrovnik – its terracotta rooftops, fortified walls and white limestone façades almost tumble into the waters of the Adriatic.

Wander within the solid city walls on a Small Group Sightseeing tour. Your Local Specialist unveils the labyrinth of lanes and main sights of this medieval city. Admire the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, before spending time on your own, perhaps soaking up intoxicating seafood flavors at a seaside restaurant or enjoying the lively atmosphere of a local market. This evening, we enjoy a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.

Spend the day on your terms exploring the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. Tread in the footsteps of Lord Byron and George Bernard Shaw, who were intoxicated by the allure of Dubrovnik. Climb the medieval ramparts, imagining a time when Dubrovnik fought for its freedom against Ottoman attacks. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to Montenegro to see the incredible Bay of Kotor.

We leave the splendor of Dubrovnik behind as we head north to the Croatian capital of Zagreb, our home for the next two nights. This evening we dine at our hotel.

Join a Local Specialist this morning for an exploration of the Upper and Lower Towns of this traditional medieval city. See the majestic Cathedral, the Opera House and St. Mark's Church, with its colorfully tiled roof. The afternoon is yours to stroll through the Old Town, twirling your umbrella as you ramble along its hidden lanes, or consider an Optional Experience to Kumrovec in the countryside. This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner celebration with our newfound friends and Travel Director.

Our time together has come to an end. Bid your travel companions a fond farewell at the end of a memorable at leisure holiday together. Transfers are available to Zagreb Airport. Conditions apply.