Imperial Cities of Europe – 8 Countries

Day 1: Arrival in Belgrade

Upon arrival in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, you will be welcomed by your driver and escorted to your hotel. On the short coach ride from the Nikola Tesla airport, sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of New Belgrade with its prominent ‘blocks’ – a classic example of Socialist architecture, built after World War II – and modern business centers, including the imposing Ušće Tower. Along the way, your driver will show you and tell some stories about the Western Gate of Belgrade, the famous Belgrade Arena, and the monumental Palace of Serbia. Check-in at your hotel. Use your free time to rest and prepare for the trip.

You will be informed about a brief meeting when your guide will present themselves and provide all the necessary information regarding the tour. Overnight.

🏚️ Accommodation: Royal Inn 4* / Hotel Life Design 4* / Hotel Prag 4* or similar.

Day 2: Belgrade Sightseeing

After breakfast, you will embark on a tour (driving and walking) around Belgrade, a capital city well known for its various architectural styles, dynamic history, and fantastic views of one of the biggest river confluences in the whole of Europe. Start the tour by visiting the Temple of Saint Sava, Belgrade’s patron saint. Very much a symbol of the city, this impressive building can be seen from any part of the capital. After a short break at the Temple’s plateau, the panoramic tour will then take you from Slavija Square to Saint Mark’s Church, the Serbian National Parliament, and White Palace, and on to Republic Square. This most central point of Belgrade is surrounded by such cultural institutions as the National Theatre and National Museum. The tour will then head along the lively Knez Mihailo Street, the main pedestrian, and shopping zone, before stopping for a visit to the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, which is located just across from the Building of Patriarchate. Your guide will tell you about the tavern around the corner, the oldest in the city and intriguingly known as “?” (Question Mark), before continuing on to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, the most important cultural-historic complex of the city, situated on the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube.

Optional excursions – Belgrade rivers cruise and Zemun and Skadarlia Bohemian night, are available on this day. For more details, please read the ‘Optional’ info box below the itinerary.

🏚️ Accommodation: Royal Inn 4* / Hotel Life Design 4* / Hotel Prag 4* or similar.

Day 3: Belgrade – Novi Sad – Zvonko Bogdan Winery – Budapest

Breakfast. Today you will explore the most interesting sights of Vojvodina, a province in the north of Serbia. First stop: Novi Sad. The 2021 European Capital of Culture, this multi-cultural city is famous as the home of EXIT, the biggest musical festival in south-eastern Europe. On a sightseeing tour around the city, you will walk around the city’s pedestrian zone, past the City Hall, a Catholic church, the old city center, the former house of Albert Einstein’s wife Mileva, the cultural foundation Matica Srpska and a synagogue. Then you’ll follow the right bank of Danube and visit Petrovaradin, or the so-called ‘Danube’s Gibraltar’, where the fortress is located. On the place where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Danube and the entire city, you will have time to take lunch in a wonderful ambiance.

After a leisurely drive through the Pannonian Plain, you will reach the pearl of secessionist architecture, the Zvonko Bogdan Winery. The magnificent building, which clearly points to the almost inevitable blend of wine and art, was built in the style of the traditional architecture of the nearby town of Subotica. During a one-hour guided tour, pay attention to different works of art displayed in the winery and enjoy tasting three different wines made from grapes from the Palic vineyard.

Drive to Budapest. Check-in at the hotel.

🏚️ Accommodation: Hotel Expo Congress 4*/ Hotel Danubius Arena 4* / Hotel Hungaria City Center 4*/ or similar.

‌‌‌‌‌‌Day 4: Budapest Sightseeing // Leisure Day

After breakfast, you will set off on a tour (walking and driving) around Budapest. With a unique, youthful atmosphere, a world-class classical music scene as well as a pulsating nightlife and, last but not least, an exceptionally rich offering of natural thermal baths, Budapest is one of Europe’s most delightful and enjoyable cities. Due to its scenic setting and its architecture, it is nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East. Thanks to their cultural and architectural significance, the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Budapest sightseeing tour will show you all the major landmarks of the city: Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, the Castle District with Matias Church, the Fishermen’s Bastion with the beautiful panoramic views, Gellért Hill (Citadel) with the most spectacular view of Budapest, Elisabeth Bridge, the Central Market Hall, the largest synagogue in Europe, the City Park, Heroes’ Square with statues of the most famous Hungarian kings and dukes, the Opera House, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and many others.

Optional excursion – Danube cruise is available on this day. For more details, please read the ‘Optional’ info box below the itinerary.

🏚️ Accommodation: Hotel Expo Congress 4*/ Hotel Danubius Arena 4* / Hotel Hungaria City Center 4*/ or similar.

Day 5: Budapest – Vienna

Breakfast. Drive to Vienna with expected arrival around noon.

Visiting Vienna is an architectural dream! You cannot help but be impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of some of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The sightseeing tour starts with buildings and attractions within Ringstrasse, which are excellent examples of 16th and 17th-century architecture. After passing the old university, your attention will be caught by Vienna City Hall, a building in the neo-Gothic style. The Parliament building, Burgtheater, Naturhistorisches Museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Hofburg Imperial Palace all give you the impression that you are traveling through history. Walking along the main pedestrian street, you will see the newer and renovated part of Vienna, before you reach Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, the most important Gothic structure in Austria. Continuing along the street from Stephenplatz, right after Hotel Sacher and the famous Albertina museum, you will stumble upon the impressive Vienna State Opera, considered one of the most important Opera houses in the world and the home of the famous Vienna Opera Ball.

In the afternoon and evening, use your free time to explore the city further, or visit some of its great museums, or try the famous Wiener Schnitzel and other local specialties in one of the many traditional restaurants.

🏚️ Accommodation: Hotel Renaissance Wien 4* / Hotel Austria Trend Doppio 4* / Hotel Best Western Plus Amedia 4* or similar.

Day 6: Schönbrunn Palace – Bratislava – Prague

Breakfast. Visiting the royal city of Vienna one day is not enough! Start your second day in Vienna with a visit to the astonishing Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most important architectural and historical landmarks in all of Austria, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the palace and its gardens spans over 300 years and reflects the changing tastes and aspirations of Austria’s monarchy. While you are visiting the former imperial summer residence, you can feel how the imperial family once lived. At the end of the tour, you will have time to take a stroll through the palace labyrinth gardens or to enjoy a cup of original Viennese coffee and a piece of delicious apple strudel.

In the afternoon, Bratislava is waiting for you. Start the tour with a visit to the most important and historical sights of the city, such as the Presidential Palace, Eurovea – the modern city center, the National Theatre, the Art Nouveau church, and others. The tour will stop at Bratislava Castle for you to take pictures, as well as at the Slavín memorial monument, which not only highlights the tragedy of war but also offers fantastic views.

Drive to Prague. Check-in at the hotel.

Optional excursion – Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna: Grand tour of Staterooms is available on this day. For more details, please read the ‘Optional’ info box below the itinerary.

🏚️ Accommodation: Clarion Congress 4* / Hotel Dorint Don Giovanni 4* / Hotel U Divadla 4* or similar.

Day 7: Prague Sightseeing // Leisure Day

Breakfast. Prague – a European city of culture, the Golden City, the City of a Hundred Towers – is a magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold towers, and church domes, situated on the river Vltava. It has the best-preserved medieval town center in Europe and all the attributes of one of the most modern European cities. Start your sightseeing at Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), the most popular attraction and officially the largest ancient castle in the world. Within its walls lies a varied and fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums, and galleries. Listen to interesting stories and walk around Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of Saint George, and other historical gems inside the walls. Before heading down to the old city, you will stop at two viewpoints with amazing views over Prague. Below the castle, cross the amazing Charles Bridge and feel like you are in a medieval storybook. Wander through the small, charming streets of the old town until you arrive at Old Town Square, the location of the Town Hall and Astronomical Clock, one of the oldest clocks in the world and a symbol of Prague.

Optional excursion – Vltava cruise with dinner is available on this day. For more details, please read the ‘Optional’ info box below the itinerary.

🏚️ Accommodation: Clarion Congress 4* / Hotel Dorint Don Giovanni 4* / Hotel U Divadla 4* or similar.

Day 8: Prague – Regensburg – Munich

Breakfast. Drive to Regensburg, one of the top 10 sights and travel attractions in Germany. The medieval center of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testimony of the city’s status as the cultural center of southern Germany in the middle Ages. The old stone bridge over the Danube, the cathedral and Krauterermarkt square with the Collegiate Church of Saint John, the Cathedral Treasury Museum, Heuport house, and the historic Adler Pharmacy are Regensburg’s most significant architectural landmarks.

The evening is reserved for Munich, famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture, and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration. Germany’s unofficial southern capital, proud of its pretzels, BMW and football club Bayern Munich, is considered the most liveable city in Germany. Walking around the center of the city, you will see some world-class sights and typical Munich architecture with alpine influence. Sights on your tour include the Pinakotheken art museums, the world-famous Hofbrauhaus, the National Theatre with the Royal Palace, Marienplatz, and the Viktualien market with its colorful outdoor stalls and many others. Hotel check-in and overnight.

🏚️ Accommodation: Residence Inn by Marriot City East 4* / Leonardo Munich City Olympiapark 4* / Courtyard by Marriott City East 4* or similar.

Day 9: Munich – Salzburg – Hallstatt – Villach

Breakfast. Continue your journey with a visit to Salzburg, a cultural hub of Austria, famous as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Its picturesque old town with its world-famous Baroque architecture is one of the best-preserved city centers in the German-speaking world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing walk with your guide, listen to unheard stories, and see the Mirabell Gardens, Mozarteum – a music academy, the Marionette, and Regional Theatres, Markart Square, Blasius Church, Mozart’s Square… and many more! Make the most of your time in the city by taking a walk along the Salzach River or climbing up to the Hohensalzburg fortress, and don’t forget to try the popular Mozartkugeln, chocolate-covered marzipan balls inspired by the famous composer, Salzburg’s most famous son, Mozart.

The next stop in Austria will be the breathtaking village of Hallstatt. With pastel-colored houses that cast shimmering reflections onto the glassy waters of the lake and with towering mountains on all sides, Hallstatt’s beauty alone would be enough to guarantee its fame. Boats chug tranquility across the lake from the train station to the village, situated precariously on a narrow stretch of land between mountain and shore. Until the 19th century, the beautiful Austrian village of Hallstatt was accessible only by boat or mountain trail. Today, this beautiful village is easily accessible and willing to show its main attractions: the Kalvarienberg Church, Market Square, numerous archaeological artifacts, Hallstatt Museum, The Charnel House in Michael’s Chapel with 1200 skulls, among others.

The small Austrian tour will be finished with an evening visit to Villach, the second-largest Austrian city, well known for its legendary carnival. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, close to one of the crossroads of central Europe, the city attracts many visitors. In this so-called walker’s paradise, you will see Villach Main Square with Trinity Column, Holy Cross Church, the Parish Church of Saint Jacob, and many others. Hotel check-in and overnight.

🏚️ Accommodation: Hotel City 4* / Hotel Mosser 4* / Globo Plaza 4* or similar.

Day 10: Villach – Bled – Ljubljana – Otocec – Zagreb

Breakfast. Start the Slovenian daily tour with a visit to Bled. This alpine lake with its beautiful island (the most photographed sight in Slovenia) has been a world-renowned paradise for centuries, impressing visitors with its natural beauty, a wealth of legend, and reported special powers believed to help restore wellbeing. You will get to try the famous Bled cream cake and rest your soul looking at the picture-postcard in front of you – emerald green mountain lake that is decorated with island and a church in the center of it, and the medieval castle on top of the rocky cliff, which reflects in the lake in order to complete this lifelong memory.

Proceed to Ljubljana, the magical capital of Slovenia that boasts real charm and a great cultural scene. You will be led along the riverfront to the city’s beautiful cultural landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, the medieval town square “Mestni Trg” and Robba’s Fountain, as well as the picturesque Central open-air market and the Triple Bridge. After the tour, you will have free time to take lunch on the banks of the romantic Ljubljanica River.

On your way to another capital, Zagreb, you will make a stop at Otočec Castle. A jewel rising above the misty Krka River, this landmark is the only water castle in Slovenia and the surrounding area, and the short break here will refresh you. Continue on the drive to Zagreb. Hotel check-in and overnight.

🏚️ Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton 4* / Hotel International 4* / Hotel Palace 4* or similar.

Day 11: Zagreb – Indjija – Belgrade

Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Zagreb, a small gem of European culture and civilization located in the heart of the continent, touring the city’s main attractions: Kaptol (the medieval part of Zagreb), the Franciscan monastery, and the 13th century Church of Saint Francis. You will also get the chance to walk around Dolac, Zagreb’s best-known farmers’ market, and admire the baroque architecture of the 18th century Church of Saint Mary. The tour will end in the heart of Zagreb, at Ban Josip Jelačić’s monument in the square named after him.

On your way back to Belgrade, you will visit Fashion Park Outlet, the biggest retail shopping center in Serbia. With 65 famous brand stores, you will find quality footwear, apparel, jeans, and fashion accessories with discounts of up to 70%, as well as restaurants, cafés, and an amusement park. This will be your last chance for shopping on the tour so it is a great time to snap up some bargains. Arrival in Belgrade. Hotel check-in and overnight.

🏚️ Accommodation: Royal Inn 4* / Hotel Life Design 4* / Hotel Prag 4* or similar.

Day 12: Departure

Breakfast and hotel check-out. As most of our clients decide to extend their trip within their own organization, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like Serbia Tour Operator to organize a departure transfer on their behalf are welcome to contact us. End of services.