Europe private tour (MAC001) 6 Balkan Countries

Today we welcome you at Vienna Airport, then take you to visit Schonbrunn Palace. You will explore all 40 state rooms of Schonbrunn Palace, the largest Rococo architectural complex in Austria and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the lavish interior decor of each room in Schonbrunn Palace, which once served as the imperial residence of Emperor Franz Joseph, Empress Maria Theresa, and numerous Austrian rulers.

Afterward, explore the historic Old Town, Vienna State Opera, the Parliament building, and Stadtpark.

When ready, depart for Graz, covering a distance of 200 kilometers in approximately 2 hours.

Graz is a historic city with a long heritage, ranking as Austria's second-largest city after Vienna.

Explore the beautifully preserved Old Town, which suffered minimal damage during World War II and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Ride the funicular up to Schlossberg, a fortress perched on a hill. Visit the central Hauptplatz square, see the City Hall (Rathaus) and the Erzherzog Johann Fountain, an area bustling with inviting shops and restaurants.

hotel Overnight Graz, Austria · example hotel Centro Hotel Strasser ***

Depart for Bled, Slovenia, covering a distance of 215 kilometers in approximately 2.5 hours. Visit Lake Bled, home to a romantic church set in the middle of the lake. It is Slovenia's most celebrated and beautiful warm-water lake. Legend has it that in the 19th century, an ill man came to heal using the waters of Lake Bled and made a full recovery, making Lake Bled internationally famous.

Visit Bled Castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia. Take a boat out to Bled Island in the middle of the lake, where the Gothic Church of the Assumption of Mary stands. Tradition says that couples marrying here must have the groom carry the bride up all 99 steps to the church before ringing The Wishing Bell inside for good fortune.

Afterward, journey to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, located 54 kilometers away. This charming, compact city has it all—mountains, rivers, streams, caves, bridges, forests, castles, and much more.

See the Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most), crowned at each end with iconic dragon statues crossing the Ljubljanica river. Visit Preseren Square and explore Ljubljana Castle, set atop a 376-meter hill. Originally an ancient fortress standing for hundreds of years, it now welcomes over 1 million visitors annually. The view from above offers a stunning panorama of the entire city, easily accessible via the funicular railway. Afterward, stroll through Town Square, home to St. Nicholas Cathedral, distinguished by its green dome and twin bell towers rising above the city roofline.

hotel Overnight Ljubljana, Slovenia · example hotel Vila Teslova ***

Today, let's explore a cave over half a million years old! Depart from Ljubljana and travel 53 kilometers to visit Postojna Cave, the largest and most spectacular show cave in Europe, and the only cave in the world featuring an underground electric train system. Admire the breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites inside. Just a short drive away, visit Predjama Castle, located 10 kilometers from the cave. Dating back over 800 years, it is the only preserved cave castle in Europe, dramatically built into a cliffside cave entrance.

Afterward, continue toward coastal Rovinj, Croatia, covering a distance of 140 kilometers in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Explore the historic Old Town perched on a peninsula jutting out into the sea. Visit the historic Church of St. Euphemia standing gracefully in the Old Town. Walk up the hill of the Old Town for sweeping views over the Adriatic coast, bustling harbors filled with yachts, and surrounding islands.

hotel Overnight Rovinj, Croatia · example hotel Villa Monsena ****

Today, head to Pula, just 36 kilometers away, taking less than an hour to arrive. As the largest city on the Istrian peninsula, Pula boasts numerous well-preserved ancient Roman structures, and fossilized dinosaur footprints have even been discovered here.

Visit the Pula Amphitheatre, remarkably reminiscent of Rome's Colosseum. It is the sixth-largest surviving Roman arena and uniquely scenic as it sits right beside the Adriatic Sea. See the Gate of Hercules and Pula Forum, then admire the ancient Temple of Augustus.

In the afternoon, travel 100 kilometers to Opatija, a charming seaside resort town known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." See the iconic Maiden with the Seagull statue, the beloved symbol of the town.

Next, continue to Lika, the region home to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Relax here for the evening to get ready for exploring Croatia's most famous national park tomorrow.

hotel Overnight Lika, Cratia · example hotel Pansion Winnetou ***

Today, immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes National Park, the oldest and largest national park in Croatia, celebrated for its cascading lakes. Inside the park, there are plenty of activities tailored to your preferences: walking along scenic nature trails, admiring waterfalls, rowing on the lake, or hiking around all 16 interconnected lakes (be sure to complete your activities within the day, as overnight stays inside the park are not permitted). Stroll along the wooden boardwalks encircling the crystal-clear lakes and marvel at the majestic Big Waterfall (Veliki Slap).

Afterward, journey to Zadar, the historic former capital of Dalmatia. Explore Zadar's central square, visit the ancient Church of Saint Simeon, and see the Roman Forum, the largest across the eastern Adriatic coast. Admire St. Donatus Church, the largest Byzantine church in Dalmatia, and St. Anastasia Cathedral.

Next, unwind along the waterfront with unique music performed entirely by nature at the Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje). Built into a 230-foot marble staircase along the sea, it features 35 underwater organ pipes. As waves roll in and out through the submerged steps, varying musical tones resonate to the rhythm of the wind and waves. This spot is also celebrated as one of the most beautiful sunset viewpoints in the world.

Today, also visit Trogir, traveling 130 kilometers in about 1.5 hours. Trogir is a historic Croatian gem designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Admire its timeless medieval architecture and explore the limestone Kamerlengo Castle and Kamerlengo Fortress.

In the afternoon, continue to Split, just 28 kilometers away. Visit Diocletian's Palace, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Enter through the historic Golden Gate into the central peristyle connecting various palace quarters.

Explore the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Venus, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius harmoniously clustered together, and admire St. Duje Cathedral, featuring an exquisite bell tower that stands as the city's iconic landmark.

7 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Today, set out for Dubrovnik, covering a distance of 229 kilometers in approximately 3 hours.

Dubrovnik is a historic walled city affectionately known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," renowned for its harmonious town planning. Explore the Old Town of Dubrovnik, encircled by towering ancient stone walls stretching 2 kilometers along the coastline. This historic quarter is also famous as a prominent filming location for Game of Thrones.

Enter through the historic Pile Gate, watched over by the statue of Saint Blaise, the city's patron saint. See the Large Onofrio's Fountain, visit the Cathedral Treasury (Dubrovnik Cathedral), admire the historic Clock Tower, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere lined with shops, cafes, ice cream parlors, and souvenir boutiques.

8 Kotor, Montenegro - Tirana, Albania

Today, travel to Kotor, Montenegro, covering a distance of 92 kilometers in about 2 hours.

Discover Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled deep within a fjord-like bay fed by the Adriatic Sea. Wander through the Old Town and Trg Sv. Tripuna, the town's grand main square, home to the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

When ready, continue toward Albania, covering 201 kilometers in approximately 4 hours. Explore Tirana, the capital of Albania. Visit Tirana's central Skanderbeg Square, dominated by the equestrian statue of national hero Skanderbeg. See the historic Clock Tower, one of the city's oldest landmarks and a true symbol of Tirana, and stroll through Rinia Park in the heart of downtown.

9 Ohrid, Macedonia - Skopje, Macedonia

Today, journey through two highlights of Macedonia. First, head to Ohrid, traveling 135 kilometers in about 2.5 hours.

Explore Ohrid, an enchanting lakeside town recognized by UNESCO as both a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site, often called the "Jerusalem of the Balkans."

Stroll along Lake Ohrid and through the historic Old Town, filled with quaint traditional homes, inviting shops, and local eateries. Visit the picturesque cliffside Orthodox Church of St. John at Kaneo overlooking the lake, offering endless, breathtaking vistas across the water.

Afterward, continue to Skopje, the capital and largest city of Macedonia. Visit the grand Macedonia Square featuring the monumental statue of Alexander the Great. See the triumphal arch Porta Macedonia and cross the scenic Stone Bridge (Dusan Bridge) spanning the Vardar River.

10 International Airport Skopje

There is no tour program today. We will transfer you to Skopje International Airport for your connecting flight back to Vienna, returning safely to Bangkok.

hotel Overnight Skopje, Macedonia · example hotel Hotel Super 8 ***