Vienna to Dubrovnik

Welcome to Vienna, Austria. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you do happen to arrive early, why not walk around to get your bearings or, better yet, take a spin on the famous Prater Ferris Wheel nearby for a bird’s eye view. Your base for the next couple of nights is Magdas Hotel – a social enterprise dedicated to supporting refugees in a united and compassionate workplace in Vienna. Magdas employs staff from across the world, so expect to hear many accents from a range of backgrounds. The hotel itself is an eclectic mix of styles, décor and furniture, and used to house a homeless shelter before being renovated for its current purpose. Be sure to check out your surroundings and have a chat to some of the staff! After your important meeting, why not use tonight to get you know your travel pals over some dinner.

Join your leader for a walk through the city's compact centre this morning. Stop at the gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral, wander past the neo-classical Graben and have a look at the Hofburg Palace. Continue along the Ringstrasse and then finish your orientation walk of the city at the State Opera House – one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture. Then you’re in for a real treat! Stop for kaffe and kuchen (coffee and cake) at Vollpension, a local cafe which empowers older members of the community by providing them with employment and purpose, while bridging the gap between the staff and the younger patrons who visit the cafe. Have a chat with the friendly staff while enjoying your sweet treat in this warm and welcoming environment. This afternoon is then free for you to keep on checking out the sights of the city. Art lovers have a so much choice when it comes to museums, such as the Albertina, located in the Museum Quarter. Otherwise, you might like to head out to Schoenbrunn for a guided audio tour of the grand summer palace, designed by Empress Maria Theresa.

Depart Vienna by minivan this morning and cross the border into the Czech Republic. Your next stop is the southern Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. This picturesque medieval town dates back to the 13th century and looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Cesky Krumlov means 'crooked meadow', because it sits on a tight bend of the Vltava River. When you arrive, take a guided tour of the town with a local guide, starting in the main square. Wander through Old Town, see the city's oldest pharmacy then arrive at the Cesky Krumlov Castle. See the royal gardens from above and enjoy the panoramic views of the town below.

Today is a free for you to enjoy as you please. Perhaps take an optional guided castle tour, which lets you in on the mysteries that lie behind every corner of this stronghold dating back to 1253. For those who want a bit more culture, you could visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum and browse the gallery that's dedicated to the Austrian painter. If you’re after something more active, jump into a canoe and check out the town from a different perspective – on the Vltava River.

Leave Cesky Krumlov in your dust and travel by bus to Prague. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader so you can get your bearings of the local neighbourhood. For your free afternoon and evening, why not discover another great side of Prague – its music! The city has one of the longest-standing and respected jazz scenes in Europe, with jazz clubs playing into the early hours of the morning. Otherwise, have a wander along Charles Bridge or Old Town Square for some magical photo opportunities.

Today is free to explore Prague. The city offers many possibilities, so perhaps take a walk around the Jewish Quarter and pay your respects at the Gothic-inspired Old Jewish Cemetery. This is Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, with 12,000 tombstones and 100,000 graves. There is also the Museum of Communism, which details the struggles of many European countries and their political rule in the 19th and 20th centuries. Tonight, be sure to check back in with your group and perhaps organise some dinner and drinks in one of the city’s renowned beer halls – it’s a perfect way to Czech off another day in Prague.

This morning, take local trains and private bus to cross the border into Poland and travel to Wroclaw. Wroclaw is the cultural centre of southwest Poland, sitting on the banks of River Oder for over 1000 years and shaped by influences of Czech, German and Polish rule. On the way, stop in Swidnica, a town known for its intriguing Lutheran Church of Peace. Arrive in Wroclaw in the early afternoon and settle into your hotel, then follow your leader on an orientation walk around this city that makes it feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The rest of the time today and tomorrow is free for your own discoveries.

Spend another day exploring Wroclaw however you’d like! You may consider checking out Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), the Old Town Square and the Four Denominations District, where the city’s incredible architecture and history is on full display. Don’t miss out on appreciating Wroclaw from River Oder or experiencing the vibrant cultural scene – your leader will be on hand to give recommendations on local hotspots.

Hop back on a local train to Krakow. Possibly the best known of all Poland's cities, Krakow was the residence of Polish kings from the 11th to the 17th centuries, and its Old Town is a World Heritage-listed site. Take part in a leader-led orientation walk with your group, and once you know your whereabouts, you could go and discover one of the biggest – and arguably most beautiful – medieval squares in Central Europe. Maybe discover Wawel Royal Castle, which sits atop a hill next to the Vistula River. Check out the 13th-century town square of Rynek Glowny and get a glimpse inside St Mary's Basilica which features an extraordinary wood-carved Gothic altarpiece. There's also the lovely neo-Gothic St Francis' Basilica, which has some of Poland's best Art Nouveau. In Krakow, you will also find the second oldest university in Central Europe. Jagiellonian University counts Copernicus and Pope John Paul II among its alumni. Tonight is again all yours to do as you please – a good idea is to make your way to the Jewish Quarter for its laidback vibes and good food.

Today, take the shared transport to Oswiecim and embark on a sobering tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. Local guide will take you through the museum and its sites on included join-in tour. Back in Krakow in the afternoon, spend some more time exploring in your own time. Or, if you can tear yourself away from Krakow, head out to the Wieliczka Salt Mines – a network of tunnels and chambers some 135 metres below the ground. This is a salt mine that was in operation for over 700 years and is a World Heritage-listed site. At night, pull up a pew and indulge in a plate of pierogi and a few beers to say cheers to another day.

Say farewell to Krakow today and travel by local bus through southern Poland to Slovakia. The trip may be long and a little slow, but the scenery of rolling hills and tiny villages will keep your eyes occupied. Tatranska Lomnica is your destination in Slovakia. It's a small alpine resort at the base of the Vysoke Tatry (High Tatra) Mountains. The Tatras – the highest range of the Carpathians – stretch for about 60 kilometres across the Polish-Slovakian border and are a hiker’s dream. The evening is free for you to enjoy as you please, and perhaps the best way to do it is to sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful mountainous region.

This morning, head out on an included hike in the High Tatra Mountains. The most known route is about 6 km in length and it is normally completed in 3 hours, including stops on the way. The route includes gradual hill ascents and descents and walking on gravel and uneven rocky surfaces with some slippery sections. The pace and distance will be decided on the day, depending on weather and group abilities – parts of it will involve travelling by funicular, gondola and electric train. During the walk, you may notice that some parts of the forest have been destroyed. This was the result of a tornado-like storm in 2004 that decimated approximately 10,000 hectares of timberland. In the afternoon, head back to the accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day in this beautiful location.

You have an early start today for the long journey to Budapest. As there won't be too much free time to explore on arrival, perhaps check in to the accommodation and then go for a brief walk around the neighbourhood to get your bearings. The grand architecture and boulevards, café culture and interesting laneways make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. Take the evening as an opportunity to relax after a long day of travelling. Visiting one of Budapest's many restaurants or eclectic ‘ruin’ bars in the Jewish Quarter is a sure-fire way to have a good night out with your crew.

Today you have a full free day to explore Budapest. Known as 'The Pearl of the Danube', Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water. Perhaps take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to Buda Castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building and the Pest side of the city. You could head to Statue Park to see the communist monuments that were removed from the city after the fall of the Iron Curtain. One unmissable activity is to soak in Budapest's hot thermal baths. The pools vary in temperature, and some even feature whirlpools or seats where you can enjoy a game of chess. You might like to take part in one of our Urban Adventure day tours. See urbanadventures.com for more information.

Enjoy a full free day in Budapest, Hungary's intoxicating capital. Admire intricate carvings on resplendent buildings, cross the iconic Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District, perhaps uncover national history on a visit to Heroes' Square, or simply meander through winding streets snacking on local delicacies. There will be a group meeting at 6 pm for the leader to discuss the next part of your journey and a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Today you have a full free day to explore Budapest, known as 'The Pearl of the Danube'. Admire intricate carvings on resplendent buildings, cross the iconic Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District, or simply meander through winding streets snacking on local delicacies. Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water, so maybe take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to the castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building. Hiring a bicycle is another great way to move between the sights.

Take a private transfer through the Hungarian Puszta this morning and cross the border into Croatia to a land of cornfields, vineyards and pastel-hued villages. Famed for its cuisine, arrive at the Slavonian capital of Osijek. This laid-back university town features an enchanting medieval citadel as well as the Upper Town, only a short walk along the banks of the Drava. Many cafes line the river, inviting you to join in on the Croatian national pastime: of people-watching. Osijek is a well-designed city that’s easily navigated on foot. There are also numerous cycling routes throughout the city. Navigate the hallways of grand buildings, stroll along the banks of the Drava River or sample some of the local delicious flavours at a local cafe. Your accommodation for the night is at a family-owned local guesthouse (with local craft beer and wine on offer) that’s right inside the citadel.

Today is a free day to explore Osijek. You might like to visit the small provincial town of Dakovo, about 35 kms south of Osijek. The town is dominated by an impressive neo-Romanesque cathedral. Maybe you’d like to take a day trip to the wetlands of Kopacki Rit Nature Reserve for a spot of bird watching and a visit to nearby Tikves Castle and historical Batina Hill from where you can see both Hungary and Serbia across the Danube. If you’d like to stay in Osijek, maybe visit the Museum of Slavonia and the Archaeological Museum. Or, you could just hire a bike and cycle around the region. This evening, maybe discover some of the best cuisines in Croatia with traditional dishes like fis paprikas (fish stew with hand-made noodles), kulen (spicy sausages) and cobanac (stew).

Today you’ll travel to Novi Sad by private transfer. Along the way, visit nearby Vukovar – a town that symbolises the devastation of the recent war – and learn about the sobering local history. Visit the local hospital and the museum in its basement – used as a refuge during the siege – and listen to wartime stories from hospital staff, some of whom still work here and who were among the few survivors. Then, visit a local vineyard in Ilok to see the workings of a family-run vineyard. The old wine cellar dates back to 1450 and is the first originally purpose-built wine cellar in this part of Europe. Taste a range of their delicious wines, including the famous Ilok Traminac Premium wine, which was served at the celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Sitting on the banks of the Danube River, you’ll arrive in Novi Sad – this city is surrounded by fertile farms and vineyards and features an interesting mix of traditional Serbian heritage and Austro-Hungarian architecture. During your free afternoon, make sure you stop by the city’s fortress of Petrovaradin, which sits right on the Danube and contains a museum of historic artefacts from the region.

After breakfast this morning you’ll head to Belgrade. Known as the White City, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Sitting at the confluence of two major rivers – Sava and Danube – it’s an important intersection between Eastern and Western Europe. Here, you’ll experience an energetic mix of progressive flamboyance and conservative customs. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s wide boulevards and squares and the historic and green heart of Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River for centuries. Tonight, head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and enjoy the lively atmosphere in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to fashionable nightclubs.

Today, make your way to the neighbourhood of Zemun – about 30 minutes outside of Belgrade’s city centre. This old town favourite has a rich history and is now known as the bohemian part of town, home to many of the city’s artists and writers. As Zemun used to be an independent town – only joining Belgrade in 1934 – the small village atmosphere still stands, transporting you to the past. After walking the town with your leader, head to a local market and explore the local wares. Stroll along the river promenade and stop for an optional lunch in one of the riverside restaurants serving fresh fish. After, maybe find a local café and people watch with a coffee. Head back to Belgrade’s centre in the late afternoon, where you have free time to visit the imposing Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) or if there’s time, stroll through the Nikola Tesla Museum and learn about the life of Serbia's greatest inventor. The city’s nightlife has become legendary throughout Europe, with several hundred floating bars, restaurants and nightclubs lining the Danube and Sava rivers – so you’ll find the perfect way to spend your evening.

Today, travel by bus through the beautiful countryside to Sarajevo. This a long drive, so sit back and enjoy the scenery. Sarajevo is Bosnia and Herzegovina's small but vibrant capital. Twenty years after the end of a devastating war, Sarajevo is slowly asserting itself as one of Europe's most beautiful and interesting destinations. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a city that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. When you arrive, take a guided tour for an insight into the history and culture of the city. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that features an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque all within close proximity. Tonight, enjoy a simple but delicious meal in Bascarsija, Sarajevo's old bazaar and try the local speciality of bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices).

Today head out of Sarajevo for a day trip to Mostar, a town situated in a beautiful valley in the high mountains of Herzegovina. Thanks to the river Neretva, Mostar was able to develop as a city in the barren landscape of Herzegovina. The city was the most heavily bombed settlement in Bosnia during the war, but it has since been rebuilt and now features on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Head to the famous Stari Most Bridge, first built by the Ottomans in 1565 by architect Mimar Hajrudin – who succeeded with the impossible mission of crossing the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the famous bridge divers hurl themselves into the icy waters below. Return to Sarajevo in the afternoon, stopping at Konjic on the way – where you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia, Tito's nuclear bunker. Go back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and how life used to be in the not-so-distant past.

Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo. Maybe take an optional day trip to the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza – the source of the Bosna River. Or, discover local history with a visit to the History Museum and the Sarajevo War Tunnels (dug underneath the airport runway and used to smuggle provisions into the city during its siege), or learn about the tragedies faced by the city's Jews at the Jewish Museum. Get cultural with a stroll through the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Pivnica HS brewery and restaurant is a good place to sample local award-winning beer and grab some dinner if you like, tonight.

Today, you’ll take a private transfer through the beautiful countryside to Montenegro, arguably one of the most stunning countries in the world. Today is a long driving day, so sit back and enjoy the scenic landscapes passing you by (and maybe take your favourite book, too). Stop along the way for some great photo opportunities and then arrive at Durmitor National Park. This World Heritage site was formed by glaciers and is crisscrossed with rugged mountains (40 of which reach over 2,000 metres in height), pristine pine forests, two deep canyons, rivers, crystal lakes and underground streams. Take a hike through this wonderful, lesser-explored wilderness along the shores of a lake and keep an eye out for some of the 163 species of bird or 50 species of mammal that roam this region is home to. Continue to the nearby town of Niksic, where you’ll spend the night.

Today, drive to Kotor – this 5th-century World Heritage-listed city is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a rocky coastline dotted with waterside towns. When you arrive. why not head out to see the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tryphun, the South Gates of Kotor (the Gurdich Gate) and the Armoury Square (Trg od oruzija)? You might like to get lost in the crooked alleyways, check out the boutiques and cafes or climb the hills behind the city to visit Kotor's ruined fortification walls. Take an optional hike up the stone steps, past churches, gates and bastions to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan – the top rewards you with magnificent views across the town and the brooding Bay of Kotor.

Today, take an optional day trip out of Kotor. Maybe take a cruise on Kotor Fjord, visiting the twin islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and Sveti Dordje (St George), with its church in the middle of the bay. Legends has it that sailors once spotted an image of the Virgin Mary on a rock here, and each time they completed a successful voyage they added another rock as an offering. Eventually, so many were added that an island emerged, and the church was built on top of it. Alternatively, consider a trip to Budva, only half an hour out of Kotor. With its busy beaches, charming Old Town, bustling restaurants and bars, Budva is like Montenegro's little version of Miami. For some more history, head up to Montenegro's former capital Cetinje, now a laidback village with grand mansions that were once used as embassies. Enjoy a final night out in Kotor and maybe catch some live music that keep these cobbled streets busy.

Depart Montenegro this morning and travel along the beautiful southern coast of Croatia to Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik's walled Old Town is often referred to as the pearl of the Adriatic and it's now famed for its part in the TV show Game of Thrones. When you arrive, head out on a walk along the city walls with your leader, enjoying views of the sparkling ocean. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain – built by the European architect Onofrio Della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city. After, maybe check out the 13th-century Franciscan monastery or the Sponza and Rector's Palaces, the only Renaissance buildings in the city to survive a devastating earthquake and fire in 1667. Tonight is the last night of your trip, so why not enjoy one last meal with the group and toast to your adventures?

Today your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you are free to depart at any time. There's lots to see and do here in the wonderful city of Dubrovnik, so perhaps stay a few extra days.