Eastern Europe Pure Sightseeing Tour: 6 Countries – Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic (12 Days)

Assemble at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where our professional tour leader will assist with check-in procedures. Depart on your international flight bound for Venice, Italy.

Upon arrival, journey to the magnificent Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s largest and most spectacular karst caves, dating back 700 million years. With a constant temperature of 7–10°C year-round, visitors board a mini-train to enter the cave, followed by a guided walking tour to admire its breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites—truly a natural wonder.

Continue to the fairytale-like Lake Bled, nestled in the Slovenian Alps. The lake features Bled Island with the iconic Church of the Assumption, and the majestic Bled Castle perched atop a cliff. The tranquil reflections of water, mountains, and castles create an almost heavenly landscape.

After breakfast, head to Ljubljana, the romantic capital of Slovenia. Praised by Time Magazine as one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, the city is known for the Ljubljanica River, which flows through its heart, and the iconic Triple Bridge, a unique architectural structure. The city’s architecture is predominantly Baroque-style.

Next, proceed to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Visit the Old Town Square, Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the sacred Stone Gate, Marshal Tito Square, and the colorful St. Mark’s Church.

After breakfast, travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 1979. This vast park spans over 29,000 hectares, featuring lush forests, mountains, and interconnected lakes and waterfalls. Enjoy a roast pork lunch, followed by a boat ride through the park.

Known as the “Jiuzhaigou of Europe”, the park is famous for its sixteen cascading lakes, interconnected by a series of waterfalls.

After breakfast, depart for Lake Balaton, the largest inland lake in continental Europe. Enjoy the scenic drive before heading to Budapest, Hungary’s elegant capital known as the “Pearl of the Danube.”

Upon arrival, visit key landmarks including:

• St. Stephen’s Basilica, home to Hungary’s sacred relic—the incorruptible right hand of the first king
• Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Monument

Dinner will be a Hungarian royal banquet, featuring the famous Goulash, along with traditional folk music and dance performance.

After breakfast, continue exploring Budapest with visits to:

• The Fisherman’s Bastion, with panoramic views of the city
• Matthias Church, where Hungarian kings were crowned
• The Buda Castle, and the magnificent Hungarian Parliament building

Optional: Enjoy a Danube River cruise for a different perspective of this historic city.

Later, explore the scenic Danube Bend, visiting three of its most charming towns:

• Szentendre, a quaint artistic village known for its galleries and souvenir shops
• Visegrád, the heart of the Danube Bend, rich in medieval history
  Esztergom, home to Hungary’s largest cathedral—the Basilica of the Assumption

In the afternoon, drive to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Sightseeing includes:

• Presidential Palace,
• Freedom Square (April 4th Square),
• St. Martin’s Cathedral, the coronation church of Hungarian kings

After breakfast, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Český Krumlov, one of the most charming and romantic medieval towns in Europe. Wander through its cobbled streets, visit St. Vitus Church, the Old Town Square, and enjoy scenic walking paths that capture the elegance and timeless beauty of the Bohemian past.

After lunch, continue to České Budějovice, known as the “Rose of Bohemia” and the birthplace of Budweiser beer. Highlights include the Main Square, Town Hall, St. Nicholas Cathedral, and the Black Tower.

After breakfast, travel to the elegant spa town of Karlovy Vary, famed for its healing hot springs. Enjoy ample time to sample different mineral waters and browse for souvenirs. The town has hosted many famous figures, including Peter the Great, Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Goethe. Its thermal springs are known for their therapeutic benefits, especially for digestion and the nervous system.

Then head to the Czech capital Prague, often called the “Jewel of the Middle Ages” and “Golden Prague”. The city has preserved its medieval charm and served as a backdrop for many films.

After breakfast, visit Prague Castle, recognized as the largest ancient castle complex in the world, now the official residence of the President. Tour includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the historic Charles Bridge adorned with statues of saints, the Old Town Square, and the Astronomical Clock Tower.

Explore local shops for authentic Bohemian crystal products—perfect souvenirs to bring home.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Old Town: shop for luxury brands, ride a horse-drawn carriage through medieval streets, or relax in a charming café.

In the evening, you may opt to join a “Golden Prague” river cruise (at extra cost), followed by a traditional Czech dinner.

After breakfast, travel to Vienna, the capital of Austria and the famed “City of Music.”

After lunch, you may join an optional excursion to the grand Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial residence, to explore its opulent rooms and manicured gardens.

After breakfast, begin a panoramic tour of Vienna. Visit the Johann Strauss Pavilion, where the King of Waltz once performed, and take photos with his gleaming gold statue.

Drive along Ringstrasse to view key city landmarks:

• Hofburg Imperial Palace
• Heroes’ Square
• Parliament Building
• City Hall
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral (14th century Gothic masterpiece)

Enjoy free time to shop along the pedestrian streets for world-renowned brands or sample Vienna’s famous coffee and pastries.

After dinner, you may join an optional classical concert performance by the Mozart Orchestra, one of Vienna’s most iconic cultural experiences.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Toronto, concluding a memorable journey through the heart of Eastern Europe.