Winter in Austria, Slovenia & Croatia

Welcome to Vienna! The Austrian capital is an elegant European city that effortlessly blends imperial grandeur with modern vibrancy, captivating visitors at every turn. Vienna's rich cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of royalty and artistry, is reflected in its stunning architecture, which tells a fascinating story at every corner. Often ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world, Vienna's unique atmosphere and cultural charm are sure to leave an impression.

As the home of legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss, their influence still echoes throughout Vienna's world-renowned concert halls and opera houses.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5.00pm.

At approximately 6.00pm, join your fellow travellers and tour director for brief introductions and an orientation walk before our welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

The best of Vienna is at our fingertips today as we embark on a guided walking tour. Wrapped up for the day, we'll make our way through this magnificent city, admiring its Baroque architecture and visit St. Stephen's Cathedral. Here, we'll step inside the Romanesque and Gothic cathedral known as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and learn more about its significant history.

Our walking tour will conclude near the Schwedenplatz or “Sweden Square” where we will have free time for snacks and coffee. Make sure to try the Sachertorte, a dense chocolate sponge cake with a layer of apricot jam – it's a proud symbol of the Austrian capital and perfect for a winter's day!

After having the afternoon free to explore on our own, this evening we'll take a ride on the iconic Wiener Riesenrad, the Giant Ferris Wheel, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

We cross the border into Slovenia today. It may be small, but this enchanted country is packed full of charming cities, stunning architecture and unique experiences, making a visit here truly memorable.

Our first stop is the country's oldest town, Ptuj. Here, we'll visit Kurentova Hiša to learn about the unique Kurent tradition, a centuries-old cultural ritual recognised by UNESCO, before heading up to Ptuj Castle. Sitting high above the town, the castle offers sweeping views across red rooftops and the Drava River. After exploring, we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, with time to relax warm up, and soak in the atmosphere of this beautifully preserved town.

In the afternoon, we continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia's picturesque capital. Known for its leafy streets, elegant architecture and laid-back feel, it's often considered one of Europe's most underrated cities.

This evening is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the Ljubljanica River, where cafés glow warmly along the water, or settle in for a comforting meal in the Old Town.

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

Ljubljana, an increasingly popular destination for travellers to Europe, is ours to explore today. We'll start with a walking tour, taking in some of the city's best spots, including the Central Market, where locals sell fresh produce and unique artisanal goods. We'll then hop on the funicular from Krek Square to Ljubljana Castle, where we'll enjoy sweeping views of the city's colourful rooftops and the surrounding hills.

Next, we'll head to the serene and beautiful Lake Bled. The lake's calm waters, framed by towering peaks and lush forests, create a scene that feels straight out of a postcard. There's a quiet stillness in the air, perfect for soaking up the view and with a little luck, the surrounding landscape may be softly dressed in white, elevating its fairytale charm even further.

After checking into our hotel, the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy. Perhaps take a brisk lakeside walk, then settle into a cosy café for something warm as you take in the view.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Bled is ours to enjoy today as we set out on a guided walking tour through this picture-perfect lakeside town. We'll wander along the shoreline, taking in the ever-changing views across the water and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere that makes Bled so special. After the tour, you'll have some free time to explore. If you like, you can take a traditional pletna boat ride out to the charming island in the middle of the lake, or simply relax by the water and enjoy the scenery.

Next, we travel to the lake valley of Bohinj, beautifully set amidst dense woods and spectacular mountains. The journey will take us through some very old, typical Slovenian villages with gorgeous landscapes, where the crisp mountain air adds to the sense of escape.

Special Experience: Visit the Alpine Dairy Farming Museum, learning about the life of herdsmen in an authentic environment and tasting the locally produced cheeses. We'll ride a cable car to the top of Mt. Vogel where we admire the breathtaking views over Lake Bohinj and the surrounding southern Julian Alps.

After making our way back to Bled, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy this picture-perfect location. Whilst exploring the Lake Bled area, make sure you stop and try a local Slovenian dish, known as the Bled Cream Cake. Made with layers of puff pastry, custard and whipped cream it'll be hard not to go back for seconds. Many cafes offer chocolate or fruit versions of the cream cake too!

Today we step into a true winter wonderland as we venture into Slovenia's alpine region, where snow-dusted landscapes and crisp mountain air set the scene for the day ahead.

Our first stop is Zelenci Nature Reserve, where the vivid emerald-green springs are edged with frost, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding snow. Wooden boardwalks lead us through this peaceful setting, with the Julian Alps rising in the distance.

We'll then continue to the Planica Nordic Centre, one of the world's most renowned ski jumping destinations. In winter, the atmosphere here is even more impressive, with snow-covered slopes and towering jumps showcasing the region's deep connection to winter sports.

Next, we'll visit the picturesque Lake Jasna, where icy waters reflect the surrounding peaks. If temperatures allow, you may even see the lake partially frozen!

We'll also spend time in the charming winter Fairytale Village of Kranjska Gora, where you'll have free time to enjoy lunch or a warm drink. Think cosy alpine huts, festive touches and the perfect excuse to indulge in something hearty.

Later, we'll return to Bled, with the evening at leisure. Perhaps savour a quiet dinner or a peaceful lakeside stroll under the winter sky.

Today involves approximately 1.5 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today, we goodbye to Lake Bled and make our way towards Croatia, a country known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture, where medieval towns and coastal beauty go hand in hand.

Enroute, we stop to visit a Slovenian chocolate shop in the charming town of Radovljica. Here we'll sip drinks from a chocolate glass, taste raw cacao beans and watch a demonstration from a talented chocolatier.

Finishing our tasting experience, we'll journey to Novo Mesto, situated on the bend of the Krka River. The town's history dates all the way back to the 1300s, highlighted through the traditional architecture that hugs the riverside.

Special Experience: Savour traditional Slovenian flavours with a locally inspired lunch and time-honoured dishes that bring the Dolenjska region's culinary heritage to life. While we are here, we'll delight in a delicious lunch, where local flavours take centre stage. You'll sample a selection of regional specialties while learning about the traditions and stories behind each dish.

Once our bellies are full, our journey then continues to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World-Heritage listed site is one of the oldest and most beautiful parks in Croatia, made up of stunning forestry and sixteen cascading lakes. Renowned for their range of distinctive colours, the lakes' water changes from azure to green, grey or blue depending on the quantity of minerals in the water and the angle of sunlight.

After checking into our hotel, the rest of your evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

During these winter months, the freezing temperatures transform the lakes into a magical winter wonderland, with the cascading waterfalls frozen into ice formations. Depending on the weather, we'll enjoy a peaceful walk through the lakes, taking in the serene and frosty beauty before sitting down for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, we'll continue our journey to Split, Croatia's second-largest coastal city. Split is lively with a dynamic cultural scene, beautiful beaches and the impressive Diocletian's Palace, a sprawling Roman fortress now home to bustling markets, cafes and narrow stone streets. It's the perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern energy.

We'll arrive Split this evening with time to ourselves to get acquainted with the city.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning, we'll step back in time with a fascinating walking tour of the city of Split. We'll pass by Jupiter's Temple, admire the grand Peristyle courtyard and marvel at the impressive St. Domnius Cathedral. We'll visit Diocletian's Palace, one of the most remarkable Roman monuments in the world. Originally built by Emperor Diocletian in 305 AD as a residence, military fortress and fortified town, the palace is now the heart of Split's Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.

We'll then head out to visit the town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town known for its medieval beauty. The town's walls dating back to the 13th century, surround a treasure trove of Renaissance buildings and narrow cobbled streets. As we stroll through the Old Town, we'll explore landmarks like the stunning St. Lawrence Cathedral. Built on the site of an ancient Greek temple, the cathedral's bell tower showcases a blend of architectural styles due to its long construction period.

Special Experience: Enjoy a guided tasting of Croatian olive oil, an aromatic Mediterranean adventure for the senses!After some free time in this charming town, we'll make our way back to Split where we'll make our way to a local gastro-bar famed for its olive oil. Here, we'll indulge in a guided tasting of three premium olive oils to learn about Croatian traditions and how to recognize quality olive oil. We'll follow-up the tasting with a delicious lunch. A sure way to warm you up!

After our visit, the evening is yours at leisure. Relax back at the hotel, wander the ancient lanes of Diocletian's Palace or settle into a waterfront bar along the Riva and soak up the easy Mediterranean atmosphere.

Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

This morning, we'll leave the coastal beauty of Split behind and journey through Croatia's captivating countryside and in the early afternoon we arrive in Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital city. Nestled between the slopes of the Medvednica Mountains and the northern bank of the Sava River, Zagreb offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern elegance. You'll be amazed by the city's cobblestone streets, beautiful parks and historic architecture.

After checking into our hotel and having some time to relax on our own, we'll head out to explore Zagreb on foot on a guided tour of some of the city's most iconic landmarks. The famous St. Mark's church which is known for its striking colourful roof that represents the medieval coats of arms of Croatia, Zagreb and Dalmatia. We'll also pass by St. Catherine's church, a stunning example of Baroque architecture and the impressive Zagreb cathedral, whose twin Gothic spires stand out against the city skyline.

As we stroll through the city, we'll also see the Parliament and Government Palace, two key buildings in Croatia's political landscape. Each offering insight into the country's history and governance. Our tour concludes at a lovely local restaurant where we'll enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Today involves approximately 2.5 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to the charming winter wonders of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia.