Austria, Slovenia & Croatia Christmas Markets

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. 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!

Next, we'll head to the Schönbrunn Palace Grounds, where we'll experience our first Christmas market. Set against the backdrop of the palace, the market sparkles with lights, handcrafted goods and mulled wine — everything you need to get into the holiday spirit.

Later, we'll take a ride on the iconic Wiener Riesenrad, the Giant Ferris Wheel, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. We'll wrap up the day with another charming Christmas market. Take in the enchanting sights of the market – from the lights, the decorations, the stalls and of course, the Christmas tree!

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 town of Maribor, where we'll enjoy a delightful walking tour through the city's historic heart. Next, we'll visit the Old Vine House (Hiša Stare Trte), home to the world's oldest fruit-bearing vine. This vine has been thriving in Maribor for over 450 years. Here, we'll sample local wines while enjoying a selection of local produce, all amidst the rich history of this remarkable place.

In the afternoon, we'll continue our journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia's idyllic capital city. Known for its elegant buildings, tree-lined boulevards and friendly locals, Ljubljana is truly a hidden gem.

In the evening, we'll explore another festive Christmas market. Saunter through the bright decorations and the bustling stalls as we sip on mulled wine, before some free time for dinner.

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. Surrounded by snow-covered forests and the iconic Bled Island with its picturesque church, the lake offers a tranquil escape. We'll take a leisurely walk around Lake Bled, breathing in the fresh alpine air and make our way up to Bled Castle, perched high on a cliff with panoramic views over the lake. We'll also visit the local Christmas markets, brimming with festive treats, crafts and seasonal delights.

We'll return to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure. Why not further explore the Christmas markets or find a cosy restaurant to enjoy dinner.

Today, we'll bid farewell to Ljubljana and head to Postojna, a charming town that takes its name from the white-tailed eagle, a majestic bird of prey that once nested above the town. Here, we'll explore the remarkable Postojna Cave, a vast underground wonder that's nearly 12 million years old. As we take a train ride through its impressive chambers and galleries, you'll be amazed by the intricate calcite formations.

Afterwards, we'll cross the border into Croatia, one of Mediterranean's most captivating gems. Known for its crystal-clear Adriatic waters, beautiful ancient towns, rich heritage and delectable cuisine, Croatia offers a unique charm. Our first stop will be Opatija, a picturesque coastal town once frequented by the Austro-Hungarian elite. Today, Opatija is a perfect blend of history and beauty, with elegant villas, serene parks and charming churches.

Upon arrival in Opatija, we'll enjoy an early evening walking tour of the city, including our fourth Christmas Markets. We will also make a special stop at Choco World for a delicious chocolate tasting.

We'll depart Opatija this morning and begin our journey along Croatia's stunning Adriatic coast. The drive offers breathtaking views of the sea, snow-dusted hills of the Istrian Peninsula and picturesque islands. As we pass through charming coastal villages, the majestic mountain ranges provide a striking contrast to the coastal beauty.

Our first stop will be Zadar, a city where ancient Roman ruins, medieval churches and vibrant modern attractions coexist. We'll have some free time for lunch before we embark on a guided sightseeing tour to uncover the city's rich history.

Afterward, 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.

Witness the influence of the Roman Empire as we tour Split today. We'll visit one of the world's most impressive Roman monuments, Diocletian's Palace. The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed site was built by Emperor Diocletian in 305 AD as a residence, fortified town and military fortress – all of which make up Split's Old Town today. As we explore the palace's remarkable cellars, we'll uncover the hidden stories of centuries past, tucked away beneath its ancient stone walls.

We'll also pass by Jupiter's Temple, marvel at the grand Peristyle courtyard and stand in awe of the majestic St. Domnius Cathedral — each offering a glimpse into the ancient grandeur of the city.

After the tour, we'll have some free time to explore Split at leisure, before making our way to a very special lunch.

Special Experience: Travel to Stella Croatica, an ethno village celebrating Dalmatian culture, tradition and nature, and enjoy a delicious three-course lunch of traditional Christmas dishes.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure once we return to Split. Wander through its charming narrow streets lined with local shops and cafes, or simply relax along the stunning waterfront, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this beautiful old town.

This morning, we'll leave the coastal beauty of Split behind and journey through Croatia's captivating countryside towards the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes. As we approach this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, you'll be awestruck by its stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes.

During the 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.

In the afternoon, we'll continue our journey to 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.

We arrive in Zagreb in the evening where the remainder of the day is free for you to explore the surrounds.

Walking is one of the best ways to explore Zagreb, and we'll do just that this morning. Our guided tour includes views 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.

Special Experience: Discover the craft of Croatian gingerbread making and decorate your own love heart shaped gingerbread in the centre of Zagreb. Inscribed in 2010 on the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Croatia's gingerbread craft is steeped in tradition. After learning about the age-old methods, we'll have some free time to explore more of Zagreb, including the city's charming Christmas markets.

This evening we'll meet back up with our group and enjoy a farewell dinner together.

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