From the Adriatic to Europe's Heart: Exploring Croatia, Budapest, and Prague

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Walking Tour of Split Old Town & Diocletian's Palace

This two-hour guided tour will take you to the Roman emperor Diocletian's 1700-year-old palace which was built as his personal rest home. Walk from the Bronze Gate through the central hall of the ancient cellars is the main communication line between the busy waterfront promenade, the Riva, and the palace's main forecourt, the Peristyle. You'll also stop by the Cathedral of St Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural attractions on the Adriatic coast, the Roman temple of Jupiter (latterly a Christian baptistry), the fabulous Golden Gate, and the medieval Croatian bishop who introduced the Croatian language in religious services.

Early Morning to Afternoon

Excursion to the Idyllic Brač Island

The third-largest of Croatia's islands, Brač is also the nearest major island to Split and therefore the easiest to get to with ferries running regular 50-minute trips to Supetar, an attractive former fishing village with shallow and swimmable pebbly beaches. On the opposite side of the island is the similarly picturesque village of Bol, boasting the magnificent beach of Zlatni Rat, pictures of which adorn just about every advertising brochure there is on Dalmatia's islands. Zlatni Rat has a mild-breezy climate that makes it perfect for windsurfing. Bol is accessible from Supetar by public bus, but to get around the island to see smaller coastal settlements like Postira, Pučišća, Povlja, and Milna, and the highest peak of Vidova Gora, it's best to take a guided tour, hire a taxi, or rent a car. Renting a bicycle is also a great option for exploring the island. This will also give you the chance to explore the island's beautiful interior, with its scrub-covered rocky uplands interspersed with fertile valleys, where you'll find vineyards, olive groves, and orange trees. You'll also see the great man-made piles of limestone built up over centuries by small farmers clearing a place to grow their crops. Just keep in mind that if you visit Brač in the off season, it will be very sleepy. This is great if you like to explore without crowds, but not so great if you mind closed restaurants and attractions.

7:50 AM

Transfer to Rail Station by Taxi or Walking

First keep in mind that the rail station is located only about a 1/2-mile (800m) from the Split Old Town. Also consider that if staying in the pedestrian area of Old Town, a car cannot pick you up directly from the hotel, meaning you will have to walk a short distance with your bags anyway. If this is an issue, be sure to arrange assistance with a private transfer service or with your hotel beforehand. UberX is available in Split if you prefer to take a car. If staying in a hotel, they can also arrange a taxi pick up for you. The price should be about 50-100 HRK depending on your hotel location. For the most convenience, you can arrange a private transfer to the rail station. Although antiquated, the Split train station is pleasantly small in comparison with other European cities. You will be dropped off directly in front of the main station building on the waterfront where the main bus station and the ferry terminal are also located. This makes it slightly chaotic when a lot of buses arrive at the same time, but it is much less busy inside the train station where you'll find a number of electronic screens displaying arrival and departure times and platform numbers in both Croat and English. You'll find the train platforms lined up directly out the back of the station hall.

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Highlights of Zagreb, Guided Tour

On this 2.5-hour private tour, you will see the main sights and vibrant everyday life in Zagreb. You will visit the oldest parts of town, hear genuine Zagreb stories and legends, and enjoy a walk through the old town's green promenade. Highlights include Zagreb cathedral, the short funicular connecting the lower and uppers parts of the city, the oldest part of the city called Gradec were the city's parliament and best museums are to be found, the famous pedestrianized Tkalčićeva Street that has one of the most engaging and fun dining areas in Southern Europe and the open-air market of Dolac.

9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds

During your tour you will take in a gorgeous vista of the city from the Fisherman's Bastion, explore the winding streets of the Castle District, gaze in awe at the striking interior of St. Stephen's Basilica, travel along the city's most elegant avenue and more. Along the way you will experience the city as a local does, stopping to check out intimate courtyards, enjoying a pastry and soaking in the ambiance of Budapest's most elegant cafes.

Early Morning/Morning

Exploring Central Pest

In Central Pest you will discover the beating heart of the city, with grand apartment houses and art nouveau architectural gems. No visit to Budapest is complete without seeing its highlights, including St. Stephen's Basilica, which dramatically rises above the city, and the Chain Bridge, which regally spans the Danube.

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Prague Castle & Royal Route Guided Walk

On this charming guided walk, you will explore the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in all of Europe. To reach the castle you will trace the Royal Coronation Route and cross the Charles Bridge, whose “speaking stones” reveal the amazing and often cruel history that occurred there. Your tour guide will then take you either through the castle courtyards and into the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral in the center of the castle complex, or through the upper part of the castle district around the oversized palaces of the old Catholic nobility and the top of the Castle Steps for incomparable views over the red rooftops of the Little Quarter.

Early Morning to Afternoon

Excursion to the Medieval Town of Kutná Hora

On this full day self-guided excursion you will discover the charming Bohemian town of Kutná Hora. An hour-long train ride will take you through the attractive countryside, and then you will begin exploring the medieval town. Due to its silver mines, Kutná Hora was rich and powerful during the Middle Ages. It was even declared a Royal town, meaning that the Bohemian King directly controlled the town. The town spent much of its wealth on beautiful buildings, many of which still exist today, and which have earned the town the status of a UNESCO World Cultural site. Your visit may include stops at the incredible Gothic church of St. Barbara, the Royal Mint, and if you choose, the famous "Bone Church".

To Be Determined

Transfer to Prague Airport by Private Car

A car service will pick you up from the N/A at the time listed above, and deliver you to the Prague Airport for your flight departure. This is a private transfer just for your travel party, and you will not need to pay the driver for the transfer, as it is already included in the cost of the itinerary.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.