Highlights of Slovenia & Austria

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Ljubljana with Lake Bled & the Julian Alps, Salzburg, Vienna

This private luxury tour features private touring of the most interesting cultural attractions in Slovenia, Salzburg and Vienna and the magnificent scenery of the Julian Alps and the Austrian Alps.

Begin in Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. During private touring, explore the Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture in the historic center; enjoy a boat ride on the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city; visit Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views over the capital from a forested hilltop; tour the National Gallery of Slovenia; browse local markets and shops; and enjoy leisure time to relax at local cafes and restaurants.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to see the incredible stalactites and stalagmites inside Postojna Cave or the dramatic karst chambers inside Skocjan Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps also visit Lipica Stud Farm, where Lipizzaner horses have been bred for centuries, or Predjama Castle, a medieval fortress built into high stone cliffs. Alternatively, you might like to opt for an exciting river rafting experience through the beautiful canyon of the Kolpa river or enjoy a scenic hike through one of the virgin forests of the Kocevsko province.

Next, transfer to Austria. En route, enjoy a private excursion to the beautiful Julian Alps. At iconic Lake Bled, ride in a private pletna (flat-bottomed wooden boat) to a tiny island with a picturesque church and bell tower. Also see Bled Castle, which perches atop rocky cliffs overlooking the water. Also, perhaps enjoy a spectacular walk through Vintgar Gorge, or visit a beekeeper to learn about his work—a popular Slovenian pastime—and taste local honey.

Continue to Salzburg, a charming Baroque town famous for Mozart and The Sound of Music. Tour major cultural highlights such as the Cathedral, Mozart's birthplace, and sites related to The Sound of Music, such as the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Walk down Getreidegasse, Salzburg's most famous shopping street, and visit select boutiques specializing in local products such as trachten fabric, loden coats, pewterware, Christmas decorations, gilded glass (verre eglomise), and of course Mozartkugel chocolate pralines. Tour markets, art museums, Sound of Music sites and other historic highlights. 

Next, tour the Wachau, the beautiful wine-growing region along the Danube River. Tour Melk's famous abbey and take a cruise on the Danube, passing castles, vineyards and villages. Also, enjoy wine tasting at one of Austria's leading wineries.

Conclude in Vienna. During private touring, your expert local guide will take you to the most interesting neighborhoods, upscale shops and food markets, and help you navigate the overwhelming wealth of spectacular art, architecture and history in this former imperial capital. Visit the Spanish Riding School to see the Lipizzaner Stallions during a training session or performance. See the highlights of world-renowned palaces and museums such as the MuseumsQuartier, Kunsthistorisches, Albertina, Schönbrunn (including the Bergl Rooms), the Jewish Museum and the Freud Museum. Tour architectural monuments that exemplify the best in Vienna's Gothic, Baroque and Secessionist styles including St. Stephen's Cathedral and Otto Wagner-designed buildings. Visit our favorite shops selling exquisite linens, crystal, chocolates, gourmet foods and antiques. Visit up-and-coming neighborhoods known for their designers and chefs. Taste local culinary specialties at our favorite stalls in the enormous Naschmarkt food market. We'll also ensure you have daily opportunities to visit Vienna's leading coffee houses and patisseries.