Steal my Austrian & Adriatic Adventure Itinerary!
Austrian & Adriatic Adventure - 12 Days Sustainability:XXXs
I've spent countless hours planning trips for with my two children and I'd love you to be able to experience these itineraries -please steal!
On this trip, we ventured from Austria to Slovenia to Croatia and it was one of the most visually stunning trips we've ever taken. The orange roofs of the Croatia coast line set against the deep blue azure of the Adriatic sea was breathtaking.
Day 1 – Begin the Journey
- Depart US on a flight of your choosing to Vienna
- We stayed at the Amauris Vienna (a Relais & Chateaux property) and I can highly recommend it!
Day 2 – Discover Vienna on a Bike Tour
- We started our Vienna sightseeing with a bike tour. Vienna is a fairly compact city so we were able to see the Opera House, City Hall (Rathaus), Hapsburg Palace (birthplace of Maria Anoinete), St Stephen's Cathedral (pictured, and the catacombs beneath) and the Parliament building.
Day 3 – Viennese Culinary Tour
- Vienna has a deep heritage of coffee and cakes and we created our own culinary tour by eating our way through the city.
- One of the oldest coffee shops in the world (1876) is the famous Cafe Central (pictured) and used to be the meeting place of all kinds of special guests including Freud and Lenin.
- We then made our way to Cafe Demel, Cafe Sperl, Cafe Landtmann (for the apple strudel) and ended at Hotel Sacher for the original Sacher Torte.
Day 4 – A Viennese Ball
- Day 4 was devoted to going to an actual Viennese Ball (in our case the "Fete Imperiale")
- Prior to the trip, I noticed that the Spanish Riding School (home to the famed Lipizzaner horses) was closed - and I found out that it was because it was hosting this ball - so we decided to get tickets and go - I can honestly say, I don't think I've seen my daughter any happier (pictured)
Day 5 – Transfer to Slovenia
- Next it's on to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia
Day 6 – Enjoying Ljubljana
- Despite its importance, Ljubljana has managed to retain the pleasant atmosphere of a much smaller city.
- We took a guided tour and strolled around the medieval Old Town, set along the lovely banks of the Ljubljanica River.
- We saw the most important cultural and historical monuments, including the New and Old Markets and of course we visited the unusual Triple Bridge, a group of 3 bridges spanning the river (pictured).
- We also visited Dragon Bridge with its 4 dragons that protect the city and serve as Ljubljana's trademark.
- Finally we also visited the castle perched on top of the city which gave the perfect vantage point for pictures.
Day 7 – Lake Bled
- The alpine village of Bled, Slovenia, has been the country's most visited attraction for more than a century. Located about 30 mi/50 km northwest of Ljubljana, Bled is among Europe's most beautiful mountain resorts. Imagine a castle set on a cliff and overlooking a small blue lake that rests in a valley below snowcapped mountains. In the center of the lake, like something from a children's storybook, the white tower and red-tiled roof of a medieval church poke above the trees on a tiny, wooded island.
- We took one of the boats across to the island - what a fantastic memory!
Days 8 & 9 – Plitvice Lakes
- After a quick transfer, we ended up at our accommodation for one night: Ethno House Plitvica.
- Plitvice Lakes is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and is situated between Zagreb and Zadar. Considered a national treasure, the park boasts lush, forested mountain scenery and 12 upper and four lower aquamarine and sapphire-hued lakes connected by waterfalls. It's one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe, covering approximately 115 sq mi/300 sq km, and numerous paths and wooden bridges make strolling a pleasant experience.
Days 10-11 – Croatia - Split
- We then made our way to our third country and another great hotel (Hotel Park in Split).
- In Split, we took a guided (thankfully) walking tour. The Cathedral of St. Domnius, claims to be the oldest cathedral in the world; it's believed that the patron saint of Split was guided here by Saint Peter to evangelize Dalmatia.
- Diocletian's Palace (pictured) is divided into four quarters, and as you move along, you will explore the picturesque tangle of narrow streets that border each quarter of the old palace walls. Monuments such as sphinxes that the Romans brought back from ancient Egypt and well-preserved Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque palaces give true insight into the city's illustrious past.
Day 12 - 13 – Croatia - Hvar (bike & boat tour)
- On our final full day of the trip, we took a combination boat ride (and a wonderful waterfront lunch) and a bike tour of Hvar.
- The town of Hvar (pictured) is known to be one of the most sought-after destinations of the rich and famous; nicknamed the 'St. Tropez of the Adriatic,' this small town's charm enchants all of its visitors. Croatia's sunniest island, Hvar is home to never-ending lavender fields, premium wines, beautiful beaches and secluded roads bordering the olive groves that dot the coastline.
- Fly out of Split
Pyramids & Petra
Pyramids & Petra
Pyramids & Petra
If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to the either Petra or the Pyramids, this trip is for you! This 9-day adventure combines the history of both the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt and Petra in Jordan. The trip is full of wonder and discovery at both of these sights.
Roman Holiday
Pyramids & Petra
Pyramids & Petra
Italy is truly the country of dreams - I combined the history and awe inspiring sights of Rome and the Vatican with a beach holiday on the Amalfi Coast. This trip is great for kids as well - you can temper the museums and history with lots of fun activities and a beautiful beach to boot!
Turkish Delight
Pyramids & Petra
Turkish Delight
Turkey seems to still fly a bit under the radar with US tourists, but it's one of safest, most beautiful places we've been. We went to Istanbul for the history and mosques and then to Cappadocia for the underground cities and balloon rides and finished up in Fethiye at a beautiful beach resort.