Imperial Trail 2012

Itinerary

Day 1 Rome, Italy

Today arrive in Rome to meet our fellow travellers and Trip Leader. (D)

 

Day 2 Rome to Greece (overnight ferry)

Through the Italian countryside today to meet our overnight ferry to Greece! (B,L)

 

Days 3-5 Flotilla Sailing in Greece

Enjoy three great days of sailing on the Ionian Sea, where swimming, sunbathing and eating become our life. (B,L,D) (B,L) (B,L,D)

 

Day 6 Plataria to Athens

Off the boats today and on to Athens. There is so much to see here from ancient ruins to modern architecture. (B,D)

 

Days 7-8 Athens to Mykonos

Get prepared for 2 nights to explore one of the world’s most famous islands. Stunning scenery, great beaches, and legendary nightlife. (B,D) (B)

 

Day 9 Mykonos to Athens

Today we hop on a ferry back to Athens for the night. (B)

 

Day 10 Athens to Meteora

Heading north to Meteora, we visit a network of cliff top monasteries dating back to the 14th century. (B,D)

 

Day 11 Meteora to Kavala

Today we travel to the northern Greek coastal town of Kavala. (B,L,D)

 

Day 12 Kavala to Gallipoli, Turkey

Head off across to the Gallipoli Peninsula today. A beautiful location with a deeply tragic history. (B,D)

 

Day 13 Gallipoli to Istanbul

 A short drive takes us to Istanbul, a bustling city straddling two continents. (B,D)

 

Days 14–15 Istanbul

Our local guide shows us the city attractions, giving us plenty of free time to master haggling in the Grand Bazaar and marvel at the Blue Mosque. (B) (B)

 

Day 16 Istanbul to Sofia, Bulgaria

Once we arrive in Sofia, our local guide takes us to see all the famous sights. (B,L)

 

Day 17 Sofia to Belgrade, Serbia

Taking in the incredible old town, our orientation tour acquaints us with the Serbian capital. (B)

 

Day 18 Belgrade to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

To Sarajevo today, the capital city of Bosnia & Herzegovina and a city that is now heroically rebuilding itself. (B,D)

 

Day 19 Sarajevo to Dubrovnik, Croatia

Today we head to Dubrovnik via the city of Mostar. (B,D) Day 20 Dubrovnik. Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful Dubrovnik. The old fortified city has remained largely unchanged for centuries. (B)

 

Day 21 Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes

Heading along the stunning Dalmatian Coast, with its crystal clear blue waters, we stop at the old walled city of Zadar en route to Plitvice Lakes. (B,D)

 

Day 22 Plitvice Lakes

The day is ours to spend in the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, a World Heritage Site of woods, beautiful turquoise lakes and waterfalls. (B,L)

 

Day 23 Plitvice Lakes to Budapest, Hungary

Buda and Pest are located on each side of the mighty Danube, our home for two nights. (B,D)

 

Day 24 Budapest

Today we have an orientation tour which gives us an insight into the history and charm of Budapest. (B)

 

Day 25 Budapest to Vienna, Austria via Bratislava, Slovakia

On to the charming Vienna, home to opera, apple strudel and Strauss. (B,D)

 

Day 26 Vienna

Time to explore Vienna. The impressive Hofburg Palace, the Opera House and the Schonbrunn Palace all await. (B)

 

Day 27 Vienna to Krakow, Poland

Today, we make a sobering visit to the former concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau. Then to Krakow, once the capital city. (B,L,D)

 

Day 28 Krakow

Today is ours to choose from tours of the Jewish Quarter to visiting salt mines used since the 13th century. (B)

 

Day 29 Krakow to Prague, Czech Republic

Our next city, Prague, is one of our favourites. Our walking tour amongst the cobblestone streets is informative (B,L,D)

 

Day 30 Prague

Explore Prague during the day before trying one of the many delicious restaurants in the evening. Prague also lays claim to some of the world’s finest beers! (B)

 

Day 31 Prague to Berlin, Germany

Historic Dresden breaks our journey as we head to Berlin, one of Europe’s most happening cities. (B,D)

 

Day 32 Berlin

After orientating ourselves with Berlin including Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, the city is ours to explore. (B)

 

Day 33 Berlin to Amsterdam, Netherlands

To Amsterdam famous for its canals, bicycles and liberal lifestyle. (B,L)

 

Day 34 Amsterdam

Our bicycle tour is a great way to discover Amsterdam. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner followed by an optional canal cruise. (B,D)

 

Day 35 Amsterdam to London

Back to London via Belgium. (B)

 

Please note that this trip forms part of the Mega European trip, days 15 - 49.