ZURICH TO ZAGREB

Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia – 12 days / 11 nights

DAY 1, 2, 3: Zurich, Mt. Titlis, Lucerne, Ilanz

People have named Zurich the city with the best quality of life in the world. As well as the wealthiest city in Europe. The most important sights such as the Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster church. And also Lake Zurich are all based in Zurich’s town center. Also, they are all reached within a three-hour walk or can be accessed by public transport. Culture lovers will enjoy a visit to the museum, Opera House, Schauspielhaus (municipal theater) or Tonhalle (concert hall). Nature fans can take a trip to Zurich’s very own Uetliberg “mountain”. Or visit the zoo or take a boat to Rapperswil.

Zurich has the reputation of a shopping city. Especially Bahnhofstrasse is well known of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world. For Swiss and urban design, the area around Langstrasse is a good spot. Also, don’t forget to taste the world-famous Swiss chocolate. The traditional Swiss chocolatier Läderach sells freshly produced chocolate, filled chocolates, and pralines. Even more, you can even get an insight into the craft of confectionery here. Some of the chocolate is actually produced on site – creating irresistible aromas!

Also, the most famous districts for nightlife are the Niederdorf in the old town with bars, restaurants, lounges, hotels, clubs. And a lot of fashion shops for a young and stylish public in districts 4 and 5 of the city. There are authentic amusements: Brazilian bars, punk clubs, hip-hop stages, Caribic restaurants, arthouse cinemas. But also the famous red light district of Zurich.

Visiting Mt. Titlis and Lucerne can be one of your most memorable experiences. Adventure awaits you in a sensational cable-car ride up to Mt. Titlis. Marvel at the world’s first revolving cable-car ride, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Remain spellbound as you ascend the snow-clad mountains. Experience the snow and ice on top of Mountain Titlis, also a chance to ride ‘Ice Flyer’. At 3,020 meters a breath-taking panorama unfolds.

DAY 4, 5, 6, 7: Ilanz, Milan, Pisa, Florence, Verona, Venice, Padova

Milan is the second-most populous city in Italy and serves as the capital of Lombardy. Its business district hosts the Borsa Italiana and the headquarters of the largest national banks and companies.

Milan’s museums, theatres, and landmarks attract over 8 million visitors annually. You can visit all of the major sights, including da Vinci’s Last Supper, the Duomo (Milan’s cathedral), La Scala Opera House, the charming canal area, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade.

Furthermore, spend the afternoon shopping in the fashion capital of the world. Purveying hot-off-the-catwalk clothes by the likes of Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Versace, it’s little wonder that Milan’s upscale fashion shopping district is known as the Quadrilatero della Moda – the Rectangle of Gold.

Pisa is most well-known because of its Leaning Tower of Pisa. Also, you can visit the Tower and the amazing carved marble Cathedral and Baptistery in the Square of Miracles.

Florence certainly has a majestic Piazza del Duomo where you can see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s bronze “Gate of Paradise”. You can also visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is displayed. End the tour at the Piazzale Michelangelo with the most spectacular view over Florence.

DAY 8: Padova, Postojna, Predjama

Verona is the city of love as it is famous for being the place where William Shakespeare set three of his plays: Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Taming of the Shrew. Also, romance, drama, and fatal family feuding have been the city’s hallmark for centuries. Don’t forget to touch Juliet’s statue for good luck.

Furthermore, visit the romantic city of Venice. Venice is a cluster of over one hundred small islands with its marble palaces built on water and it has numerous souvenir shopping opportunities. Also see the Saint Mark’s Basilica, Bridge of Sighs, the Doges Palace, the Campanile, and many more sights. Visit a Murano Glass Factory and see the skills of these master craftsmen.

You can visit Postojna cave, which is a network of 23 kilometers of tunnels, galleries, and halls. This is the biggest classical karst cave and the most visited tourist cave in Europe. Also, the cave train will take you into the depths where, thanks to the electric lighting, you can appreciate all the dimensions and nuances of the underground karst, where the geological past is written in a unique way.

Don’t forget to tast at a wine cellar in the karst region, where you can visit Predjama castle, a castle built directly into a cliff edge, with an underground tunnel through the mountain.

DAY 9: Bled, Bohinj

Bled is one of the most prestigious Slovenian resorts with its glacier-formed Alpine lake, the famous island of the Slavic goddess of life, Živa, and the oldest castle in Slovenia. In the 19th century, the Swiss doctor Arnold Rikli established a spa center, making Bled one of the most popular touristic places in Austria-Hungary. You can also traverse the lake in a traditional boat called pletna towards Bled Island. From Bled castle, you will admire the fairy-tale lake and the high limestone peaks of the Julian Alps.

Head over to the mountain village of Bohinj, home of the largest natural glacial lake in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj. There are many humorous myths relating to Bohinj. It is said that the Turks (the mighty conquerors) turned around when they tried to invade Bohinj because they thought it was the end of the world. Another myth says that a magic creature, Zlatorog (the Goldhorn), lives in the mountains.

DAY 10: Ljubljana, Zagreb

Ljubljana has everything that modern capitals have to offer, and on top of that, it has managed to keep the pleasant and relaxing atmosphere of a smaller city. You can visit the old part of town along the Ljubljanica River and you will see the most important cultural and historical monuments including the Three Bridges and the New and Old Markets where you will be delighted with boutique shops and nice restaurants. You can also visit the nearby baroque church of St. Nicholas, the food market and the Dragon Bridge with its four dragons that protect the city while also serving as its trademark. With the funicular railway, you can climb to the castle which rises above the town. You can finally climb the castle’s tower and enjoy the view of the city and its green surroundings.

Zagreb is a city of parks, palaces, museums and universities. Departure on a tour of the biggest attractions of the city such as the Cathedral, the picturesque and bustling marketplace Dolac, the Church of St. Mark – the symbol of Zagreb, the vantage point of the tower Lotrščak, which offers a splendid view over Zagreb, the stone gate where you can light a candle, and Bana Jelačič Square, which is not only the crossroads of the upper and lower parts of the city but also the heart of the city, connecting the young and old residents of Zagreb.

DAY 11: Plitvice

Departure towards the Plitvice Lakes National Park and tour of the Park in the afternoon. It is composed of 16 blue and green lakes, connected with more than 90 waterfalls and rapids. Because of the beauty and the attraction of the Plitvice Lakes, travertine and the plants of travertine take the credit and is a very popular place to visit. With the formation of travertine and the partition of the river bed, lakes have formed. That is why this is a magnificent architectonic phenomenon of nature, surrounded by thick woods in which bears, wolves, wild hares, martens, and partridges live. The park has belonged to UNESCO Cultural Heritage since 1979. Lunch.