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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Central Europe to the Adriatic

Rail journey Vienna to Split via Ljubljana and Zagreb, 11 days

Illustration of Central Europe to the Adriatic

Marvellous Escapes operates this 11-day independent tailor-made rail holiday from Vienna to the Adriatic coast via Ljubljana and Zagreb. You begin in Vienna with three nights exploring the imperial grandeur of Schonbrunn Palace and attending a VIP classical concert with front-row seating and a welcome drink. Train journeys then carry you south through Austria and Slovenia to Ljubljana, where two nights allow wandering the cobbled Old Town and crossing the Triple Bridge at your own pace. From there, rail continues into Croatia to Zagreb, where a private guided walking tour uncovers the Austro-Hungarian heritage of the Upper Town, St. Mark's Church and the Stone Gate before a free day to explore further. Your journey concludes on the Adriatic coast in Split with three nights to stroll Diocletian's Palace, palm-lined promenades and nearby islands via a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass. Most days are independent; 24-hour support is provided throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 2,399 includes hotel and most experiences but does not cover rail fares separately; confirm the full cost of rail travel with Marvellous Escapes before booking.
  • Five of ten days are at your own pace with no guided activities; the tour is independent tailor-made rather than fully escorted.
  • Optional excursions from Ljubljana (Lake Bled or Postojna Caves) are not included and cost extra.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Fly from the UK to Vienna, on arrival enjoy a private transfer to your hotel before enjoying a restful stay in the Austrian capital.

  2. Day 2overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Experience the grandeur of Vienna with a visit to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, followed by a VIP classical concert with priority access, welcome drink, front-row seating and a glass of sparkling wine.

  3. Day 3overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    A full day at leisure in Vienna to explore the city at your own pace, from world-class museums to elegant cafes and the Ringstrasse's grand architecture.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ljubljana

    Ljubljana

    Travel south by rail to Slovenia's charming capital, Ljubljana. Take a stroll along the Ljubljanica River, cross the iconic Triple Bridge, or admire views from Ljubljana Castle.

  5. Day 5overnight: Ljubljana

    Ljubljana

    Enjoy Ljubljana at your own pace: the cobbled Old Town, local boutiques and markets, or the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle, plus optional excursions to Lake Bled or Postojna Caves.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Zagreb

    Zagreb

    Continue your journey by rail from Ljubljana to Zagreb, crossing into Croatia. Explore the cobbled streets of the Upper Town, visit St. Mark's Church, or stroll through Ban Jelacic Square.

  7. Day 7overnight: Zagreb

    Zagreb

    A private guided walking tour of Zagreb, uncovering the atmospheric Upper Town (Gornji Grad), St. Mark's Church, the Lotrscak Tower and the historic Stone Gate, plus the elegant Lower Town.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Split

    Split

    Travel by rail from Zagreb to Split, heading south through Croatia's dramatic inland landscapes towards the sparkling Adriatic coast. Stroll the palm-lined Riva promenade or Diocletian's Palace.

  9. Day 9overnight: Split

    Split

    Discover Split and its surroundings with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass, from Diocletian's Palace to panoramic sea views from Marjan Hill.

  10. Day 10overnight: Split

    Split

    A further day in Split with the flexibility of your hop-on hop-off pass, revisiting Diocletian's Palace, nearby beaches, or the Dalmatian Riviera.

  11. Day 11

    Return home

    After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Split Airport for your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Visit Schonbrunn Palace followed by a VIP classical concert with priority seating, welcome drink and sparkling wine in Vienna.
  • Day 4Day 4: Travel by rail south to Ljubljana and stroll along the Ljubljanica River, crossing the famous Triple Bridge.
  • Day 6Day 6: Rail journey from Ljubljana to Zagreb crosses into Croatia through changing landscapes.
  • Day 7Day 7: Private guided walking tour of Zagreb's Upper Town (Gornji Grad), St. Mark's Church, Lotrscak Tower and Stone Gate.
  • Day 8Day 8: Rail from Zagreb to Split heads through inland Croatia towards the Adriatic coast, then stroll Diocletian's Palace and the palm-lined Riva promenade.

Included

  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Vienna and Split with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Ljubljana & Zagreb with breakfast included
  • Flights from London to Vienna and return from Split
  • Schonbrunn Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert
  • Private walking tour in Zagreb
  • Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour in Split

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Train travel is included to get you from Vienna to Ljubljana, Ljubljana to Zagreb, and Zagreb to Split. Flights from London to Vienna and return from Split are also included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Marvellous Escapes describes this as an independent tailor-made journey. You have a private guided walking tour in Zagreb and a palace tour in Vienna, with 24-hour on-trip support, but most days are free to explore at your own pace.
What is included in the package?
Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Vienna (3 nights), Ljubljana (2 nights), Zagreb (2 nights) and Split (3 nights); flights from London; Schonbrunn Palace tour and VIP classical concert in Vienna; private walking tour in Zagreb; 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass in Split.
What is not included?
Meals other than breakfast, optional excursions (Lake Bled or Postojna Caves from Ljubljana), travel insurance, and any activities not listed in the package.
How much walking is involved?
The private walking tour in Zagreb covers the Upper Town, St. Mark's Church, Lotrscak Tower and historic streets. You can explore Ljubljana and Split independently or use the hop-on hop-off bus in Split. Additional walking depends on your choices each day.
When does this trip run?
Marvellous Escapes does not publish specific departure dates in the available information. Contact them directly to check availability and book.

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