Itinerary - 9 Night Holiday by Air + Rail

Days 1

London to Vienna

Travel by Eurostar from London to Brussels (approximately 1 hour 51 minutes). When you arrive in Brussels transfer onto the train to Cologne (approximate journey time 1 hour 45 minutes). On arrival in Cologne station, enjoy a short stop, perhaps popping into the famous cathedral right outside the station exit, before connecting onto the overnight sleeper train to Vienna.

Day 2

Budapest

The train arrives into Vienna in the morning where you then travel by train to Budapest (approximately 3 hours). On arrival in Budapest check in at the Art'otel Budapest for an overnight stay.

Straddling the River Danube, Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with much of its centre included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. See the Hungarian Crown Jewels at the neo-Gothic Parliament Building, visit the impressive Buda Castle, overlooking the river, enjoy stunning city views from the top of Gellert Hill or pamper yourself with a treatment at one of Budapest's world-renowned spas.

Days 3 and 4

Belgrade

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before travelling in first class from Budapest to Belgrade. On arrival in Belgrade check in at the Zira Belgrade for a 2 night stay.

Located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, Belgrade has a history dating back to the 4th Century BC and occupying forces from the Celts and Romans to the Ottomans and more recently the Soviet Union, have all left their mark on this fascinating city.

Window shop on Knez Mihailova Street, the city's main pedestrianised shopping street, wander around the massive Kalemegdan and Belgrade Fortress Complex, or if the sun is shining, catch some rays on the beach at Ada Giganlija an island in the Sava River. In the evening, why not catch a performance at the ornately decorated National Theatre?

Days 5 and 6

Sarajevo

After breakfast in the hotel travel by train from Belgrade to Sarajevo (payable locally). On arrival in Sarajevo check in at the Central Hotel Sarajevo for a 2 night stay.

Think Sarajevo and immediately the words ‘siege’ and ‘snipers’ come to mind. At the end of the 1990s this city was on the verge of obliteration but now visitors are returning in their droves to an astonishing destination, rich in history, culture and renewed vitality.

Wander around the middle-eastern flavoured old town where synagogues and Orthodox churches sit next to mosques calling the faithful to prayer. Have a meal in the Morica Han, the last preserved Ottoman Inn in the city. Visit the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum for a sobering insight into life under siege. Or walk up one of the city's hills to the Yellow Fort for great views.

Day 7

Sarajevo to Mostar

Take an early morning train from Sarajevo to Mostar (journey time approximately 2 and a half hours). On arrival in Mostar, check in at the Villa Fortuna Mostar for an overnight stay.

The name 'Mostar' derives from the term for 'keeper of the bridge' and as soon as you arrive at the river in the Old Town, it will become obvious where this name comes from. The beautiful Stari Most (Old Bridge) straddling the deep blue Neretva River is a fabulous feat of engineering. Originally built in the 16th century but destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War, it was painstakingly rebuilt and reopened in 2004, thus paving the way for a new era in the city's long and illustrious history.

Wander around the restored Ottoman old town on either side of the bridge and shop for crafts and antiques. Visit the Karadjozbeg Mosque, built in 1557 and climb its minaret for lovely views. Or enjoy a swim at the beautiful city baths dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Day 8

Mostar to Dubrovnik

Enjoy a private transfer from Mostar to Dubrovnik and on arrival, check in at the More Hotel Dubrovnik for a 2 night stay.

The Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik has been a maritime power for centuries and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean.

Start off with a walk around the 2 km long city walls surrounding the Old Town. The views of the city and the Adriatic coastline are spectacular and there are strategically placed towers along the way for even more photo opportunities! Wander down the wide central street, Stradun, marveling at the architecture and then pay a visit to the Rector's Palace for a history of the city.

In the evening, try one of the port side bars and enjoy some freshly caught seafood in one of the many lovely restaurants with a view.

Day 9

Dubrovnik

Why not spend an afternoon exploring the area outside the Old Town? Walk around the edge of the Lapad peninsula and discover some unspoilt sandy beaches. Or head further afield with a trip to one of the many islands scattered along the coast. Lokrum is one of the most interesting of these with a monastery, a fort commanding great views of the mainland and lush botanical gardens.

Down the coastline, there is a pretty fishing village called Cavtat with some great seafood restaurants and beautiful scenery as well as quieter, idyllic beaches.

Day 10

Dubrovnik to London

After breakfast, head to the airport for your BA flight back to London Gatwick.