Budapest to Venice
Your holiday is an adventure that will take you across central Europe from Budapest to Venice. You will be exploring two mighty empires that dominated the region for centuries; the Austro- Hungarian Empire and the Republic of Venice.
In Budapest you’ll encounter the unique flavours that has made this city a magnet for tourism in central Europe. You’ll then be off to Ljubljana in Slovenia, one of the most picturesque towns in the region. You’ll have time to relax and enjoy its wonderful pedestrian life taking in its streets lined with small shops and outdoor cafes.
Moving west you’ll stop in the Croatian Riviera and the beautiful village of Opatija. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Opatija has become a welcome retreat for tourists from around the world.
Your next stop will be in Lake Garda, Italy’s beautiful lake district. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and one of its favourite tourist destinations. You’ll be staying on the northern part of Lake Garda that is one picturesque parts of Italy with the dramatic Dolomites part of the scenery.
Your last stop will be in Venice. Lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces, Venice deserve its reputation as one of Europe’s cultural capitals.
Your holiday package includes round trip airfare from Ottawa, accommodation with breakfast daily, five dinners, city tours conducted by professional local guides and the services of a Travac Tours Director.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This afternoon you will depart from Ottawa for your overnight flights to Europe.
Day 2
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the Danube River. One side of the river is the hilly Buda district while on the other side you’ll find the flat Pest district. Budapest dates all the way back to Roman times. Most of what you will encounter in Budapest however is a product of the middle ages. Its brilliant beauty makes the city one of the most photographed in Central Europe. After checking into the hotel, the balance of you day will be free.
Day 3
After breakfast you will begin your city tour. The tour of Budapest will consist of a walking portion in old Buda, to take in a good part of the city’s rich heritage. Then you will drive to Pest, visiting Heroes’ Square featuring the Millennium Memorial. Your guide will also cover much of the city’s modern history from World War II through the communist era. On your free time this afternoon, you may wish to visit one of the city’s Thermal Pools. (B, D)
Day 4
A free day in Budapest is invigorating. Take time to shop, explore and enjoy the boundless heritage that has made this city so awe inspiring. You may wish to consider an evening cruise on the Danube spoiling you with the view from the river and a chance to see the city lit up. It’s a truly remarkable spectacle. (B)
Day 5
This morning we will depart for Ljubljana in Slovenia. Ljubljana can easily claim to be one of the most picturesque cities in central Europe. It is Slovenia’s capital and is known for its abundance of green space making it so alluring. The curving Ljubljanica River is lined with outdoor cafes dividing the old town from the modern city. Upon our arrival we will meet our tour guide for a short orientation tour of the city. After checking into the hotel the balance of your day is on your own. (B)
Day 6
On your free day in Ljubljana you may wish to visit the city’s Museum of Modern Art or the National Museum of Slovenia. Both are intriguing and well worth the visit. Of course, the side-walk cafes are a must for people watching. (B)
Day 7
Our adventure continues as we travel through Slovenia to the Croatian Riviera and the delightful village of Opatija. Variously known as the “Old Dame”, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” or the “Queen of Tourism” Opatija is a remarkable seaside resort dating back to 1844. The feel of the Victorian era is everywhere amongst the spectacular hotels with their grand facades. The cascading hills remind you of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. It is truly a destination of elegance and style. Upon your arrival your Travac Tours Director will take you on a short stroll down the city’s main street and point out some of the town’s highlights. If you are into walking you will certainly enjoy the “Lungomare Promenade” which follows the coastline for 12 kilometers. (B, D)
Day 8
After breakfast we begin our tour with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre in the ancient town of Pula. While this Amphitheatre is one of many left around Europe by Roman engineers it is certainly one of the best preserved anywhere. We’ll also spend some time in the old town before heading to Rovinj. Rovinj rises dramatically from the Adriatic. Its streets are delightfully twisty and there is indeed something particularly romantic about this old town. You will then return to your Opatija hotel. (B, D)
Day 9
On our last day in this region you are free to relax and enjoy Opatija. Optional experiences will be available to you and will be covered by your tour director. (B, D)
Day 10
This morning we will make our way to Lake Garda. This, the largest lake in Italy is also one of the loveliest. For art and history lovers, Lake Garda offers an attractive leap into the past. Medieval villages clustered between walls and towers along with Veronese and Venetian castles recall memorable battles of the past and great leaders that ruled in the area. (B)
Day 11
After breakfast you embark on a tour of the lake area. You will have the option of taking a lake cruise in the afternoon. (B)
Day 12
A free today to relax and enjoy the scenery of Lake Garda (B)
Day 13
This morning we will make our way to Venice. Venice and the lore surrounding this, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, brings millions of tourists to this ancient city every year. It is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Venice was one of the most important cities in Central Europe for several hundred years. There are still many representations of its former glory that you could visit during your stay. Upon our arrival we will be met by our local guide for an orientation walking tour of the city. We will depart for our hotel in Mestre later in the afternoon. (B)
Day 14
You are free today to experience Venice on your own. (B, D)
Day 15
Your Travac Tours Director will advise you of your departure time for the airport and your return flights to Canada. (B)
Hotel Information
Budapest- Continental Hotel Budapest
Hotel Address
Dohány u. 42-44Budapest, Hungary
1074
+36 1 815 1000
Ljubljana-Urban hotel
Hotel Address
Štefanova ulica 4Ljubljana, Slovenia
1000
+386 591 10057
Opatija-Remisens Premium hotel Imperial
Hotel Address
Ulica Maršala Tita 124/3Opatija, Croatia
51410
+385 51 710 444
Lake Garda- Astoria Park Hotel
Hotel Address
Viale Trento, 9Lake Garda, Italy
38066
+39 0464 576657
Mestre - Leonardo Royal Hotel Venice Mestre
Hotel Address
Via Ca' Marcello, 6Venice, Italy
30172
+39 041 87261
Shaw and Come From Away- July 16-18 and August 20-22 Departures
Travac Tours is pleased to announce that it will be offering a special program to see “Come From Away”, the award winning musical about Newfoundland’s generosity during the 9/11 crisis. The Shaw Festival will be featuring “Of Marriage and Men” on our July 16 departure and “Oh What a Lovely War’’ on our August 20th departure.
“Come from Away” is a Canadian story that literally moved the world. It is opening to the biggest advance ticket sales in Canadian theatre history. In fact, most spring and summer dates are sold.
Kelly Nestruck of The Globe and Mail wrote of “Come From Away” that “the heartwarming musical lives up to the hype” and that “the accessible story, strong emotional core and gorgeous songwriting should not distract from how original and smart this gem of a musical is”. Robert Cushman of the National Post called the production “outstanding.” Liz Braun of the Toronto Sun gave the show a perfect 5-star review.
Travac’s Shaw Festival and Come From Away Holiday is affordably priced at only $659.00 per person based on double occupancy + plus HST of $85.67. Total cost per person with HST is $744.67 .
Your holiday includes round trip transportation by deluxe chartered coach, 2 nights’ accommodation in St. Catharine’s at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Centre, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner, tickets for two plays, sightseeing in the Niagara Falls area, a backstage tour at the Shaw Festival as well as the services of a Travac Tours Director.
Early booking is essential. Our first two dates of Come From Away sold out in 48 hours.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This morning you depart Westgate Shopping Centre. A lunch stop will be made enroute. Expect to arrive at your hotel in St Catherines in the late afternoon. This evening the bus will transfer us to Niagara Falls for our included dinner. After dinner we will return to the hotel. (D)
Day 2
After breakfast you will have some free time. An optional excursion to Niagara Falls will be available today.
On July 17 patrons will be seeing “Of Marriage and Men.” (8pm show)
On August 21 patrons will be seeing “Oh What a Lovely War” (8pm show)
After dinner the bus will transfer us to the Shaw Festival.
Day 3
We depart in the morning for Toronto and your performance of “Come From Away”. You will have plenty of time for lunch before the performance. After the show we will make our way back to Ottawa. Expect to arrive back in Ottawa approximately 10:30pm. (B)