17-Day Grand Tour of Eastern Europe and the Balkans【Small Group with Chinese-Speaking Guide】

The Roland Fountain, located in the square at the heart of Bratislava's Old Town, was built around 1572 to celebrate the coronation of King Maximilian.

Szentendre Island and its charming town lie about 30 km south of Visegrád. After the Turkish invasion, Serbs fled to the island and built many churches. The Serbian Orthodox Museum on the island houses the precious heritage of the Hungarian Serbian Orthodox Church. In the town center, visitors can admire beautiful Baroque and late Baroque architecture, as well as picturesque squares and stairways. You can also visit the open-air ethnographic museum, known as Skanzen, to learn about Hungary’s culture and architectural traditions. Today, the island is home primarily to a community of artists, who often show visitors their work.

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of Europe’s most charming and finely crafted cities. Among its best-known attractions is Old Town Square. At its center stands the statue of Jan Hus. The square’s distinctive historic landmark is its astronomical clock. The name Prague comes from German; locally, it is called Praha, meaning “threshold.” This is said to be because the Vltava River passes over a reef here, creating fast-flowing waters that resemble crossing a threshold.

The astronomical clock on the south wall of the Old Town Hall draws visitors from around the world, who stop to take photos and look up at this clock, which is more than 600 years old. Its design is exquisite and based on the geocentric model of the time. The upper dial completes one revolution each day, while the lower one completes a revolution each year. At noon every day, the twelve finely crafted figures of Jesus' apostles emerge one by one beside the clock: six turn left and six turn right. A rooster crows, the windows close, and the chimes sound.

The Sedlec Ossuary is in the town of Kutná Hora, 75 kilometers southeast of Prague. The Black Death in the 14th century and the religious wars led by Jan Hus in the 15th century devastated Bohemia. How could the dead be laid to rest? Devout monks chose to bring them to Kutná Hora. The church is small, and its exterior looks like that of an ordinary Gothic building, but its interior is constructed and decorated with around 40,000 human bones. Skulls and thigh bones are strung in a row beneath the domed ceiling, like decorations for a terrifying Christmas, while the central chandelier contains at least one bone from every part of the human body.

This towering Gothic building symbolizes the power and importance of this mining town, whose silver mines held vast reserves of silver. The church was therefore built as an offering to the miners’ patron saint, Saint Barbara. It took five hundred years to complete. The exterior of this magnificent church is the work of architects Matěj Rejsek and Benedikt Ried. Inside are numerous Late Gothic and Renaissance oil paintings, which offer a glimpse into the city’s mining traditions. The slender columns inside the church are decorated with murals depicting themes closely related to mining and the minting of silver coins.

Spanning the Vltava River, Charles Bridge connects Prague Castle and the Old Town on either side. Although the imposing sight of medieval knights crossing the bridge is long gone, visitors who come from far and wide are more than satisfied simply to stroll along it and surrender to the rich layers of history that envelop them.

Prague Castle stands on a hill above the Vltava River in the Czech Republic, at the highest point in the city. From the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of Prague. At sunset, the colorful evening glow reflects on Prague's vivid red rooftops, creating a captivating painting that will take your breath away at first glance!

This Baroque garden, filled with Roman sculptures, fountains, gardens and mazes, was the setting for the famous film The Sound of Music, where Maria sings “Do-Re-Mi” with the children.

Český Krumlov, officially known as Český Krumlov, lies on the banks of the Vltava, the Czech Republic’s mother river. Founded in the 13th and 14th centuries, the town escaped the devastation of both World Wars and remains remarkably intact, retaining its medieval old town, grand Renaissance castle, and Gothic and Baroque buildings. The town is divided in two by a U-shaped bend in the Vltava: the castle district sits on the northern hillside, while the old town is surrounded by the river. The castle district is a complex of painted castle buildings, marked by its iconic Painted Tower. The old town features a grand church, a chapel with a distinctive roof, a colorful town square, a network of medieval cobbled streets, and an array of specialty shops and museums. In 1992, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and natural significance.

Mozart Square: King Ludwig I of Bavaria was an important advocate for the creation of this square. He made a generous private donation and also donated a marble pedestal. Today, the pedestal is housed in the Carolino Augusteum Museum.

This lively shopping street in Salzburg's Old Town is narrow, with almost every historic building on either side housing a shop. Boutiques, souvenir shops, inns, and restaurants line the street. In the past, shopkeepers came up with ingenious designs for their iron signs, adding images to show what they sold so that people who could not read would understand. Today, look up as you walk along the cobblestones and admire the distinctive cast-iron signs competing for attention—a favorite sight among visitors.

If any village perfectly captures the spirit of Austria, it is Hallstatt. This village in Upper Austria has fewer than 800 residents and sits beside a lake, with snow-capped mountains and forests behind it. Its houses all feature charming Alpine-style architecture. It is no surprise that Hallstatt is one of the country's most popular destinations, as it embodies everything visitors hope to find in Austria. Its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List was no coincidence; its official name is the “Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape.”

Bad Ischl is a spa town in Austria, located on the Traun River in the heart of the Salzkammergut region in southern Upper Austria. In 1849, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria chose this location for his summer residence. On August 19, 1853, Franz Joseph and Princess Sisi held their engagement ceremony here. In 1854, the emperor’s mother, Sophie, gave the villa to the couple as a wedding gift. It became the imperial family’s summer residence, and Franz Joseph called it “heaven on earth.”

The Wachau Valley (German: Wachau) is a 30-kilometer stretch of the Danube Valley in Austria, between Melk and Krems, near Vienna. The area preserves a rich record of human history, from prehistoric times to the present, and is home to many historic towns and monasteries. The old town of Dürnstein is where Duke Leopold V of Austria imprisoned Richard the Lionheart, King of England. The region is also an important Austrian wine-producing area, with extensive vineyards. In 2000, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Melk Abbey is one of the most important attractions in this town and the entire Danube Valley. It stands majestically atop a hill on the banks of the Danube. Founded in 1089, it was renovated between 1702 and 1736, when Baroque decorations were added. The abbey houses a library and museum, with many exquisite frescoes and precious medieval manuscripts.

Located in Vienna, the Austrian Parliament Building is home to the National Council and the Federal Council of Austria.

Schönbrunn Palace takes its name from a spring in what was once an open green space. According to legend, Emperor Matthias was hunting here when he drank from the spring and, refreshed, named it the “beautiful spring.” In 1743, Queen Maria Theresa ordered a palace to be built here, giving rise to the magnificent palace and its Baroque gardens. Covering 26,000 square meters, it is the second-largest palace in Europe, after the Palace of Versailles in France.

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a landmark of Vienna and one of the world's most famous Gothic churches. Its 137-meter spire is the second tallest church spire in the world, after Cologne Cathedral. Its soaring dome and intricately decorated Baroque altars leave a lasting impression, as do its beautifully carved marble columns. The magnificent architecture and colorful stained glass create a sacred atmosphere. Visitors can also climb the cathedral's south tower and take an elevator up to see the Pummerin bell, with sweeping views of Vienna from the tower.

Hofburg Palace was the palace complex of Austria’s Habsburg dynasty, located in the heart of Vienna. From 1275 to 1913, it was expanded and rebuilt many times, eventually becoming the maze it is today, with 18 wings, 19 courtyards and 2,500 rooms. The six exhibition rooms of the Sisi Museum display many authentic items from the empress’s private apartments, as well as reproductions of some of her clothing, offering a glimpse into Princess Sisi’s life.

Vienna City Hall is a magnificent Neo-Gothic building and the seat of the Mayor of Vienna and the city council. The Rathausmann atop its tower is one of Vienna’s symbols and also represents people’s challenge to the old order.

Fisherman's Bastion is a Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque viewing terrace on Castle Hill, on the Buda side of the Danube in Hungary's capital, Budapest, near Matthias Church. It was built between 1895 and 1902 and designed by Frigyes Schulek. Fisherman's Bastion was nearly destroyed during World War II. Between 1947 and 1948, Frigyes Schulek's son, János Schulek, oversaw its restoration. From its towers and viewing terraces, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Danube, Margaret Island, Pest to the east, and Gellért Hill.

Matthias Church is located along the Danube, next to Fisherman’s Bastion. The place where Hungarian kings were crowned, it is one of Castle Hill’s landmark buildings. Its bright colors, stone spires, and colorful mosaic roof blend Hungarian folk, Art Nouveau, Turkish, and other styles, creating a particularly enchanting sight against the blue sky. As Victor Hugo described it, Matthias Church is a “symphony in stone.”

The Hungarian Parliament Building stands on the banks of the Danube and is one of Hungary’s most iconic landmarks, as well as one of Europe’s largest parliamentary buildings. Designed in the Gothic Revival style, it features a symmetrical, ornate façade and a striking central dome. Its intricate details combine sculpture and decorative art. At night, its lights reflect on the Danube, creating a grand and majestic cityscape.

Cruise along the Danube and take in the iconic architecture on both banks of Budapest. As the water flows gently by, immerse yourself in the unique scenery where the twin cities of Buda and Pest come together.

Tito's Mausoleum is also called the “House of Flowers.” It is the tomb of Josip Broz Tito, leader of Yugoslavia. It is known as the “House of Flowers” because flowers once surrounded the tomb, but today it is surrounded by white rocks. Tito's full name was Josip Broz Tito. He was born on May 25, 1892, in the village of Kumrovec, Croatia.

Kalemegdan Fortress is both a fortress and a park—a witness to history as well as one of Belgrade’s iconic sightseeing attractions and leisure spots. The main part of the fortress dates back to the 17th century, though its grounds also contain medieval gates, Islamic-style tombs, and a Turkish bathhouse. Kalemegdan Fortress is divided into four areas: Lower Town, Upper Town, Little Kalemegdan, and Great Kalemegdan. Each has its own distinctive character and is well worth exploring.

This is Belgrade’s famous pedestrian shopping street. Although it is only about one kilometer long, it has become renowned for the buildings dating from the 1870s on either side and is also a protected historic street.

The Church of Saint Sava is one of the grandest Orthodox churches in the Balkans. It was built in memory of the national hero Saint Sava Nemanjić and has played a pivotal role in the history and cultural development of Serbia. Construction began in 1935 and was interrupted twice due to war and the sluggish economic development of the Communist era. The exterior was not completed until December 2003, and work on the interior is still ongoing.

Latin Bridge is located in the city center and was known as Princip Bridge during the Yugoslav era. The northern end of the bridge is the site of the Sarajevo assassination, the event that sparked World War I. The current bridge was built in 1798–1799.

Baščaršija is Sarajevo's Old Town, founded in the 16th century during Ottoman rule and the birthplace of the city. The Old Town retains its Turkish Islamic character and much of its appearance from 500 years ago. Its cobbled streets and winding lanes are lined with shops and artisan workshops. Local crafts have a history spanning several centuries, and Turkish-style metalwork, ceramics, jewelry, ornaments and gemstones are sold here. You can seek out filming locations from the movie Walter Defends Sarajevo, including the clock tower, the blacksmiths' street, the mosque and its green dome. Here, you can see reminders of the cruelty of war and the hard-won harmony of today.

The Sarajevo Tunnel was built between 1992 and 1995 during the Siege of Sarajevo in the Bosnian War. It is also known as the “Tunnel of Hope” or the “Rescue Tunnel.” The tunnel was built by the Bosnian army to connect the city of Sarajevo with Sarajevo Airport. At the time, the Serbs had cut off the connection between the two. The tunnel enabled food, military supplies, and humanitarian aid to enter Sarajevo, and it also became an important way to bypass the arms embargo and supply weapons to the defenders. Many people also escaped Sarajevo through the tunnel. Today, the Sarajevo Tunnel is a tourist attraction, and its entrance and exit have been converted into museums.

Budva Old Town is located on a peninsula and dates back to the 15th century. Its streets are quite narrow, while its diverse Mediterranean cultures and precious historic sites bear witness to Budva’s past.

Mostar Old Bridge is a 16th-century bridge in the ancient city of Mostar in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, spanning the emerald-green Neretva River. Its elegant arch and magnificent form have earned it the nickname “the rainbow over the Neretva.” Construction of the stone bridge began in 1566 under a Turkish architect. It was destroyed by bombing on November 9, 1993, during the Bosnian War, becoming a testament to ethnic hatred. With funding and assistance from international organizations and several countries, the bridge was restored over three years and reopened on July 23, 2004. Many buildings around it were also restored. Given the city’s painful history and the bridge’s symbolism, the rebuilt bridge is seen as a symbol of reconciliation and international cooperation, and as a beacon of hope for peaceful coexistence among different cultures, ethnicities, and religions.

The Old Town of Kotor is one of the best-preserved medieval old towns on the Adriatic Sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of its features are typical of cities along the Adriatic coast. As the city is geographically located in Eastern Europe, it is also dotted with distinctive Orthodox churches.

The Dubrovnik City Walls are defensive stone walls surrounding the Old Town. They have stood in southern Croatia since the 7th century and are considered one of the great defensive systems of the Middle Ages; they have never been breached by enemy forces. In 1979, the Old Town of Dubrovnik and a large section of its walls were jointly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Stroll along the walls to enjoy the superb views.

The Franciscan Monastery is located west of the Old Town. Founded in 1317, it is a treasured part of Dubrovnik’s cultural, artistic, and historical heritage. The exquisitely carved stonework in its cloister blends beautifully with the surrounding setting. The monastery houses a museum comprising a pharmacy and a library. The pharmacy is one of Europe’s oldest of its kind and is still in operation. The library is an important collection of old books in Croatia, preserving more than 1,200 valuable manuscripts and historical documents, 137 old books, seven volumes of ancient church hymns, and approximately 2,000 religious ceremonial objects and paintings—an invaluable collection.

Diocletian's Palace is one of Split's most famous historic landmarks. It is also one of the best-preserved ancient Roman palace complexes on the Mediterranean, in Europe, and indeed in the world, attracting large numbers of visitors every year. Built by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century AD, it served as his retirement residence after he abdicated. Later, nearby residents gradually settled here to escape war and carried out essential trade. To this day, the palace still houses many restaurants, shops, and other businesses.

The pre-Romanesque church of St. Donatus, with its distinctive circular exterior, is undoubtedly Zadar’s most prominent landmark and holds a special place among the 14 churches still standing in the city. Built in the 9th century and renovated in the 15th, it is now used as a concert hall. The ruins in front of the church are the remains of an ancient Roman palace.

Built by the Venetians in 1543, Zadar City Gate is one of the city’s landmarks. The winged stone lion of St. Mark at the center of the gate reflects its royal Venetian heritage. Beneath it is an equestrian statue of the city’s patron saint, guardian of Zadar’s history.

The world's unique Sea Organ was built in 2005. It consists of several waterfall-like steps leading to the sea, stretching 70 meters in total, with 35 pipes of different diameters and inclinations installed inside. The sound is produced by the sea breeze and waves striking the steps. The unique Zadar Sea Organ works by placing organ pipes beneath the marble steps by the sea, where the movement of the waves pressurizes the air inside the pipes to create sound. In other words, the performers are the waves and nature itself.

From 1420 to 1797, the Venetians ruled here for 377 years. Their influence is evident in the square's layout, which closely resembles St. Mark's Square in Venice. Neo-Renaissance arcades line both sides, and open-air concerts are held here every summer.

Located in the center of Croatia's capital, Zagreb, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was destroyed in an earthquake in 1880 and rebuilt in 1899. Its surviving features include 13th-century frescoes, Renaissance choir stalls, a marble altar, and a Baroque pulpit.

Plitvice Lakes, a much-loved European landscape of lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife habitats, is also known as Plitvice Lakes National Park because it is made up of 16 lakes. In both its scenery and geological formation, the Plitvice Lakes are remarkably similar to China's Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is why they are often called the “Jiuzhaigou of Europe” in China. The waterfalls here vary greatly in height: the tallest are nearly 200 meters, while the smallest have a drop of just 2 meters. Unlike famous, powerful waterfalls, the waterfalls of the 16 Lakes are not known for their forceful torrents. Their distinctive charm lies in the delicate, tranquil beauty created by their many fine streams.

Zagreb’s St. Mark’s Church, located in St. Mark’s Square, is a Gothic building with a colorful tiled roof. Situated in the center of the square, it dates back to the 13th century. The church’s interior features finely carved, varied designs. The Croatian Parliament is on the east side of St. Mark’s Square, and the Croatian Government is on the west. The church displays works by Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović.

Bled is located on the edge of the Alps in northwestern Slovenia and is one of the country's best-known lakeside resorts. In this idyllic setting, blue waters lie beneath verdant hills, a charming island dots the lake, and a mysterious castle and distant mountains complete the dreamlike scene.

Postojna Cave is located in Slovenia and is one of Europe’s karst cave systems. The cave was formed by the long-term erosion of an underground river and extends for more than 20 kilometers, with a complex and varied interior. Visitors can take a small train into the cave to admire stalactites, stalagmites, and vast caverns. The cave maintains a constant temperature year-round and features extraordinary scenery; it is considered a classic example of natural geological evolution.

The four corners of Dragon Bridge are decorated with bronze dragon statues. The dragon is Ljubljana’s mascot and one of the city’s most frequently seen symbols. Built in 1900–1901, the bridge was Ljubljana’s first reinforced-concrete structure. It was initially called the Jubilee Bridge of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The original design called for winged lions to decorate the bridge entrances, but the Dalmatian architect Zaninović gave Dragon Bridge its present Art Nouveau appearance.

St. Nicholas Cathedral, also known as the Ljubljana Cathedral, is close to Ljubljana Central Market and City Hall. It is one of Slovenia's most important cathedrals. The church's historic doors feature intricate bronze sculptures, with lifelike reliefs of six bishops. The interior is Baroque in style, with distinctive altar angels and beautiful dome frescoes. Stepping inside the cathedral is an awe-inspiring experience!