Small Group – Pearls of Central Europe 2026

2026 ONE OF A KIND ESCORTED GROUP TOURS

PEARLS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

October 5 -17, 2026

Membership Limited to Maximum 10 Travelers

One of A Collection of 2026 Travel Experiences

A Letter From The President

Dear Friends,

After receiving many requests for a tour to Croatia, Slovenia, and Hungary, we are pleased to present this Small Group Journey for 2026. On the 13-day tour from October 5 to 17, you will see UNESCO World Heritage Sites all along the way as you travel from the Adriatic coast to the Danube. Begin in the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik, where beyond the fabulous Old Town, there is an included excursion to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. Drive to Split, another Dalmatian favorite, with a fabulous trip across the Adriatic to the island of Hvar. Drive inland to the capital city of Zagreb for a view of the highlights in the upper and lower parts of the town, before continuing to Ljubljana in Slovenia. The beauty of the country is revealed on your journey through the countryside to Lake Bled. The finale of the tour is in Budapest, the city famously divided by the picturesque Danube River.

Enjoy true Lakani style, in deluxe accommodations throughout, with comprehensive sightseeing aboard luxury vehicles, and all meals – including Lakani’s signature Dine by Choice throughout. Learn about the history and culture from hand-picked excellent English-speaking guides. To top it off, there are ample opportunities to interact with locals, as well as delight in exclusive events.

I, personally, love the combination of places on this itinerary as it captures ancient Roman remnants of history, along with diverse culture, delicious cuisine, medieval architecture and vibrant urban life. I hope you decide to join me on this one-of-a-kind trip, accompanied by a Lakani Tour Manager to take care of all the details, leaving you to enjoy every moment in comfort and security. The departure is limited to just 10 guests, and we expect this departure will fill up quickly.

Won’t you join us?

With best traveling wishes,

Heidi Lakani

Heidi Lakani

One of a Kind Travel Experience

Be inspired. Indulge in an exclusive and unique opportunity. Lakani’s “One of a Kind Escorted Group Tours” celebrates special moments at each destination – with usually only one departure at the optimum travel time. Keeping in mind your valuable time, each tour is designed to give you flexibility and personalization. By traveling in private chartered aircrafts and utilizing luxurious vehicles, it allows you just the right amount of time at each site. Your journey with an intimate party of like-minded travelers and your Lakani Personal Concierge (Tour Manager) will be one you will remember for many years to come.

Why Lakani?

After many decades of providing extraordinary journeys, the team at Lakani are consummate tour planners. With Heidi Lakani at the helm, you can be sure that your experience will be nothing less than spectacular. She has traveled around the world accompanying the most discerning travelers, learning what makes them happy and how to exceed expectations. That’s why you will find exclusive events and private visits in just about every itinerary. The small group size allows for a much more personalized vacation. You will never be nickeled and dimed. Your time is valuable, so you don’t need to worry about the details. Just enjoy the journey.

PEARLS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

Oct. 5 – 17, 2026 | Begins: Dubrovnik, Croatia Ends: Budapest, Hungary

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Europe, where the sun-drenched Adriatic coast of Croatia meets the alpine charm of Slovenia and the imperial grandeur of Hungary. This itinerary uncovers together diverse culture, millennia of history—from Roman ruins to medieval strongholds—and vibrant modern life. Explore stunning natural beauty, experience distinctive cuisine and wine, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of life in Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, Ljubljana, and Budapest, experiencing both ancient history and contemporary innovation along the way.

ALL-INCLUSIVE FEATURES

• Professional tour manager from start to finish

• Expert local guides in each destination

• Private car transfers from/to airport/hotel for inbound/ outbound flights

• Accommodations at Luxury hotels with top deluxe rooms

• Internet access at all hotels

• All meals on a la carte basis including room service –no restrictions

• Dine by choice opportunities at local eateries

• Comprehensive sightseeing with guaranteed window seat for optimal viewing

• All entrance fees

• Insider access

• All gratuities to guides, drivers, restaurants and hotel staff

• “Luggage-One-Touch” from arrival city until departure city

• Gala welcome and farewell receptions

• Leisure time to enjoy the fabulous facilities and explore on your own

Hotels of Choice

Villa Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Look out at the stunning blue Adriatic Sea and catch a glimpse of the walled Old Town from your Deluxe Sea View Room balcony. Relax in luxurious tranquility in the beautifully appointed room with Italian designer furniture pieces and marble bathroom with two sinks and walk-in shower and bathtub. There is one fine dining restaurant and the only rooftop bar in Dubrovnik. The Villa Spa awaits you from your international flight with a range of treatments, sauna, steam baths, and an indoor/outdoor swimming pool with sea views. And for those who wish to experience the sea, a private, rocky beach area with loungers is accessible right by the sea.

Ambasador Hotel, Split, Croatia

Ideally located on the promenade overlooking the sea, your Premium Deluxe Room with private balcony provides ample space and modern amenities for your supreme comfort. Your bathroom has heated floors, a walk-in rain shower, and bathrobes and slippers. Personalize your sleep experience with your pillow menu preferences. After a day of sightseeing, you may enjoy a dip in the outdoor swimming pool where you can also enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and marina while sipping on cocktails. Or visit the Hacelia Spa to rejuvenate yourself.

Grand

Plaza Hotel, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Set in the center of the city, your spacious Junior Suite welcomes you with elegant style and comfort along with modern amenities. Admire Ljubljana’s attractions or distant mountains from your panoramic windows. Dining options include two restaurants and a bar onsite. However, with its central location, there are many choices outside of the hotel on Lakani’s Dine by Choice program. Also, you may wish to step outside of the hotel for a stroll around the many shops or central market.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary

In the heart of Budapest is the luxury art nouveau palace hotel, your spacious River View Room awaits. Enjoy views of the Danube and Castle Hill right from your window. Your stylish and well-appointed room features a marble bathroom with make-up mirror and comfy bathrobes, iPod docking station, DVD player, Safe – all the amenities you expect from a luxury five-star hotel. Dining options include French, Hungarian, and Asian cuisine as well as Afternoon Tea. Perhaps you would like a pampering Spa treatment before heading home. Or step outside of the opulent hotel and take a walk along the Danube. It’s a wonderful home for the final nights of your tour.

PEARLS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

October 5 – 17, 2026

Land Cost Deluxe accommodations: $33,500 per person, double occupancy

Land Cost Suite accommodations: $42,450 per person, double occupancy

Single Supplement in Deluxe accommodations: $7,550

Single Supplement in Suite accommodations: $15,250

Membership is limited to maximum 10 travelers

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Dubrovnik: Discover the Old City, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venture into the Golden Valley for a traditional Croatian lunch amid waterfalls and canals.

• Montenegro: Admire the scenic beauty of the Bay of Kotor and delve into Maritime History on a private tour of its museum.

• Split: Tour Diocletian’s Palace and descend into the wellpreserved basements where Daenerys Targareyen kept her dragons in the Game of Thrones.

• Hvar: Cross the Adriatic to the island of Hvar and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site that has preserved the ancient Greek system of land division for 24 centuries.

• Lake Bled: Cross the stunning lake on a traditional gondola to the island where you can visit the the 15th-century pilgrimage church.

• Budapest: Enjoy an exclusive concert at the Hungarian State Opera House

DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

OCTOBER 5 - 6, 2026

VILLA DUBROVNIK

Arrive Dubrovnik International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your luxury hotel set on a cliff with views of the Old Town and the beautiful Adriatic and Lokrum Island.

Explore the famous walled Old City, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a walking tour. Stroll the Stradun, and see Onofrio’s Fountain, the 16th-century Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace, and the Franciscan Church and Monastery. Admire the Dalmatian coastline from the top of the wall.

Leave the town and head out to the beautiful Konavle Valley, referred to as the Golden Valley of Dubrovnik with waterfalls, watermills, and canals. After lunch, return to the hotel for some relaxing time at the hotel.

KOTOR, MONTENEGRO

OCTOBER 7 , 2026

VILLA DUBROVNIK

Today’s excursion takes you on a scenic drive along the Adriatic to the picturesque Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. Discover one of the best-preserved medieval towns, Kotor, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by walls reflecting their Venetian history. The city was once populated by the Illyrians and then the Romans arrived when it was part of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Walk the quaint cobblestone streets past historic monuments, including the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Learn about maritime history on a private tour of the notable Maritime Museum. Look across the bay at Our Lady of the Rocks, the unique man-made island where a small church sits. Return to your hotel for overnight.

SPLIT/HVAR, CROATIA

OCTOBER 8, 9 & 10, 2026

AMBASADOR SPLIT HOTEL

Drive north along the stunning coastline to picturesque Peljesac, the second-largest Croatian peninsula in Southern Dalmatia, and visit the historic walled town of Ston. Continue to Split, the largest city in Dalmatia. The heart of the city is Diocletian’s Palace, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the rich history as you tour the former Roman Emperor’s residence with an expert guide. The palace’s main square is surrounded by ancient Roman architecture, including a 3500-year-old Egyptian sphinx.

Drive to the historic and beautifully preserved medieval town of Trogir. Explore the old town, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see its architectural highlights, Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, Kamerlengo Fortress, and Cipiko Palace.

Take a ferry ride to Stari Grad on the island of Hvar and visit the Stari Grad Museum as well as Stari Grad Plain, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, continue by road to Hvar Town before taking the boat back to Split.

SPLIT/ZAGREB/LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

OCTOBER 11, 2026

GRAND PLAZA HOTEL

Drive inland to Croatia’s interior and its capital city, Zagreb, arriving in time for lunch.

Tour the city’s highlights. Begin at Ban Jelacic Square and admire the architecture and statue of Josip Jelacic, the 19th-century governor. Take the short funicular to the historic upper town, and head to St. Mark’s Square and feast your eyes on St. Mark’s Church with its distinctive vibrant tiled roof. The Parliament and Presidential Palace are also on the square. Walk down from the upper town to the Dolac Market, where locals shop for fresh produce. Nearby is the striking Neo-Gothic Zagreb Cathedral that dominates the city skyline.

Continue by vehicle for about two hours to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, arriving at your luxury hotel in time for dinner at your leisure.

LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

OCTOBER 12 & 13, 2026

GRAND PLAZA HOTEL

A hidden gem of Europe, Ljubljana exhibits charm, beauty, and a blend of Central European and Mediterranean influences.

See the highlights of the city by guided walking tour. Take the funicular to Ljubljana Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city and alps beyond. Admire the group of three bridges that cross the Ljubljanica River at the central square and the Dragon Bridge adorned with dragon statues, symbols of the city. Learn about Ljubljana’s rich Roman history and vibrant contemporary culture displayed at the National Museum of Slovenia, the Museum of Modern Art, and the City Museum of Ljubljana.

Take an excursion to stunning Lake Bled and head to the island in the middle of the lake aboard a traditional wooden pletna boat (gondola). At the Assumption of Mary Church one rings the “wishing bell.” Visit Bled Castle 300 feet above the lake, and view the island, lake, and the surrounding Alps. Step inside the castle to see the museum and chapel.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

OCTOBER 14, 15 & 16, 2026 FOUR SEASONS BUDAPEST

Admire picturesque scenery en route to Budapest, stopping on the way for lunch and winetasting. Discover Hungary’s fascinating capital city of Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube.” Drive down the grand boulevard of Andrássy Avenue on the Pest side. Visit the House of Terror Museum that is dedicated to history under fascist and communist regimes and see the Parliament Building and the Great Market Hall. Cross the iconic Chain Bridge over the Danube to the Buda side and head up Castle Hill to visit the Fisherman’s Bastion for panoramic city views. Step inside the Hungarian National Gallery for a curatorled tour.

Discover cultural sites on a morning walking tour, including the historic Jewish Quarter, the Dohány Street Synagogue Complex, the Jewish Museum, the cemetery, and the Heroes’ Temple. Enjoy a private visit of the magnificent Hungarian State Opera House, including a private concert.

HOMEWARD BOUND

OCTOBER 17, 2026

Bid farewell to newfound friends as you depart for the airport for your departure flight home or to your onward destination.

Bon Voyage!

Escorted Group Tours

An all-inclusive, fully escorted and highly personalized travel experience to exotic locations perfectly describes the Lakani Group Tours. Intimate parties of no more than 14 people travel under the leadership of an experienced, knowledgeable, serviceoriented Tour Manager. When Lakani says all-inclusive, we mean all-inclusive, from the time you arrive – until the last day of the tour. All sightseeing, accommodations and meals are included in the cost, except for caviar and alcohol. Bottled water, soft drinks, coffee or tea are provided with meals. And gratuities to all but the tour manager are included in the price.

Luggage One-Touch

Enjoy the best that your vacation has to offer without any worries about your luggage. Lakani’s exclusive “luggage one-touch” service assures that once your luggage arrives in the first city of the journey, you won’t have to handle it again until after your departure from the last city of the tour.

Dine by Choice

Touring with Lakani is personal and flexible due to opportunities like the “Dine by Choice” program. Enjoy a private dinner for two at a local eatery of your choice, join traveling companions in the hotel’s fine dining restaurant or relax in your room and order room service. Fancy breakfast in bed? It’s your vacation and you deserve the luxury of choosing your own way of dining on your Escorted Group Tour. And it’s included in the cost of your tour!

Comprehensive Sightseeing

Join a Lakani Escorted Group Tour and you will never be expected to purchase optional excursions along the way. Lakani has already done the research and included the most interesting sights with entrance fees all paid for. While other tour companies leave these as options to purchase en route, Lakani includes these must-see sights in the cost of your tour.

Additionally, you have the advantage of enjoying these highlights in the company of expert English-speaking guides specially chosen for your journey.

The Lakani World Tours logo is intentional in its design. The four directional points represents our experience in travel to the far corners of the world, as well as the four fundamental principles which guide each program we create.

Every Lakani World Tours program includes the best sightseeing and services that the area has to offer. While we recognize that quality does not come cheaply, we provide value through our experience and strong relationships with proven suppliers.

The Lakani team provides honest answers, objective advice and strong commitments. We also offer the usual industry assurances and safeguards: we are a registered California Seller of Travel. Naturally, references are available.

The Lakani team of seasoned industry veterans draws from their experience and their never ending quest to uncover new and unusual sights, activities and lodging to share with travelers.

We believe that attitude is everything. Service begins the first time you call us and continues throughout your entire journey.

The Lakani Travel Specialists and its team of expert Tour Managers consistently endeavor to anticipate the desires and expectations of every Lakani traveler.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Reservations and Payments: Deposits and payments for our Select Escorted Group Tours vary according to the individual itinerary. We may require a non-refundable planning fee that will automatically be credited to your final payment. Exact deposits and final payment instructions will be mailed for each program at booking time. Payments may be made by check, wire transfer, American Express, VISA or MasterCard. Each journey will have their own terms and conditions and will be sent out at time of booking with the detailed itinerary.

Refunds & Cancellation Policy: All requests to cancel confirmed reservations must be received in writing. Cancellation fees are applicable to land, charter air, single supplement and extensions of any extra services. Any other special policies will be advised at time of booking.

Journeys that do not include Chartered Aircraft:

Cancellations received: Cancellation fee:

90 days or more before departure $500.00 per person

89 to 60 days before departure 25% of program cost per person

59 to 30 days before departure 50% of program cost per person

29 days or less and en route 100% of program cost per person

Journeys with Chartered Aircraft in itinerary: Cancellations received: Cancellation fee:

120 days or more before departure 10% of program cost per person

119 to 90 days before departure 25% of program cost per person

89 to 60 days before departure 50% of program cost per person

59 days or less and en route 100% of program cost per person

Lakani Tour price includes:

Hotels: Based on two people sharing a room in deluxe or best available hotels. Single supplements apply for each journey for those requiring single accommodations and will be quoted at time of booking. Lakani reserves the right to substitute hotels for those named in the brochure when necessary.

Meals: Three meals per day on an a la carte and DINE BY CHOICE basis, wherever available and practical. Lakani Dine by Choice allows flexible dining in restaurants of the travelers’ choosing. Bottled water, coffee and tea are included with meals.

Tour Manager: The services of the Lakani Tour Manager from arrival in the first city until the departure at the end of the tour.

Sightseeing: All sightseeing shown in the itinerary with English speaking guide via deluxe airconditioned motorcoach where available or practical. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be used for sightseeing or safaris in certain areas such as Africa, as indicated in the itinerary. Entrance fees are included throughout.

Transfers: Individual arrival and departure transfers between airport and hotel to join and leave the journey.

Luggage: Transportation and transfer of two medium suitcases, except where by private charter air. Tours that include private charter air will have restrictions, and exact specifications on these tours will be sent at booking time.

Gratuities: All gratuities to hotel, restaurant and train staff, local guides and drivers.

Port Taxes: All port taxes on cruise portions of itineraries

Lakani Tour price does not include: Air transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary); airport taxes; passport and visa expenses; personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages; discretionary end of tour gratuity to the Lakani Tour Manager; and any other items not specifically noted as included.

Travelers’ Responsibility: Lakani Escorted Group Tours are considered to be active, requiring participants to be in good health and capable of moderate to strenuous exertion. Travelers are responsible for assuring that they do not have any physical or other condition that could endanger themselves. Some excursions may include long walks and climbing stairs, and is sometimes an essential part of your journey. All travelers are expected to be in good health. Riding in 4WD vehicles on rough terrain or unpaved paths can aggravate back conditions. Flying aboard small aircraft is required in some areas. Please advise us in writing of any health issues or limitations at the time of making your reservations. Lakani World Tours reserves the right to right to decline to accept anyone on a journey.

Passports / Visas: You are responsible for obtaining any travel documents/visas and verifying entry requirements necessary for each country of travel and/or transit on your selected journey. Requirements vary with respect to each traveler’s citizenship. Lakani will not assume responsibilities for notice of countries’ current requirements. You are responsible for any expenses incurred as a result of the delays or itinerary changes related to your lack of appropriate travel documents. Lakani will provide visa information applicable to your selected journey, however it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary visas for the countries visited.

Unused Services: Refunds will not be made for any missed/unused services or meals Smoking Policy: Smoking is prohibited at group meals, on buses and during all group activities.

Airfares: International air is not included and therefore Lakani is not responsible for any air ticket cancellation fees due to itinerary or departure changes or cancellation.

Airline Baggage Regulations: Each airline has its own rules regarding baggage allowance. Number, size and weight limitations of suitcases can vary by airline, class of service and frequent flier status. It is recommended that all travelers check with the individual airlines and/or their websites for up to date information. Luggage exceeding the maximum restrictions is subject to expensive overage fees or is at risk of being left behind. Luggage allowance may be restricted within a country by regional airlines or air charter companies. Please refer to your final credentials for those restrictions. Lakani World Tours cannot be held liable for fees or inconveniences imposed by the airlines.

Prices: Lakani Group prices include planning, handling and operational charges, and are based on current exchange rates, tariffs and taxes as of February 2025. Lakani World Tours reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Lakani is under no obligation to provide a breakdown of costs involved in any group tours.

Travel Insurance: recommends all travelers purchase travel insurance.

Health & Inoculations: Inoculation requirements and recommendations often change, therefore we strongly recommend that you contact your personal physician, local Health Department, or the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, and advise them of the international destinations you will be visiting. (404) 322-4559 or www.cdc.gov/travel)

Responsibility: Lakani World Tours cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of luggage or personal belongings, nor for personal injury, accident, or illness. Lakani will only reimburse according to this cancellation policy. Lakani World Tours and its employees, independent contractors and representatives act only as agents in arranging hotels or lodging, transportation, ground handling, restaurants, or other travel services and in no way shall be held liable in the event of failure by any person or company to render services to travelers, nor shall they be held liable for any negligent or willful act by any such person or company. Furthermore, neither Lakani World Travel Inc (DBA Lakani World Tours) nor its employees, independent contractors or agents shall be held liable or responsible for any injury, loss, death, or damage to personal property in connection with any goods or services provided, resulting from force majeure, acts of God, civil unrest, acts of war, terrorist activities, labor strikes, or mechanical failure of transport while traveling. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, Lakani World Tours reserves the right, without notice, to withdraw any or all parts of a tour and or to make such changes as may be necessary. The extra cost, if any, for such changes will be the responsibility of the traveler. In regard to credit card payments for travel services to Lakani World Tours, the traveler (and or cardholder or cardholder’s authorized representative) will hold Lakani World Tours and its employees, independent contractors or representatives harmless for any or all charge-backs exercised by them or their credit card companies, originating from any complaints regarding travel services or involving refund requests of monies paid when insurance was not purchased, or for any reason whereby the traveler did not utilize any portion of the prepaid travel services, or any other reasons whatsoever.

Arbitration Resolution: Any controversy or claim arising out of, or relating to, any services arranged by Lakani World Tours shall be resolved solely by binding arbitration in Orange County, California, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Acceptance of initial travel services and payment of monies to Lakani World Tours will constitute agreement by the traveler(s) of these Terms & Conditions.

California law requires sellers of travel to be bonded. Lakani World Tours is bonded through Great American Insurance and is a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation, TCRC fund.

Agreement: Your payment to Lakani World Tours constitutes your acceptance of the aforementioned terms and conditions and the information stated in the pre-departure tour documentation.

All photography is copyrighted 2025.