Croatia and the Balkans
15 days
From
$ 2449
Duration15 days
The Balkans are just getting noticed as a great European travel destination — we can’t believe it took so long! Situated on the balmy shores of the Adriatic and home to some of the most wondrous landscapes, monuments, and villages you’ll ever see, this part of the world still feels like a well-kept secret. This adventure showcases the region’s compelling history and scenery while allowing time for outdoor pursuits like kayaking and hiking. You may not know much about Croatia and the Balkans now, but once you’ve been, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop talking about them.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Budapest
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time. We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
Day 2: Budapest/Novi Sad
Cross into Serbia and enjoy time in the second largest city. Spend an evening wandering this cultural hub.
After a full day's train journey, arrive in Novi Sad. Enjoy the first opportunity to try some Serbian cuisine.
Meals: B
Day 3: Novi Sad/Belgrade
Spend the morning exploring Novi Sad, the ancient capital of Serbia. Visit the famous Petrovaradin Fortress and, with time, check out the charming old town, or Stari Grad. In the afternoon, hop a train for a short ride to Belgrade.
Meals: B
Day 4: Belgrade
Opt to visit the National Theater or National Museum. The city offers a wealth of churches and cathedrals as well as an interesting Ethnographic Museum. Learn more about Serbian culture, traditions, costumes, and tools used throughout history.
Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress then spend a free day floating down the Danube or shopping in one of the many bustling markets.
Meals: B
Day 5: Belgrade/Sarajevo
Walk around the cobblestone streets of the Old Town while taking in the architecture of its diverse places of worship.
Travel to Sarajevo, one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the region. Walk around the cobblestone streets, visit the famous Latin Bridge, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of this resilient place.
End place: Sarajevo
Meals: B
Day 6: Sarajevo
Start place: Sarajevo
Take an included tour of the 'Tunnel of Life' to get a better understanding of the tragic recent history of this captivating city. Spend some free time exploring the Stari Grad section and looking for 'Sarajevo Roses'.
End place: Sarajevo
Meals: B
Day 7: Sarajevo/Mostar
Start place: Sarajevo
After visiting the bridge, wander through the small streets and opt to sit in a café, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
For a sobering look into the city's recent history, wander through town, passing buildings still riddled with bullet holes. Visit a bank that was completely destroyed during the war and past houses in shambles. While life continues and progress is made, these sights remain as reminders of the evils of war.
For a sobering look into the city's recent history, wander through town, passing buildings still riddled with bullet holes. Visit a bank that was completely destroyed during the war and past houses in shambles. While life continues and progress is made, these sights remain as reminders of the evils of war.
Travel through beautiful countryside to reach charming Mostar. The city's symbol, a beautiful reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge, is a reminder of the tenacity of Bosnians in recent times. Wander the old city and visit the new, taking in the many reminders of what the people of this region have survived.
Meals: B
Day 8: Mostar/Kotor
Arrive in time to start exploring this gorgeous area.
If relaxing is more your style, the beach of Kotor offers a great escape.
If relaxing is more your style, the beach of Kotor offers a great escape.
Continue on to Montenegro and arrive to the Bay of Kotor, a World Heritage-listed region. There is free time here to relax or explore as desired.
Meals: B
Day 9: Kotor
Enjoy a sea kayaking tour before free time to relax or explore. Wander the streets of the walled city of Kotor or relax on picturesque beaches.
Meals: B
Day 10: Kotor/Dubrovnik
The red roofs of the old city make for spectacular photos and the seaside cafés serve up tasty seafood.
Travel to Croatia and experience the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' in Dubrovnik. Choose to relax in one of the many cafés, explore the old town fortifications, or take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands.
Meals: B
Day 11: Dubrovnik
Enjoy a free day to explore the Dalmatian Coast.
Meals: B
Day 12: Dubrovnik/Hvar
Filled with sunshine, the beautiful island is known for its lavender fields and vineyards in the interior and detailed Venetian-inspired architecture in the towns.
Head to the island of Hvar. Enjoy amazing beaches, nightlife, and water sports.
Meals: B
Day 13: Hvar
Soak in the scenery and relish the calm on a boat ride around the Pakleni Islands.
Meals: B
Day 14: Hvar/Split
Opt to visit the local market and gobble up some Croatian delicacies. For a little more activity, visit Marjan's peak with gorgeous views over the city or hit up some of the hiking and biking trails in the area.
Ferry back to the mainland and arrive to Split. Take a guided tour of the UNESCO site at Diocletian's Palace. Enjoy free time to explore this charming seaside town.
Meals: B
Day 15: Split
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Petrovaradin Fortress visit (Novi Sad)
- Kalemegdan Fortress visit (Belgrade)
- 'Tunnel of Life' tour (Sarajevo)
- Sea kayaking trip (Bay of Kotor)
- Beach time in Hvar
- Scenic boat ride around Pakleni islands
- Diocletian's Palace guided tour (Split)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Train, Private vehicle, Ferry, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels/pensions (14 nts)