Balkans Escape

Balkans Escape

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8 Days From

$1886

$1434

Balkans Escape

8 Days Starting in Budapest and ending in Dubrovnik

Visiting: Budapest, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Radovljica, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Dubrovnik

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BBBDMA20

Recommended For:

18-30 somethings

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$1886
$1434 (USD) Operator discount: -$377 The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$75 -24%
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Tour Overview

From Budapest to Dubrovnik, there's so much to explore with this 8-day adventure around the Balkans. With some of the hottest 'it' destinations on the clock, these drool worthy spots might have names that are hard to pronounce, but we promise, they'll be hard to forget too! Eat, sleep, explore, repeat is the name of the game on this incredible snippet of these Balkan faves.

Highlights

  • 2 Dinner (D)

  • 7 Breakfast (B)

  • Budapest: An expert walking tour that’ll take you past the Royal Palace, Chain Bridge and Fisherman’s Bastion.

  • Lake Bled: Take it easy with your new besties as you walk around the scenic lake, framed by the Julian Alps.

  • Plitvice Lakes National Park: Turquoise lakes. Sparkling waterfalls. Lush green forests. You’ll never want to leave this little slice of heaven.

  • Dubrovnik: Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town with a local guide. And play a game of ‘spot the Game of Thrones film set’ as you go.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Budapest

Location: Budapest

Accommodation: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Good evening, travellers! Hope you’re ready for an exciting ride across the beautiful Balkans. Today, you’ll exchange hellos with your Trip Manager (and your new crew too!). To celebrate, we’ll feast on a delicious welcome dinner and watch the sun set over this historical city.

Day 2: Budapest > Ljubljana

Location: Budapest, Ljubljana

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we'll set out along the cobbled streets of Budapest for a guided walking tour to explore what this city has on offer. You'll see St Stephen's Basilica, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building. And then we’ll hop onto the coach to our next stop.

After a morning full of awesome ancient architecture, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana. Tonight, you can choose to join a traditional Slovenian evening. We're talking: a traditional dancing show paired with a spread of authentic dishes. A feast for your mind and tastebuds alike!

Day 3: Ljubljana > Lake Bled > Radovljica > Ljubljana

Location: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Radovljica, Ljubljana

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ljubljana, thank you for the perfect dose of Balkan tradition. But we’ll be back in a while. Because today, something even more exciting is on the agenda.

You've probably seen pictures of Lake Bled, but nothing will prepare you for the real thing. With its fairytale medieval castle reaching out of an islet, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and the turquoise waters of the lake itself, it really is like something out of a Disney movie.

Satisfied your soul soaking in all that natural beauty? Now satisfy your hungry tummies with some lunch at this quaint Medieval town.

It’s been a long but pleasing day. Tonight, we’ll stroll around town and grab some dinner on the way. And with a satisfied smile on our faces, the day has come to an end.

Day 4: Ljubljana > Plitvice National Park

Location: Ljubljana, Plitvice Lakes National Park

Accommodation: Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Next up is something altogether drop dead gorgeous....A strong introduction to Croatia is on the cards today with cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes. Why this place is not famous world over as one of the prettiest places in Europe, we have no idea.

Day 5: Plitvice National Park > Split

Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split

Accommodation: Hotel Split Inn (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning, explorers! Fill up on your included breakfast. It’s time to hit the road again…Welcome to the sea-side heaven of Split. With the oh-so-inviting aquamarine waters on our side, we’ll check into our stay. You’ve got some time to explore this beautiful city. And then, you can choose to join us for some dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern.

Day 6: Split > Dubrovnik

Location: Split, Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Split it's been fantastic, but we have to leave for other Croatian gems further down the coast.

The drive along the Dalmatian coastline to Dubrovnik is a sightseeing must do all on its own. On arrival in the city you'll be greeted by limestone walls; an Old Town filled with quintessentially Croatian cafes and plenty of clubs; and a mountain meets sea situation will see you falling in love within seconds. Tonight over dinner with the crew, spirits will no doubt be high and the show's not over yet!

Day 7: Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

The city of Dubrovnik is so much more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Game of Thrones location - not that either of those claims to fame are even mildly mediocre. After you've been guided around the city with intricate detail with our local guide you'll be armed with the knowledge to pick out a waterside rock bar where you can swim and indulge 'til your heart's content.

Day 8: Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Meals Included: Breakfast

That's a wrap! Our love affair with the Balkans has sadly come to an end! But perhaps we can get the squad back together for a reunion trip?

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this Operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Dates & Availability

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Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$1886 $1434 (USD)

Operator discount: -$377 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$75 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$1886 $1434 (USD)

Operator discount: -$377 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$75 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$1886 $1434 (USD)

Operator discount: -$377 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$75 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$1952 $1484 (USD)

Operator discount: -$390 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$78 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$1952 $1484 (USD)

Operator discount: -$390 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$78 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$1886 $1434 (USD)

Operator discount: -$377 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$75 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$1886 $1434 (USD)

Operator discount: -$377 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$75 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$1886 $1434 (USD)

Operator discount: -$377 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$75 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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