Grand Balkan Tour (Multi country)

Grand Balkan Tour (Multi country)

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Grand Balkan Tour (Multi country)

11 Days Starting and ending in Zagreb

Visiting: Zagreb, Ljubljana, Split, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Osijek

Tour operator:

Gulliver Travel

Tour code:

662031

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

Min age:10

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Join this memorable eleven-day tour that gives you the opportunity to discover the real beauty of four countries: Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, and Serbia. Begin your journey in the lively capital city, Zagreb, marvel at Lake Bled and visit the cosmopolitan Ljubljana, a Slovenian gem with gorgeous architecture and an emerald green river. Continue with exploring the natural beauty and phenomena of Plitvice. Then, wander around the beautifully arranged streets of Split and lively Dubrovnik. Continue to the enchanting medieval town of Mostar and stroll the streets of Sarajevo, the inspiring cultural and religious treasure of Europe in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Catch a glimpse of Serbia’s contrasts in Belgrade and Novi Sad before returning to Croatia. This cultural tour will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights

  • Plitvice Lakes: Connected by waterfalls, circled by forest and criss-crossed with wooden bridges, the Plitvice Lakes are a dream come true for all nature lovers

  • Lake Bled, Slovenia: Set in a pine forest with a mountain scenery backdrop, this lake rightfully deserves its name as ‘The Pearl of the Alps’

  • Mostar: Visit Mostar and let the enchanting medieval town conquer your heart with its picturesque stone arch bridge

  • Sarajevo: Explore Bosnia’s welcoming capital city and get closer to its impressive cultural and religious offerings that helped it gain the name of ‘Jerusalem of Europe’

  • Belgrade: Though its name is translated as the ‘White City’, Belgrade offers a fascinating colourful experience

  • Stroll its charming streets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Serbian capital city

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Zagreb

Location: Zagreb

Upon arrival at Zagreb Airport, transfer to the hotel for check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Zagreb. 


Day 2 : Zagreb – Ljubljana (150 Km – 2 Hrs)

Location: Ljubljana

After breakfast enjoy morning sightseeing tour of Zagreb. Croatian capital city gives you the opportunity to see the fortified Upper Town, the city’s historical center, St Mark’s church with its multi-colored roof, the Cathedral, Croatian National Theatre and the University. Depart to Ljubljana for an afternoon guided tour. In the Slovenian capital, you will see the most significant sights of its old centre: the picturesque Central open-air market and the Three Bridges, the Baroque Town Hall and Robba’s Fountain. Dinner and overnight in the Ljubljana area.

Overnight in Ljubljana area.



Day 3 : Ljubljana – Bled – Plitvice (360 Km – 4 Hrs)

After breakfast depart to Bled, a small town in the Julian Alps that ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts. It’s like a setting for a classic fairy tale: immense natural beauty with mountains and forests surrounding an emerald glacial lake. Visit the Bled Castle, which is the oldest in Slovenia. After Bled we are continuing our journey to the Plitvice lakes area for overnight and dinner.

Overnight in Plitvice.

Day 4 : Plitvice – Split (240 Km – 2.50 Hrs)

Location: Split

Morning walk around Plitvice Lakes, this well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site, the natural beauty of the 16 crystal-blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. Next, departure to Split. This afternoon our guide will uncover for you the secrets of the UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace and its cellars. The original palace was modified by its new inhabitants during the Middle Ages, making it even more beautiful and what it is today: the city's living heart. 

Overnight in Split.

Day 5 : Split – Peljesac – Dubrovnik (230 Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Dubrovnik

After breakfast, departure to Dubrovnik. Along the way, we visit one of the wine cellars on the Pelješac peninsula, where you will toast your lovely day with a glass of the region's signature red wine Plavac Mali. Free time for lunch and sightseeing in the beautiful little town of Ston. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour of the UNESCO-protected Pearl of the Adriatic and its Cathedral. Time travel to the once-famous maritime Republic of Dubrovnik while admiring its noble palaces, fountains and city walls. Immerse yourselves into the symphony of the city’s marble streets, baroque buildings, and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic. 

Overnight in Dubrovnik. 

Day 6 : Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Spend the day at leisure exploring Dubrovnik or go on an optional tour to Montenegro and its Bay of Kotor (these optional tours can be booked on spot).

Overnight in Dubrovnik. 

Day 7 : Dubrovnik – Mostar – Sarajevo (270 Km – 4.5 Hrs)

Location: Sarajevo

Morning departure to Mostar, city of bridges, where the traveller from the south gets the first glimpse of the continent beyond. Enjoy free time for lunch and sightseeing. Next, depart for a city tour of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is one of the historically most interesting cities in Europe. It is the place where the Western & the Eastern Roman Empire split and where the people of the Orthodox East, the Ottoman South and the Roman Catholic West met, both an example of the clash of civilizations and of historical turbulences and a beacon of hope for peace and tolerance, reached through multi-cultural integration.

Overnight in Sarajevo.

Day 8 : Sarajevo – Belgrade (300 Km – 5 Hrs)

Location: Belgrade

After breakfast depart to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Short break will be made in Zvornik, charming little town in the northeastern Bosnia on Drina River. Belgrade is situated at the place where Sava joins the Danube River. There are spots in Belgrade you must see and feel. Streets, squares, monuments, parks, fountains, archeological sites. Many of them have been given the status of cultural assets. Upon arrival a guided tour of this beautiful city between two rivers famous by its sunsets.

Overnight in Belgrade. 

Day 9 : Belgrade – Novi Sad – Osijek/Vukovar (210 Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Osijek

Morning departure to Novi Sad, located on Danube River. Novi Sad's position at one of the continent's true crossroads and history as a multinational commercial and transit center has left it endowed with historical and cultural sights that even much larger cities have difficulty matching. Novi Sad has much to boast about, from the imposing fortress on the opposite bank to the churches representing numerous denominations throughout the old town's exceedingly pleasant pedestrian zone to several unheralded but noteworthy museums and art galleries. Our local guide will show us all „must see “locations. After the guided tour of Novi Sad, we will continue towards Ilok. You will have opportunity to taste wines in one of the famous Croatia wine cellars “Iločki Podrumi” followed by traditional lunch.  On our way to Osijek, we will stop in Vukovar which is the biggest Croatian river port located at the confluence of Vuka River in Danube, a town also known as a symbol of the Croatian war for independence, as it arose from the ashes of the '90s into the proud city that it is today.

Overnight in Osijek/Vukovar. 


Day 10 : Osijek/Vukovar – Zagreb (280 Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Zagreb

You will start your morning with the city tour of Osijek, the largest city in eastern Croatia, beautifully settled on the banks of Drava River. 

City tour passes by the Cathedral and the Tvrdja (Old Fort). We are continuing our drive and the first thing you see when approaching Djakovo from either side is the brightness of the bricks of the two towers and cupolas of its Cathedral, the beauty of which welcomes the visitors. After the visit, departure towards Zagreb followed by a visit to the Ethno Village of the region for a tasty meal filled with local flavours.  

Overnight in Zagreb. 

Day 11 : Zagreb Departure

Location: Zagreb

Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel, and spend time at your leisure before check-out. At an indicated time, transfer to Zagreb Airport to continue with your travel arrangements.

What's Included

TOUR GUIDE:

  • Operated with English-speaking tour leader throughout the tour
  • Operated with English speaking local guides during tours in Zagreb and Ljubljana (Day 2), Plitvice Lakes and Split (Day 4), Dubrovnik (Day 5), Sarajevo (Day 7), Belgrade (Day 8), Novi Sad (Day 9), Osijek (Day 10)

ACCOMMODATION:

  • 10 night’s accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 10 Zagreb:

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Astoria or similar 4*

Day 2 Ljubljana:

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Lev or similar 4*

Day 3 Plitvice: 

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Jezero or similar 3*

Day 4 Split:

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Corner or similar 4*

Day 5, 6 Dubrovnik: 

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Valamar or similar 4*

Day 7 Sarajevo: 

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Colors In or similar 4*

Day 8 Belgrade:

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Zira or similar 4*

Day 9 Osijek:

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Osijek or similar 4*

MEALS:

  • 10 Breakfasts
  • 2 Lunches (Day 9-10) 
  • 8 Dinners (Day 1-8)

TRANSPORT:

  • Arrival shared transfer from Zagreb Airport to hotel
  • Shared transportation in an air-conditioning bus throughout the tour
  • Departure shared transfer from hotel to Zagreb Airport

ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES:

  • All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Zagreb and Ljubljana tour (Day 2), Bled castle entrance (Day 3), Plitvice Lakes entrance fee and Split tour (Day 4), wine tasting in the Pelješac peninsula and Dubrovnik tour (Day 5), city tour in Sarajevo (Day 7), Belgrade tour (Day 8), Novi Sad tour and wine tasting experience in Ilok (Day 9), Osijek tour, Ethno Village visit (Day 10)

What's Not Included

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Croatia. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

  • The tour leader may be able to speak a second language - French (not guaranteed). Some of the sightseeing tours may be operated by the tour leader.
  • We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
  • Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
  • In many hotels, the triple rooms are double rooms with an additional bed or sofa bed.
  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed  

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1, 10 Zagreb:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Astoria or similar 4*

Day 2 Ljubljana:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Lev or similar 4*

Day 3 Plitvice: 

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Jezero or similar 3*

Day 4 Split:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Corner or similar 4*

Day 5, 6 Dubrovnik: 

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Valamar or similar 4*

Day 7 Sarajevo: 

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Colors In or similar 4*

Day 8 Belgrade:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Zira or similar 4*

Day 9 Osijek:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Osijek or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre/post-night in Zagreb on bed & breakfast basis:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Astoria or similar 4*

Check out our Q&As

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Grazielle  

Great tour

20-Oct-2022

Great tour, to get a taste of Croatia, great stops along the way, you can get a feel for where you would like to stay longer on your next visit Our guide Mirjana was fantastic, she was very friendly, knowledgeable, nothing was a problem, always there to help with any questions or details. We had a group of 22 tourists which was perfect, Mirjana was always making sure we were all together and she was doing all in 2 languages..

Guglielmo  

Loved

25-Jun-2022

Our guide Blancha was excellent. She knew the history of Croatia and was able to share her knowledge to make us appreciate the country and its history and the significance of all the sites we visited. She went out of her way to help us make connections for our ongoing travels. A true outstanding rerpresentative for her country and its history,

Cloe  

Highly recommended!

15-Jul-2022

Highly recommended! This is the most professional touristic team in Croatia. Thanks a lot for the support and organization of trip. The guide made us safe and interesting trip. We will return for other trips.

Victoria S.  

Excellent

08-Feb-2023

The Grand Balkans tour was excellent. The main guide, Eva, was very informative and had a positive energy. The local guides were also informative. All the hotels were top notch.

Violeta  

Excellent with new friends

15-Apr-2022

Our trip was marvellous and that was all due to our excellent tour guide. She took the time to explain the cultures of each country we visited. She was not hesitant to point out differences between certain cultures and what these differences had led to over the distant past and into the 21st century. The hotels were excellent in every way. We bonded as a group and made many friendships.

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  • Low Deposit

    Gulliver Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% 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 gulliver travel charges.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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