Journey Around the Western Balkans - 11 days
Journey Around the Western Balkans - 11 days
11 Days Starting and ending in Zagreb
Visiting: Zagreb, Ljubljana, Bled, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Pelješac, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Sarajevo, Zvornik, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Vukovar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1828/BAOD
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 45
Age range:
16 + if accompanied by an adult.
Trip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$3565
$2947 (USD)
Operator discount: -$535
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$83
-17%
Tour Overview
GROUP TOUR: From the Croatian capital of Zagreb, journey around the Balkans on this 11-day tour travelling through four countries including Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. Take in the highlights of four Balkan capitals, explore historic towns and discover UNESCO World Heritage sites including the spectacular waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Old City of Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Meals Included: Dinner
Wednesday. Welcome to Zagreb and the start of your holiday. Included transfer from the airport to your hotel in the city. The remainder of the day offers free time for you to head out and explore this beautiful city which marks the crossroad between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe.
Day 2: Zagreb & Ljubljana
Location: Zagreb, Ljubljana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Zagreb - Ljubljana. Embark on a morning sightseeing adventure of Zagreb, offering you the chance to explore the fortified Upper Town, the historic heart of the city, the charming St. Mark's Church with its vibrant, multi-colored roof, the grand Cathedral, the Croatian National Theatre, and the University. Following this, we will journey to Ljubljana.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the most notable landmarks in its old center. This includes the picturesque Central open-air Market and the iconic Three Bridges, the elegant Baroque Town Hall, and the enchanting Robba's Fountain. Overnight stay in Ljubljana.
Day 3: Bled
Location: Ljubljana, Bled, Plitvice Lakes National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ljubljana - Bled - Plitvice. Today, we'll set out for Bled, a charming small town nestled in the Julian Alps, renowned as one of the most breathtaking alpine resorts. It's a place that seems straight out of a timeless fairy tale, with its vast natural beauty, encompassing mountains and forests that embrace an emerald glacial lake. Here, we'll explore the Bled Castle, which stands as the oldest in all of Slovenia. After our visit to Bled, our adventure continues as we make our way to the Plitvice Lakes area for an overnight stay and dinner.
Day 4: Plitvice Lakes
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Plitvice - Split. Begin your day with a morning stroll around Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll witness the wonder of 16 crystal-blue lakes, gracefully cascading into a network of 92 waterfalls. After this enchanting experience, we'll continue our journey to the historic city of Split.
This afternoon, our guide will reveal the secrets of the UNESCO-protected Diocletian's Palace and its intriguing cellars. Originally built during ancient times, the palace underwent modifications by its inhabitants in the Middle Ages, resulting in its present-day charm. It stands as the heart of the city, brimming with history and culture. Overnight in Split.
Day 5: Split & Dubrovnik
Location: Split, Pelješac, Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Split - Pelješac - Dubrovnik. Following breakfast, we embark toward the captivating city of Dubrovnik. En route, we'll make a stop at one of the wine cellars on the Pelješac peninsula, where you can taste the region's renowned red wine, Plavac Mali. You'll have some free time for lunch and the opportunity to explore the charming little town of Ston.
In the afternoon, we'll join a city tour of Dubrovnik, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," a UNESCO-protected gem. Explore its magnificent Cathedral and take a step back in time to the maritime era of the Republic of Dubrovnik. Marvel at its grand palaces, elegant fountains, and robust city walls. Enjoy the city's marble streets, baroque architecture, and the endless glimmer of the Adriatic Sea.
Day 6: Free Time
Location: Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is yours to spend at leisure exploring the UNESCO listed old city of Dubrovnik with its towering fortress wall and the Dubrovnik Cathedral, built in Roman Baroque architectural style.
Alternatively, you can opt to join an optional excursion to the island of Korcula or Montenegro and it's Bay of Kotor.
Day 7: Mostar & Sarajevo, Bosnia
Location: Dubrovnik, Mostar, Sarajevo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Dubrovnik – Mostar – Sarajevo. This morning we drive to Mostar to see The Old Bridge. Commissioned by the sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557 and rebuilt in 2003, it is still one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most recognizable landmarks and is considered one of the most exemplary pieces of Islamic architecture. Enjoy some free time to explore and have lunch before we drive onward to Sarajevo. Arriving in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we will take in some of the highlights on a guided city tour of Sarajevo - one of the historically most interesting cities in Europe and is a vibrant and cosmopolitan place to live.
Day 8: Belgrade, Serbia
Location: Sarajevo, Zvornik, Belgrade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Sarajevo – Zvornik – Belgrade. In the morning, we set out for Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Along the way, we'll make a brief stop in Zvornik, a picturesque little town in northeastern Bosnia situated on the banks of the Drina River. Belgrade, where the Sava River converges with the Danube River, is a city with numerous must-visit and must-experience spots.
Upon reaching Belgrade, a guide will lead you on a tour of this beautiful city, nestled between the two majestic rivers, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets.
Day 9: Novi Sad, Serbia
Location: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Vukovar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Belgrade - Novi Sad - Osijek/Vukovar. This morning we visit Serbia’s second largest city - Novi Sad located on the Danube River, with its imposing fortress on one side and the churches of numerous denominations on the other it's an exciting city with cultural sights that many larger cities would be envious of. After a guided tour in Novi Sad, we cross the border back into Croatia and continue for a stop at Ilok where you'll have the option to partake in a wine tasting experience in one of Croatia's most famous wine cellars 'Ilocki Podrumi'. We then enjoy a traditional lunch. Late this afternoon we continue into Osijek or Vukovar where we will spend the night.
Day 10: Djakovo & Star Kepela, Croatia
Location: Vukovar, Zagreb
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Osijek/Vukovar - Zagreb. Today we start with a guided tour of Osijek - the largest city in eastern Croatia. A popular destination known for its Baroque style and amazing cuisine - we visit the cathedral and the Tvrdja (Old Fort). Continuing on we drive to Djakovo - dominated by its magnificent red bricked cathedral. Before we reach our final destination of Zagreb we stop to visit the Ethno Village of Stara Kapela where we will enjoy lunch before continuing onto Zagreb.
Day 11: Zagreb
Location: Zagreb
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saturday. A leisurely day for you to further see the sights of this beautiful city, before an included departure transfer to Zagreb airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star -
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 8 dinners
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10 nights 3-4 star accommodation
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Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 11
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Guided sightseeing in Zagreb, Ljubljana, Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Novi Sad and Osijek
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English speaking local guide
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private A/C vehicles
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Guided sightseeing in Zagreb, Ljubljana, Plitvice Lakes, Split, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Novi Sad and Osijek
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas. Note: This tour travels through Bosnia and Hertzegovnia - please see day 5 of our Trip Notes for further details relating to visa requirements for this section of the trip
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Entrance fees to sites other than those listed
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Tip for your tour leader. We recommend you allow EUR 3–5 per day, per traveller. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture
Accommodation
Hotel Astoria
Part of Best Western's Premier range, the elegant Hotel Astoria offers a high level of comfort and style, fitting with the brand. Guests can choose from a variety of different sizes of room, each offering plush, attractive furniture and a range of modern amenities, including a minibar and satellite TV. The hotel's Ragusa restaurant has a great ambiance and serves a wonderful selection of local and international dishes. The accommodation is conveniently located just 300m from the train station and offers free parking for guests.
Hotel Lev
Hotel Lev is centrally located in Ljubljana, the 13 floor high glass exterior offers marvelous views of Slovenia's capital city. Guest rooms are decorated modernly featuring private ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning. Additional features of the hotel include complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and bicycles to rent for those wanting to explore the area.
Jezero Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Jezero Hotel is the perfect base for any overnight stay in this stunning locale. The property offers a selection of guest rooms and suites, and while the hotel interior is modern in design, the building has been constructed to sit perfectly amongst the natural surroundings. A short walk away is Kozjak – the park’s largest lake. Hotel amenities include an in-house restaurant and lobby bar, a night club and complimentary spa facilities including a gym, whirpool massage and two Finnish saunas. There’s also a small gift shop on site, plus room service and free WiFi.
Hotel Corner
Located in the heart of Split, Hotel Corner offers spacious accommodation in modern rooms with plenty of natural light. The recently renovated hotel offers rooms that are spread across two floors, and accessible by both stairs and an elevator. With a choice between four different room types (standard, triple, comfort or family), guests can enjoy comfort, as each room has free WiFi, a flatscreen TV with cable channels, a safe, complimentary toiletries and a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. Not only are famous landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Palace of Diocletian located close by, the hotel also offers a 24-hour service desk, room service and free parking. There is a fitness center and a restaurant on-site, as well as a spa and wellness center where guests can unwind with a massage treatment on-site.
Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik
The Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik is situated on the lush Babin Kuk Peninsula, just 6km away from Dubrovniks old city. Featuring air-conditioned modern and comfortable guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and equipped with private bathrooms. The hotel features an elegant outdoor swimming pool with views of the Elaphiti Islands as well as an indoor pool and array of wellness facilities. Why not sit back and relax with a cocktail in hand after exploring Dubrovnik's old city.
Hotel Colors Inn
Colors Inn is located in the heart of Sarajevo and is a charming building dating from the Austro-Hungarian period. It's central location is ideal and is just a three-minute walk to the main pedestrian zone. Guest rooms provide a flat-screen cable TV, air-conditioning and a minibar, also featuring a private bathroom. Enjoy international and national cuisine in the restaurant also offering buffet breakfast daily.
Golden Tulip Zira Belgrade
The modern Golden Tulip Zira is located in the heart of Belgrade. Offering stylish guest rooms equipped with the most modern communication and entertainment technology. All guest rooms are non-smoking and have an LCD cable TV, a minibar and a private bathroom. Free International landline calls and free Wi-Fi access are also provided. The hotel also features a fitness centre and sauna.
Hotel Osijek
Hotel Osijek is located next to the banks of the Drava River. It is in a stunning location, providing panoramic views and close proximity to the main city square, and surrounding parks. Each room is air-conditioned, offering spacious comfort with free WiFi, a cable TV, minibar and hairdryer. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Zimska Luka, which overlooks the peaceful river. A buffet breakfast is available, as well as a la carte dishes during lunch and dinner. In addition to the on-site fitness center, there is a spa and beauty salon available that offers a wide range of hair, body and face treatments to guests.
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
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Wednesday - Saturday
May 08, 2024 - May 18, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Jun 05, 2024 - Jun 15, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Jun 19, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Jul 17, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Aug 21, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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