The Balkans Revisited with Paul Davies OBE
The Balkans Revisited with Paul Davies OBE
Visiting: Bosnia, Croatia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AGT1159
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 26
Physical rating:
Casual
Age range:
Adults
Interests:
Tour Overview
This is an enduringly popular tour in the company of one of the most distinguished of Britain’s journalists. Previous guests speak warmly of Paul’s insights and approachability, which are strongly in evidence in this exceptionally well crafted and thoughtful tour, taking in the historical and cultural highlights of the region.
Paul, who reported from Croatia and Bosnia during the conflict, will join the group for the entire journey, sharing his captivating tales relating to his time covering one of the most brutal struggles of the last century. You will also see how the area has been transformed since that time as visitors have gradually returned to experience its beauty and rich cultural tapestry.
Starting in Zagreb and winding its way down to Dubrovnik via Vukovar, Sarajevo and Mostar, this journey is one of the most distinctive ways of experiencing this part of the Balkans.
Highlights
- Exclusive insights from special guest Paul Davies OBE
- Explore the famous Sarajevo tunnels
- Visit the moving Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Centre
- Enjoy guided city tours of Zagreb, Vukovar, Sarajevo, Mostar and Dubrovnik
Itinerary
Day 1 D
On arrival in Zagreb, transfer to your first hotel. En route, visit the Miragoj Cemetery outside the the city centre, designed by Herman Bolle and declared by many architects to be the most beautiful cemetery in central Europe.
This evening, a buffet dinner is served at the hotel before you walk to the Hotel Esplanade, famously used by passengers of the Orient Express, to enjoy a complimentary drink during Paul’s first talk.
Overnight: Zagreb
Day 2 BD
Meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour on foot of the city. Highlights include the main square, the pretty Upper Town and the Cathedral.
Free time for lunch before a mid-afternoon drive to Osijek and check-in at our next hotel. Paul gives his second talk before dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Overnight: Osijek
Day 3 BLD
Depart to Vukovar to visit the hospital, Ovcara Farm, Cemetary, Memorial and the Water Tower.
Paul Davies reported from here after his time in Dubrovnik. Enjoy a short cruise on the Danube with a light snack lunch, followed by a short sightseeing tour of Osijek, and dinner accompanied by local music.
Overnight: Osijek
Day 4 BLD
Transfer to Sarajevo via Srebrenica. This is the longest drive on our tour (approx. 4 hours) and a coffee stop will be made mid-way with packed lunches on-board. Paul will also give a short talk en route.
Visit the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Centre and the exhibitions in a former factory. Many of the guides here are survivors who lost family members in the massacre.
Continue to Sarajevo to check into our next hotel, Hotel Holiday. This was the former Holiday Inn where the world’s press (including Paul) were based during the siege. It was bombed several times as shown on worldwide news.
Overnight: Sarajevo
Day 5 B, D
Depart to the famous Sarajevo tunnels. Built as a lifeline during the 1992–95 siege of the city, they were used to transport supplies to the besieged populace. Return to Sarajevo to explore the city with a local guide, followed by some free time.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, after which we return to Hotel Holiday.
Overnight: Sarajevo
Day 6 B, L, D
En route to Mostar, stop for photo opportunities and lunch. On arrival, check in to your hotel and meet with your local guide for a tour of historic Mostar, known for its old Turkish houses and bridge, Stari Most. In the 1990’s conflict, this was destroyed and has been restored with the support of UNESCO and other international charities.
Overnight: Mostar
Day 7 B, L, D
Leave Bosnia-Herzegovina and transfer to Dubrovnik through the southern Dalmatia region of Croatia and along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Adriatic, with time for photo stops and sightseeing on the way. Visit the Roman ruins of Narona, enjoy a light lunch of local delicacies in Metkovic, and take a short coffee/shopping break in Neum before arriving into Dubrovnik.
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Day 8 B, L
Paul delivers a morning talk before the group departs for a walking tour of the old city of Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.
Take a boat trip to Cavtat (weather permitting — alternative by road), a picturesque coastal town. Meet Josip Lozic, the director of the Croatian National Tourist Office in the UK for many years, who will talk about his life growing up in the former Yugoslavia, his personal story during the conflict, and the changes to Croatia since the end of the war.
Enjoy a snack lunch and free time to explore before returning to Dubrovnik by road with the chance to spend time independently in the old city this evening.
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Day 9 B, L
Take the cable car to Mount Srdj to visit the Museum of Homeland War, where Paul Davies' ITN footage is continually shown on a loop as his reports are deemed to be the best. Enjoy coffee and panoramic views over Dubrovnik, then a 10-minute boat ride to Lokrum. This car-free island has a botanical garden, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery, and some small Venus pools. Light lunch at a local café-restaurant.
In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner, including pre-dinner drinks in the original sea cave at Hotel More.
Overnight: Dubrovnik
Day 10 B
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight
What's Included
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Meals
Daily breakfast, six lunches and eight evening meals
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Accommodation
4 to 5 star
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Prestige Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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