Budapest & Balkans Superior - 14 days

Welcome to Budapest! Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our driver, who will take you to the hotel. During the short coach ride, you can enjoy the sights of Budapest, known for its bridges and thermal baths. The city is often called the "Paris of the East" because of its youthful vibe and stunning architecture. After checking in at the hotel, take some time to relax and prepare for the trip.



At 7pm in the hotel reception, our guide will welcome you and provide detailed information about the trip. This is also an opportunity to meet the other travellers in the group.

Today we take an included sightseeing tour of Budapest, exploring the city both by foot and by vehicle. Budapest is considered one of Europe's most charming and enjoyable cities. Dubbed the 'Paris of the East' for its scenic beauty and architectural wonders, key landmarks such as the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrassy Avenue have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The tour will include iconic sights such as the Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, Matiass Church, the Fishermen's Bastion, Gellert Hill and Elisabeth Bridge. We also browse the Central Market Hall, see the largest synagogue in Europe and admire the monuments at Heroes' Square. Finally we can take in the Opera House, Saint Stephen's Basilica, and the Hungarian Parliament Building. An optional Danube cruise is available for those interested in further exploration.

Budapest - Zvonko Bogdan Winery (Serbia) - Novi Sad - Belgrade. Say goodbye to Hungary as we cross into Serbia and discover the sights of Vojvodina, a province in the north of the country. Arriving at the Zvonko Bogdan Winery, we can admire the stunning architecture of this building, inspired by the traditional architecture of Subotica. During a one-hour guided tour, we have the opportunity to admire various works of art displayed in the winery and sample three different wines made from grapes grown in the Palic vineyard.



Our next stop is Novi Sad, the 2021 European Capital of Culture. This vibrant city is known for hosting EXIT, the largest music festival in south-eastern Europe. A sightseeing tour around Novi Sad takes us through the city's pedestrian zone, passing by notable landmarks such as the City Hall, the old city centre, the former home of Albert Einstein's wife Mileva, the cultural foundation Matica Srpska, and a synagogue. We then walk along the right bank of the Danube to visit Petrovaradin, also known as 'Danube's Gibraltar', home to a historic fortress offering magnificent views of the river and the city. Here, we can enjoy a delicious dinner in a beautiful setting.



After our stop in Novi Sad, we drive to the Serbian capital, Belgrade.

Following breakfast, we commence a tour of Belgrade. Our first stop is the Museum of Yugoslav History, a complex dedicated to the life and accomplishments of Josip Broz Tito, the former leader of Yugoslavia. We then drive past the FC Red Star stadium before visiting the iconic Temple of Saint Sava, dedicated to the city's patron saint.



The tour will continue to Slavija Square, Saint Mark's Church, the Serbian National Parliament, White Palace, and Republic Square, with its surrounding cultural institutions like the National Theatre and National Museum. We stroll down Knez Mihailo Street, the main pedestrian and shopping area, and visit the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel before learning about the historic "Question Mark" tavern. The tour will then proceed to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, a significant cultural and historic site located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.

Belgrade - Zagreb (Croatia) - Ljubljana (Slovenia). Leaving Belgrade, our tour continues to the Croatian capital of Zagreb. This city is known for its European culture and is located in the heart of the continent. During the sightseeing tour of Zagreb, we visit Kaptol, the Franciscan monastery, and the Church of Saint Francis. We also explore the Dolac farmers' market and see the baroque architecture of the Church of Saint Mary. The tour will end at Ban Josip Jelacic’s monument in his namesake square.



After time for lunch, we cross the border into Slovenia. A stop will be made at Otocec Castle. This castle, situated above the Krka River, is the only water castle in Slovenia and the surrounding area. After a short break to explore, we continue to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana.

Ljubljana - Piran - Portoroz. This morning we tour Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia with a rich cultural scene. Take in landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, the medieval town square "Mestni Trg," Robba's Fountain, the central open-air market, and the Triple Bridge. After the tour, you will have free time to enjoy lunch by the Ljubljanica River.



In the afternoon, there's an included trip to the magnificent limestone Postojna Cave, known for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, underground gorges, and waterfalls. This cave is a highlight of any trip to Slovenia.



Next, we visit Piran, a beautiful town in Slovene Istria known for its medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. After exploring Tartini Square and climbing to the Cathedral of Saint George for a panoramic view, we continue to Portoroz, a historic tourist destination that dates back to the 13th century when visitors came for seawater treatments. Portoroz flourished in the early 20th century with the opening of the Hotel Palace, attracting thousands of guests annually.

Portoroz - Pula (Croatia) - Rovinj. We head back into Croatia today, reaching Istria, a stunning region along the Croatian coast known for its gourmet food, Malvasia wine, beautiful beaches, and Venetian history. Our first destination is the charming town of Pula, home to a wealth of historical sites and impressive Roman architecture. The highlight of the town is the remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. Other must-see sites in Pula include the Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of Sergius, and the Twin Gates.



We continue to Rovinj, often referred to as the "pearl of the Adriatic." Explore the picturesque cobbled streets of this historic town with your tour guide, who will introduce you to the town's rich history and architectural wonders dating back to the 1700s. Climb to the top of the peninsula, where you can admire the panoramic views of the old town from the Church of Saint Euphemia. We spend the night in Rovinj, and there's free time this evening to further explore.

Rovinj - Opatija - Plitvice Lakes National Park. Today we head to Opatija, a historic town located just 80 km away from the Istrian Peninsula. Opatija showcases a blend of architectural styles including Renaissance, Venetian, Secession, and Baroque, reflecting its rich history. Take a leisurely stroll along the Lungomare promenade to soak in the scenic views of the sea. Enjoy some free time for lunch at one of the seaside restaurants. In the afternoon, we head to the renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Plitvice Lakes National Park - Sibenik - Split. Today we discover the 16 interconnected cascading lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia's natural highlights. Known as the ‘Devil’s Garden’ on old maps, it was the first site in the Balkans to receive UNESCO World Heritage status. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour that includes visits to the upper and lower lakes, where you can relax and admire the untouched beauty of this lush paradise (swimming is not permitted).



In the afternoon, travel along the Dalmatian coast to Sibenik, a medieval Venetian town renowned for its narrow winding streets, stone houses, stairs, and remnants of city walls. Home to several significant landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint James (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which was constructed over hundreds of years by locals. There is free time to explore before we continue to Split for the night.

Split - Trogir - Split. Embark on a sightseeing tour of Split, the largest Dalmatian city with a history dating back 1700 years. Our guide will take you through the narrow streets of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO Heritage Site built in the 4th century for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. You will see the former Temple of Jupiter, which is now the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the oldest Catholic cathedral still in its original structure. Explore the Golden and Silver Gates, as well as the bustling markets and shopping area of Riva.



In the afternoon, we visit the picturesque town of Trogir, another UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on a small island. Trogir features beautiful architecture, sea views, and palm-lined promenades that transport you back to medieval times. There's free time to explore Trogir before we return to Split.

Split - Mostar (Bosnia) - Trebinje. Leaving Croatia today, we cross into Bosnia and make our way to Mostar. Along the journey, a stop will be made at the pilgrimage site of Medugorje, where alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary have been reported since 1981. In Mostar, a walking tour will begin with a visit to the iconic Old Bridge, a UNESCO protected landmark and the most photographed sight in the country. Other notable stops in Mostar include the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge, and the old tanner's quarter Tabhana. You will have free time in Mostar to enjoy lunch by the Neretva River, offering a stunning view of the bridge above.



Proceeding to Trebinje, we can see the Arslanagica Bridge and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming old town ending at Poet's Square.

Trebinje - Kotor (Montenegro) - Dubrovnik (Croatia). Today we embark on a journey to explore the Republic of Montenegro, a country known for its rich heritage and stunning natural beauty. Our first stop is the charming town of Perast, a picturesque baroque-style settlement. From here, we enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Bay of Kotor to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, known for its church containing valuable paintings, silver votive tablets, and a famous votive tapestry.



Next, we visit Kotor, an ancient Mediterranean walled town. A walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site will take us to landmarks such as the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and other cultural treasures. Free time will be available to explore the charming old town or enjoy lunch at a restaurant in one of its romantic squares. After our time in Kotor, we drive to Dubrovnik.

Today we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour around Dubrovnik, a historic walled city known since the 7th century. The city's old town is surrounded by a 2km long wall, offering a unique perspective of the picturesque surroundings during a leisurely one hour walk. Explore the city's churches, fortifications, and monuments, which are a must-see for visitors. Many famous individuals have been inspired by Dubrovnik, leading to the creation of numerous art galleries and unique shops showcasing marble and light-coloured stone pieces. Dubrovnik also featured heavily in the TV show, Game of Thrones.



After our tour, you can join an optional cable car ride up Srd Mountain for panoramic views of the city, plus an optional farewell seafood dinner in Dubrovnik.

Our tour ends after breakfast, wishing you a safe onwards journey!