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15-Day Best of the Balkans

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Overview

Stretching from the Balkan Mountains right over to the Black Sea coast, the Balkans is a geographical area home to many countries and centuries of history. Covering seven countries, this 15-day Balkans holiday takes you through the highlights of six ex-Yugoslavian countries and neighbouring Albania.

Having witnessed a turbulent recent history, these countries are waiting to be discovered. Soaked in natural beauty including stunning glacial lakes, rolling mountains and wonderful tumbling waterfalls, the Balkans is a wonderful place for nature lovers.

For those that adore the cities and towns, this trip encompasses petite seaside towns with quaint cobblestone streets to vibrant cities steeped in architecture dating back to the Roman times. The Balkan Peninsula is a wonderful part of the world and now is the time to explore!
Sightseeing
Outdoors & Nature
Culture & Arts

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Zagreb

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Welcome to Zagreb

Upon landing in Zagreb, you'll meet with your local guide at the airport and begin your Balkans holiday with a drive to your hotel in Zagreb. After lunchtime, you'll visit the old town with its market, the beautiful Zagreb Cathedral and many beautiful parks and galleries throughout the city including the Ban Jelacic Square. You'll have the rest of the day to explore Zagreb how you wish to, sampling local delights as you go.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Dubrovnik4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Zagreb

    Zagreb Cathedral

    Ban Jelacic Square

    Free Time in ZagrebOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb to Hotel Dubrovnik

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Zagreb

Day 2

Zagreb to Sarajevo via Jajce

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Zagreb to Sarajevo via Jajce

After breakfast, you'll continue to Bosnia and Herzegovina, your next destination in the Balkans. En route to Sarajevo, you'll stop in Jajce which used to be capital of medieval Bosnian state. Here you'll visit one of the world's most beautiful waterfalls, the famous Pliva Waterfalls. You'll also visit the Jajce Citadel, the Mithraic Temple, Medvjed Kula, the Tower of St. Luke, the famous Catacombs and the Mosque of Esma Sultanija. In the later afternoon, you'll head to Sarajevo for the night.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Jajce

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Zagreb to Jajce

    Private Driver from Jajce to Sarajevo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Zagreb

    Jajce

    Sarajevo

Day 3

Sarajevo to Belgrade

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Sarajevo to Belgrade

In the morning, you'll explore the old streets of Sarajevo. Due to its long and rich history of religious and cultural variety, Sarajevo was sometimes called the "Jerusalem of Europe". Visit of Bascarsija district where East meets West and drive in the suburbs to visit Tunnel of Hope that saved the city during the longest modern-day city siege in the 1990s. In the evening, you'll continue to Belgrade for the night, the journey will take around 5 hours with regular stops to stretch.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Envoy Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Sarajevo

    Bascarsija

    Sarajevo Cathedral

    Tunnel of Hope

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sarajevo to Belgrade

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sarajevo

    Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Belgrade

Day 4

Discover Belgrade & Novi Sad

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Discover Belgrade & Novi Sad

You'll start the day with a tour of Belgrade, visiting the old fortress as well as Kalemegdan, Knez Mihajlova Street, the Cathedral and you'll also drive to one of largest churches in the world, Saint Sava. You'll then continue on to Dedinje to visit the tomb of Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito, known as the House of Flowers, in the Museum of Yugoslavia. You'll then visit Novi Sad, a melting pot of ethnic groups and cultures boasting great views of the Danube from the Petrovaradin Fortress.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Envoy Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Belgrade

    Belgrade Fortress

    Temple of Saint Sava

    Museum of Yugoslavia

    Novi Sad

    Petrovaradin Fortress

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Belgrade to Novi Sad

    Private Driver from Novi Sad to Belgrade

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Belgrade

    Novi Sad

    Petrovaradin

Day 5

Belgrade to Skopje

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Belgrade to Skopje

From Belgrade, you'll make the journey to Skopje in Macedonia which will take around five hours to reach. After lunch, you'll explore Skopje, visiting the old town with its famous stone bridge, Fort Kale and the Railway Clock. Skopje is still relatively unknown to travellers and those that do visit are drawn in by its quirky architecture and random sculptures which can be discovered as you wander around the town.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Solun4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Skopje

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Belgrade to Skopje

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Belgrade

    Skopje

Day 6

Skopje to Ohrid

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Skopje to Ohrid

In the morning, you'll continue to Lake Ohrid which is half Albanian, half Macedonian, straddling the borders. Ohrid is a captivating and stunningly natural destination whose old town tumbles down the hill to the shores of the lake. Once home to 365 churches, Ohrid is one of only 28 sites to be declared as both a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Whilst here you'll also stop at St. Naum Monastery, just across the border to admire the beautiful monastery.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Villa St. Sofija4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Ohrid

    Saint Naum Monastery

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Skopje to Ohrid

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Skopje

    Ohrid

    Municipality of Ohrid

Day 7

Ohrid to Tirana

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Ohrid to Tirana

After breakfast, you'll head towards Tirana, the colourful capital city of Albania, well known for its vibrant Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet-era architecture. Upon arrival, you'll explore the town visiting the famous Skanderbeg Square and the National History Museum, whose historical objects date back to prehistoric times through to Communist rule and the anti-Communist uprisings of the 1990s. In the afternoon and evening, you'll have some free time to explore and soak up this vibrant capital.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sky Tower Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tirana

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Ohrid to Tirana

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ohrid

    Tirana

Day 8

Tirana to Kruje to Budva

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Tirana to Kruje to Budva

Today, you'll leave Tirana behind and continue to Kruja, a small town perched high on a mountain facing the Adriatic Sea known for its national hero, Skanderbeg who prevented the town coming under Ottoman rule during the 15th century. Here, you'll walk through the bazaar and visit the Skanderbeg Fort, today a national museum of Albania. Later, you'll continue to Budva, the most famous coastal site in Montenegro where you'll be staying overnight after exploring the city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Avala Resort & Villas4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Kruja

    Budva

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Tirana to Krujë District

    Private Driver from Krujë District to Budva

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tirana

    Krujë District

    Budva

Day 9

Budva to Dubrovnik via Kotor

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Budva to Dubrovnik via Kotor

From Budva, you'll head to Kotor on the way to Dubrovnik. Just a short distance from Budva, Kotor is a stunning bay and medieval town steeped in beautiful natural scenery and bridge with medieval villages and towns. The best way to explore this area is to get out on a boat to admire the towns from the water and to also wander on foot throughout Kotor's old town. In the evening, you'll continue to the Pearl of Adriatic, Dubrovnik, your next destination.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Neptun4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Kotor

    Bay of Kotor

    Our Lady of the RocksOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Budva to Kotor

    Private Driver from Kotor to Dubrovnik

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Budva

    Kotor

    Montenegro

    Dubrovnik

Day 10

Explore Dubrovnik

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Explore Dubrovnik

Today, you'll have a full day to explore the most famous Croatian town of Dubrovnik with its mighty defensive walls along the coast. On the tour, you will walk through the old town on Stradun Street and along Onofrio's Fountain, visiting the Franciscan monastery and continuing towards the old harbour, past St. Blaise Church, the Rectors Palace and the Dubrovnik Cathedral. In the late afternoon, after some free time, you'll walk the perimeter of the city walls taking in one of the best views.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Neptun4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Dubrovnik

    Rector's Palace

    Dubrovnik Cathedral

    Franciscan Monastery

    Dubrovnik Cable Car to Srd HillOptional Activity

    Dubrovnik City Walls

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dubrovnik

Day 11

Dubrovnik to Mostar to Split

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Dubrovnik to Mostar to Split

After breakfast, you'll continue to Mostar with its Turkish style old town and famous bridge, known as Stari Most. Here you'll walk along the alleys that form the bazaar full of shops and market stalls and also visit the Old Bridge Museum. A narrow staircase leads to the terrace of Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque's for panoramic city views and where you can see the typical architecture of medieval Bosnia & Herzegovina. In the late afternoon, you'll drive to Split in Croatia, your next destination.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Luxe Split4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mostar

    Stari Most

    Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Dubrovnik to Mostar

    Private Driver from Mostar to Split

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dubrovnik

    Mostar

    Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Split

Day 12

Split to Zadar to Plitvice Lakes

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Split to Zadar to Plitvice Lakes

In the morning, you'll experience the 'Roman way of life' by visiting the impressive Diocletian's Palace in Split among other great monuments. You'll then continue your tour to Plitvice Lakes National Park making a stop in Zadar en route. In Zadar, you'll have time to explore the fascinating cathedral and the St Donatus Church. You'll then continue your drive towards Plitvice Lakes National Park where you'll stay overnight before exploring the following day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Degenija4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Split

    Diocletian's Palace

    Zadar

    Cathedral of St. AnastasiaOptional Activity

    Church of St. DonatusOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Split to Zadar

    Private Driver from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Split

    Zadar

    Selište Drežničko

Day 13

Explore Plitvice Lakes, Postojna Cave & Ljubljana

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Explore Plitvice Lakes, Postojna Cave & Ljubljana

After breakfast, you'll visit the UNESCO site of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia's most beautiful national park home to sixteen azure blue lakes connected by cascading waterfalls. You'll then continue to Slovenia, visiting Postojna Cave first, a natural 21-kilometre-long marvel and the number one must-see sight in Slovenia. In the late afternoon, you'll drive to Ljubljana where you'll stay for the night before exploring the following day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Cubo4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Postojna Cave

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Postojna

    Private Driver from Postojna to Ljubljana

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Selište Drežničko

    Plitvički Ljeskovac

    Postojna

    Ljubljana

Day 14

Discover Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj

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Discover Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj

In the morning, you'll drive towards Bled, the pearl of Julian Alps and epitome of Slovenian natural beauty. You'll spend a large part of the time here visiting Bled Castle which clings to the cliff overlooking the lake and taking a traditional boat ride to the island in the middle of the lake. You'll also have some free time to relax in the unique beauty of this region. You'll then continue to another Alpine lake, Bohinj, where you'll take a cable car to Mount Vogel to admire the view.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Cubo4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Bled

    Pletna Boat to Bled Island

    Bled Castle

    Lake Bohinj

    Cable Car to Mount Vogel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Ljubljana to Bled

    Private Driver from Bled to Lake Bohinj

    Private Driver from Bled to Ljubljana

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ljubljana

    Bled

    Municipality of Bohinj

    Ukanc

Day 15

Ljubljana Departure

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Ljubljana Departure

Today is the final day of your Balkans holiday. After a leisurely breakfast and depending on your departure flight time, you may have some free time to explore the city of Ljubljana once more. When you're ready, your driver will transfer to the Ljubljana airport and wish you a safe onward journey.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Cubo to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ljubljana

Included in Price

  • 14 nights accommodation
  • 38 activities
  • 14 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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