Budapest to Bled Itinerary

Built on the banks of the Danube River, beautiful Budapest is best seen from the water. Take a boat tour to admire architecture or cross the iconic Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District and soak up incredible vistas.

Cross the border into Croatia and travel to enchanting Osijek. Explore grand buildings, stroll along the Drava River and search out otters, beavers and other unique wildlife in the beautiful wetlands of the Kopacki Rit Nature Park.

With a fascinating blend of old Serbian culture and Austro-Hungarian architecture, Novi Sad is one of the most enthralling cities in Serbia. Call into a family-run vineyard and a unique honey museum while visiting the picturesque town of Sremski Karlovci.

Jump on a bus and travel from Novi Sad to Belgrade. Uncover the history of one of Europe's oldest cities and experience a mix of progressive flamboyance and conservative tradition. Built on the confluence of two major rivers, the Sava and the Danube, Belgrade city is an important intersection of Eastern and Western Europe. Stroll through the Bohemian quarter or wander the boulevards to see Orthodox churches vying for space alongside fashionable nightclubs.

Travel through serene countryside to the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sarajevo. In the evening be sure to head to Bascarsija, the main street of Sarajevo, to find the best bosanski cevapi - grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices. A daytrip to Mostar affords an opportunity to see the famous town and bridge, both reduced to rubble during the Yugoslav wars. Since being rebuilt, the city of Mostar has become an important symbol of the new Balkans.

Follow pilgrims up the rocky mountain path to the 17th-century Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro. Hike to the upper monastery where relics of the founder Saint Vasilije are kept. Head down to the lower monastery to spend the night in humble konaks.

Get delightfully lost in the crooked alleyways of Kotor, a World Heritage site. Climb the hills behind the city to discover the ruined castle of the former ruler. In free time, a cruise on the Kotor Fjord will not disappoint.

Travel north to the south coast of Croatia. Walk along Dubrovnik's city walls for panoramas of the sparkling Adriatic Sea or climb Mt Srd for an aerial view.

Visit an inland farm and vineyard and enjoy a feast made from Dalmatian produce - be sure to leave room for dessert!

Spend the afternoon hiking among Hvar's fields of lavender and rosemary, relax at one of the island's many quiet beaches or enjoy a sunset stroll along the promenade.

Take an early morning boat ride to Split. The site of Roman Emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, Split is the heart and soul of Dalmatia. Explore the palace grounds which are now filled with homes, businesses and restaurants.

The coastal town of Zadar is home to St Donatus Church, which possesses some of the finest Dalmatian metalwork in existence. For an insight into the relationship between the city and the sea, be sure to visit the musical steps on Zadar's waterfront.

Relax on one of Rab Island's many unspoilt beaches or hike to the top of Kamenjak hill for panoramic views. Alternatively, explore the thick Kalifront forest and experience the natural wonders of this rugged island.

Discover the gorgeous surrounds of Bled with its pristine lake and medieval fortress. There is plenty of time to work up an appetite for an optional final group dinner - perhaps canoe on the lake, delve into the depths of a cave or cycle to nearby Vintgar Gorge.