Explore the Balkans

10 Days | Old-world charm and enduring cultures deep in the Balkans

4.9 out of 5 based on 41 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
AUD $2,290
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Veer off the beaten track and discover some of Central Europe’s up-and-coming hotspots on this ten-day adventure. Starting off in cultured and cosmopolitan Budapest, travel to the Serbian capital of Belgrade for a taste of a city on the rise. Learn about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s war years in Sarajevo, stop by the famed Old Bridge of Mostar and finish things up in medieval Dubrovnik of Game of Thrones fame. Melding the past with the present and the raw with the cultivated, this Balkans adventure gives you the power to see Central Europe your way, with a local leader on hand to steer you in the right direction.

Trip overview

Map of Explore The Balkans including Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro and Serbia
Start
Budapest, Hungary
Finish
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
ZMRC
This trip generates 32 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Delve into the communist past and progressive present of the Pearl of the Danube - Budapest, a city often underrated by travellers
  • Visit Novi Sad on the banks of the Danube River and maybe explore the Petrovaradin Fortress – one of the most important landmarks in the city with a great view over the river. Then, immerse yourself in the edgy street scene of Belgrade's Bohemian Quarter.
  • Explore the sobering Tito’s Bunker in Mostar – an underground facility that served as Yugoslavia's ‘Atomic War Command,’ designed to house a skeleton government who would manage the country in the event of nuclear war.
  • Admire the restored architecture of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kotor in Montenegro on a climb along the ancient city fortifications. Then, discover the glittering Bay of Kotor in your free time.
  • Hit the historic hotspot of Dubrovnik along Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline. With medieval walls, Game of Thrones tours, hidden swimming coves and alleyway restaurants, this is the perfect spot to end your adventure.

Is this trip right for you?
  • As this trip only has limited time in Budapest, we highly recommend staying a few extra days before your tour to enjoy all this amazing destination has to offer.
  • This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local guide and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. This trip is an excellent opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it! European hotels often don't have double beds but two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be small and in some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared. 
  • Summer temperatures can be very high in many regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s essential to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Explore The Balkans including Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro and Serbia

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Public bus, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Pension (2 nights), Hostel (1 night)

Activities
  • Novi Sad – Orientation Walk
  • Sarajevo - Burek Snack in Bascarsija
  • Mostar - Stari Most
  • Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
Add on activities
  • Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
  • Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
  • Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
  • Budapest - Central Market - Free
  • Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF9000
  • Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
  • Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF10000
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF9400
  • Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF7000
  • Belgrade - Danube River Cruise - RSD800
  • Belgrade - Tito’s Mausoleum (House of Flowers) - RSD400
  • Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD800
  • Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide - EUR60
  • Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
  • Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum - RSD300
  • Belgrade - Military Museum - RSD350
  • Belgrade - eBike Tour (from) - EUR35
  • Belgrade - Bike Tour (from) - EUR30
  • Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library - BAM10
  • Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - Svrzo's House - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - Despica House - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum - BAM10
  • Sarajevo - City Tour with Local Guide - BAM90
  • Sarajevo - Jewish Museum - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs - BAM15
  • Sarajevo - War Tunnel - BAM10
  • Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina - BAM8
  • Mostar - Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret - BAM15
  • Mostar - Old Bridge Museum - BAM10
  • Mostar - War Photo Exhibition - BAM6
  • Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40
  • Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4
  • Budva - Day Trip (by public bus) - EUR6
  • Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
  • Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
  • Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
  • Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - EUR4
  • Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites) - EUR35

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is not available on this trip.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 41 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Christina · Traveled September 2024
The Balkans was an amazingly unexpected tour that I'll never forget. There is so much history across all countries, with resilient people, and such diverse beautiful scenery, I'd do it all again!
Review submitted 18 Sep 2024

Katie · Traveled August 2024
The Balkans region exceeded our expectations. The places we visited were beautiful and our favourites were Sarajevo and Kotor. Accommodation was excellent and value for money. A truly underrated part of the world. Highly recommended.
Review submitted 11 Sep 2024

Laura · Traveled August 2024
The Balkans trip is the absolute best! Especially if you are paired up with Vijon! The most amazing tour guide! So kind, knowledgeable and professional! We absolutely adored him! In 10 days we learnt so so much about the history of the Balkans.. it is truely eye opening! And wonderful places! The food, the water the mountains and the culture are just incredible! Highly recommend all ages! :D
Review submitted 18 Aug 2024

Amy · Traveled August 2024
This trip was just brilliant! From learning about the fascinating history of the Balkans to exploring the natural beauty, to enjoying the local cultures, this trip has it all. Our guide, Vojin, was a legend and our group (a delightful mixture of solo travellers and pairs, with a range of ages and experiences) got on so well. Would thoroughly recommend!
Review submitted 16 Aug 2024

Melissa · Traveled August 2024
Incredible trip. Don't hesitate to book. Our guide was fantastic, the hotels were wonderful, the cadence of the trip is spectacular. From the history of Budapest and Belgrade to the beauty of Kotor and Dubrovnik - this was a trip to remember!
Review submitted 16 Aug 2024
Explore the Balkans
From
AUD $2,290