19 Days | Experience the best of Hungary, Italy and the Balkans
Take a journey through the many charms of Eastern Europe, then end it all in picturesque Italy with this 19-day trip that explores many highlights, natural wonders and vibrant cities. From the hearty cuisine of Hungary to the glamorous beaches of Split, explore the stunning alpine scenery of Slovenia, the walled city of Dubrovnik (Game of Thrones fans rejoice), the epic Danube River, the haven of fresh seafood in Croatia and the turquoise waters of Plitvice that look like they’re out of a fairytale. Dive into bucket list destinations and seldom-seen secrets with a local leader who has all the insights and unwind with loads of free time to choose to your own adventure.
Trip overview
- Start
- Budapest, Hungary
- Finish
- Venice, Italy
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, 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
- ZMRVC
- Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park – a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site – marvelling at luminous lakes and azure waterfalls that look like they’ve been sketched by an artist.
- Learn about the dark history and rebuilding of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, then visit Mostar’s famous Old Bridge to witness a traditional bridge jumper hurl themselves into the icy waters below.
- 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.
- Relax and unwind in seaside Split – a haven of culture, good food and gorgeous scenery. Walk along the waterfront promenade and admire the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace.
- Feast on Mediterranean fresh seafood, Italian-influenced antipasti and the crunchy, doughy dessert of fritule in the culinary capital of Croatia – Zagreb. Then if you like, explore the touching Museum of Broken Relationships.
- This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary includes lots of free time where your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
- Accommodation on this trip is basic. Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be small, especially compared to American or Australian standards, and in some cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite. Some hotels contain stairs only, with no elevators.
- 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.
- You'll have to carry your own luggage on this trip, including some short distances between your hotel and public transport (no longer than 30 minutes). Make sure your bag doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find details in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Itinerary
Inclusions
13 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry, Metro, Taxi
Hotel (9 nights), Hostel (5 nights), Pension (4 nights)
- Novi Sad – Orientation Walk
- Sarajevo - Burek Snack in Bascarsija
- Mostar - Stari Most
- Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
- Dubrovnik – Elafiti Island Day Trip
- Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
- Zagreb – Dolac Market Lunch
- Zagreb - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- 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
- Dubrovnik - Srd Hill Hike - Free
- Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk - EUR35
- Split - Fish Market - Free
- Split - Hiking in Mosor with traditional dinner - EUR64
- Split - Cooking Class including Lunch or Dinner - EUR80
- Split - Diocletian's Palace Cellars - EUR7
- Split - Ethnographic Museum - EUR3
- Split - City Museum - EUR4
- Split - Gallery of Fine Arts - EUR5
- Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower - EUR10
- Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure - EUR64
- Zagreb - Mirogoj Cemetery - Free
- Zagreb - Cathedral - Free
- Zagreb - Kula Lotrščak - EUR3
- Zagreb - The Croatian Museum of Naive Art - EUR5
- Ljubljana - Dragon Bridge - Free
- Ljubljana - Metelkova Neighbourhood - Free
- Ljubljana - Castle and Funicular - EUR16
- Ljubljana - Sights & Bites Urban Adventure - EUR130
- Bled - Day Trip by Public Bus - EUR15
- Bled - Castle - EUR15
- Bled - Pletna Boat Trip - EUR14
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
- Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
- Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
- Venice - Traghetto Ride - EUR2
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
- Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR99
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is not available on this trip.
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