Map of Budapest to Venice including Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy and Montenegro

Experience the best of Hungary, Italy and the Balkans

Experience the many charms of eastern Europe and Italy – from the hearty cuisine of Hungary to the glamorous beaches of Split and stunning alpine scenery of Slovenia on this unforgettable adventure. Be seduced by Belgrade's Bohemian vibe, see why Montenegro's emerging as Europe's next tourism hotspot, feel the press of history on a stroll through Split's old town and fall head over hells for ever-seductive Venice. Whether you're heading to this part of the world for your first time or tenth, eastern Europe never fails to enamour.

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Terms & Conditions

Start
Budapest, Hungary
Finish
Venice, Italy
Destinations
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMRVC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Learn about the dark history and rebuilding of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, then visit Mostar’s famous Old Bridge and witness a traditional bridge jumper hurl themselves into the icy waters below.

  • Immerse yourself in the edgy street scene of Belgrade's Bohemian Quarter, then dance the night away in one of Europe’s nightlife hotspots.

  • Split is a haven of relaxation and culture. Unwind with a walk along the waterfront promenade and admire the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace.

  • Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park, marvelling at luminous lakes and waterfalls that appear to have been sketched by an artist.

  • Croatia's amazing array of food specialities mix multiple European influences, and Zagreb's incredible culinary scene harnesses the best of them.

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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.

  • As space it at a premium in Europe, a single supplement is not available on this trip. Single travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people. Couples should be aware that hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Rooms can be rather small by American or Australian standards and in most cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.

  • Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C). Please keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air conditioning. Carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

Itinerary

Szia! Welcome to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. This is a city split in two – Buda and Pest – right on the banks of the Danube River. In the evening, after the welcome meeting at 6 pm, perhaps head out with your new travel pals and group leader for dinner, then take a night walk along the Danube to see the buildings and bridges lit up in lights. Why not continue the night going in one of Budapest's quirky ruin bars, full of good vibes and eclectic decor.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the hotel by early evening, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
This morning you have the option to join your leader on a short orientation walk of the city. Afterwards you have a full free day to explore Budapest. This is a great city to enjoy from the water, so perhaps take a boat trip along the river, or catch a funicular up to the castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building. With so much to see and do, hiring a bicycle is another great way to move between the sights. You could head to Statue Park to see the communist monuments that were removed from the city after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Alternatively, you might like to take a tour of the beautiful Hungarian State Opera House or check out the Hungarian National Museum. One unmissable activity is a healing soak in one of Budapest's thermal bath complexes, so try and fit that in your schedule, too.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF10000
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF9400
  • Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF7000
  • Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
  • Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
  • Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
  • Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
  • Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF9000
  • Budapest - Central Market - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Take private transport and head to Belgrade, Serbia’s surprising capital and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Sitting at the junction of two major rivers – the Sava and the Danube – it’s an important intersection between Eastern and Western Europe. Upon arrival, there is the option to join a guided tour, then you'll have plenty of free time to explore the city. Perhaps begin with a wander around the city’s wide boulevards and squares, and the historic and green heart of Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the river here for centuries. In the evening, head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and enjoy the lively atmosphere, in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to heaving nightclubs.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Today is another day to discover Belgrade. You might like to take a cruise along the Danube River, passing Kalemegdan Fortress, Pancevo Bridge and Zemun. Otherwise, the local market Zeleni Venac can keep you occupied for hours. Perhaps take a stroll through the Nikola Tesla Museum to learn about the life and work of Serbia's greatest inventor, or check out the city's Ethnographic or Military museums. If the weather is warm, you could brave the crowds on Ada Ciganlija beach, where you can swim, take up some water sports or soak up the sun. During summer months, Belgrade hosts a variety of musical and cultural events and the city is abuzz with people and activities.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD500
  • Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum - RSD300
  • Belgrade - Military Museum - RSD350
  • Belgrade - Danube River Cruise - RSD500
  • Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide - EUR60
  • Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
  • Belgrade - Tito’s Mausoleum (House of Flowers) - RSD400
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Travel by bus through the countryside to Sarajevo. The journey will take around 8 hours in total, so sit back and enjoy the scenery. Sarajevo is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s small but vibrant capital. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a place that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. On arrival, perhaps head on an optional guided tour to gain insight into the history and culture of the city. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that features an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque (the famous Begova Dzamija) all within close proximity. Make sure you explore Bascarsija – Sarajevo's old bazaar. Out from here the city’s history unfolds – Ottoman-era buildings beside elaborate Austro-Hungarian and communist structures. In the evening, be sure to keep a look out for the local speciality of bosanski cevapi – local grilled and spiced meats.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sarajevo - Burek Snack in Bascarsija
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo. You could take an optional day trip out to the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza, the source of the River Bosna. You might prefer to discover local history with a visit to the History Museum, the Sarajevo War Tunnels and Sniper Alley, or learn about the tragedies faced by the city's Jews at the Jewish Museum. Maybe get cultural with a stroll through the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina or return to Bascarsija and get lost in the mosques, caravanserais, and stone-vaulted bazaars while snacking on burek. The Pivnica HS brewery, which also has a restaurant, is a good place to sample local award-winning beer and spend the night with your travel crew.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Sarajevo - Jewish Museum - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - City Tour with Local Guide - BAM90
  • Sarajevo - Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum - BAM60
  • Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs - BAM15
  • Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina - BAM8
  • Sarajevo - Svrzo's House - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library - BAM10
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Early this morning, head out of Sarajevo by train to Mostar (approximately 3 hours). Thanks to the river Neretva, Mostar was able to develop as a city in the barren landscape of Herzegovina. On arrival, perhaps head to the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), first built by the Ottomans in 1565 – it was the great architect Mimar Hajrudin who succeeded with the impossible mission to cross the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. If you’re lucky, you might see the famous brave members of Mostar’s diving club hurl themselves into the icy waters below. It’s tradition for the young men of the town to make the jump, and it’s now an annual competition. However, it’s definitely not advised to have a go yourself, as the bridge is super high and water freezing. Instead, follow the local custom and hand the divers a few Marks (the local currency). Later today, continue to Kotor where you will spend the night (approximately 4 hours).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mostar - Stari Most
Optional Activities
  • Mostar - War Photo Exhibition - BAM6
  • Mostar - Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret - BAM15
  • Mostar - Old Bridge Museum - BAM10
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Explore Europe’s most southerly fjord, Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor) and Kotor town, with free time to discover the city’s narrow alleyways by yourself today. This fifth-century World Heritage-listed city is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a rocky coastline dotted with pretty waterside towns. Check out the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tryphun, the South Gates of Kotor (the Gurdich Gate) and the Armoury Square (Trg od oruzija). Afterwards, you might like to get lost in the crooked alleyways, checking out the boutiques and cafes, or climb the hills behind the city to visit Kotor's ruined fortification walls. A 1.5-hour hike up the stone steps, past churches, gates, and bastions to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan at the top rewards you with magnificent views across town and the Bay of Kotor. In the evening, the city walls are lit up to provide a unique night-time perspective.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • 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
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Leave Montenegro by bus, riding along the beautiful southern coast of Croatia to Dubrovnik (approximately 2.5 hours). Once arrived, the day is free for you to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. Take a walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame, enjoying views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea in this renowned jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. Perhaps check out the 13th-century Franciscan monastery or the Sponza and Rector's palaces – the only Renaissance buildings in the city to survive a devastating earthquake and fire in 1667. You might like to check out the city's War Photography Museum, or if you have time, even take a boat trip to nearby Lokrum Island, where you will find the French-built Fort Royal Castle, a monastery, and a botanical garden that dates back to when the Austrian archduke Maximilian had his holiday home on the island. Otherwise, find a secluded beach spot and have some time to unwind. Tonight, why not enjoy a harbourside meal with the group and toast to your adventures.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk HRK - HRK150
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - HRK50
  • Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - HRK30
  • Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - HRK120
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - HRK30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Today is a free day to explore the beaches and scenery of this idyllic coastal city that overlooks the Adriatic. The walled city of Dubrovnik is a great place to discover on foot, with its cobblestone streets, tiled roofs, white washed walls and stone buildings. Stroll down the main street of Stradun that runs straight through the World Heritage listed Old Town, with its baroque monuments and gothic buildings.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. You may be required to move to a different hotel just across the street, for the next section of your trip. Your leader will let you know if this is the case. There will be another group meeting tonight and you are welcome to attend to get to know your new fellow travellers. After the meeting, perhaps head out for a walk around Dubrovnik and later on, possibly enjoy a meal with your new group.
Today is free to explore the beaches and scenery of this idyllic coastal city. Take a walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame, enjoying breathtaking views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, built by architect Onofrio della Cava in the 15th-century to supply water to the city. Perhaps check out the Franciscan monastery, home to one of the world's oldest continuously-functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th-century, or the Sponza and Rector's Palaces, the only Renaissance buildings in the city to survive a devastating earthquake and fire in 1667. You might like to check out the city's War Photography Museum, or if you have time, take a boat trip to nearby Lokrum Island, where you will find the French-built Fort Royal Castle, a monastery, and a botanical garden that dates back to when the Austrian archduke Maximilian had his holiday home on the island. Otherwise, Banje beach is an ideal spot to relax and savour the Adriatic views.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - HRK150
  • Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - HRK30
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - HRK50
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk HRK - HRK150
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - HRK30
  • Dubrovnik - Game of Thrones Tour - HRK200
  • Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - HRK120
  • Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Srd Hill Hike - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Take a public bus up the coast to Split. If Dubrovnik is considered the heart of Dalmatia, Split is certainly its soul. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, it's the second largest city in Croatia. Enjoy a free afternoon in this stunning seaside town, exploring the historic streets, and make sure you see the World Heritage-listed Diocletian's Palace. Alternatively, for a more in-depth introduction to this fascinating city why not join an optional guided tour with a local guide.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Split - City Museum - HRK22
  • Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
  • Split - Gallery of Fine Arts - HRK40
  • Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower (entrance fee) from - HRK70
  • Split - Diocletian's Palace - HRK42
  • Split - Fish Market - Free
  • Split - Hiking in Mosor with Traditional Dinner - EUR64
  • Split - Cooking Class including Lunch or Dinner - EUR80
  • Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery - HRK40
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today is approximately 5 hours.
Enjoy a free day in Split. At the heart of its atmospheric Old Town is a fascinating city-within-a-city – the remains of a third-century palace built for Roman Emperor Diocletian. Some places might have protected such an impressive complex in a museum, but not enigmatic Split. These ancient walls now house a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, restaurants and houses. Step back in time strolling its sprawling maze of passageways and courtyards and you’ll also find a 16th-century synagogue and a courtyard often filled with music. If your feet get tired, why not sample Croatia’s fine coffee culture with a frothy kava from a cafe on the Riva waterfront promenade, a prime spot for people watching. In the evening, Split boasts an increasingly bustling nightlife scene.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure - EUR50
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Today you will visit one of Croatia's most beautiful sites – Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park was given World Heritage status 20 years ago and is 19 hectares of wooded hills that surround 16 stunning turquoise lakes, all connected by a series of waterfalls. The area is populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and some rare bird species, and the thick, primeval forest vegetation of beech trees, fir spruce and white pine adds another element to the park's beauty. You’ll have free time to explore here or simply follow your leader to see the best spots – all trails in the national park are well marked so it's difficult to get lost, but please follow the national park rules, which your leader will outline to you. A series of wooden walkways pass over the landscape, ensuring that there's as little impact on the park as possible. Look to the canopy for over 120 species of birds, including hawks and owls. After your memorable visit to the lakes, drive to Croatia's capital, Zagreb (approximately 3 hours).
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
  • Plitvice Lakes - Picnic
Meals Included
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today will involve a lot of walking, so please make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes.

Travel time today is approximately 6 hours (excluding stops).
Take a morning orientation walk with your leader who will point out local amenities and attractions you may want to visit along the way. The rest of the day is free, so check out both the upper town and the lower town to understand the city's culture. The tallest building in town is the gothic Zagreb Cathedral, with twin spires that dominate the city's skyline. Ban Jelacic Square is the city's central point, which is surrounded by multiple structures that reflect different periods of Zagreb's past. There is so much to see and do here, the hard thing is deciding what to choose. There are a number of excellent museums to visit including the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Zagreb - Mirogoj Cemetery - Free
  • Zagreb - Cathedral - Free
  • Zagreb - Lotrščak Tower - HRK20
  • Zagreb - Museum of Broken Relationships - HRK40
  • Zagreb - The Croatian Museum of Naive Art - HRK25
  • Zagreb - Mimara Museum - HRK40
  • Zagreb - City Museum - HRK30
  • Zagreb - Ivan Meštrović Atelier - HRK30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Travel by train across the Slovenian border and arrive in the cosmopolitan capital (pronounced 'Lyub-Li-Yana'). On arrival into Ljubljana, check-in to your accommodation and then head out on a short orientation walk with your leader. The rest of the day is free for you to delve deeper into this beautiful city. Located in the centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana is a city full of style and sophistication, history, monuments, churches, museums and great restaurants. In your free time, you can wander around the old city centre, renowned for its unique architectural appearance. The Old Town consists of three main squares and Baroque houses, and you can visit the Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas, and the Dragon Bridge. Stop at the central Preseren Square, dedicated to the Slovenian romantic poet, France Preseren. With views of the Triple Bridge and Ljubljana Castle on one side, and a magnificent Franciscan church on the other, you’ll feel like you’ve walked right into a scene from a beautiful postcard. Maybe also drop by the open market under the arcade.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Ljubljana - Dragon Bridge - Free
  • Ljubljana - Metelkova Neighbourhood - Free
  • Ljubljana - Castle and Funicular - EUR16
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today is approximately 3 hours.
Today is a free day to further explore Ljubljana. You have the option of heading on a day trip to Bled. Gifted with immense natural beauty, Bled ranks among the most beautiful of alpine resorts. Its fairy tale-like scenery which includes a castle, a stunning lake and a picturesque island topped with a church, is a dream to explore. Maybe head to the 11th-century cliff-top Bled Castle. Take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) across sparkling Lake Bled to its island, then climb the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake. It isn’t hard to find; nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims their cream cake is the best. There's also plenty of action for adrenaline junkies: rafting, caving, cycling, canoeing, boating and swimming are all on offer.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Ljubljana - Sights & Bites Urban Adventure - EUR65
  • Bled - Day Trip by Public Bus - EUR15
  • Ljubljana - Dragon Bridge - Free
  • Ljubljana - Metelkova Neighbourhood - Free
  • Ljubljana - Castle and Funicular - EUR16
  • Bled - Castle - EUR15
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip - EUR14
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
This morning, travel by bus to one of the world's most unique and romantic destinations – Venice. Renowned for its canals, Venice is comprised of hundreds of small islands connected by nearly 400 bridges; a watery wonderland of towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas. Rich with artistic masterpieces, modern Venice combines history with contemporary life through food, performance, art and architecture. Its famous sights – such as the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace (the ruler of Venice), the Piazza San Marco and the evocative Bridge of Sighs – are easily explored by foot. Wander the cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas, crossing hundreds of tiny bridges and you’ll find shops, markets, galleries and churches around every corner. Don't miss the chance to take a gondola ride through the romantic canals and sample a slice of tiramisu (coffee-soaked sponge cake), the region’s specialty. In the evening, perhaps join your fellow travellers and try two other local specialities, fresh lobster and squid ink pasta.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today is approximately 3.5 hours.
With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times. Venice is a charming city with much to do, and so it is highly recommend staying an extra day or two. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
  • Venice - Traghetto Boat Ride - EUR2
  • Venice - Guggenheim Museum - EUR16
  • Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR99
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
  • Venice - Venezia Ca' d'Oro - EUR14
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you didn't have enough yet why not join our connecting 'Highlights of Italy' Basix trip that takes in the highlights of this amazing country, such as the Cinque Terre and Florence, before ending up in Rome. Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.

Meals

10 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry, Metro, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Hostel (7 nights), Pension (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Sarajevo - Burek Snack in Bascarsija
  • Mostar - Stari Most
  • Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
  • Plitvice Lakes - Picnic

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Budapest to Venice trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is NOT available on this trip.
2. As this is a combination of two trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change in Dubrovnik.

Essential trip information

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