Balkan Adventure





Explore the heart of Eastern Europe, from Budapest to Dubrovnik
Welcome to the Balkans, where the east meets the west. Over the centuries, people have travelled to Eastern Europe for its rich tradition, layered cultures and mouth-watering cuisines. With historic attractions in Budapest, thriving nightlife in Belgrade, a 15th-century Old Town in Sarajevo, Durmitor National Park in Montenegro and the medieval walls of Dubrovnik, you have plenty to discover on this epic 15-day adventure. Hike through mountains, drive through ever-changing scenery and hit up the local bars after feasting on regional favourites.
4.8
119 reviewsStart: Budapest, Hungary
End: Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- Cross the Chain Bridge in Budapest – known as the Pearl of the Danube – and take the funicular up to Buda Castle for beautiful views over Pest.
- Discover the rich biodiversity of Kopacki Rit Nature Park on a guided tour and explore the vast landscapes of Durmitor National Park with a guided hike.
- Wander through Belgrade’s Bohemian quarter and grand 19th-century boulevards before launching into its nightlife when the sun goes down. Then, take a daytrip to the artists’ haven of Zemun.
- Watch Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of a bridge that has spanned the river for centuries and visit Tito's bunker – one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia.
- See the sights on a guided walking tour of Sarajevo and learn about its recent history as a city under siege.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Szia! Welcome to Hungary. You'll meet your leader and other members of your group this evening at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe stroll along the Danube River to get a feel for Budapest – the capital city with a contrast of old and new. After the meeting, you might like to head out for an optional group dinner and try some local favourites like hortobagyi crepes (a stew and sour cream crepe) and matrai borzaska (deep fried pork and potato).
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
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.
Today is a full free day to explore Budapest. See the intricate carvings on the local architecture, cross the Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District or walk through winding streets, snacking on local delicacies. Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water, so maybe take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to the castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building. Hiring a bicycle is another great way to move between the sights. Perhaps round off your day with a drink in the ruin bars, where the night comes to life.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF15000
- Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF13000
- Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
- Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF9000
- Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF13000
- Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) - HUF9000
- Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths - HUF13500
- Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
- Budapest - Danube Boat Trip - EUR15
Head for Kopacki Rit today – a nature park in eastern Croatia, home to the white-tailed eagle. Since the park is made up of many different waterways, like lakes and canals, you’ll go on a guided tour of the area after you drop your belongings at your family-run accommodation. In the evening, join your group for homemade dinner on the property.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Kopacki Rit NP- orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
For Kopacki Rit National Pack, it's recommended that you bring mosquito repellent and wear long clothing. As it's a protected zone, no anti-mosquito chemicals can be sprayed in the area by the authorities.
Get off the tourist track today and drive to Novi Sad – the second largest city in Serbia. Along the way, visit nearby Vukovar – a town that symbolises the devastation of the recent war – and learn about the sobering local history. Visit the local hospital and the museum in its basement (used as a refuge during the siege) and listen to wartime stories from hospital staff. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Maybe visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, which was constructed in the 17th century and used to protect the city during the Napoleonic Wars. Or you can walk around Liberty Square and take in the Neo-Renaissance architecture, perhaps finishing the day off at a carda tavern (a fish restaurant along the Danube River).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Vukovar - Orientation Walk & Guided Hospital Visit
- Novi Sad - City Museum - RSD500
- Novi Sad - Museum of Vojvodina - RSD200
- Novi Sad - Petrovaradin Fortress - Free
- Novi Sad - Synagogue - Free
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
After breakfast, begin your journey to Belgrade. Known as the White City, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Sitting at the confluence of two major rivers – Sava and Danube – it’s an important intersection between Eastern and Western Europe. Take a guided tour of the city’s wide boulevards and squares and the green heart of Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River for centuries. Tonight, maybe head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and soak up the lively atmosphere in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to nightclubs.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Today, make your way to the neighbourhood of Zemun. This Old Town favourite has a rich history and is now known as the bohemian part of town, home to many of the city’s artists and writers. As Zemun used to be an independent town – only joining Belgrade in 1934 – the small village atmosphere still stands, transporting you to the past. After your orientation walk, maybe head to a market and explore the local wares. Stroll along the river promenade and stop for an optional lunch in one of the riverside restaurants serving fresh fish. Head back to Belgrade’s centre in the late afternoon, where you have free time to visit the imposing Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) or learn about the life of Serbia’s greatest inventor at the Nikola Tesla Museum. The city’s nightlife has become legendary throughout Europe, with several hundred floating bars, restaurants and nightclubs lining the Danube and Sava rivers – so you’ll find the perfect way to spend your evening.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Belgrade- Zemun Orientation Walk
- Belgrade - Museum of Contemporary Art - Free
- Belgrade - House of Flowers - RSD500
- Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD800
- Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History - RSD600
- Belgrade - Military Museum - RSD350
- Belgrade - St. Mark's Church - Free
- Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
- Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum - RSD300
Travel by bus through the countryside to Sarajevo this morning. Sarajevo is Bosnia and Herzegovina's small but vibrant capital. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a city that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. When you arrive, take a guided tour for an 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 all within proximity. Tonight, maybe sample the local specialty of bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices) in Bascarsija – Sarajevo's old bazaar.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Sarajevo - City Tour with Local Guide
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Today, head out of Sarajevo for a daytrip to Mostar, which sits in the valley in the high mountains of Herzegovina. Thanks to the Neretva River, Mostar was able to develop into a city in a barren landscape. The city was the most heavily bombed settlement in Bosnia during the war, but it has since been rebuilt and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head to the famous Stari Most Bridge, first built by the Ottomans in 1565 by architect Mimar Hajrudin – who succeeded with the impossible mission of crossing the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the famous bridge divers hurl themselves into the icy waters below. Return to Sarajevo in the afternoon, stopping at Konjic on the way – where you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia – Tito's nuclear bunker. Go back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and how life used to be in the not-so-distant past.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
- Mostar - Day Trip
- Mostar - War Photo Exhibition - BAM6
- Mostar - Old Bridge Museum - EUR5
Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo. Maybe take an optional daytrip to the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza – the source of the Bosna River. Or discover local history with a visit to the History Museum and the Sarajevo War Tunnels (dug underneath the airport runway and used to smuggle provisions into the city during its siege). You can also learn about the tragedies faced by the city's Jewish population at the Jewish Museum or get cultural with a stroll through the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Pivnica HS brewery and restaurant is a good place to sample local award-winning beer and grab some dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs - BAM15
- Sarajevo - Jewish Museum - BAM5
- Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum - BAM5
- Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Despica House - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Svrzo's House - BAM3
- Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library - BAM10
- Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina - BAM8
- Sarajevo - War Tunnel - BAM10
- Sarajevo - Gallery 11/07/95 - Free
Today, you’ll ride in a private transfer through the countryside to Montenegro. Although it’s a long drive, there will be plenty of stops along the way. You might park at the bridge over Piva canyon, at the top of Kruska Mountain or at Saddle Peak viewpoint – wherever you stop, you’ll find great photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs. When you arrive at Durmitor National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that was formed by glaciers – take a hike through the lesser-explored wilderness along the shores of Black Lake and keep an eye out for some of the 163 species of bird or 50 species of mammal that roam this region. Finish your day in the nearby town of Zabljak, where you’ll spend the night.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Durmitor National Park Hike
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
Enjoy a free day today to unwind in nature. Since Durmitor National Park is so vast, there are plenty of trails for an optional guided hike. Feel free to choose one that caters to the group’s personal tastes and fitness levels – they'll expertly mix and match the trails to create a half day of hiking that everyone enjoys. One thing is certain – lakes, pine forests and alpine air are guaranteed for any trail combination. You can also choose to see the park from behind handlebars by hiring a bike and riding into town and on the trails, or by walking to and renting a boat at Black Lake.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Today, drive to Kotor – this 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a coastline dotted with waterside towns. When you arrive, maybe head out to see the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tryphun, the South Gates of Kotor (the Gurdich Gate) and the Armoury Square (Trg od oruzija). You might like to get lost in the alleyways, check out the boutiques and cafes or climb the hills behind the city to visit Kotor's ruined fortification walls. Take an optional hike up the stone steps, past churches, gates and bastions to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan – the top rewards you with views across the town and the Bay of Kotor.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today is approximately 3 hours.
You can take an optional daytrip out of Kotor today. Maybe take a cruise on Kotor Fjord, visiting the twin islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and Sveti Dordje (St George), with its church in the middle of the bay. Legend has it that sailors once spotted an image of the Virgin Mary on a rock here and each time they completed a successful voyage, they added another rock as an offering. Eventually, so many were added that an island emerged, and the church was built on top of it. Alternatively, consider a trip to Budva. With its busy beaches, charming Old Town, busy restaurants and bars, Budva is like Montenegro's little version of Miami. For more history, head up to Montenegro's former capital Cetinje – now a laidback village with grand mansions that were once used as embassies. Enjoy a final night out in Kotor and maybe catch some live music that keeps the cobbled streets thriving.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40
- Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
- Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4
- Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
Depart Montenegro this morning and travel along the southern coast of Croatia to Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik's walled Old Town is often referred to as the pearl of the Adriatic and it's now famed for its role in ‘Game of Thrones’. When you arrive, walk along the high city walls with your leader, enjoying ocean views. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain – built by the European architect Onofrio Della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city. After, maybe 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. As it is the last night of your trip, maybe enjoy one last meal with the group and toast to your adventures.
- Hostel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites)
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Today, your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you can depart at any time. There's lots to see and do here in Dubrovnik, so if you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
- Breakfast
- Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
- Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
- Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
- Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
- Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
- Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - EUR4
Inclusions and activities
14 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Private vehicle, Public bus, Van
Hotel (12 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Hostel (1 night)
- Kopacki Rit NP- orientation walk
- Vukovar - Orientation Walk & Guided Hospital Visit
- Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide
- Belgrade- Zemun Orientation Walk
- Sarajevo - City Tour with Local Guide
- Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
- Mostar - Day Trip
- Durmitor National Park Hike
- Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites)
- Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF15000
- Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF13000
- Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
- Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF9000
- Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF13000
- Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) - HUF9000
- Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths - HUF13500
- Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
- Budapest - Danube Boat Trip - EUR15
- Novi Sad - City Museum - RSD500
- Novi Sad - Museum of Vojvodina - RSD200
- Novi Sad - Petrovaradin Fortress - Free
- Novi Sad - Synagogue - Free
- Belgrade - Museum of Contemporary Art - Free
- Belgrade - House of Flowers - RSD500
- Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD800
- Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History - RSD600
- Belgrade - Military Museum - RSD350
- Belgrade - St. Mark's Church - Free
- Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
- Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum - RSD300
- Mostar - War Photo Exhibition - BAM6
- Mostar - Old Bridge Museum - EUR5
- Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs - BAM15
- Sarajevo - Jewish Museum - BAM5
- Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum - BAM5
- Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Despica House - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Svrzo's House - BAM3
- Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library - BAM10
- Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina - BAM8
- Sarajevo - War Tunnel - BAM10
- Sarajevo - Gallery 11/07/95 - Free
- Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40
- Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
- Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4
- Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
- Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
- Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
- Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
- Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
- Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
- Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - EUR4
This trip generates 21 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C in many visited regions, requiring sun protection, layered clothing for heat, and ample hydration.
- Hotels in Europe often have single beds that can be pushed together, and air conditioning is not guaranteed.
- If you have more time to explore the region, you may want to check out our trip 'Vienna to Dubrovnik' (trip code AMSNC). Most departure dates are designed to create these perfect combos.
- There are some long walks and short hikes on this trip, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities. Activities can be opted out of if you want to refrain from participating.
- Pack lightly for this trip as you'll need to carry your own bag, aiming to keep it under 15 kg (33 lb). Opt for a backpack or a shoulder bag for convenience, ensuring it has straps suitable for cobbled streets and stairs, and bring a bag for essentials on daytrips.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
NEXTO DORMERO Hotel Budapest
Dessewffy utca 36
Budapest
1066
HUNGARY
Description
NEXTO DORMERO Hotel Budapest is a new property located in the heart of Budapest, near the famous opera house. Hotel is 6 minutes walking distance from Budapest Operetta and Musical Theatre, and 5-minute walk from Oktogon Metro Station.
The guest rooms at the NEXTO DORMERO Hotel Budapest are decorated in warm colours and include a flat-screen TV, a work desk and a private bathroom. Hotel offers free internet throughout the hotel.
Continental breakfast is available and several restaurants and cafés are in the immediate vicinity. There is also a spacious outdoor terrace. The reception and the lobby bar are available 24 hours a day.
Instructions
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (airport code BUD) is located 16km southeast of Budapest. Metered taxis are available from arrivals at all terminals. Alternatively you can catch frequent bus number 200E to the metro station at Kőbánya-Kispest, and then continue by metro line M3 to Arany János Utca metro station. Bus 100E is another option, delivering you right in the city centre at Deák Ferenc Tér, from where you can walk to the hotel (15 minutes), or change to metro line M3 for one stop to Arany János Utca metro station. From here it is just a 5 minute walk to City Hotel Budapest.
Exit Arany János Utca metro station and cross the main road (Bajcsy Zsilinszky Utca). Turn left and then right again straight away into narrow Dessewffy Utca. Nexto Dormero Hotel Budapest will be on your left after about 400 metres.
If using public transportation and you change from a bus to the metro you will need a transfer ticket (2 physical tickets, validated one by one as you enter the bus/metro station). Make sure you validate your ticket as ticket checks on the metro are common. If in doubt about which ticket type to choose at the vending machine you can also buy your ticket at the tourist info in the airport's arrival hall.
Pre booked arrival transfer from Budapest Airport (BUD): If you have pre booked an arrival transfer your transfer driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall, holding a board with the Intrepid Logo or your name on it. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +36 302 801 219.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding day 12&13. Availability is limited due to small properties that we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further 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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