Explore the Balkans

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 24 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €1,259
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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
Serbia, Montenegro, Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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 27 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.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana Zagreb. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities.

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, especially compared to American or Australian standards, and in most cases, bathroom facilities will be shared. A single supplement is not available on this trip.
  • 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

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
  • 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 - EUR99
  • 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 24 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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Alex · Traveled September 2023
Budapest and the Balkans was a whirlwind tour of various cities within a fascinating region. I got a great basic overview of a lot of different peoples and places. The trip really helped deepen my knowledge and connect in reality with things I had only read about which was great!
Review submitted 29 Sep 2023

Gemma · Traveled September 2023
This was an amazing trip to a beautiful part of the world with fascinating history and culture. The highlight for me (although I loved every day) was Sarajevo. The Bay of Kotor and the old town were also brilliant. Petar was a fantastic leader. I learnt a lot and got to spend time with new friends but also had plenty of free time to do my own thing. Highly recommend this incredible trip.
Review submitted 09 Oct 2023

Steven · Traveled September 2023
Great overview of the Balkins. This trip took care of the travel and lodging part of the journey while still allowing time to explore places on you own. This area experienced war recently and it was enlightening to see some of the war damage as well as to hear first hand stories of the survivors.
Review submitted 08 Oct 2023

David · Traveled September 2023
This trip has to be the best way to understand the Balkans. Just the right amount of time to immerse yourself in it all before the next exciting destination. Thoroughly enjoyed this trip and heartily recommend it to all. Go light, Go alone, Go now!
Review submitted 25 Sep 2023

Marian · Traveled August 2023
We would never have been able to do the Bslkans without our leader who could help with the language, buses etc. Just being able to our own thing at each stop but with transport and accommodation organised by the tour co was great!
Review submitted 30 Aug 2023
Explore the Balkans
From
EUR €1,259