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Map of Budapest & the Balkans including Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro and Serbia

Old-world charm and enduring cultures, deep in the Balkans

Veer off the usual route 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 wonderful Dubrovnik. 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.

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

Why you'll love this trip

  • Enjoy plenty of free time at your own pace to discover the communist past and progressive present of Budapest – the Pearl of the Danube.

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

  • Visit Mostar’s famous Old Bridge and – if you’re lucky – witness a traditional bridge jumper hurl themselves into the icy waters below.

  • Admire the restored architecture of World Heritage-listed Kotor in Montenegro on a climb along the ancient city fortifications.

  • Wind up along Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline in the historic hotspot of Dubrovnik. With walls to scale and beaches to laze on, why not consider extending your stay a day or two here?

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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 a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it! Also, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be rather small, especially compared to American or Australian standards, and in most cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite. Please note that a single supplement is not available on this trip.

  • Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please keep in mind that 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 to that season.

Ornate architecture of parliament in Budapest, Hungary
Kalemegdan fortress, Belgrade Serbia
Travellers sit in archways that look out over Budapest
Travellers and locals swim in the local beaches that hug the coastline of Dubrovnik
Harbour walls and moored boats in Dubrovnik
Travellers hike the steps to the lookout over Kotor harbour with mountains in the distance

Itinerary
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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 - Ethnographic Museum - RSD300
  • Belgrade - Military Museum - RSD350
  • Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide - EUR60
  • Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
  • Belgrade - Tito’s Mausoleum (House of Flowers) - RSD400
  • Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD800
  • Belgrade - Danube River Cruise - RSD800
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 - 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
  • Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum - BAM10
  • Sarajevo - Despica House - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - War Tunnel - 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 - 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
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at any time. As there is so much to do in Dubrovnik you might like to extend your stay here. We are happy to organise accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If you didn't have enough yet of the Balkans why not consider continuing your adventure up the Dalmatian coast, all the way to Italy. Search trip codes ZMRVC and ZMRRC on the Intrepid website for more information on our combination adventures.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi

Accommodation

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

Included activities

  • Sarajevo - Burek Snack in Bascarsija
  • Mostar - Stari Most

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Budapest & the Balkans 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.

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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