Budapest to Bled
Experience the beauty of the Western Balkans from the history to the landscapes.
Stunning coastlines, historic cities, pristine national parks and some of the most delicious local cuisine your stomach will ever encounter – the Western Balkans have it all. And, this epic 29-day journey will show the best of it. Beginning in Budapest, which is also known as ‘the Pearl of the Danube’, you’ll have the chance to see a range of small towns, bright lights and natural wonders across Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia. Your local leaders along the way will be able to give you insights into the different cultures you encounter, with a focus on the people, history and food.
- Start
- Budapest, Hungary
- End
- Bled, Slovenia
- Destinations
- Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro
- Meals
- 20 breakfasts
- Transport
- Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry, Taxi, Tram
- Accommodation
- Hotel (12 nights), Guesthouse (4 nights), Hostel (3 night), Pension (9 nights)
- Days
- 29
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Ages
- Min 12
- ThemeEvery trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
- Explorer
- StyleBasix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Orginal: 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: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders - Original
- Physical ratingIndicates 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
Sip the famous Croatian Traminac Premium wine at a wine tasting at a 15th century family-run vineyard in quaint Ilok
Witness Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of a bridge that has spanned the river here for centuries
Sarajevo is one of the most scenically located cities in Europe. See the sights on a guided walking tour and learn about its recent history as a city under siege
Spend a full day exploring the green island of Mljet – with its small seaside villages, lush national park trails, shimmering waters and largely untouched environment, you’ll never want to leave!
Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park, marvelling at luminous lakes and waterfalls that seem to have been sketched by an artist
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Szia! Welcome to Hungary. Budapest is Hungary's intoxicating capital, on the banks of the Danube River. If you arrive early, you can take part in an Urban Adventure day tour, like the Buda Castle Explorer or Bites and Sights. Check them out at urbanadventures.com. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. After, maybe take a night walk along the Danube River to see the surrounding buildings and bridges lit up in all the city’s majesty, or head out with some of your new travel buddies to one of Budapest's funky ruin pubs.
There are no meals included on this day.
It is very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Please check with the hotel reception about where and when it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception.
Today you have a full free day to explore Budapest, known as 'The Pearl of the Danube'. Admire intricate carvings on resplendent buildings, cross the iconic Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District, or simply meander 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.
- Breakfast
- Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
- Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF9000
- Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
- Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF7000
- Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF12000
- Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) - HUF9000
- Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF9400
- Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
- Budapest - Danube Boat Trip - EUR15
Take a private transfer through the Hungarian Puszta this morning and cross the border into Croatia to a land of cornfields, vineyards and pastel-hued villages. Famed for its cuisine, arrive at the Slavonian capital of Osijek. This laid-back university town features an enchanting medieval citadel as well as the Upper Town, only a short walk along the banks of the Drava. Many cafes line the river, inviting you to join in on the Croatian national pastime: of people-watching. Osijek is a well-designed city that’s easily navigated on foot. There are also numerous cycling routes throughout the city. Navigate the hallways of grand buildings, stroll along the banks of the Drava River or sample some of the local delicious flavours at a local cafe. Your accommodation for the night is at a family-owned local guesthouse (with local craft beer and wine on offer) that’s right inside the citadel.
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today is a free day to explore Osijek. You might like to visit the small provincial town of Dakovo, about 35 kms south of Osijek. The town is dominated by an impressive neo-Romanesque cathedral. Maybe you’d like to take a day trip to the wetlands of Kopacki Rit Nature Reserve for a spot of bird watching and a visit to nearby Tikves Castle and historical Batina Hill from where you can see both Hungary and Serbia across the Danube. If you’d like to stay in Osijek, maybe visit the Museum of Slavonia and the Archaeological Museum. Or, you could just hire a bike and cycle around the region. This evening, maybe discover some of the best cuisines in Croatia with traditional dishes like fis paprikas (fish stew with hand-made noodles), kulen (spicy sausages) and cobanac (stew).
- Breakfast
- Osijek - Day Trip to Kopački Rit Nature Park, Belje Winery and Etno-Village Karanac (including lunch) - EUR100
- Osijek - Museum of Slavonia - EUR3
- Osijek - Archaeological Museum - EUR2
- Osijek - Bike Hire - EUR10
Today you’ll travel to Novi Sad by private transfer. 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, some of whom still work here and who were among the few survivors. Then, visit a local vineyard in Ilok to see the workings of a family-run vineyard. The old wine cellar dates back to 1450 and is the first originally purpose-built wine cellar in this part of Europe. Taste a range of their delicious wines, including the famous Ilok Traminac Premium wine, which was served at the celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Sitting on the banks of the Danube River, you’ll arrive in Novi Sad – this city is surrounded by fertile farms and vineyards and features an interesting mix of traditional Serbian heritage and Austro-Hungarian architecture. During your free afternoon, make sure you stop by the city’s fortress of Petrovaradin, which sits right on the Danube and contains a museum of historic artefacts from the region.
- Breakfast
- Vukovar - Orientation Walk & Guided Hospital Visit
- Ilok - Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
- Novi Sad - Petrovaradin Fortress - Free
- Novi Sad - Museum of Vojvodina - RSD200
- Novi Sad - City Museum - RSD500
- Novi Sad - Synagogue - Free
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
After breakfast this morning you’ll head 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. Here, you’ll experience an energetic mix of progressive flamboyance and conservative customs. Enjoy a guided tour of 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 Danube River for centuries. Tonight, 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 fashionable nightclubs.
- Breakfast
- Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Today, make your way to the neighbourhood of Zemun – about 30 minutes outside of Belgrade’s city centre. 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 walking the town with your leader, head to a local 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. After, maybe find a local café and people watch with a coffee. 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 if there’s time, stroll through the Nikola Tesla Museum and learn about the life of Serbia's greatest inventor. 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.
- Breakfast
- Belgrade - Military Museum - RSD350
- Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum - RSD300
- Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
- Belgrade - St. Mark's Church - Free
- Belgrade - Museum of Contemporary Art - Free
- Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD800
- Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History - RSD400
- Belgrade - House of Flowers - RSD400
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Today, travel by bus through the beautiful countryside to Sarajevo. This a long drive, so sit back and enjoy the scenery. Sarajevo is Bosnia and Herzegovina's small but vibrant capital. Twenty years after the end of a devastating war, Sarajevo is slowly asserting itself as one of Europe's most beautiful and interesting destinations. 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 close proximity. Tonight, enjoy a simple but delicious meal in Bascarsija, Sarajevo's old bazaar and try the local speciality of bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices).
- Breakfast
- Sarajevo - City Tour with Local Guide
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
Today head out of Sarajevo for a day trip to Mostar, a town situated in a beautiful valley in the high mountains of Herzegovina. Thanks to the river Neretva, Mostar was able to develop as a city in the barren landscape of Herzegovina. The city was the most heavily bombed settlement in Bosnia during the war, but it has since been rebuilt and now features on UNESCO's World Heritage list. 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.
- Breakfast
- Mostar - Day Trip
- Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
- Mostar - Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret - BAM15
- Mostar - War Photo Exhibition - BAM6
- Mostar - Old Bridge Museum - EUR5
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo. Maybe take an optional day trip 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), or learn about the tragedies faced by the city's Jews at the Jewish Museum. 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 if you like, tonight.
- Breakfast
- Sarajevo - Svrzo's House - BAM3
- Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina - BAM8
- Sarajevo - Gallery 11/07/95 - Free
- Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library - BAM10
- Sarajevo - Jewish Museum - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs - BAM15
- Sarajevo - Despica House - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum - BAM10
- Sarajevo - War Tunnel - BAM10
Today, you’ll take a private transfer through the beautiful countryside to Montenegro, arguably one of the most stunning countries in the world. Today is a long driving day, so sit back and enjoy the scenic landscapes passing you by (and maybe take your favourite book, too). Stop along the way for some great photo opportunities and then arrive at Durmitor National Park. This World Heritage site was formed by glaciers and is crisscrossed with rugged mountains (40 of which reach over 2,000 metres in height), pristine pine forests, two deep canyons, rivers, crystal lakes and underground streams. Take a hike through this wonderful, lesser-explored wilderness along the shores of a lake and keep an eye out for some of the 163 species of bird or 50 species of mammal that roam this region is home to. Continue to the nearby town of Niksic, where you’ll spend the night.
- Breakfast
- Durmitor National Park Hike
Today’s travel time will be approximately 9 hours. The road can be quite windy – if you suffer from motion sickness you may want to consider taking travel sickness medication.
Today, drive to Kotor – this 5th-century World Heritage-listed city is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a rocky coastline dotted with waterside towns. When you arrive. why not 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 crooked 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 magnificent views across the town and the brooding Bay of Kotor.
- Breakfast
Today’s travel time will be approximately 3 hours.
Today, take an optional day trip out of Kotor. 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. Legends 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, only half an hour out of Kotor. With its busy beaches, charming Old Town, bustling restaurants and bars, Budva is like Montenegro's little version of Miami. For some 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 keep these cobbled streets busy.
- 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 beautiful 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 part in the TV show Game of Thrones. When you arrive, head out on a walk along the city walls with your leader, enjoying views of the sparkling ocean. 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. Tonight is the last night of your trip, so why not enjoy one last meal with the group and toast to your adventures?
- Breakfast
- Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites)
Today’s travel time will be approximately 3 hours.
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, Dubrovnik’s old town is the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. With its tiled roofs and white stone buildings, the old town remains as charming as ever. Extensive restoration has taken place to return it to its original splendour, and even today repairs are still being undertaken. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot. If you do arrive early, why not head out to one of the Elafiti Islands? There's Lopud, a quiet island with lovely hikes, clean beaches and a ruined castle. Kolocep is a sleepy enclave that boasts walks for every fitness level and Sipan, which is the most populated of the isles and reputedly has the most hospitable inhabitants. Alternatively, you might choose to simply laze about on one of Dubrovnik's beaches and people-watch for hours.
- Hostel (twin share with private facilities ) (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. 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. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Start the day by beating the crowds with an early morning walk along Dubrovnik's famous 2-kilometre-long city walls surrounding the old town. Enjoy views of the sea from the fully intact medieval structure, then enjoy all that Dubrovnik has to offer with the remainder of the day free for you to explore. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. This 15th-century landmark was built to supply water to the city, flowing from the spigots into the collection trough surrounding it. Be sure to check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. If you still feel energetic after a day exploring the city you can take the switchbacks leading up Srd Hill behind Dubrovnik for spectacular views of the city and the Dalmatian coastline. Otherwise, the newly restored cable car can whisk you to the top in no time. The hill is topped by a castle of Napoleonic times, which now houses the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence.
- Hostel (twin share with private facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
- Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk
- Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
- Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
- Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
- Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
- Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
- Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
- Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - EUR4
A 'Dubrovnik Card' is included in the price of your trip. Apart from free use of public transport it also gives free entry and discounts to a number of museums and sights. Please see details at dubrovnikcard.com.
Journey to Korcula today, along the narrow and scenic Peljesac Peninsula to its very tip. The last stretch to Korcula will be done by car ferry. For the next two nights, stay with generous hosts – locals who rent out their rooms in the summer season. The rooms, while simple, are the best way to put money back into the local economy. When you arrive, head out for a sunset hike to Zrnovo village. Wind through old villages next to olive trees and soak up the view over Peljesac Channel. End your hike when you arrive at a family-owned restaurant in Zrnovo village and sit down for an included dinner of local ingredients, including traditional Dalmatian meat loaf or pasticada (traditional stewed beef) and some fresh grilled vegetables with olive oil, usually served with fresh goat and sheep cheeses (and maybe some smoked ham to tie it all together). Return back to Korcula via private vehicle and use the evening to relax.
- Private apartment (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Korcula Island hike
- Authentic dinner at Zrnovo village family owned restaurant
- Korcula - Traditional Moreska Dance Performance - EUR18
- Korcula – City Museum - EUR6
- Korcula - Wine tasting at local winery - EUR20
- Korcula – Hop on hop off boat - EUR20
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Please note that on Korcula we are staying in private apartments that locals rent out during summer. They are spread across town, but all are within a 15-minute walk of the main square. The apartments are not hotels, which means there's no reception, room service or daily cleaning, but plenty of charm. They differ in layout and facilities, can vary in size and most don't have air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. This is the most effective way of staying in the centre of town. Individual rooms are allocated on a same gender twin share basis, however the apartments itself are allocated on a mixed gender basis, which means you will be sharing a two or three room apartment with the other members of your group.
Today, head on a day trip to the stunning Mljet Island. Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island, with a large section of the north western shores part of a national park. The island is well known for its two salt lakes – Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero (big lake and small lake) – that are located at the north end of the island. With some of the clearest waters in the world, any of the Adriatic islands shimmer in the sunlight, but Mljet is extra special. Start Mljet's exploration with a short hike into the island's interior, followed by a ferry ride to St Mary's Benedictine Monastery, located on an island in one of the lakes. Spend the day discovering its tiny towns dotted around the island, the weaving and winding coastline full of nature walks and scenic lookouts and, of course, the sandy beaches, tranquil inlets and turquoise blue shores calling out to be explored. Mljet is a little further away and less visited than the tourist hotspots of Brac and Hvar, so you’ll be able to stray away from the crowds and have this peaceful paradise to yourself. Head back to Korcula in the afternoon for a relaxing evening, hopefully full of delicious food and some great local wine.
- Private apartment (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Mljet Island - Day Trip to Mljet Island National Park
- Mljet Island - St Mary Island Benedictine Monastery
A hydrofoil ferry takes you to the neighbouring island of Hvar this morning. . Beautiful Hvar has an air of Venice about it and is known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. When you arrive, get to know the town with its wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades on an orientation walk. Later, you can enjoy your included hop on hop off taxi boat pass that departs every half hour to the nearby Pakleni islands – largely uninhabited and often described as being among the most beautiful in the world. All three islands have gorgeous beaches and walking trails to explore and also boast plenty of bars and restaurants, so you'll have no shortage of lunch, aperitif and dinner spots to choose from!
- Private apartment (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hop on hop off boat taxi ticket
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
Today’s boat ride is whether dependent and in case of unfavorable conditions, your tour leader will offer alternative activities for the day.
Please note that on Hvar Island we are staying in private apartments that locals rent out during summer. This is the same concept as you experienced on Korcula Island: individual rooms are allocated on a same gender twin share basis, however the apartments itself are allocated on a mixed gender basis, which means you will be sharing a two or three room apartment with the other members of your group.
Today is a free day to explore this island at your leisure. Maybe take a bus to the interior of Hvar Island where you can take a leisurely hike through the abandoned villages of Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje, gently descending all the way down to the sea at Milna Bay. On the way you can witness what remains of the typical Mediterranean life that flourished on the Croatian islands in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hike past dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and slow your pace to enjoy the undulating farms, fields of lavender and rosemary, and ancient olive groves. Cool down in the shimmering waters upon arrival into the little town of Milna where the hike ends. Alternatively there are plenty of other options for exciting activities in town. If you’re not feeling super energetic today, spend the day lounging at one of the island's many quiet beaches and enjoy a sunset stroll along the harbour promenade.
- Private apartment (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hvar Island - Full Day Boat Cruise to Blue Cave, Green Cave and Vis Island - EUR70
- Hvar Island - Spanjola Fortress - EUR7
- Hvar Island - Pakleni Islands Half Day Trip - EUR35
- Hvar Island - St Stephen’s Cathedral - EUR2
Catch a boat to Split this morning. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the second largest city in Croatia. Join a local guide for a walking tour of this stunning seaside town and get to know its history. See the original and fantastically preserved basements under the city, as well as the Cathedral in Diocletian's Peristyle and Jupiter's Temple. Explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace – Split's most imposing structure and some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast. Portions of the Palace are over 1700 years old and there’s ample time to walk around. Split grew out from Diocletian's Palace and you can almost see it evolving in a multitude of different ways right before your eyes. Some cultures might have made the palace a museum, but Split is a dynamic and vibrant place, and now the palace houses many businesses and homes. If your feet get tired, why not grab a drink at a cafe on the Riva Promenade and people watch for a while? Be sure get your group together for a harbourside dinner – it’s time for more of a relax!
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Split - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Split - Diocletian's Palace
- Split - Diocletian's Palace Cellars - EUR7
- Split - Fish Market - Free
- Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure - EUR64
- Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
- Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower - EUR10
- Split - Ethnographic Museum - EUR3
- Split - City Museum - EUR4
- Split - Gallery of Fine Arts - EUR5
- Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery - EUR12
- Split - Archaeological Museum - EUR8
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure starts in Split with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. 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. Split grew out from Diocletian's Palace and you can almost see it evolving in a multitude of different ways right before your eyes. Some cultures might have made the palace a museum, but the city of Split has always been a dynamic, vibrant place and the palace houses many businesses as well as being home to locals. After the group meeting, maybe head out for your first taste of Dalmatian cuisine with the group.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Split - Fish Market - Free
- Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure - EUR64
- Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
- Split - City Museum - EUR4
- Split - Gallery of Fine Arts - EUR5
- Split - Ethnographic Museum - EUR3
- Split - Diocletian's Palace Cellars - EUR7
- Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery - EUR12
- Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower - EUR10
- Split - Archaeological Museum - EUR8
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details 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.
This morning, you'll travel by local bus northwest to Zadar. For centuries Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia, and the city's rich heritage is visible at every step. An important coastal town, the musical steps of the ‘Sea Organ’ on Zadar's waterfront express its important relationship with the sea. Trace marble streets through the Old Town and discover Roman ruins in amongst medieval churches. Enjoy some local food and drinks in a city that’s home to a vibrant café culture. Zadarsko pivo is a light beer with a very pleasant taste, just a little bit bitter, with a rich flavour. After, maybe treat yourself to a gourmet meal at a contemporary Croatian restaurant. Try njoki (lamb in red wine) with Dalmatian ham and rocket salad, or opt for the popular choice of fresh tuna carpaccio or a fillet in scampi sauce. Also try the famous liqueur, Maraskino, made from locally-grown maraschino cherries according to a centuries' old secret recipe. This unique drink was a favourite at European imperial and royal courts and has been produced in Zadar since 1821.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Zadar - Leader-led orientation walk
- Zadar – Museum of ancient glass - EUR6
- Zadar – Gold and Silver of the city of Zadar Museum - EUR6
- Zadar - Archaeological Museum - EUR5
- Zadar - Cathedral Bell Tower - EUR2
- Zadar - Church of Saint Donat - EUR4
- Zadar - St Anastasia's Cathedral - Free
- Zadar - Roman Forum - Free
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Head out of the city this morning and enjoy a special experience meeting with the local Benedictine nuns on a visit to their nunnery and their farm. You'll get a chance to connect with them and learn about their way of life in the nunnery and on the farm. You'll even get the opportunity to taste test the preserves and pickles they make on the farm. After some time to explore and meet the locals, you'll head back to Zadar in the afternoon and enjoy free time in this charming and vibrant city.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Zadar - Nunnery & farm visit
Drive inland this morning and travel north to your next base of Grabovac. Here, you’ll visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, a misty Eden of endless waterfalls and spectral blue lakes. Fed by the Bijela and Crna (White and Black) Rivers, the waters tumble from a high, tree-lined ridge down through the valley and skirt dense forests of beech, spruce and pine. A series of wooden walkways pass over the landscape, ensuring there’s little impact on the park. Sixteen stunning turquoise lakes, fed by underground springs, are split into the upper and lower lakes. The upper are in the dolomite cliffs, where rushing water weaves in and out of the karst, dropping dramatically down to the lower lakes, with enchanting forests, grottoes and steep cliffs. This interplay of water, rock and plant-life creates a wondrous, dynamic landscape, changing the water colour from azure to bright green, deep blue to grey. Look to the canopy for over 120 species of birds, including hawks and owls. The butterflies that hover through the trees transform the park into a riot of colour in the autumn. After, visit Licko Petrovo Selo, a small village next to the park with a local NGO that focuses on preserving the historical art of wooly men's underwear. Take a short tour of the NGO and hear about how they preserve this important part of local cultural heritage (and maybe even grab a souvenir to take home and support the locals).
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
- Licko Petrovo Selo NGO visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Continue to Croatia’s capital and largest city – Zagreb. Full of parks and squares, Zagreb is a laid-back place, proud of its coffee culture and the perfect spot to simply wander. Follow your leader on an orientation walk when you arrive and then enjoy some free time for the rest of your day here. Maybe join in one of the many free walking tours in the city and engage with a local here to learn about their daily life, or browse the city’s stunning architecture from neo-baroque to gothic and more. You could check out Tkalciceva Street’s lively social scene, or head up Medvednica Mountain where the views stretch as far as neighboring Slovenia on a clear day. To live like a local, may be head to Zagreb’s open-air markets where you’ll find all kinds of fresh vegetables, nuts, honey and liqueurs.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Zagreb - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Zagreb - Museum of Broken Relationships - EUR7
- Zagreb - Mirogoj Cemetery - Free
- Zagreb - Cathedral - Free
- Zagreb - The Croatian Museum of Naive Art - EUR5
- Zagreb - City Museum - EUR4
- Zagreb - Lotrščak Tower - EUR3
- Zagreb - Funicular - EUR1
This morning, take the train and cross the border to Ljubljana first. One of the smallest capital in Europe, Ljubljana makes up by being one of the greenest and vibrant city in Europe.Follow your leader on an orientation walk here and then take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle where you'll have a great view of the city. After some time here, take a local public bus and continue to Bled, situated on the stunning lake of the same name. Take in the mountainous backdrop, lake, and impressive cliff-top fortress, which all combine to make this a wonderful place to visit. There are many outdoor activities to get the blood pumping in Bled: rafting, caving, canoeing and swimming, to name a few.
- Pension (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Ljubljana - Castle and Funicular
- Ljubljana - Leader-led walking tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Please note that in Bled you're staying in a pension, which is located in a private house. All rooms are located in the same building, however they differ in layout, can vary in size and all have shared facilities. The house is located a 20-minute walk from the lake shore. This is the most effective way of staying in Bled.
This morning embark on a walk around beautiful Lake Bled with your leader. This scenic walk passes some impressive villas, mostly from the beginning of the 19th century, including the residence of the former Yugoslav president 'Marshal' Tito – today the Hotel Vila Bled. The rest of the day is free for you to explore all that Bled and the surrounding area has to offer. If you’re feeling active, consider riding out to Vintgar Gorge and walk through the natural canyon. Bled is renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Maybe head to the 100-m-high cliff-top Old Bled Castle, dating from the 11th century and overlooking sparkling Lake Bled, then take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) to the island on Lake Bled – climb up the 99 steps to St Mary's Church and ring the wishing bell. Be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake, which isn’t hard; nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims that theirs is the best. You might even consider doing a day trip to nearby Ljubljana, Slovenia's compact yet cosmopolitan capital city. Then, why not celebrate the end of a remarkable journey with a final group meal.
- Pension (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bled - Walk around Lake Bled
- Bled - Mountain Bike Hire - EUR25
- Bled - Pletna Boat Trip - EUR14
- Triglav National Park - Canyoning - EUR65
- Bled - Castle - EUR15
- Triglav National Park - River Rafting - EUR55
- Triglav National Park - Bus and Cable Car Trip to Mt Vogel - EUR32
- Triglav National Park - Emerald River Adventure (full day) - EUR110
- Triglav National Park - Vintgar Gorge - EUR10
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you'd like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
20 breakfasts
Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry, Taxi, Tram
Hotel (12 nights), Guesthouse (4 nights), Hostel (3 night), Pension (9 nights)
- Vukovar - Orientation Walk & Guided Hospital Visit
- Ilok - Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
- Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide
- Sarajevo - City Tour with Local Guide
- Mostar - Day Trip
- Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
- Durmitor National Park Hike
- Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites)
- Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
- Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk
- Korcula Island hike
- Authentic dinner at Zrnovo village family owned restaurant
- Mljet Island - Day Trip to Mljet Island National Park
- Mljet Island - St Mary Island Benedictine Monastery
- Hop on hop off boat taxi ticket
- Split - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Split - Diocletian's Palace
- Zadar - Leader-led orientation walk
- Zadar - Nunnery & farm visit
- Plitvice Lakes - National Park Visit
- Licko Petrovo Selo NGO visit
- Zagreb - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Ljubljana - Castle and Funicular
- Ljubljana - Leader-led walking tour
- Bled - Walk around Lake Bled
- Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
- Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF9000
- Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
- Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF7000
- Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF12000
- Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) - HUF9000
- Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF9400
- Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
- Budapest - Danube Boat Trip - EUR15
- Osijek - Day Trip to Kopački Rit Nature Park, Belje Winery and Etno-Village Karanac (including lunch) - EUR100
- Osijek - Museum of Slavonia - EUR3
- Osijek - Archaeological Museum - EUR2
- Osijek - Bike Hire - EUR10
- Novi Sad - Petrovaradin Fortress - Free
- Novi Sad - Museum of Vojvodina - RSD200
- Novi Sad - City Museum - RSD500
- Novi Sad - Synagogue - Free
- Belgrade - Military Museum - RSD350
- Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum - RSD300
- Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
- Belgrade - St. Mark's Church - Free
- Belgrade - Museum of Contemporary Art - Free
- Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD800
- Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History - RSD400
- Belgrade - House of Flowers - RSD400
- Mostar - Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret - BAM15
- Mostar - War Photo Exhibition - BAM6
- Mostar - Old Bridge Museum - EUR5
- Sarajevo - Svrzo's House - BAM3
- Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina - BAM8
- Sarajevo - Gallery 11/07/95 - Free
- Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library - BAM10
- Sarajevo - Jewish Museum - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs - BAM15
- Sarajevo - Despica House - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan - BAM3
- Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum - BAM10
- Sarajevo - War Tunnel - BAM10
- 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 - Church of St. Blaise - Free
- Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
- Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
- Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
- Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
- Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - EUR4
- Korcula - Traditional Moreska Dance Performance - EUR18
- Korcula – City Museum - EUR6
- Korcula - Wine tasting at local winery - EUR20
- Korcula – Hop on hop off boat - EUR20
- Hvar Island - Full Day Boat Cruise to Blue Cave, Green Cave and Vis Island - EUR70
- Hvar Island - Spanjola Fortress - EUR7
- Hvar Island - Pakleni Islands Half Day Trip - EUR35
- Hvar Island - St Stephen’s Cathedral - EUR2
- Split - Diocletian's Palace Cellars - EUR7
- Split - Fish Market - Free
- Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure - EUR64
- Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
- Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower - EUR10
- Split - Ethnographic Museum - EUR3
- Split - City Museum - EUR4
- Split - Gallery of Fine Arts - EUR5
- Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery - EUR12
- Split - Archaeological Museum - EUR8
- Zadar – Museum of ancient glass - EUR6
- Zadar – Gold and Silver of the city of Zadar Museum - EUR6
- Zadar - Archaeological Museum - EUR5
- Zadar - Cathedral Bell Tower - EUR2
- Zadar - Church of Saint Donat - EUR4
- Zadar - St Anastasia's Cathedral - Free
- Zadar - Roman Forum - Free
- Zagreb - Museum of Broken Relationships - EUR7
- Zagreb - Mirogoj Cemetery - Free
- Zagreb - Cathedral - Free
- Zagreb - The Croatian Museum of Naive Art - EUR5
- Zagreb - City Museum - EUR4
- Zagreb - Lotrščak Tower - EUR3
- Zagreb - Funicular - EUR1
- Bled - Mountain Bike Hire - EUR25
- Bled - Pletna Boat Trip - EUR14
- Triglav National Park - Canyoning - EUR65
- Bled - Castle - EUR15
- Triglav National Park - River Rafting - EUR55
- Triglav National Park - Bus and Cable Car Trip to Mt Vogel - EUR32
- Triglav National Park - Emerald River Adventure (full day) - EUR110
- Triglav National Park - Vintgar Gorge - EUR10
Is this trip right for you?
- Please be aware that the Balkan Peninsula and the Croatian coast are very hilly and mountainous, which means lots & lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find this region's topography very demanding.
- Summer temperatures can be extreme 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 carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. Please note that only some of our hotels and none of the public trains and buses in this region have air-conditioning.
- 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 by American or Australian standards. Please also note that some of the accommodation used on this trip offer shared bathrooms rather than en-suite facilities.
- Please note that on the islands of Korcula and Hvar we are staying in private apartments that locals rent out during the summer months. These are located in various buildings spread across town, but all are within a 15-minute walk of the main square. The apartments are not hotels, which means there's no reception, room service or daily cleaning service, no televisions or washing machines, but plenty of charm. They differ in layout and facilities, can vary in size and most don't have air-conditioning and wi-fi. This is the most effective way of staying in the centre of town. Please also note that individual rooms are allocated on a same gender twin share basis, however the apartments itself are allocated on a mixed gender basis, which means you will be sharing a two, or three room apartment with the other members of the group. Apartments may only have one bathroom which will be shared between the group members staying in the same apartment. If you have booked a single room, you will be allocated one, however, this again will be a single room in a shared apartment with shared bathroom facilities, not a single or studio apartment.
- On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 12&13, Day 21&22. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2.Please note that this trip is a combination of 3 separate stand-alone trips. Your leader and the composition of your group is likely to change on day 15 in Dubrovnik and on day 22 in Split. Please read the daily itinerary for more 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.
Read Essential Trip InformationReviews
Check back later or explore reviews for similar trips.