Essential Western Balkans

10 Days | Historical charm mixed with pulsating atmospheres. Welcome to the western Balkans.

4.7 out of 5 based on 6 reviews submitted.
18 to 29s
From
NZD $2,565
View dates and book
This trip is for the 18 to 29 year olds

Veer off the usual Balkan route and discover some of the region’s lesser-visited places on this historical adventure. Starting in cosmopolitan Budapest, travel to the Serbian capital of Belgrade for a taste of a European city on the up. Learn about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s war years in Sarajevo, stop by the famed Old Bridge of Mostar, discover the beachside gem of Budva and wind things up in Dubrovnik, one of Europe's hottest hangouts. Melding the past with the present, the historic with the euphoric, this trip ticks all the boxes with plenty of free time, plenty of history to learn and plenty of places to head out and party.

Trip overview

Map of Essential Western Balkans including Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro and Serbia
Start
Budapest, Hungary
Finish
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Theme
18 to 29s
Destinations
Montenegro, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary
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 18 - Max 29
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
ZMYB
This trip generates 24.25 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.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Responsible travel

You book, we donate to help support local communities


Why you'll love this trip
  • Enjoy plenty of free time with your group to discover the communist past and modern progressive vibe 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.
  • Learn about the dark history and rebuilding of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, with a walk up to the White Fortress overlooking the city.
  • Cover a lot of ground in Montenegro, meeting up with the Adriatic coast in beautiful Budva along sandy beaches and shimmering waters.
  • Visit Mostar’s famous Old Bridge and witness a traditional bridge jumper hurl themselves into the icy waters below.

Is this trip right for you?
  • 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 will have air-conditioning and it’s virtually non-existent on public transport.
  • The best way to experience a city is by doing as the locals do – and in this case that means using public transport such as trams, buses or metro at some locations. It’s better for the environment and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life; just be aware you may find yourself sharing a busy bus ride with local commuters.
  • The cobblestone streets, narrow steps and tiny bridges of Europe are very romantic. They’re also another good reason to pack light and leave the wheeled suitcase at home.

Itinerary

Map of Essential Western Balkans including Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro and Serbia

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi

Accommodation

Hostel (5 nights), Pension (4 nights)

Activities
  • Belgrade - Rakija Tasting with Locals
  • Sarajevo - Hike to Yellow Bastion & White Fortress Viewpoints
  • Mostar - Stari Most
Add on 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 - Great Synagogue - HUF9000
  • Budapest - Central Market - Free
  • Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD500
  • Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum - RSD300
  • Belgrade - Military Museum - RSD350
  • Belgrade - Danube River Cruise - RSD500
  • Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide - EUR60
  • Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
  • Belgrade - Tito’s Mausoleum (House of Flowers) - RSD400
  • Sarajevo - Jewish Museum - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - City Tour with Local Guide - BAM90
  • Sarajevo - Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum - BAM60
  • Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs - BAM15
  • Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina - BAM8
  • Sarajevo - Svrzo's House - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library - BAM10
  • Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum - BAM10
  • Sarajevo - Despica House - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan - BAM3
  • Sarajevo - Cable Car - BAM20
  • Mostar - War Photo Exhibition - BAM6
  • Mostar - Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret - BAM15
  • Mostar - Old Bridge Museum - BAM10
  • Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40
  • Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
  • Budva - Bus Ride to Kotor - EUR6
  • Budva - Boat Trip to Island of St. Nicholas - EUR3
  • Budva - Mogren Beach - Free
  • Budva - SUP Board Rental (per hour) - EUR15
  • Budva - Sea Kayak Rental (half day) - EUR20
  • Budva - Snorkelling Equipment Hire - EUR10
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
  • Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - EUR4
  • Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk HRK - HRK150
  • Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR99
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
  • Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk - EUR35
  • Dubrovnik - 3 Islands Boat Tour - EUR55
  • Dubrovnik - Sunset Sailing - EUR64

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 6 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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Joanna · Traveled September 2023
This was an amazing trip - it covered so much in the time and I learnt so much! Dijana was a brilliant leader and her enthusiasm helped us all get the best from the trip.
Review submitted 19 Sep 2023

Nikesh · Traveled August 2023
The trip itinerary ticks off all the countries in the balkans and majority of their best things to see in included activities, orientation walks, places to see and do yourself or as a group with plenty of free time to see without unnecessary stress/hassle. Covers lots of different places, cultures, foods and religions with travel time being in mind via private and public transport which makes this tour definitely value for money. Overall would recommend this route and Tihana the group lead especially for her exceptionality, would give more than the highest rating available to give if possible. She is excellent and moulded many fun memories and experiences for the group that would last a lifetime.
Review submitted 14 Aug 2023

Ryan · Traveled July 2023
Review submitted 23 Jul 2023

Lauren · Traveled July 2023
Had a great time on this tour! It was so much fun and our guide was so good!
Review submitted 15 Jul 2023

Alexandra · Traveled May 2023
Review submitted 27 May 2023
Essential Western Balkans
From
NZD $2,565