Explore the Balkans

10 days4.947 reviews
Explorer
From
NZD $2,590

Old-world charm and enduring cultures deep in the Balkans

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.

Map of Explore The Balkans including Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro and Serbia
Trip code: ZMRC
Start
Budapest, Hungary
End
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Destinations
Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transport
Public bus, Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Pension (2 nights), Hostel (1 night)
Days
10
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Explorer
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: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Basix
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
This trip generates 32 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.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Explore The Balkans including Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro and Serbia

Inclusions and activities

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Public bus, Private vehicle

Accommodation

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

Included activities
  • Novi Sad – Orientation Walk
  • Sarajevo - Burek Snack in Bascarsija
  • Mostar - Stari Most
  • Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour

Optional 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 - HUF12000
  • 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
  • Belgrade - eBike Tour (from) - EUR35
  • Belgrade - Bike Tour (from) - EUR30
  • 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 - 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

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.
  • Accommodation on this trip is basic. Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be small, especially compared to American or Australian standards, and in some cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite. Some hotels contain stairs only, with no elevators.
  • 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.
  • You'll have to carry your own luggage on this trip, including some short distances between your hotel and public transport (no longer than 30 minutes). Make sure your bag doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find details in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 47 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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Adam · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 13 Oct 2024

Isabelle · Traveled October 2024
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Robert · Traveled September 2024
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Deneb · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 30 Sep 2024
Explore the Balkans
From
NZD $2,590