Balkans Odyssey - 11 day tour

Wednesday. Welcome to Zagreb and the start of your holiday. Included transfer from the airport to your hotel in the city. The remains of the day offer free time for you to head out and explore this beautiful city which marks the crossroad between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe.
Overnight: Zagreb  |  Dinner

Zagreb - Bled. We start the day with a sightseeing tour of the nation's capital. We will make our way to the fortified Upper Town (the city’s historical center), passing St Mark’s Church with its stunning multi-colored tiled roof, the Croatian National Theater, University and Zagreb Cathedral, with its towering Gothic spires.

This afternoon we continue to the beautiful town of Bled in the Julian Alps - famous for its thermal lake.
Overnight: Bled  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Bled - Ljubljana - Plitvice. After breakfast we drive to Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital and take part in a guided tour of the old city. We'll see the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, Robba’s Fountain and visit the colorful open-air central Market, selling beautifully smoked cheeses, meats and fresh fruit and vegetables. Nibble your way around!

Later continue onto the Plitvice Lakes region for the afternoon. This 20-km long karst cave system with its web of underground passages, galleries and chambers is the largest karst cave open for visitation in all of Europe. Walk around the wooden promenades this evening and enjoy the magnificent views over the waters with its 16 clear blue lakes that cascade into 92 waterfalls.
Overnight: Plitvice Lakes  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Plitvice - Zadar - Split. This morning we continue on to discover Zadar, we take a guided tour of the 2nd century BC Roman Forum and see the 9th Century pre-Romanesque church of St. Donatus.

Later this afternoon arrival into Split where we explore the city including learning the secrets of the UNESCO protected Diocletian’s Palace. The narrow streets of Split are fascinating maze of history and stunning ancient architecture.
Overnight: Split  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Split - Dubrovnik. After breakfast we leave for Split driving south along the Dalmatian coastline, crossing the Neum Corridor of Bosnia and Herzegovnia (see info related to border crossing procedures in our Trip Notes) to Dubrovnik - the Jewel in the nation's crown. This afternoon you'll enjoy a walking tour of this UNESCO protected old city which is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'.
Overnight: Dubrovnik  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Today is yours to spend at leisure exploring the UNESCO listed old city of Dubrovnik with its towering fortress wall and the Dubrovnik Cathedral, built in Roman Baroque architectural style.

Alternatively, you can opt to join an optional excursion to the island of Korcula, enroute a stop is made to one of the well-known wine cellars of the Peljesac peninsula to sample local wine.
Overnight: Dubrovnik  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Dubrovnik – Mostar – Sarajevo. This morning we drive to Mostar to see The Old Bridge. Commissioned by the sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557 and rebuilt in 2003, it is still one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most recognizable landmarks, and is considered one of the most exemplary pieces of Islamic architecture. After an orientation walk of the city and free time for lunch we drive onward to Sarajevo. Arriving in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is one of the historically most interesting cities in Europe and is a vibrant and cosmopolitan place to live. We will explore this capital city on a walking tour, taking in some of the highlights.
Overnight: Sarajevo  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Sarajevo – Zvornik – Belgrade. This morning we depart towards Belgrade, where we enjoy a short stop enroute in the charming town of Zvornik in northeastern Bosnia. Once we arrive into Serbia’s capital we enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful city set between two rivers.
Overnight: Belgrade  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Belgrade - Novi Sad - Osijek/Vukovar. This morning we visit Serbia’s second largest city - Novi Sad located on the Danube River, with it's imposing fortress on one side and the churches of numerous denominations on the other it's an exciting city with cultural sights that many larger cities would be envious of. After a morning walking tour in Novi Sad, we cross the border back in to Croatia and continue for a stop at Ilok where you'll have the option to partake in a wine tasting experience in one of Croatia's most famous wine cellars 'Ilocki Podrumi'. We then enjoy a traditional lunch. Late this afternoon we continue into Osijek or Vukovar where we will spend the night.
Overnight: Osijek or Vukovar  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Osijek/Vukovar - Zagreb. Today we start with a walking tour of Osijek - the largest city in eastern Croatia. A popular destination known for its Baroque style and amazing cuisine - we visit the cathedral and the Tvrdja (Old Fort). Continuing on we drive to Djakovo - dominated by its magnificent red bricked cathedral. Before we reach our final destination of Zagreb we stop to visit the Ethno Village of Stara Kapela where we will enjoy lunch before continuing onto Zagreb.
Overnight: Zagreb  |  Breakfast, Lunch