Wonders of the Balkans Cultural Odyssey
Set off from Zagreb and loop back after nine days – a varied journey through Croatia, Bosnia and Slovenia. You’ll explore Bosnia’s layered cities – Banja Luka, Jajce’s waterfall, Sarajevo’s bazaars – and Mostar’s iconic bridge. Cross into Croatia for Dubrovnik’s walled old town and a short boat to Lokrum, then follow the Dalmatian coast to Ston and Split with Diocletian’s Palace. Venture inland to the turquoise cascades of Plitvice Lakes and stay by the sea in Opatija. In Slovenia, ride the train through Postojna Cave, glide to Lake Bled’s island and soak up Ljubljana and Maribor – finishing in Zagreb.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
ZagrebEnds
ZagrebMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Croatia that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Croatia, Bosnia And Herzegovina, SloveniaPassengers
$3,157.75
$500.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Zagreb
Banja Luka
Jajce
Sarajevo
Mostar
Dubrovnik
Ston
Split
Plitvice
Opatija
Postojna
Bled
Ljubljana
Maribor
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Zagreb
Arrival in Zagreb, where we’ll be ready to transfer you to your hotel. Around lunchtime our guide joins us as the group from Slovenia connects with the tour. In the afternoon – at about 4.00 pm, time may vary – we set out on a panoramic tour with a local guide, taking in the city’s two hills, the historic Upper Town and the newer neighbourhoods of Croatia’s capital. Dinner is included.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Zagreb - Banja Luka - Jajce - Sarajevo
We depart early for Bosnia – please allow extra time for border formalities. The route crosses areas still marked by the 1990s conflict and passes through territory of Bosnia where the population is predominantly Serb. Our first stop is Banja Luka, capital of the autonomous entity of Republika Srpska and the country’s second largest city. You’ll have time to explore its centre, known for its fortress and Orthodox cathedral, and there will be time for lunch.We continue to Jajce, often considered one of Bosnia’s most beautiful towns, noted for its cultural diversity, mosque and hilltop fortress. Admission to its impressive waterfall is included, and we allow time to look around. We then travel on to Sarajevo, arriving in the evening. You can wander the historic centre and visit the old Ottoman bazaar with its traditional shops. Dinner is included.
Day 3 - Sarajevo - Mostar - Dubrovnik
We start the day with a guided tour of Sarajevo – often called the Jerusalem of Europe for its blend of faiths – where mosques, churches and synagogues sit close together. We’ll explore the Ottoman‑influenced old town, including its centuries‑old mosque and elegant fountain. After the visit, we travel through striking scenery to Mostar to discover its historic centre and see the iconic stone bridge that links Orthodox, Muslim and Catholic communities. You’ll have free time for lunch and to explore at your own pace. We then continue into Croatia – border formalities can be lengthy – arriving in Dubrovnik at the end of the day. Dinner is included.
Day 4 - Dubrovnik
This morning we take a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide. We’ll explore one of Europe’s most beautiful cities – a clifftop old town encircled by walls on the Adriatic – and pause at a scenic viewpoint along the coastal road for sweeping views. Our visit includes entry to the Franciscan Monastery, home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Cathedral of the Assumption. We also take a short boat ride of around 15 minutes to Lokrum, a small island with the remains of an eleventh century Benedictine monastery and a Game of Thrones filming location.Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace before we return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is included. On some departures we may stay in Cavtat – a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March there is no boat service to Lokrum – during these months we will not visit the island.
Day 5 - Dubrovnik - Ston - Split
We depart Dubrovnik in the morning, travelling along the Croatian coast – a route of wide sea views and scattered islands. We stop in Ston, a small town noted for having one of the longest defensive walls in the world. Continuing through striking landscapes, we cross the impressive Pelješac Bridge over the sea and head north to Split, arriving around midday. In Split, we meet a local guide for a tour with entry to Diocletian’s Palace included – we explore this vast Roman complex, its maze of lanes and views towards the water. Dinner will be included.
Day 6 - Split - Plitvice - Opatija
We travel inland through hilly landscapes to Plitvice Lakes National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lakes and waterfalls. You can follow the scenic trails at your own pace, and we include tickets for either the park boat or the train, depending on conditions. After lunch, we continue north back to the coast and arrive in Opatija, where dinner is included and we settle into our accommodation in this charming resort town known for its great atmosphere. Please note that, due to weather or high visitor numbers, the boat or train in Plitvice may not operate or may be inadvisable to use.
Day 7 - Opatija - Postojna - Bled - Ljubljana
We leave Opatija and travel into Slovenia to visit Postojna Cave – one of the world’s largest – where we ride part of the route by underground train. We then continue to Bled, a postcard‑perfect town on the shore of Lake Bled, and take a boat to the island, where the monastery’s bell tower stands out below the medieval castle. Our journey continues to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, where we join a guided tour to get to know this compact Central European city. Dinner is included.
Day 8 - Ljubljana - Maribor - Zagreb
We travel to Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city, noted for its Austrian influence and landmarks such as the cathedral and castle. Afterwards, we continue to Croatia, arriving in Zagreb around 3 pm. In winter, to ensure we visit Ljubljana in daylight, the city tour may take place this morning before we depart for Maribor.
Day 9 - Zagreb
After breakfast, our journey concludes in Zagreb – we hope you depart with lasting memories.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Zagreb
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Zagreb
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard. Click here to see more information about the ships used on this and similar Tour.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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