Take in the best of the Balkans in just 1 week on this group tour travelling from Belgrade to Dubrovnik. Explore the capital cities of Serbia and Bosnia on guided tours, take in the highlights of Kotor in Montenegro and stroll along the historic city walls of Dubrovnik. Ride a heritage train in the mountains of Zlatibor, see the famous bridges of Mostar and take a boat trip from Perast.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Belgrade
Welcome to Serbia! Upon arrival in Belgrade, our driver will greet you at the Nikola Tesla airport and take you to your hotel. As you travel by coach, you can relax and take in the sights of New Belgrade, featuring Socialist architecture and modern business centres like the Usce Tower. Your driver will also point out landmarks such as the Western Gate of Belgrade, Belgrade Arena, and Palace of Serbia. After checking in at your hotel, you will have free time to rest and prepare for the tour.
During a brief meeting with our guide at 7pm, you will be introduced to the tour and provided with all necessary information.
Overnight: Belgrade
Belgrade sightseeing
Today we tour Belgrade, the Serbian capital city. First, we visit the Museum of Yugoslav History, a memorial complex dedicated to Josip Broz Tito, the former Yugoslav political leader. We see the stadium of Serbia's most successful football team, FC Red Star, before heading to the Temple of Saint Sava, the patron saint of Belgrade.
After a brief stop at the Temple's plateau, we continue to key landmarks such as Slavija Square, Saint Mark's Church, the Serbian National Parliament, White Palace, and Republic Square. Surrounded by cultural institutions like the National Theatre and National Museum, Republic Square is the heart of Belgrade. Our tour will proceed along Knez Mihailo Street, the city's main pedestrian and shopping thoroughfare, before pausing at the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, located near the Building of Patriarchate. Then it's on to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. Situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, this historic complex is a significant cultural site in Belgrade. After our tour, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Belgrade | Breakfast
Belgrade to Zlatibor & heritage train
Belgrade - Zlatibor. Leaving Belgrade, we drive west towards the picturesque Ovcar-Kablar Gorge. We continue to Tara National Park, where we ride the authentic 'Nostalgia' train that runs along the narrow-gauge heritage railway, Sargan Eight. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery as we pass through tunnels and viaducts. Originally part of the railway from Belgrade to Sarajevo in the early 20th century, the railway offers a nostalgic trip back in time.
Next, we visit the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden Town), built by prominent movie director Emir Kusturica. The village is constructed mainly from natural materials such as wood. Hosting the annual Kustendorf Film and Music Festival since 2008, Drvengrad has attracted celebrities like Johnny Depp, Monica Belucci, and Jim Jarmusch.
Our next stop is Zlatibor Mountain, the location of Serbia's first royal resort. Here, we enjoy a leisurely stroll around the charming town centre of this picturesque air spa. In the evening, a delightful dinner featuring traditional Serbian cuisine is included.
Overnight: Zlatibor | Breakfast, Dinner
Exploring Sarajevo
Zlatibor - Visegrad (Bosnia) - Sarajevo. We depart Serbia today, crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reaching Visegrad, we can see where filmmaker Emir Kusturica built Andricgrad, also known as Stone Town. We stop for lunch at the unique restaurant Zlatna Moruna, adorned with frescoes by artist Bisenija Terescenko.
After lunch we head to the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, visiting key landmarks such as Vijecnica (Sarajevo City Hall), Bascarsija (the old downtown area), the Gazi Husrev-bey mosque, and the Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, sparking the First World War. We also stop at historic sites like the Orthodox Church, Sahat Tower, and the first public toilet in Europe. The day will end with visits to Bezistan market complex, Ferhadiya pedestrian zone, the Sarajevo Synagogue, and a Catholic cathedral.
Overnight: Sarajevo | Breakfast
Mostar & Trebinje
Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Trebinje. Today begins with a drive to Mostar, one of the most beautiful cities of the Balkan Peninsula. On a walking tour, we see the iconic Old Bridge, a UNESCO protected landmark and one of the most photographed sights in the country. We also visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge, and the old tanner’s quarter Tabhana. There is free time for lunch on the banks of the Neretva River, with a stunning view of the bridge.
Continuing to Blagaj, we can enjoy the view of the monastery built by dervish Sari Satluk, which is located in a picturesque setting, beneath cliffs on the shores of the emerald green river Buna.
Next on the itinerary is Trebinje, a picturesque town with a mix of sights from different cultures. We see the Arslanagića Bridge and take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the old town to 'Poet’s Square', where you can relax under the shade of 115-year-old trees. We spend tonight at a hotel in Trebinje.
Overnight: Trebinje | Breakfast
Kotor & Dubrovnik
Trebinje - Kotor - Dubrovnik. Today we discover the most popular destination in Montenegro: the Bay of Kotor. En route to Kotor, we stop at the picturesque village of Perast, known for its baroque architecture. From Perast, we enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Bay of Kotor to the beautiful island of Our Lady of the Rocks, home to a church adorned with valuable paintings and artifacts.
Upon arrival in Kotor, enjoy a guided walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include visits to the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and other cultural landmarks. There is also free time to explore the town further or enjoy a meal at a restaurant in one of the charming squares.
We then complete our journey to Dubrovnik, one of Europe's best-preserved walled cities. Dating back to the 7th century, Dubrovnik's old town is encircled by a 2km long wall that offers panoramic views during a relaxing one-hour walk. In Dubrovnik's historical centre, we can see iconic landmarks such as the main street Stradun, the main square Placa, Pile Gate, the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, the walls of the Old Town, the church of Saint Blaise, the cathedral, the Jesuit church, Orlando’s Column, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, the city port, and other hidden gems. We spend the final night of our tour in Dubrovnik, and the evening is free for you to explore.
Overnight: Dubrovnik | Breakfast
Dubrovnik
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before our touring arrangements end after hotel check out.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
Extra Prices
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.
Hotel Royal Inn, Belgrade
Nestled in the heart of Belgrade, Hotel Royal Inn 4* offers modern luxury with a touch of historic charm. Located steps from the vibrant Knez Mihailova Street and the iconic Kalemegdan Fortress, this hotel is perfect for both leisure and business travellers. Guests can enjoy elegant rooms, a stylish restaurant, and top-notch amenities. Nearby attractions include the bustling Skadarlija district and the serene Danube River promenade.
Hotel Palisad, Zlatibor
Nestled among pine trees near Zlatiborsko Lake, this relaxed hotel is 18 km from Tornik ski resort and 24 km from the Old Village open-air museum. Cosy rooms offer free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs, as well as lake views. Dining options include a cocktail lounge, buffet eatery, cafe/wine bar, and a refined restaurant with a lake-view terrace. The hotel also features a sauna, gym, sports courts, and meeting facilities.
Hotel Holiday , Sarajevo
A 3-minute walk from a tram stop in the business district, this relaxed hotel is 5 minutes from the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 2 km from Emperor's Mosque. The straightforward rooms feature minibars, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and city views. Room service is available, breakfast is included, and the hotel also has a casual restaurant, a bar, a bakery, and a café. Additional amenities include a gym and a relaxed spa.
Hotel Platani, Trebinje
Located off the M20 motorway in the city centre, this modest hotel in an early 20th-century stone building is a 3-minute walk from the Herzegovina Museum and 6 km from Grad Sunca - Aqua & Dino Park. The simply furnished rooms, some with vibrant accent walls, offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar with a terrace, and offers packed lunches for an additional fee.
Hotel Lapad, Dubrovnik
Hotel Lapad offers a serene retreat with stunning views of Gruz Harbour, housed in a historic building surrounded by palm trees and a large outdoor pool. The modern rooms strike a perfect balance between clear lines and luxurious fabrics, all equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars, and tea/coffee making facilities. Indulge in a delightful lunch menu at the à-la-carte grill restaurant with a garden terrace, and revel in live music and pool parties five days a week from June to September. This privately owned hotel boasts over a century-long tradition in hospitality, creating an exceptional journey that respects tradition, history, and the essence of Dubrovnik.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.