GROUP TOUR: From the Croatian capital of Zagreb, journey around the Balkans on this 11-day tour travelling through four countries including Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. Take in the highlights of four Balkan capitals, explore historic towns and discover UNESCO World Heritage sites including the spectacular waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Old City of Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Zagreb
Wednesday. Welcome to Zagreb and the start of your holiday. Included transfer from the airport to your hotel in the city. The remainder of the day offers 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
Lake Bled
Zagreb - Bled - Ljubljana. 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 centre), passing St Mark’s Church with its stunning multi-coloured tiled roof, the Croatian National Theatre, University and Zagreb Cathedral, with its towering Gothic spires.
Departure to Bled, a small town in the Julian Alps that ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts. It’s like a setting for a classic fairy tale: immense natural beauty with mountains and forests surrounding an emerald glacial lake. Overnight in Ljubljana
Overnight: Ljubljana | Breakfast, Dinner
Ljubljana
Ljubljana - Plitvice. This morning we take a guided tour of Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital where we'll take in the significant sights of it's old centre. We'll see the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, Robba’s Fountain and visit the colourful open-air central Market, selling beautifully smoked cheeses, meats and fresh fruit and vegetables.
After we continue our journey to Plitvice Lakes where we'll walk around and enjoy the magnificent views over the waters with its 16 clear blue lakes that cascade into 92 waterfalls. 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.
Overnight: Plitvice Lakes | Breakfast, Dinner
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice - Zadar - Split. This morning we continue on to discover Zadar, we take a guided tour of the 1st century BC Roman Forum and see the 9th Century pre-Romanesque churches of St. Donatus and St Anastasia.
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.
Please Note: For departures in 2024, this itinerary will no longer visit Zadar.
Overnight: Split | Breakfast, Dinner
Split & Dubrovnik
Split - Dubrovnik. Leaving Split we drive south along the Dalmatian coastline crossing the Peljesac bridge continuing down the Peljesac peninsula before arriving in Dubrovnik - the Jewel in the nation's crown. We tour the UNESCO listed old city with its towering fortress wall and enter the Dubrovnik Cathedral, built in Roman Baroque architectural style.
Overnight: Dubrovnik | Breakfast, Dinner
Dubrovnik
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 or Montenegro and it's Bay of Kotor.
Overnight: Dubrovnik | Breakfast, Dinner
Mostar & Sarajevo, Bosnia
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. Enjoy some free time to explore and have lunch before we drive onward to Sarajevo. Arriving in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we will take in some of the highlights on a guided city tour of Sarajevo - one of the historically most interesting cities in Europe and is a vibrant and cosmopolitan place to live.
Overnight: Sarajevo | Breakfast, Dinner
Belgrade, Serbia
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
Novi Sad, Serbia
Belgrade - Novi Sad - Osijek/Vukovar. This morning we visit Serbia’s second largest city - Novi Sad located on the Danube River, with its 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 guided tour in Novi Sad, we cross the border back into 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
Djakovo & Star Kepela, Croatia
Osijek/Vukovar - Zagreb. Today we start with a guided 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
Zagreb
Saturday. A leisurely day for you to further see the sights of this beautiful city, before an included departure transfer to Zagreb airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
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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 Astoria, Zagreb
Part of Best Western's Premier range, the elegant Hotel Astoria offers a high level of comfort and style, fitting with the brand. Guests can choose from a variety of different sizes of room, each offering plush, attractive furniture and a range of modern amenities, including a minibar and satellite TV. The hotel's Ragusa restaurant has a great ambiance and serves a wonderful selection of local and international dishes. The accommodation is conveniently located just 300m from the train station and offers free parking for guests.
Hotel Lev, Ljubliana
Hotel Lev is centrally located in Ljubljana, the 13 floor high glass exterior offers marvelous views of Slovenia's capital city. Guest rooms are decorated modernly featuring private ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning. Additional features of the hotel include complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and bicycles to rent for those wanting to explore the area.
Jezero Hotel , Plitvice Lakes
Nestled in the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Jezero Hotel is the perfect base for any overnight stay in this stunning locale. The property offers a selection of guest rooms and suites, and while the hotel interior is modern in design, the building has been constructed to sit perfectly amongst the natural surroundings. A short walk away is Kozjak – the park’s largest lake. Hotel amenities include an in-house restaurant and lobby bar, a night club and complimentary spa facilities including a gym, whirpool massage and two Finnish saunas. There’s also a small gift shop on site, plus room service and free WiFi.
Dioklecijan Hotel & Residence, Split
The Dioklecijan hotel & Residence is located in Split just 15-minute walking distance from the old town. Guest rooms are modern and spacious featuring private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There is an onsite restaurant offering Mediterranean delicacies. The property also features a rooftop swimming pool, hot tub, saunas and a fitness room as well as spectacular panoramic views over the city and surrounding islands.
Hotel Corner, Split
Located in the heart of Split, Hotel Corner offers spacious accommodation in modern rooms with plenty of natural light. The recently renovated hotel offers rooms that are spread across two floors, and accessible by both stairs and an elevator. With a choice between four different room types (standard, triple, comfort or family), guests can enjoy comfort, as each room has free WiFi, a flatscreen TV with cable channels, a safe, complimentary toiletries and a private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. Not only are famous landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Palace of Diocletian located close by, the hotel also offers a 24-hour service desk, room service and free parking. There is a fitness center and a restaurant on-site, as well as a spa and wellness center where guests can unwind with a massage treatment on-site.
Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik
The Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik is situated on the lush Babin Kuk Peninsula, just 6km away from Dubrovniks old city. Featuring air-conditioned modern and comfortable guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and equipped with private bathrooms. The hotel features an elegant outdoor swimming pool with views of the Elaphiti Islands as well as an indoor pool and array of wellness facilities. Why not sit back and relax with a cocktail in hand after exploring Dubrovnik's old city.
Hotel Colors Inn , Sarajevo
Colors Inn is located in the heart of Sarajevo and is a charming building dating from the Austro-Hungarian period. It's central location is ideal and is just a three-minute walk to the main pedestrian zone. Guest rooms provide a flat-screen cable TV, air-conditioning and a minibar, also featuring a private bathroom. Enjoy international and national cuisine in the restaurant also offering buffet breakfast daily.
Golden Tulip Zira Belgrade, Belgrade
The modern Golden Tulip Zira is located in the heart of Belgrade. Offering stylish guest rooms equipped with the most modern communication and entertainment technology. All guest rooms are non-smoking and have an LCD cable TV, a minibar and a private bathroom. Free International landline calls and free Wi-Fi access are also provided. The hotel also features a fitness centre and sauna.
At a Glance
Guide: What an exceptional man with a passion for his job and his country and with outstanding knowledge. Emotionally intelligent and always willing to assist with no problem to big to solve. Balanced view of the Balkan countries and its past. Willing to put both views forward.
Tour:A well thought out tour. The local guide in Lupjana was very good.
We particularly enjoyed the two local visits (wine tasting and eating in an old village).”
