Balkan Capitals and Cultural Heritage Tour
Begin in Belgrade and end in Zagreb on a 13 day sweep through the Balkans – a relaxed mix of heritage, scenery and great food. You’ll explore forested Fruska Gora and honey and wine traditions in Sremski Karlovci, visit Novi Sad’s Petrovaradin Fortress and Roman Viminacium, then trace medieval Serbia at Manasija, Žiča and Studenica. Expect to see Sarajevo’s bazaar, Mostar’s stone bridge and Dubrovnik’s walled old town – with a hop to Lokrum. Continue up the Adriatic to Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, then inland to Plitvice’s lakes and waterfalls. Cross into Slovenia for Postojna Cave, Lake Bled and Ljubljana, before finishing in cultured Zagreb.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
13 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
BelgradeEnds
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 Serbia 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
Serbia, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, SloveniaPassengers
$4,003.50
$400.00
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
Belgrade
Fruska gora
Sremski Karlovci
Novi Sad
Viminacium
Manasija
Nis
Zica
Studenica
Kraljevo
Ravanica
Oplenac
Sremska Mitrovica
Zvornik
Sarajevo
Mostar
Kravica
Dubrovnik
Ston
Split
Plitvice
Opatija
Postojna
Bled
Ljubljana
Maribor
Zagreb
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Belgrade
Welcome to Serbia. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel in Belgrade. The rest of the day is free – you can take a first stroll and get a feel for the city or simply relax after your journey. Belgrade is the vibrant capital of the former Yugoslavia, offering an easy introduction before the adventures ahead.
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 - Belgrade - Fruska gora - Sremski Karlovci - Novi Sad
After breakfast, we leave Belgrade for Fruska Gora National Park – a protected landscape known for its wooded hills and remarkable Orthodox monasteries, some dating back to the 12th century. We visit the monasteries of Krusedol and Novo Hopovo, founded by the influential Brankovic family.We continue to Sremski Karlovci – one of Serbia’s oldest towns, first recorded in 1308 as Karom – with a beautifully preserved neoclassical centre. We visit the Museum of Beekeeping and the Zivanovic Winery, with lunch and a wine tasting included. We then head to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city on the Danube, noted for architecture that reflects its varied past, and the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress – one of Europe’s largest and a masterpiece of 18th‑century military engineering, often called the Gibraltar of the Danube.
Day 3 - Novi Sad - Viminacium - Manasija - Nis
We leave Novi Sad and journey south through Serbia, stopping first at the Roman city of Viminacium – admission included – which at its height was home to around 40,000 people. Here we see Roman roads and the remains of temples, streets, squares, amphitheatres, palaces, hippodromes and baths. We continue to the walled Manasija Monastery, a major monument of medieval Serbian culture, whose church preserves its 15th century frescoes. We then travel on to Nis, Serbia’s third largest city with a rich Roman heritage and the birthplace of Constantine the Great – overnight here.
Day 4 - Nis - Zica - Studenica - Kraljevo
From Niš, we travel to the Žiča Orthodox Monastery – an early 13th‑century landmark known as the Coronation Church, where seven Serbian kings were crowned. We continue into the mountains to the Studenica Monastery, the largest in Serbia, founded in 1190 and renowned for its ensemble of wood and plaster buildings with interiors decorated in Byzantine frescoes. Lunch is included. We then head to Kraljevo in central Serbia – a pleasant town surrounded by mountains – known for its main square with a monument to Serbian warriors and its medieval fortress.
Day 5 - Kraljevo - Ravanica - Oplenac - Belgrade
We depart Kraljevo and travel to Ravanica to visit its monastery, centred on an impressive five-domed church. We then continue to the village of Topola to explore its history. On Oplenac Hill, we visit St George’s Church, founded by King Peter I of Yugoslavia – the mausoleum of the Serbian and later Yugoslav royal house until 1945. We then return to Belgrade.
Day 6 - Belgrade - Sremska Mitrovica - REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA - Sarajevo
We begin our journey towards Vojvodina, stopping in Sremska Mitrovica, a city with a charming historic centre on the Sava River that was once among the most important in the Roman Empire. We visit the Imperial Palace of Sirmium – entrance included – for an insight into this period. We then continue towards Bosnia, pausing en route for lunch. Our drive takes us across the Republic of Srpska through beautiful landscapes to Sarajevo, arriving in the late afternoon. You’ll have time to explore the historic centre – you can stroll through the old Ottoman market with its traditional shops – before dinner. Dinner is included.
Day 7 - Sarajevo - Mostar - HERZEGOVINA - Dubrovnik
This morning we take a guided tour of Sarajevo, often called the Jerusalem of Europe for its long tradition of religious coexistence. We explore the old town’s Ottoman heritage, including a mosque over 500 years old and a historic fountain. After the visit, we travel through the Herzegovina region to Mostar, whose historic centre is known for its iconic stone bridge linking Orthodox, Muslim and Catholic communities. You’ll have free time for lunch and to explore at your own pace. We then continue to Croatia – border formalities may be lengthy – arriving in Dubrovnik towards the end of the day. Dinner included.
Day 8 - Dubrovnik
This morning we take a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide – a city widely regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful, set on the Adriatic and encircled by imposing walls. We pause at a scenic viewpoint for sweeping views, then continue into the historic centre with included entry to the Franciscan Monastery – home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe – and the Assumption Cathedral. We also take a short boat ride, around 15 minutes, to Lokrum Island to see the ruins of an eleventh‑century Benedictine monastery, a filming location for Game of Thrones. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace before we return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is included. Note: On some departures, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March there is no boat service to Lokrum – the island visit will not operate in these months.
Day 9 - Dubrovnik - Ston - Split
We leave Dubrovnik in the morning to follow the scenic Adriatic coast, pausing in Ston – a picturesque town known for one of the longest walls in the world. Continuing through striking coastal landscapes, we cross the Pelješac Bridge over the sea and arrive in Split around midday. A local guide leads our tour, with admission included to Diocletian’s Palace, where we explore this vast Roman complex with its narrow, labyrinthine streets and views towards the waterfront. Dinner is included.
Day 10 - Split - Plitvice - Opatija
We leave Split and travel inland through hilly landscapes to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the park, we include tickets for either a boat ride on the lakes or the park train – services may be unavailable or inadvisable due to weather conditions or high visitor numbers. You can follow the scenic trails and take in the lakes and waterfalls. After lunch, we return to the coast and continue north to Opatija. On arrival, dinner is included and you settle into your accommodation in this charming resort town known for its welcoming atmosphere.
Day 11 - Opatija - Postojna - Bled - Ljubljana
We depart Opatija and cross into Slovenia to visit Postojna Cave, one of the world’s largest – we ride part of the route by train to admire its vast chambers. We then continue to Bled, a postcard‑pretty town on the shores of Lake Bled, where we take a boat across to its island to see the bell tower, with the medieval castle overlooking the lake. Our journey ends in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, where we join a guided tour to get to know this compact Central European city. Dinner is included.
Day 12 - Ljubljana - Maribor - Zagreb
We travel to Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city with a marked Austrian influence – highlights include its cathedral and historic castle. We then cross into Croatia, reaching Zagreb around lunchtime. In the afternoon we take a panoramic tour with a local guide, exploring both the Upper Town and the city’s modern neighbourhoods. Dinner is included. Note: During the winter months, to visit Ljubljana in daylight, the Ljubljana tour may be conducted before we depart for Maribor.
Day 13 - Zagreb
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Zagreb – we bid you farewell and wish you a smooth onward journey with wonderful memories of your trip.
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 - Belgrade
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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