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Balkans Express

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9 days

Take in the best of the Balkans in just 9 days 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.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Tour Overview

Duration

9 days

Starts

Belgrade

Ends

Dubrovnik

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour leader

Group Size

Min 1 / Max 16

Minimum age

No minimum age

Departs

March - October

Hotel Rating

4-star hotels (upgrade available)

Countries

Montenegro, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 8, Dinner: 1
Save 30% today
Per Person From
R 54,145.00
R 37,901.50
Deposit From
Final payment
R 19,998.00
R 55,805.00

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Tour Highlights

Belgrade - Tour the highlights of the Serbian capital, sip coffee at the famous ? Tavern and enjoy a sundown cruise on the Sava & Danube rivers
Zlatibor - Ride the "Sargan Eight" heritage train, offering incredible mountain views and passing through tunnels
Drvengrad - Explore the iconic "wooden town", created by film director Emir Kusturica and home to all manner of wooden houses, churches and shops
Sarajevo - See the sights of the Bosnian capital on a guided tour and taste mouthwatering baklava
Mostar - See the iconic UNESCO-listed Old Bridge and join a hands-on copper workshop
Kotor - Pop into Montenegro to explore this historic walled city and take a boat trip to the island of Our Lady on the Rocks
Dubrovnik - Uncover the historic City Walls, Stradun main street and other highlights of this iconic Croatian city

Included

8 breakfasts & 1 dinner
8 nights 4 star hotels (upgrade available)
Escorted by a local tour leader with local guides for some sightseeing
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Transportation in a mini-bus with air-conditioning & Wi-Fi
1 bottle of water (0.5l) daily for each passenger, accommodation taxes and city taxes
Guided sightseeing in Belgrade, Zlatibor, Sarajevo, Mostar, Blagaj, Trebinje, Kotor & Dubrovnik
Entrance to Temple of Saint Sava, Oplenac Royal Complex, Wooden-Town, Blagaj Tekke, Kotor Old Town
Coffee & rakija in a Belgrade tavern
Sava and Danube Rivers cruise
Wine tasting in a local winery in Central Serbia
Train ride tickets on a heritage railway
Traditional Bosnian street food tasting
Copper modelling workshop
Visit to the local market in Herzegovina
Boat ride to the island and entry ticket to the church (Our Lady of the Rocks)
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Not Included

International flights & visas
Departure transfers
Meals not specified in itinerary
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
Entry fees unless specified & optional activities

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Belgrade

Welcome to Serbia! Upon arrival in Belgrade, our driver will greet you at the Nikola Tesla airport and take you to the hotel. After checking in at your hotel, you will have free time to rest and prepare for the tour.

Overnight: Belgrade

Day 2 - Exploring Belgrade

Your first day in Serbia begins with a tour of Belgrade, starting at the lively Knez Mihailova Street, a pedestrian zone filled with shops, cafes, and historic architecture. Next, visit Belgrade’s oldest tavern, known as the ‘?’ (Question Mark), to enjoy traditional Serbian coffee and rakija while learning about the UNESCO-recognised craft of making sljivovica, Serbia’s famous plum brandy.

Following this local experience, explore the historic Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, offering sweeping views over the Sava and Danube rivers. Crossing into New Belgrade, you’ll see Brutalist architecture and the modern Belgrade Waterfront, along with landmarks like the Ada Bridge, Dedinje residential area, and the Museum of Yugoslavia. You’ll also visit the impressive Temple of Saint Sava, adorned with intricate mosaics.

The tour concludes in Republic Square, after which you’ll embark on a scenic river cruise at sunset, passing key landmarks and taking in views of Belgrade’s illuminated skyline and bridges.

Overnight: Belgrade
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Belgrade to Zlatibor

Belgrade - Zlatibor. Departing Belgrade in the morning, journey south to Serbia’s heartland and the historic Oplenac, where Serbia’s royals are laid to rest. Visit the grand royal mausoleum and explore one of the region’s celebrated wineries, where you’ll enjoy tastings of three locally crafted wines and learn about the Karadjordjevic dynasty’s influence on Serbia’s winemaking traditions.

After this wine experience, continue with a short drive to the scenic Zlatibor Mountain, home to Serbia's first royal resort. Check in to your mountain hotel, then enjoy a relaxing stroll around the charming town centre. In the evening, savour a traditional Serbian dinner, starting with rich ajvar, creamy kajmak, and artisanal cured meats, followed by dishes like hearty pies or proja cornbread, and a main course of veal or fresh fish—all enjoyed against the stunning backdrop of Zlatibor’s natural beauty.

Overnight: Zlatibor
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Zlatibor train, Visegrad & Sarajevo

Zlatibor - Visegrad (Bosnia) - Sarajevo. After check-out, the tour heads to the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden Town), created by film director Emir Kusturica. Built mainly from natural wood, the village includes the Mecavnik Hotel, houses, galleries, shops, a cinema, and a church. Since 2008, Drvengrad has hosted the annual Kustendorf Film and Music Festival, attracting celebrities like Johnny Depp, Monica Bellucci, and Jim Jarmusch.

Next, experience the nostalgic charm of the Sargan Eight Railway, a unique narrow-gauge heritage line with a figure-eight layout that winds through the mountains. This scenic train ride offers picturesque views of tunnels and viaducts and traces part of the old railway connecting Belgrade to Sarajevo in the early 20th century.

The day concludes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a short drive to Visegrad to visit Andricgrad (Stone Town), another imaginative creation by Kusturica. Set by the emerald Drina River, near the UNESCO-listed bridge featured in Ivo Andric's novel The Bridge on the Drina, this cultural centre honours the Nobel Prize-winning author. After lunch, the tour continues to Sarajevo, where you’ll check in to your hotel for the night.

Overnight: Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Sarajevo sightseeing

Our Sarajevo exploration begins at Vjecna Vatra (Eternal Flame), a WWII memorial, before delving into the cultural and historical gems of the city. Kick off with a taste of Sarajevo’s famous burek at a local bakery, then stroll through the bustling Ferhadija pedestrian zone to visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the 16th-century Orthodox Church, witnessing the city’s unique blend of Orthodox, Catholic, and Islamic influences.

Continue to Bascarsija, Sarajevo’s historic heart, where you’ll try cevapi, a beloved Balkan minced meat dish, and experience the local coffee tradition—a daily ritual here. Visit landmarks like the Vjecna City Hall, Latin Bridge, the Bezistan market, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, and the Sahat Tower, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history. Conclude with a sweet taste of baklava, capturing the essence of Sarajevo’s culinary heritage.

In the afternoon, explore at your own pace, revisiting favourite spots or unwinding in a cosy cafe, reflecting on Sarajevo’s vibrant history and flavours.

Overnight: Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Mostar & Trebinje

Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Trebinje. Today we depart Sarajevo and head to the beautiful city of Mostar. Begin with a guided walk to the iconic Old Bridge, a UNESCO-protected landmark and one of the most photographed sights in the Balkans. Continue to the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge, and the historic tanner’s quarter, Taba Hana.

In Mostar’s Old Town, discover the traditional craft of copper artistry at a workshop led by a master coppersmith. Try your hand at creating jewellery or intricate copper reliefs as you learn about this centuries-old Bosnian craft.

Enjoy free time for lunch along the banks of the Neretva River with scenic views of the Old Bridge.

The tour continues to Blagaj, a 15th-century town where the noble Kosaca family once ruled. Admire the serene setting of the monastery perched beneath cliffs beside the emerald Buna River spring.

Arriving in Trebinje, visit the tranquil Arslanagica Bridge, a 400-year-old stone landmark, before concluding at Poet’s Square, where ancient plane trees lend a timeless charm to the town. Check in to our hotel for the night.

Overnight: Trebinje
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Bay of Kotor

Trebinje - Kotor - Dubrovnik. After checking out from our hotel, we will make our way to the lively Trebinje local market, the heart of local life.

We will savour the fresh delights at Trebinje's vibrant market, a rare gem where traditional tastes and methods still thrive. Amidst the friendly chatter of vendors and the inviting aromas of fresh produce, we'll indulge in creamy, fresh cheese, flavourful dried meats, and sun-ripened fruits, all sourced from local producers. We'll sip on homemade juices and immerse ourselves in the authentic spirit of Trebinje.

After our market experience, we will wave farewell to Herzegovina as we continue towards Montenegro, known for its rich heritage and stunning natural beauty. Our first stop will be the town of Perast, a charming baroque-style settlement nestled in the heart of Boka Bay.

From Perast, we have the opportunity to visit the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rocks. This manmade island is home to a church featuring valuable paintings by local artists, silver votive tablets, and a famous sacred tapestry. As we explore, we'll uncover the rich history and legends that make this small island a cultural treasure in the bay.

After a short boat ride, we will head to Kotor, an ancient Mediterranean town that dates back to the 12th and 14th centuries. A walking tour will allow us to explore this UNESCO site, including the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and other cultural highlights. We'll have free time to wander the old paved streets or enjoy lunch at a restaurant in one of the romantic squares.

Our day will conclude in Dubrovnik, one of the world's most significant monuments and one of Europe's best-preserved walled cities, with a history dating back to the 7th century. We'll check in to our hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Exploring Dubrovnik

We will begin our day by experiencing the essence of Dubrovnik, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Our visit will take us to iconic sights, including Stradun, the main street, Placa Square, Pile Gate, the Rector's Palace, and more. As we explore the City Walls and the picturesque city port, we'll uncover hidden gems along the way.

We'll immerse ourselves in the magic of Dubrovnik, where stunning locations that served as backdrops for "Game of Thrones" bring the city's rich history and fantasy world to life. We'll dive into intriguing stories about the Republic of Ragusa, enjoying the enchantment that makes Dubrovnik one of the most captivating destinations in the world.

After our city tour, we will have some free time to enjoy lunch at a restaurant perched atop the city walls, offering breathtaking views. Alternatively, we can take a cable car to Srđ Hill for stunning panoramas of the Old Town and the Adriatic coast, or explore the 2 km stretch of City Walls for a unique perspective of Dubrovnik from above.

In the evening, you could opt to set sail on a sunset cruise aboard the Karaka, a replica of a traditional 16th-century wooden galleon, and admire breathtaking views of the Old Town and its centuries-old impregnable walls from the sea.

Overnight: Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Dubrovnik

Our tour ends today after breakfast at the hotel and check out.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

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 - Dubrovnik

Double

R 2,555per passenger

Twin

R 2,555per passenger

Pre Tour Accommodation - Belgrade

Double

R 1,405per passenger

Twin

R 1,405per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation - Dubrovnik

Double

R 2,555per passenger

Twin

R 2,555per passenger

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

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 tours.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Colors Inn
Sarajevo

Located on a commercial street, this modern hotel is a 19-minute walk from Baščaršija, a vibrant market dating back to the 15th century, and a 20-minute walk from Sarajevo train station. The informal rooms, adorned with black-and-white photographic artwork and/or colourful furnishings, are equipped with flat-screen TVs. The hotel also features a casual restaurant.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Central Park
Trebinje

Just a 5-minute stroll from the historic exhibits at Muzej Hercegovine, this upscale hotel in an elegant 19th-century building is also 6 km from Grad Sunca Trebinje, a dinosaur-themed amusement and water park, and 42 km from Dubrovnik Airport. The airy rooms feature modern decor and provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and city views. Dining options include a restaurant, a café-bar, and a bakery.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

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.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
29 Mar - 6 Apr
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R 54,145R 37,902
R 68,885R 48,220
28 Apr - 6 May
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R 54,145R 37,902
R 68,885R 48,220
19 May - 27 May
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R 54,145R 37,902
R 68,885R 48,220
9 Jun - 17 Jun
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R 57,145R 40,002
R 74,005R 51,804
23 Jun - 1 Jul
Save 30%
R 57,145R 40,002
R 74,005R 51,804
14 Jul - 22 Jul
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R 57,145R 40,002
R 74,005R 51,804
4 Aug - 12 Aug
Save 30%
R 57,145R 40,002
R 74,005R 51,804
25 Aug - 2 Sep
Save 30%
R 57,145R 40,002
R 74,005R 51,804

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