TOUR OF THE BALKANS
Visiting and getting to know the Balkan countries will undoubtedly be an attractive and unforgettable experience. On this escorted tour of the Balkans, you will see the beauty of the cities, explore the life of yesteryear, visit historical sites, and enjoy the Dalmatian coast. The route passes through the highlights of Slovenia – Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, and Croatia with Zagreb to Split and Dubrovnik. You will also visit Medjugorje, Mostar, and Sarajevo in Bosnia, as well as Montenegro with its lovely Bay of Kotor.
DEPARTURES 2025:
- April 15
- May 15
- September 29
Price per person in a double room: 4450 EUR
Single supplement: 840 EUR
INCLUDED:
- Accommodation in 4* hotels with half-board
- Tourist and service taxes
- Licenced English-speaking guide
- Transfers by bus according to the itinerary
- Guided tours in English of Ljubljana, Kranj, Maribor, Ptuj, Piran, Zadar, Split, Medjugorje, Mostar, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Budva
- Entrance fees to Bled Castle, Postojna Cave, Plitvice National Park, Kravice Waterfalls, Sarajevo Tunnel
- Funicular to Ljubljana Castle
- Boat ride on Lake Bled
- Shared arrival and departure transfers at pre-arranged times, only on arrival and departure days (Ljubljana/Dubrovnik airport)
- All expenses of the guide and the organization
NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches
- Drinks (water, bread) with meals
- Medical and cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses
- Porterage
- Flights
- Anything not mentioned in ‘included’
EXCLUSIVE SELECTION INCLUDED:
- Boat trip in Piran
- Local beer tasting
- Accommodation and bathing in a thermal spa
- Boat trip in Ljubljana
- Local wine and Dalmatian ham tasting
- 2 natural parks
- Excursion to Montenegro
- Daily excursion to the Elafiti Islands
HOTELS (or similar of the same category):
- Ljubljana: Hotel M4*/ Exe Lev 4*/Radisson Blu Plaza 4*
- Thermal baths: Hotel Primus 4*/Rimske Terme Resort 4*
- Zagreb: Hotel International 4*/Aristos 4*/Antunovič 4*
- Zadar: Hotel Kolovare 4*
- Split: Hotel Art 4*/Mondo 4*/Cvita 4*
- Medjugorje: Hotel Spa 4*/Luna 4*
- Sarajevo: Hotel Courtyard by Marriott 4*/Novotel Bristol 4*
- Dubrovnik: Hotel Adria 4*/Grand Park 4*/Valamar 4*
DAY 1) LJUBLJANA – ARRIVAL
Arrival at Ljubljana airport or a nearby airport. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
DAY 2) LJUBLJANA
Today you will have the opportunity to see the capital of Slovenia. You will walk through the central square of Ljubljana, Prešeren Square, where the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation is located, the Cathedral of Ljubljana or St. Nicholas Cathedral which is the seat of the Archdiocese of Ljubljana, the Triple Bridge crossing the Ljubljanica River and the Ljubljana Castle.
The medieval castle, with Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural elements is on top of the hill, which dominates the city center. The centric part of Ljubljana also houses works of the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, whose works were recognized by the Unesco in 2021. After the visit, you will have the opportunity to see the city from another point of view, passing under the bridges of the old town, on a river cruise. Overnight in Ljubljana.
DAY 3) LJUBLJANA – BLED – KRANJ – LJUBLJANA
Today you will visit Lake Bled with its picture-postcard church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff, and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps as a backdrop. There you will take a ride on a typical boat called Pletna, which takes visitors to its island. Later you will visit the Bled Castle, positioned over the lake as a natural bodyguard.
Before returning to the capital, we will visit the town of Kranj. The city has occupied a strategic position for millenniums. Situated between two rivers on a conglomerate rock under the Alps, in the past, it has been known as a lively center where diverse people and, later, nations from all over the world met. This has also determined its architectural appearance, transport connections, and temperament.
The old town of Kranj is one of the most charming in Slovenia. At every corner, you can feel the affection for culture and tradition. In its rich 6000-year history, many interesting personalities have left their mark on the town, including the greatest Slovenian poet, France Prešeren. Architect Jože Plečnik considered one of the most important pioneers of modern architecture in the world, also left a great mark on Kranj. Overnight in Ljubljana.
DAY 4) LJUBLJANA – MARIBOR – PTUJ
Breakfast and departure to the Styria region. We will visit the charming city of Maribor with rich historical and cultural roots, dating back to the Middle Ages. On a guided tour you will see the main town square, the Renaissance-style Town Hall, and the famous vineyard included in the Guinness World Records Book as the oldest vine in the world, still bearing fruit annually.
We continue exploring the region with a visit to Slovenia’s oldest town, Ptuj. Not many towns have been as successful as Ptuj in preserving their medieval architectural design. A stroll through the city will take you past Roman monuments and magnificent medieval facades. Cobblestone streets and squares lead to one of the most majestic castles in Slovenia that offers a view over the roof tiles of medieval monasteries, churches, and other buildings. Overnight in a hotel with hot springs.
DAY 5) PTUJ – LJUBLJANA
After breakfast, free time for swimming. In the afternoon return to the capital and on the way, we will make a stop to try some national beer. Overnight in Ljubljana.
DAY 6) LJUBLJANA – POSTOJNA – PIRAN – LJUBLJANA
Today we will visit two more gems of this beautiful country. First, we will visit the famous Postojna Cave. The largest cave in Europe open for tourism will show you magnificent stalactite sculptures and a varied animal world. The visit is done on foot and the small train.
Later we continue to the coast to visit the coastal town of Piran. The city influenced by the Republic of Venice and Austria-Hungary invites with monuments that differ greatly from those of the Slovenian hinterland: the Tartini Square named after the famous native of Piran – the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, the Tartini house, first mentioned in 1384 and one of the oldest in the city, the Municipal Palace, the Loggia and the Benečanka, among others. Overnight in Ljubljana.
DAY 7) LJUBLJANA – ZAGREB
Breakfast and free time until departure to Croatia. Arrival and overnight in Zagreb.
DAY 8) ZAGREB – PLITVICE – ZADAR
Breakfast. Today we start the route along the Dalmatian coast with Bosnia and much more. Departure to Plitvice Lakes National Park which form a national park on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The park has 16 small lakes which are divided into upper and lower lakes and descend about 130 meters in height difference, as well as 92 waterfalls and multiple streams. The visit is done on foot along the trails inside the park and part of it is done by boat. In the park, you can enjoy crystal-clear water, very rich fauna and flora, and lush forests.
We will continue our way to Zadar, where it is said to be the most beautiful sunset in the Mediterranean, seen from the symbol of the city – the Sun Salutation. Therefore, we recommend you wait for the sun’s farewell. Accommodation.
DAY 9) ZADAR
Breakfast and guided tour of the city of Zadar, with more than three millennia of history, which offers a magnificent promenade, known for the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation.
We will see the old town which has a very rich history with the largest Roman forum on the eastern Adriatic coast, numerous sacred monuments, such as the 9th-century church of St. Donatus, the most monumental Croatian building of the early Middle Ages, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, Kalelarga Street and the city walls. Afternoon free to enjoy your time in this exquisite city. Overnight in Zadar.
DAY 10) ZADAR – PAKOVO SELO – SPLIT
In the morning departure inland to Pakovo Selo to visit one of the villages where we will see how people lived in the past, what were the customs of the inhabitants and have the opportunity to taste wine and Dalmatian ham, one of the symbols of the region. In the afternoon departure to Split. Arrival and overnight in Split.
DAY 11) SPLIT
Breakfast, followed by a guided tour of Split, the second largest city in Croatia. The old town is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. The Diocletian’s Palace is an ancient palace built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the late 3rd century AD, which today forms about half of the old town of Split. You will also see the exterior of the Temple of Jupiter and Saint Domnius Cathedral, which by an irony of fate was once the mausoleum of the last great persecutor of Christians. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the atmosphere of this extravagant city. Overnight in Split.
DAY 12) SPLIT – KRAVICE WATERFALLS – MEDJUGORJE
Morning departure to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Before arriving in Medjugorje, we will visit a natural park, the Kravice Waterfalls. The crystal clear turquoise water surrounded by vegetation creates a 120-meter water amphitheater with a natural pool at the very base. In summer, due to the lower river level, the pool under the waterfalls offers the possibility to swim and do some water sports.
Later we continue with a visit of Medjugorje. Medjugorje is known as one of the most famous catholic holy places in the world. It was made famous by the Blessed Virgin Mary, who began to appear in 1981 to six children, and the place eventually became a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people who visit this holy place every year. Overnight in Medjugorje.
DAY 13) MEDJUGORJE – MOSTAR – SARAJEVO
Breakfast and departure to Mostar where you will discover the city on a guided tour. In the time of the Turks Mostar developed on the banks of the Neretva as an important business point on the caravan road.
Visit of the old town which is included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list with the Old Bridge, is surely the city’s highlight. Besides being a place where locals do bridge jumping competitions, it is a 16th-century Ottoman bridge, that crosses the Neretva River and connects the two parts of the city and somewhat divides the Bosnian and Croatian ethnicities inhabiting the city, although the difference between the two is not noticeable to visiting tourists. After the visit, you can enjoy the old bazaar before leaving for the capital Sarajevo. Overnight in Sarajevo.
DAY 14) SARAJEVO
Today you will have time to get to know the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is often described as a place where the East meets the West, or where two cultures or traditions collide. While it may sound cliché, the truth is that Sarajevo is known for being influenced in equal parts by two former world powers, the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and more importantly, for accepting and embracing the best of both worlds.
The world remembers this city for the Balkan War and one of the things that tells the sad story is the interesting Tunnel of Hope, which linked the neighborhoods of Sarajevo allowing the entry of food, war supplies, and humanitarian aid to the city. Overnight in Sarajevo.
DAY 15) SARAJEVO – DUBROVNIK
Breakfast and return to Croatia. Arrival in Dubrovnik followed by the visit of this ‘Adriatic pearl’. Limestone streets, baroque buildings, the infinite glow of the Adriatic, the city walls. Walking through the old town will be like an open-air museum, but without paying an entrance fee.
In the old town, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, is where you will see the most important pieces of Medieval Art: the Onofrio Fountain, the Franciscan Monasteries, and the Cathedral. Free time and overnight in Dubrovnik.
DAY 16) DUBROVNIK – ELAFITI – DUBROVNIK
On this excursion, you will visit the Elafiti Islands. A small archipelago consisting of several islands stretching northwest of Dubrovnik in the Adriatic Sea. Although only the islands of Lopud, Kolocep, and Šipan are inhabited, the whole archipelago is covered with characteristic Mediterranean evergreen vegetation and attracts a large number of tourists for its beaches and pristine landscape. Return to Dubrovnik in the evening and overnight.
DAY 17) DUBROVNIK – KOTOR – BUDVA – DUBROVNIK
After breakfast, you will cross to the other side of the border. Upon entering Montenegro, you will arrive directly at the Bay of Kotor and continue to the town of Kotor, a real magnet for Montenegrin tourists and yachtsmen.
Full of ancient history and jaw-dropping scenery, Kotor is one of Montenegro’s top tourist attractions and vacation destinations. In addition to the numerous sights, such as the Cathedral of St. Tryphon in the old town (built in 1166), the point of interest is the fortification, built during the Venetian period.
Later you will visit Budva. Once a small and quiet seaside town, today Budva is a metropolis of Montenegrin tourism during the summer. Budva seems to have a double life: one in the old town and another in the new part of the city.
Bordered by high walls and decorated with architecture, dominantly Venetian, the old town holds historical and cultural treasures – a Roman necropolis and an altar, ancient pylons, pre-Christian basilica, and many churches. Return to Croatia in the afternoon. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
DAY 18) DUBROVNIK – DEPARTURE
Breakfast and departure to the airport. End of trip.
If this escorted tour to the Balkans interests you, contact us to check the availability. Remember, all our tours can also be done in private and according to your interests.
TOUR OF THE BALKANS
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