A Taste of the Balkans featuring Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina & Slovenia (Dubrovnik to Ljubljana) (2024)

Begin your journey to the Balkans, a region where the rocky coastline and towering mountains meet a complex history and medieval city walls. Experience the local traditions amidst a stunning backdrop.

Explore the cobblestone streets and burnt-orange rooftops of Dubrovnik, a city steeped in history and charm. Enjoy a welcome dinner overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea, savoring Mediterranean cuisine and forming new friendships.

Tour the ancient streets of Dubrovnik and discover its timeless history. Choose to explore the city's famous medieval walls or take a cable car ride for a panoramic view of the city. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, experiencing Croatia in your own style.

Bid farewell to Croatia as you journey to Montenegro. Sail on a private boat to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks and visit the church. Coast through the breathtaking Kotor Bay towards the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor. Spend your free afternoon exploring this beautiful city and end your day with a cozy dinner in a family restaurant in Old Town Kotor.

Spend the day exploring Kotor at your own pace. Consider an optional excursion to the peaceful village of Njeguši, located on the slope of Mount Lovcen. Learn about the local tradition of producing prosciutto and homemade cheeses, and sample these specialties. Spend the rest of the day discovering the hidden corners of Kotor.

Welcome to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit Mostar, home to the iconic UNESCO-listed Stari Most Bridge. Explore Mostar with your Tour Manager before enjoying lunch at a traditional restaurant in the historic part of the city. Continue to Sarajevo, the capital city where East meets West, and your home for the next three nights. Take an evening stroll with your Tour Manager to familiarize yourself with the area.

Discover the history of Sarajevo with a local expert. Wander the storied streets and appreciate its blend of religions and architectural styles. Choose to uncover Sarajevo's past with a local siege survivor, visiting the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum and the bobsled track on Trebevic Olympic Mountain, or visit Gallery 11/07/95, which documents the city's 20th-century turmoil through photography. Enjoy a home-hosted dinner with locals, savoring regional favorites and Bosnian coffee.

Enjoy a day at your leisure in Sarajevo. Consider an optional excursion to Lukomir Highland, hiking to a remote village and bonding with locals over lunch, or embark on an optional tour of Tito's Bunker. Spend the rest of your afternoon and evening relaxing, resetting, or exploring more of Sarajevo.

Travel through Bosnia into Croatia's northeast corner, enjoying a lunch that highlights authentic Bosnian cuisine. Venture off the beaten path to the rural village of Karanac, nestled at the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers. Enjoy a delightful dinner with your host, complete with folklore entertainment.

Immerse yourself in country life. Join your hosts in preparing breakfast, then learn about Osijek's history from a local guide. Enjoy some free time to explore the town. Learn about the region's wine-making process and prepare traditional dishes and bread for dinner alongside locals.

Bid farewell to the beautiful Baranja region and continue your journey to Zagreb, Croatia's captivating capital city. Visit one of the most unique Croatian museums, the Museum of Naive Art, and enjoy some free time to explore it on your own. Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps joining your Tour Manager for an evening stroll.

Spend an entire day soaking up Zagreb at your leisure. Explore its Old Town, medieval settlements, open squares, museums, or the Dolac Market. Consider an optional tour to Croatia's Zagorje region, visiting the historic Kumrovec and Samobor, set in a picturesque countryside.

Travel to northern Croatia. A local guide takes you through the forested landscapes of UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park. Walk along the cascading lakes and free-falling waterfalls, and enjoy a boat cruise through a portion of the park. Enjoy an authentic 'under the bell' dinner, complete with slow-roasted lamb and vegetables.

Cross into Slovenia and discover Novo Mesto, one of the most beautiful Slovenian cities. Enjoy a scenic boat ride under the bridges in the Krka River and join your local guide for a walking tour. Savor a Slovenian lunch in a local restaurant before arriving in Ljubljana, your home for the next two nights. Spend your evening exploring this incredible city at your leisure.

Head to the beautiful Lake Bled nestled under the Julian Alps. Board a Pletna Boat to the isle of Bled and take in the natural beauty of Slovenia. Spend the day walking around the lake or relaxing in the beautiful scenery. Celebrate the end of your adventure with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, complete with folklore performances.

Bid farewell to Slovenia as you depart for home, carrying with you a treasure trove of memories from your Balkan adventure.