Explore the Balkans

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Description

Summary

Starts
Budapest
Duration
10 days
Languages
English

Description

Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant city of Budapest, through the ancient streets of Belgrade and Sarajevo, to the picturesque landscapes of Kotor and Dubrovnik. Along the way, you'll explore iconic landmarks, enjoy local cuisines, and immerse yourself in the rich history and diverse cultures of these fascinating destinations. Whether you're strolling along the banks of the Danube, exploring centuries-old fortresses, or soaking up the sun on a secluded beach, this tour promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

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Included

7 breakfasts

vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat

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TRANSPORT IN EUROPE:

Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.

LONG TRAVEL DAYS:

As we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.

Public bus , Private vehicle

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The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

CHECK-IN TIME:

Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:

If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

FACILITIES:

Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Hotel (6 nights), Pension (2 nights), Hostel (1 night)

hotel: 6 night(s), guesthouse: 2 night(s), hostel: 1 night(s);

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All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

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Novi Sad – Orientation Walk

Sarajevo - Burek Snack in Bascarsija

Mostar - Stari Most

Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour

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Map

Attractions

Dino Park "Jura Avantura", Београд (Стари град), Stari Grad Urban Municipality, City of Belgrade, Central Serbia, SerbiaDino Park "Jura Avantura"
Saint Ivan Church, Budva Municipality, MontenegroThe Church of Sveti Ivan (St John)
Photo of beautiful aerial view of green Island Lokrum Near Dubrovnik Surrounded by a Big Blue Sea, Sailboats, Boats and a Yacht.Lokrum
Nikola Tesla MuseumNikola Tesla Museum
Photo of Bascarsija square with Sebilj wooden fountain in Old Town Sarajevo, capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Baščaršija
Ilidža Thermal Riviera, Ilidža, Ilidža Municipality, Sarajevo Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and HerzegovinaIlidža Thermal Riviera
Photo of Dervish monastery or tekke at the Buna River spring in the town of Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Vrelo Bune
Sarajevo City Hall, MZ "Baščaršija", Stari Grad Municipality, City of Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and HerzegovinaSarajevo City Hall
Photo of Stari Most is a reconstruction of a 16th-century Ottoman bridge in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina that crosses the river Neretva and connects two parts of the city.Old Bridge Mostar

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Budapest

  • Budapest - Arrival day
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Welcome to Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary. Your journey begins with a meet and greet at 6 pm. Afterward, enjoy a delightful dinner with your fellow travelers, followed by a mesmerizing night walk along the Danube River, where the city's iconic buildings and bridges illuminate the night sky. Cap off the night with a visit to one of Budapest's famous ruin bars, known for their eclectic decor and lively atmosphere.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Budapest to Belgrade via Novi Sad

  • Belgrade
  • Budapest
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Today, we journey to Belgrade, one of Europe's oldest cities, with a stopover at Novi Sad, a charming city nestled on the banks of the Danube River. Explore the city's landmarks, including the iconic Petrovaradin Fortress, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local cafes. Upon arrival in Belgrade, take some time to explore the city's historic squares, wide boulevards, and the green heart of Kalemegdan Park. As evening falls, head to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija for a taste of authentic local cuisine.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Belgrade

  • Belgrade
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  • Dino Park "Jura Avantura"
  • Nikola Tesla Museum
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Spend the day discovering the many facets of Belgrade. Take a scenic cruise along the Danube River, visit the Nikola Tesla Museum to learn about Serbia's greatest inventor, or simply soak up the sun at Ada Ciganlija beach. If you're visiting during the summer, you'll find the city buzzing with a variety of musical and cultural events.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Belgrade to Sarajevo

Day 4: Belgrade to Sarajevo

  • Baščaršija
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Today, we journey through the countryside to Sarajevo, the vibrant capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Often compared to Istanbul, Sarajevo is a city where east meets west, with minarets, mosques, and bazaars dotting the cityscape. Upon arrival, consider joining an optional guided tour to explore Bascarsija, Sarajevo's old bazaar, and learn about the city's rich history and culture. In the evening, savor the local specialty, bosanski cevapi, a delicious grilled and spiced meat dish.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Sarajevo

Day 5: Exploring Sarajevo

  • Ilidža Thermal Riviera
  • Sarajevo City Hall
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Spend the day exploring Sarajevo at your own pace. You might choose to visit the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza, delve into the city's history at the Sarajevo War Tunnels, or explore the city's Jewish Museum. Alternatively, you could visit the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina or return to Bascarsija for more exploration. In the evening, consider a visit to the Pivnica HS brewery and restaurant to sample local award-winning beer.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Sarajevo to Mostar

  • Mostar
  • Kotor
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  • Vrelo Bune
  • Old Bridge Mostar
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Today, we travel to Mostar, stopping en route at Tito's Bunker for a guided tour. This underground facility served as Yugoslavia's 'Atomic War Command' during the Cold War. Upon arrival in Mostar, visit the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), a stunning architectural feat by the Ottomans. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the local diving club members plunging into the icy waters below.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Mostar to Kotor

  • Budapest
  • Mostar
  • Kotor
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After breakfast, we journey to Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city set on a secluded bay in Montenegro. Upon arrival, explore the city's historic sites, including the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tryphun and the South Gates of Kotor. Spend the afternoon exploring Boka Kotorska, Europe's most southerly fjord, and soak in the stunning views of the rocky coastline and waterside towns.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Kotor

  • Kotor
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  • The Church of Sveti Ivan (St John)
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Today is yours to explore Kotor at your leisure. You might choose to wander through the city's crooked alleyways, visit the local boutiques and cafes, or embark on a 1.5-hour hike to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan. The climb rewards you with breathtaking views of the city and the Bay of Kotor. As night falls, the city walls are beautifully lit, offering a unique perspective of this historic city.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Kotor to Dubrovnik

  • Dubrovnik
  • Kotor
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  • Lokrum
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Today, we leave Montenegro and travel along Croatia's stunning southern coast to Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, the day is yours to explore this medieval city. You might choose to take a boat trip to Lokrum Island, home to the French-built Fort Royal Castle, a monastery, and a botanical garden. As the sun sets, find a secluded beach spot to enjoy the view or join the group for a harbourside dinner.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Departure from Dubrovnik

  • Dubrovnik - Departure day
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With no planned activities for the day, you are free to depart at any time. If you wish to extend your stay and continue exploring the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, feel free to speak to your booking agent.

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