Balkan Essentials in 10 days

Welcome to Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia. Upon your arrival at Nikola Tesla airport, you will be greeted by your driver and taken on a short coach ride through New Belgrade, a district known for its socialist architecture and modern business centres. As you pass by the imposing Ušće Tower, your driver will share stories about the city's landmarks. After checking in at your hotel, take a leisurely stroll through Skadarlija, the bohemian heart of Belgrade, where you can enjoy local specialties in a traditional 'kafana'.

After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive tour of Belgrade, exploring its diverse architectural styles and dynamic history. Visit the Museum of Yugoslav History, dedicated to the life of Josip Broz Tito, and marvel at the Temple of Saint Sava, a symbol of the city. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, passing by landmarks such as the Serbian National Parliament, Republic Square, and the bustling Knez Mihailo Street. The tour concludes with a visit to the Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, offering stunning views of the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.

After breakfast, depart from Belgrade and head west towards the picturesque Ovčar-Kablar Gorge. Continue to Tara National Park, where you will board the 'Nostalgia' train for a scenic journey along the Šargan Eight heritage railway. Arrive at Drvengrad, an ethno village built by the famous movie director Emir Kusturica. After exploring Drvengrad, take a short drive to Zlatibor Mountain, home to Serbia's first royal resort. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the town centre and savour a traditional Serbian dinner in the evening.

After breakfast, continue your journey to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit Andrićgrad, also known as Stone Town, a cultural centre built by Emir Kusturica. Enjoy lunch at the unique Zlatna Moruna restaurant before heading to Sarajevo. Upon arrival, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city, visiting landmarks such as Sarajevo City Hall, the old downtown Baščaršija, the Latin Bridge, and the main pedestrian zone Ferhadiya. Learn about the city's rich history and cultural diversity as you explore its charming streets.

After breakfast, drive to Mostar, one of the most beautiful cities of the Balkan Peninsula. Visit the Old Bridge, a UNESCO protected landmark, and explore the old tanner's quarter Tabhana. Continue to Blagaj, an old town from the 15th century, and admire the monastery located on the shores of the emerald green river Buna. The final destination of the day is Trebinje, a picturesque town with a wonderful mix of sights originating from different cultures. Visit the Arslanagića Bridge and take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the old town.

After breakfast, head to the Republic of Montenegro, a country known for its rich heritage and natural beauty. Visit the town of Perast and enjoy a boat ride to the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Continue to Kotor, an old Mediterranean town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring Kotor, proceed to Dubrovnik, one of the most popular destinations in the world. After checking in at your hotel, take an evening stroll to Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik, and enjoy a seafood dinner in this incredibly romantic city.

After breakfast, start your sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, one of Europe's best preserved walled cities. Visit the city's main attractions, including the Rector's Palace, the Church of Saint Blaise, and the city walls. Enjoy a coffee at one of the charming piazzas or explore Dubrovnik on your own. In the afternoon, drive along the beautiful Makarska coast, enjoying wonderful views of Croatian islands, wine and olive plantations, and stone-made villages. Arrive in Split, the largest Dalmatian city, in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening in this charming Mediterranean city.

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Split. Explore the narrow streets of Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO Heritage Site, and visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. The tour then heads towards Plitvice, with a short break in Šibenik, a medieval Venetian city famous for its narrow curvy streets, stone-made houses, and the Cathedral of Saint James. Arrive at the world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner in the refreshing atmosphere of this natural paradise.

After breakfast, start exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, a beautiful park that contains 16 interconnected cascading lakes. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour that includes a visit to the upper and lower lakes. The final stop on this great Balkan tour is the Croatian capital, Zagreb. Tour the city's main attractions, including the Franciscan monastery, the Church of Saint Francis, and Dolac, Zagreb's best known farmers' market. The tour ends in the heart of Zagreb, at Ban Josip Jelačić's monument in the square named after him.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, your memorable Balkan tour concludes. As most of our clients decide to extend their trip within their own organisation, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. However, we are more than happy to organise a departure transfer on your behalf upon request. We hope you enjoyed your journey and look forward to welcoming you back soon!