Savor the Balkans: A Culinary and Cultural Odyssey

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Description

Summary

Starts
Belgrade
Duration
18 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
1 years

Description

Embark on an extraordinary 18-day journey through the heart of the Balkans, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant cityscapes of Belgrade and Zagreb to the serene landscapes of Montenegro and Slovenia. Discover ancient fortresses, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and picturesque towns, all while indulging in the region's rich culinary traditions. From the enchanting shores of Lake Bled to the medieval charm of Dubrovnik, each day offers a new adventure. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the Balkans' hidden gems.

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Included

Breakfast in hotels for whole trip.

Day 1: lunch at „Ambar“ restaurant Belgrade, dinner at Skadarlija Bohemian District;

Day 2: lunch at „Kovacevic“ winery – Wine & Food pairing experience;

Day 3: lunch at „Aleksandrovic“ winery – Wine & Food pairing experience, dinner at „Pecinar“ restaurant;

Day 4: Dinner at Zmajevac scenic point in Mt Tara National Park;

Day 5: Dinner at „Savardak“ National Restaurant in Kolasin;

Day 6: Lunch at „Stari Most“ restaurant in Rijeka Crnojevica;

Day 7: Lunch at „Conte“ restaurant in Perast, dinner at „Buna Winery & Hotel“ in Blagaj;

Day 10: Lunch at „Fledermaus“ restaurant in Drage;

Day 12: Lunch at Motovun winery – Wine & Food pairing experience;

Day 14: Lunch at Petrich winery

Day 16: Farewell dinner at „Aqua Doria“ restaurant in Petrovaradin.

1 x 0.5l bottle of water per passenger per day

vegetarian, meat

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Private transfers by Mercedes Sprinter or Mercedes V class throughout the program

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•Accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis at:

Belgrade: Nobel Design Hotel 4**** or similar – 2 nights;

Mt Zlatibor: Hotel Mona Zlatibor 4**** or similar – 2 nights;

Kolasin: Bianca Resort 4**** or similar – 1 night;

Budva: Avala Resort & Villas 4**** or similar – 1 night;

Mostar: Buna Hotel 4**** or similar – 1 night;

Dubrovnik: Grand Hotel Park 4**** or similar – 1 night;

Split: Camera Hotel Split 4**** or similar – 1 night;

Zadar: Falkensteiner Zadar 4**** or similar – 1 night;

Pula: Ribarska Koliba Resort 4**** or similar – 3 nights;

Ljubljana: City Hotel Ljubljana 4**** or similar – 1 night;

Zagreb: Dubrovnik Hotel Zagreb 4**** or similar – 1 night;

Novi Sad: Sheraton Novi Sad 4**** or similar – 1 night.

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English speaking guide throughout the program

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16th of April 2025 departure from Chicago to Belgrade, direct flight:

12:40 - Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Duration of the trip: 9 h 40 min, night flight

05:20+1 - International Airport Nikola Tesla Beograd (BEG)

Economy class

Air Serbia - Airbus A330 JU 507

3rd of May 2025 departure from Belgrade to Chicago, direct flight:

17:20 - International Airport Nikola Tesla Beograd (BEG)

Duration of the trip: 10 h 40 min

21:00 - Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Economy class

Air Serbia - Airbus A330 JU 506

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1st day

Belgrade city tour

St Sava church entrance

Museum of history of Yugoslavia entrance

Vintage Yugoslav cars ride

2nd day

Sremski karlovci walking tour

Milanovic winery wine tasting

ATV ride

Bermet dessert wine degustation

3rd day

Royal complex entrance

Sirogojno ethno village entrance

Gostilje waterfalls entrance

Stopica cave entrance

4th day

Drina canyon cruise

Mecavnik complex entrance

5th day

Mileseva monastery visit

Black lake National park entrance

Coffee break on Djurdjevica Tara

6th day

Skadar lake boat tour

Cetinje monastery entrance

Budva city tour

Sveti Stefan panoramic visit

7th day

Kotor old town tour

Perast old town tour

Boat to Our lady of the rocks island

Mostar city tour

8th day

Pocitenlj tour

Trebinje city tour

Dubrovnik city tour

9th day

Korcula old town tour

Korcula - Split ferry

10th day

Split city tour

Trogir old town tour

Zadar old town tour

11th day

Plitvice lake entrance

12th day

Pula city tour

Motovun old town tour

Rovinj city tour

13th day

Brioni island tour

14th day

Postojina cave entrance

Ljubljana city tour

15th day

Bled lake "Pletna" boat tour

Zagreb city tour

16th day

Osijek city tour

Kopacki rt entrance

17th day

Novi sad city tour

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Map

Attractions

Museum of YugoslaviaMuseum of Yugoslavia
Ljubljanica, Ljubljana, Upravna Enota Ljubljana, SloveniaLjubljanica
Gold gondola Zlatibor, Zlatibor, Cajetina Municipality, Zlatibor Administrative District, Central Serbia, SerbiaGold gondola Zlatibor
Photo of summer scenic view of ancient ruins Roman Amphitheatre in Pula, Istria croatian region.Pula Arena
St. Mark Orthodox Church, МЗ Ташмајдан, Palilula, Palilula Urban Municipality, City of Belgrade, Central Serbia, SerbiaSt Mark Orthodox Church
Lighthouse Cape Struga, Općina Lastovo, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, CroatiaLighthouse Cape Struga
Brijuni National Park, Grad Pula, Istria County, CroatiaBrijuni/Brioni National Park
MOTODROM POREC, Općina Tar-Vabriga, Istria County, CroatiaMOTODROM POREC
Nikola Tesla MuseumNikola Tesla Museum
 Aerial view of beautiful Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria on a small island at Lake Bled (Blejsko Jezero) and lots of Pletna boats on the lake at summer time with blue skyBled Castle
Trebjesa
Tvrđava Minčeta, Grad Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, CroatiaTvrđava Minčeta
Historic city of Perast at Bay of Kotor in summer, Montenegro.Kotor
Trogir Ciovo, Trogir, Grad Trogir, Split-Dalmatia County, CroatiaTrogir Ciovo
Manastir Sveta Trojica, Pljevlja Municipality, MontenegroManastir Sveta Trojica
Tara Canyon, Pljevlja Municipality, MontenegroTara Canyon
Aqua park „Izvor“, Arandjelovac, Arandjelovac Municipality, Sumadija Administrative District, Central Serbia, SerbiaAqua park „Izvor“
Zoo Osijek, Mjesni odbor Osijek – lijeva obala, Tvrđavica, Grad Osijek, Osijek-Baranja County, CroatiaZoo Osijek
Bled, Slovenia. Amazing Bled Lake, island and church with Julian Alps mountain range background, Europe spotlight.Lake Bled
Kopački Rit Nature Park, Kopačevo, Općina Bilje, Osijek-Baranja County, CroatiaKopački Rit Nature Park
Viewpoint of Herceg Novi
Market Zadar, Mjesni odbor Poluotok, Zadar, Grad Zadar, Zadar County, CroatiaMarket Zadar
Beautiful cave interior water cavern with ancient stalactites and stalagmitesPostojna Cave
Korcula Town Gate
Frushka Gora National Park, Беочин, Beocin Municipality, South Backa Administrative District, Vojvodina, SerbiaFrushka Gora National Park
Porat Dubrovnik, Grad Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, CroatiaPorat Dubrovnik
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Općina Plitvička Jezera, Lika-Senj County, CroatiaPlitvice Lakes National Park
Church of St Philip
Gostilje waterfalls, Gostilje, Cajetina Municipality, Zlatibor Administrative District, Central Serbia, SerbiaGostilje waterfalls
Заовинско језероЗаовинско језеро
Muzej grada Perasta, Kotor Municipality, MontenegroMuzej grada Perasta
Riva, Split, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia County, CroatiaRiva
Belgrade FortressBelgrade Fortress
Stražilovo, Сремски Карловци, Sremski Karlovci Municipality, South Backa Administrative District, Vojvodina, SerbiaStražilovo
Fort Ovine
Diocletian's Cellars, Split, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia County, CroatiaDiocletian's Cellars
Dramatic scenery of medieval cliff top Predjama castle and caves, SloveniaPredjama Castle
Fort Kosmač, Brajići in MontenegroFort Kosmač
Stopić Cave, Trnava, Cajetina Municipality, Zlatibor Administrative District, Central Serbia, SerbiaStopić Cave
Ravanica-Vrdnik Monastery

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Departure from Chicago

  • Belgrade - Arrival day
  • More

Begin your adventure with an overnight flight from Chicago to Belgrade, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through the Balkans. Relax and enjoy the in-flight amenities as you prepare for the cultural and historical wonders that await you.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Belgrade's Rich Heritage

  • Belgrade
  • More
  • Museum of Yugoslavia
  • St Mark Orthodox Church
  • Nikola Tesla Museum
  • Belgrade Fortress
  • More

Upon arrival in Belgrade, enjoy a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel for an early check-in. After a brief rest, embark on a panoramic and walking tour of Serbia's vibrant capital. Marvel at the grandeur of St Sava Church, explore the historic Belgrade Fortress, and delve into the past at the Museum of Yugoslavia. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner in the bohemian Skadarska Street, where the ambiance of the 19th century comes alive with traditional music and cuisine.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Wine and Wilderness in Fruska Gora

  • Sremski Karlovtsi
  • Belgrade
  • More
  • Frushka Gora National Park
  • Stražilovo
  • Ravanica-Vrdnik Monastery
  • More

Venture into the picturesque wine region of Fruska Gora. Begin your day with a visit to Milanovic Winery, where you'll savor authentic Danube wines. Continue to Fruska Gora National Park for an exhilarating ATV ride through its lush landscapes. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Kovacevic Winery, pairing exquisite wines with local delicacies. Explore the baroque town of Sremski Karlovci, a cultural gem of Serbia, before returning to Belgrade for a relaxing evening.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Historical and Natural Wonders of Serbia

  • Belgrade
  • Zlatibor
  • Topola
  • Gostilje
  • Sirogojno
  • More
  • Aqua park „Izvor“
  • Gostilje waterfalls
  • Stopić Cave
  • More

Depart Belgrade and journey southwest to Topola, the heart of the Sumadija Wine Region. Explore the Royal Complex of the Karadjordjevic Family and enjoy a wine tasting at Aleksandrovic Winery. Continue to the stunning Mt Zlatibor, where you'll visit the enchanting Stopica Cave and Gostilje Waterfall. Discover the traditional highland lifestyle at the open-air museum of Sirogojno. Conclude your day with a hearty meal at the historic Pecinar restaurant, savoring the flavors of West Serbia.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: The Untamed Beauty of the Drina River

  • Visegrad
  • More
  • Gold gondola Zlatibor
  • Заовинско језеро
  • Stopić Cave
  • More

Embark on a scenic journey to the Drina River, a natural border between Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Cruise through the breathtaking Drina River canyon and visit the historic town of Visegrad. In the afternoon, return to Serbia and explore the raw beauty of Mt Tara, a UNESCO-protected National Park. Discover the ethno complex of Serbian director Emir Kusturica and enjoy a sunset dinner atop Mt Tara, surrounded by nature's splendor.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: From Serbia to Montenegro's Natural Marvels

  • Kolašin
  • More
  • Manastir Sveta Trojica
  • Tara Canyon
  • More

Begin your day with a visit to the Mileseva Monastery, home to the iconic White Angel fresco. Cross into Montenegro and explore the stunning landscapes of Mt Durmitor and the Tara River Canyon. Admire the breathtaking views from Djurdjevica Bridge before continuing to Kolasin. After a short break, enjoy an authentic Montenegrin dinner at Savardak cottage, nestled in the highlands.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Montenegro's Lakes and Royal Heritage

  • Shkoder
  • Old Royal Capital Cetinje
  • Budva
  • Kolašin
  • More

Travel south to Skadar Lake, the largest in the Balkans, for a scenic cruise. Visit the historic village of Crnojevica River for lunch before heading to Cetinje, Montenegro's royal capital. Explore the Cetinje Monastery and its sacred relics. Descend to the Adriatic coast for a breathtaking view of St Stephen Island and conclude your day in Budva, where you'll have free time to explore the charming Old Town.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: The Enchanting Boka Bay and Beyond

  • Kotor
  • Perast
  • Mostar
  • More
  • Trebjesa
  • Kotor
  • Viewpoint of Herceg Novi
  • Muzej grada Perasta
  • Fort Kosmač
  • More

Explore the stunning Boka Kotorska Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the medieval town of Kotor and its beautiful Cathedral of St Tryphon. Continue to Perast and take a boat ride to the iconic island of Our Lady of the Rocks. After lunch, journey through the highlands to Bosnia and Herzegovina, arriving in Mostar. Discover the city's Old Town and the famous Crooked Bridge before enjoying a delightful dinner by the Buna River.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: From Bosnia to the Jewel of the Adriatic

  • Dubrovnik
  • Trebinje
  • Mostar
  • More
  • Tvrđava Minčeta
  • Porat Dubrovnik
  • More

Depart Mostar and visit the medieval town of Pocitelj, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Continue to Trebinje, where you'll enjoy the serene atmosphere before reaching Dubrovnik. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik's Old Town, with its medieval ramparts and charming streets. After a day of exploration, check in at your hotel and enjoy a free evening in this stunning coastal city.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Island Hopping and Coastal Charms

  • Korčula
  • Split
  • Dubrovnik
  • More
  • Lighthouse Cape Struga
  • Korcula Town Gate
  • Riva
  • More

Travel to the Peljesac Peninsula to visit local oyster farms and savor fresh seafood. Embark on a ferry to Korcula Island, the birthplace of Marco Polo, and explore its ancient towns. Continue your journey with a catamaran ride to Split, enjoying spectacular views of the Dalmatian archipelago. Arrive in Split, check in at your hotel, and enjoy a free evening in this vibrant city.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Historical Splendor of Dalmatia

  • Split
  • Trogir
  • Zadar
  • Riva del Garda
  • More
  • Trogir Ciovo
  • Market Zadar
  • Church of St Philip
  • Diocletian's Cellars
  • More

Explore Split's rich history with a visit to Diocletian's Palace and the Cathedral of St Domnius. Stroll along the Riva promenade before heading to Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its magnificent palaces and churches before continuing to Zadar. Enjoy a leisurely evening exploring Zadar's Old Town and learning about its pirate past.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Nature's Masterpiece at Plitvice Lakes

  • Plitvica Selo
  • Pula
  • Zadar
  • More
  • Pula Arena
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • More

Depart Zadar and journey to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the stunning lakes, waterfalls, and cascades that make this park a natural wonder. In the afternoon, continue to the Istrian Peninsula and arrive in Pula for an evening of leisure.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Istria's Timeless Treasures

  • Pula
  • Motovun
  • Rovinj
  • More
  • Pula Arena
  • MOTODROM POREC
  • Fort Ovine
  • More

Explore Pula's ancient Roman heritage with a visit to the well-preserved Pula Arena. Continue to Motovun, the heart of Istrian wine and truffle culture, for a special tasting experience. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town of Rovinj and admire its Venetian architecture. Return to Pula for a free evening to unwind.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: The Enchanting Brijuni Islands

  • Pula
  • More
  • Brijuni/Brioni National Park
  • More

Dedicate a full day to exploring the Brijuni Islands National Park, once the favored residence of Yugoslav President Tito. Discover the island's villas, presidential palace, private zoo, and archaeological sites. Learn about the fascinating history and notable guests who visited this magical island. Return to Pula in the afternoon for leisure time.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Slovenia's Natural and Historical Wonders

  • Postojna
  • Predjama
  • Ljubljana
  • Pula
  • More
  • Ljubljanica
  • Postojna Cave
  • Predjama Castle
  • More

Cross into Slovenia and visit the iconic Postojna Cave, one of Europe's largest caves, with a train ride through its stunning formations. Explore the nearby Predjama Castle, a medieval marvel built into a cliff. Enjoy a Slovenian lunch at Petrich Winery before arriving in Ljubljana. Stroll through the charming Old Town, visiting Presern's Square, the Town Hall, and the iconic Dragon Bridge. Check in at your hotel for a relaxing evening.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Alpine Beauty and Croatian Capital

  • Bled
  • Zagreb
  • Ljubljana
  • More
  • Bled Castle
  • Lake Bled
  • More

Visit the enchanting Lake Bled, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake and visit Bled Castle for panoramic views. Continue to Zagreb, Croatia's capital, and explore its Old Town. Discover Zrinjevac Park, Ban Jelacic Square, and the Zagreb Cathedral. Experience the Gric Tunnel and ride the Zagreb Funicular to Lotrscak Tower and St Mark's Church. Check in at your hotel for a leisurely evening.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: From Zagreb to Serbia's Cultural Heart

  • Zagreb
  • Osijek
  • Novi Sad
  • Petrovaradin
  • More
  • Zoo Osijek
  • Kopački Rit Nature Park
  • More

Travel through the picturesque Slavonia region to Osijek, where you'll admire its Art Nouveau architecture. Enjoy a traditional Slavonian lunch before visiting Kopacki Rit Nature Park for a serene boat ride through the marshlands. Continue to Novi Sad, Serbia's cultural hub, and check in at your hotel. Conclude your day with a farewell dinner at the foot of Petrovaradin Fortress, savoring Vojvodina's culinary delights.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Cultural Exploration in Novi Sad

  • Athens
  • Novi Sad
  • Petrovaradin
  • Belgrade - Departure day
  • More

Discover Novi Sad, known as 'Serbian Athens,' with a visit to Liberty Square and the enchanting streets of Dunavska and Zmaj Jovina. Cross the Danube to explore the formidable Petrovaradin Fortress, learning about its historical significance. Conclude your journey with a transfer to Belgrade's Nikola Tesla International Airport for your departure, taking with you memories of an unforgettable Balkan adventure.

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