Balkans Rail Adventure

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Description

Summary

Starts
Ljubljana
Duration
16 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Medium
Minimum age
18 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of the Balkans, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. This immersive journey takes you from the charming streets of Ljubljana to the vibrant cities of Zagreb, Sarajevo, and Belgrade, and beyond. Discover the serene beauty of Lake Bled, the cascading lakes of Plitvice, and the historic charm of Mostar. Traverse the stunning Adriatic coast, explore the medieval wonders of Kotor, and delve into the rich history of Skopje and Ohrid. Experience the untouched allure of Kosovo's capital, Pristina, as you savor local cuisines and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. With expertly guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and a perfect blend of guided exploration and free time, this tour promises an enriching adventure through the Balkans' most captivating destinations.

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Included

14 nights standard hotel

1 nights simple overnight train

hotel: 15 night(s);

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A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options

15 Breakfasts

3 Dinners

vegetarian, vegan, meat

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All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

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Bus, Boat, Ferry, Public Bus, Taxi, Train

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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Ljubljana:

Ljubljanica River boat trip (1 hour, trip begin on the hour) €8.00 per person.

Excursion to Lake Bled by private bus and with a local guide approximately €70.00 (price is based on 8 passengers; price varies depending on passenger numbers). Three course lunch at Villa Preseren Restaurant starts from €20.00 (excluding drinks), three course lunch at Bled Castle Restaurant starts from €28.00 (excluding drinks), Bled Castle entrance is €10.00, Pletna boat to Bled Island is €18.00, entrance to Saint Mary Church on Bled Island is €6.00.

Sarajevo:

Times of Misfortune tour including the Tunnel Museum €26.00.

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Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader's ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

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Destinations

Municipality of Pristina
Bled - town in SloveniaBled
Photo of aerial view of Medieval theater inside the walls of the old Gradina Fort on the hill above Doboj, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Doboj
Mavrovo - city in North MacedoniaMavrovo
The aerial view of Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea, Europe.Dubrovnik
Podgorica milenium bridge in Montenegro.Podgorica
Aerial view of Samuel's Fortress and Plaosnik at Ohrid in North Macedonia.Ohrid
Panoramic view of Skopje town with Vodno hill in the background.Skopje
Zagreb - city in CroatiaZagreb
Photo of aerial view of the old bridge and river in city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Mostar
Capital of Slovenia, panoramic view with old town and castle.Ljubljana
Novi SadNovi Sad
BelgradeBelgrade
Bitola - town in North MacedoniaBitola
Kotor -  in MontenegroKotor

Map

Attractions

Arabati Baba Teqe, Tetovo, Municipality of Tetovo, Polog Region, North MacedoniaArabati Baba Teḱe
Travel and landmarks of Slovenia - beautiful Ljubljana with famous Dragon's bridgeDragon Bridge
photo of view of The charming and historical town of Stolac in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Walled town of Vidoški
Macedonian Holocaust Museum, Centar, Skopje, Municipality of Centar, City of Skopje, Skopje Region, North MacedoniaMacedonian Holocaust Museum
Ljubljana. Beautiful cities of Europe - charming, capital of Slovenia, panoramic view with old town and castle.Ljubljana Castle
Photo of Latin bridge in Sarajevo in a beautiful summer day, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Latin Bridge
Bandićeve Fontane
Porat Dubrovnik, Grad Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, CroatiaPorat Dubrovnik
Old Bazaar, Chair, Skopje, Municipality of Chair, City of Skopje, Skopje Region, North MacedoniaOld Bazaar
Mavrovo Lake, Municipality of Mavrovo and Rostusha, Polog Region, North MacedoniaMavrovo Lake
Saraj
Belgrade FortressBelgrade Fortress
Petrovaradin Fortress's Clock
Photo of World War 2 memorial with eternal flame, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Vječna vatra
Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon, Ohrid, Municipality of Ohrid, Southwestern Region, North MacedoniaChurch of Saints Clement and Panteleimon

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Ljubljana

  • Ljubljana - Arrival day
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  • Ljubljana Castle
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Begin your Balkan adventure in the charming city of Ljubljana, Slovenia's vibrant capital. Nestled by the Ljubljanica River, this city offers a blend of history and modernity. Arrive at your leisure and join the group for a welcome meeting at 8:30 PM, followed by an optional dinner. If you arrive early, explore the iconic Ljubljana Castle. Enjoy a delightful dinner at a local 'Gostilna' restaurant, savoring traditional Slovenian dishes and wines.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Ljubljana and Bled

  • Ljubljana
  • Bled
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  • Dragon Bridge
  • Jurčič House
  • Bled Castle
  • National Gallery
  • Lake Bled
  • Plečnik House
  • Basilica of the Virgin Mary
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Immerse yourself in Ljubljana's artistic and cultural heritage with a guided walking tour. Discover landmarks like the Opera House, National Gallery, and the iconic Triple Bridge. Later, venture to the serene Lake Bled, a picturesque retreat once favored by royalty. Explore the island's Baroque Church of the Assumption and the majestic Bled Castle. Return to Ljubljana for a delightful evening meal.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Ljubljana to Zagreb

  • Zagreb
  • Ljubljana
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  • Samoborski muzej
  • Bandićeve Fontane
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Enjoy a leisurely morning in Ljubljana before boarding a train to Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital. Upon arrival, embark on a guided walking tour to explore the city's Austro-Hungarian architecture and socialist influences. Visit the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral and the historic Saint Mark's Church. Check into your hotel and savor a traditional Croatian dinner, sampling local delicacies and unique beverages.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes

  • Zagreb
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  • Plitvice Lakes National Park
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Embark on a scenic drive to Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its cascading lakes and lush forests. Explore the park's enchanting trails, spotting diverse wildlife along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature's beauty before returning to Zagreb for a relaxing evening.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Zagreb to Sarajevo

  • Doboj
  • Zagreb
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Travel from Zagreb to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Experience the stunning mountain landscapes as you journey through Bosnia. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and prepare for an exciting exploration of Sarajevo's rich history and culture.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Sarajevo

  • Istočno Sarajevo
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  • Tunnel Ravne
  • Sarajevo City Hall
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Delve into Sarajevo's poignant history with a guided tour, learning about the events that sparked World War I. Visit the Eternal Flame and explore the city's Austro-Hungarian architecture. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Sarajevo's Old Town or visit the Tunnel Museum to understand the city's resilience during the siege. Savor Bosnian cuisine for dinner, sampling dishes influenced by Turkish flavors.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Sarajevo to Mostar

  • Mostar
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  • Most Musala
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Embark on a scenic train journey from Sarajevo to Mostar, passing through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Upon arrival, explore Mostar's Ottoman heritage with a guided tour, visiting the bazaar, mosque, and the iconic Stari Most bridge. Discover the city's history and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere before settling into your hotel.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Mostar to Podgorica via Dubrovnik and Kotor

  • Dubrovnik
  • Kotor
  • Podgorica
  • Mostar
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  • Clocktower
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Set off early for a day of exploration, traveling from Mostar to Podgorica. Stop in Dubrovnik to wander its UNESCO-listed Old Town, then continue along the stunning Adriatic coast to Kotor. Discover Kotor's well-preserved medieval charm before arriving in Podgorica for an overnight stay.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Podgorica to Belgrade

  • Belgrade
  • Podgorica
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Embark on a scenic train journey from Podgorica to Belgrade, traversing breathtaking landscapes of gorges, canyons, and mountains. Arrive in Belgrade, Serbia's capital, and settle into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a taste of Serbian cuisine, known for its rich flavors and hearty dishes.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Belgrade to Novi Sad

  • Novi Sad
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  • Petrovaradin Fortress's Clock
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Travel to Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city, known for its relaxed atmosphere and historic charm. Explore the Petrovaradin Fortress and other key attractions with a guided tour. Enjoy free time to wander the pedestrian-friendly streets before returning to Belgrade for a traditional Serbian barbecue dinner with live music.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Belgrade to Skopje

  • Belgrade
  • Skopje
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  • Kalemegdan
  • Belgrade Fortress
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Discover Belgrade's historical roots with a guided tour of the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park. Learn about the city's rich history before embarking on a journey to Skopje, North Macedonia's capital. Arrive in Skopje and check into your hotel, ready to explore this culturally diverse city.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Skopje

  • Skopje
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  • Macedonian Holocaust Museum
  • Old Bazaar
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Explore Skopje's rich history and cultural diversity with a guided tour of the city's highlights, including the Old Bazaar and the Holocaust Museum. Learn about Skopje's resilience through various historical events. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to further explore or relax before a traditional North Macedonian dinner.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Skopje to Bitola and Heraclea

  • Bitola
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  • Heraclea Lyncestis
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Travel to Bitola, a charming town with a rich history. Explore Bitola's vibrant culture before visiting the ancient city of Heraclea. Discover the well-preserved ruins and mosaics of this historic site. Enjoy a free evening in Bitola, sampling local dishes and wines.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Bitola to Ohrid via Galicica National Park

  • Ohrid
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  • Old City Park
  • Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
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Journey through the scenic Galicica National Park to reach Ohrid, a historic town by Lake Ohrid. Visit the picturesque Saint Naum Monastery en route. Upon arrival in Ohrid, explore the town's rich history with a guided tour and enjoy a boat trip on the lake. End the day with a traditional fish supper.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Ohrid to Pristina

  • Mavrovo
  • Municipality of Pristina
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  • National park Mavrovo
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Embark on a journey to Pristina, Kosovo's capital, with stops at the Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery and Mavrovo National Park. Experience the untouched beauty of Kosovo as you arrive in Pristina. Enjoy a final group dinner and explore Mother Teresa Square before retiring for the night.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Departure from Pristina

  • Municipality of Pristina - Departure day
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Conclude your Balkan journey in Pristina. Spend your final day exploring the city's unique attractions, such as the Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum and the National Library. Visit the Newborn Monument and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Kosovo's capital before departing for home.

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