11-Days Balkans Extended
Explore three countries in 11 days
Wander through the captivating Plitvice Lakes National Park
Enjoy a cream cake on the shores of Lake Bled
Immerse yourself in Belgrade’s historic streets
Make your way down Istrian and Dalmatian coasts
Savor local wines and participate in an authentic truffle hunt in Istria
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Belgrade, you’ll be greeted by your driver and taken to your hotel. You will check in at your hotel and take some time to rest and prepare for your exciting journey through Serbia. In the evening, you’ll meet with your guide for a trip orientation and to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of Belgrade. Take a leisurely walk to Skadarlija, where you’ll be transported back in time by its charming cobblestone streets, traditional ‘kafanas,‘ and live music.
Today, you’ll head on a comprehensive tour of Belgrade, delving deeper into the city’s fascinating history and architectural wonders. You’ll visit the Museum of Yugoslav History, a memorial dedicated to preserving the legacy of Josip Broz Tito and marvel at the iconic Temple of Saint Sava, a majestic symbol of Serbian Orthodoxy. Afterwards, you’ll walk through the streets of Belgrade, exploring Slavija Square, Saint Mark’s Church, and Republic Square before ending the day with a tour of the Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress.
Serbian Breakfast Experience
As you move on from Belgrade, you’ll cross the border to Croatia and end up in its vibrant capital, Zagreb. You’ll have plenty of time to explore its 13th century monastery and wander through the Dolac farmer’s market before ending your exploration at Ban Josip Jelačić’s monument. After lunch, it’s time to cross another border and head to Slovenia! Your first stop will be the mesmerizing Otočec Castle rising above Krka River, where you’ll get to catch your breath before moving on to Ljubljana, the third capital of the day and a place where you’ll spend the night.
It’s time to explore Slovenia’s gems! After breakfast, you’ll head on a morning tour of Ljubljana, one of the greenest capitals in Europe. With its architectural feats such as the iconic Triple Bridge and the narrow streets following Ljubljanica river, this city is guaranteed to amaze you. But what will truly take your breath away is a visit to the incredible Lake Bled. Justifiably the most photographed spot in Slovenia, this lake with its small island and a church is like something out of a fairytale. Enjoy the serenity of the lake’s banks as you indulge in the famous “kremšnita”, a world-class cream cake before returning to Ljubljana for dinner.
Today you’ll slowly begin making your way to the Slovenian coast. You’ll start with a visit to the magnificent Postojna Cave, a subterranean wonderland filled with mesmerizing formations, stop at Goriška Brda for a taste of the region’s finest wines and continue your journey to Portorož, a coastal gem known for its idyllic beaches and rich history. Here, you’ll check in at your accommodation and spend the evening in the enchanting ambiance of this Istrian town.
Goriška Brda wine tasting
From Portorož, you’ll venture inland towards Grožnjan, one of the many charming hilltop villages. A true transportation in time, the village’s narrow streets are a joy to explore. To make the experience even better, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a true truffle hunt while enjoying a glass of the finest Istrian wines. Moving on to Motovun, you’ll feast your eyes on a true hidden gem. Motovun is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its iconic town walls are a true testament to its strength. Towards the evening, you’ll reach the coast once again, settling in Poreč for the night.
Truffle hunt experience
After breakfast, you will explore the “gem of Istria” – the historic town of Rovinj. Its 18th century Venetian architecture and narrow streets will bring romance and a sense of history to your trip, making it a true highlight. Afterwards, you’ll follow the coastline to the charming Lim Bay, home to the finest Mediterranean shellfish and an opportunity to sample these incredible delicacies. Today will be topped with an Istrian wine tasting before ending in Pula, where you’ll have ample opportunity to explore its historical sites, including the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and Twin Gates before making your way back to Poreč.
Oyster & seashell tasting
Istrian wine tasting
It’s time to venture inland again, this time towards Opatija, a town known for its opulent villas and scenic promenade. After a pleasant coffee break, the incredible rolling hills of Croatian countryside will unfold before you as you make your way to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park and its 15 connected lakes. Aside from the national park being a UNESCO World Heritage, it is a completely unique experience. You will have the opportunity to explore both the upper and lower lakes and spend the night in the middle of this natural paradise.
Continuing your Croatian coast exploration in Dalmatia, your first stop will be Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a tiny island. The day will be spent immersing yourself in the blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, exploring gems like the Clock Tower, Kamerlengo Castle and plenty more. Afterwards, you will make your way towards Split, the epitome of preserved history. You’ll get to wander the streets of Diocletian’s Palace, visit the former Temple of Jupiter, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner and stroll along the Riva promenade before settling in for the night.
Today, you’re in for an adventurous exploration of the stunning Hvar island. It will begin with a high-speed catamaran that will get you to the island’s shore, where you’ll have ample opportunity to marvel at its Venetian architecture. There will be time to walk its cobblestone streets, indulge in Mediterranean cuisine and visit the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Benedictine Convent and Pakleni Islands before returning to Split in the evening.
As your Balkan adventure draws to a close, savor your final morning in Split, with the picturesque Riva promenade welcoming you one last time. Reflect on the stunning landscapes and cultural marvels experienced over the past days and return home full of unforgettable memories.
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Guided
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Description
Explore the heart of the Balkans with an immersive journey through Serbia, Slovenia, and Croatia.
In only 11 days, you can experience the very best of the Balkans – from strolling through Belgrade’s lively streets rich with heritage, savoring Slovenia’s famed cream cake beside the serene Lake Bled and making your way down the Istrian and Dalmatian coasts.
Each day, you’ll discover cities alive with stories: from the striking Roman amphitheater in Pula to Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, where layers of history come alive in vibrant stone. The picturesque coastlines, medieval towns, and UNESCO sites promise a tapestry of experiences, crowned by the crystalline beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
To ensure your Balkan adventure is truly stress-free, every detail is seamlessly managed. We will take care of your accommodations, logistics and ensure that you make the very most of your time in this beautiful region.
Come and witness the charm of the Balkans unfold!
Start planning today!
Things to know
No, but we can arrange them for a surcharge from the following airports:
- Ljubljana
- Venice
- Zagreb
- Belgrade
- Sofia
- Dubrovnik
- Podgorica
No, our tours do not include plane tickets, and we also do not advise on them. However, we can help you choose the airport closest to the starting location of your tour or arrange a shuttle from/to the airport for an additional fee.
Of course, just let us know upon booking so we can make timely arrangements.
Solo travelers who want to meet and travel with like-minded people often join us on our tours, except the private ones. Our mission is to provide you with a relaxed and sociable tour experience that allows the group to grow closer throughout the journey. Solo travelers will be roomed with another solo traveler of the same gender or can upgrade to a solo room for an additional fee.
If you provide your dietary requirements when booking your tour, we will make the necessary arrangements to the best of our ability. But please understand that vegan & gluten-free options are not as widely available in this area, especially in the more rural Balkans.
All the countries on our Balkan Tours, except Slovenia, use their local currency. We recommend you exchange small amounts of money as you go in the cities since the exchange rates are much more favorable than at the airports. Your tour leader will be happy to assist you.
The currencies in the countries on our way are:
- Serbian Dinar,
- Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark,
- Macedonian Denar,
- Albanian Lek,
- Euro in Slovenia and Croatia.
On scheduled tours, you are limited to taking 1 suitcase and 1 smaller bag for personal items per person.
There are no luggage restrictions on private tours, as long as you’re able to carry it for a short distance.
Yes, but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Also, keep in mind that some of the activities on our Balkan Adventure tour are not appropriate for children under the age of 12.
Depending on your nationality and the countries you are traveling to, you will need a valid passport and an entry visa. Check this well in advance of the departure date of your tour since some visa processing times may take multiple weeks. Be mindful that Slovenia is the only country we visit that is in the Schengen area, so every other country has its entry conditions. Some even require passports to have 3-6 months left until the expiry date, so be sure to double-check before booking your tour. When deciding to book your travels, contact us for assistance, so we can help you to get everything you need for a stress-free tour through the Balkans.
Besides the price of the flight tickets, it depends on how much you anticipate spending on food, drinks, and shopping. On average, the prices in the Balkans are lower than in Western Europe and decrease the further south you go. It is also common practice to tip in restaurants, bars, hotels, and taxis if you feel you have received excellent service.
All of the hotels and other accommodations on our tours have WiFi available.
Each trip can be made shorter or longer. Inform us of your wishes upon or before booking.
Of course. All of our tours are fully customizable. Itineraries can be prolonged, shortened, combined or just tweaked a little, with no extra charge for you.
Sure. Choosing the hotels can always be up to you. If you’re on more of a budget, we can offer you affordable accommodation options, or upgrade to more premium ones for a more luxurious experience.
No. We recommend you take medical insurance that would cover any possible health-related costs on this trip.