12-Days Balkan Essentials

Today, you’ll uncover the history of Belgrade at the Museum of Yugoslav History and the magnificent Temple of Saint Sava. You’ll explore Slavija Square, Saint Mark's Church, and the Serbian National Parliament, as well as the famed Knez Mihailo Street, and the awe-inspiring Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. The rest of the day is free for you to further explore the city. Overnight in Belgrade. 

In the morning, you’ll say goodbye to Belgrade and head south to Oplenac, the final resting place of the Karađorđević royal family. You’ll listen to Serbia's fascinating history with a glass of wine in your hands as this region is often referred to as “Serbia’s Tuscany”. Visiting the mesmerizing wineries, you’ll get an authentic taste of Serbian wine-making heritage. After you’ve soaked up the history (and delicious wine), you’ll make your way on to Zlatibor Mountain for a leisurely stroll through the charming town center. Prepare a delightful dinner featuring Serbian cuisine at a traditional kafana and settle in for the night. Overnight in Zlatibor. 

Today, the journey will take you across the border to Bosnia, to the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden-Town), a village constructed from natural materials by a film director Emir Kusturica and has hosted celebrities such as Monica Bellucci and Johnny Depp. Moving on, you’ll visit another one of his creations: Andrićgrad (Stone-Town), a town named after a Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić. Today’s exploration will conclude in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Overnight in Sarajevo. 

After a delicious burek for breakfast, you’ll head on to explore Bosnia’s capital. From Vječna Vatra (Eternal Flame) memorial commemorating WWII liberation to Catholic, Orthodox and Islamic cultural influences depicted across the city, you will get to the heart of this diverse country. Not to mention the culinary delights you’ll encounter in Baščaršija, home to the world-renowned ćevapi! The day’s adventures will culminate in a delicious baklava for dessert, and after that you'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city and its vibrant coffee culture at your own pace. Overnight in Sarajevo. 

It’s time to say goodbye to Sarajevo and head to Mostar. One of the most picturesque destinations in the Balkans, the town’s UNESCO-protected Old Bridge will undoubtedly take your breath away and provide the perfect backdrop to a delicious lunch. You’ll continue to the hilltop Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple above Trebinje, where you can explore the monastery complex and enjoy panoramic views over the town and the Trebišnjica River, before heading back down to Trebinje to visit the Arslanagića Bridge and Poet’s Square and settling in for the night.

In the morning, you’ll have one last chance to explore Trebinje’s vibrant market scene. Afterwards, you’ll move on to Montenegro and its famed Bay of Kotor, stopping in Perast and visiting Our Lady of the Rocks island. Here, you’ll head on a walking tour, discover UNESCO-listed sites, and still have plenty of free time to explore the old town. The day will end in Dubrovnik, checking in at the hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening, take a stroll along Stradun and indulge in a delightful dinner in the romantic atmosphere of the city. Overnight in Dubrovnik. 

Best known for being a shooting location for the iconic Game of Thrones series, this “Pearl of the Adriatic” has many hidden streets for you to explore. You’ll get to explore its bustling streets, including Stradun (the main street), and several squares, as well as head up to the City Walls to marvel at Dubrovnik from above. Its picturesque port is another highlight, but nothing beats a sunset cruise on the Karaka, a replica of a traditional wooden galleon. Overnight in Dubrovnik. 

Today marks the exploration of the Dalmatian Coast, straight through the vineyards of Pelešac Peninsula and the city of Ston with its delicious oysters and picturesque walls. Your final destination for the day will be Split, the epitome of preserved history. You’ll get to wander the streets of Diocletian’s Palace and stroll along the Riva promenade before settling in for the night. Overnight in Split. 

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. Overnight in Split. 

It’s time to venture inland, making your way to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park and its 16 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, enjoy a delicious lunch in the middle of this natural paradise. After you’ve taken in the views, you’ll make your way to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. Overnight in Zagreb.