Balkan Explorer

Venture on a Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia travel adventure and discover the vibrancy of its cities and the serene nature on this Balkan trip.
Price
From: 2,290€/person
Starting point
Zagreb
Finish point
Budva
Duration
11 nights / 12 days
Difficulty
Leisurely
Inquiry
Travel through the 4 Balkan countries, on a tour of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro, in 12 days
Explore the diverse nature of the Alps, the Adriatic coast with its numerous islands, and many National parks and UNESCO sites
Get a feel for the rich culture while strolling through ancient cities from the times of the Roman, Ottoman & Habsburg empires
Visit the top sights of the Balkan region
Zagreb-cathedral
Zagreb cathedral
shutterstock_1142273216-scaled-2
Ljubljana
NASLOVNA-bled-3
Lake Bled
predjamski-grad
Predjama castle
Large-waterfalls-of-Plitvice-national-park
Large waterfalls of Plitvice national park
Trogir-aerial-view
Trogir
Sibenik-church
Ĺ ibenik church
Split-Roman-heritage
Split Roman heritage
Dubrovnik-marina
Dubrovnik marina
Budva-scaled-2
Budva
The-bay-of-Kotor
The bay of Kotor
Mostar-panorama
Mostar panorama
Day What we will do
DAY 1 Zagreb
DAY 2 Ljubljana
DAY 3 Bled - Bohinj
DAY 4 Postojna Cave
DAY 5 Plitvice Lakes
DAY 6 Ĺ ibenik - Trogir
DAY 7 Split
DAY 8 Hvar - Vis
DAY 9 Mostar
DAY 10 Ston - Dubrovnik
DAY 11 Kotor
DAY 12 Budva
Day 1 - Start in the capital of Croatia

You will start your Balkan tour with Zagreb, and see some of its most famous attractions like the centuries-old Ban Jelačić Square which is the center of Zagreb’s downtown pedestrian zone. You will also stroll through Zagreb’s beautiful Old Town and take a look at the monumental gothic Zagreb Cathedral.

Accommodation

Overnight in Zagreb

Included

Walking tour of Zagreb

Highlights

Zagreb Old Town

Extra

Airport transfer

Zagreb-church-of-St-Mark
Zagreb church of St. Mark
Zagreb-cathedral
Zagreb cathedral
Zagreb-main-square
Zagreb main square
Zagreb church of St. Mark
Zagreb cathedral
Zagreb main square
Day 2 - The charming capital of Slovenia

The next day you’ll first drive to Slovenia’s capital which is just a couple of hours away from Zagreb. Ljubljana is a small city full of character and beautiful architecture. You will be able to compare the architectural and cultural influences of Ljubljana with those of Zagreb, as you walk around town and see some of Ljubljana’s most famous sights like the Prešeren Square and the Triple Bridge. You might even take a boat ride along the beautiful green Ljubljanica River that runs through the city.

Accommodation

Overnight in Ljubljana

Meals

Breakfast

Included

Walking tour of Ljubljana

Highlights

Ljubljana city center
Ljubljana’s central market
Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljanica River

Extra

Ljubljana Castle entrance fee
Boat ride on Ljubljanica River

shutterstock_1142273216-scaled-2
Ljubljana
culture
Ljubljana castle
Visiting-old-town-Ljubljana
Visiting old town Ljubljana
Ljubljana
Ljubljana castle
Visiting old town Ljubljana
Day 3 - The Slovenian Alps

After three days of city tours, it’s time to take a break in nature. After waking up in Ljubljana, you will commence with your picturesque drive to Bled, where you will first marvel at the famously romantic Bled Lake with its Bled Castle and Bled Island. Depending on your wishes, you can also cross the lake to visit the church on Bled Island. Afterward, you will head even deeper into the Julian Alps, first to the breathtakingly beautiful and breathtakingly cold Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park, the only national park in Slovenia, which is known for its crystal clear waters, bright green pastures, and monumental mountains. After getting our fair share of fresh air, you will return to Ljubljana to get a good night’s rest.

Accommodation

Overnight in Ljubljana

Meals

Breakfast

Included

Bled Castle entrance fee
Pletna boat ride to Bled island

Highlights

Lake Bled
Bled Castle
Traditional pletna boat
Triglav National Park
Lake Bohinj

Extra

Entrance fee to the church on Bled Island
Cable car ride to Mount Vogel

Pletna-boat-Lake-Bled-scaled-2
Pletna boat Lake Bled
lake-bled-castle-scaled-2
Lake Bled castle
Vogel-view-on-Lake-Bohinj-scaled-2
Vogel view on Lake Bohinj
Pletna boat Lake Bled
Lake Bled castle
Vogel view on Lake Bohinj
Day 4 - The amazing underground of Slovenia

Your next adventure awaits underground. You will visit one of the most famous caves in the world, the Postojna Cave, and with a bit of luck, you’ll even see the “baby dragons” that rule these underground halls. You will also stop by the Predjama Castle, a medieval castle that was built into the rock face and holds the title of the biggest cave castle in the world. Then, you will head back to Ljubljana, where you will be able to enjoy a free afternoon and take in all the amazing views from the day. 

Accommodation

Overnight in Ljubljana

Meals

Breakfast

Included

Postojna Cave entrance fee

Highlights

Postojna Cave
Slovenian Karst
Predjama Castle

Extra

Predjama Castle entrance fee

postojna-cave-train-full-with-visitors
postojnska-jama
Postojna cave
predjamski_grad
Predjama castle
Postojna cave
Predjama castle
Day 5 - Plitvice Lakes

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its stunning terraced lakes and incredible waterfalls that link them. Its breathtaking views have even been recognized by UNESCO World Heritage and added to their list of protected sites. A day in the serenity of this natural wonderland will recharge your batteries, and offer up views you won’t be able to stop thinking about for days to come. After your Plitvice adventure, you will continue your journey and head to Zadar, where you will have a free evening to unwind and explore this beautiful historic coastal city.

Accommodation

Overnight in Zadar

Meals

Breakfast

Included

Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance fee

Highlights

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice-lakes
Plitvice-waterfalls
Plitvice waterfalls
Plitvice-lakes-with-waterfalls
Plitvice lakes with waterfalls
Plitvice waterfalls
Plitvice lakes with waterfalls
Day 6 - Down the Adriatic Coast

You will continue your Balkan adventure with a double feature, as you will see not one but two incredible historic harbor cities in one day. You will first head from Zadar to Šibenik, famous for the Cathedral of St. James, a 15th-century stone church decorated with 71 sculptured faces, as well as its 14th-century Prince’s Palace.

Trogir’s old city center is known for its Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. You can also admire parts of the original medieval city wall. Trogir’s historic center is even protected as a UNESCO heritage site, because of its Venetian architecture. With our heads full of history and amazing architecture, you will head to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city to spend the night.

Accommodation

Overnight in Split

Meals

Breakfast

Included

Walking tour of Ĺ ibenik
Walking tour of Trogir

Highlights

Ĺ ibenik Old Town
Trogir Old Town

Sibenik-church
Ĺ ibenik church
Trogir-aerial-view
Trogir
Streets-of-Trogir
Streets of Trogir
Ĺ ibenik church
Trogir
Streets of Trogir
Day 7 - Roman heritage in the city of Split

Another day, another unforgettable historic city. On your Split tour, you will walk on the steps of history as you discover the Roman Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva promenade from Napoleon’s time, and Split’s Old Town which tells the story of a city that was under the rule of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine, the Kingdom of Croatia, the Republic of Venice, the French Empire, the Austrian Empire, and Yugoslavia before it finally became part of independent Croatia. You will have the afternoon to yourself, to enjoy Split whichever way suits you best.

Accommodation

Overnight in Split

Meals

Breakfast

Included

Walking tour of Split

Highlights

Split and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Roman heritage of Split

Split-sea-view
Split sea view
Split-Roman-heritage
Split Roman heritage
Split-waterfront
Split waterfront
Split sea view
Split Roman heritage
Split waterfront
Day 8 - Sailing Croatian Islands

The eighth day of your Balkan exploration will be dedicated to Croatia’s crown jewels – its islands, scattered along its coast in the Adriatic Sea, offering perfect vacation spots to tourists from all over the world. You will embark on a sailing tour that will take you to the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Cave on Bisevo Island, the idyllic Vis island, and the postcard-worthy Blue Lagoon on Budikovac island, where you will explore the crystal clear waters more in-depth, by snorkeling in the lagoon. Your sailing tour will then take you to Hvar, one of the most popular islands in Croatia, where you will get some free time to discover the picturesque town. To finish off the trip, you will sail around the Paklinski Islands, a group of around twenty small islands that are a true holiday paradise. After a day full of sunshine and adventures, you will return to Split.

Accommodation

Overnight in Split

Meals

Breakfast

Included

Boat trip
Snorkeling gear
Water on the boat

Highlights

Blue Cave – Biševo Island
Vis Island
Blue Lagoon
Hvar Island
Paklinski Islands

Hvar-marina
Hvar marina
Vis-blue-cave
Vis blue cave
Komiza-village-on-Vis
Komiza village on Vis
Hvar marina
Vis blue cave
Komiza village on Vis
Day 9 - Ottoman culture in Bosnia

The next day, you will expand your horizons even further with Bosnia’s Turkish influences that are the result of the Ottoman invasions that started in the 14th century. You will start the day by driving through the incredibly scenic Neretva canyon and continue your way to Mostar. You will take a walk through Mostar’s Old Town, which is famous for its unique architecture, as the city is built around (and over) the Neretva River. It is not surprising that the Old Bridge which connects the two river banks is the central part of Mostar. You will end the day by driving to Sarajevo where you will spend the night.

Accommodation

Overnight in Mostar

Meals

Breakfast

Included

Walking tour of Mostar
Koski-Mehmet Pasha Mosque entrance fee
Franciscan Church Bell Tower entrance fee

Highlights

Catholic Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
Franciscan Church Bell Tower
Mostar Old Town
Stari Most (Old Bridge)
Koski-Mehmet Pasha Mosque

Mostar-panorama
Mostar panorama
Mostar-old-town
Mostar old town
Mostar-bridge
Mostar old bridge
Mostar panorama
Mostar old town
Mostar old bridge
Day 10 - The pearl of the Adriatic

The first order of business on day ten will be the city of Ston. With its ancient and incredibly preserved walls, Ston is a dream location for any medieval enthusiast or just anybody who loves the sight of centuries-old, stone-built structures that have witnessed countless different stories and events.

Your next stop is Dubrovnik. On your walking tour, you will explore the beautiful historic architecture and stone-paved streets of the Old Town, and pay a visit to the famous Dubrovnik City Walls. Dubrovnik is most famous for serving as one of the sets for Game of Thrones, so fans of the show are definitely in for a treat, but we are certain everyone will be enthralled by Dubrovnik, regardless of their TV preferences.

Accommodation

Overnight in Dubrovnik

Meals

Breakfast

Included

Walking tour of Ston
Ston Walls entrance fee
Walking tour of Dubrovnik

Highlights

Ston Old Town
Dubrovnik old town

Extra

Dubrovnik Walls entrance fee

Town-of-Ston
Town of Ston
Dubrovnik-view
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik-street
Dubrovnik streets
Town of Ston
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik streets
Day 11 - Incredible coast of Montenegro

The eleventh day of our Balkan tour will be dedicated to wondrous Montenegro. You will start the day off by driving around the Bay of Kotor, and taking in the views in a sedentary position before you continue your exploration on foot. Kotor is an ancient city, and it’s even included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as part of the Venetian works of defense. You will be able to trace the steps of the Venetians as you climb the Walls of Kotor, the shell of this fortified city. As this is quite a demanding tour, only those who feel up to it will tackle the walls, while the rest will have some time off. After getting to know Kotor, you will head off to Budva where you will spend the evening either strolling Budva’s beaches or old town for a relaxed night.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Budva

Meals

Breakfast

Included

Walking tour of Kotor

Highlights

Bay of Kotor
Kotor Old Town
Kotor Walls
Budva Old Town

Kotor-bay-Montenegro
Kotor bay Montenegro
The-bay-of-Kotor-panorama
The bay of Kotor panorama
Kotor-church
Kotor church
Kotor bay Montenegro
The bay of Kotor panorama
Kotor church
Day 12 - Budva

The last day of the tour will be spent in enjoyment and relaxation. Budva is a great town where anyone can find something to their tastes – whether you want to spend your last day before departure soaking up the sun and swimming in the Montenegrin sea, or strolling along the stone-paved streets of the old city center, Budva will give you the perfect setting to finish your Balkan tour on a high.

Meals

Breakfast

Budva-scaled-2
Budva
Budva-Old-Town-scaled-2
Budva Old Town
Budva-from-above-scaled-2
Budva
Budva
Budva Old Town
Budva
Extra days

Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.

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Included in price

English-speaking tour leader*
Comfortable transportation*
11 nights 3* accommodation with breakfast
All entrance fees and activities as specified in the itinerary
Single room supplement
* not included on self guided tours
From:
2,290€
/person
Inquiry

This dozen-day Balkan trip gives you a little bit of everything, for a well-rounded exploration of the western Balkans. Our tour of Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, as well as Montenegro, will take you on a Balkan travel experience full of beautiful cities, incredible nature, and heavenly beaches.

The first part of your tour will be a bit more landlocked, as we explore Zagreb, and Ljubljana, two historic capital cities with beautiful architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere. We will then dive into Slovenia’s natural wonders in the Julian Alps. Our destinations will be the world-famous Lake Bled with its picture-perfect scenery, romantic island church, and its slightly less known but no less amazing neighbor, Lake Bohinj.

After your adventures in the mountains, you will head underground, into the majestic subterranean mazes of the Postojna Cave and the mesmerizing underground river that flows through it. Your travels through the Balkan peninsula will continue in Croatia’s Plitvice National Park, which will offer up even more amazing scenes of nature with its terraced lakes and connecting waterfalls.

From lush greenery to the Adriatic coast. The second part of your tour will see you strolling through the ancient cities on the coast of Croatia, and exploring the different Roman, Greek, and Venetian traces left here throughout history. You’ll visit the iconic sights in Šibenik, Trogir, and Split, enjoy a day at sea while sailing around Hvar, Croatia’s most popular island, and discover the unforgettable cities of Ston and Dubrovnik. Later on, Montenegro will give you another taste of Mediterranean magic when you go to the amazing vacation destinations Budva and Kotor.

Your tour will also include Mostar, the most beautiful city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its iconic stone bridge, and fascinating mixture of Ottoman and Balkan cultural influences.

Prepare yourself for twelve days full of adventure and unforgettable memories on this Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia tour!

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Balkan Explorer 12 days

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Exceeding Your Expectations

Our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region cherry-picked only the best things to do in the Balkans, aimed at all sorts of travellers.

Expert Local Guides

Experienced and passionate local guides will make your trip run smoothly, going that extra mile for you.

100% Balkan

We are an international team from the Balkans and our tours have been carefully designed to ensure memorable travel.

Book with Confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Small Groups

Offering travel in private or small groups, so you can explore without rushing and have more time to immerse yourself in the local culture.

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