Are children allowed?

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.

What documents do I need to travel?

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.

What's not included that I should budget for?

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.

Will I be able to access WiFi on my trip?

All of the hotels and other accommodations on our tours have WiFi available.

How many people will there be in a group?

Traveling in small groups – 8 or fewer people – is our motto, which makes the tours more flexible and overall more enjoyable.

Anyone in good health can join our trips. Some paths to attraction include ascending steps or small slopes. The Balkan Adventure holidays include more strenuous activities like easy hiking, meaning your fitness level must coincide.

What if I want to make the trip longer?

Each trip can be made shorter or longer. Inform us of your wishes upon or before booking.

How are trips rated? What does “moderate” mean?

Our trips are rated Easy , Moderate , and Challenging . Easy : These are for everyone, also children & elderly, and don’t require any special skills. There are some small slopes and stairs you have to reach during our sightseeing. Moderate : Some of the activities require special equipment (provided by operators unless specified otherwise) and can present a challenge for older people and children (feel free to contact us for more information). It is recommended that you move to some more uneven terrain. Challenging : They include some hiking and other more challenging activities for which you need to have good enough fitness.

When are the departure dates?

Our tours are private and organized per request, which means we don’t have any set departure dates. When the tour begins and ends is entirely up to you

I like one of the tours, but I’d like to make some changes to the itinerary. Is it possible?

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.

I would like to choose some of the hotels on the tour. Can I do that?

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.

I see that in most cases, only breakfast is included. Why is that?

We don’t want to take away from one of the main advantages of a private tour – flexibility. Meals are therefore planned as you go, so you can travel at your own pace, do more or less sightseeing that day, etc. Your guide knows the best restaurants in the area you will be exploring and will give you suggestions based on your preferences.

Do your tours include any insurance-related services?

No. We recommend you take medical insurance that would cover any possible health-related costs on this trip.

Train crossing arched viaduct built into steep, rocky mountainside on Belgrade-Bar line.

Equestrian statue in Zagreb main square before ornate yellow and white historic buildings.

Aerial view of Sarajevo city nestled in green mountains at sunset with a river bend.

Wooden bridge leading to the stone gate entrance of Belgrade Kalemegdan Fortress under a clear blue sky.

Bay of Kotor panorama with cruise ship, coastal town, and steep green mountains under blue sky.

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Balkan Highlights Train Tour

14 days / 13 nights

Uncover the Balkans on a train adventure crowned by the Montenegro Express, where stunning views and historic cities create an unforgettable holiday.

Starting point

Zagreb

Finish point

Belgrade

Uncover the Balkans on a train adventure crowned by the Montenegro Express, where stunning views and historic cities create an unforgettable holiday.

Starting point

Zagreb

Finish point

Belgrade

Highlights

Journey through captivating Balkan countries by scenic train routes
Explore iconic cities including Zagreb, Split, Sarajevo, and Belgrade
Discover UNESCO-listed old towns, ancient fortresses, and medieval bridges
Travel the legendary Montenegro Express through dramatic mountain landscapes
Enrich your adventure with day trips to Kotor, Dubrovnik and Budva
Embrace authenticity and the art of train travel

Itinerary of the trip

Your adventure begins in Zagreb, a city where Austro-Hungarian elegance meets Balkan spirit. As you settle in, you’ll start to notice the rhythm of the capital as trams clatter by, you can watch locals sipping coffee for hours, and the historic Upper Town revealing its charm in lantern-lit alleys.

Accommodation

Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria entrance with flags under a clear blue sky

Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Zagreb panorama showing the Cathedral and Ban Jelačić Square with tram traffic.

Equestrian statue in Zagreb main square before ornate yellow and white historic buildings under blue sky.

Tourist photographing St. Mark's Church with colorful tiled roof in Zagreb Old Town.

You will spend the day exploring both the Upper and Lower Towns of Zagreb on a walking tour, where Gothic spires, baroque facades, and socialist-era blocks tell a layered story. From the colorful roof of St. Mark’s Church to the peculiar Museum of Broken Relationships, Zagreb offers a quirky mix of tradition and modernity, with leafy parks and lively squares in between. Not to worry, you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own as well.

Accommodation

Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Modern blue tram on street tracks in Zagreb, Croatia, with historic buildings and trees.

Croatian National Theater in Zagreb with vibrant rose bushes in the foreground under a blue sky.

Zagreb Cathedral facade with golden angel statues and people sitting near a fountain.

In the early afternoon, you will board the train to Split, crossing from the green hills of inland Croatia to the rugged beauty of the Dalmatian coast. The 8-hour journey winds through villages, vineyards, and mountain valleys, offering a window into rural life and timeless landscapes before arriving in the vibrant, sea-kissed city of Split by evening.

Accommodation

Hotel room with two beds, white linens, rolled towels, and striped wallpaper

Hotel Globo building facade with parked cars and small trees in the foreground.

Globo Split

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Coastal city view with terracotta roofs, Marjan Hill, and turquoise harbor under blue sky.

Historic waterfront with palm trees, bell tower, and mountains in Split, Croatia

Coastal city with red roofs, bell tower, and mountains in background over blue harbor water.

Another day, another unforgettable historic city. On the Split tour, you will walk along 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.

Accommodation

Globo Split

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Tourists in the peristyle courtyard of Diocletian's Palace in Split, Croatia.

Old stone street in Split historic center, Croatia, with outdoor cafe seating under a striped awning.

You will have the freedom to shape your day: spend it leisurely in Split, soaking in the Adriatic sun, or take a trip to Dubrovnik. If you go, the drive hugs the coastline before arriving at the walled city, where red rooftops and limestone streets form a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Accommodation

Modern white apartment building with stacked balconies and green trees on a sunny day.

Twin beds with white linens and blue accents in a modern hotel room with wood floors.

Hotel Porto Dubrovnik

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Narrow Dubrovnik street with stone buildings, hanging lanterns, and laundry drying outdoors

Rooftops of Dubrovnik with orange tiles overlooking the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island.

Fort walls of Dubrovnik with stone bridge overlooking harbor and small boats under blue sky.

Today you’ll leave Croatia behind as a private transfer takes you across the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina. The journey weaves through mountains and river valleys toward Mostar, where the iconic Stari Most bridge arches over the turquoise Neretva River. The blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan influences make this small city feel both familiar and foreign.

Accommodation

Hotel Villa Milas exterior with illuminated signage seen through dark green foliage at dusk.

Villa Milas Mostar

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Stari Most bridge over emerald green river with historic stone buildings under blue sky in Mostar.

Stari Most bridge over emerald river in Mostar with historic buildings and mountains.

Stone buildings with slate roofs line a narrow river with a small waterfall in Mostar old town.

The short train ride from Mostar to Sarajevo is among the most scenic in Europe. As you follow the Neretva River northward, steep canyon walls, rolling hills, and sleepy towns pass by your window. Upon arrival in Sarajevo, you’ll find a city where minarets, church towers, and the echoes of recent history come together in a compelling and poignant urban landscape.

Accommodation

Hotel room with double bed, desk, TV, and blue patterned carpet in Old Town Sarajevo.

Hotel Old Town Sarajevo

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Sebilj fountain in Sarajevo old town square with pigeons and a large tree.

Latin Bridge in Sarajevo - Bosnia and Herzegovina

Panoramic view of Sarajevo city nestled in green mountains at sunset with a river bend.

With a full day in Sarajevo, you’ll have the chance to explore its many sides. The walking tour will show you the seamless way the Ottoman-era bazaars lead to Austro-Hungarian boulevards, while museums and memorials offer insight into the city’s complex 20th-century past. Whether sipping Bosnian coffee in Baščaršija or standing on the corner where WWI began, Sarajevo is bound to leave a lasting impression.

Accommodation

Hotel Old Town Sarajevo

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Traditional bosnian cevapi in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Traditional copper pot and cup of coffee in tavern in Sarajevo

Today you’ll descend from the highlands of Bosnia into Montenegro’s Adriatic basin via a private transfer. The road from Sarajevo to Bar cuts through rugged mountain passes, river gorges, and sleepy border towns. By the time you reach the coast, the air shifts – warmer, saltier, and full of Mediterranean promise as you arrive in the seaside town of Bar.

Accommodation

Illuminated yellow apartment building exterior with balconies and outdoor seating area at dusk

Villa Antivari

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Orthodox Church of Saint Jovan Vladimir in Bar, Montenegro

Medieval fortress in Bar, Montenegro, offering panoramic Adriatic views

You will set out along Montenegro’s most stunning coastal road toward Kotor Bay, a landscape often called Europe’s southernmost fjord. Ringed by limestone peaks and dotted with small fishing villages, the bay leads you to Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town reveals centuries of Venetian and Balkan influence. You will have time to wander the fortress, visit St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, and enjoy the tranquil charm of this breathtaking coastal gem before returning to Bar.

Accommodation

Villa Antivari

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

View from walls of Kotor showing stone bell tower, red-roofed town, and mountains surrounding the bay.

Coastal town with red-roofed buildings nestled below steep mountains on the Bay of Kotor.

St. Tryphon Cathedral in Kotor with twin bell towers against a bright blue sky and mountains.

It’s time for the highlight of the trip – one of Europe’s great rail journeys aboard the Montenegro Express, climbing from the Adriatic Sea into Montenegro’s wild interior. The 12-hour ride, including a train switch at Bijelo Polje, carries you across more than 400 bridges and through over 250 tunnels, with endless views of canyons, forests, and mountain villages before arriving in Belgrade in the evening.

Accommodation

Royal Inn hotel facade looking up at blue sky with clouds in Belgrade, Serbia

Royal Inn Beograd

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Mala Rijeka viaduct crossing a deep canyon between arid, scrub-covered mountains under a clear blue sky.

Train curving through a steep mountain canyon alongside a river in Montenegro.

Montenegro Express Viaduct spanning a deep gorge surrounded by lush green mountains under a cloudy sky.

In Belgrade, you’ll find a city constantly reinventing itself. Perched at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, it offers a raw, magnetic energy, whether in its lively bohemian quarter, historic Kalemegdan Fortress, or buzzing nightlife. Between brutalist blocks and Art Nouveau mansions you’ll explore on your walking tour, the city tells stories of past wars, cultural shifts, and Balkan resilience.

Accommodation

Royal Inn Beograd

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Stari Dvor Old Palace in Belgrade, Serbia, with manicured lawn and flower beds.

Belgrade Victor Monument overlooking Kalemegdan fortress walls and the confluence of rivers.

Wooden bridge leading to the stone gate of Belgrade Kalemegdan Fortress under a clear blue sky.

For the final exploration, a short train ride will take you to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second city and the cultural heart of the Vojvodina region. Overlooking the Danube, the Petrovaradin Fortress hints at the city’s Austro-Hungarian past, while colorful streets, art spaces, and relaxed cafés invite slow exploration. You’ll return to Belgrade in the evening for one last taste of the capital’s charm.

Accommodation

Royal Inn Beograd

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Novi Sad, Serbia June 11, 2019: Freedom Square (serbian: Trg slobode) is the main square in Novi Sad. The photo shows County government office (City house) and monument of Svetozar Miletic.

Your journey through the Balkans comes to a close in Belgrade. After two weeks of crossing borders by train, discovering ancient cities, and witnessing the diversity of this complex region, you’ll depart with memories of coastlines, canyons, and cultures that have stood the test of time.

Gallery

Saint Sava Temple dome overlooks the dense cityscape of Belgrade, Serbia, with a hill in the background.

Boats docked on the Danube River with the Belgrade cityscape and church tower in the background.

White Church of Saint Sava with green domes and Karadjordje statue in Belgrade park

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

13 nights in 3* accommodation with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, recommendations and practical information

Transfers and train tickets as per itinerary

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your trip

Walking tour of Zagreb

Walking tour of Split

Walking tour of Sarajevo

Walking tour of Belgrade

NOT INCLUDED

Optional day trips

Tourist tax

Step aboard for a one-of-a-kind journey through the Balkans!

This unique train tour takes you on a journey through one of Europe’s most complex and fascinating regions, using a patchwork of scenic rail lines, road transfers, and border crossings to weave together the best of the Balkans.

Train travel in the Balkans reflects the region’s layered history: parts of the network were built under Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Yugoslav rule, with grand ambitions that never quite aligned.

You’ll cross mountain ranges and river canyons, journeying by rail from the Croatian interior to the Adriatic coast, and on through Bosnia, Montenegro, and Serbia.

The trains link some of the Balkans’ most evocative cities: Zagreb, with its Austro-Hungarian elegance and café culture; Split, where Diocletian’s Palace still pulses with everyday life; Sarajevo, where mosques, synagogues, and churches stand side by side; and Belgrade, a city of defiant energy, layered history, and riverside charm.

The highlight for many is the Montenegro Express, a dramatic 12-hour train ride from the seaside town of Bar to Belgrade that crosses 254 tunnels and 435 bridges, including the legendary Mala Rijeka Viaduct, one of the highest railway bridges in the world.

Along the way, optional day trips bring added depth and flexibility. Trace the medieval walls and UNESCO-protected sights of Dubrovnik, drift along the dramatic bay of Kotor, or explore the lively streets of Budva on the Montenegrin coast.

Join us on this moving journey through the soul of the Balkans, sip rakija in a Belgrade kafana and enjoy the beautiful mountain landscapes from the comfort of a train!

Frequently Asked Questions

No, airport transfers are not included. However, we will be happy to arrange them for you, upon request and for an additional fee, from any airport regardless of its location.

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.

On private tours, there are no luggage restrictions, as long as you communicate that in advance and can carry it for a short distance.

If you inform us before the departure date, you can join our tour later on, but it is your responsibility to catch up with us.

Ratings & Reviews

+26

CN Kok

Verified customer · 2 months ago

The whole tour was planned and organised excellently. Urska and Yuki were ever ready to attend to our queries and concerns and addressed them. All destinations visited were accompanied by guided tours, done by locals. Hotels and breakfasts were overall good. Our driver, Dube, has been tirelessly taking us to every destinations and whenever time permits, he showed us extra places that were off plan. Shared our experience with family and friends back home. They are interested and we strongly recommended to them. The only 4 stars would be the hotel in Mostar. While still very good, it would be the low of all the hotels in the tour.

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Арина Проценко

Verified customer · 8 months ago

Thank you Balkan Tours for organizing the trip! We had a good time and special thanks to our tour guide Theodor who took a good care of us and introduced to Balkan culture. Well done and cheers🥂 Best, Aryna & Sami

Mussels and scallops in sauce served outdoors with bread, wine glasses, and bottled water.

View over lush green valley with fields and distant hills, foreground with red flowers.

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Glass of white wine overlooking rolling vineyards and distant hills on a sunny day.

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walaimas tapasanan

Verified customer · 9 months ago

We booked a 15-day private Balkan journey with Balkan Tours. Throughout the trip, we had wonderful experience, excellent itinerary planning, very helpful driver, very nice hotels and very professional services beyond our expectation.

Stone clock tower and outdoor cafe dining in a square beneath steep, rocky mountains.

Cobblestone path leading to Stari Most bridge with green mountains in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Gallery corner with numerous framed paintings and religious art hanging on white walls.

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Sabrina Cassia

Verified customer

Our experience with Balkan Tours was fantastic! We were 12 people, and with our driver Platin, we did a tour through Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, and Croatia! Everything went well, excellent hotels, and a fascinating itinerary! Thank you, Sabrina.

Group posing on cobblestones near Stari Most bridge at dusk in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Group posing before Sveti Stefan island resort with stone buildings and terracotta roofs

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Woman standing by illuminated #Sarajevo sign in front of historic building at night

Donna Duggan

Verified customer · 23 days ago

We had the most wonderful 10 days with our guide Tine exploring Slovenia and Croatia. Although I am sure it is also incredible in the summer, we were thrilled that we chose winter as we got to explore in the beautiful snow and with low human traffic - just magnificent. Tine was an endless fountain of knowledge, kind, careful driver and a great human being all around. Thank you Tine and Balkan Tours, we loved every minute!

Denise May

Verified customer · 4 months ago

After completing the Grand Balkans Trip I can highly recommend this company for the quick response to communication, efficient detail and documentation. High standard of accommodation, Vân and organization. Our guide/driver Ana was excellent and certainly added a lot of enjoyment to our trip with her professionalism, sense of humor and knowledge.

CN Kok

Verified customer · 2 months ago

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walaimas tapasanan

Verified customer · 9 months ago

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Donna Duggan

Verified customer · 23 days ago

Арина Проценко

Verified customer · 8 months ago

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Sabrina Cassia

Verified customer

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Denise May

Verified customer · 4 months ago

All available guidance options

Self-guided

For travellers that want flexibility and independence. We organize the tours of your choice, but the adventure of getting around is all yours. You will get a fly & drive itinerary handout with activities, accommodations and travelling tips with full support of our team for any emergencies or concerns. You will take yourself around, but we can arrange a car rental or even a campervan if you wish.

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.

from 2.240 € /person

Balkan Highlights Train Tour

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb

Day 2: Exploring Zagreb

Day 3: Zagreb to Split

Day 4: Exploring Split

Day 5: Free Day or Day Trip to Dubrovnik

Day 6: Split to Mostar

Day 7: Mostar to Sarajevo

Day 8: Free Day in Sarajevo

Day 9: Sarajevo to Bar

Day 10: Optional Kotor Bay Day Trip

Day 11: Bar to Belgrade (Montenegro Express)

Day 12: Exploring Belgrade

Day 13: Novi Sad Day Trip

Day 14: Departure from Belgrade

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

Frequently Asked Questions

Are airport transfers included?

Do you arrange flights?

Can I book pre or post-tour accommodation?

Do you have solo travelers on your tours?

Will my dietary requirements be catered for?

What currency should I bring?

Is there any luggage restriction?

What if I join the tour late?

Ratings & Reviews

CN Kok

Арина Проценко

walaimas tapasanan

Sabrina Cassia

Donna Duggan

Denise May

CN Kok

walaimas tapasanan

Donna Duggan

Арина Проценко

Sabrina Cassia

Denise May

Similar Products

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Exceeding Your Expectations

Expert Local Guides

100% Balkan

Book with Confidence

Small Groups

Have questions? Talk to us.

Ratings & Reviews

CN Kok

Арина Проценко

walaimas tapasanan

Sabrina Cassia

Donna Duggan

Denise May

CN Kok

walaimas tapasanan

Donna Duggan

Арина Проценко

Sabrina Cassia

Denise May

Similar Products

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb

Day 2: Exploring Zagreb

Day 3: Zagreb to Split

Day 4: Exploring Split

Day 5: Free Day or Day Trip to Dubrovnik

Day 6: Split to Mostar

Day 7: Mostar to Sarajevo

Day 8: Free Day in Sarajevo

Day 9: Sarajevo to Bar

Day 10: Optional Kotor Bay Day Trip

Day 11: Bar to Belgrade (Montenegro Express)

Day 12: Exploring Belgrade

Day 13: Novi Sad Day Trip

Day 14: Departure from Belgrade