{"id":10,"date":"2021-12-17T13:27:02","date_gmt":"2021-12-17T13:27:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thebalkantours.com\/holidays\/balkan-explorer\/"},"modified":"2024-12-06T08:46:36","modified_gmt":"2024-12-06T08:46:36","slug":"balkan-explorer","status":"publish","type":"holidays","link":"https:\/\/thebalkantours.com\/nb\/helligdager\/balkanutforsker\/","title":{"rendered":"Balkan Explorer"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":17147,"parent":0,"menu_order":14,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true},"class_list":["post-10","holidays","type-holidays","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","holidays_category-tour-packages","holidays_category-private-balkan-tours"],"acf":{"main_site_title":"","tagline":"Venture on a Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia travel adventure and discover the vibrancy of its cities and the serene nature on this Balkan trip.","cover_image":17147,"has_page":true,"pay_in_installments":false,"custom_product_link":"","custom_product_pop_up":"","custom_text_badge":"","youtube_video":"","product_gallery":[17571,17586,17333,17401,17284,17525,17448,17480,17192,17587,17502,17327],"product_description":"This dozen-day Balkan trip gives you a little bit of everything, for a well-rounded exploration of the western Balkans<\/b>. Our tour of Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina<\/strong>, as well as Montenegro,<\/strong> will take you on\u00a0a Balkan travel experience full of beautiful cities, incredible nature, and heavenly beaches.\r\n\r\nThe first part of your tour will be a bit more landlocked, as we explore Zagreb<\/b>, and Ljubljana, two historic capital cities with beautiful architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere<\/b>. We will then dive into Slovenia\u2019s natural wonders <\/b>in the Julian Alps. Our destinations will be the world-famous Lake Bled<\/b> with its picture-perfect scenery, romantic island church, and its slightly less known but no less amazing neighbor, Lake Bohinj<\/b>.\r\n\r\nAfter your adventures in the mountains, you will head underground, into the majestic subterranean mazes of the Postojna Cave <\/b>and the mesmerizing underground river that flows through it. Your travels through the Balkan peninsula will continue in Croatia\u2019s Plitvice National Park<\/b>, which will offer up even more amazing scenes of nature with its terraced lakes and connecting waterfalls.\r\n\r\nFrom lush greenery to the Adriatic coast<\/b>. 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\u2019ll visit the iconic sights in \u0160ibenik, Trogir, and Split<\/b>, enjoy a day at sea while sailing around Hvar,<\/b> Croatia\u2019s most popular island, and discover the unforgettable cities of Ston and Dubrovnik<\/b>. Later on, Montenegro <\/b>will give you another taste of Mediterranean magic when you go to the amazing vacation destinations Budva and Kotor<\/b>.\r\n\r\nYour tour will also include Mostar<\/b>, the most beautiful city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/b> for its iconic stone bridge, and fascinating mixture of Ottoman and Balkan cultural influences.\r\n\r\nPrepare yourself for twelve days full of adventure and unforgettable memories on this Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia tour!","price":"From: 2290\u20ac\/person","hide_price":false,"highlights_new":"Travel through the 4 Balkan countries in 12 days\r\n\r\nExplore the diverse nature of the Alps, the Adriatic coast with its numerous islands\r\n\r\nGet a feel for the rich culture while strolling through ancient cities from the ancient times\r\n\r\nDiscover the beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park\r\n\r\nExperiencing the historical charm of Split's Roman heritage\r\n\r\nVisit the picturesque Lake Bled and Bohinj in Slovenia\r\n\r\nExplore the scenic Bay of Kotor in Montenegro\u200b","included_new":"","included_guided":[{"add_included_guided":"English-speaking tour leader"},{"add_included_guided":"Comfortable transportation"},{"add_included_guided":"11 nights 3*\/4* accommodation with breakfast"},{"add_included_guided":"All entrance fees as in the itinerary"}],"not_included_guided":null,"included_self_guided":[{"add_included_self_guided":"11 nights 3*\/4* accommodation with breakfast "},{"add_included_self_guided":"All entrance fees as in the itinerary"},{"add_included_self_guided":"Comprehensive itinerary handout "},{"add_included_self_guided":"Tour organisation"}],"not_included_self_guided":null,"included_footnote":"","not_included_new":"","faq":null,"itinerary_name_primary":"","itinerary":[{"day_headline":"Day 1 - Start in the capital of Croatia","day_description":"You will start your Balkan tour with<\/span> Zagreb<\/b>, and see some of its most famous attractions like the <\/span>centuries-old<\/b> Ban Jela\u010di\u0107 Square<\/b> which is the center of Zagreb\u2019s downtown pedestrian zone. You will also stroll through Zagreb\u2019s <\/span>beautiful Old Town<\/b> and take a look at the <\/span>monumental gothic Zagreb Cathedral<\/b>.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17572,17571,17573],"included":"Walking tour of Zagreb","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Overnight in Zagreb","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 2 - The charming capital of Slovenia","day_description":"The next day you\u2019ll first drive to Slovenia\u2019s capital which is just a couple of hours away from Zagreb. <\/span>Ljubljana<\/b> is a small city full of character and <\/span>beautiful architecture<\/b>. 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\u2019s most famous sights like the<\/span> Pre\u0161eren Square<\/b> and the <\/span>Triple Bridge<\/b>.<\/span> You might even take a <\/span>boat ride<\/b> along the beautiful green Ljubljanica River that runs through the city.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17586,17182,17551],"included":"Walking tour of Ljubljana","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Overnight in Ljubljana","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 3 - The Slovenian Alps","day_description":"After three days of city tours, it\u2019s time to take a <\/span>break in nature<\/b>. After waking up in Ljubljana, you will commence with your picturesque drive to Bled, where you will first marvel at the famously romantic <\/span>Bled Lake<\/b> with its <\/span>Bled Castle <\/b>and <\/span>Bled Island<\/b>. Depending on your wishes, you can also cross the lake to visit the <\/span>church on Bled Island<\/b>. Afterward, you will head even deeper into the Julian Alps, first to the breathtakingly beautiful and breathtakingly cold <\/span>Lake Bohinj<\/b> in <\/span>Triglav National Park<\/b>, 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\u2019s rest.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17588,17585,17580],"included":"Bled Castle entrance fee\r\nPletna boat ride to Bled island","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Overnight in Ljubljana","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 4 - The amazing underground of Slovenia","day_description":"Your next adventure awaits underground. You will visit one of the most famous caves in the world, the<\/span> Postojna Cave,<\/b> and with a bit of luck, you\u2019ll even see the \u201c<\/span>baby dragons<\/b>\u201d that rule these underground halls. You will also stop by the <\/span>Predjama Castle<\/b>, 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.\u00a0<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17395,17396,17400],"included":"Postojna Cave entrance fee\r\nPredjama Castle entrance fee","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Overnight in Ljubljana","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 5 - Plitvice Lakes","day_description":"The Plitvice Lakes National Park<\/b> is famous for its<\/span> stunning terraced lakes<\/b> and incredible <\/span>waterfalls<\/b> that link them. Its breathtaking views have even been recognized by <\/span>UNESCO World Heritage<\/b> 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\u2019t be able to stop thinking about for days to come. <\/span>After your Plitvice adventure, you will continue your journey and head to <\/span>Zadar<\/b>, where you will have a free evening to unwind and explore this beautiful historic coastal city.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17383,17385,17382],"included":"Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance fee","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Overnight in Zadar","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 6 - Down the Adriatic Coast","day_description":"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 <\/span>\u0160ibenik<\/b>, famous for the Cathedral of St. James, a 15th-century stone church decorated with 71 sculptured faces, as well as its 14th-century Prince\u2019s Palace.<\/span>\r\n\r\nTrogir<\/b>\u2019s old city center is known for its Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. You can also admire parts of the original medieval city wall. Trogir\u2019s historic center is even protected as a <\/span>UNESCO heritage site<\/b>, because of its Venetian architecture. With our heads full of history and amazing architecture, you will head to <\/span>Split<\/b>, Croatia\u2019s second-largest city to spend the night.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17448,17525,17487],"included":"Walking tour of \u0160ibenik\r\nWalking tour of Trogir","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Overnight in Split","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 7 - Roman heritage in the city of Split","day_description":"Another day, another unforgettable historic city. On your <\/span>Split<\/b> tour, you will walk on the steps of history as you discover the <\/span>Roman Diocletian\u2019s Palace<\/b>, the <\/span>Riva promenade from Napoleon\u2019s time<\/b>, and Split\u2019s <\/span>Old Town<\/b> 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.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17481,17480,17482],"included":"Walking tour of Split","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Overnight in Split","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 8 - Sailing Croatian Islands","day_description":"The eighth day of your Balkan exploration<\/span> will be dedicated to <\/span>Croatia\u2019s crown jewels<\/b> - its <\/span>islands<\/b>, scattered along its coast in the Adriatic Sea, offering <\/span>perfect vacation spots<\/b> to tourists from all over the world. You will embark on a <\/span>sailing tour<\/b> that will take you to the breathtakingly beautiful <\/span>Blue Cave<\/b> on Bisevo Island, the idyllic <\/span>Vis island<\/b>, and the postcard-worthy <\/span>Blue Lagoon<\/b> on Budikovac island, where you will explore the crystal clear waters more in-depth, by <\/span>snorkeling<\/b> in the lagoon. Your sailing tour will then take you to <\/span>Hvar<\/b>, 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 <\/span>Paklinski Islands<\/b>, 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.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17249,17549,17270],"included":"Boat trip\r\nSnorkeling gear","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Overnight in Split","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 9 - Ottoman culture in Bosnia","day_description":"The next day, you will expand your horizons even further with <\/span>Bosnia\u2019s Turkish influences<\/b> that are the result of the Ottoman invasions that started in the 14th century. You will start the day by driving through the incredibly <\/span>scenic Neretva canyon<\/b> and continue your way to <\/span>Mostar. <\/b>You will take a walk through Mostar\u2019s 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 <\/span>Old Bridge<\/b> 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.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17327,17325,17324],"included":"Walking tour of Mostar\r\nKoski-Mehmet Pasha Mosque entrance fee","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Overnight in Mostar","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 10 - The pearl of the Adriatic","day_description":"The first order of business on day ten will be the city of<\/span> Ston. <\/b>With its <\/span>ancient and incredibly preserved walls, <\/b>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.<\/span>\r\n\r\nYour next stop is <\/span>Dubrovnik<\/b>. <\/span><\/i>On your walking tour, you will explore the beautiful <\/span>historic architecture<\/b> and<\/span> stone-paved streets<\/b> of the <\/span>Old Town<\/b>, and pay a visit to the famous <\/span>Dubrovnik City Walls<\/b>. 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.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17515,17195,17193],"included":"Ston Walls entrance fee\r\nWalking tour of Dubrovnik\r\nDubrovnik Walls entrance fee","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Overnight in Dubrovnik","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 11 - Incredible coast of Montenegro","day_description":"The eleventh day of our Balkan tour will be dedicated to wondrous Montenegro. You will start the day off by driving around the <\/span>Bay of Kotor<\/b>, and taking in the views in a sedentary position before you continue your exploration on foot. <\/span>Kotor is an ancient city<\/b>, and it\u2019s 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 <\/span>Walls of Kotor<\/b>, 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<\/span> Budva<\/b> where you will spend the evening either strolling Budva\u2019s beaches or old town for a relaxed night.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17277,17501,17278],"included":"Walking tour of Kotor","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Overnight stay in Budva","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 12 - Budva","day_description":"The last day of the tour will be spent in enjoyment and relaxation. <\/span>Budva<\/b> is a great town where anyone can find something to their tastes - whether you want to spend your last day before departure <\/span>soaking up the sun and swimming<\/b> in the Montenegrin sea, or <\/span>strolling along the stone-paved streets of the old city center<\/b>, Budva will give you the perfect setting to finish your Balkan tour on a high.<\/span>","itinnerary_gallery":[17587,17589,17590],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""}],"product_map":17119,"starting_point":"Zagreb","finish_point":"Budva","duration":"11 nights \/ 12 days","duration_groupe":{"duration_value_field":"12","type_duration_dropdown":"days"},"difficulty":"leisurely","product_dates_NEW":[{"start_date_new":"20250524","end_date_new":"20250604","status_new":"None","date_price_new":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"product_dates_type":["Join a group"]},{"start_date_new":"20250627","end_date_new":"20250708","status_new":"None","date_price_new":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"product_dates_type":["Join a 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