Heart of the Balkans for 2

Meet us in Zagreb.

Upon arrival at Zagreb airport, make your own way to the hotel.

Please note:
• You will receive information upon check-in regarding times for touring the following day.
• Hotel information will be confirmed in your travel documents sent 4-6 weeks prior to travel.

Overnight: Pullman Accor or similar, Zagreb

Meals included: None

Today enjoy a half-day city tour of Zagreb with a local guide.

Visit the iconic traditional architecture of Ban Jelacic Square, St. Mark's Church, and the vibrant Dolac Market. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the city's museums (additional charges may apply), relax in its green parks or take the evening to stroll through Zagreb's historic Upper Town, filled with charming streets, cafes, and historic landmarks with amazing city views from the Strossmayer Promenade.

Overnight: Pullman Accor or similar, Zagreb

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be driven to the enchanting Lake Bled.

Upon arrival join a guided tour to see Bled Castle (entrance ticket not included), the oldest castle in Slovenia, dating back to the 11th century. Perched on a steep cliff high above the lake, the castle creates a dramatic backdrop to the city. Enjoy the serene beauty of this alpine paradise.

Afterward, you can enjoy some time at leisure, or join an optional activity.

Optional Activity: Bled Island
Take an optional scenic ride on a traditional pletna boat on the emerald-green and picturesque Bled Island to admire lush scenery. In the late afternoon continue to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, one of Europe's greenest and most liveable capitals. See important information for pricing.

Today's travel is approximately 250 kilometres.

Overnight: Exe Lev Hotel or similar, Ljubljana

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast enjoy a half-day guided tour of the city and discover the main tourist attractions of Ljubljana’s city centre. These include the National University Library, Congress Square, Cobbler’s Bridge, the New Square, the main square with the Preseren Monument, the Three Bridges, the river promenade, the Open-Air Market, Butcher’s Bridge, the Old Square, St. Nicholas Cathedral and Dragon Bridge.

You might like to see the Ljubljana Castle, a medieval castle with Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements located on the summit of Castle Hill which dominates the city centre (a 16 Euro entrance fee applies, available to buy on the day).

Optional tour: Postojna Cave, Slovenia
In the afternoon the bus will travel to Postojna Cave, one of the largest caves in Europe and the only karst cave with a railway that was built more than 140 years ago. See important information for pricing.

If you do not wish to go on the optional tour of Postojna Cave, you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in Ljubljana.

Today's travel is approximately 100 kilometres (including optional activity).

Overnight: Exe Lev Hotel or similar, Ljubljana

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, continue on a scenic drive to the charming village of Rastoke, Croatia, known for its watermills, waterfalls and picturesque landscapes. Rastoke village is often referred to as the “Small Lakes of Plitvice” as it shares the same natural phenomena as Plitvice National Park: water rushes through, over and around porous limestone (travertine) in the form of 23 waterfalls.

Please Note: Rastoke Waterfalls entry fees are not included.

In the afternoon continue towards Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park (entrance ticket not included - can be purchased at check-out).

Afterwards, be transferred to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Today's travel is approximately 250 kilometres.

Optional tour: Plitvice Lake National Park
Explore the cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes, surrounded by lush greenery. It is Croatia’s oldest National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will enjoy a guided nature walking tour, where you will be amazed by the colour of the water and the pure beauty of this natural wonder.

Please note: An entry ticket is required to be purchased in advance (upon checkout) for this section of the tour, to secure your spot, skip the line and enjoy a guided tour (Ticket pre-purchased is valid for a single entry into the park).

Tickets may also be purchased on site, upon entering the park. However, please note that tickets purchased on tour at Plitvice Lakes National Park are subject to seasonality and prices vary, depending on entry date. We may also not be able to guarantee a guided tour with your tour leader. See important information for pricing.

Overnight: Hotel Jezero or similar, Plitvice

Meals included: Breakfast

Early this morning, depart for your journey along the beautiful Dalmatic Adriatic coast to Split.

First, stop at the historic old town of Zadar. This city is a wonderful combination of beautiful Roman architecture, Habsburg elegance, and a picture-perfect seafront. Enjoy a tour of the city with free time to explore on your own.

Continue to the city of Split, a UNESCO-protected seaside town and the second largest city in Croatia. Upon arrival, join a walking guided tour. Walk along the cobbled streets of the Old Town, admire the astonishing 4th century Palace of Diocletian. This spectacular palace is the largest and best-preserved Roman palace in the world, built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. See the remains of the Roman Peristyle, the unusual Cathedral of St. Domnius built in the Middle Ages (entry fees apply), and the Temple of Jupiter, with its headless black sphinx guarding the entrance (entry fees apply).

Spend the rest of the day discovering this beautiful town at leisure.

Today's travel is approximately 280 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Cvita or similar, Split

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast your journey continues to Bosnia and Herzegovina, first stop is the UNESCO-listed town of Mostar, known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). Upon arrival, join a guided walking tour. Explore the Old Bazaar and maybe even witness a traditional bridge-jumping performance.

Mostar is a unique city, with its Islamic architecture, hearty dishes and undisturbed natural surroundings.

After exploring Mostar, travel to your accommodation in Neum.

Today's travel is approximately 240 kilometres.

Overnight: Marea Hotel & Spa or similar, Neum

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a half day guided tour of Dubrovnik, a city known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic.’

View the monumental Sponza Palace preserved in its original form (entry not included). Under the City Bell Tower on Luza Square, view the Orlando Column, dedicated to the legendary knight that saved the city in the 9th century.

Then see the Dominican Monastery, the Franciscan Monastery, and its 14th century pharmacy, one of the oldest still-functioning pharmacies in Europe (entrance fees not included).

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Dubrovnik at leisure.

Today’s travel is approximately 65 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Sunny by Valamar or similar, Dubrovnik

Meals included: Breakfast

Depart from Dubrovnik and cross the border into Montenegro, the jewel of the Mediterranean. This morning you’ll explore Kotor’s medieval charm on a half-day guided tour. Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most atmospheric medieval towns on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. Set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains, it’s a delight to those who love history and architecture. Glimpse ancient churches, an array of rustic palaces, and a maze of streets and squares. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure in the beautiful bay of Kotor. In the late afternoon, arrive in Budva, nestled on the beautiful Adriatic coast with its lovely beaches and crystal-clear lakes. Today’s travel is approximately 110 kilometres.

Overnight: Aycon Hotels Group or similar, Budva

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a day at leisure in Budva, the centre of Montenegrin tourism, known for its well-preserved medieval walled city, sandy beaches and diverse nightlife.

Optional Activity: Virpazar Traditional Villages, including a boat ride to Shkoder Lake
Virpazar is a gateway to Skadar Lake National Park, offering boat tours that explore traditional villages like Karuch and the lake's unique ecosystem with a wide variety of birds and water lilies. The boat trip includes scenic routes through narrow channels, visiting historical sites such as the medieval Kom Monastery or Lesendro fortress. A boat ride, park entrance and transportation are included. Please see the current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Aycon Hotels Group or similar, Budva

Meals included: Breakfast

Depart today for Lake Skadar, which lies on the border of Albania and Montenegro, and is the largest lake in Southern Europe. The Montenegrin section of the lake has been designated as a National Park.

Afterwards, head to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Take a panoramic tour of the relatively new city, which was rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II .

Continue to cross the border into Albania. Drive by the ruins of the mythical Rozafa Castle, one of the country's largest castles, dating back to the early Bronze Age.

Your journey continues to Shkoder, known for its historical significance and picturesque landscapes. It is one of the most historic cities in Albania and arguably it’s most attractive urban centre, being surrounded by high mountains.

Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure.

Today, you'll travel approximately 100 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Colosseo & Spa or similar, Shkoder

Meals included: Breakfast

Today visit Tirana, Albania’s capital, on a half-day guided tour. See the main tourist attractions including Tirana’s massive main square (Skanderbeg), Et’hem Bey Mosque and the Skanderbeg’s statue.

Continue to Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia, Europe's oldest lake, and on to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure.

Today, you'll travel approximately 230 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Belvedere or similar, Ohrid

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning enjoy a half-day guided tour of the old city.

Ohrid once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year and it has become known as the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans.’ You will have the chance to wander through the narrow streets and squares on a tour that will take you to the Ancient Theatre, the Tsar Samuil’s (Samuel’s) Fortress, old churches, monasteries, basilicas (Sveti Sofia Church) and the city's famous shopping street (entrances not included).

Continue to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia and the birthplace of Mother Teresa. Enjoy time at leisure to discover the city sights including Vardar River Quay, Memorial House of Mother Teresa, Macedonia Square, the 1,500-year-old fortress Kale and the Old Bazaar (entrances not included).

As one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans, the Old Bazaar has been Skopje’s centre for trade and commerce since the 12th century and it is still home to several active mosques, churches, and a clock tower. Don’t miss the excellent dining scene in Debar Maalo, a lovely tree-lined neighbourhood (not included).

Today, you'll travel approximately 170 kilometres.

Overnight: Bushi Resort or similar, Skopje

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, travel to the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia.

Upon arrival, explore the city with your Tour Leader. See the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint (Sveta) Sofia Church, the main shopping street, Vitosha, the Synagogue, St George Rotunda, the National Theatre and Banya Bashi Mosque (entrances not included).

You may also like to visit the Museum of National History which contains some of Bulgaria's most important artefacts (entrance not included).

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore more of this beautiful city at your own pace. It's a modern, youthful place, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel to the city.

Today, you'll travel approximately 240 kilometres.

Overnight: Budapest Hotel or similar, Sofia

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time check-out of the hotel for your onward travel arrangements, after enjoying the trip of a lifetime!

Meals included: Breakfast

Meet us in Sofia.

Upon arrival at Sofia airport, make your own way to the hotel.

Please note:
• You will receive information upon check-in regarding times for touring the following day.
• Hotel information will be confirmed in your travel documents sent 4-6 weeks prior to travel.

Overnight: Budapest Hotel or similar, Sofia

Meals included: None

This morning, explore the Bulgarian capital with your Tour Leader. Sofia is a modern, youthful city, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel to it.

See the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint (Sveta) Sofia Church, the main shopping street Vitosha, the Synagogue, St George Rotunda, the National Theatre and Banya Bashi Mosque (entrances not included).

You may like to visit the Museum of National History, home to priceless artefacts that help showcase Bulgaria’s rich history (entrance not included).

Enjoy time at leisure to explore more of this beautiful city at your own pace.

In the afternoon travel to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa.

Today, you'll travel approximately 240 kilometres.

Overnight: Bushi Resort or similar, Skopje

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, enjoy time at leisure to discover the most attractive landmarks of Skopje: the quay of the North Macedonian river ‘Vardar’, the Memorial house of Mother Teresa, Macedonia Square with the statue of Alexander the Great on his horse, the 1500-year-old fortress Kale and the narrow streets in the Old Bazaar (entrances not included).

As one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans, the Old Bazaar has been Skopje’s centre for trade and commerce since the 12th century and it is still home to several active mosques, churches, and a clock tower. Don’t miss the excellent culinary scene in Debar Maalo, a lovely tree-lined neighbourhood (not included).

In the afternoon, travel to Lake Ohrid of North Macedonia and next travel to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will enjoy a half-day guided tour of the old city. Ohrid once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year and is often called the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans.’ You will have the chance to wander through the narrow streets and squares of the city situated on the banks of the lake of the same name.

Lake Ohrid is Europe’s oldest lake having formed over three million years ago. The tour will include the Ancient Theatre, the Tsar Samuil’s (Samuel’s) Fortress, old churches, monasteries, basilicas (Sveti Sofia Church) and the famous pedestrian shopping street (entrances not included).

Today, you'll travel approximately 170 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Belvedere or similar, Ohrid

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, continue through Albania to its capital city, Tirana.

Upon arrival, enjoy a half-day guided tour, seeing Tirana’s massive main square (Skanderbeg), Et’hem Bey Mosque and the Skanderbeg statue.

Your explorations continue through Albania, past the ruins of the mythical Rozafa Castle, one of the country's largest and most famous castles, dating back to the early Bronze Age to Shkoder, known for its historical significance and picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure to see this glorious city.

Today, you'll travel approximately 230 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Colosseo & Spa or similar, Shkoder

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, head to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro.

Take a panoramic tour of this relatively new city that was rebuilt after World War II.

Afterwards depart for Lake Skadar, which lies on the border of Albania and Montenegro and is the largest lake in Southern Europe. The Montenegrin section of the lake has been designated as a National Park.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Budva, nestled on the beautiful Adriatic coast with its lovely beaches and crystal-clear lakes.

Today, you'll travel approximately 110 kilometres.

Overnight: Aycon Hotels Group or similar, Budva

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a day at leisure in Budva, the centre of Montenegrin tourism, known for its well-preserved medieval walled city, sandy beaches and diverse nightlife.

Optional Activity: Virpazar Traditional Villages, including a boat ride to Shkoder
Lake Virpazar is a gateway to Skadar Lake National Park, offering boat tours that explore traditional villages like Karuch and the lake's unique ecosystem with a wide variety of birds and water lilies. The boat trip includes scenic routes through narrow channels, visiting historical sites such as the medieval Kom Monastery or Lesendro fortress. A boat ride, park entrance and transportation are included. Please see the current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Aycon Hotels Group or similar, Budva

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning explore Kotor’s medieval charm on a half-day guided tour.

Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most atmospheric medieval towns on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. Set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains, it’s a delight to those who love history and architecture. Glimpse ancient churches, an array of rustic palaces, and a maze of streets and squares. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure in the beautiful bay of Kotor. In the afternoon drive to the beautiful town of Dubrovnik for your overnight stay.

Today’s travel is approximately 110 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Sunny by Valamar or similar, Dubrovnik

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a half-day guided tour of Dubrovnik, known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic.’

View the monumental Sponza Palace preserved in its original form (entry not included). Under the City Bell Tower on Luza Square, view the Orlando Column, dedicated to the legendary knight who saved the city in the 9th century.

Then see the Dominican Monastery, the Franciscan Monastery, and its 14th-century pharmacy, one of the oldest still-functioning pharmacies in Europe (entrance fees not included).

The rest of the day is yours to explore independently.

Depart from Dubrovnik and cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina, for your journey along the beautiful Dalmatic Adriatic coast. Arrive in the coastal town of Neum and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Today’s travel is approximately 65 kilometres.

Overnight: Marea Hotel & Spa or similar, Neum

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, your journey continues to the UNESCO-listed town of Mostar, known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge).

Upon arrival, join a walking guided tour. Explore the Old Bazaar and maybe even witness a traditional bridge-jumping performance. Mostar is a unique city, with its Islamic architecture, hearty dishes and undisturbed natural surroundings.

In the afternoon, travel to the city of Split, a UNESCO-protected seaside town and the second-largest city in Croatia. Upon arrival, join a walking guided tour. Walk along the cobbled streets of the Old Town and admire the astonishing 4th-century Palace of Diocletian. This spectacular palace is the largest and best-preserved Roman palace in the world, built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

See the remains of the Roman Peristyle, the unusual Cathedral of St Domnius built in the Middle Ages (entry fees apply), and the Temple of Jupiter, with its headless black sphinx guarding the entrance (entry fees apply).

Spend the rest of the day discovering this beautiful town at leisure.

Today's travel is approximately 250 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Cvita or similar, Split

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, your journey continues to the historic old town of Zadar. This city is a wonderful combination of beautiful Roman architecture, Habsburg elegance, and a picture-perfect seafront.

Enjoy a tour of the city with time at leisure to explore on your own.

In the afternoon, continue on a scenic drive to Plitvice to explore Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park (entrance ticket not included - can be purchased at check-out).

Afterwards, be transferred to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Today's travel is approximately 290 kilometres.

Optional activity: Plitvice Lake National Park
Explore the cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes, surrounded by lush greenery. It is Croatia’s oldest National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will enjoy a guided nature walking tour, where you will be amazed by the colour of the water and the pure beauty of this natural wonder. See important information for pricing.

Please note: An entry ticket is required to be purchased in advance (upon checkout) for this section of the tour, to secure your spot, skip the line and enjoy a guided tour (The ticket pre-purchased is valid for a single entry into the park). Tickets may also be purchased on-site, upon entering the park. However, please note that tickets purchased on tour at Plitvice Lakes National Park are subject to seasonality and prices vary, depending on the entry date. We may also not be able to guarantee a guided tour with your tour leader.

Overnight: Hotel Jezero or similar, Plitvice

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast then head to the charming village of Rastoke, known for its watermills, waterfalls and picturesque landscapes.

Rastoke village is often referred to as the “Small Lakes of Plitvice” as it has the same occurring natural phenomena of Plitvice National Park namely, water rushing through, over and around porous limestone (referred to as travertine) in the form of 23 waterfalls.

Please Note: Rastoke Waterfalls entry fees are not included.

Continue towards Ljubljana in Slovenia, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Today’s travel is approximately 250 kilometres.

Overnight: Exe Lev Hotel or similar, Ljubljana

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast enjoy a half-day guided tour of the city and discover the main tourist attractions of Ljubljana’s city centre. These include the National University Library, Congress Square, Cobbler’s Bridge, the New Square, the main square with the Preseren Monument, the Three Bridges, the river promenade, the Open-Air Market, Butcher’s Bridge, the Old Square, St. Nicholas Cathedral and Dragon Bridge.

You might like to see the Ljubljana Castle, a medieval castle with Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements located on the summit of Castle Hill which dominates the city centre (a 16 Euro entrance fee applies, available to buy on the day).

Optional tour: Postojna Cave, Slovenia
In the afternoon the bus will travel to Postojna Cave, one of the largest caves in Europe and the only karst cave with a railway that was built more than 140 years ago. See important information for pricing.

If you do not wish to go on the optional tour of Postojna Cave, you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in Ljubljana.

Today's travel is approximately 100 kilometres (including optional activity).

Overnight: Exe Lev Hotel or similar, Ljubljana

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be driven to the enchanting Lake Bled. Upon arrival join a guided tour to see Bled Castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia, dating back to the 11th century (entrance ticket not included). Perched on a steep cliff high above the lake, the castle creates a dramatic backdrop to the city. Enjoy the serene beauty of this alpine paradise.

Afterward, you can enjoy some time at leisure, or join an optional activity.

Optional Activity: Bled Island
Take an optional scenic ride on a traditional pletna boat on the emerald-green and picturesque Bled Island to admire lush scenery. In the late afternoon continue to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, one of Europe's greenest and most liveable capitals. See important information for pricing.

In the late afternoon continue to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.

Today's travel is approximately 250 kilometres.

Overnight: Pullman Accor or similar, Zagreb

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a half-day city tour of Zagreb with a local guide.

Visit the iconic traditional architecture of Ban Jelacic Square, St. Mark's Church, and the vibrant Dolac Market.

In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to explore the city's museums (additional charges may apply), relax in its green parks or take the evening to stroll through Zagreb's historic Upper Town, filled with charming streets, cafes, and historic landmarks with amazing city views from the Strossmayer Promenade.

Overnight: Pullman Accor or similar, Zagreb

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time check-out of the hotel for your onward travel arrangements, after enjoying the trip of a lifetime!

Meals included: Breakfast