Discover the Western Balkans

01 April 2024

The Balkans, encompassing Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Slovenia, offer a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Croatia boasts stunning coastal cities like Dubrovnik and Split, along with picturesque islands such as Hvar and Korčula. Its national parks, like Plitvice Lakes and Krka, showcase breathtaking landscapes. Bosnia and Herzegovina captivates with its blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, evident in cities like Sarajevo and Mostar. The country's diverse landscapes, including the stunning Una River and the majestic mountains, provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Slovenia, known for its pristine lakes and charming capital Ljubljana, offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. From the enchanting Lake Bled to the stunning Postojna Cave, Slovenia's natural wonders are awe-inspiring. Exploring the Balkans promises an unforgettable journey through history, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Day 1 - Arrive in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia is a breathtaking city known for its medieval walls, stunning architecture, and picturesque coastal views. With its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, visitors can wander through narrow cobblestone streets, explore historic landmarks, and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a truly unforgettable destination.

Day 2 - Dubrovnik - Mostar– Sarajevo

Morning departure to Mostar, a city of bridges, where the traveller from the south gets the first glimpse of the continent beyond. Orientational walk with your tour leader in Mostar and free time for lunch. Departure to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is one of the historically most interesting cities in Europe. It is the place where the Western & the Eastern Roman Empire split and where the people of the Orthodox East, the Ottoman South and the Roman Catholic West met, both an example of the clash of civilizations and of historical turbulences and a beacon of hope for peace and tolerance, reached through multi-cultural integration. City tour of Sarajevo upon arrival.

Day 3 - Sarajevo – Banja Luka – Zagreb

Morning departure towards Banja Luka, the largest city in the northern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The city lies on the Vrbas River and is well known in the countries of the Former Yugoslavia for its numerous tree-lined avenues, boulevards, gardens, and parks. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon we will continue our journey towards Zagreb; upon arrival accommodation at the hotel, rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4 - Zagreb - Ljubljana

Morning sightseeing tour of Zagreb, Croatian capital city, during which you will have the opportunity to see the fortified Upper Town, the city’s historical centre, St Mark’s church with its multi-coloured roof, the Cathedral, Croatian National Theatre and the University. Afternoon departure to Ljubljana, Slovenian capital where you will have a guided tour of the most significant sights of its old centre: the picturesque Central open-air Market and the Three Bridges, the Baroque Town Hall and Robba’s Fountain.

Day 5 - Ljubljana – Postojna - Opatija – Otočac

Morning departure to Postojna, followed by a visit to the Postojna cave. This 20-km-long karst cave system with its web of underground passages, galleries and chambers is the largest cave of the “classic karst” and the most visited show cave in Europe. The journey continues towards Opatija, the jewel of the northern Adriatic where you will have time for a nice walk on the famous Opatija promenade. Departure to Otočac, Plitvice lakes area.

Day 6 - Otočac – Plitvice – Zadar – Split

Morning departure to Plitvice National Park, a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour of the 16 crystal-blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. Walk on the wooden promenades with magnificent views of the waters where every turn leads to breathtaking scenery and yet another waterfall. Surrounded by dense woods, Plitvice lakes are a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. Departure towards Zadar, where upon arrival we'll be taking you for a guided walking tour through the Roman Forum from the 2nd century BC, passing by the 9th century pre-Romanesque church of St. Donatus as well as St. Anastasia church.

Day 7 & 8 - Split – Dubrovnik

After breakfast, a city tour of Split will uncover the secrets of the UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace with its charming little streets, the Peristyle, Jupiter’s Temple and the Cathedral.

Early afternoon departure to Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, a city tour of this UNESCO-protected Pearl of the Adriatic and its Cathedral/no entrance to the Treasury.

To book this amazing trip, contact your Travel Counsellor today and you’ll benefit from our 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.

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