Balkan Essentials – 12 days

Upon arrival in Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital, your driver will welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Enjoy the sights of New Belgrade, featuring Socialist architecture and modern business centres, during the ride from Nikola Tesla Airport. After hotel check-in, use your free time to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

In the evening, we recommend a leisurely stroll through one of Belgrade’s oldest quarters to Skadarlija, the city’s bohemian heart. This charming 19th century cobbled street is lined with “kafanas” where you can enjoy delicious local specialties and traditional music.

Your journey through Belgrade begins with a panoramic tour highlighting its architectural diversity and history, from bold Brutalism to the emerging Belgrade Waterfront, a symbol of modern transformation. As we cross Branko’s Bridge, you’ll get a glimpse of New Belgrade’s distinctive skyline, featuring landmarks like the Palace of Serbia (SIV), Belgrade Arena, and the modern Ada Bridge. Continuing, we pass through the Dedinje district, home to the Residence of Miloš the Great, embassies, grand villas, and the Museum of Yugoslavia, reflecting the country’s complex history.

Our route then takes us past the monument of Stefan Nemanja, a key figure in Serbian history, and through Slavija Square before arriving at one of Belgrade’s most iconic landmarks – the Temple of Saint Sava. We’ll stop for a visit and devote time to this impressive sanctuary, the symbol of the city and the fourth-largest Orthodox temple in the world, adorned with stunning mosaics.

From there, we continue along King Alexander Boulevard, passing notable sites such as the National Assembly, before reaching the city’s bustling pedestrian zone, where the walking part of our tour starts.

Strolling through Belgrade’s vibrant streets, we arrive at Republic Square and continue down Knez Mihailova Street, the city’s lively cultural and shopping centre.

Refreshed and immersed in the city’s spirit, we will walk through the historic Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, where you’ll be amazed by the stunning views of the mighty Sava and Danube rivers. This vantage point offers an impressive contrast in Belgrade, where the old meets the modern and the land merges with the flowing water.

But the day isn’t over yet – get ready to experience Belgrade from a whole new perspective, offering a waterway panorama that ties together everything you’ve discovered so far.

Morning check-out and departure from Belgrade will take you south to the heart of Serbia, where you’ll explore Oplenac, a place where royals are laid to rest and history comes to life. Here, you’ll visit the majestic royal mausoleum and one of the beautiful wineries that mark Serbia’s regal heritage.

After an exquisite wine experience, there will be a short drive to the famous Zlatibor Mountain, home of the first royal resort in Serbia, and check-in to the mountain hotel. Here you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the quaint town centre of this picturesque air spa. In the evening, an enjoyable dinner of traditional Serbian food typical of the region will be served for you.

After check-out, the tour will continue to the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden-Town), built by the renowned film director Emir Kusturica. The village, constructed from natural materials, primarily wood, features the Mećavnik Hotel, houses, galleries, shops, a cinema, and a church. Since 2008, Drvengrad has hosted the annual Küstendorf Film and Music Festival and has welcomed celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Monica Bellucci, Jim Jarmusch, and many others.

This day concludes in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a short drive takes you to Višegrad, where Emir Kusturica used his imagination and creativity to build Andrićgrad (also known as Stone-Town). It is a cultural centre with numerous buildings and facilities built on the banks of the emerald Drina River near the famous bridge (a monument under the protection of UNESCO). The bridge is referenced in the title of Ivo Andrić’s novel “The Bridge on the Drina”. Andrić, a Nobel Prize-winning author, is celebrated through Kusturica’s creation of Andrićgrad, which translates to Andrić’s Town.

After lunch, the tour will continue on to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Check-in at the hotel.

Our Sarajevo exploration starts at Vječna Vatra (Eternal Flame), a memorial dedicated to the city’s liberators during WWII. From there, we will delve deeper in the cultural and historical treasures of the capital while savouring its gastronomic delights. This unique tour engages all your senses – sight, sound, and taste – offering an extraordinary experience that truly captures the essence of Sarajevo.

In the afternoon, take the opportunity to explore Sarajevo at your own pace. Revisit your favourite sights or unwind in one of the city’s cosy cafes, reflecting on the rich history and delightful flavours you’ve encountered throughout the day.

Today, you will say goodbye to Sarajevo, as you check-out and drive to one of the most beautiful cities of the Balkan Peninsula, Mostar. During the walking tour, you will visit the symbol of the city, Balkan TOP 10 and the most photographed sight in the country – the Old Bridge (a UNESCO-protected landmark). You will then proceed to Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge and the old tanner’s quarter Tabhana.

Free time in Mostar for getting lunch on the banks of the Neretva River, with an amazing view of the bridge that rises above you.

The day continues to Trebinje, starting with a visit to Hercegovačka Gračanica, a Serbian Orthodox Temple modelled after the famous Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo. Perched on a hill overlooking the town, it offers breathtaking views, exquisite frescoes, and a tranquil atmosphere, a perfect place to experience Herzegovina’s spiritual heritage.

Afterward, explore the heart of Trebinje, a charming town with a captivating mix of cultural influences. The tour includes a visit to Arslanagića Bridge, a historic stone bridge whose peaceful atmosphere takes you 400 years back in time, followed by a stop at Poet’s Square, where sixteen century-old plane trees add to the town’s timeless charm, before checking in to your hotel.

After hotel check-out, you will head towards the epicentre of the local lifestyle – Trebinje local market.

Wave farewell to Herzegovina as you continue towards Montenegro, a small country renowned for its rich heritage and stunning natural beauty. Your first stop is the town of Perast, a charming baroque-style settlement nestled in the heart of Boka Bay.

After the short boat ride, you will continue towards Kotor, an old Mediterranean town that dates back to the 12th and 14th centuries. A walking tour will allow you to explore this UNESCO site, including the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and other cultural moments. You will have free time to continue wandering around the old paved town, or have lunch in a restaurant on one of romantic squares.

The final destination of the day is Dubrovnik, one of the most significant monuments in the world and one of Europe’s best preserved walled cities, known since the 7th century. Hotel check-in.

Experience the essence of Dubrovnik, celebrated as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, with a visit to its iconic sights, including Stradun, the main street, Placa Square, Pile Gate, the Rector’s Palace, and more. Explore the City Walls and the picturesque city port, uncovering hidden gems along the way. Immerse yourself in the magic of Dubrovnik, where the stunning locations that served as the backdrop for “Game of Thrones” bring the city’s rich history and fantasy world to life. Dive into intriguing stories about the Republic of Ragusa and enjoy the enchantment that makes Dubrovnik one of the most captivating destinations in the world.

Our mission is to showcase Dubrovnik from every angle, allowing you to fully embrace its unique charm as you explore this extraordinary city. After the city tour, we recommend making the most of your free time by enjoying lunch at a restaurant perched atop the city walls, where breathtaking views await. Alternatively, consider taking a cable car to Srđ Hill for stunning panoramas of the Old Town and the Adriatic coast, or explore the 2 km stretch of City Walls for a unique perspective of Dubrovnik from above. In the evening, we suggest taking a sunset cruise on the Karaka, a replica of a traditional 16th-century wooden galleon, to enjoy breathtaking views of the old town and the centuries-old, impregnable walls of Dubrovnik from the sea.

After check-out, drive along the picturesque Dalmatian coast, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Croatian islands, lush vineyards, olive groves, and charming stone villages. Arrive at the Pelješac Peninsula and make a brief stop in the City of Ston to savour its famous oysters and capture the iconic Ston Walls in a photo.

The day concludes in Split, the largest city in Dalmatia, with 1,700 years of remarkably preserved history. Enter through the Golden Gate and wander through narrow cobblestone streets, where bustling markets, charming cafés, and hidden courtyards reveal the rich history and timeless grandeur of the Diocletian’s Palace. Visit the former Temple of Jupiter in the heart of the imperial complex, followed by the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the oldest Catholic cathedral still in its original structure. Stroll along the lively Riva promenade, soaking up the Mediterranean sun and vibrant atmosphere. Whether exploring its rich history, savouring fresh seafood, or simply unwinding by the sea, Split captivates with its unique charm and dynamic energy. End the day with a hotel check-in.

To start your day, you will take a short drive to the ferry port and board a high-speed catamaran that brings you to the queen of the Croatian islands – Hvar, so much more than just the glitz and glamour of its main town. Take in the azure blue seascape as you journey through the Splitska Vrata to Hvar Island.

A town built in wonderful Venetian architecture style, the island-city of Hvar is famous for its traffic-free cobbled streets, filled up with nice restaurants and bars. During the walking tour you’ll see the harbour, Renaissance Cathedral, Benedictine Convent, Franciscan monastery, and Church of Our Lady of Mercy.

We’ve set aside plenty of free time for you to fully enjoy all that the island has to offer. Based on your interests, we recommend you to: embark on a boat excursion to discover the enchanting Pakleni Islands, relax on the sun-kissed beaches, explore the picturesque trails to Milna Bay for a memorable adventure or enjoy a delightful Mediterranean lunch at a local restaurant.

In the late afternoon, you’ll head back to Split. *Please note that the departure timing may vary depending on the season.

Today, we bid farewell to the stunning Dalmatian coast, and after check-out we head inland. As we proceed on our journey, let the picturesque countryside unfold before you. Pass through charming villages, admire rolling hills, as you wave goodbye to the sparkling Adriatic Sea, before entering the mountainous landscape surrounding our next stop.

Start exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, a beautiful park that contains 16 interconnected cascading lakes. On old maps, it was called “Devil’s Garden” and it is the first site in the Balkans to get UNESCO World Heritage status. You will enjoy a 3-hour guided tour that includes a visit to the upper and lower lakes. Although swimming is not allowed, you’ll have time to relax at one of the nearby restaurants, surrounded by the untouched beauty of this lush paradise.

The final stop of the day is Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital nestled in the heart of the continent. After checking into your hotel, enjoy some free time to explore the city and savour a delightful dinner on your own.

After hotel check-out, it is time to conclude your Balkan tour with a Zagreb sightseeing tour, during which you will explore the city’s main attractions. Visit Kaptol, the medieval part of Zagreb, and the Franciscan monastery with its 13th century Church of Saint Francis. Walk around Dolac, Zagreb’s best-known farmers’ market, and admire the baroque architecture of the 18th century Church of Saint Mary. The tour will conclude in the heart of Zagreb, at Ban Josip Jelačić’s monument, placed in the square named after him.

As most of our travellers decide to extend their trip within their own organisation, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like Balkan&more to organise a departure transfer on your behalf are welcome to contact us. End of services.