Compare Croatia and the Balkans by G Adventures vs The Balkan Trail by Euroventure
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 2,507 | $ 906 |
| Price Per Day | $ 167 | $ 65 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | 14 breakfasts | N/A |
| Description |
The Balkans are just getting noticed as a great European travel destination — we can’t believe it took so long! Situated on the balmy shores of the Adriatic and home to some of the most wondrous landscapes, monuments, and villages you’ll ever see, this part of the world still feels like a well-kept secret. This adventure showcases the region’s compelling history and scenery while allowing time for outdoor pursuits like kayaking and hiking. You may not know much about Croatia and the Balkans now, but once you’ve been, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop talking about them. |
The Balkans are a lesser explored part of Eastern Europe, but no less beautiful and fascinating than the West. This Eastern Europe trip takes you on a Balkan adventure – from Budapest down to idyllic Montenegro and back up to the elegant sophistication of Zagreb. Begin your Eastern Europe Tour in the Hungarian capital, gateway to Eastern Europe, before moving on to Novi Sad in Serbia. This gorgeous city may not be the country’s capital but it offers plenty to show off about. Home to the magical Petrovaradin fortress and situated on the Danube, Novi Sad is one of Eastern Europe’s hidden gems. |
Day 1 Budapest
Arrive at any time. We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
Day 2 Budapest/Novi Sad
Today we will be traveling by local bus to Novi Sad. Enjoy the first opportunity to try some Serbian cuisine.
Cross into Serbia and enjoy time in the second largest city. Spend an evening wandering this cultural hub.
Day 3 Novi Sad/Belgrade
Spend the morning exploring Novi Sad. Visit the famous Petrovaradin Fortress and, with time, check out the charming old town, or Stari Grad. In the afternoon, enjoy a short bus ride to Belgrade.
Day 4 Belgrade
Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress then spend a free day floating down the Danube or shopping in one of the many bustling markets.
Opt to visit the National Theater or National Museum. The city offers a wealth of churches and cathedrals as well as an interesting Ethnographic Museum. Learn more about Serbian culture, traditions, costumes, and tools used throughout history.
Day 5 Belgrade/Sarajevo
Travel to Sarajevo, one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the region. Walk around the cobblestone streets, visit the famous Latin Bridge, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of this resilient place.
Walk around the cobblestone streets of the Old Town while taking in the architecture of its diverse places of worship.
Day 6 Sarajevo
Take an included tour of the 'Tunnel of Life' to get a better understanding of the tragic recent history of this captivating city. Spend some free time exploring the Stari Grad section and looking for 'Sarajevo Roses'.
Day 7 Sarajevo/Mostar
Travel through beautiful countryside to reach charming Mostar. The city's symbol, a beautiful reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge, is a reminder of the tenacity of Bosnians in recent times. Wander the old city and visit the new, taking in the many reminders of what the people of this region have survived.
After visiting the bridge, wander through the small streets and opt to sit in a café, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. For a sobering look into the city's recent history, wander through town, passing buildings still riddled with bullet holes. Visit a bank that was completely destroyed during the war and past houses in shambles. While life continues and progress is made, these sights remain as reminders of the evils of war.
Day 8 Mostar/Kotor
Continue on to Montenegro and arrive to the Bay of Kotor, a World Heritage-listed region. There is free time here to relax or explore as desired.
Arrive in time to start exploring this gorgeous area. If relaxing is more your style, the beach of Kotor offers a great escape.
Day 9 Kotor
Enjoy a sea kayaking tour before free time to relax or explore. Wander the streets of the walled city of Kotor or relax on picturesque beaches.
Day 10 Kotor/Dubrovnik
Travel to Croatia and experience the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' in Dubrovnik. Visit the G Adventures-supported Deša project, a non profit dedicated to empowering and employing women in the community. Then, choose to relax in one of the many cafés, explore the old town fortifications, or take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands.
The red roofs of the old city make for spectacular photos and the seaside cafés serve up tasty seafood.
Day 11 Dubrovnik
Enjoy a free day to explore the Dalmatian Coast.
Day 12 Dubrovnik/Hvar
Head to the island of Hvar. Enjoy amazing beaches, nightlife, and water sports.
Filled with sunshine, the beautiful island is known for its lavender fields and vineyards in the interior and detailed Venetian-inspired architecture in the towns.
Day 13 Hvar
Soak in the scenery and relish the calm on a boat ride around the Pakleni Islands.
Day 14 Hvar/Split
Ferry back to the mainland and arrive to Split. Take a guided tour of the UNESCO site at Diocletian's Palace. Enjoy free time to explore this charming seaside town.
Opt to visit the local market and gobble up some Croatian delicacies. For a little more activity, visit Marjan's peak with gorgeous views over the city or hit up some of the hiking and biking trails in the area.
Day 15 Split
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.
Day 1-3: Budapest (2 Nights)
Proudly guarding the Danube, the once twin cities of Buda and Pest show off every architectural style from Baroque to Art Nouveau. With its rickety trams and turn-of-the-century feel you’ll be charmed by its past while you cure your hangover at the multitude of hot baths.
Day 4-5: Novi Sad (2 Nights)
Novi Sad is Belgrade’s little sister. Smaller but no less buzzing, the city centre is as beautiful as it is ancient. Beer is cheap and plentiful and friendly bars line the pavements. That’s aside from the the Petrovaradin Fortress, which is home to EXIT festival every year. This incredible festival brings 200,000 revellers to this quaint town, as well as 16 stages of awesome acts like TheSoundYouNeed, Bondax and Disclosure.
Day 6-7: Belgrade (2 Nights)
The capital of Serbia won’t disappoint you. Visitors from surrounding countries come here for the all-night party scene and friendly atmosphere. Tourists also come to see the world’s largest Orthodox church or just wander around the bohemian town centre of a bygone era.
Day 8-9: Sarajevo (2 Nights)
Explore stunning Sarajevo, with its bustling markets, colourful streets and friendly people. This historic city has a distinctly Arabic feel, adding to its unique atmosphere
Day 10: Mostar (1 Nights)
Mostar is a hidden gem, as understated as it is beautiful. The famous bridge which links two sides of the river was destroyed in the war, but carefully rebuilt to it’s former glory. Marvel at the way this once war-torn town built itself back up – you’d never know from it’s friendly people, beautiful buildings and amazing food and drink.
Day 11-12: Kotor (2 Nights)
Kotor is a hidden gem of the adriatic. Hidden from the ocean behind a stunning bay, it is framed by mountains for spectacular views.
Day 13-14: Dubrovnik (2 Nights)
Dubrovnik is an absolute pearl with its wonderful marble streets and Baroque buildings, totally recovered after being bombed in 1991. You won’t be anything but awe-struck at its beauty, a medieval city perched against the Adriatic and positively beaming with charm.
