Compare Colorful Croatia: Dubrovnik & Hvar by Great Value Vacations vs Bosnia & Croatia Adventure - 13 days by Serbia Tour Operator

Day 1 Welcome to Dubrovnik

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your first hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in this enchanting city, which served as the setting for King's Landing in "Game of Thrones." 

Celebrate your first night in Croatia with a traditional Croatian meal. One of the most well-known dishes is peka, or meat and potatoes cooked in a bell-like dome under hot coals.

Day 2 Dubrovnik

Today, discover Dubrovnik's charming UNESCO-certified Old Town on your own. Surrounded by ramparts and fortresses, this ancient town is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural masterpieces that have been carefully preserved over the centuries.

Take a pleasant walk to the Rector's Palace, built in the 15th-century as the home of Dubrovnik's elected rector. Today, the palace is a museum containing beautifully restored rooms, paintings, and coat of arms. 

You could also visit the Franciscan Monastery with its gorgeous 14th-century cloister and small museum. Don't miss visiting the pharmacy, which has been in business since 1317! 

Day 3 Dubrovnik

In the morning, head north of Dubrovnik's city walls and take the 4-minute cable car up to Mt Srđ. At the top, you will be treated to spectacular views of Old Town, the sparkling Adriatic sea, and several islands.

After descending the cable car, consider taking a 10-minute ferry (extra cost) from Dubrovnik's Old Harbor to the forested island of Lokrum. Explore the beautiful grounds of the botanical garden, then check out the Benedictine monastery. Lokrum is also a great place for swimming!

In the evening, return to Dubrovnik's Old Town, find a cafe, and watch the world go by with a glass of Croatian wine.

Day 4 Dubrovnik - Hvar

Say goodbye to Dubrovnik for now as you transfer to the Dubrovnik Gruz Port for your ferry to the island of Hvar. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your accommodation.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure in sunny Hvar, an island characterized by gentle winters, warm summers and many hours of sunshine. See how lavender fields and vineyards cover the bare Mediterranean landscape, descending gradually from black pine woods to white-stoned bays.

Day 5 Hvar

Ease into island life and explore Hvar Town, the main hub on the island of Hvar. Stroll through the piazza and stop at the first public theater in Europe, opened in 1612. Continue to the cathedral of St. Stephen and the Franciscan Monastery, easily recognizable for its high bell tower. 

Later in the day, take the moderate walk to the Fortica, a medieval castle built originally in the 13th century to protect the port of Hvar. Once you reach the top, treat yourself to astonishing views of Hvar and the Pakleni Islands! 

In the evening, experience Hvar's legendary nightlife. Everyone from Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Beyonce have partied in Hvar!

Day 6 Hvar

Today, consider venturing further than Hvar Town to the northern coastal town of Stari Grad, one of Hvar's gems and the oldest town in Croatia! Stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic center and pass the stone houses that line the harbor. Don't miss Tvrdalj, a large, well-preserved fortified castle that once belonged to Croatian poet Petar Hektorovic. 

Later in the day, return to Hvar Town to watch the sunset. Have an authentic coastal Croatian meal at a konoba, a traditional restaurant found on the Dalmatian Coast. 

Day 7 Hvar - Dubrovnik

Your Hvar stay ends today as you're escorted to the Hvar pier for your ferry back to Dubrovnik. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Take a walk around the spectacular city walls, the perfect ending to your Croatia vacation. From the top, the view over the old town and the shimmering Adriatic is sublime!

Day 8 Depart Croatia

Your colorful Croatia adventure ends today. At the appropriate time, you'll  be transferred to Dubrovnik airport for your flight home. Say goodbye to this enchanting country and start planning your next adventure!

Arrival transfer from the listed airport is included. Private transfers from non-listed airports are available on request. Please check the options with your local expert.

If you are arriving in Belgrade a few days prior to the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us.

Day 1: Arrive Sarajevo

Set among the hills, along the Miljacka River, Sarajevo has quite a picturesque outline that already gives a hint of the splendour of mixed traditions. Some say that name, coming from the Persian word for palace or mansion, already has set its destiny of natural and cultural abundance. It would be impossible to point out one crucial thing about this incredible city. There is a lot of everything here: sounds, smiles, flavors and rituals. Try to embrace the genuine hospitality of locals and make sure you enjoy the traditional cuisine of Bosnian capital. Overnight: Sarajevo.

Day 2: Sarajevo Food Experience Walking tour® - Springs of Bosnia River & Tunnel of Hope

Dive into Sarajevo Food Experience Walking tour® that will please both your mind and stomach. With a concept of combining history and cuisine, the past will look more alive and the gastronomy will get a deeper meaning! Storytelling starts with eclectic Vijećnica (City Hall), originally dated from the end of the 19th century and reopened in 2014, and anecdotes about “Inat-house” (spite house) or Šeher-Ćehaja Bridge. The very heart of the downtown, Baščaršija with authentic souqs and crafts shops from the Ottoman era, and the fascinating Gazi Husrev-bey mosque follows. Once distinctly multicultural Sarajevo today can be seen in traces: examples are the Museum of the Jews, the Orthodox Church from the 16th century and Catholic cathedral of Sacred heart. Tour starts on a river and ends above it, on the most known bridge – Latin bridge, where the successor to the Austro-Hungarian throne Franz Ferdinand was shot, consequently causing the First World War.

Among the highlights, quite number of places, significant for locals, and different food shops will bring you a chance to feel a true pulse of the city. The best examples are small, family-run gastro points with expertise in a unique traditional specialty. You will have a chance to taste: authentic meat pie known as 'burek', the most famous Bosnian delicacy 'ćevapi' in homemade bread and the most gorgeous looking and tasting sweet called 'tufahija'. You will also enjoy “domestic coffee” and a slightly forgotten refreshing drink called 'boza'. To this already colorful painting of Sarajevo, final touch is a visit to the Bezistan, a lively bazaar (a market from the 16th century) with a great variety of fragrances, colours, fabrics...

The tour continues to the Sarajevo Airport zone where the “Tunnel of Hope” is located – it is a war tunnel built during the siege of Sarajevo in 1993. Just like the old, medieval tunnels, its main purpose also was to connect the city under siege with the free territory, but eventually, it became the symbol of hope. For the end of the day, take a final spin to Sarajevo’s green oasis, The Springs of Bosnia River. This remarkable area around the spring of the river, to which this country owes a part of its name, is turned into a beautiful park. Several small islands and verdant plains with small waterfalls are connected with old-time wooden bridges. If you feel like getting the full experience of this little paradise, get on a horse carriage ride through the beautiful oak valley.

In your free time we highly recommend you not to miss Sarajevo brewery museum where along the great beer you can enjoy number of urban legends from its over 150-year long history. Overnight: Sarajevo.

Day 3: Lukomir Village: Hike the highest and most isolated village in Bosnia

The picturesque ride through Bjelašnica Olympic Mountain will take you to Umoljani village known by the UNESCO World Heritage site - Dolovo Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards. Umoljani village is right where our hiking adventure begins, with a goal to reach Lukomir village, the highest and most isolated village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located at 1.500 meteres of altitude. On your way to Lukomir you will reach Gradina, a small settlement primarily used by the locals as a base (camp) for summer pastures. As hike continues upwards, spectacular panoramic view of Studeni potok (Cold Stream) and its valley spreads around. At the end of the three-hour-hike the reward is expecting you: conquering the peak Obalj (1.896 metres high). Once at the top, you will experience an extraordinary view of the peaks of the mountains Bjelašnica, Treskavica and Visočica, as well as the Rakitnica River Canyon and many faraway villages. After a short refreshment, your hike continues down to Lukomir, an exceptional village with a 600-year-long tradition, an unforgettable and one of a kind experience. Don’t miss the great opportunity to learn about their own tradition, cooking methods, and clothing that have remained intact in this village from the medieval ages. A true treat will be meeting the locals and learning first-hand about the difficulty, but also simplicity of life in the mountains. Savour a traditionally prepared lunch and coffee (included), and take some fantastic photos of the medieval stone-made mountain houses.

After the lunch break, you will hike back through one of the least discovered canyons in Europe, the canyon of the Rakitnica River. As you hike through the canyon, 800 metres deep and, in some places, only 1 metre wide, you will be amazed by the rare sight of virgin nature in its full glory. The hiking route leads all the way to the starting point so the circle for this day is closed.

With body and mind full of impressions, take a seat and relax on your way back to Sarajevo. Overnight: Sarajevo.

Day 4: NP Sutjeska with Perućica Rainforest & Trnovačko Lake

One more day of flourishing gem of nature of Bosnia is ahead of you. National Park Sutjeska, located about 100 km away from Sarajevo, represents one of the oldest parks in Bosnia with an area of 175 km2 comprised of magnificent, untouched and pristine wild nature. After a short walk, enter the park and rainforest Perućica, one of the two last standing rainforests in Europe, dating 11.000 years back. Fun fact: some parts of the forest are completely unattainable by foot, while some trees are 300 years old, with a height of over 50 metres. A true laboratory of nature! Your next point to rest and relax is a photo-stop at the viewpoint Dragoš Sedlo (1.242 metres high), where magnificent view reveals in front of you - the waterfall Skakavac (grasshopper) whose water glides with full force through the steep 80-metre-high rocks. Ascend to the plateau Prijevor and discover some magical panoramic views of this park and nearby mountains: Maglić, Zelengora and Volujak. The peak Maglić (2.386 metres) is dominating among them as the highest peak in Bosnia & Herzegovina, situated right on the border with Montenegro.

From Prijevor, hike continues untill you reach the last jewel of today’s trip - Trnovačko Lake, meaning that trail crosses the Montenegrin border. The lake is located at a height of 1.517 metres and it’s well known for its exceptional pure and clear water. What makes it so special and lovely is its unique shape of a heart! Trnovačko Lake is one of the seven glacial lakes that adorn Zelengora – one of the most beautiful mountains of the Dinaric Alps system. Due to their round shape, great depths and mesmerizing beauty, they are also known as ‘mountain eyes’.

The adventure becomes complete only during well-deserved rest in the heart of the National Park and a picnic-lunch with homemade specialties, typical for this region.

Leisurely hike back for 1.5 hours, and move on with your trip to the rafting camp situated on the river Drina. At the end of this very dynamic day, you’ll have plenty of time over dinner to reflect on your day and relive all the gorgeous impressions and memories from the great hike. Use this time to unwind and prepare for the next day rafting adventure. Overnight: Rafting camp.

Day 5: UNESCO’S Tara River Canyon with rafting

After You have certainly heard that Tara River goes by the name “Tear of Europe” due to its purity. You can drink water from its stream anywhere you catch it, in every part of its flow. Tara River’s canyon is 1.300 metres deep, which makes it the greatest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world, right after Colorado River in USA. Since 1977, Tara canyon is under the protection of UNESCO, and it’s in the category of 25 the most important world natural heritages. Experience a rafting adventure full of joy, excitement and exhilaration on a river in emerald green and turquoise colour variations, surrounded by lush and vibrant nature. As a part of your team, extremely skilled and trained guides will be there for you, every step of the way for the 22 km ride that stretches from Montenegro to Bosnia and Herzegovina. If the weather allows, you will spend some great time by the fire, hanging around with the open-hearted locals. Overnight: Rafting camp.

Day 6: The Essence of Herzegovina: Sutjeska Memorial Park – UNESCO’s Blagaj – City of Mostar

After exploring Bosnia, it is time to get to know Herzegovina! The first stop is near Tjentište, also known as the Valley of Heroes, where you will visit Sutjeska Memorial Park. Sutjeska is very well known as the location where one of the most prominent battles in history took place during World War Two, on the territory of former Yugoslavia. The battle is known as the Battle on Sutjeska or Operation Schwarz. It represented one of the central points of the partisan resistance to the occupier during World War II, and the unique monument, as a symbol of the Brutalist architecture of former Yugoslavia, is there to keep this story alive for many generations to come.

The day continues to Blagaj (a site on the UNESCO Tentative List), an old town from the 15th century where the Kosač noble family ruled. The dervish’s house in Blagaj is considered to be the crib of Islam of today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina, settled in a fairy-tale scenery, beneath the cliffs, on the shores of the emerald green river Buna.

Later on, head to one of the most beautiful cities of the Balkan Peninsula, Mostar. The central point of the walking tour is the symbol of the city, Balkan TOP 10 and the most photographed sight in the country – the Old Bridge (a UNESCO protected landmark). Use your free time to blend in with the locals on the busy cobbled streets of old town, climb to the top of Koški Mehmed Pasha Mosque tower or simply enjoy a homemade coffee at its courtyard, check out the Crooked Bridge and the old tanner’s quarter Tabhana. An absolute must is to taste traditional meals on the banks of the crystal clear Neretva River, with an amazing view of the bridge rising above. Overnight: Mostar.

Day 7: Medieval Počitelj village – NP Biokovo - Split

Getting the full picture of Herzegovina heritage requires moving forward in the direction of Trebinje. On the route is the medieval village Počitelj, protected by UNESCO thanks to its authentic oriental architecture. Fortified town of Počitelj was built by Bosnian king Stef-an Tvrtko I in 1383, but it was never really confirmed. The town’s significance has varied throughout history and two most important periods were during the 8 years of the rule of Hungarians and 2 centuries of Otto-mans’ rule. If you are lucky enough, you will have a chance to meet some of the locals, chat with them and be treated with some of homemade delicacies.

The great historical Herzegovina heritage is also depict-ed in the medieval village Počitelj, protected by UNESCO thanks to its authentic oriental architecture. It is considered that fortified town of Počitelj was built by Bosnian king Stefan Tvrtko I in 1383, but it was never really confirmed. The town’s significance has varied throughout the history and two most important periods were during the 8 years of the rule of Hungarians and 2 centuries of Ottomans’ rule. If you are lucky enough, you will have a chance to meet some of the locals, chat with them and be treated with some of home-made delicacies.

The adventure continues towards Croatia. Biokovo Na-tional Park is the best place to begin to discover the surreal beauty of Croatian nature. Overnight: Split.

Day 8: The Historical Maze of Dalmatia: Trogir and Split

Feeling lucky to start your day in Trogir, a charming little town with medieval walls, magical architecture and a wonderful sea view, you are ready for today’s adventure. Being in this town will seem like you travelled back in time through centuries, all the way to the Trogir’s Golden era, today, still visible in the magnificent Cipiko Palace, the Venetian Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the Gothic town hall and mighty walls along the waterfront. Walking through the city centre (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with cobbled streets and passages, among different architectural styles, listening to the stories about medieval time and feeling the atmosphere of the glorious times past, you will find yourself immersed in the incredible history of Trogir.

A natural unfolding to this fulfilled day is a visit to the city of Split, the successor of Solin, the capital of Roman province Dalmatia. Split was actually the periphery of Solin whose very important citizen – the emperor Diocletian, chose Split’s downtown as a place for his palace. That is how the splendour of Split began and how the heart of the city was shaped. Walking down the Split's streets is similar to wandering through a historical labyrinth. You will enter the bronze gate in the south, pass by the cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the best preserved buildings of Roman times, reach the golden gate in the north to touch the left toe of the statue of Gregory of Nin. According to the legend, all visitors who touch the toe of the statue will ensure their return to Split someday. Our tour ends on the busy seafront, complete with palms and yachts, colourful shops in Roman passages, and charming bars with creative interiors. Overnight: Split.

Day 9: Brač – Flavours and Sceneries of the authentic Croatian island®

The next three days you will be discovering the incredible Adriatic coast and Dalmatian archipelago.

Your first stop is the island of Brač, with the highest peaks among the Croatian islands. With a smaller number of tourists, but without big crowds and pomp as the glittering islands in its neighbourhood, Brač provides an excellent opportunity to delve into the authentic life of locals, particularly in the inland.

Your sightseeing starts at the Museum of olive oil since olive cultivation here dates back all the way to the Venetian time and there's over a half-million trees planted. Warmly welcomed by hosts, you will get interesting insights into the production process. Spice up your visit by tasting various local delicacies. Later on, head up to Vidova Gora, the roof of the Croatian islands. From this point, you will go downhill along the rocky trails to the town of Bol. This small place, adorned by lovely old houses, offers great restaurants for lunch or snack by the promenade. Walk a little bit more and spend your well-deserved break at one of the most attractive beaches in the world – the Golden horn (Zlatni Rat).

Later in the afternoon, meet again with your guide at the harbour for your half-hour catamaran ride to the island of Hvar. Overnight: Hvar Island.

Day 10: Hvar Island: The ghost-like villages with lavender scent - Medieval Hvar town

After breakfast, the queen of the Croatian islands – Hvar is expecting you. It is so much more than just the glitz and glamour of its main town. The significance of the island dates back from the ancient times. The important strategic and nautical position of Hvar had been the main cause of rich and turbulent times throughout its history. Its separation from the mainland protected the island from some of the modern influences and preserved the harmony between man and nature. This is visible in the white-washed towns and historic cobbled streets, in the fields of lavender and azure waters, as well as the home-style restaurants serving delicious Dalmatian fare. With all this in mind, you will visit one of the households that cultivates lavender and hike through the abandoned ghost-like village Malo Grablje. Somewhere in the middle of the Hvar hiking route, you’ll get to the Milna just in time for refreshment at one of the restaurants with a wide seafood offer. As you continue hiking along the coast, you will be rewarded with marvellous views. You will arrive in the capital of the island – the city of Hvar.

Quite often visitors describe their time spent in the town of Hvar like being a part of a fairy-tale. The scenography features 13th-century walls surrounding beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces and traffic-free marble streets. This small bay town will show you its full glory especially through the stories about significant historical events and people, related to the cathedral, monastery or fortress.

Some would say that this incredible island simply has it all: rich history, vibrant nightlife, high-class service, wonderful nature and stunning viewpoints to admire it. Finally, you will have spare time to enjoy the crystal clear waters. Overnight: Hvar Island.

Day 11: Wine Duet: Korčula Island & Pelješac Peninsula – Walls of Ston

The third island in our itinerary will be sure to astonish you as well. Korčula, the most tranquil island of our adventure, got the name from the Greeks due to its dense pine forest - Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu). The Korčula Town is also known as Little Dubrovnik for its mighty city walls, medieval squares, churches, palaces and houses. Locals say it still keeps secrets about the life of one of the most famous explorers in history – Marco Polo. Tip of the day: there is a nice bar in the Zakerjan tower at the far end of the old town where you can enjoy spectacular views of the strait in the distance.

The Mediterranean climate, soil quality and the terrain’s morphology provide the perfect conditions for wine-growing. In Lumbarda village, the heart of Korčula’s wine making, you will have the opportunity to taste various sorts of wine, as well as the most authentic ones, pošip and grk. The perfect ending to your visit to Korčula is tasting some of the most known Croatian wines and snacks at the local family winery. After this wonderful experience, get on the ferry, and head to your next destination, leaving behind old little houses, settled on the edge of the island. Upon your return to continental Croatia, enjoy the ride through the Pelješac peninsula. The largest Croatian peninsula, covered with macchia, is widely known by two trademarks: wine and oyster. This region, Dingač, with its famous symbol - the donkey, is the first protected wine region in Croatia. On your way to Dubrovnik, along the coast of the Adriatic, there will be a short photo stop by the impressive old city walls above the town of Ston. Overnight: Dubrovnik.

Day 12: UNESCO’s Dubrovnik: Movielike Old Town and Kayak Experience

Get ready for a lovely walking adventure through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. This maze of beautiful white marble streets (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is surrounded by a 2 km long wall which hides medieval treasures: the city’s baroque churches, magnificent palaces, significant monuments, medieval gates and marble streets. Its numerous art galleries and unique artisanal shops keep the artworks of many artists who found inspiration in this light-coloured-stone city. Walking through the historical centre, you will start and end your visit at the main street Stradun, and in between, you will hear facts, tales and legends about the Pile Gate, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, the cathedral, main square Placa and wonderful ornaments of Rector’s and Sponza Palaces. A lunch or refreshment in the city port will complete the story about Dubrovnik. Even with the spectacular morning, the real highlight of the day is kept for the afternoon – time to meet Dubrovnik from a different perspective. You saddle up on kayaks, row along the coast and admire the view of the pink-grey city walls, which stand out against the azure blue water. Be sure that this experience will boost the impression about the mightiness of the city walls and give you a chance to enjoy both the attractive shore of the Lokrum isle and the cave up close. This beautiful island holds a lot of mysteries and according to the legend it was a shelter to King Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Our guide will tell you the whole story once you arrive there. Lokrum Island has been a set for filming the Game of Thrones, and it is another inevitable destination for the true lovers of the series. Overnight: Dubrovnik.

Day 13: Departure day

Departure from Dubrovnikor any non-listed airport.

Departure transfer to the listed airport is included. Private transfers to non-listed airports are available on request. Please check the options with your local expert.

If you are departing from Belgrade a few days after the tour end, you can book additional nights with us.