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Compare Croatia and the Balkans by G Adventures vs The Balkan Journey by Indus Travels

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Duration 15 days 8 days
Price From $ 2,507 $ 2,449
Price Per Day $ 167 $ 306
Highlights
  • Kayak to tiny islands in the crystal waters of the bay of kotor
  • Enjoy beach time in hvar
  • Explore the ancient roman palace of diocletian on a guided tour
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Mostar and the vibrant capital city of Sarajevo in Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • Explore the capital city of Croatia, the bustling and historic Zagreb
  • Experience the capital city of Serbia, the vibrant city of Belgrade
  • Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Discover the jewel of Croatia, the beautiful Adriatic city of Dubrovnik
  • Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Trogir and Split 
Trip Style Small group tour Group tour
Lodging Level Standard Standard
Physical Level
  • 2- Easy
  • 2- Easy
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Trekking & Expeditions
  • Transformative
N/A
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Belgrade
  • Budapest
  • Croatia
  • Diocletian's Palace
  • Dubrovnik
  • Kotor
  • Mosta
  • Sarajevo
  • Split
  • Belgrade
  • Dubrovnik
  • Sarajevo
  • Split
  • Zagreb
Flights & Transport Ground transport included Ground transport included
Activities
  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
N/A
Meals Included 14 breakfasts Daily Breakfast, sSpecial Dinners
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.

Explore the three countries of Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina on this fascinating 8-day tour.
Itinerary: Croatia and the Balkans

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.

Itinerary: The Balkan Journey
Day 1: DUBROVNIK ARRIVAL (-/D)

Upon arrival at Dubrovnik Airport today you will be transferred to your hotel, where you will meet your tour guide and enjoy your first dinner in Croatia.

Overnight in Dubrovnik 

Day 2: DUBROVNIK MOSTAR SARAJEV (B/D)

Morning departure for Mostar. Sightseeing tour of the Old City of Mostar, recently included in the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage. We tour its elegant Bridge, Old Bazaar, the Mosque and a typical Turkish house. Continuation to Sarajevo. Afternoon city tour of Sarajevo, including Bašaršija and Gazi Husref Bey Mosque.

Overnight in Sarajevo

Day 3: SARAJEVO BELGRADE (B/D)

After breakfast, we drive northwards to Belgrade, with a stop in time for lunch. Continuation to Belgrade.

Overnight in Belgrade

Day 4: BELGRADE ZAGREB (B/D)

In the morning sightseeing tour of Belgrade. The tour includes a visit to the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically set at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. You´ll also see Republic Square and Knez Mihajlova Street, Saint Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox Church in the city, and Tito’s Memorial. Continuation to Zagreb.

Overnight in Zagreb

Day 5: ZAGREB PLITVICE (B/D)

Morning city tour of Zagreb, including the fortified Upper Town, the city’s historical center, St. Mark’s Church with its multicolored roof, the Cathedral, the Croatian National Theatre and the University. After the city tour, drive to Plitvice and tour the Plitvice Lakes National Park on the UNESCO’s List of World Natural Heritage. Sixteen lakes, each at the different level, are joined in a series of cascading waterfalls. Surrounded by dense wood Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of a rare and unique beauty.

Overnight in Plitvice

Day 6: PLITVICE TROGIR SPLIT (B)

Morning departure for Trogir where we visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. Continuation to Split; city tour of Split, including the Diocletian’s Palace on the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage with the Peristyle, the Jupiter’s Temple and the Cathedral.

Overnight in Split

Day 7: SPLIT DUBROVNIK (B)

After breakfast, departure for Dubrovnik. Sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, included in the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage. You will visit the Franciscan monastery with Europe’s third oldest pharmacy, the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral.

Overnight in Dubrovnik

Day 8: DUBROVNIK HOME (B)

After breakfast, the tour ends with a transfer to Dubrovnik Airport.

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