Compare The Grand Balkan by Indus Travels vs Balkan Extended by Serbia Tour Operator

On arrival at Zagreb Airport today you will be transferred to your hotel, where you will meet your tour guide and enjoy your first dinner in Croatia. Zagreb is a city rich with gorgeous greenery, famous for its parks and well preserved natural environment.  

Overnight in Zagreb 

Morning city tour of Zagreb, including the fortified Upper Town, city's historical centre, St Mark's Church with its multicolored roof, the Cathedral, the Croatian National Theatre and the University. Free time, then departure towards Slovenia. Explore Lake Bled and it’s montanious environs and stunning topography. Continue to Ljubljana.

Overnight in Ljubljana

Morning city tour of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia and a home to one of the oldest Philharmonics in the world; Explore the baroque town buildings and stroll beside majestic Ljubljana River. Departure for Plitvice and then tour the Plitvice Lakes National Park on the UNESCO’s List of World Natural Heritage. Sixteen lakes, each at a different level, are connected in a series of cascading waterfalls. Surrounded by dense wood, Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of a rare and unique beauty. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Plitvice

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

After breakfast, departure for Dubrovnik, via Bosnia & Herzegovina. Short stop in Mostar, recently included in the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage with its elegant Bridge, Old Bazaar, the Mosque and a typical Turkish house. Continuation to Dubrovnik. Afternoon city tour Sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, included on 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

Today you have a free day in Dubrovnik to enjoy at your leisure, followed by dinner this evening in this beautiful city.

Overnight in Dubrovnik 

Departure for Tirana; we drive inland to Budva known for its Old City encircled by walls from the Venetian period. Continuation to Shkodra, once the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom (3rd century B.C.).

Morning sightseeing tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, including Skender Bey Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, and a visit to the National Museum representing the flow of Albanian history, also housing the finds from archeological sites across the country. Afternoon departure for Ohrid, driving via Elbasan and crossing the Macedonian border at Cafasan.

Overnight in Ohrid

Full day in the lakeside resort of Ohrid, classified as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage site. Through the activity of St. Clement and St. Naum of Ohrid, the first pan-Slavic University in Europe, the famous “Ohrid Literary School”, was founded here. Morning sightseeing tour includes the Church of St. Sofia (11th century), the most eminent mediaeval monument in Macedonia with magnificent Byzantine fresco paintings and St. Clement Church with its icon of Annunciation. Afternoon short drive to St. Naum Monastery, built on the shores of Ohrid Lake in 900 A.D. and dedicated to the Slavic missionary and educator St. Naum of Ohrid. Return to hotel.

Overnight in Ohrid

Morning departure for Skopje. Sightseeing tour of Skopje, including the Kale Fortress, Church of the Holy Savior with its iconostas, one of the finest samples of traditional walnut woodcarving, Old Bazaar and Stone Bridge. We drive to the slopes of the Vodno Mountain where we visit the Monastery of St. Panteleimon with its 12th century iconostas and frescoes ranking among the highest achievements of Byzantine art of this period.

Overnight in Skopje

Morning departure for Kolašin, driving via Pe and Berane and along the impressive Moraa River Canyon. Afternoon arrival at Kolašin, the town spreading on the left bank of the river Tara, situated at the altitude of 954m. The whole area is surrounded by the thick pine forest of the Bjelasica Mountain and is a popular skiing and air spa resort.

Overnight in Kolašin

Morning departure for Cetinje where we visit King Nikola’s Museum, once the residence of the Montenegrin King Nikola I Petrovi. Continuation to Kotor, classified as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage site, where we visit its Romanesque Cathedral dedicated to St Triphon, the city’s patron saint. We continue to Dubrovnik, driving along the picturesque Bay of Kotor.

Overnight in Dubrovnik

Breakfast followed by departure transfer to Dubrovnik Airport.

Please note:

If you are arriving in Belgrade a few days prior to the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $55 (Standard package) or $90 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.

Wishing for MORE TIME IN DUBROVNIK? If you would like to spend a few more days in the world-famous destination, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $115 reg.s / $150 high.s (Standard package) or $145 reg.s/ $190 high.s (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.

Day 1: Arrival to Belgrade

Upon arrival in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, you will be welcomed by your driver and escorted to your hotel. On the short coach ride from the Nikola Tesla airport, sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of New Belgrade with its prominent ‘blocks’ – a classic example of Socialist architecture, built after World War II – and modern business centres, including the imposing Ušće Tower. Along the way, your driver will show you and tell some stories about the Western Gate of Belgrade, the famous Belgrade Arena and the monumental Palace of Serbia. Check-in at your hotel.

Use your free time to rest and prepare for the trip. At 7pm in the hotel reception, you will be greeted by your guide who will introduce himself and provide you with detailed information about the entire trip. Overnight.

Day 2: Leisure day: Belgrade Sightseeing

After breakfast, you will embark on a tour (driving and walking) around Belgrade, a capital city well known for its various architectural styles, dynamic history and fantastic views of one of the biggest river confluences in the whole of Europe. Start the tour visiting the Museum of Yugoslav History, a memorial complex devoted to the life and deeds of Josip Broz Tito, the political leader of Yugoslavia. Next, you will pass by the stadium of FC Red Star – the former European and World Cup champions, and proceed to the Temple of Saint Sava, Belgrade’s patron saint. Very much a symbol of the city, this impressive building can be seen from any part of the capital.

After a short break at the Temple’s plateau, the panoramic tour will then take you from Slavija Square, to Saint Mark’s Church, the Serbian National Parliament and White Palace, and on to Republic Square. This most central point of Belgrade is surrounded by such cultural institutions as the National Theatre and National Museum. The tour will then head along the lively Knez Mihailo Street, the main pedestrian and shopping zone, before stopping for a visit to the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, which is located just across from the Building of Patriarchate. Your guide will tell you about the tavern around the corner, the oldest in the city and intriguingly known as “?” (Question Mark), before continuing on to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, the most important cultural-historic complex of the city, situated on the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube.

Optional excursions in Belgrade:

Belgrade rivers cruise and Zemun: Danube & Sava, two great rivers and there shores will help you to fell Belgrade’s spirit. You’ll meet this great city from a different perspective and in the evening, explore the charming Zemun neighbourhood, enjoying dinner in one of the traditional fish restaurants.

Skadarlija bohemian night: A traditional Serbian dinner in Skadarlija – the bohemian heart of Belgrade (drinks not included).

Day 3: Belgrade – Fruška Gora – Sremski Karlovci – Novi Sad – Belgrade

Breakfast. Today you will explore the most interesting sights of Vojvodina, a province in the north of Serbia. You will be driven through picturesque scenery and Serbia’s famous wine region towards the ‘Serbian Holy Land’, home to 17 functioning Serbian Orthodox monasteries. You will visit well preserved monastery Krušedol, where you’ll have the opportunity to buy wine and rakija made by the monks.

The tour continues on to the town of Sremski Karlovci. A real gem of Serbian culture and spirituality, Sremski Karlovci feels like a ‘museum town’ with its Baroque centre, the Patriarchal Court, the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas and the first Serbian secondary school (gymnasium). It is also famous for wine production and the town’s annual Wineball festival. You will finish your tour of this charming town with a visit and wine tasting at one the region’s most prominent wineries. As Sremski Karlovci lies on the banks of Danube, you will have the

Opportunity to enjoy lunch on the shore of Central Europe’s longest river.

Further on the tour, you will visit the 2021 European Capital of Culture, Novi Sad. Located on the historical border of two former empires – the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman – as a result, the capital of Vojvodina is a multi-cultural city with an interesting mix of architectural influences. On a sightseeing tour around the city, you will walk around the city’s pedestrian zone, past the City Hall, a Catholic church, the old city centre, the former house of Albert Einstein’s wife Mileva, the cultural foundation Matica Srpska and a synagogue. Then you’ll follow the right bank of Danube and visit Petrovaradin, or the so-called ‘Danube’s Gibraltar’, where the fortress is located. On the place where you can enjoy wonderful view of Danube and the entire city, you can take a chance and end this day with dinner in wonderful ambience before heading back to Belgrade.

Day 4: Belgrade – Zagreb – Otočec – Ljubljana

Breakfast. The tour continues to the Croatian capital of Zagreb. This small gem of European culture and civilisation is located in the heart of the continent. Sightseeing around Zagreb, touring the city’s main attractions: Kaptol (the medieval part of Zagreb), the Franciscan monastery and the 13th century Church of Saint Francis. You will also get the chance to 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 end in the heart of Zagreb, at Ban Josip Jelačić’s monument in the square named after him.

After the lunch break, you will be driven to Slovenia, the world’s first green destination. On your way, you will make a stop at Otočec Castle. A jewel rising above the misty Krka River, this landmark is the only water castle in Slovenia and the surrounding area, and the short break here will refresh you. Afterwards, you will continue on to Ljubljana. Check-in at the hotel and take your time to rest for next days of this amazing tour.

Day 5: Ljubljana – Postojna Cave – Piran – Portorož

Breakfast and check-out. Start your guided tour around Ljubljana, the magical capital of Slovenia that boasts of real charm and a great cultural scene. You will be led along the riverfront to the city’s beautiful cultural landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, the medieval town square “Mestni Trg” and Robba's Fountain, as well as the picturesque central open-air market and the Triple Bridge. After the tour, you will have free time to take a lunch on the banks of the romantic Ljubljanica River.

The afternoon is reserved for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – a visit to the spectacular limestone Postojna Cave. Inside you will see incredible stalactites, stalagmites, limestone pools, subterranean gorges and underground waterfalls. The most popular Slovenian tourist attraction, the cave is a definite must-see on your trip through Slovenia.

After the cave, the next stop is Piran, one of the most beautiful towns of Slovene Istria. The town is actually a large museum with its medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. Narrow streets and cramped houses give the town a special charm. After exploring the small yet delightful Tartini Square, climbing to the Cathedral of Saint George and wonderful view from the top of the hill

will further add to your feeling that Piran is a special place.

Your final stop of the day is Portorož, which has been a tourist destination for as far back as the 13th century, when people were treated with seawater. It reached its golden age at the beginning of 20th century when the majestic Hotel Palace opened its doors and Portorož hosted almost 7000 guests yearly, becoming internationally renowned. Check-in at the hotel in Portorož.

Day 6: Portorož – Pula – Rovinj

Breakfast. Drive to Istria, an amazing part of the Croatian coast and the perfect place to enjoy first-class gourmet food, Malvasia wine, gorgeous beaches and Venetian history. Your first stop will be Pula, a beautiful town possessing a wealth of historical sites and examples of Roman architecture. The star of the show is the remarkably well preserved Roman amphitheatre, the 6th biggest Roman coliseum in the world. The Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of Sergius, the Twin Gates and other sites of the old town will make you feel like you have stepped back in time.

After Pula, you will proceed to Rovinj, the pearl of the Adriatic. Wander the cobbled streets of this historic town and let your tourist guide show you why this town is called an Istrian gem. With beautiful architecture that dates back to the 1700s, the narrow streets lead you up to the top of the peninsula, where, at the plateau of the Church of Saint Euphemia you can enjoy the view of the old town, surrounded by amazing Istrian nature. Walking back down, past a cute row of seafood restaurants, you can visit the old neighbourhood of Grisia, famous for its small shops and art galleries. At the bottom, you will come across a typical Istrian market where you can get a real feel for the flavours of the region. After the tour, you will have free time to relax and enjoy on the shore of Adriatic Sea, or continue exploring along Rovinj’s coast. The evening will be spent soaking up the relaxing atmosphere of one of the many great hotels in Istria.

Day 7: Rovinj – Opatija – Plitvice Lakes National Park

Breakfast. Drive to Opatija, an aristocratic town that is just 80 km away yet so different in its history, architecture and atmosphere compared to other towns on the Istrian Peninsula. With its picturesque surroundings, Opatija’s rich history is visible in the buildings built in different architectural styles, including Renaissance, Venetian, Secession and Baroque. Enjoy the sights and feel the pulse of Opatija as you walk along the famous Lungomare promenade, complete with panoramic views of the sea.

Free time for lunch in one of the restaurants by the sea. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. In the refreshing atmosphere, you can relax and enjoy dinner either in the hotel restaurant or a local restaurant nearby.

Day 8: Plitvice Lakes National Park – Šibenik - Split

Breakfast. 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. While swimming is forbidden, you will find the best places for relaxing and contemplating the untouched beauty of this lush paradise.

In the afternoon, you will drive along the Dalmatian coast to Šibenik, a medieval Venetian town famous for its narrow curvy streets, stone-made houses, stairs and remains of the city walls. It is home to many significant landmarks, among which the Cathedral of Saint James

(on the UNESCO World Heritage List), constructed by locals for hundreds of years, has a special place. Šibenik is the perfect place for a break during our trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Spend your free time strolling through the charming streets and enjoying lunch in a square surrounded by Venetian architecture.

Drive to Split and check-in at the hotel.

Day 9 / Leisure day: Split – Trogir – Split

Breakfast. Start the sightseeing tour of Split, the largest Dalmatian city, founded 1700 years ago, with a well preserved, enormously rich history. Your guide will lead you through the narrow streets of Diocletian’s Palace (a UNESCO Heritage Site), built in the 4th century for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and show you former Temple of Jupiter in the central square of the imperial complex. Today, the temple is now the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral that remains in use in its original structure. You will also pass through the Golden and Silver Gates and walk around lively markets and Riva, the city’s shopping zone.

The afternoon will be devoted to the beautiful town of Trogir, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are a lover of photography, this is the perfect spot for you. Located on a tiny island, it boasts beautiful architecture, stunning sea views and palm trees that spread along its pleasant waterfront promenade. Watch out, or you will find yourself lost in medieval times. Walking its charming streets, you will find yourself immersed in the blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Look out for the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, the Clock Tower, the Loggia, the Land Gate, Kamerlengo Castle and Saint Mark's Tower. Return to Split.

In the evening, relax in the charming Mediterranean atmosphere and while your free time enjoy dinner in a restaurant by the sea.

Day 10: Split – Međugorje – Mostar – Trebinje

Breakfast. Drive along the beautiful Makarska coast - with wonderful views of Croatian islands, wine & olive plantations and stone-made villages towards Mostar. On the way, you will stop for a visit to the famous pilgrimage site of Međugorje. Since 1981, alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary have been reported in the town and it has become a must-see destination for many travellers to the Balkans. In Međugorje, you will visit the Church of Saint James with the outer altar and statue of Christ. Continue on to Mostar.

Walking tour around Mostar starts with a visit to the symbol of this 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 next destination of the day is Trebinje, a picturesque town with a wonderful mix of sights originating from a mix of different cultures. The tour starts with a visit to Arslanagića Bridge, a dream for artists and photographers alike; this stone bridge with its peaceful atmosphere will take you 400 years back in time. During the leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the old town, you’ll see the most important sights of Trebinje as you make your way to the so called ‘Poet’s Square’ where you can sit under the 115 year old trees, which are the symbol of the town. In this beautiful town, Emir

Kusturica, the world famous movie director, made one of his last movies, with Monica Belluci in the leading role. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 11: Trebinje – Perast – Kotor – Dubrovnik

Breakfast and check-out. This day is devoted to the Republic of Montenegro, a country that boasts of rich heritage and immense natural beauty. The Bay of Kotor with its unique landscape is a must-see location for more than 500 cruisers per year. On the way to the marvellous Kotor, you will make a stop at the town of Perast, a little settlement baroque in style. From Perast, you’ll start a relaxing boat ride along the Bay of Kotor to the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rocks. This manmade island is home to a church with valuable paintings by local artists, silver votive tablets and a famous votive tapestry.

After the boat ride, you will arrive in Kotor, an old Mediterranean town that dates back to the 12th and 14th century. 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.

Drive to Dubrovnik. Check-in at the hotel and overnight.

Day 12 / Leisure day: Dubrovnik Sightseeing

Breakfast. Start walking tour around Dubrovnik, one of the most significant monuments in the world and one of Europe's best preserved walled cities, known since the 7th century. The old town is surrounded by a 2 km long wall that gives a great opportunity to see old Dubrovnik from above during a one hour relaxing walk; the city’s churches, fortifications and monuments are a real must-see. Dubrovnik has enchanted a lot of famous persons to devote their pieces of art to the city, thus in this city of marble and light coloured stone, you will find numerous art galleries and unique shops. In the historical centre of Dubrovnik, you will visit the main street Stradun, the main square Placa, Pile Gate, the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, the walls of the Old Town, the church of Saint Blaise, the cathedral, the Jesuit church, Orlando’s Column, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, the city port and other hidden gems.

Optional excursions in Dubrovnik:

Cable Car Ride: The Dubrovnik Cable Car will take you to the top of Srđ Hill, where you can stretch your view up to 60 km across Adriatic coast, and this wonderful city.

Seafood dinner in Dubrovnik: In the evening, you’ll have opportunity to visit a local restaurant where you can enjoy Croatian seafood dishes and wines.

Day 13: Departure

Breakfast and hotel check-out. As most of our clients 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 Serbia Tour Operator to organise a departure transfer on their behalf are welcome to contact us. End of services.

*Wishing for MORE TIME IN DUBROVNIK? If you would like to spend a few more days in the world-famous destination, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $105 reg.s / $140 high.s (Standard package) or $135 reg.s/ $180 high.s (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.