Compare Best of the Balkans: From Medieval Fortresses to the Majestic Adriatic Sea by Road Scholar vs Eastern Capitals & Dalmatian Riviera - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 17 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 3,999 | $ 4,750 |
| Price Per Day | $ 235 | $ 317 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A | N/A |
| Meals Included |
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| Description | Discover the rich cultural and social history of the Balkans, a place of ancient trade routes, architecture, breath-taking scenery and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. | From Vienna to Ljubljana and onto Dubrovnik, this grand tour takes in the natural wonders of Plitvice National Park, the historic wartime Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope and the ancient town of Trogir—founded by the Greek Empire over 2000 years ago. Beginning the journey in royal style, a Schönbrunn Palace tour in Vienna brings the dynasty of the Habsburgs to life as a Local Expert guides you through the palatial ballrooms, and stately grounds. In the Slovenian capital, the intoxicating aromas of Ljubljanan’s Central Market are food for the soul, while the Croatian capital of Zagreb showcases the architectural grandeur of its twin towns. A tour of the Dalmatian Riviera serves up the 1700-year-old cellars of Split and the pearl of the Adriatic—Dubrovnik. |
Day
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive, Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Herceg Novi D Hunguest Hotel Sun Resort
Dinner: In the hotel dining room, enjoy a welcome buffet dinner. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a three-course set menu. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
3
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi B,L,D Hunguest Hotel Sun Resort
Activity note: 3 hours on the boat with one stop to get out in the morning. Herceg Novi is known as the ’city of stairs’ – please be prepared! The afternoon walking excursion is about 2 hours, if you feel it may be too challenging, you have the option of walking back to the hotel along the Adriatic (15 minutes).
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room, the daily breakfast will offer a buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.
Morning: Enjoy an expert-led boat excursion on the Adriatic in Herceg Novi Bay. View an Austrian-built fortress on a small island, the Blue Cave, and then stop in Rose, one of the oldest settlements in the region, for a short stroll.
Lunch: At a local restaurant in Herceg Novi, enjoy a light lunch of local fare. Unless otherwise noted, lunches on this program are typically a two-course set menu.
Afternoon: We will enjoy an expert-led walk in Herceg Novi. Founded in 1382, this medieval town was formerly known as Castel Nuovo, because of its many fortresses. Explore the winding streets, the Forte Mare, and the port of the city. Some free time to relax or explore. Then, back at the hotel, take in a lecture on the history and present day life of Montenegro.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room, enjoy a buffet dinner.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
4
Kotor and Kotor Bay
Herceg Novi B,L,D Hunguest Hotel Sun Resort
Activity note: Approximately 2-3 hours of walking during the day.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: This morning we have a coach excursion along the Kotor Bay. We will admire the amazing morning views, and take advantage of photo stops, as we wind around the bay. We end up in Montenegro's coastal town of Kotor. A World Heritage Site, Kotor is situated at the head of Southern Europe’s deepest fjord, nestled at the foot of a high cliff. We explore its labyrinthine streets and piazzas.
Lunch: At a local restaurant in Kotor.
Afternoon: Free time. Continue to explore Kotor before returning to the hotel for the remainder of the afternoon. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room, enjoy a buffet dinner.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
5
Dubrovnik
Neum B,L,D Grand Hotel Neum
Activity note: Transfer time: 2 hours to Dubrovnik, 2 hours to Neum. Approximately 2-3 hours walking during the day.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: After breakfast, we continue our journey towards Dubrovnik. We will walk through the beautiful town of Dubrovnik, a World Heritage Site. Pass by the Onofrio Fountain, St. Blaise's Church and the city walls, and explore the inside of Rector's Palace.
Lunch: At a local restaurant in the Old Town.
Afternoon: Enjoy a lecture on the present day life of Croatia with a special focus on Dalmatia. Free time in Dubrovnik to explore on your own or walk along the walls. The famous city walls surround Dubrovnik's incredible old town, where the city's history and culture thrive harmoniously with present-day life. Travel along the coastline toward the west, to Neum, for an overnight.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
6
Cetina Valley, Split
Split B,L,D Hotel Slavija
Activity note: Transfer time: 2 hours from Neum to Omis, 1 more to Split. Approximately 2-3 hours walking and some standing in the gallery during the day. Mestrovic Gallery: ca. 60 stairs lead up to the house from the entrance gate on the road below, plus some more to the upper floor.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: Transfer to Split. Travel by coach along the beautiful seafront, enjoying the view of the picturesque islands and the rich Mediterranean vegetation. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Cetina River Valley during a boat ride between Omis and Radmanove Mlinice.
Lunch: En route, we will enjoy lunch at an old mill next to the Cetina River.
Afternoon: Continue your transfer to Split by coach. Upon arrival in Split, we will enjoy an expert-led excursion in the Mestrovic Gallery. The Gallery is situated in a magnificent villa - the former home of the sculptor - overlooking the Adriatic.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
7
Diocletian’s Palace
Split B,L Hotel Slavija
Activity note: Approximately 3 hours of walking during the day.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: We enjoy an excursion to Diocletian’s Palace in Split (World Heritage Site). The palace and fortress was built by Roman Emperor Diocletian shortly after abdicating his throne at the turn of the 4th century, and today is considered one of the most significant living monuments of the Roman era. What remains of the palace is now the old town of Split. Explore the Peristyle, the Cathedral, former gates and rooms of the palace, as well as majestic statues by Ivan Mestrovic, the greatest 20th-century Croatian sculptor.
Lunch: At a local restaurant in the old town of Split.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions or directions.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
8
Mostar
Sarajevo B,L,D Hotel Bosnia
Activity note: Transfer time: 3 hours to Mostar, then 2 more to Sarajevo. Approximately 3 hours of walking during the day. In Mostar, be careful crossing the Old bridge as the stone work is very smooth and slippery. In Mostar in general the cobblestones can be challenging to walk on.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: We travel to Sarajevo. In the late morning, we stop in Mostar (World Heritage Site) and take an expert-led walk. The old bridge of Mostar symbolizes the unity of the different nationalities living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The bridge was destroyed in the war, but was rebuilt in its original shape in 2004.
Lunch: En Route, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Mostar.
Afternoon: Free time in Mostar. We then continue on to Sarajevo to check into the Hotel Bosnia.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
9
Sarajevo
Sarajevo B,L,D Hotel Bosnia
Activity note: Approximately 3 hours of walking during the day.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: We take an expert-led excursion in Sarajevo by bus and on foot. We will see such sights as the former Austro-Hungarian area, the Bascarsija bazaar and the former Jewish quarter. We will continue walking in the Old Town, and visit the "War Tunnel" which kept the city alive during the war.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room, enjoy a two-course set menu.
Evening: At the hotel, enjoy a lecture on the history and present day of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Day
10
Dinaric Alps
Belgrade B,L,D Belgrade City Hotel
Activity note: Transfer day: approximately 6 hours on the bus.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: We travel to Belgrade. During this journey, we will cross the impressive Dinaric Alps.
Lunch: En route, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Arrive at the hotel and settle in.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room.
Evening: At the hotel, enjoy a lecture on the history as well as current life in Serbia.
Day
11
Belgrade
Belgrade B,L,D Belgrade City Hotel
Activity note: Approximately 3 hours of walking during the day.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: Take an exciting bus excursion through Belgrade. See the main pedestrian street, Knez Mihajlova, which is always alive with activity. Explore on foot the old Kalemegdan fortress, St. Sava Church, and the Mausoleum of Tito.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner: At a local restaurant on Skadarlija Street in the bohemian quarter of Belgrade. Enjoy live music with dinner.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
12
Novi Sad, Fruska Gora
Belgrade B,L,D Belgrade City Hotel
Activity note: Approximately 3-4 hours of walking during the day. 1.5 hour drive to Novi Sad, and 1.5 hours back to Belgrade
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: Full day excursion to northern Serbia, where we will explore the city of Novi Sad during an expert-led walking excursion. We then visit Fruska Gora, a tranquil national park filled with monasteries and vineyards.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue our excursion in Fruska Gora. Visit the Krusedol Orthodox Monastery, and experience a wine tasting in the beekeeping museum, before going back to Belgrade.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
13
Zagreb
Zagreb B,L,D Hotel Dubrovnik
Activity note: Transfer day: approximately 5 hours on the bus. Approximately 2 hours of walking during the day.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: We travel to Zagreb. Along the way we will cross the northeastern part of Croatia, the “bread-basket” of the country.
Lunch: En route, we will enjoy a picnic lunch.
Afternoon: Enjoy an expert-led excursion in Zagreb by bus and on foot. See such sites as the Mirogoj Cemetery, the Cathedral, and St. Mark’s Church. We will walk from the Upper town to the main Jelacic square that is always busy,
Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a two-course set menu.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
14
Plitvice Lake National Park
Zagreb B,L,D Hotel Dubrovnik
Activity note: Transfer time: 2-3 hours each way on the bus. Approximately 2-3 hours walking in the park. The path to the lakes is a long steep incline with no railings. To access other parts of the lake you will need to walk on a narrow boardwalk also with no railing. Both can be slippery when wet. To get back up to the parking and dining area you will need to use stairs or climb a steep incline. There is an alternative option to view the lakes and waterfalls from above with some flat walking.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: An excursion to Plitvice Lake National Park (World Heritage Site). Plitvice is the most beautiful national park in Croatia, with crystal clear lakes, amazing waterfalls and cascades. We will hike a few hours in the park.
Lunch: At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a unique lunch.
Afternoon: Drive back to Zagreb to enjoy some free time in the city.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
15
Lake Bled
Ljubljana B,L,D City Hotel Ljubljana
Activity note: Transfer time: 3 hours to Bled, 1 hour to Ljubljana. Approximately 2 hours of walking during the day. To reach the castle of Bled you will need to walk along a very steep cobblestone walkway for about 100 yards.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: We travel to Ljubljana. On our way, we will visit Lake Bled, one of the most famous sites in Slovenia.
Lunch: En route, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: We will enjoy the view of the tiny island in the middle of Lake Bled and the romantic castle on the hilltop. This postcard image is the most photographed part of Slovenia. Continue our transfer to Ljubljana.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
16
Lecture on Slovenia, City excursion in Ljubljana
Ljubljana B,L,D City Hotel Ljubljana
Activity note: Approximately 2 hours of walking during the day.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Morning: At the hotel, we will listen to a lecture on Slovenia and have a discussion to wrap up the program. After the lecture, we will enjoy an expert-led excursion through Ljubljana on foot. We will walk through the charming downtown to appreciate its unique character designed by the famous architect, José Plecnik.
Lunch: In the hotel dining room.
Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner: At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner with folk music.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
17
Departures, Program Concludes
In Flight B
Activity note: check out 10:00 am
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.
Day 1: Welcome to Vienna
On arrival at Vienna airport, your transfer will leave for your hotel at 10:00, 13:00 or 15:30.Join your Travel Director at 17:30 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, for a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
Hilton Vienna Park.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Exploring Stately Vienna
Join a Local Expert for a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and explore its formal gardens at your pace. Then get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. Built along the lines of the old city walls, it showcases many of the capital's architectural highlights, including the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, the Austrian Parliament Building and Karlskirche. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continuing exploring.
Hilton Vienna Park.
Breakfast
Day 3: Maribor and Ljubljana
In the morning, cross the border into Slovenia and journey to its second largest city, Maribor. After spending time in this charming location, head to the beloved city of Ljubljana.
Hotel Lev Ljubljana.
Breakfast
Day 4: Exploring Lovable Ljubljana Relaxed Start
Your Local Expert will reveal the Baroque elegance of the Slovenian capital. The medieval castle stands as an ancient guardian, the City Hall and Cathedral of St. Nicholas testify to its historical importance, while the Triple Bridge spans the river adorned with cafes and restaurants. Spend time in the glorious Central Market, rich with the heady aromas of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat and spices. Your Local Expert will share insights into some of the Slovenian delicacies on display and treats you to a tasting. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Postojna Caves?In the evening, choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Hotel Lev Ljubljana.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Zagreb’s Twin Towns Relaxed Start
Spend the morning in Slovenia before journeying into Croatia, where on arrival in Zagreb, you meet your Local Expert for an exploration of this capital. Donji Grad, the Lower Town, is devoted to business, art and spacious parks, where streets are wide and airy and the layout is designed to give a sense of grandeur. See the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square and continue to Ban Josip Jelacic Square en route to the cathedral. The medieval Upper Town, is a network of little streets, stretching between the Kaptol and Gradec hills. View the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower.
Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Breakfast
Day 6: Zagreb at Leisure Relaxed Start
A free day to relax and enjoy a city that is bursting with culture. Perhaps spend time exploring one of the many museums or browsing the shops in Donji Grad? Maybe try the local cuisine in one of Zagreb's interesting restaurants or cafes or join an Optional Experience to the charming village of Kumrovec and meet a local to hear their perspective on the region's history?
Sheraton Zagreb Hotel.
Breakfast
Day 7: On to Plitvice National Park Relaxed Start
Journey south to visit one of Europe's great natural wonders.Explore Plitvice with Insight Choice. Choose between two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park and learn how the site actively carries out research to monitor the natural habitat of species. Alternatively meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Centre, who produce handicrafts, enabling employment and engagement in the community.
Hotel Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Along the Dalmatian Coast
The green forests give way to pebble-dashed shores lapped by turquoise waters as you travel to Trogir, a historic town founded by the Greeks 2,300 years ago. Admire the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace, before continuing to the historic port of Split. The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here, and today it forms the heart of the Old Town of Split. With your Local Expert, explore the 1,700 year-old palace cellars, and learn the story of the infamous emperor. Continue through the labyrinthine streets and arcaded squares to see St. Duje's- originally Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Temple of Jupiter, which today is a baptistery, as well as the Golden Gate. Your exploration then continues underground as you are guided through the cellars. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity to dine like a true local at a traditional Konoba.
Hotel President Solin, Split.
Breakfast
Day 9: Exploring Split Relaxed Start
Always buzzing, lively Split has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. See Dalmatian life as it’s lived with a full day free to explore Split and its surroundings. Why not join an Optional Experience to discover the beautiful Dalmatian island, Hvar? Explore the historic Old Town with your Local Expert before having free time to relax by the seafront or admire the stunning views from the hilltop fortress.
Hotel President Solin, Split.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Mostar to Sarajevo
In the morning, cross the border into Bosnia & Herzegovina to Mostar. During your guided walking exploration with your Local Expert, see the famous Stari Most, or Old Bridge, reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the Croat–Bosniak War. The cobbled old town stretches on both sides of the bridge and is filled with shops selling Turkish-style souvenirs. Continue to Sarajevo, a town with a turbulent past - in 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked World War I and more recently, it endured the longest siege in modern military history. Follow the scenic route to Sarajevo for a unique and rewarding insight into the local way of life as you are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner with drinks. Savour the warm hospitality and authentic cuisine as you hear inspirational stories about their culture and experience the local culture.
Swissotel Sarajevo.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Sarajevo, the City of Culture
Morning sightseeing with a Local Expert introduces you to the Sarajevo War Tunnels Museum, housing part of the secret tunnel that was the city's lifeline during the Bosnian war. Talk to one of the survivors, for whom the siege of Sarajevo remains a defining moment in their life. You will also see the Latin Bridge where Austrian Crown Prince, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated. Continue to Baščaršija, the cobbled old town market where Sarajevo was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century. In the afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure.
Swissotel Sarajevo.
Breakfast
Day 12: Medjugorje and Dubrovnik
In the morning, travel south to stop at the small town of Medjugorje, made famous by six children who claim to have seen visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Cross the border back into Croatia and journey to the walled town of Dubrovnik. On arrival, join your Local Expert to explore the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions of the old town. See Onofrio's Fountain and the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.
Breakfast
Day 13: Optional Montenegro Experience Relaxed Start
In the morning, why not visit Montenegro? This Optional Experience travels to Kotor, where your camera can capture one of the most beautiful parts of the bay as you learn the history of the area, before returning to Dubrovnik with a short cruise. As the sun begins to set, and should the weather permit, join your fellow travel companions as you sit back and enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik. Later, enjoy a Celebration Dinner of typical Dalmatian Coast cuisine, accompanied by local wines.
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik
Your travels draw to a close after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dubrovnik airport at 05:00, 09:00 and 11:30.
Breakfast
