Compare Budapest to Venice by Intrepid Travel vs Best of the Balkans: From Medieval Fortresses to the Majestic Adriatic Sea by Road Scholar

Day 1 Budapest

Szia! Welcome to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. This city, split into two sides – Buda and Pest – sits right on the banks of the Danube River. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner, then take a night walk along the Danube to see the buildings and bridges lit up in lights. Why not keep the night going in one of Budapest's ruin bars tonight, home to eclectic décor and a popular spot for a night out.

Day 2 Novi Sad to Belgrade

This morning you’ll head to Belgrade – Serbia’s capital and one of the oldest cities in Europe. On the way, stop at Novi Sad on the banks of the Danube River. Head out on an orientation walk of the city with your local leader, then take a few hours to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to the Petrovaradin Fortress, one of the most important landmarks in the city, and enjoy the view over the river. There are also some great restaurants and cafes at the fortress where you can stop for lunch or a coffee. Then, continue to your destination – sitting at the junction of the Sava and the Danube, Belgrade is an important intersection between Eastern and Western Europe. Enjoy some free time to explore the city’s wide boulevards and squares, the historic green heart of Kalemegdan Park and Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the river for centuries. In the evening, head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and enjoy the lively atmosphere in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to nightclubs.

Day 3 Belgrade

Today is another day to discover Belgrade at your own pace. You might like to take a cruise along the Danube River, passing Kalemegdan Fortress, Pancevo Bridge and Zemun. Otherwise, the local market Zeleni Venac can keep you occupied for hours. Take a stroll through the Nikola Tesla Museum to learn about the life and work of Serbia's greatest inventor or check out the city's Ethnographic or Military museums. If the weather’s warm, you could brave the crowds on Ada Ciganlija beach, where you can swim, take up some water sports or soak up the sun. During summer, Belgrade hosts a variety of musical and cultural events, and the city is abuzz with people and activities.

Day 4 Sarajevo

Travel through the countryside to Sarajevo this morning. The journey is long, so sit back and enjoy the scenery (and grab a window seat if you can!). Sarajevo is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s small but vibrant capital. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a place that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. When you arrive, maybe head on an optional guided tour to gain insight into the history and culture of the city and explore Bascarsija – Sarajevo's old bazaar. Tonight, maybe grab some of the local speciality – bosanski cevapi (local grilled and spiced meats).

Day 5 Sarajevo

Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo today. You can take an optional day trip out to the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza – the source of the Bosna River. You might prefer to discover local history with a visit to the History Museum, the Sarajevo War Tunnels and Sniper Alley, or learn about the tragedies faced by the city's Jews at the Jewish Museum. Maybe get cultural with a stroll through the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina, or return to Bascarsija and get lost in the mosques, caravanserais and stone-vaulted bazaars while snacking on burek. The Pivnica HS brewery and restaurant is a good place to sample local award-winning beer and spend the night with your travel crew.

Day 6 Mostar

This morning, travel to Mostar. On the way, stop at Tito's Bunker, named after the late leader of the communist country, for a 1.5-hour tour with a local guide. This underground facility served as Yugoslavia's ‘Atomic War Command,’ designed to house a skeleton government of 350 people who would manage the country in the event of nuclear war. Continue to Mostar – thanks to the river Neretva, this city was able to develop in the barren landscape of Herzegovina. When you arrive, maybe head to the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), first built by the Ottomans in 1565 – it was the great architect Mimar Hajrudin who succeeded with the impossible mission to cross the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. If you’re lucky, you might see the famous brave members of Mostar’s diving club hurl themselves into the icy waters below.

Day 7 Kotor

This morning after breakfast, you’ll travel to Kotor. This fifth-century UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a rocky coastline dotted with waterside towns. When you arrive, explore Europe’s most southerly fjord, Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor) and Kotor town, with a free afternoon. Maybe check out the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tryphun, the South Gates of Kotor (the Gurdich Gate) and the Armoury Square (Trg od Oruzija).

Day 8 Kotor

Today is another free day to get lost in the crooked alleyways of Kotor. Maybe check out the boutiques and cafes or climb the hills behind the city to visit Kotor's ruined fortification walls. A 1.5-hour hike up the stone steps, past churches, gates and bastions to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan at the top, rewards you with magnificent views across the town and the Bay of Kotor. Tonight, maybe hang out in a lookout spot and take in the lights – the city walls are lit up in the evening here to provide a unique night-time perspective.

Day 9 Dubrovnik

Leave Montenegro by bus this morning, riding along the beautiful southern coast of Croatia to Dubrovnik. When you arrive, the day is free for you to explore this medieval city at your own pace. There is so much to see and do here, so ask your leader if you’re stuck for ideas. You might like to take a boat trip to nearby Lokrum Island, where you’ll find the French-built Fort Royal Castle, a monastery and a botanical garden that dates back to when the Austrian archduke Maximilian had his holiday home on the island. Tonight, maybe find a secluded beach spot to watch the sunset or enjoy a harbourside meal with the group for dinner.

Day 10 Dubrovnik

You have a free day in Dubrovnik today. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, this city is picturesque and full of character, and its Old Town can easily be covered on foot. You’ll have another meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet the new members of your group. After, maybe head out for a walk around town or enjoy a meal with the group to get to know your new travel buddies.

Day 11 Dubrovnik

This morning after breakfast, take a day trip to Elaphiti Islands – a small archipelago northwest of Dubrovnik. Travel to Lopud, where you’ll hike from the main village to Sunj Beach with your leader. Explore the old churches, old fortress and incredible views along the way. When you arrive at the beach, enjoy some free time to relax, swim, or find a good spot to settle for a couple of hours for a long lunch. After, return to Dubrovnik where you’ll have the late afternoon and night free. Walk along the city walls of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame, enjoying breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, built by architect Onofrio della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city or check out the Franciscan monastery, home to one of the world's oldest continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. Tonight, kick back on Banje Beach or find a good spot with a sunset view for dinner.

Day 12 Split

This morning you’ll take a public bus up the coast to Split. If Dubrovnik is considered the heart of Dalmatia, Split is certainly the soul. On a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, it's the second-largest city in Croatia. Enjoy a free afternoon in this stunning seaside town, exploring the historic streets and making sure you see the World Heritage-listed Diocletian's Palace. For a more in-depth introduction to the city, why not join an optional guided tour with a local guide? Dinner by the sea is recommended, whether you’re a fiend for fresh seafood or just want to catch the deep colours of the sunset.

Day 13 Split

Enjoy a free day in Split today. At the heart of its atmospheric Old Town is a fascinating city-within-a-city – the remains of a third-century palace built for Roman Emperor Diocletian. Some places might have protected such an impressive complex in a museum, but not enigmatic Split. These ancient walls now house a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, restaurants and houses. Step back in time as you stroll the sprawling maze of passageways and courtyards – you’ll also find a 16th-century synagogue and a courtyard often filled with music. If your feet tire, why not sample Croatia’s fine coffee culture with a frothy kava from a cafe on the Riva waterfront promenade – a prime spot for people-watching. In the evening, Split boasts an increasingly bustling nightlife scene, so grab a few of your fellow travellers and hit the bars.

Day 14 Plitvice Lakes National Park / Zagreb

Today you will visit one of Croatia's most beautiful sites – Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park was given UNESCO World Heritage status 20 years ago and is 19 hectares of wooded hills surrounding 16 stunning turquoise lakes, all connected by a series of waterfalls. The area is populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and some rare bird species, and the thick, primeval forest vegetation of beech trees, fir spruce and white pine adds another element to the park's beauty. You’ll have free time to explore or simply follow your leader to see the best spots – all trails in the national park are well marked, so it's difficult to get lost (but make sure you follow the national park rules, which your leader will outline). Look to the canopy for over 120 species of birds, including hawks and owls. After your memorable visit to the lakes, you’ll drive to Croatia's capital Zagreb.

Day 15 Zagreb

This morning after breakfast, take an orientation walk with your leader as they point out the local amenities and attractions in Zagreb. For lunch, you’ll head to Dolac Market – the main market in the city and a great spot to pick up local favourites. The upper level offers seasonal fruits, vegetables, preserves and olive oil and the bottom level sells cheese and meats. Stop by a bakery for a taste of cevapcici (grilled minced meat) – a traditional market snack. The rest of the day is free, so you might want to check out the gothic Zagreb Cathedral, with its twin spires that dominate the city's skyline. Maybe start at Ban Jelacic Square, the city's central point, and visit one of the excellent museums like the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.

Day 16 Ljubljana

Travel by train this morning across the Slovenian border and arrive in the cosmopolitan capital of Ljubljana (pronounced 'Lyub-Li-Yana'). Check in to your accommodation and then head out on a short orientation walk with your leader. The rest of the day is free for you to delve deeper into this beautiful city. Located in the centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana is a city full of style and sophistication, history, monuments, churches, museums and great restaurants. Maybe wander around the old city centre, renowned for its unique architectural appearance. The Old Town consists of three main squares and Baroque houses, and you can visit the Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, the Cathedral of St Nicholas, and the Dragon Bridge. Stop at the central Preseren Square, dedicated to the Slovenian romantic poet France Preseren.

Day 17 Ljubljana

Today is a free day to explore Ljubljana further. You have the option of heading on a day trip to Bled – gifted with immense natural beauty, Bled ranks among the most beautiful of alpine resorts. Its fairy tale-like scenery includes a castle, a stunning lake and a picturesque island topped with a church, which is a dream to explore. Take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) across sparkling Lake Bled to its island, then climb the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake, too – nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims their cream cake is the best! There's also plenty of action for adrenaline junkies on offer today, like rafting, caving, cycling, canoeing, boating or swimming.

Day 18 Venice

This morning, travel by bus to one of the world's most unique and romantic destinations – Venice. Renowned for its canals, Venice comprises hundreds of small islands connected by nearly 400 bridges. Its famous sights – such as the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace (the ruler of Venice), the Piazza San Marco and the evocative Bridge of Sighs – are easily explored by foot. Don't miss the chance to take a gondola ride through the romantic canals! It’s also heavily recommended that you sample a slice of tiramisu (coffee-soaked sponge cake), the region’s specialty. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and try two other local specialities – fresh lobster and squid ink pasta. 

Day 19 Venice

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to depart the accommodation any time after check-out. Venice is a charming city with lots to do, so it’s highly recommended that you stay an extra day or two. If you would like to spend more time in Venice, just speak to your booking agent.

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.