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Compare Best of the Balkans: From Medieval Fortresses to the Majestic Adriatic Sea by Road Scholar vs Balkan Essentials - 10 days by Serbia Tour Operator

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Duration 17 days 10 days
Price From $ 3,999 $ 1,519
Price Per Day $ 235 $ 152
Highlights
  • Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Montenegro, Dubrovnik, Split, Sarajevo, Zagreb and more
  • Enjoy a boat excursion on the captivating Adriatic Sea
  • Discover Lake Bled, a scene right out of a storybook with a tiny island, mountain landscape and romantic hilltop castle
  • Experience the welcoming vibes of Belgrade
  • Walk across the bridge over the Drina, described by Nobel Prize winning writer Ivo Andrić
  • Feel the charm of Kotor's Old Town - one of Europe's ""must-see"" destinations
  • Listen to the peaceful sounds of the stunning waterfalls of National Park Plitvice Lakes
Trip Style Small group tour Small group tour
Lodging Level Standard Premium
Physical Level
  • 0- Wheelchair accessible
  • 2- Easy
Travel Themes
  • 50 plus
  • Education / Learning
  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Alps
  • Belgrade
  • Croatia
  • Dubrovnik
  • Ljubljana
  • Sarajevo
  • Split
  • Zagreb
  • Belgrade
  • Croatia
  • Dalmatian Coast
  • Diocletian's Palace
  • Dubrovnik
  • Montenegro
  • Plitvice Lakes National park
  • Sarajevo
  • Sibenik
  • Split
  • Zagreb
Flights & Transport Airfare included Ground transport included
Activities N/A
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Short Cruise
  • Swimming
  • Trains & Rail
  • Winetasting
Meals Included
  • 43 Meals
  • 15 Breakfasts
  • 14 Lunches
  • 14 Dinners
  • The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Salt, Vegetarian, Low Fat, Gluten Free

9 Breakfasts & 2 Dinners

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.

The beauty of the Balkan is best seen in the variety of cultures, religions, ethnicities and nationalities living together on a relatively small piece of land. The knowledge gained is immense, and you will certainly feel like you are traveling through time while exploring the heritage of Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Croatia. The innate cheerfulness of Balkan citizens, their warm hospitality and the impressive history of each region will turn this 10 day adventure into a great journey. You can reminisce about the Kingdom of Serbia looking at various architectural styles in Belgrade, enjoy a delicious tufahija in Baščaršija in Sarajevo, and daydream looking at the spectacular views of the Croatian Islands and pristine blue Adriatic Sea. You finish the tour with the untouched beauty of Plitvice Lakes, a gorgeous national park containing 16 interconnected cascading lakes in aquamarine and emerald green color variations.

Itinerary: Best of the Balkans: From Medieval Fortresses to the Majestic Adriatic Sea

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.

Itinerary: Balkan Essentials - 10 days

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.

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. You will also meet the other travellers in the group. For the rest of the evening, we recommend you take a short, leisurely walk through one of the oldest quarters towards the bohemian heart of Belgrade – Skadarlija. In a charming 19th century cobbled street you will find many numerous ‘kafanas’ where you can try delicious local specialties while listening to traditional music. Overnight.

Day 2: 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.

Day 3: Belgrade – Šargan Eight – Wooden-town – Zlatibor

Breakfast and check-out. Morning departure from Belgrade, heading west towards the picturesque Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, through which the West Morava River meanders. The tour will continue on to Tara National Park, and you will have time to reflect on its beauty from aboard the authentic, retro ‘Nostalgia’ train which runs along the narrow-gauge heritage railway, Šargan Eight. Travelling from the bottom of Šargan mountain on a route shaped like the number eight (hence the name), you will be transported back in time while enjoying the stunning mountain scenery and numerous tunnels and viaducts. At the beginning of the 20th century, the railway used to be a part of the railway from Belgrade to Sarajevo. After enjoying the breathtaking nature, you will arrive at the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden Town), built by prominent movie director Emir Kusturica. The village, which includes the Mećavnik Hotel, houses, galleries, shops, a cinema and a church, is made of natural materials, mostly wood. Since 2008, the village plays host to the annual Küstendorf Film and Music Festival and Drvengrad has been visited by the likes of Johnny Depp, Monica Belucci, Jim Jarmusch and many others.

After exploring Drvengrad, there will be a short drive to the famous Zlatibor Mountain, home of the first royal resort in Serbia. Here you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the quaint town centre of this picturesque air spa. In the evening, an enjoyable dinner of traditional Serbian food typical of the region will be served in the hotel.

Day 4: Zlatibor – Višegrad – Sarajevo

Breakfast and check-out. The tour continues to Bosnia and Herzegovina and a short drive takes you to Višegrad, where Emir Kusturica used his imagination and creativity to build Andrićgrad (also known as Stone Town). It is a cultural centre with numerous buildings and facilities built on the banks of the Drina River near the famous bridge (a monument under the protection of UNESCO). The bridge is referenced in the title of Ivo Andrić’s novel The Bridge on the Drina and in honour of the Nobel Prize winning author, Kusturica’s town was called Andrićgrad (literally translated as Andrić’s Town). In Andrićgrad, the tour will stop for lunch at an unusual restaurant called Zlatna Moruna, the interior of which is decorated with frescoes by well-known artist Bisenija Tereščenko.

After lunch, the tour will continue on to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Check-in at the hotel. After a short rest, the Sarajevo sightseeing tour will start, covering all the main sights including: Vijećnica or Sarajevo City Hall, the building of which was finished during the Austro-Hungarian period; the old downtown of the city called Baščaršija; the historical and cultural centre of Sarajevo with authentic shops and souqs from the Ottoman era; the Orthodox Church from the 16th century; the Gazi Husrev-bey mosque; the Sahat Tower from the 17th century; and the first public toilet in Europe. Next you will head on to the Latin Bridge where Gavrilo Princip shot the successor to the Austro-Hungarian throne Franz Ferdinand, consequently starting the First World War. After crossing the bridge, you will reach Bezistan, a market complex from the 16th century, and then on to the main pedestrian zone Ferhadiya with the Sarajevo Synagogue from 1580 and a Catholic cathedral from 1881. Return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 5: Sarajevo – Mostar – Blagaj – Trebinje

Breakfast and check-out. Drive to one of the most beautiful cities of the Balkan Peninsula, Mostar. During the walking tour, you will visit the symbol of the 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 excursion continues to Blagaj (a site on the UNESCO Tentative List), an old town from the 15th century where the Kosača noble family ruled. Blagaj was also the crib of Islam of today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina, when dervish Sari Satluk built a khanqah at the riverhead of Buna. During the short tour, enjoy the view of the monastery located in a fairy-tale environment, beneath the cliffs, on the shores of the emerald green river Buna.

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 6: 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.

The next destination is Dubrovnik, one of the most popular destinations in the world. After check-in at the hotel, use your free time to rest or head out for an evening stroll to Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik. Enjoy walking the illuminated streets, surrounded by white stone, and take the opportunity to dine on fresh seafood in the fantastic setting of this incredibly romantic city. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 7: Dubrovnik – Split

Breakfast. Start sightseeing tour of 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. At the end of the tour, you will have time to sit and enjoy a coffee at one of the charming piazzas or explore Dubrovnik on your own.

At 2pm we continue further. Drive along the beautiful Makarska coast – with wonderful views of Croatian islands, wine & olive plantations and stone-made villages. Afternoon arrival in Split, the largest Dalmatian city, founded 1700 years ago, with a well preserved, enormously rich history. Check-in at your hotel. In the evening, relax in the charming Mediterranean atmosphere and while your free time enjoy coffee or dinner in a restaurant by the sea.

Day 8: Split – Šibenik – Plitvice Lakes National Park

Breakfast and check-out. Split sightseeing tour – 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 tour will then head towards Plitvice, with a short break in Šibenik, a medieval Venetian city 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 short break. Spend your free time strolling through the charming streets and enjoying lunch in a square surrounded by Venetian architecture.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive at world-famous destination – 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 9: Plitvice Lakes National Park – Zagreb

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.

The final stop on this great Balkan tour is the Croatian capital, 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.

Day 10: 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.

 

If you are departing from Zagreb a few days after the tour end, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $75 (Standard package) or $120 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.

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"Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller."
Ibn Battuta
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