The Western Balkan Tour - Private Escorted Tour to: Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro

The Western Balkan Tour - Private Escorted Tour 

Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro

Prices from £2,700 per person

 

The tour starts with an introduction to the northern capitals: Zagreb, Ljubljana, Belgrade, and Sarajevo, and then continues to the southern gems like Mostar, Split, Dubrovnik, and Kotor Bay. Your will have a chance to explore the natural and historical wonders of this part of the European continent.

 

 Day 1 – Zagreb - Arrival

Arrival in Zagreb. Hotel check-in, free time to relax. In the evening, the Zagreb walking tour follows. First, we will walk to visit Kaptol and its landmark – Zagreb Cathedral, which story goes all the way from the 11th century. We will pass the Dolac market, to come to Radiceva Street which leads us all the way to Stone Gates.This is the entrance to the old city of Gradec, today „the upper town “, where you will hear all about city legends, witches, and lovers that represent this part of the town. We will walk to St. Marko church, the landmark of the old city, and finish our tour by bypassing the very famous Museum of Broken Relationships and Tower of Lotršcak all the way back to Ban Jelacic square. Overnight.

Day 2 - Zagreb – Ljubljana Full-Day Excursion with A Private Guided City Tour

After breakfast, you will leave Zagreb for a full-day excursion with a private guided city walking tour of Ljubljana. Ljubljana is often called a European jewel or described as a small blend of Prague and Amsterdam. It is a 'town with a soul', as visitors often comment. This vibrant old town is concentrated along the Ljubljanica River, and the castle on a hill still looks like it is protecting the romantic city below. Its modern city center, built between World Wars I and II by the famous architect Jože Plecnik, is now on the UNESCO list for its human-centered urban design. On this private tour, you will stroll along medieval streets, admire an interesting blend of different architectural styles, 'see' and 'be seen' on several famous promenades along the river, discover some of Ljubljana’s hidden monuments, relax in the city’s greenery, and hear stories and fairytales that connect the present and the past. In the afternoon, return to Zagreb. Overnight.

Day 3 – Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes

Breakfast in the hotel. On this day, you will enjoy another UNESCO- protected site, but this time - the natural one - the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Sixteen lakes, each at a different level, are joined in a series of cascading waterfalls. Surrounded by dense wood, Plitvice Lakes are a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. After the tour of Plitvice, return to Zagreb. Free time to enjoy your last day in Croatia’s capital. Overnight.

Day 4 – Zagreb – Belgrade – Belgrade Private Guided City Walking Tour

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depart from Zagreb to visit another capital - Belgrade. After arrival to Belgrade, hotel check-in, and the Belgrade city tour follows with a local guide: Republic Square, Prince Mihailo monument, National Museum and National Theatre, Student’s Square - oldest urban city square in Belgrade, Dorcol, Kalemegdan - the oldest and largest park in the city center. Entering the Upper town, you will see the magnificent sight of two rivers’ confluence: the Sava and the Danube. The rest of the day is free. In the evening we recommend the evening River cruise where you will experience the city from the river: Ušce (the Confluence), the Belgrade Port, the Cathedral Church, Belgrade bridges, Belgrade Fortress, the Great War Island, and so on. Overnight. 

Day 5 – Belgrade – Sarajevo – Sarajevo Private Guided City Walking Tour with War Tunnel and Museum

After breakfast in Belgrade, start your way to Sarajevo. Hotel check-in. Free time to relax. The Sarajevo city tour follows with a local guide: Main sightseeing points: Bašcaršija square, fountain, Sebilj, Kazandžiluk street, Sarajevo city hall, the oldest mosque in Sarajevo-Imperial Mosque, Atmejdan park, Latin bridge, Jewish Synagogue, Cathedral of Sacred Jesus Hearth, The Orthodox Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Gazi Husref beys mosque, Clock tower, Old Orthodox Church. The rest of the day is free to explore this beautiful city. Overnight.

Day 6 – Sarajevo – Full-day excursion to Travnik, Jajce & Pliva Lakes

Breakfast in the hotel. Visiting Travnik, Jajce, and Pliva Lakes as part of Central Bosnia on a full-day tour from Sarajevo is a unique way to experience this part of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Jajce city truly bears the epithet “royal” as it has been the residence of the Bosnian Kings. It is the World’s only city with a natural waterfall in the city center and at the same time in 1943, Jajce is the birthplace of modern Yugoslavia. Pliva Mills and Pliva Lakes are great nature add-ons for this tour and will make you appreciate the beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina even more. We also do not forget to pay a visit to Travnik – Ottoman time vizier’s town, Nobel prize winner Ivo Andric’s birthplace, stunning Plava Voda springs, and the old Ottoman fortress. Return to Sarajevo in the evening and enjoy the city at your own pace. Overnight. 

Day 7 – Sarajevo – Mostar Private Guided City Tour – Split

Breakfast in the hotel. Hotel check-out and the tour continues towards Adriatic coast. On the way to Split, a stopover in Mostar: The historic town of Mostar, spanning a deep valley of the Neretva River, developed in the 15th and 16th centuries as an Ottoman frontier town and during the Austro-Hungarian period in the 19th and 20th centuries. Mostar has long been known for its old Turkish houses and Old Bridge, Stari Most, after which it is named. In the 1990s conflict, however, most of the historic town and the Old Bridge, designed by the renowned architect Sinan, were destroyed. The Old Bridge was recently rebuilt and many of the edifices in the Old Town have been restored or rebuilt with the contribution of an international scientific committee established by UNESCO. The Old Bridge area, with its pre-Ottoman, eastern Ottoman, Mediterranean, and western European architectural features, is an outstanding example of a multicultural urban settlement. The reconstructed Old Bridge and the Old City of Mostar are a symbol of reconciliation, international cooperation, and the coexistence of diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious communities. After the tour of Mostar, continue to Split for hotel check-in. Overnight.

Day 8 – Split – Private guided city walking tour

Breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast, enjoy a private guided city walking tour of Split. The second largest city in Croatia and the capital of Dalmatia, the world-known for its 1700 years old Diocletian palace, the best-preserved monument of late antiquity in the whole world. Diocletian Palace and the entire historical core of Split have been on the World Heritage UNESCO list ever since 1979, not only for the extraordinary preservation of the Palace but also because the Palace and its city (or the city and its Palace, if you like) continue to live a full life. All historical layers from old Rome and the Middle Ages to today are still visible and alive in this structure. Free time after the tour. Overnight.

Day 9 – Split – Ston (Pelješac peninsula) – Dubrovnik

Breakfast in the hotel. Hotel check-out. Along the way, stop in Ston to explore one of the longest defensive stone walls in Europe and discover this area’s importance in the 14th century. This historic town is surrounded by a 5km long fortified wall, the second longest in the world after the Great Wall of China, which was originally erected to protect the town. Now, over 20 towers remain, and the wall represents an impressive flashback to the past. Ston area is also home to an oyster farm. Thanks to the unique ecological balance of the area, the farm grows a variety of oysters that have died out elsewhere making these a truly special delicacy. After the visit to Ston in the nearby village you will visit a local winery for wine tasting and after the wine tasting, we are taking you to one of Mali Ston famous seafood restaurants. There you can taste all the best flavors from the area – oysters, clams, fish, wine, and so on. After a day spent on Pelješac, we are taking you to your next location – Dubrovnik. Hotel check-in. Free time. Overnight.

Day 10 – Dubrovnik – Private guided city tour of Dubrovnik

Breakfast in the hotel. A private guided city walking tour of Dubrovnik follows Dubrovnik’s nickname is the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979. Today Dubrovnik is the proudest feather in Croatia’s tourist cap, an elite destination, and one of the most beautiful towns of the Mediterranean. The old city is encompassed by medieval walls, which have been preserved in their original form and opened for visitors as Dubrovnik’s major attraction. The whole city is a live monument and a rich treasury of history. Starting from Pile square on the eastern side of Dubrovnik Old Town, embark on a walking tour through a maze of narrow streets, lively piazzas, and stunning palaces like Sponza and churches like St. Blaise. Enjoy the moderate tempo of your walk as you stroll down the main thoroughfare of Stradun, all the way to the Cathedral and the Rector’s Palace, where you will discover a fine synergy between governance and faith which kept Dubrovnik afloat as the independent Republic of Ragusa for 450 years. We will end this walking tour with a ride in a Dubrovnik cable car which will take us to the top of Srdj mountain where we can enjoy the best views of Dubrovnik’s old town and the Dubrovnik bay area. After the tour – free time and overnight.

Day 11 – Dubrovnik - Montenegro Tour (Kotor Bay) + Farewell Dinner In Konavle

Breakfast in the hotel. This day is reserved to explore Montenegro, the last country you will visit on this tour, on a day trip from Dubrovnik. Enjoy free time in the picturesque towns of Kotor, Perast, and Budva, and embark on a sightseeing ferry across Boka Kotorska Bay. Departing from Dubrovnik in the morning, enjoy the sights of the Old Town and its surroundings while driving through the beautiful Župa Dubrovacka and the Konavle region. After crossing the Montenegro border, continue along the picturesque Montenegro coast. During the drive through Boka Kotorska Bay, stop at the charming town of Perast. Upon arrival at Kotor, enjoy free time to explore on your own. The town of Kotor is famous for its nautical tradition, famous commercial fleet, and imposing city walls. After sightseeing, proceed towards Budva. Once at Budva, enjoy another sightseeing tour and free time. Budva is famous for its old city core and beautiful clean sandy beaches. It is a key tourist center of Montenegro. After the visit to Budva, in the afternoon, after the tour of Montenegro enjoy the farewell dinner in Konavle region. Located in the far Croatian south; Konavle is spread from the coastal town of Cavtat to the Montenegrian border. This beautiful area near Dubrovnik, placed right between the sea and mountains, is known for its unique, picturesque landscape. Croatia’s southernmost region is rich in a thousand years of history, magical blue-green landscapes, sun- bleached mountains, and fertile valleys famous for its olive oil, fruit, and organic farm products. The river Ljuta, river Kopacica, and river Konavocica run through the arable land of Konavle. After a panoramic ride, we are taking you for a traditional dinner where you will also have a tour of the excursion site with a presentation on 6 ethno-sittings and after the presentation, a degustation of everything presented follows. After degustation, time for a tasty dinner. After dinner, return to Dubrovnik. Overnight.

Day 12 – Dubrovnik - Departure

Breakfast in the hotel. Hotel check-out. Time to leave Croatia from the Dubrovnik airport.

Croatia: Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia, with the Baroque ambiance of the old city, open green areas, charming markets, and rich historical and cultural heritage that has

roots in Central European urban culture, enriched by Mediterranean and Balkan traditions. The flag and emblem of Zagreb show a white-walled town with three

towers, and the golden gates wide open – it symbolizes that the city is open to visitors and welcomes all vendors and travelers to the city with open arms.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mostar, Sarajevo

The Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country shaped by 500 years of foreign domination, first by the Turks and then by the Austro-Hungarian empire. This is the most eastern point of the West and the most western point of the East. This 2 culture influence on the culture and architecture, is what we can see even today in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  The main sight to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo, the capital city. Walking through central Sarajevo’s streets in Bascarsija and seeing the terraced villages in the hills gives a strong feeling of the East. On the other hand, the lavish Austro-Hungarian buildings along the Miljacka River feel European. Bosnia may not have beaches, but it has mountains. Peaks including Jahorina, Vlasic, and Bjelasnica are local hiking and skiing spots. 

Serbia: Belgrade

Serbia is a country known for its great people and their exquisite hospitality. People of Serbia always welcome guests with open arms, hugs and kisses. Their hospitality and high spirits are their main characteristics. They will not let you leave until you have tasted some of the delicious traditional dishes or local brandy called “Rakija”. Belgrade, the capital, the only city built on the confluence of two rivers, is known as “the city that never sleeps” and the symbol of great nightlife. Skadarlija, the most famous bohemian street in Belgrade is a place where you can enjoy music and great food, and then finish you evening partying on numerous floating clubs, where parties last until first daylight.

Plitvice Lakes National Park - Croatia: Zagreb

SPlitvice Lakes National Park is a 295-sq.-km forest reserve in central Croatia. It's known for a chain of 16 terraced lakes, joined by waterfalls, that extend into a limestone canyon. Walkways and hiking trails wind around and across the water, and an electric boat links the 12 upper and 4 lower lakes. The latter are the site of Veliki Slap, a 78m-high waterfall.

Ljubljana

A charming city bursting with magnificent architecture, Ljubljana has a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. The captivating old town, overlooked by the enchanting castle is picturesque and atmospheric.

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Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is sure to take your breath away - the pale stone of the ancient city walls and ornate pires stretching above the red roofs, surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Adriatic.

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Split

Split is a magnificent city, its old town spreading along the seafront, a living history lesson, with a unique atmosphere and an engaging energy.

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The Western Balkan Tour - prices from Low Season from Mid Season fromHigh Season from
2 People - Private Escorted Tour 
4
 People - Private Escorted Tour
6 People - Private Escorted Tour 
£4,720
£3,315
£2,700
£5,298
£3,764
£3,090
£5,398
£3,916
£3,200

Price Includes:

  • Return Flights
  • English speaking tour guide for the whole tour
  • 3x night in Zagreb 4* hotel, bed and breakfast bases
  • 1x night in Belgrade 4* hotel, bed and breakfast bases
  • 2x night in Sarajevo 4* hotel, bed and breakfast bases
  • 2x night in Split 4* hotel, bed and breakfast bases
  • 3x night in Dubrovnik 4* hotel, bed and breakfast bases city taxes
  • car/van rental and expenses (oil and tolls, parking)
  • private guided city tours of: Zagreb, Ljubljana, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor & Budva
  • Plitvice Lakes ticket entrance fee
  • Sarajevo War Tunnel & Museum ticket entrance fee
  • Wine tasting on Pelješac
  • Lunch at Pelješac
  • Farewell dinner in Konavle

Flights info: 
Daily flights from Gatwick, Heathrow, Stanstead, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin
Flights are included in above prices, however price subject to change depending on flight departure airports and flight timings. We can book any flight from any airport on request. Once you book flights with us, we will issue ATOL certificate for all packages including flights and you will be protected financially for any airline failures.  

Early booking discounts & loyalty discounts

Speak to a Specialist

Akin has been to all these places and experienced all these holidays.

Give him a ring to discuss your holiday in detail on 0330 390 0999 or send an email.

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