13-Days Guided Sightseeing Tour in Balkan Bliss

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrive Dubrovnik⌄

   Arrive to our Dubrovnik hotel at leisure today, or take advantage of one or our two scheduled transfers from Dubrovnik airport. Our adventure officially kicks off at 4pm with a brief welcome at our hotel, followed by a spectacular dinner cruise around the city walls of Dubrovnik – the Pearl of the Adriatic. As the sun sets, we toast to the many fabulous friends and memories to be made throughout our journey.* *Sunset cruise is weather dependent. In the case of high wind or rain this will be replaced with dinner at a local restaurant.

   Meals: Dinner: Welcome Reception with Sunset Cruise* *Weather dependent

   Overnight: Royal Ariston Hotel Dubrovnik

2. 2Dubrovnik Sightseeing⌄

   This morning we meet up with a Dubrovnik local for a guided walk through the walls of this medieval city. Our Local Insider uncovers the history of the once very powerful and wealthy Ragusa Republic, pinpoints Game of Thrones filming locations, perfect photo opportunities, and of course the best places to eat and drink.

   After our stroll we journey up Srd Hill on the picturesque cable car to one of the finest viewpoints over the city. Take the afternoon to explore at leisure, perhaps walk along the top of the walls where more striking photo opportunities await, or relax at our seaside resort.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Royal Ariston Hotel Dubrovnik

3. 3Dubrovnik (Montenegro Day Trip)⌄

   Tick another country off your list with an included day trip to Montenegro. We cross the border and take a tranquil boat cruise to the walled city of Kotor with our Local Insider.

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

   Overnight: Royal Ariston Hotel, Dubrovnik

4. 4Dubrovnik - Mostar⌄

   The visual delights continue to impress as we journey north along the Dalmatian coast before entering Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our Local Insider meets us on arrival to Mostar to unveil this cultural melting pot of Ottoman and Christian architecture. Together, we’ll mosey across the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), gazing into the Neretva River below, before taking some time to explore on our own. This evening, consider joining us for an optional feast of delicious local specialties while admiring the city by night.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Hotel Mepas, Mostar

5. 5Mostar - Hvar Island⌄

   We venture back to Croatia today, passing through the Neretva Riviera, its vineyards and myriad of agricultural fields. Just when you thought the scenery couldn’t get any more beautiful, we embark on a short ferry crossing to the Island of Hvar, with a magical backdrop of mountains meeting the sea. A delightful Lunch with Locals awaits, with produce from the island served amidst spectacular scenery.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Amfora Grand Beach Resort, Hvar

6. 6Hvar Island⌄

   It’s all about island life this morning. We take a short stroll to the heart of Hvar town with our Local Insider, explore the backstreets, discover great places to eat and see the arsenal and cathedral. This afternoon, perhaps take a walk up to the fortress, or join our Optional Extra chasing the lavender trail and indulging in a light bite with wine tasting.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Amfora Grand Beach Resort, Hvar

7. 7Hvar Island - Split⌄

   Farewell Hvar as we set sail for Split – the largest city on the Adriatic coast. Our Local Insider will tell stories of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and his palace, which hosts some of the most complete Roman ruins anywhere in the world. Tonight, why not join us for a lively night with local food and entertainment at a traditional restaurant?

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Hotel Corner, Split

8. 8Split - Plitvice⌄

   Plitvice is in our sights today, but not before a brief stop off in the coastal town of Trogir - often referred to as Little Venice. Our Local Insider takes us on a brief orientation of this tiny island, which is connected by bridges to the mainland.

   We then head to the breathtaking Plitvice National Park, soaking up the natural beauty and tranquillity as we walk alongside cascading waterfalls, pristine turquoise lakes and an abundance of fish, birds and wildlife.

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

   Overnight: Hotel Jezero, Plitvice National Park

9. 9Plitvice - Lake Bled⌄

   Heading further north, we cross the border into Slovenia and the majestic lakeside town of Bled. Take the afternoon to stroll around the lake, or perhaps indulge in a delicious Kremschnitte, which became famous in the area at our very hotel. This evening, choose to relax at our waterfront hotel or opt to join us for dinner during our visit to a nearby village.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Hotel Park, Lake Bled

10. 10Lake Bled sightseeing⌄

    Start the day with a traditional pletna ride to the magical Bled Island. Take some time to visit the island’s quaint church and hear the legend of its bell or simply take in the peaceful surrounds.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Park Hotel, Lake Bled

11. 11Lake Bled - Postojna Cave - Ljubljana⌄

    Our first stop this morning is the magnificent 24 kilometre long Postojna Cave. We board a small mining train to admire the captivating cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites, before a short walk to get up close to these natural marvels.

    Then it’s on to the majestic capital Ljubljana, where our Local Insider will share the legends and sights of the city on our scenic stroll. This evening, take some time at leisure to dine at one of the many riverside restaurants.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Exe Lev, Ljubljana

12. 12Ljubljana - Zagreb⌄

    Wave goodbye to Slovenia as we set our sights on the Croatian capital – Zagreb. A walk through the centre with our Local Insider will reveal the Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb Cathedral, the Dolac Markets and more. This afternoon, take some time to further immerse yourself in this colourful city, or unwind before our final evening, where we will toast the many friends and experiences we’ve had throughout our blissful Balkan adventure.

    Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

    Overnight: The Westin, Zagreb

13. 13Trip ends - Zagreb⌄

    Bid farewell to the Balkans and new friends, as our tour ends after breakfast this morning. Complimentary airport transfers are available to arrive at the airport at 7:30am and 11am.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: The Westin, Zagreb