Premium Balkans

Discover the beauty and history of the Balkans on a nine-day Premium adventure that travels from Croatia through Bosnia and Herzegovina to Belgrade. Walk the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik, sample excellent Balkans wines, learn about the war years in Sarajevo, stop by the famed Old Bridge of Mostar and discover Tara National Park’s spectacular scenery on foot. Ride the rails on a historic steam train, then if the night is calling, discover the lively nightlife of Belgrade – your knowledgeable local leader is always on hand with the best suggestions. Combine battle zones, beaches, bunkers and bars on a comfortable adventure that melds past with present and travel with a small group of like-minded travellers.

Itinerary

Day 1: Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia, the jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, you might like to head out and explore Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town, which is surrounded entirely by city walls and easily covered on foot. Although Dubrovnik experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, the restored Old Town remains one of the most picturesque places, surrounded by ramparts and the Adriatic Sea. Perhaps take a self-paced stroll through town to discover the 15th century Rector's Palace and the stunning baroque churches. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant showcasing Croatia’s traditional cuisine.

Day 2: Dubrovnik

After breakfast, set off from your hotel for the Konavle region, just south of Dubrovnik. Known as the Golden Valley of Dubrovnik, this area boasts the richest soil, adorned with vineyards and fruit trees. Visit the small town of Cavtat, where beautiful architecture, ancient history and pebble beaches await. After exploring, head further into the Konavle region for a traditional ‘peka’ lunch, featuring lamb and other meats cooked beneath an iron bell. No meal here is complete without a glass of local Croatian wine, so raise a toast with Grk or Plavac Mali as you celebrate a new adventure. Return to Dubrovnik, where the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Day 3: Mostar

Today, you’ll cross the border and travel into Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping at several scenic destinations along the way. Your first stop is Trebinje, where you’ll join your leader for a walking tour of the compact Old Town and its market square, followed by a stop at an Orthodox monastery to taste the renowned Tvrdos wine. After, head to Mostar, a picturesque old town home to numerous stone millhouses and quaint cobbled streets. But the star attraction is the world famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) which majestically spans the Neretva River connecting the two sides of the city. Find a spot for lunch and then get to know the town in the company of an expert local guide – including why the locals have such a strong connection to coffee.

Day 4: Sarajevo

Leave Mostar this morning and make your way toward Sarajevo, stopping in Konjic along the way. Here, you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets of former Yugoslavia – Tito's nuclear bunker. Built to protect Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and his top military personnel, this military bunker has only recently opened to the public. Step back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and what life was like in not-so-distant past. After exploring the bunker, continue to Sarajevo and settle into your hotel. Then, head out to explore the city with an expert local guide.

Day 5: Sarajevo

Today is yours to explore as you wish. Taste your way through the market stalls of Bascarsija, visit one of the museums dedicated to the Yugoslav War or take a cable car up Trebevic Mountain for views of the city. Wrap up the day with a home-cooked meal shared with your hosts, Mustafa and Mersiha, who proudly claim their kitchen offers the best views over Sarajevo. Your evening begins with a lesson on making Bosnian pita, followed by a hearty meal of sogan dolma (stuffed onions) and dolam (stuffed paprika). Of course, you’ll get to try your freshly made pita too!

Day 6: Visegrad - Tara National Park

Today, travel to Serbia, with a stop in the small town of Visegrad. Here, a 16th-century bridge that inspired the Nobel Prize winning literary work ‘The Bridge on the Drina’ dominates the horizon. From Visegrad, you’ll cross the border into Serbia and continue your journey to Tara National Park. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular destinations in the country, the park is home to the world’s third largest river canyon and filled with forested slopes and dramatic ravines. Soak up all this natural beauty with a pleasant hike along a trail. Tonight, you’ll stay near the town of Zlatibor in your Feature Stay accommodation – a group of wooden chalets with their own private swimming pools and views of the surrounding countryside. Once you’ve settled in, sit down to a traditional dinner to celebrate your first night in Serbia.

Day 7: Tara National Park - Belgrade

Explore Tara National Park further this morning, boarding a scenic steam train in Mokra Gora for a ride through forests and mountains. This stretch of railway is part of the renowned Ciro trail, connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea. Feel the rumble of the narrow-gauge engine as the vintage carriages wind through the incredible scenery, with four stops along the way so you can take photos. After spending half the day exploring the park by foot and rail, drive to Belgrade, where you’ll have a free evening.

Day 8: Belgrade

Start your day with a guided walking tour and discover the best of Belgrade, from Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street to Kalemegam Park and the Belgrade Fortress, where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet. Feel free to ask your local guide for tips on experiencing the city’s lively night life as Belgrade is known for its party scene. This afternoon is free, so you might like to visit the city market or catch a trolleybus to Zemun – a bohemian neighbourhood known for its cafes and fish restaurants along the riverside promenade. Tonight, join your group for a traditional dinner in the bohemian Skadarska quarter.

Day 9: Belgrade

After breakfast, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.

Departure Dates