Upgraded Balkans Adventure

Take the road less travelled on this Balkan Peninsula adventure and discover some hidden gems. Along the way, dip into the refreshing waters along the Dalmation Coast, visit medieval Zagreb, UNESCO-protected Dubrovnik, and the seaside town of Split. Learn about the dramatic history of the Siege of Sarajevo, sample Croatian delicacies from local markets, and experience a Europe too often ignored by the masses.

Day 1 Zagreb
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Zagreb/Plitvice Lakes National Park
Visit Plitviče Lakes National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site and walk among its karst formations searching for turquoise pools and cascading waterfalls on a guided walk. In the evening, get ready to sample a peka dish in which vegetables, herbs, and meat are cooked over the embers of a fire.

Day 3 Plitvice Lakes National Park/Split
It’s time to explore the seaside town of Split, along the Adriatic coast. As the sun begins its descent you’ll enjoy a guided walk in Diocletian’s Palace, another World Heritage site. The atmosphere will make for some great photos and this tour is the best way to learn more about the history of Split.

Day 4 Split
The location of this free day is perfect for endless adventure. Check out Split’s historic old town and curb your appetite with Croatian delicacies at local markets. Looking for something more active? Opt to climb Marjan’s peak where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the city below.

Day 5 Split/Sarajevo
Hop into another country today as we cross the border to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit Stari Most, a symbol of the city’s resilience and walk around this ancient town before continuing to Sarajevo.

Day 6 Sarajevo
Once in Sarajevo you will have the opportunity to learn from a local expert, what it was like to live through the devastating Siege of Sarajevo. Visit the Tunnel of Hope and War Tunnel Museum to gain more insight into this historic event and then witness the city’s resurgence during lunch at a local market.

Day 7 Sarajevo
Take advantage of this free day and get to know the capital at your own pace. Walk the cobblestone streets, admire the diverse architecture, and appreciate the Latin Bridge. The very bridge where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, thus leading to World War I.

Day 8 Sarajevo/Kotor
Check another country off those travel lists today as you cross over the border into Montenegro. Spend two days enjoying the paradise of the Bay of Kotor. Opt to visit well-preserved Roman mosaics, get to know the seaside town of Perast, or sea kayak around the islands to explore more of this beautiful bay.

Day 9 Kotor
The day is yours to continue exploring Kotor and there’s plenty to do. Consider visiting the largest lake in the Balkan region, or hike up the medieval steps of the fortress to see stunning views of the bay. If you are looking for a more relaxing day head to the beaches of Herceg Novi and check out the local mud therapy spas. Either way, get out and immerse yourself in this beautiful place because time flies when you are having fun.

Day 10 Kotor/Dubrovnik
Today, cross back into Croatia and travel to Dubrovnik (any Game of Thrones fans out there?) The city has been an important maritime town on the Dalmatian coast for centuries and is surrounded by medieval walls. But before wandering into the heart of Dubrovnik you will be visiting a locally, family-run agrotourism villa featuring beautiful gardens and views of the Adriatic. Here, you will enjoy a baking demonstration and sit down with our hosts to share a traditional lunch. Then it’s on to the Old City to meet locals through the women-run nonprofit, DEŠA, founded in the early 1990s during the Croatian War of Independence.

Day 11 Dubrovnik
You can’t visit Dubrovnik without a free day to get as up close and personal with it as possible. Today, indulge in anything you didn’t have time for yesterday. Head back to the Old City and take some photos of the distinctive red roofs, feast on fresh seafood at a café along the water, or kayak around the nearby island of Lokrum.

Day 12 Dubrovnik
Depart at any time.