Premium Split to Belgrade

SUMMARY

Discover the beauty and history of the Balkans on 16-day tour that travels from Split in Croatia through Bosnia and Herzegovina and onto the lively nightlife of Belgrade in Serbia, an exuberant European city on the up. Along the way you’ll soak in scenic beaches, learn fishing practices from the locals on remote Lastovo island, 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 and riding the rails on a historic steam train. Bursting with culinary delights and cultural wonders, the Balkans will Suprise you with its diversity of experiences.

TOTAL DURATION : 16 Days

GROUP SIZE : MIN 1 MAX 12

TOUR ITINERARY AND DATES

START : Split

END : Belgrade

COUNTRIES VISITED : Bosnia And Herzegovina,Croatia,Serbia

Validity : 01 JAN 2024 To 31 DEC 2024

Day :1

Location : Split

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Split – right on the Adriatic coast, this is Croatia’s second-largest city, combining stunning architecture with timeless tradition. You’ll be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel when you arrive, ready for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Mestrovic Gallery, which displays the remarkable work of one of Croatia’s greatest sculptors. After the meeting, get to know your fellow travellers and group leader over dinner at one of Split’s excellent restaurants and maybe try some brudet (a rustic seafood stew) and rozata (a creamy custard pudding). Tonight, you’ll stay in your Feature Stay – Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel in the Pjaca (the most beautiful square in Split).

Day :2

Location : Split

This morning, you’ll head out on a sustainable Urban Adventure – Unveiling Split’s Living History. Led by a licensed heritage interpreter, stroll through the historic streets of Split, unveil the city's hidden gems and get a glimpse into the lives of those who call this 1700-year-old city their home. Wander through cobblestoned streets in the footsteps of past emperors and kings and learn about how Split has evolved over the centuries, now embracing eco-friendly initiatives like solar power and waste management. Explore the workshops of local artisans and witness the skill and passion of their creations. This afternoon is free to explore the seaside city at your own pace – maybe find the perfect seafood restaurant with sweeping views of the coast and tuck into some fresh cuisine over a glass of wine. Or, head back to your Feature Stay and chill on the la luce terrace or in the secret garden.

Day :3

Location : Korcula

Take a morning ferry to Korcula – a paradisical island off the Dalmatian Coast. When you arrive in the afternoon, head out on a walking tour with a local guide dressed in traditional costume to the folklore treasury of Korcula Town. Here, traditional costumes and items are displayed exclusively for Intrepid tour groups (other tour groups don't have permission) and learn about the history of this island, whose population is almost entirely made up of ethnic Croats. After, maybe hit one of the hidden beaches like Vela Przina or Proizd, wander the orange-topped architecture in the Old City or soak up some of the local wine culture among the olive groves.

Day :4

Location : Korcula

Get ready for an exciting, custom-made half-day tour around Korcula today. You'll explore the rich history of the island and visit places that are less impacted by tourism, supporting the local community. First, visit the Ethnographic Museum Barilo in Blato and explore the impressive collection, which includes agricultural tools, ceremonial clothes, traditional costumes, kitchen utensils and handicrafts that give a unique insight into the daily lives of the owners' ancestors. Wander the house and garden, then join your hosts for a tasting of local liqueurs, brandies, arancini, fried almonds and dried figs, prepared according to traditional recipes. After, head to Vela Luka to see the 20,000-year-old Vela Spila archaeological site and cave. Take a short walk over the cave for beautiful panoramic views of the archipelago and the bay below. Visit the archaeological museum before heading out to a local village for lunch and a wine tasting of local drops, at a small family winery among the hills. 

Day :5

Location : Korcula

Today is a free day in Korcula. You might like to spend the day lazing at one of the hidden beaches and soak up the sun, taking a dfip in the glittering waters of the bay. Alternatively, maybe head to another local winery and support the local community with some delicious cuisine and a glass of wine (or three). Perhaps continue your explorations of the Old Town tonight, taking in the stocky Revelin Tower and impressive defensive walls before stopping for dinner in one of the island’s many restaurants.

Day :6

Location : Dubrovnik

You’ll begin the journey to Dubrovnik today, stopping at Trsteno along the way – a small village just 20 km away from Dubrovnik. Here, you’ll tuck into a delicious brunch of local products made by a local family on their farm and presented by the famous Croatian chef Katija Paseta. Soak in the garden views and morning sun and then be treated to an olive oil tasting (a bottle of this locally produced kitchen necessity makes for the perfect souvenir!). Visit the arboretum next door – this is the oldest monument of garden architecture and the only arboretum in Croatia that dates back to the 15th century. This is also a Game of Thrones filming location but is far less crowded with fans than Dubrovnik’s Old Town. As you spot filming locations you recognise from the show (well away from the tourist crowds), take in the gorgeous views of the Elaphiti Islands and the Adriatic Sea below. Continue to the medieval walls of picturesque Dubrovnik, where you’ll have a free evening to find the best spot for dinner.

Day :7

Location : Dubrovnik

The day is free to explore Dubrovnik at your leisure. This gorgeous city offers a wealth of experiences to cater to every taste, so maybe ask your leader for some suggestions. Maybe visit the historical Rector's Palace and marvel at the ornate Venetian-Gothic architecture or sip a beer on the terrace of one of Dubrovnik’s teetering cliff bars. Take a Game of Thrones walking tour to some more filming locations if you're a fan, or just people-watch over an espresso. Tonight, you'll be treated to a sunset sail on the glittering Adriatic waters. On a private boat, you'll sail to the Elafiti Islands, taking in the stunning coastal scenery during golden hour. Go for a couple of swims off the boat and then hit land and visit the picturesque fisherman's village of Lopud. Here, you'll toast to an incredible trip with the group over a farewell dinner of local cuisine. Sail back to Dubrovnik just in time to enjoy the view of Old Town from the sea during sunset and toast to an unforgettable memory with some nice local wine.

Day :8

Location : Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia – the undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. On arrival, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, you may like to head out and explore Dubrovnik’s 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 as charming as ever. There are many monuments to explore in the city proper, including the 15th century Rector's Palace, monasteries with cloistered gardens, and fine baroque churches with copper domes. After your welcome meeting this evening, join your leader and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant showcasing Croatia’s traditional cuisine.

Day :9

Location : Dubrovnik

After breakfast, drive from your hotel to the Konavle region south of Dubrovnik. The region is known as the Golden Valley of Dubrovnik as it has the most fertile grounds in the area and is filled with vineyards and fruit trees. Visit the small town of Cavtat with its beautiful architecture, ancient history and pebble beaches. After exploring the town, you’ll head further into the Konavle region for a traditional ‘peka’ lunch featuring lamb and other meats cooked under an iron bell. No meal in this region is complete without a glass of Croatian wine, so toast your hearty meal with a glass of Grk or Plavac Mali local wine. On your return to Dubrovnik, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy your way, perhaps with a walk around the city walls or a swim in the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Day :10

Location : Mostar

Today you’ll cross the border and travel into Bosnia & Herzegovina, stopping at several beautiful destinations in the Herzegovina region along the way. Your first stop is Trebinje where you’ll join your leader for a walking tour that takes in the compact Old Town and its pretty market square, followed by a stop at an Orthodox monastery to taste the famous Tvrdos wine. After you’ve quenched your thirst, your trip continues to Stolac where you may like to join your leader for a walk to visit the old medieval fortress high on the hill. After you’ve explored the sights of Stolac, you’ll arrive in Mostar in an hour. Here you’ll join an expert local guide for a guided tour around town that reveals why there is such a strong connection between the locals and coffee.

Day :11

Location : Sarajevo

Leave Mostar and travel towards Sarajevo, but not without a stop at Konjic where you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia, Tito's nuclear bunker. The military bunker was built to protect Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and hundreds of his top military personnel and has only recently opened to the public. Go back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and how life used to be in not-so-distant past. After touring the bunker, continue to Sarajevo and settle into your hotel before heading out to explore the city with an expert local guide. Tonight you may like to join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day :12

Location : Sarajevo

Today is yours to explore your way. Taste your way through the market stalls of Bascarsija, visit one of the museums dedicated to the Yugoslav war or perhaps take a cable car up Trebevic mountain to enjoy magnificent views over the city. You’ll finish the day with a memorable home-cooked meal shared with your hosts Mustafa and Mersiha who proudly claim their kitchen has the best view over Sarajevo. Your night begins learning how Bosnian pita is made before a hearty meal of sogan dolma (stuffed onions) and dolam (stuffed paprika). Of course, you’ll get to try the freshly made pita too.

Day :13

Location : Tara National Park

Today you’ll travel onwards to Serbia with a stop in the small town of Višegrad where a magnificent 16th-century bridge dominates the horizon and provided the inspiration for the Nobel Prize winning literary work, The Bridge on the Drina. From Višegrad, 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, Tara National Park is home to the world’s third largest river canyon and filled with forested slopes and dramatic ravines. Tonight you’ll bed down in Mećavnik in your Feature Stay, a traditional village that Serbian film director Emir Kusturica built for his film Life Is a Miracle. Explore the village before joining your group for a traditional dinner to celebrate your first night in Serbia.

Day :14

Location : Belgrade

This morning you'll take an easy two hour hike through Tara National Park followed by a scenic steam train ride through the park’s forest and mountains. This section of the railway is part of the famous Ciro trail that connects Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea. Rattle along the tracks as the narrow gauge engine and historic carriages takes you through the jaw dropping scenery, with four stops along the way so passengers can take photos of the incredible views. After spending a half day exploring Tara National Park on foot and riding the rails, settle back for the four hour drive to Belgrade where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening after a long day of travel.

Day :15

Location : Belgrade

Start your day with a guided walking tour and discover all that Belgrade has to offer including Republic Square, Knez Mihailova Street which is lined with historic buildings and Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet. Immerse yourself in the town’s rich history and perhaps ask your local guide for suggestions on where to experience the best night life in the Balkans as Belgrade is known for its party scene. This afternoon is yours to explore your way, perhaps with a visit to the city market or Nikola Tesla Museum or by catching a trolleybus to Zemun - a bohemian, village like neighbourhood that’s known for its cafes and fish restaurants along the riverside promenade. This evening, join your group for a traditional dinner in the bohemian Skadarska quarter to celebrate the penultimate night of your trip.

Day :16

Location : Belgrade

After breakfast, your Balkans adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).