Premium Balkans - 8 Days

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia! When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins at 6 pm with a welcome meeting with your leader and group. If you arrive early, you might like to head out and explore Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town, 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 in the world, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Maybe 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.

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 walk around 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 town home to numerous stone millhouses and cobbled streets. The star attraction is the world-famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), which spans the Neretva River and connects 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. Pop into a traditional coppersmith workshop and meet the owner here who makes jewellery. You’ll learn about the process, then make something of your own to take home – the perfect souvenir!

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 the not-so-distant past. After exploring the bunker, continue to Sarajevo and settle into your hotel, your Feature Stay. Well located near the old Ottoman quarter and vibrant bazaars, this boutique hotel is inspired by traditional Bosnian bosanska kuka homes, built with local stone, timber and adobe to blend in with the mountainous Balkan climate.

Head out on a city tour through Sarajevo with a local guide this morning to get to know your surroundings and learn more about this historical city. With some free time to explore at your own pace after, you might 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 cooking lesson in a charming Austro-Hungarian building. You’ll learn how to make Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most beloved dish – pita – including how to hand-roll and coil the dough to create the distinctive shape. After, enjoy a hearty traditional meal of sogan dolma, stuffed paprika) and, of course, your freshly made pita, too!

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 head to Drina Canyon for a warm welcome to Serbia – a boat tour with a local food tasting. After your scenic lunch, you’ll board a steam train in Mokra Gora National Park for a scenic ride through forests and mountains. Served by one the last operational steam trains in Europe, this stretch of historic railway is part of the renowned Ciro trail, connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea.

Hop on board the longest gondola ride in the world today – the Gold Gondola, spanning 9000 m (29,530 ft) in length. Take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes before exploring the area on foot. After your ride, drive through the winding roads toward Sirogojno village, known as one of the most beautiful villages in the country and declared as a Cultural Monument of Exceptional Importance in Serbia. Recharge with a lunch break before a special experience in the village meeting local artisans. Check out their pottery, blacksmiths and coopers workshops, and basket weaving, then visit the Knitters Museum, where all products are still traditionally handmade. This is your chance to buy meaningful souvenirs and support the locals in the community.

Leave Zlatibor behind today and head to Belgrade. When you get to arrive, kick off your visit with a walking tour to discover the best of the city, from Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street to Kalemegam Park and the Belgrade Fortress, where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet. Then, peel back a layer and discover some lesser-known sights, including the Roman Well, World War II Military Bunkers, Roman Lapidarium and Old Wine Cellar. 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 along the riverside promenade. Tonight, join your group for an exceptional farewell dinner. Set within the iconic Salon 1905 – a masterpiece of Baroque and Art Nouveau influence – your multicourse meal is cooked by a native Belgrade chef who infuses his Serbian cuisine with local seasonal ingredients. Tuck in, then toast the end of your adventure.

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.