Premium Balkans - 8 Days

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and a transfer will bring you to your hotel. Your adventure begins at 6 pm for 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, 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. 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 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 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.

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. Then, head out to explore the city with an expert local guide.

Head out on an orientation walk through Sarajevo 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 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!

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 local food tasting. After your scenic lunch, you’ll explore Tara National Park, boarding a 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. 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.

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, set off on a hike through the nature of Tornik mountain – the highest point of the Zlatibor Mountains – then 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 cooper’s workshops, and basket weaving, then visit the Knitters Museum, where all products are still traditionally handmade. This is your opportunity 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. 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, you’ll join your group for a farewell dinner as you toast to the end of your trip together.

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.