Wonders of the Balkans Cultural Odyssey - 9 Days

Upon your arrival in Zagreb, our team will be on hand to whisk you away to your hotel for a seamless start to your adventure. As the day unfolds, we will be joined by a group coming from Slovenia around lunchtime. In the afternoon, roughly at 4:00 p.m. (timing may vary), we will set off on a panoramic tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. This excursion offers a fantastic introduction to Croatia's capital as we explore its two iconic hills, the historic upper town, and the city's dynamic, modern areas. The day concludes with a delightful dinner, showcasing the local culinary delights, which is included in your itinerary. Enjoy settling in and absorbing the vibrant atmosphere of Zagreb. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day of our journey, we begin with an early morning departure from Zagreb, setting our sights on Bosnia. As we cross the border, please be prepared for potential delays during the formalities. Our route takes us through regions marked by the poignant reminders of the 1990s conflict. We travel through the predominantly Serb area of Bosnia, arriving first in Banja Luka. Here, you'll have time to explore this significant city, the administrative centre of the Republika Srpska, and the second largest city after Sarajevo. Banja Luka is known for its impressive fortress and splendid Orthodox cathedral, amidst which you can enjoy lunch.

Afterward, we proceed to Jajce, a town many regard as Bosnia's finest. Jajce is celebrated for its stunning cultural mosaic, charming mosque, formidable fortress, and the majestic waterfall�entry is included for the latter. With some leisure time here, you can soak in the historical tapestry that characterises the area. Our day culminates in Sarajevo, where we arrive by evening. You'll have the chance to wander through the historic heart of this vibrant city and explore the beguiling Bazaar. This old Ottoman market is famed for its intriguing architecture and traditional ambiance. Dinner is included, rounding off a day rich in history and exploration.

On the morning of our third day in Sarajevo, we'll immerse ourselves in a guided tour of this intriguing city, often referred to as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its remarkable religious diversity. Here, mosques, churches, and synagogues coexist, reflecting a rich tapestry of faiths. We'll explore the city's historic core, marked by its strong Ottoman influences, including a magnificent mosque that's over half a millennium old and a picturesque fountain. After our exploration of Sarajevo, we'll journey through beautiful landscapes to Mostar. This city is renowned for its enchanting historical centre and the iconic stone bridge that poetically separates Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities. You'll have time to enjoy lunch and wander the charming streets. Later in the day, we'll head to Croatia, where we may experience some delays at border crossings. Our day concludes as we reach the stunning city of Dubrovnik by the evening, where a delightful dinner will await us.

On the fourth day, we will embark on a morning panoramic tour of Dubrovnik, guided by a local expert. Recognised as one of Europe's most exquisite cities, Dubrovnik sits gracefully on a cliff, enveloped by ancient walls and graced by the Adriatic Sea. Its perfectly preserved historic centre is a testament to world architectural heritage. We'll pause at a scenic viewpoint along the road to soak in breathtaking views of the city. Our itinerary includes visits to the Franciscan Monastery, home to Europe's oldest pharmacy, and the grand Assumption Cathedral.

The morning continues with a boat trip to Lokrum, an island a mere 15 minutes away, famed for its eleventh-century Benedictine monastery ruins � a notable backdrop for the Game of Thrones series. After these adventures, you�ll have the afternoon at your disposal to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace before we head back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be provided. Please note, if you find yourself staying in Cavtat, a picturesque seaside town nearby, the logistics remain similar. From November to March, the boat to Lokrum is unavailable, and we will forego the island visit during this period.

We begin our day by travelling along Croatia�s stunning coastline, renowned for its breathtaking seascapes and numerous islands. Our first stop is the charming town of Ston, known for its impressive defensive walls, among the longest in the world. Continuing through these beautiful landscapes, we cross the magnificent Pelje�ac Bridge over the sea. By midday, we will arrive in Split, where a local guide will escort us on a tour of this vibrant city, including a visit to the renowned Diocletian's Palace. As we explore this expansive Roman palace, with its maze of streets and picturesque sea vistas, we'll immerse ourselves in its historical grandeur. Dinner is included as part of our day's itinerary.

Today, we'll journey through Croatia's stunning interior landscapes to the renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park, celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have the chance to marvel at the park's vibrant lakes and cascading waterfalls. Wander the scenic trails or opt for a boat ride on the tranquil waters, both offering a unique perspective of this natural wonder. Admission includes a choice of either a boat or train ride for a memorable experience. After enjoying lunch amidst this breathtaking setting, we'll make our way back to the coast, heading north toward Opatija. Upon arrival, a delicious dinner awaits you as you settle into this charming resort town known for its delightful atmosphere. Please note, depending on tourist numbers or weather conditions, it may be advisable to forgo the train or boat ride in Plitvice.

Today, we'll embark on an exciting journey to Slovenia. Our first destination is the remarkable Postojna Cave, renowned as one of the largest in the world. Prepare to be awed as we explore part of this stunning underground marvel by train. Our adventure continues to the idyllic town of Bled, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Bled. We'll enjoy a boat trip to the island, where you'll see the monastery's bell tower beautifully positioned below the medieval castle perched above. We then make our way to Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital, for a guided tour that will reveal the allure of this captivating Central European city. Dinner is included as we conclude our day immersed in the vibrant culture and sights of Slovenia.

Today, we will journey to Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city, noted for its Austrian heritage and renowned cathedral and castle. After exploring Maribor, we return to Croatia, making our way back to Zagreb by approximately 3:00 p.m. Please note that during the winter months, to maximise your experience in Ljubljana, the city tour may occur before our departure for Maribor, ensuring you enjoy the sights in daylight.

Following breakfast on our final day in Zagreb, our journey reaches its conclusion. We hope you depart with cherished memories of the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes experienced throughout our travels.