Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival
You'll meet your Trip Manager and crew when you arrive, then head to a welcome dinner where you can watch the sun set over this historical city. It's a chance to meet fellow travelers and get oriented before the trip really gets going.
- Day 2
Budapest to Ljubljana
This morning starts with a guided coach tour through Budapest, taking in Heroes Square, Fisherman's Bastion, the Chain Bridge, and the Parliament Building. Later you'll travel to Ljubljana where the evening is yours to explore at your own pace and find dinner wherever you like.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Budapest including Heroes Square, Fisherman's Bastion, Chain Bridge, and Parliament Building
Landmarks/POIs Heroes Square Fisherman's Bastion Chain Bridge Parliament Building - Day 3
Ljubljana to Lake Bled
You're heading to Lake Bled to see the medieval castle sitting on an islet, surrounded by the Julian Alps and turquoise water. After lunch in the medieval town, there's an optional traditional Slovenian evening with folk dancing and local food if you want to join in.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at medieval town)
Included Activities
- Visit to Lake Bled
Optional Activities
- Traditional Slovenian evening with folk show and authentic feast (EUR 34.00)
Landmarks/POIs Lake Bled Bled Castle - Day 4
Lake Bled to Plitvice Lakes
The day takes you to Plitvice Lakes National Park, where you'll see cascading teal forest pools spread across one of Europe's most beautiful natural landscapes. It's a full day of walking through this unique park system.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Optional Activities
- Krka Waterfall
Landmarks/POIs Plitvice Lakes National Park - Day 5
Plitvice Lakes to Split via Zadar
You'll travel through Croatia with a stop in Zadar to check out ancient Roman ruins and the Sea Organ, a unique structure built into the waterfront. Then it's on to Split, where you can explore the seaside city on your own or join an optional traditional Dalmatian dinner with the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Zadar with exploration of Roman ruins and Sea Organ
Optional Activities
- Farm-to-table Croatian meal at family-run restaurant with figs, olives, wine (EUR 42.00)
- Traditional Dalmatian tavern dinner in Split
Landmarks/POIs Zadar Sea Organ - Day 6
Split to Dubrovnik via Ston
Leaving Split, you'll drive along the scenic Dalmatian coastline and stop in Ston to walk through medieval walls and see ancient salt pans. From there, continue to Dubrovnik, a city surrounded by limestone walls with an Old Town packed with cafes and local character.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Ston with exploration of medieval walls and salt pans
- Scenic drive along Dalmatian coastline
Landmarks/POIs Ston Dubrovnik - Day 7
Dubrovnik
A local guide takes you through Dubrovnik's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, sharing the city's intricate history as you walk. You'll also discover waterside rock bars where you can swim and relax. Later there's an optional dinner with the crew to wrap up the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town with local guide
Optional Activities
- Adriatic cruise around Dubrovnik with meal (EUR 39.00)
- Sea kayaking trip around UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik City Walls (EUR 34.00)
- Dinner with crew
Landmarks/POIs Dubrovnik Old Town - Day 8
Dubrovnik to Tirana via Budva
The route follows the dramatic Adriatic Coastline into Albania, stopping in Budva, Montenegro for lunch and beach time. You'll arrive in Tirana, Albania's capital, and have an included dinner before checking into your hotel for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Stop in Budva with lunch and beach time
Landmarks/POIs Budva - Day 9
Tirana
A local guide leads you on a walking tour of Tirana to get familiar with landmarks and where locals hang out. After that, the rest of the day is open so you can explore the capital at your own pace and visit one of its many museums if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Tirana with local guide
- Orientation around Tirana with Contiki gang
Optional Activities
- Visit to Bunk'Art underground bunker museum
Landmarks/POIs Bunk'Art - Day 10
Tirana to Mostar
You're traveling to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina to see its historical beauty, beautiful rivers, iconic Ottoman bridges, and brick-red roofs covering the hillside. An authentic dinner happens while you're strolling through the streets taking it all in.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Authentic dinner)
Landmarks/POIs Mostar - Day 11
Mostar to Sarajevo
Start by seeing the legendary Mostar Bridge arching over the blue river, then head to Sarajevo. You'll explore the historical streets and learn about the city's 500 years of history. There's an optional experience dining with locals where you can try homemade Bosnian cuisine and hear their stories.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Mostar Bridge
Optional Activities
- Dine with locals in their homes and hear stories of wartime living (EUR 34.00)
Landmarks/POIs Mostar Bridge - Day 12
Sarajevo
A local guide takes you through Sarajevo on foot, helping you understand the city's history and significance. The day ends with dinner at a local tavern where you'll have time to get to know your fellow travelers better.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Delicious dinner at local tavern)
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Sarajevo with local guide
- Dinner at local tavern
Optional Activities
- Journey through Sarajevo War Tunnels museum (EUR 15.00)
Landmarks/POIs Sarajevo - Day 13
Sarajevo to Belgrade
You're crossing into Serbia as you travel to Belgrade, where medieval history and modern culture mix together in this bustling white city. You can relax at the Hill of Contemplation, walk along the Sava River, visit Beogradska Tvrđava fortress, or check out the lively nightlife scene.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Beogradska Tvrđava Sava River Hill of Contemplation - Day 14
Belgrade to Budapest
This final evening in Budapest, one of Europe's hottest destinations, is yours to decide. Go for an optional Danube River cruise with a meal, or head out to one of the city's famous ruins bars for a memorable night with the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Danube River cruise with meal (EUR 43.00)
Landmarks/POIs Danube River - Day 15
Departure
Your Balkans adventure wraps up today as you depart Budapest and head home, carrying memories from your journey through this remarkable region with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
