Best of the Balkans

Europe
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Journey from medieval ruins to ancient Roman sights on this 9-day exploration of the Best of the Balkans, featuring the historic town centres of Dubrovnik and Split. You'll wander through multicultural cities, hear moving stories of war and discover the stunning architecture. Centuries of history will be revealed through the eyes of Local Specialists who share their secrets of the Balkans.

Departure dates

From 14/07/2024 to 04/11/2024

What's included

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver.
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
Many meals and daily breakfasts included.
City orientation tours.
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries.
Extensive variety of Choice Experiences.
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
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Itinerary / more information

  • Day 1 Arrive Dubrovnik Arrive in Dubrovnik where you'll get to see 'paradise on earth'- if George Bernard Shaw is to be believed. The famous playwright was a big fan of this medieval fortified city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast. Over the next day you'll uncover the city's unique appeal, but first meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an included dinner this evening and a glimpse into what lies ahead.
  • Day 2 Dubrovnik Sightseeing and free time Today we join a Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour of the iconic highlights in Dubrovnik. Admire the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain and the city walls. Stroll through elegant courtyards and along limestone streets, admiring the remnants of Dubrovnik's Golden Age. Tonight, there's no better way to enjoy this shimmering coastline than embarking on an optional sunset dinner cruise to a secluded bay, with the illuminated city of Dubrovnik providing the perfect end to the evening.
  • Day 3 Dubrovnik - Kotor - Budva Journey through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro to the Old Town of Kotor, known as Stari Grad. Located beside a beautiful bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lov?en, it's no surprise it's a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your Travel Director will take you on an orientation around this historic town. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.
  • Day 4 Budva - Sarajevo Small villages and broad plains line your route south into Bosnia-Herzegovina. Arrive later today in its capital Sarajevo, where a rich religious and multi-cultural heritage has earned it the nickname, the 'Jerusalem of Europe'. Warm Bosnian hospitality is on the menu tonight if you choose one of our two Optional Experiences. Join a local family in their home for tasty traditional cuisine or enjoy a lively encounter in a favourite local restaurant with dinner and entertainment.
  • Day 5 Sarajevo Sightseeing Today, centuries of religious history are reflected in Sarajevo's beautiful synagogues, mosques, and Orthodox and Catholic churches as you'll discover when you join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour. You'll also visit the Old Town, view the largest mosque in the Balkans, and see the Eternal Flame and the Sarajevo Roses that are dotted across the city, standing as a stark reminder of the turmoil Sarajevo endured decades ago.
  • Day 6 Sarajevo - Mostar Today you'll head to Mostar, joining a Local Specialist for an exploration of this historic multicultural city that witnessed an impressive resurrection after the Bosnian War. Part of its restoration can be seen in the traditional reconstruction of its medieval 'Stari Most', an Ottoman-style bridge. You'll delve into a tragic time not long ago when Catholic Croats, Muslim Bosniaks and Orthodox Serbs fought for supremacy amidst the colourful cobbled streets overlooking the Neretva River. You'll have time to explore the city on your own or perhaps join a Local Specialist for a visit to Blagaj, famous for its natural spring and one of the most mystical cultural and historical villages in the country.
  • Day 7 Mostar - Split Sit back, relax and watch the stunning Adriatic coastline go by as you pass old fishing villages and modern resorts bound for Split, where modern fa?ades reveal glimpses of an ancient Roman past. On arrival in Split, a Local Specialist takes you behind the city walls to this harbour town's heart, the 4th-century Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, followed by a leisurely walking tour through the historic Old Town. See how Gothic, Roman and Renaissance structures merge seamlessly across the cityscape. Admire Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the 7th-century Cathedral of Saint Domnius as you explore its maze of narrow alleys. You'll have an evening to discover the Dalmatian capital on your terms or join an Optional Experience in a traditional stone basement konoba for a Dalmatian dinner and live music.
  • Day 8 Split Your Way Today is free for you to explore Split as you choose. If you're after more sightseeing, you could choose to spend the rest of your day by joining an Optional Experience to one of the glittering Dalmatian islands. Or perhaps indulge in some of the local vintages which have justifiably earned the islands their reputation as a celebrated wine centre for centuries.
  • Day 9 Depart Split You've explored medieval monuments, witnessed the revival of war-torn cities and relaxed on the sun-kissed shores of the Adriatic. The allure of the Balkans will linger long after you've said goodbye to your travel companions. Dining Summary
  • 3 - Dinner
  • 6 - Breakfast Essentials : Sightseeing with a Local Specialist includes the Old Town : See the historic bridge and visit the Bazaar with a Local Specialist : Sightseeing tour with Local Specialist includes a visit of the Old City. See the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries : See Diocletian's Palace with your Local Specialist Whats Included : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted : Many meals and daily breakfasts included : City orientation tours : Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries : Extensive variety of Choice Experiences : On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
  • The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider.
  • Prices quoted valid for sale until 10 May 2024 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
  • All prices are per person (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
  • Advertised price includes bonus nights and/or stated saving (if applicable).
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  • Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
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  • Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
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