Highlights of the Balkans

The Balkans lie on the fault line that separates Europe from the Orient, sandwiched between great powers of old – the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires. For this reason, it is perhaps the most eclectic part of the continent, and to use a well worn – but very appropriate – cliché, where East meets West. And from the shores of the Adriatic to snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes, its landscapes are just as diverse as its history.

Within a couple of weeks we visit the countries of Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia to show you the highlights of this little understood region. We start in beautiful Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, and from here cross the border into Bosnia-Herzegovina to the historic town of Mostar, exploring the modern and older history of the region, as well as the pretty town of Jacje. Two nights in Sarajevo allows us to explore the capital, learning about the role it has played in both regional and global history.

In Serbia we explore mountain landscapes and traditional villages, the town of Nis with its Roman remains and gruesome ‘skull tower’, and then explore the old Ottoman influences of Novi Pazar. Crossing into the mountain republic of Montenegro we explore the gorgeous landscapes of Durmitor and Biogradska Gora, full of lakes, forests and mountains, then stop at the historic walled city of Kotor, located between the mountains and the coast.

Finally we return to Croatia and end back in Dubrovnik, exploring its well preserved old town, without a doubt a highlight of any visit to the region.

The Balkans defy easy or single definitions – modern yet traditional, Islamic yet Orthodox, it is this mélange which makes a journey here so special. Travelling here crosses many borders, not just between nations, but through endless layers of history.

Highlights

  • The beautiful walled cities of Kotor and Dubrovnik
  • The mountains and forests of Montenegro
  • Wander along the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice National Park
  • Discover ancient monasteries
  • The Ottoman towns of Novi Pazar and Mostar

Day 1 - Dubrovnik

Arrive in Dubrovnik and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Hotel Lapad or similar.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the finest cities in the Balkans, a walled citadel facing the sea, with marbled streets and red roofed houses. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is home to a remarkable collection of old buildings and monuments; highlights include the Franciscan Monastery, a Baroque building dating to the 18th century purportedly containing the oldest pharmacy in the world, the splendid Sponza Palace, and the Rector’s Palace with its mixture of Venetian and Gothic styles. Dubrovnik is remarkably well preserved, and its extensive walls and ramparts give fantastic views over the city.

Day 2 - Počiteji – Blagaj – Mostar

Cross into Bosnia & Herzegovina and stop first in the medieval town of Počiteji, with its traditional Ottoman architecture, mosque and fortress. Continue to Blagaj Tekke, an historic Dervish monastery before continuing to Mostar, best known for its iconic bridge linking the two sides of the town over the Neretva River. Overnight Hotel Almira or similar. (BD)

Mostar

Lying on the both sides of the River Neretva, Mostar was a major centre of the Ottoman occupation and many monuments from that time remain. The most famous was the Old Bridge, which dated back to the 16th century and united both parts of the town. Mostar suffered enormously during the conflict of the 1990s, with the bridge being destroyed and the eastern, Muslim part of the town under siege for eleven months, a time which has left a deep psychological imprint upon the people here. The bridge was rebuilt in 2004 along the same style, and today people dive from it into the river as ever before, a Mostar tradition. The town is one of the most beautiful in Bosnia, with a number of mosques, markets and hammams giving it a flavour of the east.

Day 3 - Mostar – Tito’s Bunker

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of historic Mostar, visiting Stari Most, the traditional bazaar and the old town along the Neretva River. Later, we drive to Tito’s Bunker, a secret nuclear shelter dating back to the Cold War era which was hidden for decades. Return to Mostar for the evening. Overnight Hotel Almira or similar. (BD)


Day 4 - Donja Drežnica – Jajce

We leave Mostar and head towards Donja Drežnica, a peaceful valley within the Dinaric Alps. We stop here and enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains and the Drežanka River, with traditional houses dotted in the countryside. Continue to Jajce, visiting the Pliva Waterfall, the medieval fortress, and the charming old town. Overnight in local guesthouse. (B)


Day 5 - Sarajevo

After breakfast, head to Bosnia’s capital – Sarajevo – through the heart of the country. Sarajevo has a rich history and a large multicultural atmosphere from its Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian past. We explore the old town of Baščaršija, with its traditional shops, mosques and atmospheric narrow streets. Later, we stop at the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914. Overnight Hotel Kandij or similar. (BD)

Sarajevo

Bosnia’s capital is best known for its fateful place in history; it was here that the Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip assassinated the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, sparking the European powers to enter into the First World War, with tragic consequences for the entire continent and beyond. It’s also one of the most culturally mixed cities in Europe, drawing influences from Rome, the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, the Venetians and more. It’s said to be one of the few places where one can find a mosque, synagogue, Catholic and Orthodox churches all in the same square, a reflection of its cultural and ethnic diversity.

For many, Sarajevo will always be associated with the horrors of the Balkans War. Despite supposedly being under UN protection, Sarajevo suffered enormously and was besieged for three years by Serbian forces, resulting in the deaths of over 11,000 people. Since then the city has undergone a facelift, with many buildings having been restored, but it has lost none of its charm; wander the narrow streets of the old Turkish quarter or stroll through Ferhadija with its Austro-Hungarian buildings, and it’s not hard to fall a little bit in love with the city.

Day 6 - Sarajevo

This morning we explore the Tunnel Museum – the only way of entering and exiting the city during the siege of Sarajevo. This afternoon is free to explore Sarajevo at your leisure. Overnight Hotel Kandij or similar. (B)


Day 7 - Mokra Gora – Drvengrad - Zlatibor

This morning we leave Bosnia behing and cross into Serbia. On the way, stop at the UNESCO listed Mehmed Pasa Sokolović Bridge, before continuing to Mokra Gora National Park where we enjoy a ride on the Sargan Railway through the mountains. Continue to the traditional village of Drvengrad, before arriving in Zlatibor, where we explore the two with its typical old wooden architecture. Overnight Hotel Lake Side or similar. (B)


Day 8 - Nis

Drive south through the mountains and valleys until arriving in Nis, one of Europe’s oldest cities. Nis is dominated by Ottoman and Roman heritage, and is also the birthplace of Emperor Constatine. We begin to explore Nis on foot, walking through its city centre and the Nis Fortress. Overnight Hotel Gami Eter or similar. (B)


Day 9 - Nis

Today we visit the ‘skull tower’, a grisly monument to the Serbian resistance against the Ottoman empire, as well as the Roman ruins of Mediana, with its rich mosaics. After lunch we visit the Cicevo Gorge, a dramatic canyon overlooking the Nisava River, as well as the clifftop village of Sicevo. Overnight Hotel Gami Eter or similar. (B)


Day 10 - Studenica Monastery – Novi Pazar

Leaving Nis, we head west towards Novi Pazar. On the way, we stop at Studenica Monastery, one of the most important Serbian Orthodox monasteries, known for its white marble architecture. Once we arrive in Novi Pazar, a meeting point of Eastern and Western cultures, we begin a walking tour of the city visiting its old bazaar, traditional streets and Ottoman era buildings. Overnight Hotel M Star or similar. (BL)


Day 11 - Kolašin – Biogradska Gora National Park

From Novi Pazar we cross into Montenegro and head to Kolašin, a mountain town nestled in the heart of the country, and begin a short walking tour of the town centre. After lunch, continue to Biogradska Gora National Park, home to some of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests and one of the most beautiful spots in the region. and begin exploring Biogradsko Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by ancient woodland. Return to Kolašin for the night. Overnight Dream House Hotel or similar. (B)

Biogradska Gora National Park

Although it’s relatively small, Biogradska Gora National Park contains great diversity of flora and fauna. There are around 220 different plants, 150 species of birds, and 10 species of mammals here and in its forest, there are 86 species of trees and shrubs. Rainfall is extremely high in the area, averaging up to 100 inches per year, and allows the growth of temperate rainforest. One of the unique features of the park is its pristine forest with trees over five hundred years old.

Day 12 - Kolašin - Durmitor National Park

Embark on a day excursion to Durmitor National Park. Durmitor is one of the Balkans’ most stunning regions, with glacial lakes, canyons and dramatic peaks, and we explore the area before returning to Kolašin for the night. Overnight Dream House Hotel or similar. (B)


Day 13 - Virpazar – Kotor

After leaving Kolašin, head to Virpazar, a charming lakeside village on the shores of Skadar Lake National Park. From here we continue to Kotor, on the Adriatic coast, and explore the medieval old town – enclosed by city walls the town is a maze of winding streets, hidden squares and historic treasures, and is a delight to explore. Overnight Hotel Monte Cristo or similar. (B)

Kotor

The medieval walled city of Kotor dates to the time of the Byzantine Empire, and occupies an enviable position on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, within its ramparts lie a mixture of architectural styles, and the lack of vehicles within the walls makes it a relaxed place to explore. It is a dramatic town where the present lives in the maze of medieval churches, cathedrals, Venetian palaces and pillars. Kotor is made up of contrasts – the old squares with modern cafes, the sounds of serenade and live music, the echo of the footsteps down the narrow cobblestone alleys and the lazy purr of cats lying under the balconies with wrought iron railings, decorated with petunias.

Day 14 - Njeguši - Lovčen National Park

Head into the mountains overlooking the Bay of Kotor. We drive to Lovčen National Park, and visit the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovič-Njegoš. We also stop in Njeguši, a traditional mountain village, and a great place to experience rural Montenegrin life. In the afternoon return to Kotor. Overnight Hotel Monte Cristo or similar. (B)


Day 15 - Dubrovnik

A dramatic drove along the coast, with mountain plunging into the sea, to reach Dubrovnik, the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ and one of Europe’s best preserved historic towns. We have the afternoon to explore the old town, taking in the Rector’s Palace, the Sponza Palace and other sites. Overnight Hotel Lapad or similar. (B)


Day 16 - Dubrovnik

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)


This trip can be combined with our ‘Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia’ tour for a longer adventure through the region.

Please note: This itinerary has changed for 2027 please contact us for details.

What's included?

  • Airport transfers

    We include arrival and departure transfers on the first and last days of the tour regardless of whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you. If you’re booking them yourself, then please let us know the details so that we can arrange the transfers. Please note though that if you arrive earlier than Day 1 of the tour, and leave after the final day, we may need to make an additional charge for an airport transfer.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation as listed in the dossier. The nature of the destinations that we operate may sometimes mean that we need to change hotels, but we’ll always endeavour to keep the same standards. Please be aware that as we operate in many countries where tourism is in its infancy, hotel standards may not be the same as you’re used to elsewhere.

    Please note that while we prefer to use centrally located hotels where possible, this is not always practical and in some locations they may not be the best option in terms of standards or reliability.

  • Guides

    In most cases you will be accompanied by one guide from start to finish. However there may be occasions when this is not practical, for example if your trip covers a number of different countries. In these cases it often makes more sense to include different guides for each place, to take advantage of their specific knowledge of the destination.

  • Meals

    As listed within the itinerary / dossier (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). These will vary from trip to trip – in some areas it makes sense to include all meals while in others there is a good choice of restaurants and we feel people might like to ‘do their own thing’ now and again. Please note that when meals are included, sometimes these will be in hotels, as often these are the most appropriate option, and will sometimes be set menus. Local restaurants are often lacking in variety, as well as the capacity to cater for groups. Drinks are not included and are at your own expense.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees are listed for those sites that we mention within the itinerary. If there are any other sites that you’d like to see, these would be at your own expense.

What's not included?

  • Visas

    We don’t arrange visas for our travellers, but if an invitation letter is necessary then we will arrange this for you. If you need any advice with visas then just give us a call, or alternatively a visa agency such as Travcour (www.travcour.com) can assist.

  • International flights

    Many of our travellers arrive from different destinations and so we don’t include international flights in the cost of our tours. If however you would like us to book flights for you, then just give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.

  • Travel insurance

    If you need any assistance with this, then let us know – although we can’t arrange it ourselves we can point you in the direction of a reputable provider that can assist.

Visas

Most travellers, including UK, US and Australian travellers do not need a visa to enter these countries. Visa regulations can change however and so we recommend that you contact your nearest embassy for the most up to date information.

Health and vaccinations

We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations you can also visit https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries.

If you have any physical limitations that might impact your ability to participate in the planned tour activities, it’s essential that you make us aware as soon as possible so that we can discuss this with you.

Insurance

It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.

Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.

Money

The local currency in each country is different, as follows:
Serbia – dinar
Bosnia – mark
Croatia – kuna
Montenegro – euro

It is best to bring Euros for exchange purposes.

It’s not difficult to change money here, either at banks, exchange booths or the hotels and your guide can assist with this. Algeria is very much a cash society – credit cards are not widely accepted, and ATM machines are not especially reliable.

When to go

The best time to visit the Balkans is from May to October – the winters can be cold, especially in the mountain regions, and early spring wet. It can be quite cool at any time of year, depending on where you are, but the summer is reliably the warmest and most pleasant time to explore this region.

Local conditions

When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.

Travel advice

We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the FCO does not advise against travel to any of the parts of these countries that we visit on this tour.

This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.

Please note that the information contained above is highly susceptible to change, and while we endeavour to keep up to date we recommend that you use this as a guide only. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Loading gallery...

Date(s)
Price (PP) Exc. Flights
Single Supplement
Trip Status
Date -
08 May 2027
Price (PP) -
£3,799
Single Supplement -
£585
Trip Status -
Available
Book Now
Date -
28 August 2027
Price (PP) -
£3,799
Single Supplement -
£585
Trip Status -
Available
Book Now
Date -
28 April 2028
Price (PP) -
£3,999
Single Supplement -
£615
Trip Status -
Available
Book Now
Date -
02 September 2028
Price (PP) -
£3,999
Single Supplement -
£615
Trip Status -
Available
Book Now

You may also like…