18-day Balkan Holiday
range
Journey through four countries on an epic Balkan tour
Meet the unique and diverse cultures of these areas and their wonderful sights
Visit Lake Bled, the Plitvice National Park and Dubrovnik, and much more
Enjoy the diversity of beautiful natural sights as well as the historic places of the region
Lake Bled castle
Ljubljana Center
Split marina
Itinerary
Welcome to Ljubljana, Europe’s prettiest capital! The Old Town, with its timeless architecture and medieval castle above the city, is bound to melt your heart the moment you set foot on its cobblestone streets. Colorful markets, historic squares, and the Ljubljanica River are sure to amaze.
Ljubljana Castle entrance fee with funicular ride
Boat ride on Ljubljanica River
Overnight stay in Ljubljana
On the second day, we leave the city and head for the Alpine countryside, more precisely Lake Bled. It’s the iconic symbol of Slovenia. The church in the middle of the lake, an ancient castle atop a giant cliff, and the idyllic mountainous backdrop are out of this world.
The afternoon will be spent visiting another glacial lake called Bohinj. It’s a wilder version of the one in Bled and promises stunning surroundings. We will top it off with a cable car ride to the top of Mt. Vogel for some amazing panorama.
Bled Castle entrance fee
Traditional pletna boat ride to Bled Island
Vogel Mountain cable car
Overnight stay in Ljubljana
Day number three: Croatia and its flourishing capital Zagreb. Drenched in culture, Zagreb offers superb sightseeing, which involves strolling down its streets and visiting places like the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church. Zagreb is much bigger than Ljubljana, but its Old Town center is just small enough to wander around carefree. Sit down, have a coffee, and watch life go by in this renowned Balkan city.
Walking tour of Zagreb
Overnight stay in Ljubljana
One cannot visit Slovenia without descending into the spellbinding depths of Postojna Cave. This iconic show cave, the oldest in the world, is home to incredible underground formations and the enigmatic ‘human fish’. Just a short drive away lies Predjama Castle, an architectural marvel and the largest cave castle in the world. To cap off the experience, the journey concludes in the picturesque coastal town of Piran, where history and seaside charm come together beautifully.
IMPORTANT:
The temperature in the cave is 10C, so make sure you are dressed properly.
Postojna Cave entrance fee
Predjama Castle entrance fee
Overnight stay in Piran
Start your day with an unforgettable truffle hunting experience in the Istrian forests, guided by experts and their trusty dogs. In the afternoon, wander the charming cobblestone streets of Grožnjan, known for its artistic flair, and explore the medieval hilltop town of Motovun, which offers stunning panoramic views. End the day with a delightful wine tasting session, savoring the exquisite flavors of Istria’s renowned vintages before settling in yet another coastal town.
Truffle hunting
Wine tasting
Overnight stay on the coast
Discover the highlights of the Istrian Peninsula with a day filled with unforgettable sights and experiences. Begin with a boat visit to the Lim Fjord, a stunning natural waterway surrounded by lush greenery. Next, explore Rovinj, a postcard-perfect coastal town with a vibrant harbor and Venetian-inspired charm. Conclude your journey in Pula, home to the awe-inspiring Roman amphitheater and a rich tapestry of history and culture.
Overnight stay on the coast
Set off on a day trip to the breathtaking Brijuni National Park, a stunning archipelago of 14 islands just off the Istrian coast. Begin your adventure with a ferry ride to the main island, where lush landscapes and pristine beaches await. Explore the island’s rich history, from Roman ruins to the former summer residence of Yugoslav leader Tito. Spend the day walking through the picturesque landscapes, visiting historical sites, and take some time to relax on the peaceful beaches.
Ferry to Brijuni Islands
Guided tour of the main island
Overnight stay on the coast
Another day, another fascinating destination. We like to mix things up, so on this day, it’s time for some more natural splendor: Plitvice National Park. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Croatia’s first national park. It prides itself on incredible limestone formations, characterized by waterfalls and 16 terraced lakes. We will take a walk down the interlinked walkways and hiking trails that wind around and across the water. It’s basically like entering a dream. In the evening, the Dalmatian coastal town of Zadar awaits us with its historic port and cozy bay.
Plitvice National Park entrance fee
Overnight stay in Zadar
Set off on a half-day boat trip to explore the Kornati National Park, a stunning archipelago of 109 islands scattered across the Adriatic Sea. This unspoiled paradise is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and untouched beauty. Spend your day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, with time to relax on secluded beaches. As you cruise through the park, you’ll encounter its diverse landscapes, including the peaceful Telašćica Nature Park and its unique salt lake. It’s a perfect getaway to experience Croatia’s natural splendor.
Boat trip to Kornati Islands national park
Overnight stay in Zadar
Šibenik. It’s our next destination. A walking tour of the town’s lovely sights include the 15th-century Cathedral of St. James with its 71 sculpted faces, the 14th-century Prince’s Palace, and the white stone St. Michael’s Fortress with its open-air theatre and views of Šibenik Bay and the neighboring islands. A stone’s throw away is Trogir, a truly magical medieval town connected to the mainland and an adjacent island by bridges. Trogir is a well-preserved blend of Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque architecture. After we are sufficiently inspired by all we have seen on this busy day, we drive down a bit further to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city.
Walking tour of Šibenik
Walking tour of Trogir
Overnight stay in Split
Waking up in Split, the choice of how you spend the day is entirely yours. The city’s gorgeous old center and marketplace are certainly entertaining, or you can hop on a boat tour of nearby islands of Hvar and Vis, two of the most exotic islands on this southern part of the Adriatic. Another option is to visit the Roman ruins of Solin. It was once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and holds some very soul-enriching secrets. Whichever option you pick, a superb time is guaranteed.
Walking tour of Split
Boat trip to Hvar & Vis Islands
Trip to Solin & Klis Fortress
Overnight stay in Split
Our next pit-stop is in yet another country. We are going for a captivating tour of Mostar, the cultural heritage jewel of southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is known worldwide for its iconic Old Bridge, a reconstructed medieval arched bridge that connects the two sides of the city over the Neretva River. Narrow alleys, local markets and squares promise an interesting visit back in time. Mostar’s amazing Turkish heritage also included the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque and stunning views from its minaret.
Walking tour of Mostar Old Town
Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque entrance fee
Overnight stay in Mostar
Walking tour of Sarajevo Old Town
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque entrance fee
Tunnel of Salvation entrance fee
Overnight stay in Sarajevo
Ston Walls entrance fee
Overnight stay in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s legendary Old Town is surrounded by impressive 16th-century stone walls, which you can walk along for a unique aerial view of this historic city. Afterward, join a guided walking tour through the Old Town, where you’ll admire Dubrovnik’s remarkable architecture, including the baroque St. Blaise Church, the Renaissance Sponza Palace, and the Gothic Rector’s Palace. As you wander through its cobbled streets, you’ll learn about the city’s fascinating history and cultural significance.
Walking tour of Durbovnik
Dubrovnik Walls entrance fee
Overnight stay in Dubrovnik
Take a scenic day trip from Dubrovnik to the beautiful town of Kotor in Montenegro, located along the stunning Bay of Kotor. Stroll through the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its charming streets and historical landmarks, including St. Tryphon’s Cathedral. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the bay, surrounded by towering mountains that create a truly unique backdrop. Explore the town’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere as you discover the wonders of this picturesque coastal destination.
Walking tour of Kotor
Overnight stay in Dubrovnik
Overnight stay in Dubrovnik
The final day is spent in Dubrovnik. Because the place is so incredibly interesting and there is such an enviable list of things to see. Getting lost in its maze of alleys, walking along its colossal, or hiking up the nearby hill for some crazy hot views – whatever strikes your fancy, Dubrovnik has you covered.
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Description
Ljubljana is a perfect starting point for venturing to other parts of the Balkans. One of our favorites is unquestionably the Balkan region. Ah, the food, the natural wonders, and the culture – it’s the sweetest combination ever!
The journey begins in the enchanting capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, a city that charms with its picturesque old town and lively atmosphere. From there, we’ll head to the Alps, a stunning region of majestic peaks and serene valleys.
Crossing into Croatia, we’ll explore Zagreb, the vibrant capital city renowned for its impressive architecture and bustling old town. Nature lovers will revel in the beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a wonderland of cascading waterfalls and emerald lakes. The adventure continues with a visit to the Kornati Islands, a pristine archipelago offering crystal-clear waters and hidden coves.
In Istria, indulge in the region’s rich culinary heritage, from truffle dishes to fine wines, while marveling at the coastal charm of its historic towns. Further south, the Dalmatian coast beckons with the ancient towns of Šibenik and Trogir, and the lively harbor city of Split. A boat trip to the sun-drenched islands of Hvar and Vis provides a taste of Mediterranean paradise.
Venturing into Bosnia and Herzegovina, we’ll discover Mostar, with its iconic Stari Most bridge, and Sarajevo, a city where East meets West in a tapestry of history and culture. Returning to Croatia, we’ll visit Počitelj and the historic salt-producing town of Ston before arriving in Dubrovnik. Known for its ancient walls and breathtaking views, Dubrovnik is a true gem of the Adriatic.
The journey concludes in Montenegro, where the spectacular Bay of Kotor offers a blend of dramatic landscapes and charming seaside villages.
In short, a Balkan holiday is a road trip of a lifetime. If a longer adventure is more to your liking, visit The Balkan Tours for some more comprehensive experiences. Then grab your passport and join us!
Map
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Things to know
The included pickup in the price published on our website is in Ljubljana and drop-off at the end of the holiday is in Dubrovnik. For any changes, please notify us upon booking. The included transfers are all the transfers between places and/or activities specified in the itinerary.
On your holidays you will have an experienced tour leader/tour guide, who will look after you for the entire duration of the tour. At some locations, city tours are conducted by professional local guides. All of our guides will make sure that you will receive expert guiding combined with great fun and memorable experiences.
Both our back office team and our guides know where to go. We can give you recommendations or even pre-book some places for you. You can be adventurous and find places on your own. Either way, let us know if you would like any sort of help.
It really depends on the level of your restriction. Vegetarian options are fairly easy to find in Slovenia and Croatia, but vegan dishes, on the other hand, are extremely hard to come by in rural areas and in smaller towns. Please note, that the places where we stop off for lunch are often traditional and may have difficulties accommodating you outside of their standard menu. We suggest you keep this in mind.
It is important to dress for the season. Slovenia has all 4 seasons, so please check the weather forecast before the holiday regarding temperatures and rainfall. When you are close to the Alps, you can see all 4 seasons change in the same day, so your best bet is to always bring an extra layer and rain gear. Croatia gets very hot, especially during the summer, so we advise you to do as locals do and bring your swimsuits to cool off in the balmy Adriatic. Visiting religious buildings, such as churches and mosques, you will need modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
If you want to, sure! We are well aware that some people love to stay in groups while others prefer some more alone time on their trip. We wanted to give you the opportunity to do things your way. It is your holiday, after all! As long as you respect the group timings and locations designated by your guide, please feel free to customize your itinerary and create your own adventure!
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