Fortress on rocky cliff overlooking blue sea next to historic city in Dubrovnik.

Tourist photographing St. Mark's Church with colorful tiled roof in Zagreb old town.

Stari Most bridge over turquoise river in Mostar with historic buildings and mountains.

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14-day Balkan Holiday

14 days / 13 nights

This Balkan trip gives you a perfect chance to enjoy the diversity and richness this part of the world on the south side of the Alps has to offer.

Starting point

Ljubljana

Finish point

Dubrovnik

This Balkan trip gives you a perfect chance to enjoy the diversity and richness this part of the world on the south side of the Alps has to offer.

Starting point

Ljubljana

Finish point

Dubrovnik

Itinerary of the trip

Our adventure begins on the “Sunny Side of the Alps” in Slovenia’s charming subalpine capital. Exploring Ljubljana, you’ll take in all the main sights while uncovering its rich history. The Old Town enchants with its timeless architecture, while the medieval castle perched above the city provides a unique vantage point. Vibrant markets and squares, along with the green Ljubljanica River winding through the city’s heart, create a scene that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Gallery

Ljubljana Castle atop a green hill overlooking city rooftops and church spires under a blue sky.

Preseren statue in Ljubljana square with pink Franciscan Church and white historic building.

Tourists walking near Baroque fountain and church in Ljubljana's old town square

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Ljubljana

On the second day, we’ll explore more of Slovenia’s breathtaking natural beauty with a visit to Lake Bled, a true icon of Slovene tourism. This stunning alpine lake features a charming church on an island and an ancient castle perched high on a dramatic cliff. In the afternoon, we’ll head to another gem, Lake Bohinj, and take a cable car to the top of Vogel mountain, where spectacular panoramic views await.

Gallery

Pletna boat docked on emerald Lake Bled with lush green hills and houses.

Panoramic view of Lake Bled island church surrounded by mountains and green forest.

View over Lake Bohinj with lush green mountains and valley village in Julian Alps.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Ljubljana

One cannot visit Slovenia without descending into the spellbinding depths of Postojna Cave. It’s the oldest show cave, home to incredible underground formations and the indigenous ‘human fish’. Just down the road from this subterranean gem is Predjama Castle, the biggest and most fascinating cave castle in the world.

IMPORTANT:

The temperature in the cave is 10C, so make sure you have warm layers with you.

Gallery

Postojna Cave train carrying visitors through cavern illuminated with stalactites and rock formations.

Predjama Castle built into a massive cliff face with colorful flags displayed on a green hillside.

Couple walking on pathway inside Postojna Cave with large illuminated stalagmites and stalactites.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Ljubljana

Next, we cross into Croatia, starting with its dynamic capital, Zagreb. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, Zagreb offers a perfect blend of history and modern life. The city's attractions, easily reachable on foot, include the impressive Neo-Gothic Cathedral, the colorful St. Mark’s Church, and the picturesque old town, all set against a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes exploring a true pleasure.

Gallery

Zagreb panorama showing the Cathedral and Ban Jelačić Square with a tram.

Equestrian statue in Zagreb main square before ornate yellow and white historic buildings under blue sky.

Church of St. Mark in Zagreb with colorful tiled roof and bell tower on cobblestone square.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Zagreb

Another day, another mesmerizing destination. Day five brings some more natural splendor to our tour. We’re visiting Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Croatia’s first national park. Its limestone formations, waterfalls, and 16 terraced lakes will take your breath away as you walk down the park’s interlinked walkways and hiking trails. In the evening, it’s onward to the Dalmatian coastal town of Zadar, a historic port and lively Old Town.

Gallery

Plitvice Lakes waterfalls cascading into turquoise pool with sunlit autumn foliage

Cascading waterfalls over mossy travertine barriers into turquoise pools at Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Historic stone well in a paved square with colorful buildings and a church spire in Zadar.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Zadar

Take a half-day boat tour to explore the stunning Kornati National Park, home to a breathtaking collection of 109 mostly uninhabited islands, islets, reefs and craggy rocks scattered over an area of 224 square kilometres. The park was named after the largest island – Kornati. Spend the day soaking in the natural beauty, with opportunities to swim and relax on gorgeous beaches with tourquise waters. Discover the park’s unique landscapes, including the peaceful Telašćica Nature Park and its salty lake. Enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by some of Croatia’s most stunning scenery.

Gallery

Stone wall overlooking blue water, small islands, and arid hills in Kornati National Park.

Boat docked in turquoise cove near rocky, scrub-covered hills of Kornati Islands.

Aerial view of arid islands scattered across bright blue sea waters in Kornati National Park.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Zadar

Our next destination is Šibenik. Sightseeing around this Dalmatian jewel includes the 15th-century Cathedral of St. James, the 14th-century Prince’s Palace, and the white stone St. Michael’s Fortress with views of Šibenik Bay and the neighboring islands.

Not far off is Trogir, an authentic medieval town connected to the mainland and an adjacent island by bridges. Trogir comes in a mixture of Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque architecture and a soulful atmosphere. The busy day draws to a close with a drive to the sunny port city of Split.

Gallery

St. James Cathedral facade framed by an archway in Šibenik under a bright blue sky.

Aerial view of Trogir historic town with orange roofs on a peninsula surrounded by turquoise sea.

Narrow cobblestone street in Trogir with stone buildings and bright sunshine.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Split

Today is spent according to your wishes. You can investigate Split’s gorgeous old center, hop on a boat tour of the beautiful nearby islands of Hvar and Vis, or stroll around the Roman ruins of Solin, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Whatever you opt for, know that a splendid time is guaranteed.

Gallery

Colorful small boats moored in a harbor with palm trees and historic buildings in the background.

Coastal city with terracotta roofs and a harbor, backed by a lush green hill under a bright blue sky.

Ancient Roman ruins with stone sarcophagi on green grass under a blue sky above Split.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Split

Another country enters our itinerary today. It’s off to Mostar, the famous heritage site of southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is known worldwide for its iconic Old Bridge over the Neretva River. It’s a reconstructed medieval arched bridge that connects the two sides of the city and boasts incredible cultural significance. Mostar’s amazing Turkish heritage also includes the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque and stunning views from its minaret. The day is spent exploring the narrow streets and markets whilst enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds of a place lost in time.

Gallery

Stari Most bridge over emerald river with people on top, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Stone buildings with slate roofs line a narrow river with a small waterfall in Mostar old town.

Stari Most bridge over emerald river in Mostar with historic town and mountains.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Mostar

Explore the historic old town of Sarajevo, known as Baščaršija, on a guided walking tour, where you'll discover its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Visit key landmarks, including the famous Baščaršija market and the beautiful Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. Then, learn about Sarajevo’s resilience during the war with a visit to the Tunnel of Salvation. Experience the unique blend of history and modern life in this captivating city.

Gallery

Narrow tunnel interior supported by rough wooden logs with a wooden walkway and metal rail in Sarajevo.

Panoramic view of Sarajevo city nestled in green mountains at sunset.

Sebilj fountain in Sarajevo old town square with pigeons and a large tree, mountains in background.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Sarajevo

Start your day with a relaxed morning in Sarajevo, enjoying a traditional Bosnian coffee before starting your return to the Adriatic. We will stop in Počitelj, wander through its cobbled streets and admire the blend of Ottoman and Mediterranean architecture. We will continue on the coast to Ston, where we will walk along the ancient city walls, the longest in Europe, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, before continuing to our final stop of the day, Dubrovnik.

Gallery

Stone walls of Ston fortress connected by a long walkway above lush greenery and blue water.

Coastal town with red-roofed buildings, harbor, and long defensive wall up green mountains.

Stone fortification ruins on a hill overlooking bright blue coastal water and lush green forest.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s iconic Old Town is encircled by a massive stone wall from the 16th century. You can walk the entire length of the wall and witness this time-capsule of town from above. Afterward, enjoy a guided walking tour through the Old Town, where you’ll explore Dubrovnik’s stunning architecture, from the baroque St. Blaise Church to the Renaissance Sponza Palace and the Gothic Rector’s Palace. Learn about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage as you stroll through its cobbled streets.

Gallery

Dubrovnik city walls above turquoise Adriatic Sea water and coastal cliffs

Stone walkway on Walls of Dubrovnik overlooking blue Adriatic Sea with sailboat.

Fort walls of Dubrovnik with stone bridge overlooking harbor and small boats under blue sky.

Accommodation

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.

Gallery

View from walls of Kotor showing stone bell tower, red-roofed town, and mountains surrounding the bay.

Coastal town with red-roofed buildings nestled below steep mountains on the Bay of Kotor.

St. Tryphon Cathedral in Kotor with twin bell towers against a bright blue sky and mountains.

Accommodation

Overnight stay in Dubrovnik

The final (official) day of our Balkan Holiday is spent in Dubrovnik. There are plenty of awesome things to see and do in and around the Old Town that will certainly capture your imagination and leave a lasting impression.

Gallery

Pedestrians walking on the main stone street lined with historic buildings in Dubrovnik.

Boats moored in clear turquoise water of Dubrovnik harbor beside historic stone walls.

Man with arms raised overlooking Dubrovnik old town, harbor, and Lokrum Island from Mount Srd.

14-day Balkan Holiday

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

For travellers that want flexibility and independence. We organize the tours of your choice, but the adventure of getting around is all yours. You will get a fly & drive itinerary handout with activities, accommodations and travelling tips with full support of our team for any emergencies or concerns. You will take yourself around, but we can arrange a car rental or even a campervan if you wish.

INCLUDED

13 nights 3* (or more) accommodation with breakfast

All entrance fees and activities as per itinerary

Comprehensive itinerary handout

Tour organisation

Ljubljana Castle entrance fee with funicular ride

Boat ride on Ljubljanica River

Bled Castle entrance fee

Traditional pletna boat ride to Bled Island

Vogel Mountain cable car

Postojna Cave entrance fee

Predjama Castle entrance fee

Walking tour of Zagreb

Plitvice National Park entrance fee

Boat trip to Kornati Islands national park

Walking tour of Šibenik

Walking tour of Trogir

Walking tour of Split

Walking tour of Mostar Old Town

Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque entrance fee

Walking tour of Sarajevo Old Town

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque entrance fee

Tunnel of Salvation entrance fee

Ston Walls entrance fee

Walking tour of Durbovnik

Dubrovnik Walls entrance fee

Walking tour of Kotor

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Boat trip to Hvar & Vis Islands

One way airport transfer to/from Dubrovnik

One way airport transfer to/from Ljubljana

Single supplement

Trip to Solin & Klis Fortress

Our expedition around the Balkan region begins in Ljubljana, the greenest of capitals. From there, we journey to world-famous Lake Bled and the magical Julian Alps, before delving into the captivating Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle. This vibrant start offers a stunning introduction to Slovenia’s unique historical and geographical multiplicity.

Next, we travel to Croatia, beginning with a visit to Zagreb. From there, we explore the natural miracle of Plitvice National Park, a forest reserve with captivating lakes and waterfalls. The journey continues to Zadar, a charming coastal town in Dalmatia, followed by a day trip to the idyllic Kornati Islands. We then make our way along the sunlit coastline to Šibenik and the ancient town of Trogir, arriving in Split, Croatia’s second-largest city. The latter is a superb stepping stone to some of Dalmatia’s most attractive islands, Hvar and Vis, as well as the Roman ruins of Solin.

Our adventure then takes us to Bosnia & Herzegovina. We’ll be visiting Mostar, the country’s acclaimed cultural heritage site and the meeting point of cultures. From there, we spend some time in Sarajevo, the nation’s capital, soaking in its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique atmosphere.

We round up our amazing journey by heading back over the border to do some sightseeing in the ancient relic of Ston and the unbelievably gorgeous walled town of Dubrovnik, a sensational Adriatic port of immense historical importance. While in Dubrovnik, we also take a day trip to Kotor in neighboring Montenegro, exploring its stunning bay and medieval charm.

If a longer adventure is more to your liking, visit The Balkan Tours for some more comprehensive experiences. For a more detailed description of what to expect on this Balkan road trip, please check out the itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

The included pickup and drop-off at the end of the holiday in the price published on our website is in Ljubljana. For any changes, please notify us upon booking. The included transfers are all the transfers between places and/or activities specified in the itinerary.

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 is important to dress for the season. Slovenia has all 4 seasons, so please check the weather forecast before the day trip regarding temperatures and rainfall. When you are close to the Alps, the weather can change fairly quickly, so your best bet is to always bring an extra layer. We recommend shoes you will be comfortable in.

It really depends on the level of your restriction. Vegetarian options are fairly easy to find in Slovenia, but vegan dishes, on the other hand, are extremely hard to come by in rural areas of the country and in smaller towns. Please note that the places where we stop for lunch are often traditional and may have difficulties accommodating you outside of their standard menu. We suggest you keep this in mind.

Yes! Our holidays are designed to give you some free time every day to relax and spend it the way you want to. It is your holiday after all! For any advice and suggestions you can always turn to your tour leader or our back office, who will be more than happy to help you out.

Ratings & Reviews

+41

Suzanne Munro

Verified customer · 9 months ago

The tour plan was really wonderful, a good balance of urban and outdoor locations and experiences. The trip app worked perfectly, making it simple to keep organized with excursion vouchers, route maps, site descriptions, etc. it also made it easy to communicate with the travel company when we occasionally had questions. We were amazed at how much variety there was in a relatively small area. I highly recommend this company and this particular trip plan for anyone who would like to explore this area of Slovenia.

Dense formation of white soda straw stalactites hanging from a cave ceiling over rock formations.

Whitewater rafting group navigating rapids on a sunlit, rocky river surrounded by dense green foliage.

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Hilltop village with tall church steeple above dark green trees at sunset

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Hilary Justice

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Just outstanding! Guide Tine was a pleasure to travel with, extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. This company truly showcases the beauty of Slovenia from wine and cuisine to natural beauty and culture. We HIGHLY recommend a private food and wine tour!

Bottle of Škerlj Teran wine and two empty glasses on wooden table outdoors

Sliced baguette wrapped in paper with herbs, served with olive oil on a wooden cutting board.

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Castle built into a cliff face with a large cave entrance above, surrounded by green forest.

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R Spencer

Verified customer

The service provided by this company is first class. Our agent, Marusa was superb in terms of her communication, her suggestions and recommendations and brilliant organisation of our trip. Had we tied to organise for ourselves we would almost certainly have missed things out through lack of knowledge. Everything worked so well that we were able to make the most of our first wonderful visit to this beautiful, friendly and hospitable country. We loved it.

Church on island in Lake Bled reflecting on calm water surrounded by forest

Stone staircase and courtyard between old buildings with red roofs, tourists walking below

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Hiker viewing powerful waterfall cascading down steep, mossy canyon walls with wooden railing.

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Jorrit van Gelder

Verified customer

Very helpful travel agency. Great contact who always replied swiftly and adequately. They deliver as promised!

Kayakers paddling on clear alpine lake surrounded by steep, forested mountains under cloudy sky

Rocky river flowing through dense green forest under a cloudy blue sky

Chris Jukes

Verified customer

Slovenia Holidays did a fantastic job in putting together an eight-day, tailor-made tour for our small group. We had an amazing time and highly enjoyed all elements of our trip – including tour of Ljubljana, gorge hiking, visiting Slovenia’s famous caves, alpine views, hot air balloon ride, beautiful coastal town of Piran and, of course, delicious food and wine 😊. Our holiday agent – Grega - was a pleasure to work with and ensured our holiday covered the key locations and experiences Slovenia has to offer. The tour was a perfect introduction of Slovenia – beautiful and diverse country. We enjoyed everything, well organised and felt in safe hands. Our guide – Sanda - was a good match for us and tuned into our relaxed attitude. We would highly recommend Slovenia Holidays to anyone wishing to discover and explore real Slovenia.

Rowboat on Lake Bled with church reflection and forested hills in Slovenia

Clear turquoise river flowing through a forested valley with tall mountains in the background

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Abundant breakfast spread with fruit, bread, juice, and flowers on a white linen table.

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Susan Mulready

Verified customer

Our private Hike and Bike tour was nothing short of amazing! We had a fantastic holiday, and Tomaz, our guide, went out of his way to ensure everything went smoothly. He was knowledgeable, punctual, entertaining, reliable, experienced... the perfect guide! It was a pleasure to indulge in such a breathtakingly beautiful country. Thank you, Ivana and Grega, for arranging our trip professionally and efficiently.

Coastal town waterfront with colorful buildings and a prominent church tower viewed over dark blue sea water.

Sunset over the sea from a stone-lined promenade with a breakwater of large rocks.

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Coastal town with terracotta roofs overlooking a harbor and the sea, likely Piran, Slovenia.

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Suzanne Munro

Verified customer · 9 months ago

Show all 4 photos

R Spencer

Verified customer

Show all 9 photos

Chris Jukes

Verified customer

Show all 8 photos

Hilary Justice

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Show all 7 photos

Jorrit van Gelder

Verified customer

Very helpful travel agency. Great contact who always replied swiftly and adequately. They deliver as promised!

Susan Mulready

Verified customer

Show all 9 photos

14-day Balkan Holiday

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Capital of Slovenia

Day 2: The Alps

Day 3: Slovenian Karst

Day 4: Capital of Croatia

Day 5: Plitvice UNESCO National Park

Day 6: Kornati Islands national park

Day 7: Towns of Šibenik & Trogir

Day 8: Split and surroundings

Day 9: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Day 10: Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia

Day 11: Počitelj & Ston

Day 12: Walled-off town of Dubrovnik

Day 13: Bay of Kotor in Montenegro

Day 14: Departure

Loved the Itinerary?

Loved the Itinerary?

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

INCLUDED

NOT INCLUDED

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the pickup and which transfers are included?

Where do I eat when the food is not included?

What should I wear?

I have food restrictions. Are there any restaurants for me?

Will I have some time to myself?

Ratings & Reviews

Suzanne Munro

Hilary Justice

R Spencer

Jorrit van Gelder

Chris Jukes

Susan Mulready

Suzanne Munro

R Spencer

Chris Jukes

Hilary Justice

Jorrit van Gelder

Susan Mulready

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Ratings & Reviews

Suzanne Munro

Hilary Justice

R Spencer

Jorrit van Gelder

Chris Jukes

Susan Mulready

Suzanne Munro

R Spencer

Chris Jukes

Hilary Justice

Jorrit van Gelder

Susan Mulready

Similar Products

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Capital of Slovenia

Day 2: The Alps

Day 3: Slovenian Karst

Day 4: Capital of Croatia

Day 5: Plitvice UNESCO National Park

Day 6: Kornati Islands national park

Day 7: Towns of Šibenik & Trogir

Day 8: Split and surroundings

Day 9: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Day 10: Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia

Day 11: Počitelj & Ston

Day 12: Walled-off town of Dubrovnik

Day 13: Bay of Kotor in Montenegro

Day 14: Departure

Loved the Itinerary?

Loved the Itinerary?