Croatia and The Balkans

On arrival at Zagreb Airport today, we are met by our guide and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend at your leisure.

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton

Discover the charm of Zagreb as we spend the day exploring Zagreb’s main sights including the famed markets of Dolac Bazaar, St. Mark’s Church, the medieval Stone Gate and Pope’s tower, built to protect the southern city gate. We also stop by the central Ban Josip Jelacic Square, a popular meeting place, then make our way to the Lotrscak Church and the beautiful tree-lined Cemetery of Mirogoj where you can discover the graves of writers, poets and composers. This evening get further acquainted with your fellow travellers at our welcome dinner.

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton

This morning we travel to Bled and visit the medieval Bled Castle perched atop a steep cliff, rising 130m above the glacial Lake Bled. We take a boat ride on the Lake to visit the Assumption of Mary Church , where according to legend every wish can come true, by ringing the church bell 3 times. We then continue to the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana and enjoy a panoramic city tour including Medieval Castle, City Hall, Cathedral of St. Nicholas and Triple Bridge.

Accommodation: Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza

Today experience a fascinating subterranean paradise at the Postojna Caves, with 24kms of underground passages, galleries and halls. Later, we travel to the renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park, boasting 16 cascading lakes, breathtaking canyons, and Croatia’s tallest waterfall. We spend the evening at the charming riverside town of Bihac on the banks of the Una River.

Accommodation: Hotel Kostelski Buk

Today we make our way to Sarajevo, the historic capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We explore the city highlights, including the Begova Mosque, Cathedral of the Sacred Jesus Heart, Eternal Flame memorial and the ancient Turkish Old Bazaar. Enjoy some free time in the fascinating old town this afternoon before a group dinner this evening.

Accommodation: Novotel Sarajevo

We pay a visit to the Sarajevo War Tunnel “Tunnel of Hope” – an underground tunnel located under the Airport area constructed in 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo. We then make our way to the National Park Vrelo Bosna, a peaceful and relaxing park at the foothills of Mt Igman. The afternoon is free to explore Sarajevo before we meet for dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Novotel Sarajevo

We visit Novi Sad, the second largest Serbian city enroute to Belgrade. Discover the main city sights, including the Petrovaradin Fortress, towering over the river on a 40m high rocky cliff. It is considered Europe’s second largest fortress, and one of the best-preserved. This evening we dine at the hotel restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel Falkeisteiner

We continue our exploration of Belgrade this morning. Along with its wonderful sights, what makes Belgrade special is that it brandishes a boastful and freewheeling energy while retaining its enduring grit. You’ll have time to soak up the atmosphere and perhaps do some shopping in Knez Mihailova Street, the main pedestrian and shopping zone – one of the oldest and most valuable landmarks of the city.

Accommodation: Hotel Falkeisteiner

Today travel to the Macedonian capital, Skopje; known for its cultural and historical monuments and archaeological sites. Enjoy a panoramic city tour, viewing landmarks including the Square of Macedonia, Stone Bridge, and the Castle of Skopje. This evening enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel City Park

We spend today at Matka Canyon. Covering approximately 5,000 hectares, Matka is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Macedonia and home to several medieval monasteries. The Matka Lake within the Matka Canyon, is the oldest artificial lake in the country. There are ten caves at Matka Canyon, with the shortest in length being 20 metres, and the longest being 176 metres long.

Accommodation: Hotel City Park

Today we head to Ohrid, a small resort city on the hilly shores of Lake Ohrid, with steep streets dotted with beautiful churches and topped by the bones of a medieval castle. Take in the stunning lakeside scenery and main sights of the city on a walking tour. There will also be time for some shopping in the Ottoman Bazaar.

Accommodation: Hotel City Palace

Discover the UNESCO-listed landscapes of Lake Ohrid today, heading south towards the Albanian border to the St Naum Monastery – an imposing sight on a bluff on the shores of the lake and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Macedonia. Relax on a boat ride on the picturesque lake, before returning to Ohrid in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel City Palace

We farewell Macedonia this morning and make our way to the Albanian capital, Tirana. Discover the city’s major landmarks, including the main city plaza; Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, Opera building and Ministries building. Afterward, we make our way to Budva, a historic Montenegrin town on the Adriatic Sea famed for its stunning beaches.

Accommodation: Hotel Adria Budva

The city of Budva dates back 3,450 years and is one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic Sea. Most of the buildings were erected during the Venetian rule. In the present day, narrow streets are lined with modern cafes, churches and galleries. Explore the town before we board a boat to cruise the Adriatic Sea to Kotor for some more sightseeing. Kotor is a fortified coastal city, characterised by winding streets and squares and a medieval old town.

Accommodation: Hotel Adria Budva

Today we travel along the coastline to Croatia’s southern seaport Dubrovnik, overlooking the calm blue Adriatic Sea. A prominent tourist destination, Dubrovnik is known for its distinctive Old Town encircled with massive stone walls dating back to the 16 th century. Our city tour highlights include Stradun Square, The Palace of Rector and the Time Tower.

Accommodation: Hotel Adria Dubrovnik

Enjoy a full-day excursion, crossing the border back into Bosnia and Herzegovina to Mostar. Mostar is known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a reconstructed medieval arched bridge spanning 29 metres and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We ascend to the Koski Mehmet-Pasha Mosque, which offers panoramic city views. We return to Dubrovnik in the afternoon and enjoy a group dinner this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Adria Dubrovnik

Today we break our journey to Split with a visit to a Mali Ston oyster farm for a wine tasting tour and lunch. The bay of Mali Ston has been famous for seashell cultivation since the days of the Roman Empire. After lunch, we continue to Split, the largest city in the Dalmatia region and one of the most vibrant port cities, stunningly located between mountains and the sea.

Accommodation: Hotel Ora

This morning we visit the town of Trogir, situated on a small island between the Croatian mainland and the island of Ciovo, and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Venetian architecture. We return to Split for some sightseeing including Diocletian’s Palace, Jupiter’s Temple and the St Duje Cathedral. This evening is our farewell group dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Ora

Today we farewell Croatia and head to the airport to begin our journey home.

Today is spent travelling.

Our Escorted Escape concludes today. On arrival, farewell your new friends and tour host as you head home.