Timeless Beauty of the BalkansEscorted Tour, Balkans

Like the most gripping of history books, stories abound in this fascinating region. Explore the Croatian capital, Zagreb, where Austro-Hungarian and socialist buildings stand side by side. In Belgrade, visit President Tito’s grand mausoleum. In Sarajevo, see the ‘war tunnel’ that helped save the city in the 1990s and in Mostar witness the impressive post-conflict restoration efforts. On the sparkling Adriatic coast, meander around historic Budva. The story concludes in Dubrovnik, with its spectacularly photogenic old town.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

11 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar)

International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow or Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports

23 meals: 11 breakfasts (days 2-12) 1 lunch (day 3) 11 dinners (days 1-11) 2020 departures don’t include lunch on day 3

Kotor city tax

Portable audio headset system on excursions

VIP door-to-door travel service

Tour manager

Travel in destination by coach

Porterage

11 excursions and visits

City tours of Zagreb; Osijek (2021 only); Belgrade (including Tito's Mausoleum); Sarajevo; and Dubrovnik

Entrance to Principe Bridge, Gazi Husrefbey Mosque and Svrzo House

Visit to the War Tunnel, Sarajevo (2020 only)

Tours of Mostar, Budva and Kotor with local guides

ITINERARY

Day 1 UK - Zagreb

VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Zagreb. On arrival your coach transfers you to your base for your first two nights.

Day 2 Zagreb

You’ll take a sightseeing tour of this stunning and historical capital city with a local guide. The tour includes the Upper Town, the historical centre of the city, the Church of St Mark with its famed multi-coloured tiled roof, the Cathedral and Croatian National Theatre. You will pass by the beautiful Mirogoj Cemetery. You have free time this afternoon.

Day 3 Osijek - Belgrade

Today’s scenic journey takes you from Croatia to Belgrade, Serbia and your hotel for two nights. You’ll make a stop on the way in the leafy historic town of Osijek for a guided tour of the city and gardens, and a wander along the waterfront promenade, before stopping for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant.

Please note: 2020 departures won’t stop in Osijek.

Day 4 Belgrade

Today, your full-day sightseeing tour of Belgrade introduces you to the most important sights of the city. On foot you will visit the biggest park in Belgrade, Kalemegdan, which encompasses Kalemegdan Fortress. Your coach will then take you in the direction of Terazije, Parliament, City Hall, Pioneer Park and Slavija Square. You’ll then take a walk through the park of Karadorde to visit the Temple of Saint Sava. The coach tour continues to Knez Milos Street, known as the ‘Street of the Embassies’, and to Tito’s mausoleum.

Day 5 Sarajevo

Your journey today takes you from Belgrade to the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo. The route takes you through Zvornik, a historic town devastated in the Bosnian War. You’ll continue, with a backdrop of scenic views of Romanija Mountain and along the River Drina, to Bosnia’s capital, Sarajevo, where you’ll stay for two nights.

Day 6 Sarajevo

In the company of an expert local guide, take a half-day walking tour of Sarajevo - a city in which, over a period spanning four hundred years, mosques, synagogues, orthodox and Roman Catholic churches have been built side by side. You will visit Bašcaršija, one of the best maintained old bazaars with diverse stores and restaurants, and Principe Bridge, site of the 1914 assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, which led directly to the First World War.

Please note: 2020 departures also include an afternoon tour to the War Tunnel - a lifeline to the citizens of Sarajevo during the 1990s conflict.

Day 7 Sarajevo - Mostar

After some free time in Sarajevo, you’ll travel to Mostar. It was the worst affected Bosnian city in the Yugoslav wars but a sightseeing tour will show the local effort that has gone into making this city beautiful once again. See the famous Old Stone Bridge, the colourful Old Bazaar and a typical Turkish house.

Day 8 Becici

There’ll be free time in Mostar this morning, before departing for Becici, on the outskirts of the popular Montenegrin resort of Budva, where you’ll stay for two nights.

Day 9 Budva

Your morning sightseeing tour of Budva will take you through its rich tapestry of cobbled streets and shady piazzas. The local guide will bring tales of this ancient city, one of the oldest in the Balkans, to life. The afternoon is free for further exploration, to stroll along the promenade or relax on one of the numerous sandy beaches.

Day 10 Kotor - Cavtat

You’ll continue for Kotor this morning for a tour of this coastal city. This beautiful fortified old town, protected by UNESCO, is surrounded by stunning scenery, between steep mountains and the deepest natural ria in the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll make a stop Kotor’s market (2021 only) for the chance to buy some tasty local sweets and produce. During your free time here, it may be easy to lose yourself in the maze of lanes and hidden piazzas within the medieval walls, but its small size makes it easy to find your way again. You’ll depart for Cavtat, a lush peninsula just south of Dubrovnik, where you’ll stay for two nights.

Day 11 Dubrovnik

After breakfast you’ll enjoy a fascinating city tour of Dubrovnik, followed by a panoramic coach drive above the city with breathtaking views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. With an abundance of places to visit in Dubrovnik, the afternoon is free to explore independently. Maybe walk the city walls, experience one of the museums dedicated to defenders of Dubrovnik during the Yugoslav wars, including the powerful War Photo museum or Visia Cinema, which brings the city’s history to life through 3D films and holograms, or enjoy delicious gelato in a sun-bleached square.

Day 12 Dubrovnik - UK

You transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Timeless Beauty of the Balkans is located in Escorted Tour, Balkans. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 25/03/2020