Balkan Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
Balkan Adventure
15 Days
From AUD $4895
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Balkan Adventure

Balkan Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
4.6
20 Reviews
View Map
Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Welcome to the Balkans, where the east meets the west. Over the centuries, people have travelled to Eastern Europe for its rich tradition, layered cultures and mouth-watering cuisines.

Highlights

  • Cross the Chain Bridge in Budapest – known as the Pearl of the Danube – and take the funicular up to Buda Castle for beautiful views over Pest.
  • Discover the rich biodiversity of Kopacki Rit Nature Park on a guided tour and explore the vast landscapes of Durmitor National Park with a guided hike.
  • Wander through Belgrade’s Bohemian quarter and grand 19th-century boulevards before launching into its nightlife when the sun goes down. Then, take a daytrip to the artists’ haven of Zemun.
  • Watch Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of a bridge that has spanned the river for centuries and visit Tito's bunker – one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia.
  • See the sights on a guided walking tour of Sarajevo and learn about its recent history as a city under siege.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, Public bus, Van

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Budapest, Bosnia And Herzegovina

Finishes

Dubrovnik, Bosnia And Herzegovina

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Budapest
Szia! Welcome to Hungary. You'll meet your leader and other members of your group this evening at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe stroll along the Danube River to get a feel for Budapest – the capital city with a contrast of old and new. After the meeting, you might like to head out for an optional group dinner and try some local favourites like hortobagyi crepes (a stew and sour cream crepe) and matrai borzaska (deep fried pork and potato).

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Budapest
Today is a full free day to explore Budapest. See the intricate carvings on the local architecture, cross the Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District or walk through winding streets, snacking on local delicacies. Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water, so maybe take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to the castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building. Hiring a bicycle is another great way to move between the sights. Perhaps round off your day with a drink in the ruin bars, where the night comes to life.

Optional Activities:

  • Budapest - Bike Ride (15000 HUF)
  • Budapest - Great Synagogue (13000 HUF)
  • Budapest - House of Terror (4000 HUF)
  • Budapest - Hungarian National Museum (2900 HUF)
  • Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour (9000 HUF)
  • Budapest - Parliament Tour (13000 HUF)
  • Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) (9000 HUF)
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (13500 HUF)
  • Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park (5000 HUF)
  • Budapest - Danube Boat Trip (15 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Kopacki Rit NP
Head for Kopacki Rit today – a nature park in eastern Croatia, home to the white-tailed eagle. Since the park is made up of many different waterways, like lakes and canals, you’ll go on a guided tour of the area after you drop your belongings at your family-run accommodation. In the evening, join your group for homemade dinner on the property.

Included Activities:

  • Kopacki Rit NP- orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Novi Sad
Get off the tourist track today and drive to Novi Sad – the second largest city in Serbia. Along the way, visit nearby Vukovar – a town that symbolises the devastation of the recent war – and learn about the sobering local history. Visit the local hospital and the museum in its basement (used as a refuge during the siege) and listen to wartime stories from hospital staff. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Maybe visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, which was constructed in the 17th century and used to protect the city during the Napoleonic Wars. Or you can walk around Liberty Square and take in the Neo-Renaissance architecture, perhaps finishing the day off at a carda tavern (a fish restaurant along the Danube River).

Included Activities:

  • Vukovar - Orientation Walk & Guided Hospital Visit

Optional Activities:

  • Novi Sad - City Museum (500 RSD)
  • Novi Sad - Museum of Vojvodina (200 RSD)
  • Novi Sad - Petrovaradin Fortress - Free
  • Novi Sad - Synagogue - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Belgrade
After breakfast, begin your journey to Belgrade. Known as the White City, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Sitting at the confluence of two major rivers – Sava and Danube – it’s an important intersection between Eastern and Western Europe. Take a guided tour of the city’s wide boulevards and squares and the green heart of Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River for centuries. Tonight, maybe head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and soak up the lively atmosphere in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to nightclubs.

Included Activities:

  • Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Belgrade
Today, make your way to the neighbourhood of Zemun. This Old Town favourite has a rich history and is now known as the bohemian part of town, home to many of the city’s artists and writers. As Zemun used to be an independent town – only joining Belgrade in 1934 – the small village atmosphere still stands, transporting you to the past. After your orientation walk, maybe head to a market and explore the local wares. Stroll along the river promenade and stop for an optional lunch in one of the riverside restaurants serving fresh fish. Head back to Belgrade’s centre in the late afternoon, where you have free time to visit the imposing Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) or learn about the life of Serbia’s greatest inventor at the Nikola Tesla Museum. The city’s nightlife has become legendary throughout Europe, with several hundred floating bars, restaurants and nightclubs lining the Danube and Sava rivers – so you’ll find the perfect way to spend your evening.

Included Activities:

  • Belgrade- Zemun Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

  • Belgrade - Museum of Contemporary Art - Free
  • Belgrade - House of Flowers (500 RSD)
  • Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - Cash only (800 RSD)
  • Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History (600 RSD)
  • Belgrade - Military Museum (350 RSD)
  • Belgrade - St. Mark's Church - Free
  • Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
  • Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum (300 RSD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Sarajevo
Travel by bus through the countryside to Sarajevo this morning. Sarajevo is Bosnia and Herzegovina's small but vibrant capital. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a city that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. When you arrive, take a guided tour for an insight into the history and culture of the city. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that features an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque all within proximity. Tonight, maybe sample the local specialty of bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices) in Bascarsija – Sarajevo's old bazaar.

Included Activities:

  • Sarajevo - City Tour with Local Guide

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Sarajevo
Today, head out of Sarajevo for a daytrip to Mostar, which sits in the valley in the high mountains of Herzegovina. Thanks to the Neretva River, Mostar was able to develop into a city in a barren landscape. The city was the most heavily bombed settlement in Bosnia during the war, but it has since been rebuilt and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head to the famous Stari Most Bridge, first built by the Ottomans in 1565 by architect Mimar Hajrudin – who succeeded with the impossible mission of crossing the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the famous bridge divers hurl themselves into the icy waters below. Return to Sarajevo in the afternoon, stopping at Konjic on the way – where you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia – Tito's nuclear bunker. Go back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and how life used to be in the not-so-distant past.

Included Activities:

  • Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
  • Mostar - Day Trip

Optional Activities:

  • Mostar - War Photo Exhibition (6 BAM)
  • Mostar - Old Bridge Museum (5 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Sarajevo
Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo. Maybe take an optional daytrip to the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza – the source of the Bosna River. Or discover local history with a visit to the History Museum and the Sarajevo War Tunnels (dug underneath the airport runway and used to smuggle provisions into the city during its siege). You can also learn about the tragedies faced by the city's Jewish population at the Jewish Museum or get cultural with a stroll through the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Pivnica HS brewery and restaurant is a good place to sample local award-winning beer and grab some dinner.

Optional Activities:

  • Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs (15 BAM)
  • Sarajevo - Jewish Museum (5 BAM)
  • Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (3 BAM)
  • Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum (5 BAM)
  • Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan (3 BAM)
  • Sarajevo - Despica House (3 BAM)
  • Sarajevo - Svrzo's House (3 BAM)
  • Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library (10 BAM)
  • Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (8 BAM)
  • Sarajevo - War Tunnel (10 BAM)
  • Sarajevo - Gallery 11/07/95 - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Durmitor National Park
Today, you’ll ride in a private transfer through the countryside to Montenegro. Although it’s a long drive, there will be plenty of stops along the way. You might park at the bridge over Piva canyon, at the top of Kruska Mountain or at Saddle Peak viewpoint – wherever you stop, you’ll find great photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs. When you arrive at Durmitor National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that was formed by glaciers – take a hike through the lesser-explored wilderness along the shores of Black Lake and keep an eye out for some of the 163 species of bird or 50 species of mammal that roam this region. Finish your day in the nearby town of Zabljak, where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:

  • Durmitor National Park Hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Durmitor National Park
Enjoy a free day today to unwind in nature. Since Durmitor National Park is so vast, there are plenty of trails for an optional guided hike. Feel free to choose one that caters to the group’s personal tastes and fitness levels – they'll expertly mix and match the trails to create a half day of hiking that everyone enjoys. One thing is certain – lakes, pine forests and alpine air are guaranteed for any trail combination. You can also choose to see the park from behind handlebars by hiring a bike and riding into town and on the trails, or by walking to and renting a boat at Black Lake.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Kotor
Today, drive to Kotor – this 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a coastline dotted with waterside towns. When you arrive, maybe head out to see the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tryphun, the South Gates of Kotor (the Gurdich Gate) and the Armoury Square (Trg od oruzija). You might like to get lost in the alleyways, check out the boutiques and cafes or climb the hills behind the city to visit Kotor's ruined fortification walls. Take an optional hike up the stone steps, past churches, gates and bastions to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan – the top rewards you with views across the town and the Bay of Kotor.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Kotor
You can take an optional daytrip out of Kotor today. Maybe take a cruise on Kotor Fjord, visiting the twin islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and Sveti Dordje (St George), with its church in the middle of the bay. Legend has it that sailors once spotted an image of the Virgin Mary on a rock here and each time they completed a successful voyage, they added another rock as an offering. Eventually, so many were added that an island emerged, and the church was built on top of it. Alternatively, consider a trip to Budva. With its busy beaches, charming Old Town, busy restaurants and bars, Budva is like Montenegro's little version of Miami. For more history, head up to Montenegro's former capital Cetinje – now a laidback village with grand mansions that were once used as embassies. Enjoy a final night out in Kotor and maybe catch some live music that keeps the cobbled streets thriving.

Optional Activities:

  • Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord (40 EUR)
  • Kotor - Maritime Museum (5 EUR)
  • Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral (4 EUR)
  • Kotor - Fortress (3 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: Dubrovnik
Depart Montenegro this morning and travel along the southern coast of Croatia to Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik's walled Old Town is often referred to as the pearl of the Adriatic and it's now famed for its role in ‘Game of Thrones’. When you arrive, walk along the high city walls with your leader, enjoying ocean views. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain – built by the European architect Onofrio Della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city. After, maybe check out the 13th-century Franciscan monastery or the Sponza and Rector's Palaces, the only Renaissance buildings in the city to survive a devastating earthquake and fire in 1667. As it is the last night of your trip, maybe enjoy one last meal with the group and toast to your adventures.

Included Activities:

  • Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites)

Accommodation:

  • Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
15
Day 15: Dubrovnik
Today, your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you can depart at any time. There's lots to see and do here in Dubrovnik, so if you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Optional Activities:

  • Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence (4 EUR)
  • Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace (13 EUR)
  • Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum (10 EUR)
  • Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure (69 EUR)
  • Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car (27 EUR)
  • Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip (27 EUR)
  • Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery (4 EUR)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,895
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Welcome to the Balkans, where the east meets the west. Over the centuries, people have travelled to Eastern Europe for its rich tradition, layered cultures and mouth-watering cuisines.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 11 Apr 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Richard
Traveled, October 2023

10/25/2023

As a Canadian of Eastern European heritage, I am always disappointed about how little our media covers the Balkans and other far Eastern Europe. This trip filled in many gaps, a real eye opener, the Balkans are wonderful!

4.5
Lee
Traveled, September 2023

10/11/2023

Very good trip, highly recommend it, learned a great deal about the Balkan countries, and very enjoyable.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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