Balkan & Dalmatia Discovery

Duration

22 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Europe is one of those wonderful places where, as a traveller, you can experience a bit of everything. Interested in learning about 20th century history? A visit to some of Serbia’s oldest cities like Belgrade, Mostar and Novi Sad should satisfy your inner history buff.

Highlights

Sip the famous Croatian Traminac Premium wine at a wine tasting at a 15th century family-run vineyard in quaint Ilok
Witness Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of a bridge that has spanned the river here for centuries
Sarajevo is one of the most scenically located cities in Europe. See the sights on a guided walking tour and learn about its recent history as a city under siege
Spend a full day exploring the green island of Mljet – with its small seaside villages, lush national park trails, shimmering waters and largely untouched environment, you’ll never want to leave!

Trip Details

Duration

22 days

Transportation

Public bus,Private vehicle,Ferry

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Budapest, Bosnia And Herzegovina

Finishes

Split, Bosnia And Herzegovina

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Budapest

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

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 (6000 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 (12000 HUF)
Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) (9000 HUF)
Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) (13500 HUF)
Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park (5000 HUF)
Budapest - Danube Boat Trip (15 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Kopački 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)

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)

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)

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 (400 RSD)
Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum (800 RSD)
Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History (400 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)

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)

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)

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)

Day 10: Durmitor NP

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)

Day 11: Durmitor NP

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)

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)

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)

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)

Day 15: Dubrovnik

Today is a free day for more discoveries in Dubrovnik. You might like to visit the city's War Photography Museum, or even take a boat trip to nearby Lokrum Island, where you will find the French-built Fort Royal Castle, a monastery, and a botanical garden that dates back to when the Austrian archduke Maximilian had his holiday home on the island.

Accommodation:

Hostel (twin share with private facilities ) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Dubrovnik

Beat the crowds with an early morning walk along Dubrovnik's city walls that surround the Old Town. Soak up the views of the sea from the fully intact medieval structure, then enjoy all that Dubrovnik has to offer with the remainder of the day free for you to explore. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain – a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. Check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century. If you still feel energetic after a day exploring, you can take the switchbacks leading up Srd Hill behind Dubrovnik for spectacular views of the city and the Dalmatian coastline. Otherwise, the newly restored cable car can whisk you to the top in no time. The hill is topped by a castle of Napoleonic times, which now houses the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence.

Included Activities:

Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport and entry to sites)
Dubrovnik - City Walls Walk

Optional Activities:

Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence (4 EUR)
Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure (69 EUR)
Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car (27 EUR)
Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum (10 EUR)
Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace (13 EUR)
Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery (4 EUR)
Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip (30 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hostel (twin share with private facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Peljesac Peninsula / Korcula Island

Journey to Korcula today, along the narrow and scenic Peljesac Peninsula to its tip. The last stretch to Korcula will be done by car ferry. For the next two nights, you’ll stay with local hosts who rent out their rooms in the summer. The rooms, while simple, are the best way to put money back into the local economy. When you arrive, head out for a sunset hike to Lumbarda Village. Wind through olive groves, vineyards and town promenade overlooking the archipelago, and soak up the view over Peljesac Channel. When you arrive at a family-owned restaurant, sit down for an included dinner of local ingredients, including traditional Dalmatian meat loaf or pasticada (traditional stewed beef) and some fresh grilled vegetables with olive oil, usually served with fresh goat and sheep cheeses (and maybe some smoked ham to tie it all together). Return to Korcula via private vehicle and relax.

Included Activities:

Korcula Island hike
Authentic dinner at Zrnovo village family owned restaurant

Optional Activities:

Korcula - Traditional Moreska Dance Performance (18 EUR)
Korcula – City Museum (6 EUR)
Korcula - Wine tasting at local winery (20 EUR)
Korcula – Hop on hop off boat (20 EUR)

Accommodation:

Private apartment (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Mljet Island National Park / Korcula Island

Take a daytrip to Mljet Island – Croatia’s greenest island with a huge coastal national park. The island is well known for its two salt lakes – Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero (big lake and small lake) – located at the north end of the island. Start with a short hike to the island's interior, followed by a ferry ride to St Mary's Benedictine Monastery, on an island in one of the lakes. Spend the day discovering its tiny towns, weaving and winding coastline, scenic lookouts and sandy beaches. Mljet is a little further away and less visited than the tourist hotspots of Brac and Hvar, so you’ll be able to stray away from the crowds and have this peaceful paradise to yourself. Head back to Korcula in the afternoon for a relaxing evening full of delicious food and some great local wine.

Included Activities:

Mljet Island - Day Trip to Mljet Island National Park
Mljet Island - St Mary Island Benedictine Monastery

Accommodation:

Private apartment (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Hvar Island

A morning hydrofoil ferry takes you to the neighbouring island of Hvar – known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. When you arrive, get to know the town with its wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades on an orientation walk. Later, you can enjoy your included hop on hop off taxi boat pass that departs every half hour to the nearby Pakleni islands – largely uninhabited and often described as the most beautiful in the world. All three islands have gorgeous beaches and walking trails to explore, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants – aperitif at sunset, anyone?

Included Activities:

Hop on hop off boat taxi ticket

Accommodation:

Private apartment (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Hvar Island

Today is a free day to explore Hvar Island at your leisure. Maybe head out on a hike through the abandoned villages of Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje, gently descending all the way down to the sea at Milna Bay. On the way, you can see what remains of the typical Mediterranean life that flourished on the Croatian islands in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hike past jagged limestone cliffs and slow your pace to enjoy the undulating farms, fields of lavender and rosemary, and ancient olive groves. Alternatively, you can spend the day lounging at one of the island's many quiet beaches and go on a sunset stroll along the harbour promenade.

Optional Activities:

Hvar Island - Spanjola Fortress (7 EUR)
Hvar Island - St Stephen’s Cathedral (2 EUR)

Accommodation:

Private apartment (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 21: Split

Catch a boat to Split this morning. Situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the second largest city in Croatia. Join a local guide for a walking tour of the seaside town and get to know its history. See the original and well-preserved basements under the city, the Cathedral in Diocletian's Peristyle and Jupiter's Temple. Explore the impressive ruins of Diocletian's Palace – Split's most imposing structure and some of the most interesting ruins on the Adriatic coast. Portions of the Palace are over 1700 years old! After, maybe grab a drink at a cafe on the Riva Promenade and people watch for a while. Tonight, get your group together for a harbourside dinner and toast to a gorgeous trip.

Included Activities:

Split - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
Split - Diocletian's Palace

Optional Activities:

Split - Cellars of the Diocletian's Palace (8 EUR)
Split - Fish Market - Free
Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure (64 EUR)
Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower (10 EUR)
Split - Ethnographic Museum (3 EUR)
Split - City Museum (4 EUR)
Split - Gallery of Fine Arts (5 EUR)
Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery (12 EUR)
Split - Archaeological Museum (8 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 22: Split

There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to see in Split and the surrounding area, such as Salona, Trogir or Sibenik, you may want to consider extending your time in Split. Just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $8,065

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 22 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 Sep 2025

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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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