A Taste of the Balkans

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Fully Guided Coach Small Group Scenic
Our Price From 5,585 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 361 Per Person
 Trip Length
15 Days
 Trip Starts
Dubrovnik
 Trip Finishes
Ljubljana
15 Day A Taste of the Balkans Itinerary (Collette)
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Exploration
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
COL674

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Collette's 15 Day A Taste of the Balkans. Uncover a region where rocky coastlines and towering mountains meet a complex history. Personalize your time in Dubrovnik, choosing between exploring the Dubrovnik city walls or taking a cable car ride. Travel by boat to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks in Montenegro. Discover Sarajevo, home to a multitude of religious sects all living in harmony. Enjoy a home-hosted dinner in a Bosnian home, sampling klepe and burek. Experience rural life in the northeast corner of Croatia. Explore the natural wonder of ...read more class="pop" data-pop="4706">Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO) with a guide. As you make your way through the Balkans, get a glimpse into generations of traditions and connect with welcoming locals.

Itinerary

Twisting cobblestone streets and burnt-orange rooftops reveal Dubrovnik, a city steeped in history and charm. Look out over the sparkling Adriatic Sea during your welcome dinner. Savor Mediterranean cuisine and new friendships. (D) Stay: Royal Ariston Hotel (2 Nights)

Dubrovnik's ancient streets share its history and timelessness with you during your tour. For the rest of the day, the city is yours to unfold personally because it's your choice! Perhaps you'll explore its famous city walls, still standing from the Middle Ages -OR- hop into a cable car for incredible views of the entire city from above. With the remainder of your day free, you do you – Croatia-style. (B)

It's “Dovidenja” to Croatia as you head to Montenegro. Set sail on a private boat for the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Visit the church before coasting through the breathtaking Kotor Bay towards the Old Town of Kotor (UNESCO). Your 18th-century hotel rises from the original city walls. With your free afternoon, explore this beautiful city on your own. Complete your day in a quiet corner of Old Town Kotor in a cozy family restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Cattaro Hotel (2 Nights)

Today, have fun exploring Kotor your way. Perhaps you'll go on an optional excursion to Njeguši, a quiet and peaceful village located on the slope of Mount Lovcen about 900 meters above sea level. Get a tasty local lesson on the tradition of prosciutto and homemade cheeses famously produced here – and, of course, sample these specialties. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the hidden corners of Kotor. (B)

Welcome to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Spend time in Mostar, home to the iconic arched Stari Most Bridge (UNESCO). Explore Mostar with your Tour Manager before lunching on your own at a traditional restaurant in the historic part of the city.

Continue on to Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital city where East meets West – and your home for the next 3 nights. Reminiscent of a European Jerusalem, find an ever-evolving conglomeration of religious sects all living in harmony. Perhaps you'll take an evening stroll with your Tour Manager to get familiar with the area. (B) Stay: Colors Inn (3 Nights)

With a local expert, uncover the history of Sarajevo, the starting point of the first World War. Meander the storied roadways and take in its blend of religions and architectural styles. Free time means independent exploration of this historic city. Then, it's your choice! Uncover Sarajevo's past with a local siege survivor, spending time in the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum before visiting the bobsled track on Trebevic Olympic Mountain -OR- visit Gallery 11/07/95, which documents the city's 20th-century turmoil through photography.

Tonight, locals welcome you to their home-hosted dinner. Enjoy regional favorites such as klepe (meat dumplings) and burek (flaky filled pastries). Sip Bosnian coffee as a soundtrack of traditional folk music sets the tone of a truly memorable evening. (B/D)

Enjoy time on your own today. Consider an optional excursion to Lukomir Highland, hiking to a remote village and bond with locals over lunch. Or maybe embark on an optional tour of Tito's Bunker, exploring the former president's personal hideout. With the rest of your afternoon and evening at leisure, relax, reset, or explore even more. (B)

Wind through Bosnia into Croatia's northeast corner for a lunch that highlights authentic Bosnian cuisine. Travel off the beaten path toward the rural village of Karanac, nestled at the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers.

Tonight, your host delights you with dinner and folklore entertainment. (B/L/D) Stay: Family Hotel Baranjska Kuca, etno village (2 Nights)

This morning, immerse yourself in country life. Perhaps you'll join your hosts in preparing breakfast. A local guide shares Osijek's history of the Romans and Ottomans with you, before some free time to explore the town. Learn how wine is made in this region, enjoying a glass. Alongside locals, prepare traditional dishes and bread for dinner. (B/D)

This morning, say goodbye to the beautiful Baranja region and continue your journey to Zagreb – Croatia's fascinating capital city. A local guide introduces you to one of the most unique Croatian museums – the Museum of Naive Art. Enjoy some free time to explore it on your own. The evening is yours – perhaps join your Tour Manager for an evening stroll – and then take in Zagreb at night however you'd like. (B) Stay: Le Premier Boutique Hotel (2 Nights)

You have an entire day to soak up Zagreb at leisure! Explore its Old Town, medieval settlements, open squares, museums, or the Dolac Market. Perhaps you'll choose to take an optional tour to Croatia's Zagorje region, visiting the historic Kumrovec and Samobor, set in a picturesque countryside. (B)

It's off to northern Croatia. A local guide takes you past the forested landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO). Walk along the cascading lakes and the free-falling waterfalls. Cruise through a portion of the park by boat before enjoying some free time and lunch on your own.

This afternoon, an Impact Moment reveals how local women are sustaining their community through their crafts.

Tonight, an authentic “under the bell” dinner is yours to savor, complete with slow roasted lamb and vegetables. (B/D)Stay: Lyra Hotel

Today, cross into Slovenia, a country that has the word “love” in its name. Travel off the beaten path and discover Novo Mesto – a unique experience in one of the most beautiful Slovenian cities. Enjoy a scenic boat ride under the bridges in the Krka River before joining your local guide for a walking tour. Finish your visit with a Slovenian lunch in a local restaurant.

Later, arrive in Ljubljana's city center, your home for the next two nights. Acquaint yourself with this incredible city before having an evening of free time to explore it on your own. (B/L) Stay: Grand Plaza Hotel (2 Nights)

This morning, head to beautiful Lake Bled nestled under the Julian Alps. Board a Pletna Boat to the isle of Bled to discover the nature and natural scenery of Slovenia. Take a walk around the lake or relax in the beautiful scenery.

This evening, toast to the end of your adventure during a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, complete with folklore performances. (B/D)

Wish Slovenia goodbye as you depart for home. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore Mostar to witness a blend of Middle East and European influences.
  • Impact Moment: At a Serbian community center, meet the local women who sustain their community through their crafts.
  • Experience Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO) by foot and by boat.
  • Lake Bled is a photographer's dream with its stunning views.
  • Climb aboard a private boat to Our Lady of the Rocks and the coastal Kotor.
  • Get to know the locals by preparing regional specialties and baking bread in Karanac.
  • See why Mediterranean cuisine is world-famous in Dubrovnik.
  • In Sarajevo, join a local family in their home for a meal of regional dishes.

  • Expertly crafted itineraries
  • 4-star+ accommodation
  • Skilled and engaging tour managers
  • Expert local guides with insider knowledge
  • Attraction entrance fees
  • Many meals full of local flavour
  • Unparalleled sightseeing
  • Enriching cultural experiences
  • Comfortable on-tour transportation
  • Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
  • Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour

  • This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

  • Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.

  • Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.

Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.

  • Location: Kotor. Cost: $105.
  • Travel up the winding road from Kotor towards Mount Lovcen, taking in magnificent views of the Bay of Kotor (the Boka) and mountains along the way. Stop in Njegusi, a quiet and peaceful village located on the slope of Mount Lovcen, about 900 meters above sea level. Learn about the tradition of prosciutto and homemade cheeses famously produced here and sample these specialties. Then continue through the mountain range until reaching the Adriatic coastline, with photo stops along the way including views of Sveti Stefan (Saint Stephen’s Island), once an islet fishing village, now luxury resort. Throughout the day, you can imagine yourself in scenes from the Bond film, Casino Royale, as you venture through Montenegro. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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