This morning meet up with your Trip Manager - meet the squad and then we'll be ready for the road. We'll make a stop at magical Lake Bled and then we're off to Ljubljana, a name you'll be able to pronounce by the time we're leaving for Croatia. You've probably seen pictures of Lake Bled, but nothing will prepare you for the real thing. With its fairytale medieval castle reaching out of an islet, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and the turquoise waters of the lake itself, it really is like something out of a Disney movie.

After a morning of swoonin at all that beauty, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana for a free evening to grab dinner. Stay: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

Although you might find nods to neighbouring countries within Slovenian culture, a distinct identity has evolved from a melody of influences in Ljubljana. After our guided walking tour led by our Trip Manager, explore the bohemian art district of Metelkova Mesto, sit by one of the cities atmospheric watercourses & try all the incredible food on offer. (B)

Next up is something altogether drop dead gorgeous.... A strong introduction to Croatia is on the cards today with cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes. Why this place is not famous world over as one of the prettiest places in Europe, we have no idea. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)

We'll hit the road this morning for Split. On the way we'll stop at Zadar, an archeology-lovers dream! A boon of riches from the ancient world and medieval times, you'll find some storied and impressive ruins and artefacts. We won't say too much more to keep the mystery alive but keep an eye out for the first Sea Organ in the world.

After plenty of selfies it's time to head onto split, where we'll enjoy an optional farm-to-table Croatian feast, washed down with local wine. (B) Stay: Hotel Split Inn (or similar)

Spend a free day roaming around or flop in your hotel room before we crack on with the rest of our day! (B/D)

Split it's been fantastic, but we have to leave for other Croatian gems further down the coast. The drive along the Dalmatian coastline to Dubrovnik is a sightseeing must do all on its own.

On arrival in the city you'll be greeted by limestone walls; an Old Town filled with quintessentially Croatian cafes and plenty of clubs; and a mountain meets sea situation will see you falling in love within seconds.

Tonight over dinner with the crew, spirits will no doubt be high and the show's not over yet! (B) Stay: Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)

The city of Dubrovnik is so much more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Game of Thrones location - not that either of those claims to fame are even mildly mediocre.

After you've been guided around the city with intricate detail with our local guide you'll be armed with the knowledge to pick out a waterside rock bar where you can swim and indulge 'til your heart's content. (B)

Now that we've done all things Dubrovnik, we'll coast our way to Montenegro via the dramatic Adriatic Coastline. All good journeys are broken up by fjords, steep mountain landscapes & a trot in a town that meets old and new. Our journey between Dubrovnik and Budva will tick all the boxes,  stopping in the super-yacht spot of pretty Kotor. If you tire of European coastal towns, you have tired of life. Take it easy tonight with the assurance that you have all day tomorrow in Montenegro's seaside beauty of Budva. (B) Stay: Hotel Skyprime (or similar)

Just what does one do with a whole day free to explore the 2,500 year old town of Budva? Well - you could start with a dip in the dreamy Adriatic Sea, continue with coffee in a café draped in vines down a narrow cobbled stone road, finish with the Church of St. Ivan, and eat some milk-soaked lamb and buttered polenta along the way. That should get you started. (B/D)

The time has come to farewell our ocean hangs in exchange for rivers, countrysides and captivating culture, which means a sad goodbye to beautiful Budva. Mostar is home to the world's cutest bridge. According to us. But still - we've seen a lot of bridges. You'll have plenty of time to oohh and aahh before we kick on to our 2-night site of Sarajevo.

Later on in our perfect day, we'll skip into the brimming with lively culture town of Sarajevo, also known as Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital. With all the day's explorations you may just want to hang out and take on the city with the fresh eyes of a new day. (B) Stay: Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo (or similar)

The only way to uncover the town of Sarajevo is with the wisdom shared on a guided walking tour. We'll help you tap into history & understand the magnitude of our destination before leaving you to lighten the mood with an evening of bars and nightlife, should you so choose. (B/D)

Rise up, roamers! We're departing for the town of Belgrade to continue our epic frolic through the Balkans.  Another border crossing is on the agenda as we wave our way into Serbia en route to Belgrade. Medieval meets modern in this bustling, pure white city. Zen folk can go sit on the Hill of Contemplation or stroll Sava rivers, others can see the fortress of Beogradska Tvrđava & enjoy the lively mood of Belgrade by night. (B) Stay: Kopernikus Hotel Prag Belgrade (or similar)

Leaving Belgrade behind, today we're onto beautiful Budapest.  Fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe, Budapest is on our beeline. You'll no doubt want to keep things moving at one of the city's famous ruins bars, that need to be seen to be believed! (B) Stay: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)

This morning we'll set out along the cobbled streets of Budapest for a guided walking tour to explore what this city has on offer. We'll see St Stephen's Basilica, a grand neo-Classical Roman Catholic affair named after the first King of Hungary and the largest church in the country, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building. The rest of the day will be yours to lounge about at the famous thermal baths and soak up the city alfresco. (B)

That's a wrap! Our love affair with the Balkans has sadly come to an end! But perhaps we can get the squad back together for a reunion trip? (B)

Good evening, travellers! Hope you're ready for an exciting ride across the beautiful Balkans. Today, you'll exchange hellos with your Trip Manager (and your new crew too! ). To celebrate, we'll feast on a delicious welcome dinner and watch the sun set over this historical city. (D) Stay: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)

This morning we'll set out along the cobbled streets of Budapest for a guided walking tour to explore what this city has on offer. You'll see St Stephen's Basilica, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building. And then we'll hop onto the coach to our next stop.

After a morning full of awesome ancient architecture, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana. Tonight, you can choose to join a traditional Slovenian evening. We're talking: a traditional dancing show paired with a spread of authentic dishes. A feast for your mind and tastebuds alike! (B) Stay: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

Ljubljana, thank you for the perfect dose of Balkan tradition. But we'll be back in a while. Because today, something even more exciting is on the agenda. You've probably seen pictures of Lake Bled, but nothing will prepare you for the real thing. With its fairytale medieval castle reaching out of an islet, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and the turquoise waters of the lake itself, it really is like something out of a Disney movie.

Satisfied your soul soaking in all that natural beauty? Now satisfy your hungry tummies with some lunch at this quaint Medieval town. It's been a long but pleasing day. Tonight, we'll stroll around town and grab some dinner on the way. And with a satisfied smile on our faces, the day has come to an end. (B)

Next up is something altogether drop dead gorgeous.... A strong introduction to Croatia is on the cards today with cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes. Why this place is not famous world over as one of the prettiest places in Europe, we have no idea. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)

Morning, explorers! Fill up on your included breakfast. It's time to hit the road again…Welcome to the sea-side heaven of Split. With the oh-so-inviting aquamarine waters on our side, we'll check into our stay. You've got some time to explore this beautiful city. And then, you can choose to join us for some dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern. (B) Stay: Hotel Split Inn (or similar)

Split it's been fantastic, but we have to leave for other Croatian gems further down the coast. The drive along the Dalmatian coastline to Dubrovnik is a sightseeing must do all on its own.

On arrival in the city you'll be greeted by limestone walls; an Old Town filled with quintessentially Croatian cafes and plenty of clubs; and a mountain meets sea situation will see you falling in love within seconds.

Tonight over dinner with the crew, spirits will no doubt be high and the show's not over yet! (B) Stay: Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)

The city of Dubrovnik is so much more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Game of Thrones location - not that either of those claims to fame are even mildly mediocre.

After you've been guided around the city with intricate detail with our local guide you'll be armed with the knowledge to pick out a waterside rock bar where you can swim and indulge 'til your heart's content. (B)

Now that we've done all things Dubrovnik, we'll coast our way to Albania via the dramatic Adriatic Coastline.

We'll stop by Montenegro's seaside beauty of Budva. You have the option to grab some lunch at a sea-view restaurant, or spend some time on the beach, before we head to our next stop.

Welcome to the capital city of Albania. This hidden gem has a lot to offer, and we've got the entirety of tomorrow to see it all. Bet you're tired after all that travelling, so join us for an included dinner before heading back to our hotel to get some sleep for tomorrow. (B/D) Stay: VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel (or similar)

Time to wake up! Show-stopping views (and a hearty breakfast) await us. We'll begin the day with a walking tour, guided by your Trip Manager. And then, for scenic birds-eye views of the lush green landscape of Albania, we'll hop onto a cable car! Afterwards, you can chill with your crew in the city, and grab some dinner too. (B)

Tirana, you've been great. But we've got another awe-inspiring destination waiting for us. Hello Mostar! We're officially in Bosnia & Herzegovina, ready to bask in all of its historical glory. Beautiful rivers, iconic bridges, brick-red roofs - it's gonna be a treat.

Tonight, we'll stroll around the picturesque streets to grab some authentic dinner. Spend the night chilling with your crew and getting some well-deserved rest. (B) Stay: A conveniently located Hotel

Ready? This morning, we're visiting the legendary Mostar Bridge that arches right over the silent blue river. (And it makes for a perfect backdrop for your Insta photo dump! ) The historical streets of Sarajevo have a story or two to tell. And we'll be listening to them all tomorrow.

Tonight, you have the option to taste home-made Bosnian cuisine, learn what living like a local is like (plus support their families in turn). A truly wholesome experience! (B) Stay: Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo (or similar)

The only way to uncover the town of Sarajevo is with the wisdom shared on a guided walking tour. We'll help you tap into history & understand the magnitude of our destination. And then to lighten the mood, we'll head to a local tavern for a delicious dinner and gags with friends. (B/D)

Rise up, roamers! We're departing for the town of Belgrade to continue our epic frolic through the Balkans. Another border crossing is on the agenda as we wave our way into Serbia en route to Belgrade. Medieval meets modern in this bustling, pure white city. Zen folk can go sit on the Hill of Contemplation or stroll along the Sava river, others can see the fortress of Beogradska Tvrđava & enjoy the lively mood of Belgrade by night. (B) Stay: Kopernikus Hotel Prag Belgrade (or similar)

Leaving Belgrade behind, today we're onto beautiful Budapest. Fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe, Budapest is on our beeline. You'll have the option to take a cruise and make the most of your evening.

Later, you'll no doubt want to keep things moving at one of the city's famous ruins bars, that need to be seen to be believed! (B) Stay: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)

That's a wrap! Our love affair with the Balkans has sadly come to an end! But perhaps we can get the squad back together for a reunion trip? (B)