Best of Balkans

Good morning, 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!). With no time to waste, we'll head straight to our first stop.

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. Join us for an included dinner tonight before heading back to our hotel to get some sleep as our adventure begins... (D) Stay: VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel (or similar)

Time to wake up! Grab your breakfast and join us for a walking tour of Tirana, guided by a local guide. And the rest of the day is all yours to spend in this beautiful city, and one of the many museums will defo pique your interest! (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: HA Hotel Mostar (or similar)

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 Grand 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: Moxy Belgrade Hotel (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)

Morning! You've got an entire day to spend exploring the stunning landscape and architechtural marvel of this city. And finally, to shoo away those hunger pangs, we'll grab some dinner at a local Hungarian spot. (B/D)

This morning we'll hop onto the coach for a guided tour to explore to what this city has on offer. You'll see Heroes Square, Fisherman's Bastion, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building, before we depart for our next city.

After a morning full of awesome ancient architecture, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana. You've got a free evening on your hands. So roam around the city, grab a bite to eat, and rest up for the all the Alpine scenery that awaits us tomorrow. (B) Stay: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

Ljubljana, you've been lovely. 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, 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)

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. Ston is a charming town on the Dalmatian coast, famous for its impressive medieval walls and ancient salt pans. It's the perfect spot to explore history, sample fresh seafood, and take in the scenic surroundings. A great place to unwind and enjoy the slow pace before heading to your next adventure. 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. (B) Stay: Akademis Akademia (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. Tonight over an optional dinner with the crew, spirits will no doubt be high! (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)