Overview
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 12 Day Journeys: Discover the Balkans. On the crossroads between East and West, the Balkan Peninsula dazzles with less-discovered gems. Enjoy a fascinating introduction to the stunning Dalmatian coast of Croatia, the dramatic history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the lush waterways of Montenegro, discovering an array of UNESCO World Heritage sites and natural treasures along the way.
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US$3,132 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
12 Days
Trip Starts
Zagreb
Trip Ends
Dubrovnik
Departures
May 2026 to Sep 2026
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
1 Trip Review
Avg. Rating: 5/5
Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
ECWNG
Itinerary
Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and has a very charming old city, complete with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Be sure to sample some of the delicious local food and drink. There are also a number of museums to explore focusing on art, history, and archaeology. After the meeting, opt to head out for a meal in a local restaurant to get to know your Expedition Leader and travelling companions. Stay: Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria
Entrance to the park is included and there are many opportunities for walking and relaxing in one of Croatia's most famed wonders. Stay: Hotel Lyra (B/D)
Begin our exploration of the sparkling Adriatic coast in Split. In the early evening, take a guided walk around the dazzling Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built of luminous white stone imported from the nearby island of Brac, this imposing palace dates to the third century A.D. Stay: Hotel Corner (B)
Opt to visit the local market and gobble up some Croatian delicacies. For a little more activity, visit Marjan's peak, with gorgeous views over the city, or hit up some of the hiking and biking trails in the area. Stay: Hotel Corner (B)
Enjoy a scenic drive across the border to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Stroll around the ancient town and pay a visit to the famed Stari Most (Old Bridge), considered a symbol of the city’s resilience. This reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge was first built in the 17th century—and then meticulously rebuilt after its destruction during the Bosnian War. Later, continue to Sarajevo for the evening. Stay: Hotel Sahat (B)
Learn about the four-year-long Siege of Sarajevo from a local expert who lived through this devastating period. Gain more insights at the Tunnel of Hope and War Tunnel Museum, and view bunkers, minefields, and trenches at Trebević Mountain, the site of several battles. After, experience the city’s resurgence at a market and during lunch at a local spot. Stay: Hotel Sahat (B/L)
Walk around the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Stari Grad) while taking in the architecture of diverse places of worship. This is also a great place to shop and visit markets. The Latin Bridge is worth a visit as it played an important role in the history of this area. This is the site where the Archduke of the Austro Hungarian Empire, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated, leading to the beginning of World War I. Stay: Hotel Sahat (B)
Continue to Montenegro and travel to the Bay of Kotor, a region that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay: Hotel Porto In (B)
Opt take a leisurely stroll in Perast and the islands, or go sea kayaking. If relaxing is more your style, the beaches of Herceg Novi offer a great escape. There are also local mud therapy spas nearby to test the natural healing properties of the area's sand. Stay: Hotel Porto In (B)
Cross into Croatia and travel to Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Set on the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik has been an important maritime town in the region for centuries. Surrounded by medieval walls, it is rich in history and is a beautiful city to explore, filled with stunning architecture, museums, and fountains. Stay: Hotel Grand Park (B/L)
After breakfast, head to the World Heritage–designated Old City and meet locals preserving traditional foods and handicrafts through the women-run nonprofit, DEŠA, founded in the early 1990s during the Croatian War of Independence. Then, enjoy a free afternoon in Dubrovnik, which once rivaled Venice as a maritime power. Continue exploring the Old City, where distinctive red roofs make for spectacular photos. Order the catch of the day at a seaside café, or consider setting out on a boat trip to one of the nearby islands. Stay: Hotel Grand Park (B)
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- Explore the ancient town of Mostar and the Stari Most (Old Bridge).
- Take a tour of the "Tunnel of Life" in Sarajevo.
- Spend a couple days on the Bay of Kotor.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Siege of Sarajevo Tour, Sarajevo
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Konavle Valley Agorturizam Walk and Lunch, Dubrovnik
- Your G for Good Moment: DEŠA Women's Centre Visit, Dubrovnik
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group Local Life: Traditional Peka Dinner, Zagreb
- Plitviče Lakes National Park walk
- Traditional peka dinner
- Split orientation walk around Diocletian's Palace
- Excursion to Mostar visiting the Stari Most (Old Bridge)
- Kotor orientation walk
- Dubrovnik city wall walk
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels – 11 nts
- On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
- Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your Expedition Leader to organize one for you with reception.
- National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides
- 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
- Private minivan, walking, bus, boat
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: National Geographic Journeys
These small group tours combine meaningful cultural experiences with upgraded comfort and expert insight. Many itineraries include visits to community projects supported by G Adventures or National Geographic, offering a chance to connect with people and places in a more impactful way. With more inclusions than other travel styles, character-filled accommodations and exclusive pre-trip reading to set the scene, these adventures are ideal for travelers who want to explore thoughtfully and return inspired.
Trip Reviews (1)
We really enjoyed this tour (our second with G Adventures). Our tour leader (Summer) - called a CEO, short for Chief Experience Officer by G Adventures was fantastic and put in the extra leg work to find those special experiences throughout the tour. This one was a National Geographic Tour which provides a better class of accommodation together with read more longer in each location which gave us the ability to actually look around at our leisure without being herded from spot to spot.
We allowed additional time in Zagreb before the tour commenced which gave us time to look around this area and also take a day trip into Slovenia. This tour included a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park but unfortunately due to exceptionally heavy rainfall we were unable to experience the boardwalks but the waterfalls were really roaring. The history of this area was amazing with the last war a very recent memory to many with numerous signs of damage still evident. We ended the tour in Dubrovnik where we added two additional days staying in the old town which we enjoyed. Accommodation would have been rated as excellent except the starting and finishing hotels were a little tired and appear to have been changed at the last minute.
We allowed additional time in Zagreb before the tour commenced which gave us time to look around this area and also take a day trip into Slovenia. This tour included a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park but unfortunately due to exceptionally heavy rainfall we were unable to experience the boardwalks but the waterfalls were really roaring. The history of this area was amazing with the last war a very recent memory to many with numerous signs of damage still evident. We ended the tour in Dubrovnik where we added two additional days staying in the old town which we enjoyed. Accommodation would have been rated as excellent except the starting and finishing hotels were a little tired and appear to have been changed at the last minute.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Sunday
03 May 2026
03 May 26
Zagreb
Thursday
14 May 2026
14 May 26
Dubrovnik
Details
Definite Departure
G's February Sale
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,799
US$3,132
Save $667
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday
10 May 2026
10 May 26
Zagreb
Thursday
21 May 2026
21 May 26
Dubrovnik
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
17 May 2026
17 May 26
Zagreb
Thursday
28 May 2026
28 May 26
Dubrovnik
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,799
US$3,685
Save $114
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday
31 May 2026
31 May 26
Zagreb
Thursday
11 Jun 2026
11 Jun 26
Dubrovnik
Details
Definite Departure
G's February Sale
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,799
US$3,132
Save $667
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. 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. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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.
