Journeys: Discover the Balkans

Arrive at any time. 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.

Included Experiences

• Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Enjoy an excursion to Plitviče Lakes National Park. Take in the splendor of its karst formations, gem-like pools, and cascading waterfalls on a guided walk along boardwalks, and learn about the diverse wildlife and unique bird population of this World Heritage site. For dinner this evening, savor a traditional peka, a Dalmatian dish of vegetables, herbs, and meat baked over hot coals. Entrance to the park is included and there are many opportunities for walking and relaxing in one of Croatia's most famed wonders.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy time on your own.
• Plitviče Lakes National Park Walk: Enjoy a morning walk in the National Park, admiring the stunning karst rock formations and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning views that make the park a must-see for visitors.
• Traditional Peka Dinner: Indulge in Dalmatia's signature dish, Peka: a blend of meat, vegetables and herbs cooked over the embers of a fire. Meat doesn't get much more tender than this!

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.

Included Experiences

• Diocletian's Palace Guided Walk: Take a guided walk around Diocletian's Palace, one of the most imposing Roman ruins in Europe. It took over 10 years to construct and is built of white stone imported from the island of Brač. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site is a perfect way to learn more about the history of Split.

Spend a day at your leisure to explore the lively seaside town of Split, which was once a major Byzantine city. Step through the Golden Gate and into the historic old town, situated within the old palace walls. Sample Croatian delicacies at the local market, opt to ascend to Marjan’s peak for breathtaking views of the city, or consider joining an optional tour of one of the world’s oldest cathedrals, a colonnaded octagon built in the early fourth century. 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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Opt to visit the Archaeology Museum or take an excursion to Trogir.

Optional Experiences

• Archaeology Museum: The Archaeological Museum is the oldest museum in Croatia, built in 1820. It showcases a wide range of artifacts, from prehistoric times through Greek colonization and the Roman, early Christian, and medieval ages.The collections include stone epitaphs from Salona, Greek Hellenistic ceramics, Roman glass, clay lamps, antique and medieval coins, and a variety of artifacts made of bone, metal, and gems.
• St Duje Cathedral Visit: The Cathedral of St Duje is said to be the oldest cathedral in the world, built around 305 AD. Climb up the bell tower for excellent views of Split and the surrounding port area. (15-40 HRK per person)
• Trogir Excursion: Take an excursion to the historic city of Trogir, where the Old City core is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Found in the centre of Dalmatia on the eastern coastline of Adriatic sea, this pretty seaside town is a great place to walk and explore. (15-41 EUR per person)

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.

Included Experiences

• Border Crossing (Croatia - Bosnia): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
• Stari Most (Old Bridge) Visit: Visit the city's symbol; a beautiful, reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge. The bridge was constructed in the 1600s and was meticulously rebuilt after its destruction during the war. It's a reminder of the tenacity of the Bosnians and is a gorgeous sight to behold. Wait at the bottom for daredevils to dive into the icy river below.

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.

Included Experiences

• Siege of Sarajevo Tour: At nearly four years (1992-96) the Siege of Sarajevo is the longest siege of a capital city in modern warfare. Learn about this devastating period from a local expert who lived through the Bosnian War and is willing to share personal stories of this time. Visit the Tunnel of Hope and War Tunnel Museum, and gain perspective on what it was like to live in a 20th century city under siege. Then visit Trebević Mountain, the site of several battles, to view bunkers, minefields, and trenches. One of the most interesting parts about this experience is the opportunity it gives viewers to learn how a city and its people can move beyond serious conflict and once more find peace living together.

Enjoy a free day to explore the capital at your leisure. Discover the cobblestone streets of its alluring Old Town, noting the architecture of its diverse places of worship, and ponder history at the arched Latin Bridge, the famed site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination—the fateful event that triggered World War I. 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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Explore this fascinating city at your own pace.

Optional Experiences

• Latin Bridge Visit: The Latin Bridge is worth a visit as it is a direct link to history. This is the sight where the Archduke of the Austro Hungarian Empire, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated, leading to the beginning of World War I.

Cross over the border to Montenegro and soak up two days on the sparkling Bay of Kotor, designated a World Heritage site for its terraced waterfront landscape and medieval architecture. Opt to visit the one time capital of Risan, home to well-preserved Roman mosaics, take a leisurely stroll in the quaint seaside town of Perast and the islands, or set out by sea kayak to explore the spectacular bay. Continue to Montenegro and travel to the Bay of Kotor, a region that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Included Experiences

• Border Crossing (Bosnia - Montenegro): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
• Free Time: Enjoy some time to explore this evening.

Optional Experiences

• Kotor Maritime Museum: At the Maritime Museum, explore the history, culture and living artifacts that connect modern Kotor with its centuries-old naval traditions. Learn about the Boka Marines, a fraternity of sailors and navigators who helped shipbuilding flourish in the Balkans.
• Sveti Ivan Fortress Hike: Hike up the medieval steps to Sveti Ivan Fortress and be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the Old City, harbour and Bay of Boka Kotorska. This hike takes about an hour and is moderately challenging, but a highlight when visiting the area. Climb up just before sunset for the best experience.
• Kotor City Exploration: Take some time to explore this picturesque town surrounded by a walled fortress built by the Republic of Venice. Kotor has a Mediterranean feel to it and the bay offers a stunning backdrop for photographs.
• Sea Kayaking: Head out by sea kayak to fully appreciate this gorgeous area. Start just outside the Old Town walls and explore the coast. Stop at a beach bar for a break or a swim.

Enjoy a free day to explore. Discover the Mediterranean spirit of Kotor, surrounded by fortifications built by the Republic of Venice. Consider hiking up the medieval steps of the fortress for panoramic views of the city and harbour. Or opt to experience mud therapy at a local spa to test the natural healing properties of the area’s sand. 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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: The day is yours to do as much or as little as you choose.

Optional Experiences

• Kotor Maritime Museum: At the Maritime Museum, explore the history, culture and living artifacts that connect modern Kotor with its centuries-old naval traditions. Learn about the Boka Marines, a fraternity of sailors and navigators who helped shipbuilding flourish in the Balkans.
• Sveti Ivan Fortress Hike: Hike up the medieval steps to Sveti Ivan Fortress and be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the Old City, harbour and Bay of Boka Kotorska. This hike takes about an hour and is moderately challenging, but a highlight when visiting the area. Climb up just before sunset for the best experience.
• Donji Stoliv Hike: Follow a less challenging hike along the fjords lining the northern border, enjoying amazing views of the bay along the way, before coming upon the quaint fishing village of Donji Stoliv. This hike is mostly flat and is best enjoyed during the day.
• The Ladder of Kotor Hike: Hikers looking to get their adrenaline pumping should strap on their boots and head toward the Krstac Pass, standing 940m (3,083 ft) above the Old City. There's no better compliment to an increased heart rate than incredible views, and that's exactly what you'll get here. Be prepared with a camera and lots of water.
• Kotor City Exploration: Take some time to explore this picturesque town surrounded by a walled fortress built by the Republic of Venice. Kotor has a Mediterranean feel to it and the bay offers a stunning backdrop for photographs.
• Sea Kayaking: Head out by sea kayak to fully appreciate this gorgeous area. Start just outside the Old Town walls and explore the coast. Stop at a beach bar for a break or a swim.
• Perast Visit: Visit the small seaside town of Perast for a taste of the quaint in Montenegro.
• Herceg Novi Beach Visit: If relaxing is your style, the beaches of Herceg Novi offer a great escape. There are also local mud therapy spas nearby, so test out the natural healing properties of the area's sand if you like.
• Lake Skadar National Park: Take a visit to the breathtaking Lake Skadar National Park. A short bus ride from Kotor, this dolphin-shaped water body is the largest lake in the Balkan region, and is one of the richest bird habitats in Europe.

Visit a family-run agrotourism villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views of the Adriatic. Join our local host on a spirited walk around the picturesque grounds, pick fresh fruits and vegetables in the gardens, and watch a baking demonstration. Then sit down together to share a traditional lunch of local ham, cheeses, and wine. Continue to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” and walk the medieval city walls. 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.

Included Experiences

• Border Crossing (Montenegro - Croatia): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
• Konavle Valley Agorturizam Walk and Lunch: With its lush, scenic landscapes, Croatia’s Konavle Valley is a must for any visitor to the region. Visit a family-run agroturizam villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Meet our local hosts (who’ll greet us with homemade liqueur) and walk through their beautiful property to learn about the history and culture of the valley. Explore the lush gardens and pick fresh fruits and vegetables before enjoying a baking demonstration. Then, sit down for a traditional lunch of local hams, cheeses, breads, and wines. Yum.
• Dubrovnik City Wall Walk: Opt to take a walking tour or head out on your own to explore the city's ancient walls. A trip to Dubrovnik isn't complete without doing this 2km (1.1 mi) walk. See highlights along the way that include Fort Minceta, Fort St. John, Fort Lawrence, Fort Revelin, and St. Luke’s Tower. There are three main entrances to the city walls, the principal one located by the Inner Pile Gates.

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.

Included Experiences

• DEŠA Women's Centre Visit: DEŠA is a women's non-profit, founded during the homeland war in Dubrovnik. It is dedicated to empowering and employing women in the area. From their headquarters in Dubrovnik's Old Town, DEŠA runs victim support for survivors of domestic abuse through computer classes, language lessons, cultural preservation activities, and other inspiring programs. During your visit, you will learn about the powerful work undertaken by the women of DEŠA and their network across Croatia working to preserve traditional foods and handicrafts.
• Free Time: Opt to visit museums, take a day trip to Lopud Island, or go sea kayaking.

Optional Experiences

• Lopud Island Visit: Escape the city on a ferry ride to Lopud Island, part of the Elafiti Islands and home to one of Croatia's most stunning beaches, Plaza Sunj.
• Sea Kayaking: Head offshore by sea kayak to gain a different perspective of Dubrovnik and fully appreciate this gorgeous area. Tour around the city walls and take a loop around Lokrum.

Depart at any time. We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.