Balkan Adventure

Szia! Welcome to Hungary. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Budapest. If you arrive early, maybe visit the historic Buda Castle or wander through the winding streets of the Castle District, which dates back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, maybe a cruise along the Danube to see the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges linking Buda and Pest. Tonight, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner, then take a night walk along the Danube to see the buildings and bridges lit up in lights.

Today is a full free day to explore Budapest. See the intricate carvings on the local architecture, cross the Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District or walk through winding streets, snacking on local delicacies. Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water, so maybe take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to the castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building. Hiring a bicycle is another great way to move between sights. Perhaps round off your day with a drink in the popular ruin bars, where the night comes to life. (B)

Head for Kopacki Rit today – a nature park in eastern Croatia, home to the white-tailed eagle. Since the park is made up of many different waterways, like lakes and canals, you’ll go on a guided tour of the area after you drop your belongings at your family-run accommodation. In the evening, join your group for a home-cooked dinner on the property. (B/D)

Get off the tourist track today and drive to Novi Sad – the second largest city in Serbia. Along the way, you’ll visit nearby Vukovar – this town symbolises the devastation of the recent war and you can learn about the sobering local history here. Visit the local hospital and the museum in its basement used as a refuge during the siege and listen to wartime stories from hospital staff. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Maybe visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, which was constructed in the 17th century and used to protect the city during the Napoleonic Wars. Or you can walk around Liberty Square and take in the Neo-Renaissance architecture, perhaps finishing the day off at a carda tavern (a fish restaurant along the Danube River). (B)

After breakfast, begin your journey to Belgrade. Known as the White City, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. When you arrive, take a guided tour of the city’s wide boulevards and squares and the green heart of Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River for centuries. Tonight, maybe head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and soak up the lively atmosphere in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to nightclubs. (B)

Today, make your way to the neighbourhood of Zemun. This Old Town favourite has a rich history and is now known as the bohemian part of town, home to many of the city’s artists and writers. As Zemun used to be an independent town – only joining Belgrade in 1934 – the small village atmosphere still stands, transporting you to the past. After your orientation walk, maybe head to a market and explore the local wares. Stroll along the river promenade and stop for an optional lunch in one of the riverside restaurants serving fresh fish. Later, head back to Belgrade’s centre in the late afternoon, where you have free time to visit the imposing Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) or learn about the life of Serbia’s greatest inventor at the Nikola Tesla Museum. The city’s nightlife has become legendary throughout Europe, with several hundred floating bars, restaurants and nightclubs lining the Danube and Sava rivers – so you’ll find the perfect way to spend your evening. (B)

Travel by bus through the countryside to Sarajevo this morning. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a city that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. When you arrive, take a guided tour for an insight into the history and culture of the city. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that features an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque all within proximity. Tonight, maybe sample the local specialty of bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices) in Bascarsija – Sarajevo's old bazaar. (B)

Today, take a daytrip to Mostar – a city that sits in a valley among the high mountains of Herzegovina. Thanks to the Neretva River, Mostar was able to develop into a city within a barren landscape. It was the most heavily bombed settlement in Bosnia during the war but has since been rebuilt and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head to the famous Stari Most Bridge, first built by the Ottomans in 1565 by architect Mimar Hajrudin, who succeeded in the seemingly impossible mission of crossing the Neretva River with a single-span stone bridge. Maybe see the famous bridge divers hurl themselves into the icy waters below before returning to Sarajevo in the afternoon, stopping at Konjic on the way to discover one of the best-kept secrets in the former Yugoslavia at Tito's nuclear bunker. Step back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and what life was like in the not-so-distant past. (B)

Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo. Maybe take an optional daytrip to the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza – the source of the Bosna River. Or discover local history with a visit to the History Museum and the Sarajevo War Tunnels, dug underneath the airport runway and used to smuggle provisions into the city during its siege. You can also learn about the tragedies faced by the city's Jewish population at the Jewish Museum or explore the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Pivnica HS brewery and restaurant is a great place to sample local award-winning beer and grab some dinner tonight. (B)

Today, you’ll travel through the countryside to Montenegro. Although it’s a long drive, there will be plenty of stops along the way. You might stop at the bridge over the Piva Canyon, the top of Kruska Mountain or the Saddle Peak viewpoint – wherever you pause, you’ll find great photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs. When you arrive at Durmitor National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site formed by glaciers – set off on a hike through the lesser-explored wilderness along the shores of Black Lake and keep an eye out for some of the 163 species of bird or 50 species of mammal that roam the region. Finish your day in the nearby town of Zabljak where you’ll spend the night. (B)

Enjoy a free day to unwind in nature. Since Durmitor National Park is so vast, there are plenty of trails available for an optional guided hike. Feel free to choose one that suits the group’s interests and fitness levels – your guides will expertly mix and match the routes to create a half day of hiking everyone can enjoy. One thing is certain – lakes, pine forests and crisp alpine air are guaranteed on any trail. You could also see the park from behind the handlebars by hiring a bike to ride into town and along the trails, or by walking to Black Lake to rent a boat. (B)

Today, you’ll drive to Kotor. This 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a coastline dotted with waterside towns. When you arrive, you might visit the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Tryphon, the South Gate of Kotor and Armoury Square. This afternoon, continue your explorations – maybe wander the narrow alleyways, browse the boutiques and cafes or climb the hills behind the city to see Kotor’s ruined fortification walls. You could also set off on an optional hike up the stone steps, past churches, gates and bastions, to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan – the top rewards you with views across the town and the Bay of Kotor. (B)

You can take an optional day trip out of Kotor today. Maybe take a cruise on Kotor Fjord to visit the twin islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and Sveti Dorde, with its church in the middle of the bay. Legend has it that sailors once spotted an image of the Virgin Mary on a rock here, and each time they completed a successful voyage, they added another rock as an offering. Eventually, so many were added that an island emerged, and a church was built on top of it. Alternatively, maybe take a trip to Budva. With its busy beaches, charming Old Town, lively restaurants and bars, Budva is like Montenegro's little version of Miami. For more history, head up to Montenegro's former capital, Cetinje – now a laidback village with grand mansions that were once used as embassies. Enjoy a final night out in Kotor and maybe catch some live music that keeps the cobbled streets thriving. (B)

Say goodbye to Montenegro this morning and travel along Croatia’s southern coast to Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik's walled Old Town is often referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic, and its landscape is now famed for its role in Game of Thrones. When you arrive, walk along the high city walls with your leader. Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain – built by European architect Onofrio Della Cava in the 15th century to supply water to the city. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the 13th-century Franciscan Monastery or the Sponza and Rector’s Palaces – the only Renaissance buildings in the city to survive the devastating earthquake and fire of 1667. As it’s the last night of your trip, why not head out for one final meal with the group and toast to your adventures. (B)

Today, your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you can depart at any time. There's lots to see and do here in Dubrovnik, so if you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)