Balkans Express - 7 days
Balkans Express - 7 days
Balkans Express - 7 days
7 Days Starting in Belgrade, Serbia and ending in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Visiting: Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Dubrovnik
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
No min or max age (children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Age policy for children is as follows:Children 0-2 = FOCChildren 2-6 (sharing a bed) = 50% DiscountChildren 6+ = Need to be booked into a triple room (triple room prices are the same f
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through the Balkans with the "Balkans Express" tour, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia. Begin your adventure in Belgrade, Serbia, with guided tours of historical landmarks and a nostalgic train ride through the scenic Sargan Eight. Discover the charm of Sarajevo and Mostar in Bosnia, with visits to iconic sites like the Old Bridge and the Latin Bridge. In Montenegro, enjoy a boat trip to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks and explore the UNESCO-listed town of Kotor. Conclude your journey in the stunning walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. With comfortable 4-star accommodations, daily breakfasts, and a local tour leader, this small group tour offers an enriching experience of the Balkans' diverse heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Serbia! Upon arrival in Belgrade, our driver will greet you at the Nikola Tesla airport and take you to your hotel. As you travel by coach, you can relax and take in the sights of New Belgrade, featuring Socialist architecture and modern business centres like the Usce Tower. Your driver will also point out landmarks such as the Western Gate of Belgrade, Belgrade Arena, and Palace of Serbia. After checking in at your hotel, you will have free time to rest and prepare for the tour.
During a brief meeting with our guide at 7pm, you will be introduced to the tour and provided with all necessary information.
Day 2: Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we tour Belgrade, the Serbian capital city. First, we visit the Museum of Yugoslav History, a memorial complex dedicated to Josip Broz Tito, the former Yugoslav political leader. We see the stadium of Serbia's most successful football team, FC Red Star, before heading to the Temple of Saint Sava, the patron saint of Belgrade.
After a brief stop at the Temple's plateau, we continue to key landmarks such as Slavija Square, Saint Mark's Church, the Serbian National Parliament, White Palace, and Republic Square. Surrounded by cultural institutions like the National Theatre and National Museum, Republic Square is the heart of Belgrade. Our tour will proceed along Knez Mihailo Street, the city's main pedestrian and shopping thoroughfare, before pausing at the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, located near the Building of Patriarchate. Then it's on to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. Situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, this historic complex is a significant cultural site in Belgrade. After our tour, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3: Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Belgrade - Zlatibor. Leaving Belgrade, we drive west towards the picturesque Ovcar-Kablar Gorge. We continue to Tara National Park, where we ride the authentic 'Nostalgia' train that runs along the narrow-gauge heritage railway, Sargan Eight. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery as we pass through tunnels and viaducts. Originally part of the railway from Belgrade to Sarajevo in the early 20th century, the railway offers a nostalgic trip back in time.
Next, we visit the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden Town), built by prominent movie director Emir Kusturica. The village is constructed mainly from natural materials such as wood. Hosting the annual Kustendorf Film and Music Festival since 2008, Drvengrad has attracted celebrities like Johnny Depp, Monica Belucci, and Jim Jarmusch.
Our next stop is Zlatibor Mountain, the location of Serbia's first royal resort. Here, we enjoy a leisurely stroll around the charming town centre of this picturesque air spa. In the evening, a delightful dinner featuring traditional Serbian cuisine is included.
Day 4: Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Zlatibor - Visegrad (Bosnia) - Sarajevo. We depart Serbia today, crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reaching Visegrad, we can see where filmmaker Emir Kusturica built Andricgrad, also known as Stone Town. We stop for lunch at the unique restaurant Zlatna Moruna, adorned with frescoes by artist Bisenija Terescenko.
After lunch we head to the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, visiting key landmarks such as Vijecnica (Sarajevo City Hall), Bascarsija (the old downtown area), the Gazi Husrev-bey mosque, and the Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, sparking the First World War. We also stop at historic sites like the Orthodox Church, Sahat Tower, and the first public toilet in Europe. The day will end with visits to Bezistan market complex, Ferhadiya pedestrian zone, the Sarajevo Synagogue, and a Catholic cathedral.
Day 5: Mostar
Location: Mostar
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Trebinje. Today begins with a drive to Mostar, one of the most beautiful cities of the Balkan Peninsula. On a walking tour, we see the iconic Old Bridge, a UNESCO protected landmark and one of the most photographed sights in the country. We also visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge, and the old tanner’s quarter Tabhana. There is free time for lunch on the banks of the Neretva River, with a stunning view of the bridge.
Continuing to Blagaj, we can enjoy the view of the monastery built by dervish Sari Satluk, which is located in a picturesque setting, beneath cliffs on the shores of the emerald green river Buna.
Next on the itinerary is Trebinje, a picturesque town with a mix of sights from different cultures. We see the Arslanagića Bridge and take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the old town to 'Poet’s Square', where you can relax under the shade of 115-year-old trees. We spend tonight at a hotel in Trebinje.
Day 6: Kotor
Location: Kotor
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trebinje - Kotor - Dubrovnik. Today we discover the most popular destination in Montenegro: the Bay of Kotor. En route to Kotor, we stop at the picturesque village of Perast, known for its baroque architecture. From Perast, we enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Bay of Kotor to the beautiful island of Our Lady of the Rocks, home to a church adorned with valuable paintings and artifacts.
Upon arrival in Kotor, enjoy a guided walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include visits to the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and other cultural landmarks. There is also free time to explore the town further or enjoy a meal at a restaurant in one of the charming squares.
We then complete our journey to Dubrovnik, one of Europe's best-preserved walled cities. Dating back to the 7th century, Dubrovnik's old town is encircled by a 2km long wall that offers panoramic views during a relaxing one-hour walk. In Dubrovnik's historical centre, we can see iconic landmarks such as the main street Stradun, the main square Placa, Pile Gate, the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, the walls of the Old Town, the church of Saint Blaise, the cathedral, the Jesuit church, Orlando’s Column, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, the city port, and other hidden gems. We spend the final night of our tour in Dubrovnik, and the evening is free for you to explore.
Day 7: Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before our touring arrangements end after hotel check out.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
4 star hotels (upgrade available) -
6 breakfasts & 1 dinner
-
6 nights 4 star hotels (5-star upgrade is available)
-
Escorted by a local tour leader with local guides for some sightseeing
-
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
-
Transportation in a mini-bus with air-conditioning & Wi-Fi
-
1 bottle of water (0.5l) daily for each passenger, accommodation taxes and city taxes
-
Guided sightseeing in Belgrade, Zlatibor, Visegrad, Sarajevo, Mostar, Trebinje, Kotor & Dubrovnik
-
90-minutes ride on Museum Train - Sargan Eight
-
Entrance to Museum of Yugoslav History
-
Entrance to Drvengrad wooden town
What's Not Included
-
International flights & visas
-
Departure transfers
-
Meals not specified in itinerary
-
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
-
Entry fees unless specified & optional activities
Age Policy
No min or max age (children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Age policy for children is as follows:Children 0-2 = FOCChildren 2-6 (sharing a bed) = 50% DiscountChildren 6+ = Need to be booked into a triple room (triple room prices are the same for adults and children)
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with air-conditioned mini-bus transportation, complete with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across the Balkans. An airport arrival transfer is included on day 1 for your convenience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights in comfortable 4-star hotels, with an option to upgrade to 5-star accommodations, ensuring a relaxing stay throughout your journey in the Balkans.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights in 4-star hotels, with an option to upgrade to 5-star accommodations.
-
Is there a transfer service provided from the airport?
Yes, an airport arrival transfer is provided on day 1 of the tour.
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation is provided in a mini-bus equipped with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.
-
Are there any meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
-
Will there be a tour guide during the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a local tour leader, and local guides are provided for some sightseeing activities.
-
What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a 90-minute ride on the Museum Train - Sargan Eight, entrance to the Museum of Yugoslav History, Drvengrad wooden town, and Blagaj, as well as a boat trip from Perast to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Friday
Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.