A Journey Through the Balkans

Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia’s dynamic capital where Austro-Hungarian grandeur meets relaxed café culture. After your flight, transfer to your hotel for check-in and settle into your first glimpse of the city. Spend the afternoon wandering Ban Jelačić Square - the historic heart of Zagreb - and soak up the vibrant atmosphere as locals enjoy outdoor terraces. If time allows, stroll through the surrounding streets and discover boutique shops, striking architecture and hidden parks.

Explore Zagreb’s treasures at your own pace. In Upper Town (Gornji Grad), discover medieval lanes, the colourful roof of St Mark’s Church and panoramic city views. Wander the Museum Quarter with its rich cultural offerings or dive into the bustling Dolac Market where fresh produce and local delicacies define daily life.

For art lovers, don’t miss the Mimara Museum or Zagreb City Museum. Take time to enjoy the city’s vibrant café scene — from traditional Croatian coffee houses to contemporary espresso bars. As dusk falls, enjoy dinner in Tkalčićeva Street, where locals and visitors mingle over long, leisurely meals (B)

Today travel from Zagreb to Belgrade, Serbia’s spirited capital. While the train option varies seasonally, the journey by comfortable coach or bus immerses you in rolling landscapes and rural villages, offering a sense of how cultures shift across borders.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a first taste of Belgrade’s thriving energy. Stroll along the Danube and Sava riverbanks, watch riverboats and floating cafés, or explore hidden courtyards of the Savamala District. In the evening, seek out traditional Serbian cuisine at an atmospheric kafana, or relax with a drink while listening to local music. (B)

Belgrade invites exploration with its compelling blend of history and modern life. Begin in Stari Grad (Old Town), where cobblestone streets reveal Orthodox churches, historic squares and eclectic galleries. Visit the imposing Belgrade Fortress with sweeping views over two great rivers.

In contrast, New Belgrade is a testament to modernist planning with museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art and lively waterfront eateries. Squeeze in a visit to Knez Mihailova Street - the city’s pedestrian heart - for shopping, people-watching and a coffee in one of Europe’s most affordable capitals. As night falls, Belgrade’s nightlife buzzes with energy from jazz bars to rooftop terraces. (B)

Enjoy a free day to uncover more of Belgrade’s many facets. Outdoor lovers can wander Kalemegdan Park, cycle along river paths, or take a scenic boat ride. History fans may explore Nikola Tesla Museum or the House of Flowers, the memorial of Yugoslav leader Tito. Taste Serbian delicacies like ćevapi and ajvar at spirited local restaurants, or browse artisan shops for handcrafted souvenirs. This is your chance to experience Belgrade’s welcoming neighbourhoods, energised cafés and intriguing blend of East-meets-West culture before onward travel through the Balkans. (B)

Travel by coach from Belgrade to Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina’s captivating capital nestled in a valley of surrounding hills. The journey takes you deeper into a land shaped by empires and crossroads of faiths. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and head out to uncover Sarajevo’s layered history.

Wander Bascarsija, the Ottoman-era bazaar, where cobbled streets house artisan shops, traditional coffee houses and mosques that echo centuries of culture. Delight in hearty Bosnian fare such as burek and ćevapi, and enjoy an evening stroll along Miljacka River, absorbing the city’s unique atmosphere. (B)

Today is your chance to explore Sarajevo’s rich tapestry of traditions. Visit Latin Bridge, the historic site linked to the First World War, and view the Sebilj Fountain in the old town. Sarajevo’s skyline reflects its multicultural past - Orthodox churches, Catholic cathedrals and mosques stand side by side. The Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque and Jewish Museum offer deeper insight into this cultural fusion.

Capture panoramic views from surrounding hills, sampling local pastries or Bosnian coffee as you wander. Sarajevo’s blend of East and West creates a compelling backdrop for free-spirited exploration. (B)

Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Sarajevo’s hidden corners. Browse boutique galleries or enjoy a walking tour tracing the city’s modern history. Explore leafy parks, discover artisan workshops in Ferhadija Street, or relax in a riverside café.

Consider a short trip to the hillside Yellow Fortress to watch sunset over the rooftops, or seek out local craft beers and fusion cuisine in the city’s vibrant café bars. Sarajevo’s welcoming ambience and rich heritage promise memorable discoveries at every turn. (B)

Depart early for Mostar, a charismatic town straddling the emerald Neretva River. Transfer by train or coach through scenic Bosnian countryside before arriving in this Ottoman-era gem. Once checked in, wander Mostar’s pedestrian Old Town where ancient stone houses, artisan craft stalls and cafés frame your path.

The reconstructed Stari Most (Old Bridge) is a symbol of resilience and connects two lively riverbanks - perfect for photos and people-watching. Stay until evening light gives the red-roofed skyline a golden glow. (B)

Enjoy a free day to savour Mostar’s charms further. Visit historic mosques and museums that trace the city’s layered past, or stroll the bustling bazaar for handmade copperware and carpets.

The nearby Blagaj Tekke - a 15th-century dervish monastery set beside a cliff and river spring (optional excursion) - is a serene retreat worth seeking out. With its mix of Ottoman architecture, riverside cafés and warm Mediterranean climate, Mostar makes for a memorable, leisurely day of exploring. (B)

Continue on to Dubrovnik, Croatia’s breathtaking coastal city. Settle into your hotel and enjoy your first views of terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic. Begin exploring the Old City with its iconic stone walls, marble streets and historic landmarks that echo a thousand years of history.

Across centuries, Dubrovnik became a maritime republic and today invites you to stroll plazas, visit medieval fortresses and soak up seaside views from dramatic vantage points. Don’t miss an evening by the harbour to watch sunset hues cast a golden glow over ancient ramparts. (B)

Your free day in Dubrovnik invites personal discovery. Wander fragrant pine pathways, explore island-hopping options, or enjoy fresh seafood in a cliff-side konoba. Consider a kayak tour around the city walls or simply enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere in one of the Old Town’s charming plazas. Dubrovnik’s combination of sun, sea and history ensures your leisure time is as enriching as you wish it to be. (B)

Spend a full day exploring Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed old town. Walk the city walls for panoramic Adriatic views, wander narrow streets that open into picturesque squares, and visit the Franciscan Monastery and its historic pharmacy.

Take the cable car to Mount Srđ for an unmatched vista of red roofs and sparkling sea. In the late afternoon, escape the crowds with a swim at Banje Beach or a scenic coastal stroll. Dubrovnik’s blend of rich heritage and seaside beauty provides endless inspiration and photo opportunities. (B)

Travel along Croatia’s scenic Dalmatian coast to Split, a city where ancient Roman heritage intertwines with modern seaside living. After check-in, explore Diocletian’s Palace - one of the world’s most complete Roman monuments - where boutique cafés and artisan shops inhabit ancient corridors. Wander the Peristil central square and hear a cappella singers fill the air at dusk. With Mediterranean flavours and seaside promenades, Split offers the perfect mix of history and relaxation. (B)

Spend your last full day savouring Split’s coastal charm. Climb Marjan Hill for sweeping views of the archipelago, enjoy local markets brimming with olives and fresh produce, or sample Dalmatian wines at a harbour bar. Stroll the Riva promenade and watch fishing boats drift by, or take optional excursions to nearby islands. Split’s vibrant past and laid-back present make it a memorable finale to your Balkan adventure (B)

Make your way to Split Airport to take flight back to the UK. (B)