A Journey Through the Balkans

For independent travellers who like to explore at their own pace, this tailor-made journey uses local buses and trains to get to the heart of Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Stroll along the banks of the Danube in vibrant Belgrade, discover the legacy of the Ottomans in historic Mostar and use picture-perfect Dubrovnik as a base to explore the stunning Dalmatian coast, where over 1,000 beautiful islands dot the waters of the glistening Adriatic. This suggested itinerary can be tailor-made to suit you.

Speak to a Regent Balkans Specialist about adapting the itinerary or upgrading to 4 or 5-star hotels.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

FLY TO ZAGREB

Fly to Croatia’s capital. Transfer to the hotel on arrival and check-in for two nights.

DAY 2

ZAGREB

Explore the cosmopolitan city of Zagreb at leisure, perhaps choosing to admire the Habsburg architecture of the lower town’s grand squares, visit the Old Town’s fine baroque church of St. Catherine or simply relax and enjoy the café culture of Trg Jelaica. (B)

DAY 3

ZAGREB TO BELGRADE

Take the train from Zagreb to Belgrade (approx. six hours) and check in to the hotel for three nights. (B)

DAY 4

BELGRADE

Enjoy two full days to explore Serbia’s capital at leisure. Take time to discover the treasures of the Old Town – Stari Grad – where the history of the city unfolds in its imposing Neo-Classical square, Orthodox churches and bohemian streets. In New Belgrade, the Gallery of Modern Art and lively floating Danube restaurants provide a fascinating contrast. (B)

DAY 5

BELGRADE

Free day to explore Belgrade. (B)

DAY 6

BELGRADE TO SARAJEVO

Take the bus from Belgrade to Sarajevo (approx. seven hours) and check in to the hotel for three nights. (B)

DAY 7

SARAJEVO

Spend two free days in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s up-and-coming capital. Here, the city’s position as a cultural crossroads of east and west is evident in the rich treasures of the Turkish Old Town, and the many diverse religious buildings including the Jewish Museum, the 19th century Catholic cathedral and the old Orthodox church on Mula Mustafe Baseskije, thought to date from 1539. For panoramic views of the city, be sure to head to hilltop Jajce Castle, the last Bosnian site to fall to the Ottoman Turks. (B)

DAY 8

SARAJEVO

Free day to explore Sarajevo. (B)

DAY 9

SARAJEVO TO MOSTAR

Take the bus from Sarajevo to Mostar (approx. two and a half hours) and check in to the hotel for two nights. (B)

DAY 10

MOSTAR

Mostar is Herzegovina’s Ottoman gem, with its famous re-built stone bridge straddling the Neretva River symbolising a nation re-born. Spend free time here exploring the Old Town where 16th century mosques, Turkish-style houses, traditional craft workshops and a vast array of coffee shops await. Perhaps consider an optional excursion to Blagaj to visit the 15th century dervish monastery scenically located at the foot of a 200 metre cliff. (B)

DAY 11

MOSTAR TO DUBROVNIK

Take the bus from Mostar to Dubrovnik (approx. three to four hours), check in to the hotel for three nights. (B)

DAY 12

DUBROVNIK

With two full days to explore the Pearl of the Adriatic, options here are plentiful. Walk the ancient wall which encircles the city for stunning views over the southern Dalmatian coast and the red roofs of the UNESCO-listed Old City below. Cross the wooden drawbridge to Pile Gate and stroll the famous marble-paved main street where the Franciscan church and monastery can be found, or perhaps head to Peline Street to reflect on the recent conflict at the Dubrovnik War Photo gallery. (B)

DAY 13

DUBROVNIK

Free day to explore Dubrovnik. (B)

DAY 14

DUBROVNIK TO SPLIT

Take the bus from Dubrovnik to Split (approx. four and a half hours) and check in to the hotel for two nights. (B)

DAY 15

SPLIT

The highlight of Croatia’s second biggest town is undoubtedly Diocletian’s Roman Palace, the largest private residence in antiquity, which now provides the location for a whole town within its ancient walls. Perhaps visit the enchanting town of Trogir and explore its stone passageways and squares. (B)

DAY 16

SPLIT TO UK

Take flight back to the UK. (B)