A Journey Through the Balkans

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

Explore the cosmopolitan city of Zagreb at leisure, perhaps choosing to admire the Hapsburg 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 Ban Jelacic Square. (B)

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

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)

Free day to explore Belgrade. (B)

Take the bus from Belgrade to Sarajevo (approx. seven hours). As arrival is generally late in the day, you will be transferred to your hotel. Check-in for a three night stay. (B)

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)

Free day to explore Sarajevo. (B)

Take the train from Sarajevo to Mostar (approx. two hour journey) and check in to the hotel for two nights. (B)

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)

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

Allow plenty of time to explore Dubrovnik and its surrounding areas. Cross the wooden drawbridge to the Pile Gate and stroll the famous marble-paved main street where the Franciscan church and monastery can be found, before walking 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. For an even better vantage point, take the cable car to the top of Mt Srd. (B)

Free day to explore Dubrovnik. (B)

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

Discover historic Split, a charming UNESCO Heritage City with its magnificent Diocletian’s Palace and central piazza, Peristil. This popular square is an acoustic-rich setting for a cappella singers at dusk. You can spend hours here wandering the many hidden passages of the old town, dotted with boutique shops, cafes and galleries. The Marjan Hill is also a lovely place to escape the crowds and gain great views of the town below. (B)

Take flight back to the UK. (B)