A Taste of the Balkans

Set off for an adventure to the Balkans, a region where rocky coastlines and towering mountains meet a complex history and medieval city walls. On your journey, generations of traditions come to life through local experiences amidst a stunning backdrop.
Hotel Name: Royal Ariston Hotel

Twisting cobblestone streets and burnt-orange rooftops reveal Dubrovnik, a city steeped in history and charm. Look out over the sparkling Adriatic Sea during your welcome dinner. Savor Mediterranean cuisine and new friendships.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Dubrovnik
A group of refugees from Epidaurum (today’s Cavtat) founded Dubrovnik in the first half of the 7th century. The city was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire through the 12th century. From 1205-1358, Dubrovnik fell under the sovereignty of Venice. Dubrovnik ruled itself as a free state between the 14th century and 1808 as the Republic of Dubrovnik. It flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and became the chief shipping rival to Venice. A devastating earthquake in 1667 killed over 5,000 citizens and marked the beginning of the decline for the Republic. The Republic officially met its final demise in 1808 after Napoleon’s armies conquered it and Marshal Marmont abolished the Republic and integrated it into the Illyrian provinces. Since 1808, Dubrovnik has fallen under attack, been occupied and annexed several times, most recently as part of the second Yugoslavia (1945-1991); however, it continues to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities on the entire Adriatic. With its medieval walls that surround the old city, and the ancient buildings contained within, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site unlike any other.

Dubrovnik’s ancient streets share its history and timelessness with you during your tour. For the rest of the day, the city is yours to unfold personally because it’s your choice! Perhaps you’ll explore its famous city walls, still standing from the Middle Ages -OR- hop into a cable car for incredible views of the entire city from above. With the remainder of your day free, you do you – Croatia-style.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Cattaro Hotel

Admittance: Dubrovnik City Walls or Cable Car Ride
Personalize the rest of your day because, it's your choice! Explore the famous city walls, still standing from the Middle Ages -OR- hop into a cable car for incredible views of the enire city from above. Dubrovnik City Walls Activity Level 3 Included entrance to the city walls only. Entrance tickets can be used throughout the day. Walking 1.2 miles. Travelers do it at leisure, without Tour Manager or local guide. Cable Car Ride Activity Level 2 Included cable car tickets (both ways). Tickets can be used throughout the day. Choice to be accompanied by Tour Manager.

It’s dovidenja to Croatia as you head to Montenegro. Set sail on a private boat* for the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Visit the church before coasting through the breathtaking Kotor Bay towards the Old Town of Kotor (UNESCO). Your 18th-century hotel rises from the original city walls. With your free afternoon, explore this beautiful city on your own. Complete your day in a quiet corner of Old Town Kotor in a cozy family restaurant.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Kotor

Today, have fun exploring Kotor your way. Perhaps you’ll go on an optional excursion to Njeguši, a quiet and peaceful village located on the slope of Mount Lovcen about 900 meters above sea level. Get a tasty local lesson on the tradition of prosciutto and homemade cheeses famously produced here – and, of course, sample these specialties. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the hidden corners of Kotor.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Colors Inn

Visit Area: Mostar

Welcome to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Spend time in Mostar, home to the iconic arched Stari Most Bridge (UNESCO). Explore Mostar with your Tour Manager before lunching on your own at a traditional restaurant in the historic part of the city. Continue on to Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city where East meets West – and your home for the next 3 nights. Reminiscent of a European Jerusalem, find an ever-evolving conglomeration of religious sects all living in harmony. Perhaps you’ll take an evening stroll with your Tour Manager to get familiar with the area.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Sarajevo

With a local expert, uncover the history of Sarajevo, the starting point of the first World War. Meander the storied roadways and take in its blend of religions and architectural styles. Free time means independent exploration of this historic city. Then, it’s your choice! Uncover Sarajevo’s past with a local siege survivor, spending time in the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum before visiting the bobsled track on Trebevic Olympic Mountain -OR- visit Gallery 11/07/95, which documents the city’s 20th-century turmoil through photography. Tonight, locals welcome you to their home-hosted dinner. Enjoy regional favorites such as klepe (meat dumplings) and burek (flaky filled pastries). Sip Bosnian coffee as a soundtrack of traditional folk music sets the tone of a truly memorable evening.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Sarajevo Siege Tour or Gallery 11/07/95
Take advantage of free time for it's your choice! Uncover the city past with a local siege survivor, spending time in the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum before visiting the bobsled track on Trebevic Olympic Mountain -OR- visit Gallery 11/07/95, which documents the city's 20th-century turmoil through photography. Sarajevo Siege Tour Activity Level 3: Guests should be able to walk on some uneven terrain and be able to stand for one hour at a time. Gallery 11/07/95 Activity Level 2 Gallery is visited with audio guides so travelers can experience it at leisure. There are two flights of stairs to enter the gallery. Tour Manager to accompany guests to the gallery.

Enjoy time on your own today. Consider an optional excursion to Lukomir Highland, hiking to a remote village and bond with locals over lunch. Or maybe embark on an optional tour of Tito’s Bunker, exploring the former president’s personal hideout. With the rest of your afternoon and evening at leisure, relax, reset, or explore even more.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Family Hotel Baranjska Kuca, etno village

Admittance: Home-Hosted Dinner

Wind through Bosnia into Croatia’s northeast corner for a lunch that highlights authentic Bosnian cuisine. Travel off the beaten path toward the rural village of Karanac, nestled at the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers. Tonight, your host delights you with dinner and folklore entertainment.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Etno Village Karanac

This morning, immerse yourself in country life. Perhaps you’ll join your hosts in preparing breakfast. A local guide shares Osijek’s history of the Romans and Ottomans with you, before some free time to explore the town. Learn how wine is made in this region, enjoying a glass. Alongside locals, prepare traditional dishes and bread for dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Le Premier Boutique Hotel

Visit Area: Osijek

This morning, say goodbye to the beautiful Baranja region and continue your journey to Zagreb – Croatia’s fascinating capital city. A local guide introduces you to one of the most unique Croatian museums – the Museum of Naive Art. Enjoy some free time to explore it on your own. The evening is yours – perhaps join your Tour Manager for an evening stroll – and then take in Zagreb at night however you’d like.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Cooking with Locals

You have an entire day to soak up Zagreb at leisure! Explore its Old Town, medieval settlements, open squares, museums, or the Dolac Market. Perhaps you’ll choose to take an optional tour to Croatia’s Zagorje region, visiting the historic Kumrovec and Samobor, set in a picturesque countryside.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Lyra Hotel

Admittance: Wine Tasting

It’s off to northern Croatia. A local guide takes you past the forested landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO). Walk along the cascading lakes and the free-falling waterfalls. Cruise through a portion of the park by boat before enjoying some free time and lunch on your own. This afternoon, an Impact Moment reveals how local women are sustaining their community through their crafts. Tonight, an authentic “under the bell” dinner is yours to savor, complete with slow roasted lamb and vegetables.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Grand Plaza Hotel

Visit Area: Zagreb
Located in the northwest of the country, Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. Zagreb is a city with a rich history dating from the Roman times to the present day. Zagreb is the most important transport hub in Croatia. The city is known for its diverse economy, high quality of living, museums, sporting and entertainment events.

Today, cross into Slovenia, a country that has the word “love” in its name. Travel off the beaten path and discover Novo Mesto – a unique experience in one of the most beautiful Slovenian cities. Enjoy a scenic boat ride under the bridges in the Krka River before joining your local guide for a walking tour. Finish your visit with a Slovenian lunch in a local restaurant. Later, arrive in Ljubljana’s city center, your home for the next two nights. Acquaint yourself with this incredible city before having an evening of free time to explore it on your own.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: Museum of Naive Art

This morning, head to beautiful Lake Bled nestled under the Julian Alps. Board a Pletna Boat to the isle of Bled to discover the nature and natural scenery of Slovenia. Take a walk around the lake or relax in the beautiful scenery. This evening, toast to the end of your adventure during a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, complete with folklore performances.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Plitvice Lakes

Wish Slovenia goodbye as you depart for home.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Impact Moment
Experience an Impact Moment when you learn how the local women are keeping the community alive through their traditions and crafts.