Croatia and the Balkans
Experience Overview
The Balkans are just getting noticed as a great European travel destination — we can’t believe it took so long! Situated on the balmy shores of the Adriatic and home to some of the most wondrous landscapes, monuments, and villages you’ll ever see, this part of the world still feels like a well-kept secret. This adventure showcases the region’s compelling history and scenery while allowing time for outdoor pursuits like kayaking and hiking. You may not know much about Croatia and the Balkans now, but once you’ve been, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop talking about them.
Highlights
- Kayak to tiny islands in the crystal waters of the Bay of Kotor
- Enjoy beach time in Hvar
- Explore the ancient Roman palace of Diocletian on a guided tour
Trip Details
Product Code: 2319
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Train, private vehicle, ferry, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: EJBT
Starts: Budapest, Hungary
Finishes: Split, Croatia
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: DEŠA Women's Centre Visit, Dubrovnik Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Petrovaradin Fortress visit (Novi Sad)
- Kalemegdan Fortress visit (Belgrade)
- 'Tunnel of Life' tour (Sarajevo)
- Sea kayaking trip (Bay of Kotor)
- Beach time in Hvar
- Scenic boat ride around Pakleni islands
- Diocletian's Palace guided tour (Split)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels/pensions (14 nts).
- 14 breakfasts
Transport
- Train, private vehicle, ferry, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,059 ($204 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Budapest
Arrive at any time. We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
Day 2: Budapest/Novi Sad
Today we will be traveling by local bus to Novi Sad. Enjoy the first opportunity to try some Serbian cuisine.
Cross into Serbia and enjoy time in the second largest city. Spend an evening wandering this cultural hub.
Day 3: Novi Sad/Belgrade
Spend the morning exploring Novi Sad. Visit the famous Petrovaradin Fortress and, with time, check out the charming old town, or Stari Grad. In the afternoon, enjoy a short bus ride to Belgrade.
Day 4: Belgrade
Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress then spend a free day floating down the Danube or shopping in one of the many bustling markets.
Opt to visit the National Theater or National Museum. The city offers a wealth of churches and cathedrals as well as an interesting Ethnographic Museum. Learn more about Serbian culture, traditions, costumes, and tools used throughout history.
Day 5: Belgrade/Sarajevo
Travel to Sarajevo, one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the region. Walk around the cobblestone streets, visit the famous Latin Bridge, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of this resilient place.
Walk around the cobblestone streets of the Old Town while taking in the architecture of its diverse places of worship.
Day 6: Sarajevo
Take an included tour of the 'Tunnel of Life' to get a better understanding of the tragic recent history of this captivating city. Spend some free time exploring the Stari Grad section and looking for 'Sarajevo Roses'.
Day 7: Sarajevo/Mostar
Travel through beautiful countryside to reach charming Mostar. The city's symbol, a beautiful reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge, is a reminder of the tenacity of Bosnians in recent times. Wander the old city and visit the new, taking in the many reminders of what the people of this region have survived.
After visiting the bridge, wander through the small streets and opt to sit in a café, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
For a sobering look into the city's recent history, wander through town, passing buildings still riddled with bullet holes. Visit a bank that was completely destroyed during the war and past houses in shambles. While life continues and progress is made, these sights remain as reminders of the evils of war.
Day 8: Mostar/Kotor
Continue on to Montenegro and arrive to the Bay of Kotor, a World Heritage-listed region. There is free time here to relax or explore as desired.
Arrive in time to start exploring this gorgeous area.
If relaxing is more your style, the beach of Kotor offers a great escape.
Day 9: Kotor
Enjoy a sea kayaking tour before free time to relax or explore. Wander the streets of the walled city of Kotor or relax on picturesque beaches.
Day 10: Kotor/Dubrovnik
Travel to Croatia and experience the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' in Dubrovnik. Visit the G Adventures-supported Deša project, a non profit dedicated to empowering and employing women in the community. Then, choose to relax in one of the many cafés, explore the old town fortifications, or take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands.
The red roofs of the old city make for spectacular photos and the seaside cafés serve up tasty seafood.
Day 11: Dubrovnik
Enjoy a free day to explore the Dalmatian Coast.
Day 12: Dubrovnik/Hvar
Head to the island of Hvar. Enjoy amazing beaches, nightlife, and water sports.
Filled with sunshine, the beautiful island is known for its lavender fields and vineyards in the interior and detailed Venetian-inspired architecture in the towns.
Day 13: Hvar
Soak in the scenery and relish the calm on a boat ride around the Pakleni Islands.
Day 14: Hvar/Split
Ferry back to the mainland and arrive to Split. Take a guided tour of the UNESCO site at Diocletian's Palace. Enjoy free time to explore this charming seaside town.
Opt to visit the local market and gobble up some Croatian delicacies. For a little more activity, visit Marjan's peak with gorgeous views over the city or hit up some of the hiking and biking trails in the area.
Day 15: Split
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Alison P. - Traveled, September 2023
Trip itinerary and style of travel
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Mireille R. - Traveled, September 2023
Friendship, organization
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Rosamond N. - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent well thought out stops with enough time to explore on your own and enjoy time away from the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Francine G. - Traveled, September 2023
We just love the G Adventures formula. We get our money?s worth. We see a lot in each trip. Always getting great CEO?s. Good organization. Love Planatera and the fact that the money we pay goes back to local businesses. Love the mission of G Adventures.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Dinah N. - Traveled, September 2023
important to have guide in countries like these ones.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Carolyn V. - Traveled, September 2023
Some people couldn't physically handle the walking perhaps.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Roger B. - Traveled, September 2023
Good value
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Rosemary M. - Traveled, September 2023
I have travelled with G Adventures many times now, I like the style of travel!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Edwin J. - Traveled, October 2023
Kind of got overwhelmed with all the war stories Collected by G Adventures
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Norman R. - Traveled, October 2023
Good experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Ilse V. - Traveled, October 2023
The groups are a good size, G Adventures does some tours/experiences off the beaten track and their homestay/local experiences offer insight into local living as well as supporting good causes. Generally, all logistics are well handled and accommodation and travel is of a good standard given the costs involved.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Kerrie J. - Traveled, October 2023
Focused on the past wars too much.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Juanita A. - Traveled, October 2023
We had a great experience with our tour group and with our tour leader Filip. This was our first ever tour so we didn't know what to expect. The trip exceeded our expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Maritta R. - Traveled, October 2023
Consistency. Variety. CEOs
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Maria R. - Traveled, October 2023
Excellent for solo travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Francine G. - Traveled, September 2023
We just love the G Adventures formula. We get our money?s worth. We see a lot in each trip. Always getting great CEO?s. Good organization. Love Planatera and the fact that the money we pay goes back to local businesses. Love the mission of G Adventures.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Mireille R. - Traveled, September 2023
Friendship, organization
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Caroline S. - Traveled, September 2023
Overall experience was fabulous. I think the quality of some of the hotels could have been improved upon.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Neha M. - Traveled, September 2023
The trips are well planned and organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Hector B. - Traveled, September 2023
We love everything about how G Adventures is providing it's services.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
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