Explore the Balkans
Experience Overview
Veer off the beaten track and discover some of Central Europe’s up-and-coming hotspots on this ten-day adventure. Starting off in cultured and cosmopolitan Budapest, travel to the Serbian capital of Belgrade for a taste of a city on the rise. Learn about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s war years in Sarajevo, stop by the famed Old Bridge of Mostar and finish things up in medieval Dubrovnik of Game of Thrones fame. Melding the past with the present and the raw with the cultivated, this Balkans adventure gives you the power to see Central Europe your way, with a local leader on hand to steer you in the right direction.
Highlights
- Delve into the communist past and progressive present of the Pearl of the Danube - Budapest, a city often underrated by travellers
- Visit Novi Sad on the banks of the Danube River and maybe explore the Petrovaradin Fortress – one of the most important landmarks in the city with a great view over the river. Then, immerse yourself in the edgy street scene of Belgrade's Bohemian Quarter.
- Explore the sobering Tito’s Bunker in Mostar – an underground facility that served as Yugoslavia's ‘Atomic War Command,’ designed to house a skeleton government who would manage the country in the event of nuclear war.
- Admire the restored architecture of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kotor in Montenegro on a climb along the ancient city fortifications. Then, discover the glittering Bay of Kotor in your free time.
- Hit the historic hotspot of Dubrovnik along Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline. With medieval walls, Game of Thrones tours, hidden swimming coves and alleyway restaurants, this is the perfect spot to end your adventure.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3224
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Public bus,Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMRC
Starts: Budapest, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Finishes: Dubrovnik, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7),Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Pension (2 nights),Hostel (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,135 ($214 /day)
Itinerary
Szia! Welcome to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. This city, split into two sides – Buda and Pest – sits right on the banks of the Danube River. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner, then take a night walk along the Danube to see the buildings and bridges lit up in lights. Why not keep the night going in one of Budapest's ruin bars tonight, home to eclectic décor and a popular spot for a night out.
Optional Activities:
- Budapest - House of Terror (4000 HUF)
- Budapest - Hungarian National Museum (2900 HUF)
- Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park (5000 HUF)
- Budapest - Central Market - Free
- Budapest - Great Synagogue (9000 HUF)
- Budapest - Bike Ride (6000 HUF)
- Budapest - Parliament Tour (12000 HUF)
- Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) (9400 HUF)
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour (7000 HUF)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll head to Belgrade – Serbia’s capital and one of the oldest cities in Europe. On the way, stop at Novi Sad on the banks of the Danube River. Head out on an orientation walk of the city with your leader, then take a few hours to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to the Petrovaradin Fortress, one of the most important landmarks in the city, and enjoy the view over the river. There are also some great restaurants and cafes at the fortress where you can stop for lunch or a coffee. Then, continue to your destination – sitting at the junction of the Sava and the Danube, Belgrade is an important intersection between Eastern and Western Europe. Enjoy some free time to explore the city’s wide boulevards and squares, the historic green heart of Kalemegdan Park and Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the river for centuries. In the evening, head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and enjoy the lively atmosphere in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to nightclubs.
Included Activities:
- Novi Sad – Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is another day to discover Belgrade at your own pace. You might like to take a cruise along the Danube River, passing Kalemegdan Fortress, Pancevo Bridge and Zemun. Otherwise, the local market Zeleni Venac can keep you occupied for hours. Take a stroll through the Nikola Tesla Museum to learn about the life and work of Serbia's greatest inventor or check out the city's Ethnographic or Military museums. If the weather’s warm, you could brave the crowds on Ada Ciganlija beach, where you can swim, take up some water sports or soak up the sun. During summer, Belgrade hosts a variety of musical and cultural events, and the city is abuzz with people and activities.
Optional Activities:
- Belgrade - Danube River Cruise (800 RSD)
- Belgrade - Tito’s Mausoleum (House of Flowers) (400 RSD)
- Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum (800 RSD)
- Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide (60 EUR)
- Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
- Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum (300 RSD)
- Belgrade - Military Museum (350 RSD)
- Belgrade - eBike Tour (from) (35 EUR)
- Belgrade - Bike Tour (from) (30 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel through the countryside to Sarajevo this morning. The journey is long, so sit back and enjoy the scenery (and grab a window seat if you can!). Sarajevo is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s small but vibrant capital. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a place that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. When you arrive, maybe head on an optional guided tour to gain insight into the history and culture of the city and explore Bascarsija – Sarajevo's old bazaar. Tonight, maybe grab some of the local speciality – bosanski cevapi (local grilled and spiced meats).
Included Activities:
- Sarajevo - Burek Snack in Bascarsija
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo today. You can take an optional day trip out to the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza – the source of the Bosna River. You might prefer to discover local history with a visit to the History Museum, the Sarajevo War Tunnels and Sniper Alley, or learn about the tragedies faced by the city's Jews at the Jewish Museum. Maybe get cultural with a stroll through the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina, or return to Bascarsija and get lost in the mosques, caravanserais and stone-vaulted bazaars while snacking on burek. The Pivnica HS brewery and restaurant is a good place to sample local award-winning beer and spend the night with your travel crew.
Optional Activities:
- Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library (10 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (3 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Svrzo's House (3 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan (3 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Despica House (3 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum (10 BAM)
- Sarajevo - City Tour with Local Guide (90 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Jewish Museum (3 BAM)
- Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs (15 BAM)
- Sarajevo - War Tunnel (10 BAM)
- Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (8 BAM)
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, travel to Mostar. On the way, stop at Tito's Bunker, named after the late leader of the communist country, for a 1.5-hour tour with a local guide. This underground facility served as Yugoslavia's ‘Atomic War Command,’ designed to house a skeleton government of 350 people who would manage the country in the event of nuclear war. Continue to Mostar – thanks to the river Neretva, this city was able to develop in the barren landscape of Herzegovina. When you arrive, maybe head to the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), first built by the Ottomans in 1565 – it was the great architect Mimar Hajrudin who succeeded with the impossible mission to cross the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. If you’re lucky, you might see the famous brave members of Mostar’s diving club hurl themselves into the icy waters below.
Included Activities:
- Mostar - Stari Most
- Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
Optional Activities:
- Mostar - Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret (15 BAM)
- Mostar - Old Bridge Museum (10 BAM)
- Mostar - War Photo Exhibition (6 BAM)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning after breakfast, you’ll travel to Kotor. This fifth-century UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a rocky coastline dotted with waterside towns. When you arrive, explore Europe’s most southerly fjord, Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor) and Kotor town, with a free afternoon. Maybe check out the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tryphun, the South Gates of Kotor (the Gurdich Gate) and the Armoury Square (Trg od Oruzija).
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is another free day to get lost in the crooked alleyways of Kotor. Maybe check out the boutiques and cafes or climb the hills behind the city to visit Kotor's ruined fortification walls. A 1.5-hour hike up the stone steps, past churches, gates and bastions to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan at the top, rewards you with magnificent views across the town and the Bay of Kotor. Tonight, maybe hang out in a lookout spot and take in the lights – the city walls are lit up in the evening here to provide a unique night-time perspective.
Optional Activities:
- Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord (40 EUR)
- Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral (4 EUR)
- Budva - Day Trip (by public bus) (6 EUR)
- Kotor - Fortress (3 EUR)
- Kotor - Maritime Museum (5 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Montenegro by bus this morning, riding along the beautiful southern coast of Croatia to Dubrovnik. When you arrive, the day is free for you to explore this medieval city at your own pace. There is so much to see and do here, so ask your leader if you’re stuck for ideas. You might like to take a boat trip to nearby Lokrum Island, where you’ll find the French-built Fort Royal Castle, a monastery and a botanical garden that dates back to when the Austrian archduke Maximilian had his holiday home on the island. Tonight, maybe find a secluded beach spot to watch the sunset or enjoy a harbourside meal with the group for dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
- Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
- Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure (69 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car (27 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence (4 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace (13 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum (10 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip (27 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery (4 EUR)
- Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites) (35 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at any time. If you’d like to stay longer and explore more of what this gorgeous historical city has to offer, just speak to your booking agent.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
David - Traveled, September 2023
This trip has to be the best way to understand the Balkans. Just the right amount of time to immerse yourself in it all before the next exciting destination. Thoroughly enjoyed this trip and heartily recommend it to all. Go light, Go alone, Go now!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
Marian - Traveled, August 2023
We would never have been able to do the Balkans without our leader who could help with the language, buses etc. Just being able to do our own thing at each stop but with transport and accommodation organised by the tour co was great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2023
Katie - Traveled, August 2023
I did not know what to expect with this trip considering the amount of free time we had at each destination and there is not a ton of information out there, so I was pleasantly surprised with the natural beauty of the Balkans, the hospitality of the locals, and the variety of activities in each location. This was an amazing trip and wonderful experience. Our leader, Dijana, was so much fun! She was very knowledgeable about all of the locations we visited and eager to tell us about her country. She really made the trip even more enjoyable with her stories, recommendations, and guidance. This was an amazing experience!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2023
Dorothy - Traveled, August 2023
Fantastic life changing trip, guides are knowledgeable and accommodating.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/09/2023
Dorothy - Traveled, August 2023
Excellent trips, eye opening. Guide was fantastic, group worked well together and he kept us organized and motivated!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2023
Alex - Traveled, September 2023
Budapest and the Balkans was a whirlwind tour of various cities within a fascinating region. I got a great basic overview of a lot of different peoples and places. The trip really helped deepen my knowledge and connect in reality with things I had only read about which was great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Gemma - Traveled, September 2023
This was an amazing trip to a beautiful part of the world with fascinating history and culture. The highlight for me (although I loved every day) was Sarajevo. The Bay of Kotor and the old town were also brilliant. Petar was a fantastic leader. I learnt a lot and got to spend time with new friends but also had plenty of free time to do my own thing. Highly recommend this incredible trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Steven - Traveled, September 2023
Great overview of the Balkins. This trip took care of the travel and lodging part of the journey while still allowing time to explore places on you own. This area experienced war recently and it was enlightening to see some of the war damage as well as to hear first hand stories of the survivors.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Andrea - Traveled, August 2023
Nice trip. Great stops. Very busy. Traveling every other day and long travel days. Hotels were basic and totally fine but some hotels locations were not ok. Staying 25 minutes out of the city center in Serbia with not great public transport was really not ideal.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2023
Emily - Traveled, July 2023
Wow, what an incredible trip! Brilliantly organised, interesting destinations, great people and outstanding group leader!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/08/2023
Davina - Traveled, July 2023
Fabulous trip largely due to an excellent tour leader. Eclectic group of travellers who all got on well
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Panagiotis - Traveled, July 2023
Great trip in the Balkans .Intrepid always delivers the goods .Also our Tour group Leader “Dina “ was excellent .Her knowledge and experience made the trip even more enjoyable.Thank you Intrepid and “Dina”.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Jane - Traveled, July 2023
Interesting trip beginning in lively Budapest and through some fascinating Balkan Cities! Great snapshots, lots of historical information covered, plenty of walking and some swimming too. Wonderful guide Ivana and friendly travel companions who became new friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2023
David - Traveled, July 2023
An amazing trip through five fantastic countries, food, scenery, history it’s all there to be had. A great region to discover and you won’t be disappointed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2023
Donna - Traveled, July 2023
Great cultural experience, a massive eye opener to the region through such friendly locals. Perfect mix of flexibility throughout.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Sean - Traveled, July 2023
A great trip. If you're lucky enough to get Ivana as your guide you will be well taken care of. Really interesting history. I wish I had researched the history more before I went. I would have gotten more out of it. Learned a lot though. The people can come off as gruff but they are really kind. All in all a very safe and friendly place to visit, if a bit over touristed. Damn it was hot though!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2023
Evan - Traveled, May 2023
This basic trip is good value with plenty of free time in each location. So much history to absorb in the Balkans. Nina was a great leader, low key but very organized and approachable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2023
Amanda - Traveled, May 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2023
Kathrine - Traveled, August 2023
Seriously, one of the best trips I have ever taken with Intrepid! I didn't research a lot before my trip and didn't know what to expect, but I loved this trip! I learned so much about this region of the world and it was so beautiful! From the cities, rivers, and to the fjord, it was stunning!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2022
Nikolas - Traveled, August 2022
The Balkans tour absolutely blew my mind. It was the perfect mix of beauty, culture and history with an amazing guide and amazing group of people. I couldn't recommend it enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/31/2022
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