Explore! Journey Through The Balkans
Travelling through the heart of former Yugoslavia, we discover four countries that have been shaped by a rich but turbulent history. Against a backdrop of jagged mountain peaks and dramatic coastlines we explore several UNESCO World Heritage cities, fascinating old towns and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Durmitor National Park.
Tour Highlights
• Dubrovnik - Explore one of the finest medieval cities in the world
• Cultural gems - Discover the glittering cultural heritage of Kotor, Mostar and Trebinj
• Mount Zlatibor - Visit the stunning open air museum at Sirogojno and enjoy the opportunity to ride on the unique and historic Šargan Eight narrow gauge railway
• Bridge Over the Drina - UNESCO World Heritage Site and the subject of Ivo Andric’s famous novel
• Sarajevo - Explore the cultural highlights of the city known as the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’
Day 1 Join tour at Dubrovnik Airport
After joining the tour at Dubrovnik airport, a 40-minute drive will take us into Montenegro and to the small, beautiful coastal town of Djenovici - our base for the next two nights.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: None
Day 2 Walking tour of Medieval Kotor and a boat trip in the bay
This morning we visit the old Medieval city of Kotor, lying beneath the slopes of Mount Lovcen. With its engaging mix of European and Byzantine influences, Kotor was once an independent city republic, until the threat of Ottoman attacks saw it join with the Venetians. We'll take a wander through the old city, walking its walls to enjoy the views across the traditional rooftops and out over the fjord from the Ivan Tower. Under the Venetians, Kotor became one of the best fortified cities in the region, boasting walls twice the length of Dubrovnik; walls which today provide us with a fascinating glimpse into its turbulent past.
After lunch, we will take to the waters of Kotor Bay, to explore some of the small islands that occupy the turquoise waters of what is essentially the southernmost fjord in Europe. An inspiration for artists and poets, the bay is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Its breathtaking mix of rugged mountains and azure waters compliment its rich scattering of charming coastal towns that attest to its former domination by the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Swimming at Sveti Stefan; opportunity of a boat trip on Skadar Lake
This morning's short journey to the resort of Sveti Stefan offers a chance to enjoy a swim on the beautiful Budva Riviera - a 35 kilometre-long strip of the Adriatic boasting some of the coast's best beaches. After our swim, we continue to the lovely town of Virpazar on the shores of Skadar Lake, where we will spend the night. The largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula, Skadar stretches for some 44 kilometres, encroaching into neighbouring Albania.
You have the option to explore Skadar Lake and its surrounding national park on a boat trip or on dry land. This area is home to some 270 species of birds, including egrets, spoonbills and one of the largest cormorant colonies on the planet. The park is also a haven for rare plants. What's more, its collection of monasteries, villages and sacred monuments span over nine centuries of Montenegrin history.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Visit Moraca Monastery and walk in Durmitor National Park; arrive in Zabljak
Today we drive to Zabljak, on the edge of the Durmitor National Park. Our journey takes us via the monumental 13th century Orthodox monastery at Moraca, as well as the impressive Djurdjevica Tara Bridge. Spanning the gorge over the Tara River, the bridge towers some 135 metres above the river valley.
Zabljak lies among the towering peaks, alpine lakes and high pastureland that is sandwiched between the Tara and Piva Canyons. Durmitor National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that presents us with a magnificent setting for an afternoon walk. On arrival, we will hike up through the thick forest towards the waters of Crno Jezero. Translated as the Black Lake, it is so named because of the dark pine landscape that surrounds it. Of the 18 glacial lakes that pepper this spectacular karst landscape, the Black Lake is probably the most famous and is certainly the largest, feeding the river basins of both the Tara and the Komarnica Rivers. Besides its glacial lakes, the park also features 27 peaks that exceed 2200 metres; five canyons; lush expanses of ancient forest and a labyrinthine system of caves and sinkholes. After exploring these natural wonders, we'll return to Zabljak for the evening.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Drive to Sirogojno (Serbia), visit the open air museum and Mileseva Monastery
Today we cross into western Serbia and head for the peaks of the Zlatibor massif. Covering some 300 square kilometres, Mount Zlatibor encompasses a range of mountains that stretch for 27 miles and makes up part of the Dinaric Alps.
n today's route, we will stop off at the 13th century Mileseva Monastery near Prijepolje. Founded by King Vladislav between 1234 and 1236, the monastery is one of the country's most important spiritual centres. Guided round by a local priest, we will see some of its superb examples of 13th century fresco painting, including the famous 'White Angel', which depicts an angel visiting the grave of Christ.
Tonight's accommodation is in the mountain-side village of Sirogojno - home to a remarkable open air museum that was declared a national monument back in 1983. Upon arrival, we will take a tour of this museum. Covering nearly 15 hectares, it contains a collection of traditional 19th century wooden buildings that have been assembled here from across the region, including a bakery, an inn and a dairy. All are authentic and provide a fascinating glimpse into Serbia's rural past.
Overnight: Simple Guesthouse
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Drive to Mokra Gora; chance to ride on the historic Sargan Eight Railway
Heading for Zlatibor's northern slopes, this morning we drive to the village of Mokra Gora, where there is the option to ride the historic narrow gauge railway, Sargan Eight. Travelling the 3.5 kilometres between Mokra Gora and Sargan Vitasi, the line is part of the former track that once ran between Sarajevo and Belgrade, until it was closed in 1974. The section over the Sargan Pass has been renovated by the Serbian government to recapture something of its 1920s heyday. Today, it represents one of the most beautiful sections of the old narrow gauge tracks that once crossed Europe.
Before returning to Mokra Gora for the evening, we will visit the beautiful mountain setting of Kustendorf. This traditional village was built by international director, Emir Kusturica, for his film 'Life is a Miracle'. These days, it is home to an international film and music festival.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Visit the famed Bridge Over the Drina; drive to Sarajevo (Bosnia Herzegovina)
Crossing into Bosnia Herzegovina this morning, we drive to Visegrad on the Drina River. Here, we will find the inspiration for Nobel Prize-winning author, Ivo Andric's novel, 'Bridge over the Drina'. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been an iconic symbol of the region for generations and was the scene of some of the worst atrocities of the Bosnian War. In Andric's novel, the bridge is the main protagonist and carries the hope for change for all who encounter it.
Later, we continue our journey to Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina's vibrant capital. Famed for its diverse religious heritage and often called the 'Jerusalem of Europe', we can look forward to a two night stay here.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Explore Sarajevo on our guided city tour
Located on the Sarajevo plain and surrounded by mountains, the city is the cultural and administrative heart of the country. This morning we will take a tour of some of its glittering highlights. Although it was a major settlement during the Middle Ages, it was the Ottoman Empire that founded much of the Sarajevo we know today, transforming a collection of villages into the largest city in the region. Annexed by the Habsburgs, Sarajevo became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1908, going on to become the scene of the catalyst for the start of World War I, when Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated here on 28th June 1914.
During the time of the Ottoman occupation, the city was home to Muslims, Catholics and Jews and Eastern Orthodox and many of its religious monuments have survived the city's turbulent past. Our tour will take in the beautiful old Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Michael and Gabriel and the stunning 16th century Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque. Considered the most important Islamic building in the country, this is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture anywhere in the world. We'll also see the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral and its pseudo-Moorish styled Town Hall - a particularly grandiose building that dates back to the Austro-Hungarian perio
A stroll through the centre of Bascarsija, in the heart of old Sarajevo, then offers a chance to explore something of the city's markets. The alleys that radiate out from the market square reflect the Ottoman tradition of naming streets after the traders who practised there and among these winding alleys and covered markets you can find bargains galore.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Drive to historic Mostar for a city tour and time to explore
We can look forward to spending today and tonight in historic Mostar. Set on the banks of the Neretva River, this is the largest and most important city in the Herzegovina region. Also, one of the most beautiful towns in the entire country, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is divided by the Neretva, with Croats on one side and Muslims on the other, reflecting its rich cultural heritag
Founded by the Turks during the 15th century and expanded by the Habsburgs 300 years later, the town and its historic old bridge (the Stari Most) were badly damaged during the Balkan conflict of the early 1990s. The old Ottoman bridge was rebuilt after the war and much of the old city has also been restored to its former glory. The five year-long programme of reconstruction went a long way to restoring peace to this shattered region, with international and ethnic co-operation helping to rebuild cultural as well as historic bridges.
Today, the city is host to a number of international festivals, including prominent music and traditional dance events, as well as the annual bridge jumping festival. After a tour of the city the rest of the day is free to explore this lovely old town at your own pace.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Stop at Tvrdos Monastery with the chance for a wine tasting; city tour of Trebinje
Heading back towards the Adriatic, we pay a visit to the charming 15th century Tvrdos Monastery, located on the cliffs above the town. Belonging to the Serbian Orthodox Church, the monastery has endured a somewhat violent past, having been destroyed by Turks, Venetians and a massive earthquake in the 17th century. The building we see today was reconstructed during the 1920s and is the headquarters of the bishop of Herzegovina, as well as being home to a number of monks who still live behind its monastic walls. It is particularly famous for its wine cellar and there is the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting during our visit.
We will spend the rest of today and tonight in Trebinje and can look forward to a tour of the old city. Lying along the banks of the Trebisnjica River, just across the border from Dubrovnik, this town once commanded the road between Ragusa and Constantinople and its environs are scattered with old mills and bridges. The attractive Ottoman Arsalangic Bridge is of particular note. Built in the 16th century, it is considered by many to be one of the finest of its kind in the country.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Discover Dubrovnik on foot
After enjoying breakfast in a local pastry shop, we set out on your journey to the beautiful city of Dubrovnik. Regarded as one of the finest examples of a fortified Medieval town anywhere in the world, it was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. The old city is a wonderful mix of monasteries, museums and red-tiled buildings that hark back to the glory days, when it was one of Europe's greatest maritime cities.
A guided walking tour will give us a feel of the layout of the town and its wealth of architectural masterpieces. Fully restored to its former grandeur following the Siege of Dubrovnik (1991-92), the old Medieval town still exudes a unique atmosphere and charm. George Bernard Shaw once wrote, 'those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik'. So, in the company of a local guide, we will discover the majesty of its Pile Gate, the city's Dominican church and the great Franciscan monastery, as well as the old port and the Rector's Pal
This afternoon is free to continue exploring in your own time, perhaps taking a walk around the city walls to take in the views across the twisting alleyways and the glittering waters of the Adriatic. Later, we will transfer to the beautiful coastal town of Cavtat, a picturesque fishing village that once found favour among the wealthy families of Europe. The old town still retains much of its endearing charm and it is a fitting place in which to enjoy our last evening of the tour.
Overnight: Simple Guesthouse
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Tour ends in Cavtat
Our tour ends after breakfast this morning in Cavtat.
Contact us for detailed itinerary
Highlights
• 12 day adventure visiting Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia
• Discover the contrasting landscapes and cultures of four countries
• Visit little-known yet fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Enjoy gentle walks with spectacular mountain and coastal views
• Comfort: Standard
• Tour Pace: Moderate
Why book this tour?
See four countries in 12 days and visit a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of the Dinaric Alps and Adriatic Coast and the beautiful fortified towns of Dubrovnik, Kotor, Mostar and Trebinje.
2015/16 Standard Itinerary
Included Meals
10 Breakfasts
Accommodation Breakdown:
• 2 nights Simple Guest House
• 9 nights Standard Hotel
Transport
Bus/Boat
Group Size
Approx 10 - 15
Tour Staff
Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides.
Design
Be unique
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Please note that from time to time our itineraries may be amended, either for operational reasons or in response to feedback from customers. Please ensure you have read the latest Tour Notes before booking or travelling on your tour.