Balkans Discovery | 2025
Balkans Discovery | 2025
$1629
Balkans Discovery | 2025
8 Days Starting in Dubrovnik, Croatia and ending in Budapest, Hungary
Visiting: Dubrovnik, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Budapest
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBBEMA20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Balkans with the "Balkans Discovery | 2025" tour, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, and Hungary. Begin your adventure in Dubrovnik, traveling in comfort across stunning landscapes to vibrant cities like Tirana, where you'll enjoy a guided orientation. Discover the historical charm of Mostar and Sarajevo, with opportunities to taste authentic Bosnian cuisine. Experience the lively nightlife of Belgrade and the architectural wonders of Budapest, including a scenic cruise and visits to iconic ruin bars. Stay in well-appointed hotels, ensuring a restful retreat after days filled with exploration and cultural immersion. This tour offers a perfect blend of guided experiences and free time, allowing you to soak in the diverse history and vibrant cultures of the Balkans at your own pace.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dubrovnik > Budva > Tirana
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Good morning, travellers! Hope you’re ready for an exciting ride across the beautiful Balkans. Today, you’ll exchange hellos with your Trip Manager (and your new crew too!). With no time to waste, we'll head straight to our first stop. We’ll stop by Montenegro's seaside beauty of Budva. You have the option to grab some lunch at a sea-view restaurant, or spend some time on the beach, before we head to our next stop. Welcome to the capital city of Albania. This hidden gem has a lot to offer, and we’ve got the entirety of tomorrow to see it all. Join us for an included dinner tonight before heading back to our hotel to get some sleep as our adventure begins...
Day 2: Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to wake up! Grab your breakfast and join us for a walking tour of Tirana, guided by a local guide. And the rest of the day is all yours to spend in this beautiful city, and one of the many museums will defo pique your interest!
Day 3: Tirana > Mostar
Location: Mostar
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tirana, you’ve been great. But we’ve got another awe-inspiring destination waiting for us. Hello Mostar! We’re officially in Bosnia & Herzegovina, ready to bask in all of its historical glory. Beautiful rivers, iconic bridges, brick-red roofs - it’s gonna be a treat. Tonight, we’ll stroll around the picturesque streets to grab some authentic dinner. Spend the night chilling with your crew and getting some well-deserved rest.
Day 4: Mostar > Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready? This morning, we’re visiting the legendary Mostar Bridge that arches right over the silent blue river. (And it makes for a perfect backdrop for your Insta photo dump!) The historical streets of Sarajevo have a story or two to tell. And we’ll be listening to them all tomorrow. Tonight, you have the option to taste home-made Bosnian cuisine, learn what living like a local is like (plus support their families in turn). A truly wholesome experience!
Day 5: Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The only way to uncover the town of Sarajevo is with the wisdom shared on a guided walking tour. We'll help you tap into history & understand the magnitude of our destination. And then to lighten the mood, we’ll head to a local tavern for a delicious dinner and gags with friends.
Day 6: Sarajevo > Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kopernikus Hotel Prag Belgrade (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise up, roamers! We're departing for the town of Belgrade to continue our epic frolic through the Balkans. Another border crossing is on the agenda as we wave our way into Serbia en route to Belgrade. Medieval meets modern in this bustling, pure white city. Zen folk can go sit on the Hill of Contemplation or stroll along the Sava river, others can see the fortress of Beogradska Tvrđava & enjoy the lively mood of Belgrade by night.
Day 7: Belgrade > Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Belgrade behind, today we're onto beautiful Budapest. Fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe, Budapest is on our beeline. You'll have the option to take a cruise and make the most of your evening. Later, you'll no doubt want to keep things moving at one of the city's famous ruins bars, that need to be seen to be believed!
Day 8: End Budapest
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
That's a wrap! Our love affair with the Balkans has sadly come to an end! But perhaps we can get the squad back together for a reunion trip?
What's Included
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Orientation in Tirana
Take an orientation around the rainbow-coloured Albanian capital, Tirana.
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Visit to Mostar Bridge
Visit the legendary Mostar Bridge that arches over the silent blue river.
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Walking Tour in Sarajevo
Explore the historical streets of Sarajevo and taste home-made Bosnian cuisine.
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Nightlife in Belgrade
Enjoy the lively mood of Belgrade by night and see the fortress of Beogradska Tvrdava.
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Cruise in Budapest
Take a cruise in Budapest and visit one of the city's famous ruin bars.
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Included Dinner on Day 1
Join us for an included dinner tonight before heading back to our hotel.
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Walking Tour in Tirana
Begin the day with a walking tour, guided by your Trip Manager.
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Cable Car Ride in Tirana
Hop onto a cable car for scenic birds-eye views of the lush green landscape of Albania.
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Guided Walking Tour in Sarajevo
Uncover the town of Sarajevo with the wisdom shared on a guided walking tour.
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Local Tavern Dinner in Sarajevo
Head to a local tavern for a delicious dinner and gags with friends.
What's Not Included
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Lunch in Budva
You have the option to grab some lunch at a sea-view restaurant in Budva.
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Dinner in Tirana on Day 2
You can chill with your crew in the city and grab some dinner.
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Dinner in Mostar
Stroll around the picturesque streets to grab some authentic dinner.
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Home-made Bosnian Cuisine in Sarajevo
You have the option to taste home-made Bosnian cuisine and learn what living like a local is like.
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Cruise and Ruin Bars in Budapest
You have the option to take a cruise and visit one of the city's famous ruin bars.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Tirana: Take an orientation around the rainbow-coloured Albanian capital with your Contiki gang. Familiarise yourself with the landmarks and best places to grab a coffee.
- Mostar: See this epic piece of Ottoman architecture, which was destroyed by war in 1993 and then rebuilt.
- Sarajevo: See the sights of the Bosnian capital and get up to speed on 500 years of history, from the Ottomans to the present day.
- Belgrade: Ramble around the Serbian capital. It’s brimming with culture and history for you to soak up.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the Balkans Discovery tour?
The tour travels across the Balkans in a comfortable coach, with stops in various cities including Dubrovnik, Budva, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, and Budapest, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey through multiple countries.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in comfort at hotels such as the VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel, Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo, Kopernikus Hotel Prag Belgrade, and Ibis Budapest City South Hotel, or similar accommodations, which offer a blend of modern amenities and convenient locations.
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Are meals included in the Balkans Discovery tour?
The tour includes 2 dinners and 7 breakfasts. An included dinner is provided on the first day in Tirana, and there are opportunities to enjoy local cuisine at various stops.
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What activities are included in the tour itinerary?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as an orientation in Tirana, a visit to the Mostar Bridge, a walking tour in Sarajevo, enjoying the nightlife in Belgrade, and a cruise in Budapest. Additionally, there are guided walking tours and opportunities to taste local cuisine.
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Is there an opportunity to experience local culture during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several opportunities to experience local culture, including tasting home-made Bosnian cuisine in Sarajevo, visiting a local tavern for dinner, and exploring the historical streets of various cities.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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