Balkans Discovery | 2026
Balkans Discovery | 2026
$1629
Balkans Discovery | 2026
8 Days Starting in Dubrovnik and ending in Budapest
Visiting: Dubrovnik, Budva, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Budapest
Tour Overview
There's so much to fit in with this 8-day adventure around 6 incredible Balkan countries. Take in the Dalmatian Coastline as we head to Montenegro, visit some iconic sights in Albania, check out the place where WWI began and explore the architecture in Belgrade.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dubrovnik > Budva > Tirana
Location: Dubrovnik, Budva, Tirana
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 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: Tirana, 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: Mostar, Sarajevo
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 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: Sarajevo, Belgrade
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: Belgrade, Budapest
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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Meals
2 dinners and 7 breakfasts are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided walking tours in Tirana and Sarajevo are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation in hotels such as VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel, VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel, and Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo (or similar) is included.
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Trip Manager
A Trip Manager will accompany the group throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Lunches
Lunches are not included in the tour package.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as lunch at a sea-view restaurant in Budva and a cruise in Budapest are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel across the Balkans in a comfortable coach, starting from Dubrovnik and ending in Budapest, with stops in Budva, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, and Belgrade.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel, VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel, a conveniently located hotel in Mostar, Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo, Kopernikus Hotel Prag Belgrade, and Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar) throughout your Balkans Discovery tour.
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 kind of activities can I expect in Tirana?
In Tirana, you will have a walking tour guided by a local guide, and the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city. You can visit one of the many museums that might pique your interest.
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What is special about the visit to Mostar?
In Mostar, you will visit the legendary Mostar Bridge, which is an iconic piece of Ottoman architecture. The bridge was destroyed by war in 1993 and then rebuilt. The picturesque streets and beautiful rivers make it a treat to explore.
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What can I expect during the stay in Sarajevo?
In Sarajevo, you will have a guided walking tour to uncover the town's history. You will also have the option to taste home-made Bosnian cuisine and learn about local life. The evening includes a visit to a local tavern for dinner and socializing.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Belgrade?
In Belgrade, you can explore the medieval and modern aspects of the city. You can visit the fortress of Beogradska Tvrđava, stroll along the Sava river, or sit on the Hill of Contemplation. The city offers a lively atmosphere, especially at night.
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What options are available in Budapest?
In Budapest, you have the option to take a cruise in the evening. The city is known for its famous ruin bars, which are a must-see and offer a unique nightlife experience.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Specific meals are provided at various points during the tour, such as an included dinner on the first night in Tirana and a dinner at a local tavern in Sarajevo.
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel, VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel, a conveniently located hotel in Mostar, Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo, Kopernikus Hotel Prag Belgrade, and Ibis Budapest City South Hotel or similar accommodations.
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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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