Balkans Escape
8 Days Starting in Budapest and ending in Dubrovnik
Visiting: Budapest, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Radovljica, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Dubrovnik
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBBDMA20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Balkans Escape" tour, a captivating journey through Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia. Begin in Budapest with a guided walking tour past iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Chain Bridge, followed by a scenic drive to Ljubljana. Experience the enchanting beauty of Lake Bled, framed by the Julian Alps, and explore the medieval charm of Radovljica. Discover the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park with its turquoise lakes and lush forests. Continue to the coastal city of Split, and finally, arrive in Dubrovnik, where you'll stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town and spot famous Game of Thrones filming locations. Enjoy a mix of cultural experiences, nature walks, and historical sightseeing, with included breakfasts and dinners to enhance your adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Good evening, 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!). To celebrate, we’ll feast on a delicious welcome dinner and watch the sun set over this historical city.
Day 2: Budapest > Ljubljana
Location: Budapest, Ljubljana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll set out along the cobbled streets of Budapest for a guided walking tour to explore what this city has on offer. You'll see St Stephen's Basilica, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building. And then we’ll hop onto the coach to our next stop.
After a morning full of awesome ancient architecture, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana. Tonight, you can choose to join a traditional Slovenian evening. We're talking: a traditional dancing show paired with a spread of authentic dishes. A feast for your mind and tastebuds alike!
Day 3: Ljubljana > Lake Bled > Radovljica > Ljubljana
Location: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Radovljica, Ljubljana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ljubljana, thank you for the perfect dose of Balkan tradition. But we’ll be back in a while. Because today, something even more exciting is on the agenda.
You've probably seen pictures of Lake Bled, but nothing will prepare you for the real thing. With its fairytale medieval castle reaching out of an islet, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and the turquoise waters of the lake itself, it really is like something out of a Disney movie.
Satisfied your soul soaking in all that natural beauty? Now satisfy your hungry tummies with some lunch at this quaint Medieval town.
It’s been a long but pleasing day. Tonight, we’ll stroll around town and grab some dinner on the way. And with a satisfied smile on our faces, the day has come to an end.
Day 4: Ljubljana > Plitvice National Park
Location: Ljubljana, Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Next up is something altogether drop dead gorgeous....A strong introduction to Croatia is on the cards today with cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes. Why this place is not famous world over as one of the prettiest places in Europe, we have no idea.
Day 5: Plitvice National Park > Split
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Split Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning, explorers! Fill up on your included breakfast. It’s time to hit the road again…Welcome to the sea-side heaven of Split. With the oh-so-inviting aquamarine waters on our side, we’ll check into our stay. You’ve got some time to explore this beautiful city. And then, you can choose to join us for some dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern.
Day 6: Split > Dubrovnik
Location: Split, Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Split it's been fantastic, but we have to leave for other Croatian gems further down the coast.
The drive along the Dalmatian coastline to Dubrovnik is a sightseeing must do all on its own. On arrival in the city you'll be greeted by limestone walls; an Old Town filled with quintessentially Croatian cafes and plenty of clubs; and a mountain meets sea situation will see you falling in love within seconds. Tonight over dinner with the crew, spirits will no doubt be high and the show's not over yet!
Day 7: Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The city of Dubrovnik is so much more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Game of Thrones location - not that either of those claims to fame are even mildly mediocre. After you've been guided around the city with intricate detail with our local guide you'll be armed with the knowledge to pick out a waterside rock bar where you can swim and indulge 'til your heart's content.
Day 8: Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
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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Welcome Dinner in Budapest
Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner and watch the sun set over the historical city of Budapest.
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Guided Walking Tour in Budapest
Explore Budapest with a guided walking tour, including St Stephen's Basilica, the Chain Bridge, and the Parliament building.
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Traditional Slovenian Evening
Experience a traditional Slovenian evening with a dancing show and authentic dishes in Ljubljana.
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Visit to Lake Bled
Walk around the scenic Lake Bled, framed by the Julian Alps, and enjoy the natural beauty.
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Visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Explore the cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the prettiest places in Europe.
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Dinner at a Traditional Dalmatian Tavern
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern in Split.
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Scenic Drive along the Dalmatian Coastline
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Dalmatian coastline to Dubrovnik.
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Guided Tour of Dubrovnik
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town of Dubrovnik with a local guide and spot Game of Thrones film sets.
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 the traditional Slovenian evening and dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern 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.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with coach transportation, ensuring a scenic and relaxing journey between destinations including Budapest, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, and Dubrovnik.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Ibis Budapest City South Hotel, Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre, Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera, Hotel Split Inn, and Hotel Petka Dubrovnik, or similar accommodations, offering a blend of modern amenities and convenient locations.
Check out our Q&As
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Some meals are included in the tour package. For example, there is a welcome dinner in Budapest, and breakfast is provided on some days. However, lunches are not included, and some dinners, such as the traditional Dalmatian tavern dinner, are optional and not included in the package.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in hotels such as the Ibis Budapest City South Hotel, Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre, Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera, Hotel Split Inn, and Hotel Petka Dubrovnik or similar.
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What should I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day of the tour, you will meet your Trip Manager and fellow travelers in Budapest. The day will end with a welcome dinner and watching the sunset over the historical city.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as guided walking tours in Budapest and Dubrovnik, a visit to Lake Bled, exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, and a scenic drive along the Dalmatian coastline. Additionally, there are optional activities like a traditional Slovenian evening and dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included in the tour package.
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What is special about the visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its cascading teal forest pools and is considered one of the prettiest places in Europe. The visit will allow you to explore this natural wonder.
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What can I do in Dubrovnik during the tour?
In Dubrovnik, you will have a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed old town, where you can spot Game of Thrones film sets. You will also have the opportunity to explore the city further and enjoy its cafes and clubs.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package and must be purchased separately.
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What kind of experience can I expect in Ljubljana?
In Ljubljana, you can experience a traditional Slovenian evening with a dancing show and authentic dishes. You will also have the opportunity to visit Lake Bled and enjoy its natural beauty.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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