Best of the Balkans
9 Days Starting in Dubrovnik and ending in Split
Visiting: Dubrovnik, Kotor, Sarajevo, Mostar, Split
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HCBHAZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 45
Age range:
5-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$1625
$1395
Operator discount: -$230
-14%
NB: Prices correct on 01-Jun-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Journey from medieval ruins to ancient Roman sights on this 10 day exploration of the Best of the Balkans, featuring the historic town centres of Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split. You'll wander through multicultural cities, hear moving stories of war, discover the stunning architecture, and watch as the vivid colours of the Plitvice lakes and waterfalls morph with the changing light. Centuries of history will be revealed through the eyes of Local Specialists who share their secrets of the Balkans.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel Adria (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Hotel Adria (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Dubrovnik where you'll get to see 'paradise on earth'- if George Bernard Shaw is to be believed. The famous playwright was a big fan of this medieval fortified city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast. Over the next day you'll uncover the city's unique appeal, but first meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an included dinner this evening and a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Day 2 : Dubrovnik Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel Adria (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Hotel Adria (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we join a Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour of the iconic highlights in Dubrovnik. Admire the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain and the city walls. Stroll through elegant courtyards and along limestone streets, admiring the remnants of Dubrovnik's Golden Age. Tonight, there's no better way to enjoy this shimmering coastline than embarking on an optional sunset dinner cruise to a secluded bay, with the illuminated city of Dubrovnik providing the perfect end to the evening.
Day 3 : Dubrovnik - Kotor - Budva
Location: Dubrovnik, Kotor
Accommodation Name: Hotel Monte Casa Budva
Meals Included: No Meals
Journey through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro to the Old Town of Kotor, known as Stari Grad. Located beside a beautiful bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, its no surprise it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your Travel Director will take you on an orientation around this historic town. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 4 : Budva - Sarajevo
Location: Kotor, Sarajevo
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Sarajevo
Meals Included: No Meals, No Meals
Small villages and broad plains line your route south into Bosnia-Herzegovina. Arrive later today in its capital Sarajevo, where a rich religious and multi-cultural heritage has earned it the nickname, the 'Jerusalem of Europe'. Warm Bosnian hospitality is on the menu tonight if you choose one of our two Optional Experiences. Join a local family in their home for tasty traditional cuisine or enjoy a lively encounter in a favourite local restaurant with dinner and entertainment.
Day 5 : Sarajevo Sightseeing
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation: Ibis Styles
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Sarajevo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, centuries of religious history are reflected in Sarajevo's beautiful synagogues, mosques, and Orthodox and Catholic churches as you'll discover when you join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour. You'll also visit the Old Town, view the largest mosque in the Balkans, and see the Eternal Flame and the Sarajevo Roses that are dotted across the city, standing as a stark reminder of the turmoil Sarajevo endured decades ago.
Day 6 : Sarajevo - Mostar
Location: Sarajevo, Mostar
Accommodation: Mostar
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mostar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you’ll head to Mostar, joining a Local Specialist for an exploration of this historic multicultural city that witnessed an impressive resurrection after the Bosnian War. Part of its restoration can be seen in the traditional reconstruction of its medieval 'Stari Most', an Ottoman-style bridge. You'll delve into a tragic time not long ago when Catholic Croats, Muslim Bosniaks and Orthodox Serbs fought for supremacy amidst the colourful cobbled streets overlooking the Neretva River. You’ll have time to explore the city on your own or perhaps join a Local Specialist for a visit to Blagaj, famous for its natural spring and one of the most mystical cultural and historical villages in the country.
Day 7 : Mostar - Split
Location: Mostar, Split
Accommodation: Mondo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mondo Split
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sit back, relax and watch the stunning Adriatic coastline go by as you pass old fishing villages and modern resorts bound for Split, where modern façades reveal glimpses of an ancient Roman past. You'll have an evening to discover the Dalmatian capital on your terms or join an Optional Experience in a traditional stone basement konoba for a Dalmatian dinner and live music.
Day 8 : Split Your Way
Location: Split
Accommodation: Mondo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mondo Split
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today a Local Specialist takes you behind the city walls to this harbour town's heart, the 4th-century Roman Emperor Diocletian Palace, followed by a leisurely walking tour through the historic Old Town. See how Gothic, Roman and Renaissance structures merge seamlessly across the cityscape. Admire Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the 7th-century Cathedral of Saint Domnius as you explore its maze of narrow alleys. If you’re after more sightseeing on your Balkans value tour, you could choose to spend the rest of your day by joining an Optional Experience to one of the glittering Dalmatian islands. Or perhaps indulge in some of the local vintages which have justifiably earned the islands their reputation as a celebrated wine centre for centuries.
Day 9 : Depart Split
Location: Split
Meals Included: Breakfast
You've explored medieval monuments, witnessed the revival of war-torn cities and relaxed on the sun-kissed shores of the Adriatic. The allure of the Balkans will linger long after you've said goodbye to your travel companions. Find out more about your available transfers at costsavertour.com/transfers.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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City orientation tours
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Many meals and daily breakfasts included
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Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
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Extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
International airfare to and from the start and end of your tour is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Experiences
Some optional experiences that are not included in the tour price may require additional fees.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, and room service are not included.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for Travel Director, Driver, and Local Specialists are not included.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, many meals and daily breakfasts are included in the tour.
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What type of accommodation is included?
The tour includes cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
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What are the highlights of the tour?
The highlights of the tour include Sarajevo sightseeing with a Local Specialist including the Old Town, Mostar with a visit to the historic bridge and Bazaar, Dubrovnik sightseeing tour including a visit of the Old City, and Split sightseeing of Diocletian's Palace.
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Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Dubrovnik and ends in Split.
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What is not included in the tour price?
International airfare, travel insurance, some optional experiences, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, and room service, and tips and gratuities for Travel Director, Driver, and Local Specialists are not included.
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What type of transportation is provided?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries.
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What countries will the tour visit?
The tour will visit Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
Reviews of this operator
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Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
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