Tour Overview
Embark on the "Best of the Balkans" tour, a cultural journey through Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Begin in the enchanting city of Dubrovnik, exploring its medieval charm before traveling in luxury air-conditioned coaches to the stunning landscapes of Montenegro and the historic town of Kotor. Discover Sarajevo's rich cultural tapestry and Mostar's iconic Stari Most bridge. In Split, delve into the ancient Roman past with a visit to Diocletian's Palace. Enjoy cherry-picked accommodations, including Hotel Adria in Dubrovnik and Monte Casa Spa & Wellness in Budva, with many meals and daily breakfasts included. Enhance your experience with city orientation tours and optional experiences like a sunset dinner cruise in Dubrovnik. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, ensuring an unforgettable Balkan adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel, Adria (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Villas Plat
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 travelers for an included dinner this evening and a glimpse into what lies ahead.
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Day 2: Dubrovnik Sightseeing and free time
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel Adria (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Villas Plat
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, join a Local Guide for a 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 for the perfect end to the day.
Day 3: Dubrovnik - Kotor - Budva
Location: Dubrovnik, Kotor, Budva
Accommodation: Hotel, Monte Casa Spa & Wellness
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Queen of Montenegro
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, it's no surprise it's a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your Travel Director will orientate you on this historic town where you'll have time to explore at leisure.
Day 4: Budva - Sarajevo
Location: Budva, Sarajevo
Accommodation: Ibis Styles
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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'. Later dinner will be at your hotel.
Day 5: Sarajevo Sightseeing
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation: Ibis Styles
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles
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 Guide 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. Join a local family in their home for tasty traditional cuisine or enjoy a lively encounter in a favorite local restaurant with dinner and entertainment.
Day 6: Sarajevo - Mostar
Location: Sarajevo, Mostar
Accommodation: Mostar
Accommodation Name: Mostar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you’ll head to Mostar, joining a Local Guide 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 colorful cobbled streets overlooking the Neretva River. You’ll have time to explore the city on your own or perhaps join a Local Guide 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: Mondo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sit back, relax and watch the stunning scenery as you are bound for Split, where modern façades reveal glimpses of an ancient Roman past. On arrival in Split, a Local Specialist takes you behind the city walls to this harbor town's heart, the 4-century Roman Emperor Diocletian's 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 7-century Cathedral of Saint Domnius as you explore its maze of narrow alleys. You'll have an evening to discover the Dalmatian capital on your terms or join an Optional Experience in a traditional konoba for a Dalmatian dinner and live music.
Day 8: Split Your Way
Location: Split
Accommodation: Mondo
Accommodation Name: Mondo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is free for you to explore Split as you choose. If you’re after more sightseeing, you could choose to spend the rest of your day by joining a Choice 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 center 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.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout your journey.
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Cherry-picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, ensuring comfort and quality during your holiday.
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City Orientation Tours
City orientation tours are included to help you explore and understand the destinations you visit.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
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Luxury Air-conditioned Coach
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey throughout the Balkans.
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Extensive Variety of Choice Experiences
An extensive variety of Choice Experiences are included to enrich your travel experience.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the sunset dinner cruise in Dubrovnik, traditional cuisine with a local family in Sarajevo, and a visit to Blagaj 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.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Travel Director, driver, and local specialists are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury air-conditioned coaches with Wi-Fi in most countries, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey throughout the Balkans.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, including Hotel Adria in Dubrovnik, Monte Casa Spa & Wellness in Budva, Ibis Styles in Sarajevo, and Mondo in Split. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Essentials
- Sightseeing tour with Local Guide includes a visit of the Old City. See the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries
- Orientation around the Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with your Travel Director
- Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the Old Town
- See the iconic historic bridge, Stari Most, a symbol of unity and resilience, and visit the bustling Bazaar with your Local Guide
- With your Local Guide, see the grand Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the Best of the Balkans tour?
The tour uses luxury air-conditioned coaches with Wi-Fi available in most countries, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey throughout the Balkans.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Best of the Balkans tour?
You will stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, including Hotel Adria in Dubrovnik, Monte Casa Spa & Wellness in Budva, Ibis Styles in Sarajevo, and Mondo in Split. Occasionally, hotels of similar standard and location may be used.
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Are meals included in the Best of the Balkans tour?
Yes, many meals and daily breakfasts are included in the tour.
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What kind of guided experiences are included in the Best of the Balkans tour?
The tour includes city orientation tours and sightseeing with Local Guides, providing audio headsets to enhance your sightseeing experiences.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the Best of the Balkans tour?
Yes, optional experiences such as a sunset dinner cruise in Dubrovnik, traditional cuisine with a local family in Sarajevo, and a visit to Blagaj are available but not included in the tour price.
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What is the starting and ending location of the Best of the Balkans tour?
The tour starts in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and ends in Split, Croatia.
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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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Book 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 Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Best of the Balkans
9 Days Starting in Dubrovnik, Croatia and ending in Split, Croatia
Visiting: Dubrovnik, Kotor, Budva, Sarajevo, Mostar, Split
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HCBHZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
