Western Balkans Discovery - 7 days

Western Balkans Discovery - 7 days

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7 Days From

$2135

$1601

Western Balkans Discovery - 7 days

7 Days Starting in Zagreb, Croatia and ending in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Visiting: Zagreb, Bled, Ljubljana, Split, Dubrovnik

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

1485/WBDI

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 52

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

12-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2135 $1601 Operator discount: -$534 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through the Western Balkans, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Croatia and Slovenia. Begin in Zagreb, where you'll discover the historic Upper Town and iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Church. Traverse the stunning Julian Alps to the serene town of Bled, and continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia's vibrant capital. Marvel at the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. In Split, delve into the ancient secrets of Diocletian's Palace, before savoring the charm of Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Enjoy guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and the option to explore the island of Korcula. This small group adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of the Western Balkans' most enchanting destinations.

Highlights

  • Zagreb - Tour the Croatian capital and see highlights including St Mark's Church and Zagreb Cathedral in the fortified Upper Town.

  • Bled - Admire the stunning alpine scenery of Lake Bled in the Julian Alps and stay in the tranquil town of the same name.

  • Ljubljana - Uncover some of the main attractions in Slovenia's capital city, from the Three Bridges to Robba's Fountain and the open-air market.

  • Plitvice Lakes - Explore the vast underground cave system and admire some of the beautiful lakes and waterfalls within the national park.

  • Split - Learn the secrets of UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace and enjoy a drink in one of Split's many charming bars and restaurants.

  • Dubrovnik - Enjoy a free day in Croatia's most famous city, which you can spend exploring the narrow streets or admiring the city walls.

  • Korcula - Join an optional excursion to the island of Korcula, the birthplace of famous explorer Marco Polo.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Zagreb

Location: Zagreb

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Wednesday. Welcome to Zagreb and the start of your holiday. Included transfer for the airport to your hotel in the city. The remains of the day offer free time for you to head out and explore this beautiful city which marks the crossroad between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe.

Day 2 : Zagreb & Bled

Location: Bled

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: overnight in Bled

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Zagreb - Bled. We start the day with a sightseeing tour of the nation's capital. We will make our way to the fortified Upper Town (the city’s historical centre), passing St Mark’s Church with its stunning multi-coloured tiled roof, the Croatian National Theatre, University and Zagreb Cathedral, with its towering Gothic spires. This afternoon we continue to the beautiful town of Bled in the Julian Alps – famous for its thermal lake. As one of the most picturesque alpine resorts in the world, the beauty of Bled is the stuff of fairytales with a whimsical church and wishing bell set upon an island in the middle of an emerald glacial lake and surrounded by gorgeous snow-capped peaks.

Day 3 : Ljubljana & Plitvice Lakes

Location: Ljubljana

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Bled - Ljubljana - Plitvice. After breakfast we drive to Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital and take part in a guided tour of the old city. We'll see the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, Robba’s Fountain and visit the colourful open-air central Market, selling beautifully smoked cheeses, meats and fresh fruit and vegetables. Nibble your way around! Later continue onto the Plitvice Lakes region for the afternoon. This 20-km long karst cave system with its web of underground passages, galleries and chambers is the largest karst cave open for visitation in all of Europe. Walk around the wooden promenades this evening and enjoy the magnificent views over the waters with its 16 clear blue lakes that cascade into 92 waterfalls.

Day 4 : Roman Ruins Of Zadar & Split

Location: Split

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Plitvice - Zadar - Split. Today we make our way to the Dalmatian Coast, to the city of Zadar. Upon arrival we take a guided tour of the 2nd century BC Roman Forum and see the 9th Century pre-Romanesque church of St. Donatus. In the afternoon we continue our journey to Split, where we explore the city including learning the secrets of the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and its cellars. Spend the evening at leisure discovering the sights and delights of Split.

Day 5 : Split

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Split - Dubrovnik. Leaving Split we drive south along the Dalmatian coastline, crossing the Neum Corridor of Bosnia and Herzegovnia (see info related to Neum Corridor border crossing procedures in our Trip Notes) to Dubrovnik - the Jewel in the nation's crown. We tour the UNESCO listed old city with its towering fortress wall and enter the Dubrovnik Cathedral, built in Roman Baroque architectural style.

Day 6 : Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is yours to spend at leisure in Dubrovnik or you can join in optional excursions to the island of Korcula. If you choose to go to Korcula there will be a stop in one of the well-known wine cellars of the Peljesac peninsula to sample local wine on the way back.

Day 7 : Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tuesday. Today your tour of Croatia comes to an end. After breakfast and hotel check-out a departure transfer will take you to Dubrovnik airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4 star

  • Breakfast daily and 6 hotel dinners

    Enjoy daily breakfast and six dinners at the hotels during your stay.

  • 6 nights 3 star hotels

    Stay in comfortable 3-star hotels for six nights.

  • Guided sightseeing of Zagreb, Ljubljana, Plitvice lakes, Split and Dubrovnik

    Experience guided tours in Zagreb, Ljubljana, Plitvice Lakes, Split, and Dubrovnik with commentary in English and possibly one other language.

  • Escorted by an English speaking Croatian Tour Leader

    Travel with an English-speaking Croatian tour leader throughout the trip.

  • Specialist local guides at some sites

    Benefit from the expertise of specialist local guides at select sites.

  • Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 7

    Enjoy convenient airport transfers on the first and last day of the tour.

  • Entrance fees to Plitvice lakes, Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the Cathedral in Dubrovnik

    Entrance fees to Plitvice Lakes, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and the Cathedral in Dubrovnik are included.

  • All relevant transport and transfers and transportation in private A/C vehicles

    Travel in comfort with all relevant transport and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Entrance fees to sites other than those listed

    Entrance fees to sites not listed in the inclusions are not covered.

  • Tip for your tour leader

    Tips for the tour leader are not included.

    It is recommended to allow EUR 3–5 per day, per traveller.

Age Policy

12 yrs or above (there is no discount for kids - this is an adult program) 

Accommodation

Experience comfort and style at the elegant Hotel Astoria in Zagreb, the centrally located Hotel Lev in Ljubljana, the nature-embraced Jezero Hotel in Plitvice Lakes, the modern Hotel Corner in Split, and the luxurious Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik, each offering a range of amenities and convenient locations.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy private air-conditioned vehicle transfers throughout the tour, including airport transfers on arrival and departure days, ensuring a comfortable and seamless travel experience between destinations such as Zagreb, Ljubljana, Plitvice Lakes, Split, and Dubrovnik.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes stays in 3-star hotels such as Hotel Astoria in Zagreb, Hotel Lev in Ljubljana, Jezero Hotel in Plitvice Lakes, Hotel Corner in Split, and Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik in Dubrovnik. These hotels offer modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and restaurants.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes an airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 7.

  • Is there a tour guide provided throughout the trip?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Croatian Tour Leader, and specialist local guides are provided at some sites.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes breakfast daily and 6 hotel dinners.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour cost?

    Entrance fees to Plitvice Lakes, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and the Cathedral in Dubrovnik are included in the tour cost.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    All relevant transport and transfers are provided, with transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Is there an optional excursion available during the tour?

    Yes, there is an optional excursion to the island of Korcula, the birthplace of famous explorer Marco Polo.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Tuesday

Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025
$2135 $1601

Operator discount: -$534

Wednesday - Tuesday

Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$2235 $1676

Operator discount: -$559

Wednesday - Tuesday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$2235 $1676

Operator discount: -$559

Wednesday - Tuesday

May 07, 2025 - May 13, 2025
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Operator discount: -$559

Wednesday - Tuesday

May 14, 2025 - May 20, 2025
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Operator discount: -$559

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May 21, 2025 - May 27, 2025
$2395 $1796

Operator discount: -$599

Wednesday - Tuesday

May 28, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$2395 $1796

Operator discount: -$599

Wednesday - Tuesday

Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025
$2495 $1871

Operator discount: -$624

Wednesday - Tuesday

Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025
$2495 $1871

Operator discount: -$624

Wednesday - Tuesday

Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
$2495 $1871

Operator discount: -$624

Wednesday - Tuesday

Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025
$2495 $1871

Operator discount: -$624

Wednesday - Tuesday

Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025
$2625 $1969

Operator discount: -$656

Wednesday - Tuesday

Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025
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Operator discount: -$656

Wednesday - Tuesday

Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025
$2625 $1969

Operator discount: -$656

Wednesday - Tuesday

Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
$2495 $1871

Operator discount: -$624

Wednesday - Tuesday

Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
$2495 $1871

Operator discount: -$624

Wednesday - Tuesday

Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
$2495 $1871

Operator discount: -$624

Wednesday - Tuesday

Sep 24, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$2495 $1871

Operator discount: -$624

Wednesday - Tuesday

Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$2395 $1796

Operator discount: -$599

Wednesday - Tuesday

Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
$2395 $1796

Operator discount: -$599

Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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