Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Romania 19 Nights | 20 Days
Are you looking for a long holiday in some of the most enigmatic and offbeat destinations? Head over to Eastern Europe and traverse its magnificent rivers, breathtaking mountain ranges, and stunning coastlines. Enjoy a diverse array of experiences influenced by rich historical and cultural tapestries.
Best Time to Travel: The best times to visit the Balkans are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October).
Average Temperatures
Arrive at Belgrade Airport and proceed to your hotel for check-in. Begin your adventure in vibrant Belgrade with a short cruise, offering a different perspective of the city. Navigate along Kalemegdan, New Belgrade, the Great War Island, and Zemun Promenade. For a truly romantic evening, consider extending your cruise to enjoy dinner onboard.
Overnight in Belgrade.
Destination Nugget: Beyond its historical significance, the Great War Island is a sanctuary for several exotic species of fish and birds.
Start your day with a walking tour of Belgrade, showcasing its diverse architectural styles, from the artsy Skadarska neighbourhood to Kalemegdan Citadel. This architectural diversity complements the city’s vibrant nightlife. Like any European capital, Belgrade boasts a plethora of museums, galleries, churches, and cathedrals.
History buffs should not miss Marshal Tito’s mausoleum in the Museum of Yugoslav History. Stroll down Knez Mihailova Street, the city’s most famous promenade, explore Saint Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans, or enjoy a cup of coffee with locals in Skardarlija.
Overnight in Belgrade.
Destination Nugget: The Kalemegdan Citadel, built in the 3rd century BCE, has been destroyed numerous times due to invasions by the Goths and Huns.
Embark on a day trip to Vojvodina, where you can experience its intricate tapestry of religious and ethnic groups shaped by complex history. Delight in the unique styles and flavours of the area’s culture, traditions, architecture, and cuisine. Then, proceed to the province’s capital, Novi Sad, a Baroque town with a charming Central European atmosphere.
On a walking tour of the old town centre, enjoy outdoor cafes, beautiful 200-year-old houses, ice cream parlours, and stunning places of worship. Cross the Danube to visit Petrovaradin Fortress, famously known as “The Gibraltar of the Danube,” and soak in the magnificent views of the river and downtown area.
Destination Nugget: Novi Sad originated as a small fishing village before the 18th century and was known as Petrovaradinski šanac (“Petrovaradin Ditch”).
Next, move on to Zagreb, a fantastic year-round destination that has seen a steady increase in visitors due to its charming blend of festivals, medieval history, restaurants, and shops. Discover Zagreb’s highlights on an exciting guided walking tour, covering Zagreb Upper Town, St Mark’s Square, Stone Gate, the Parliament Building, Strossmayer Promenade, and more.
Admire Zagreb’s fascinating history in its Upper Town, where you can see classic relics like a pharmacy dating back to 1355. Snap a selfie in front of St Mark’s Church, light a candle at the Stone Gate Passageway, and explore the bustling Dolac Market.
Conclude the day with an overnight stay at Plitvice Lakes.
Destination Nugget: Dolac Market was originally a low-income neighbourhood that was razed to build the market, completed in 1930.
In the morning, set out on a guided trek of Plitvice Lakes National Park, including a scenic lake boat ride. Located in the mountainous region of Gorski Kotar, the national park covers nearly 115 square miles and is home to 16 stunning lakes. Next, head towards Split, stopping en route at Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the Adriatic Region’s finest architecture and artwork.
Meet your local guide and explore the town’s main attractions, including St Lawrence’s Cathedral, renowned for its exquisite Renaissance carvings.
Spend the remainder of the day strolling through Trogir before proceeding to Split
IN SPLIT: Overnight Stay
Destination Nugget: St Lawrence’s Cathedral is thought to have been built on the site of an ancient Greek temple and is dedicated to the city’s patron saint, St. John of Trogir.
Depart from Split in the morning and drive to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic drive through the city before joining a guided walking tour. Sip coffee at a local café as you learn about the city’s fascinating history in Baščaršija, and stroll along the bustling Kazandžiluk street.
Destination Nugget: Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s oldest bazaar, was constructed during the 15th century, coinciding with the city’s founding by Isa-Beg Ishaković.
Depart Sarajevo towards Mostar, making a stop en route to visit the famous Salvation Tunnel, built under the Sarajevo Airport runway during the 1990s when the city was under siege. Upon arriving in Mostar, embark on a walking tour, where you’ll see the iconic Stari Most bridge, renowned for its Ottoman architecture and vibrant historical heritage.
Discover the city’s diverse cultural background reflected in its mosques, bazaars, churches, synagogues, and traditional Turkish houses. Enjoy leisure time exploring Mostar at your own pace, perhaps visiting narrow alleyways and engaging with friendly local merchants. Have lunch at a local restaurant along the banks of the Neretva River.
After a fulfilling day, proceed to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Destination Nugget: The Salvation Tunnel measures over 720 meters in length, connecting the Sarajevo neighbourhoods of Dobrinja and Butmir.
In the morning, depart Mostar and head towards the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik, taking a scenic drive along the Adriatic Coast. Walk on cobblestone streets that tell centuries of history during your guided tour of the city.
While small in size, the Old Town is full of charming nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered. A wonderful way to explore the city is to take an electric cart up to Mount Srdj, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Spend the rest of the day strolling down Stradun and marvelling at the many historical monuments.
Destination Nugget: Stradun became Dubrovnik’s main thoroughfare in the 13th century and acquired its current appearance following the earthquake in 1667.
Spend your day at leisure, exploring your favourite spots around the city. Visit the 14th-century Franciscan Monastery, which houses a pharmacy and museum. Walk along the city walls for breathtaking views of the town and sea. Enjoy a drink at the unique Buza Bar, set on the city wall’s rocky exterior. For those interested in the countryside, optional tours are available to Karaman Winery, Antonia Ruskovic’s silk atelier, or take a boat trip to the Elafiti Islands (Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud).
Destination Nugget: Buza Bar was originally constructed as a defensive fortification against invaders centuries ago.
Set off from Dubrovnik on a panoramic drive along the Adriatic Coast to the picturesque resort town of Budva. Stop briefly in Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning bay.
Once you reach Budva, enjoy a guided tour through its cobbled streets and delve into the town’s rich history. This remarkable historic town by the Adriatic Sea overlooks the famous Sveti Stefan Island. Relax on some of the beautiful beaches in this region.
Destination Nugget: Kotor is one of the oldest towns in Europe, inhabited since Roman times.
Depart Budva in the morning and take a delightful drive to Tirana, the capital of Albania. On the way, stop for lunch and a guided tour of Skadar Lake National Park, the largest lake in the region, surrounded by breathtaking karst mountains. The majority of the lake lies in Montenegro, while its tip extends into Albania, making it a significant sanctuary for wetland birds in Europe.
Continue your journey to Tirana for an overnight stay.
Destination Nugget: Skadar Lake National Park is home to around 281 bird species, including the Dalmatian Pelican, which serves as the park’s distinctive symbol.
Leave the charming city of Tirana in the morning and journey through stunning Balkan landscapes to Ohrid, Macedonia’s picturesque town by its deepest lake and one of Europe’s oldest settlements. Ohrid’s scenic beauty and historical significance make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute must-see.
Destination Nugget: With a depth of 288 meters, Lake Ohrid is the deepest lake in the Balkans, renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique endemic species.
Explore the lakeside town of Ohrid, which is among Europe’s oldest human settlements. The area’s history dates back to the 2nd century BCE, with most of its structures built between the 7th and 14th centuries. The town is also home to the stunning Ohrid Lake, one of the continent’s notable biological reserves with over 200 endemic species.
Take time to visit landmarks like the Church of St. John at Kaneo and the ancient theatre, as you soak in the lush landscapes and cultural heritage.
Travel to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. Explore Mavrovo National Park, renowned for its stunning lakes, deep canyons, and dense forests teeming with biodiversity.
Discover the city’s notable attractions, such as the historic Old Bazaar, the Stone Bridge, and the monumental statues that line the city. Spend the night at your hotel in Skopje.
Destination Nugget: Mavrovo National Park spans over 73,000 hectares and is home to endangered species like the Balkan Lynx, alongside more than 100 bird species and 1,500 plant species.
Proceed to Bulgaria, visiting Rila Monastery, one of the country’s most treasured landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in Rila Mountain National Park at an elevation of 1,100 meters, it is the largest monastery in Bulgaria.
Enjoy a tour of the monastery and lunch before continuing to Blagoevgrad for an overnight stay.
Destination Nugget: Rila Monastery was founded by St. John of Rila, who later became its patron saint.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, historically referred to as “My Rome” by Constantine the Great. During your morning tour, visit landmarks such as:
Enjoy lunch in Sofia before heading to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, for a walking tour of its attractions. Walk along the world’s longest pedestrian street to Old Plovdiv, where you can see the ruins of Dumay Mosque Square, the Roman Stadium, the National Revival Houses complex, and the Ancient Amphitheatre.
Overnight in Plovdiv.
Destination Nugget: Plovdiv was once the capital of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, making it older than both Rome and Athens.
Move on to Central Bulgaria and the Rose Valley, also known as the Valley of the Thracian Kings. Visit the Rose Museum, which displays the region’s rich history of rose cultivation (if visiting in mid-June, you’ll witness blooming roses) and a rose distillery.
Next, visit Kazanluk Tomb, a notable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cross through the central and highest region of the Balkans, arriving in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital, beautifully situated on four hills above the Yantra River. Explore Tsarevets Royal Hill, home to the fortress, Baldwin Tower, and Patriarch’s Complex. Spend the night in a quaint hotel, enjoying dinner at a local family home.
Destination Nugget: Kazanluk Tomb, dating back to the 4th century BCE, was accidentally discovered in 1944 by soldiers digging trenches.
In the morning, set off for Romania, crossing the border via the Danube Bridge. Upon arrival in Bucharest, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before meeting your guide for a walking tour of the city. Discover Bucharest’s most exciting attractions, including:
Overnight stay in Bucharest (optional dinner with traditional folklore can be organized).
Destination Nugget: Renowned author Victor Hugo and French General Ferdinand Foch both lay in state at the Arch of Triumph before being buried.
Embark on a full-day tour to Sinaia, often called the “Pearl of the Carpathians.” Visit Peles Castle, one of Europe’s most beautiful buildings and the summer residence of King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth. Proceed to Bran Castle, famously associated with Vlad the Impaler, better known as Count Dracula.
In the afternoon, visit Brasov, known for its stunning medieval architecture, before returning to Bucharest. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town Center, exploring attractions such as Council Square, the Black Church (the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul), the Hirche House, and numerous baroque-style buildings from the Austro-Hungarian era.
Destination Nugget: One of Romania’s most visited cities, Brasov was founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights on an ancient Dacian site. Due to its distinct medieval ambience, the city has served as a backdrop for many recent period films.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and spend any remaining time shopping or visiting any sites you may have missed in Bucharest. Later, proceed to Bucharest Airport to board your flight back home, concluding your unforgettable journey through Eastern Europe.
Experiences