Balkan Adventure

Visiting: Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia

Balkan Adventure

Cross the Chain Bridge in Budapest, Spy curious wildlife in Kopacki Rit Nature Park, Sip Serbian wine at a family-run vineyard, Experience Belgrade's famous nightlife, Be humbled by ruins in Mostar city, Visit Montenegro's Ostrog Monastery and mingle with pilgrims, Admire the Adriatic Sea from Dubrovnik's city walls

Welcome to the Balkans - where East meets West and new merges almost seamlessly with old. Over the centuries people have travelled to this region of Eastern Europe for its fertile soil, natural resources and healing waters. This enchanting land, which has remained virtually untouched by tourism, boasts rich tradition, vibrant culture and mouth-watering cuisine. With historical attractions in Budapest, nightlife in Belgrade, Montenegro's Ostrog Monastery and lively Dubrovnik city, this adventure tour is delightfully different.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the evening of Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Since the collapse of Communism, Budapest has experienced something of a renaissance. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by, while glamorous stores and glitzy restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe.

Known as the Pearl of the Danube, Budapest is the perfect city to enjoy from the water. From here, you can see the buildings that line the banks of the Danube River and the bridges linking Buda to Pest. Take one of the tourist boat trips to see the sights or cross the Chain Bridge for a spectacular view of the Parliament Building and the Castle District.

With so much to see and do, hire a bicycle for a great way to move between the city sights.

Head out to Statue Park to see all the communist monuments that were removed from the city streets after the fall of the Iron Curtain.

One unmissable activity is a soak in the hot thermal baths. There are several around the city centre ranging from the sumptuous and elegant to simple outdoor types. There are pools of varying degrees - some with whirlpools, chess boards and seats where you can enjoy it all while recuperating in the therapeutic waters.

Optional Activities

Bike ride, Budapest - HUF5000.00

Danube boat tour, Budapest - EUR12.00

Great Synagogue, Budapest - HUF2250.00

Hammer and Sickle Tour, Budapest - HUF7000.00

House of Terror, Budapest - HUF2000.00

Hungarian National Museum, Budapest - HUF1100.00

Hungarian State Opera House Tour, Budapest - HUF2900.00

Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest - HUF1200.00

Parliament tour, Budapest - HUF2520.00

Thermal bath from, Budapest - HUF2500.00

Transport and entry to Statue Park, Budapest - HUF5000.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the evening of Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Since the collapse of Communism, Budapest has experienced something of a renaissance. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by, while glamorous stores and glitzy restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe.

Known as the Pearl of the Danube, Budapest is the perfect city to enjoy from the water. From here, you can see the buildings that line the banks of the Danube River and the bridges linking Buda to Pest. Take one of the tourist boat trips to see the sights or cross the Chain Bridge for a spectacular view of the Parliament Building and the Castle District.

With so much to see and do, hire a bicycle for a great way to move between the city sights.

Head out to Statue Park to see all the communist monuments that were removed from the city streets after the fall of the Iron Curtain.

One unmissable activity is a soak in the hot thermal baths. There are several around the city centre ranging from the sumptuous and elegant to simple outdoor types. There are pools of varying degrees - some with whirlpools, chess boards and seats where you can enjoy it all while recuperating in the therapeutic waters.

Optional Activities

Bike ride, Budapest - HUF5000.00

Danube boat tour, Budapest - EUR12.00

Great Synagogue, Budapest - HUF2250.00

Hammer and Sickle Tour, Budapest - HUF7000.00

House of Terror, Budapest - HUF2000.00

Hungarian National Museum, Budapest - HUF1100.00

Hungarian State Opera House Tour, Budapest - HUF2900.00

Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest - HUF1200.00

Parliament tour, Budapest - HUF2520.00

Thermal bath from, Budapest - HUF2500.00

Transport and entry to Statue Park, Budapest - HUF5000.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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Travel by train through the Hungarian Puszta to the Slavonian capital of Osijek (approx 6 hrs).

Osijek offers an enchanting medieval citadel, as well as the nearby new town, which is only a short walk along the banks of the Drava. Many cafes line the river, inviting you to join the Croatian national pastime: people watching.

Those wishing to learn more about recent history can take an optional journey to nearby Vukovar. The town's ruined water tower now stands as a memorial of the ethnic war that raged in this region during the early 90's.

In free time choose to take a trip to the small provincial town of Dakovo (30km) The town is dominated by an impressive neo-Romanesque cathedral. The Lipizzaner horse's from here are famous, why not visit the Lipizzaner training stables and view a workout session?

Optional Activities

Canoeing, Kopacki Rit National Park, Osijek - HRK100.00

Dakovo and Lipizzaner Horse Farm, Osijek - HRK180.00

Kopacki Rit National Park, Osijek - EUR35.00

Vukovar day trip, Osijek - HRK110.00

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nts)

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Travel by train through the Hungarian Puszta to the Slavonian capital of Osijek (approx 6 hrs).

Osijek offers an enchanting medieval citadel, as well as the nearby new town, which is only a short walk along the banks of the Drava. Many cafes line the river, inviting you to join the Croatian national pastime: people watching.

Those wishing to learn more about recent history can take an optional journey to nearby Vukovar. The town's ruined water tower now stands as a memorial of the ethnic war that raged in this region during the early 90's.

In free time choose to take a trip to the small provincial town of Dakovo (30km) The town is dominated by an impressive neo-Romanesque cathedral. The Lipizzaner horse's from here are famous, why not visit the Lipizzaner training stables and view a workout session?

Optional Activities

Canoeing, Kopacki Rit National Park, Osijek - HRK100.00

Dakovo and Lipizzaner Horse Farm, Osijek - HRK180.00

Kopacki Rit National Park, Osijek - EUR35.00

Vukovar day trip, Osijek - HRK110.00

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nts)

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Travel by bus into Serbia and the historic town of Novi Sad.

Known as the Serbian Athens, Novi Sad has been built, destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries and is an interesting mixture of old Serbian cultural heritage, Austro-Hungarian architecture and scenic beauty. Sitting on the banks of the Danube River, the city is surrounded by fertile farms and vineyards, framed with hills in the distance.

Visit a local vineyard in Sremski Karlovci, which is a fantastic opportunity to see the workings of a family-run wine making business. Also attached is a unique honey museum where we can sample the produce.

Included Activities

• Honey Museum

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

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Travel by bus to Belgrade (approx 3 hrs).

Known as the White City, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is still an important intersection of Eastern and Western Europe, as it has been since ancient times.

Take a guided walk to uncover some of the history of this fascinating city.

In the evening, head down to Skadarska Street (Bohemian Quarter) where you'll find inviting restaurants with authentic local food and lively entertainment.

Perhaps take a ninety minute river cruise along the Kalemegdan Fortress, to Pancevo Bridge and the artists village of Zemun

The markets near the Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) and Pijaca Venac will keep you occupied for hours. Throughout the summer months, Belgrade hosts a variety of musical and cultural events, so the city is always full of activities while the cafes overflow with people.

Included Activities

Guided tour Belgrade

Optional Activities

Ethnographic Museum, Belgrade - RSD150.00

Military Museum, Belgrade - RSD150.00

Museum of Contemporary Art, Belgrade - RSD120.00

National Museum, Belgrade - RSD300.00

River cruise, Belgrade - RSD350.00

Accommodation

Hostel (2 nts)

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Travel by bus to Belgrade (approx 3 hrs).

Known as the White City, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is still an important intersection of Eastern and Western Europe, as it has been since ancient times.

Take a guided walk to uncover some of the history of this fascinating city.

In the evening, head down to Skadarska Street (Bohemian Quarter) where you'll find inviting restaurants with authentic local food and lively entertainment.

Perhaps take a ninety minute river cruise along the Kalemegdan Fortress, to Pancevo Bridge and the artists village of Zemun

The markets near the Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) and Pijaca Venac will keep you occupied for hours. Throughout the summer months, Belgrade hosts a variety of musical and cultural events, so the city is always full of activities while the cafes overflow with people.

Included Activities

Guided tour Belgrade

Optional Activities

Ethnographic Museum, Belgrade - RSD150.00

Military Museum, Belgrade - RSD150.00

Museum of Contemporary Art, Belgrade - RSD120.00

National Museum, Belgrade - RSD300.00

River cruise, Belgrade - RSD350.00

Accommodation

Hostel (2 nts)

!item

Travel by bus through the beautiful countryside to Sarajevo (approx 7 hrs).

More than ten years after the end of a devastating war, Sarajevo is slowly asserting itself as one of Europe's most beautiful destinations.

Meet a local guide for a tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina's small but vibrant capital, to gain an insight into the history and culture of this enchanting city.

Enjoy a simple but delicious meal in Bascarsija where you can find the best bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat, mixed with some mild spices).

Take a picturesque day trip to Ilidza where you find the source of the River Bosna (Vrelo Bosna), thermal springs and beautiful green parks.

Visit the Tunnel Museum near Ilidza for a behind-the-scenes look at the Yugoslav wars.

Head out to Mostar to see the famous town and bridge that made headline news during the Yugoslav wars. The town has been rebuilt since with many countries contributing funds and is now on Unesco's World Heritage list.

Included Activities

• Guided tour Sarajevo
• Cooking class/dinner
• Mostar day trip

Optional Activities

Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo - BAM5.00

Ilidza park and springs, Sarajevo - BAM15.00

Jewish Museum, Sarajevo - BAM2.00

National Museum, Sarajevo - BAM5.00

Tunnel Museum, Sarajevo - BAM5.00

Accommodation

Pension (3 nts)

!item

Travel by bus through the beautiful countryside to Sarajevo (approx 7 hrs).

More than ten years after the end of a devastating war, Sarajevo is slowly asserting itself as one of Europe's most beautiful destinations.

Meet a local guide for a tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina's small but vibrant capital, to gain an insight into the history and culture of this enchanting city.

Enjoy a simple but delicious meal in Bascarsija where you can find the best bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat, mixed with some mild spices).

Take a picturesque day trip to Ilidza where you find the source of the River Bosna (Vrelo Bosna), thermal springs and beautiful green parks.

Visit the Tunnel Museum near Ilidza for a behind-the-scenes look at the Yugoslav wars.

Head out to Mostar to see the famous town and bridge that made headline news during the Yugoslav wars. The town has been rebuilt since with many countries contributing funds and is now on Unesco's World Heritage list.

Included Activities

• Guided tour Sarajevo
• Cooking class/dinner
• Mostar day trip

Optional Activities

Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo - BAM5.00

Ilidza park and springs, Sarajevo - BAM15.00

Jewish Museum, Sarajevo - BAM2.00

National Museum, Sarajevo - BAM5.00

Tunnel Museum, Sarajevo - BAM5.00

Accommodation

Pension (3 nts)

!item

Travel by bus through the beautiful countryside to Sarajevo (approx 7 hrs).

More than ten years after the end of a devastating war, Sarajevo is slowly asserting itself as one of Europe's most beautiful destinations.

Meet a local guide for a tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina's small but vibrant capital, to gain an insight into the history and culture of this enchanting city.

Enjoy a simple but delicious meal in Bascarsija where you can find the best bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat, mixed with some mild spices).

Take a picturesque day trip to Ilidza where you find the source of the River Bosna (Vrelo Bosna), thermal springs and beautiful green parks.

Visit the Tunnel Museum near Ilidza for a behind-the-scenes look at the Yugoslav wars.

Head out to Mostar to see the famous town and bridge that made headline news during the Yugoslav wars. The town has been rebuilt since with many countries contributing funds and is now on Unesco's World Heritage list.

Included Activities

• Guided tour Sarajevo
• Cooking class/dinner
• Mostar day trip

Optional Activities

Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo - BAM5.00

Ilidza park and springs, Sarajevo - BAM15.00

Jewish Museum, Sarajevo - BAM2.00

National Museum, Sarajevo - BAM5.00

Tunnel Museum, Sarajevo - BAM5.00

Accommodation

Pension (3 nts)

!item

Drive south by bus to Montenegro and the stunning Ostrog Monastery (approx 7 hrs).

Built into the side of a rocky mountain in the 17th century, Ostrog Monastery has since been a destination for visiting Orthodox Christian pilgrims as well as those seeking a cure for their bodies and soul. Many miracles are believed to have taken place here.

Go on a hike to the Upper Monastery (approx 1 hr), where relics of the founder, St Vasilije, are kept.

Our accommodation for the night is a konak (simple night quarters) close to the Lower Monastery. This is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with other travellers and pilgrims. Men and women stay in separate rooms in the monastery. A more adventurous option is to stay in the konak near the Upper Monastery where you get to sleep on wooden benches (blankets are provided).

Accommodation

Monastery (1 nt)

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Travel by bus to Kotor (approx 3 hrs).

Set on a secluded bay, Kotor is listed as a World Heritage site and its crooked alleyways give lots of opportunities to get lost and mingle with the locals.

After a short orientation walk we can climb the hills behind the city and visit the old rulers' ruined castles.

Take a cruise on the Kotor Fjord - the longest fjord south of Scandinavia - and visit grottos, islands with a church (that is almost as big as the island itself!) and the town of Herceg Novi.

Consider a day trip to nearby Budva, the Montenegrin Miami, which is just a 30 min bus ride.

Optional Activities

• Cruise on Kotor Fjord, Kotor - EUR25.00
• Bus ride to Budva return, Kotor - EUR6.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

!item

Travel by bus to Kotor (approx 3 hrs).

Set on a secluded bay, Kotor is listed as a World Heritage site and its crooked alleyways give lots of opportunities to get lost and mingle with the locals.

After a short orientation walk we can climb the hills behind the city and visit the old rulers' ruined castles.

Take a cruise on the Kotor Fjord - the longest fjord south of Scandinavia - and visit grottos, islands with a church (that is almost as big as the island itself!) and the town of Herceg Novi.

Consider a day trip to nearby Budva, the Montenegrin Miami, which is just a 30 min bus ride.

Optional Activities

• Cruise on Kotor Fjord, Kotor - EUR25.00
• Bus ride to Budva return, Kotor - EUR6.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

!item

Depart Montenegro and travel north by bus to Dubrovnik on the beautiful southern coast of Croatia (approx 3 hrs).

The undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is a beautiful white stone town surrounded entirely by city walls. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, the old town - with its tiled roofs and stone buildings - remains as charming as ever. Extensive restoration has taken place to return it to its original splendour, and even today repairs are still being undertaken. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot.

Enjoy views of the ocean from the 2 km-long city walls surrounding the town.

Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. This 15th-century landmark was built to supply water to the city, flowing from the spigots into the collection trough surrounding it.

Be sure to check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century.

Don't miss the Sponza and Rectors Palace - the only two buildings from the Renaissance that survived the devastating earthquake and fire of 1667.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Included Activities

• City walls walk

Optional Activities

Beach chair rental, Dubrovnik - HRK50.00

City sights entrance, Dubrovnik - HRK10.00

Fish picnic cruise, Dubrovnik - HRK200.00

Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik - HRK20.00

Lokrum Island boat trip, Dubrovnik - HRK40.00

Lopud excursion, Dubrovnik - HRK60.00

Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik - HRK35.00

War Photography Museum, Dubrovnik - HRK30.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

!item

Depart Montenegro and travel north by bus to Dubrovnik on the beautiful southern coast of Croatia (approx 3 hrs).

The undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is a beautiful white stone town surrounded entirely by city walls. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, the old town - with its tiled roofs and stone buildings - remains as charming as ever. Extensive restoration has taken place to return it to its original splendour, and even today repairs are still being undertaken. With the sparkling water of the Adriatic in the background, Dubrovnik is picturesque, full of character and can easily be covered on foot.

Enjoy views of the ocean from the 2 km-long city walls surrounding the town.

Visit Big Onofrio's Fountain, a masterpiece built by famous European architect Onofrio della Cava. This 15th-century landmark was built to supply water to the city, flowing from the spigots into the collection trough surrounding it.

Be sure to check out the Franciscan monastery with one of the world's oldest, continuously functioning pharmacies, founded in the 13th century.

Don't miss the Sponza and Rectors Palace - the only two buildings from the Renaissance that survived the devastating earthquake and fire of 1667.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Included Activities

• City walls walk

Optional Activities

Beach chair rental, Dubrovnik - HRK50.00

City sights entrance, Dubrovnik - HRK10.00

Fish picnic cruise, Dubrovnik - HRK200.00

Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik - HRK20.00

Lokrum Island boat trip, Dubrovnik - HRK40.00

Lopud excursion, Dubrovnik - HRK60.00

Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik - HRK35.00

War Photography Museum, Dubrovnik - HRK30.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

!item

@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner