Best of the Balkans
Best of the Balkans
$1795
Best of the Balkans
9 Days Starting in Dubrovnik, Croatia and ending in Split, Croatia
Visiting: Dubrovnik, Kotor, Sarajevo, Mostar, Split
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HCBHZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Balkans with our "Best of the Balkans" tour, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia. Begin in the medieval city of Dubrovnik, where you'll marvel at its ancient walls and historic sites. Travel through Montenegro's breathtaking scenery to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor, and then venture into Bosnia's capital, Sarajevo, known for its diverse religious heritage. Discover the resilience of Mostar and its iconic Stari Most bridge before heading to Split, where you'll explore the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace. With expert local guides, cherry-picked accommodations, and a luxury air-conditioned coach, this tour offers a perfect blend of guided sightseeing and free time to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures and histories of the Balkans.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel, Adria (or similar)
Accommodation Name: 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 travelers 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: Kotor
Accommodation: Hotel, Monte Casa Spa & Wellness
Accommodation Name: Monte Casa Spa & Wellness
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 take you on an orientation around this historic town. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 4: Budva - Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation: Ibis Styles
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 favorite local restaurant with dinner and entertainment.
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 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: Mostar
Accommodation: Mostar
Accommodation Name: 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 colorful 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: Split
Accommodation: Mondo
Accommodation Name: Mondo
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 Sightseeing
Location: Split
Accommodation: Mondo
Accommodation Name: Mondo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today a Local Specialist takes you behind the city walls to this harbor 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 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.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, are included.
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Meals
Many meals and daily breakfasts are included.
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City Orientation Tours
City orientation tours are included.
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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
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries is included.
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Choice Optional Experiences
An extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences is included.
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Hotel Standards
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes many meals and daily breakfasts. Specifically, there are 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners included.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most countries.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there is an extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences available throughout the tour. For example, on Day 2, you can opt for a sunset dinner cruise in Dubrovnik, and on Day 4, you can choose to join a local family for dinner or enjoy a lively encounter in a local restaurant in Sarajevo.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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Will there be guided tours during the trip?
Yes, the tour includes city orientation tours and sightseeing with Local Specialists. For example, in Dubrovnik, you will have a guided sightseeing tour of the iconic highlights, and in Sarajevo, you will join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour.
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What kind of historical sites will we visit?
You will visit several historical sites including the Old Town in Dubrovnik, the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain, the city walls, the Old Town of Kotor, and the medieval 'Stari Most' bridge in Mostar. In Split, you will explore the 4th-century Roman Emperor Diocletian Palace.
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Is there any special equipment provided during the tour?
Yes, audio headsets are provided throughout the holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
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What kind of cultural experiences are included?
The tour includes various cultural experiences such as visiting synagogues, mosques, and Orthodox and Catholic churches in Sarajevo, and exploring the multicultural city of Mostar with a Local Specialist.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Dubrovnik and ends in Split.
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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.
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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