Western Balkans Discovery - 7 days
Western Balkans Discovery - 7 days
Western Balkans Discovery - 7 days
7 Days Starting in Zagreb, Croatia and ending in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Visiting: Zagreb, Bled, Ljubljana, Split, Dubrovnik
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1485/WBDI
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 52
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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 from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Tuesday
Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Apr 30, 2025 - May 06, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
May 07, 2025 - May 13, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
May 14, 2025 - May 20, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
May 21, 2025 - May 27, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
May 28, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 24, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Terms and Conditions