Croatia and the Balkans
15 days, Budapest to Split
Itinerary Notes
Departures in April and October may run with with different transport times than noted on the itinerary due to seasonal ferry schedules.
Itinerary
Day 1Budapest
Arrive at any time. We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Ibis Styles Budapest Center (or similar)
Day 2Budapest/Novi Sad
Today we will be traveling by local bus to Novi Sad. Enjoy the first opportunity to try some Serbian cuisine.
Cross into Serbia and enjoy time in the second largest city. Spend an evening wandering this cultural hub.
Local Bus
Cross into Serbia. Border crossings in the Balkans are typically pretty easy but there can be some delays. Ensure you have any necessary visas to speed up the process.
Free Time
Head out and explore.
Accommodation
Hotel Zenit Novi Sad (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Novi Sad/Belgrade
Spend the morning exploring Novi Sad. Visit the famous Petrovaradin Fortress and, with time, check out the charming old town, or Stari Grad. In the afternoon, enjoy a short bus ride to Belgrade.
Petrovaradin Fortress Visit
Construction on this fortress began in the late 1600s and today it remains an important landmark for the city. Visit the famous "reversed clock" and learn more about the varied history of this sight.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Opt to walk down the pedestrian street of Skadarlija or visit Republic Square.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Stari Grad Visit
FreeVisit the historic Old Town, or Stari Grad. Opt to visit many of the neighbourhood's monuments or museums. Stop into café or shop along the way.
Accommodation
Hotel Bohemian Garni (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Belgrade
Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress then spend a free day floating down the Danube or shopping in one of the many bustling markets.
Opt to visit the National Theater or National Museum. The city offers a wealth of churches and cathedrals as well as an interesting Ethnographic Museum. Learn more about Serbian culture, traditions, costumes, and tools used throughout history.
Kalemegdan Fortress Visit
Kalemegdan Fortress, or Belgrade Fortress, consists of the old citadel and Kalemegdan Park. Located in the Old Town of Belgrade, the sight makes for one of the best lookouts in the city, staring down at the confluence of two rivers.
Free Time
Spend the day exploring this capital city.
Accommodation
Hotel Bohemian Garni (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Belgrade/Sarajevo
Travel to Sarajevo, one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the region. Walk around the cobblestone streets, visit the famous Latin Bridge, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of this resilient place.
Walk around the cobblestone streets of the Old Town while taking in the architecture of its diverse places of worship.
Free Time
Explore the enchanting capital of Bosnia.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Latin Bridge Visit
FreeThe Latin Bridge is worth a visit as it is a direct link to history. This is the sight where the Archduke of the Austro Hungarian Empire, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated, leading to the beginning of World War I.
National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
10-30BAM per personFounded in 1888, the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the oldest cultural and scientific institutions in the country.
Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum
54BAM per personWalk in the footsteps of Sarajevans who endured the Siege (1992-1995). Visit many historical sights including a stunning viewpoint over the city, a cemetery were the defenders of Sarajevo are buried, and Sniper Ally. Learn about the Siege and absorb interesting stories about daily life.
Gallery 11/07/95
12-15BAM per personThis gallery space aims to preserve the memory on Srebrenica tragedy and 8372 persons who tragically lost their lives during the genocide through photography, video and interactive documentary.
Svrzo's House
3BAM per personGet a glimpse into the life of an urban, 19th century Muslim family in Sarajevo. Built by Munib effendi Glođo, famous for his involvement in Bosnia’s struggle for autonomy within the Ottoman Empire. This house is a typical example of architecture from the period.
Accommodation
Hotel Sahat (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Sarajevo
Take an included tour of the 'Tunnel of Life' to get a better understanding of the tragic recent history of this captivating city. Spend some free time exploring the Stari Grad section and looking for 'Sarajevo Roses'.
Tunnel of Life Tour
Visit the "Tunnel of Life," which played a crucial role in the survival of the people of Sarajevo during the fairly recent civil war. Visit the airport and the house of a brave Bosnian who allowed the smuggling of supplies. Hear firsthand accounts of the horrors of war and the resilience of the people of Sarajevo. Drive into the mountains and learn more about the sombre history.
Free Time
Explore more of this gorgeous city.
Accommodation
Hotel Sahat (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Sarajevo/Mostar
Travel through beautiful countryside to reach charming Mostar. The city's symbol, a beautiful reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge, is a reminder of the tenacity of Bosnians in recent times. Wander the old city and visit the new, taking in the many reminders of what the people of this region have survived.
After visiting the bridge, wander through the small streets and opt to sit in a café, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
For a sobering look into the city's recent history, wander through town, passing buildings still riddled with bullet holes. Visit a bank that was completely destroyed during the war and past houses in shambles. While life continues and progress is made, these sights remain as reminders of the evils of war.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Explore this beautiful riverside town.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret
Take a visit to Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque, built in 1618 and take a wander around the garden courtyard. Climb up the minaret to amazing views of Mostar.
Stari Most (Old Bridge) Visit
FreeVisit the city's symbol; a beautiful, reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge. The bridge was constructed in the 1600s and was meticulously rebuilt after its destruction during the war. It's a reminder of the tenacity of the Bosnians and is a gorgeous sight to behold. Wait at the bottom for daredevils to dive into the icy river below.
War Photo Exhibition
6BAM per personImmerse yourself in a collection of photos that give visitors a sobering glimpse into the Balkan War of 1912.
Accommodation
Hotel Bristol (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Mostar/Kotor
Continue on to Montenegro and arrive to the Bay of Kotor, a World Heritage-listed region. There is free time here to relax or explore as desired.
Arrive in time to start exploring this gorgeous area.
If relaxing is more your style, the beach of Kotor offers a great escape.
Private Vehicle
Cross into Montenegro. Border crossings in the Balkans are typically pretty easy but there can be some delays. Ensure you have any necessary visas to speed up the process.
Free Time
Explore this gorgeous seaside town.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Kotor City Exploration
FreeTake some time to explore this picturesque town surrounded by a walled fortress built by the Republic of Venice. Kotor has a Mediterranean feel to it and the bay offers a stunning backdrop for photographs.
Sea Kayaking
20EUR per personHead out by sea kayak to fully appreciate this gorgeous area. Start just outside the Old Town walls and explore the coast. Stop at a beach bar for a break or a swim.
Kotor Maritime Museum
4EUR per personAt the Maritime Museum, explore the history, culture and living artifacts that connect modern Kotor with its centuries-old naval traditions. Learn about the Boka Marines, a fraternity of sailors and navigators who helped shipbuilding flourish in the Balkans.
Accommodation
Hotel Marija Kotor (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Kotor
Enjoy a sea kayaking tour before free time to relax or explore. Wander the streets of the walled city of Kotor or relax on picturesque beaches.
Sea Kayaking
Head out by sea kayak to fully appreciate this gorgeous area. Start just outside the Old Town walls and explore the coast. Stop at a beach bar for a break or a swim.
Free Time
Get active or get lazy— the choice is yours.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Perast Visit
Visit the small seaside town of Perast for a taste of the quaint in Montenegro.
Risan town and Roman Mosaics Visit
10EUR per personRisan, once the capital of Kotor Bay, is a lovely town. Its most famous characteristic is the archaeological site is known as the Roman Mosaics. The mosaics are found in what remains of an ancient Roman villa, built sometime between the 2nd and 3rd century BC.
Kotor Maritime Museum
4EUR per personAt the Maritime Museum, explore the history, culture and living artifacts that connect modern Kotor with its centuries-old naval traditions. Learn about the Boka Marines, a fraternity of sailors and navigators who helped shipbuilding flourish in the Balkans.
Accommodation
Hotel Marija Kotor (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Kotor/Dubrovnik
Travel to Croatia and experience the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' in Dubrovnik. Choose to relax in one of the many cafés, explore the old town fortifications, or take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands.
The red roofs of the old city make for spectacular photos and the seaside cafés serve up tasty seafood.
Private Vehicle
Cross into Croatia. Border crossings in the Balkans are typically pretty easy but there can be some delays. Ensure you have any necessary visas to speed up the process.
Free Time
Explore this picturesque city.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Rector's Palace
70HRK per personOriginally built in the 12th century, today's Rector's Palace is a cultural history museum with an intriguing past. A mix of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, it began as the seat of Dubrovnik's rector, becoming a place for merchants and citizens of the republic to gather by the 16th century. In the atrium, you'll find a statue of Miho Pracat, one such merchant who bequeathed his wealth to the city. Wander the galleries and admire paintings, sculptures and furniture from Croatia's past. Today the courtyard is a venue for music and cultural performances - and is often used as a filming location for shows such as Game of Thrones.
Sea Kayaking
36EUR per personHead offshore by sea kayak to gain a different perspective of Dubrovnik and fully appreciate this gorgeous area. Tour around the city walls and take a loop around Lokrum.
Museum of Croatian War of Independence
20HRK per personHop in a cable car to the top of Mount Srd and take in a bird's eye view of the walled city of Dubrovnik. Admire the vistas surrounding this ancient fortress perched above the Adriatic Sea, then make your way to the Croatian War of Independence Museum housed in a wing of Fort Imperial. Built to commemorate the war which lasted from 1991-1995, find artifacts such as documents, photos, military equipment, maps and other everyday objects from Croatians who lived through the siege. Pause for a moment at the memorial plaque, engraved with the names of those who died defending the city.
War Photography Museum
10EUR per personThe War Photo Limited gallery displays exhibits from leading photojournalists who cover recent and present conflicts across the world. Curated by photographer Wade Goddard, who covered the Balkan wars in the 1990s, the gallery is spread over two floors and aims to raise public awareness on the injustices and effects of war.
Dubrovnik City Wall Walk
35EUR per personOpt to take a walking tour or head out on your own to explore the city's ancient walls. A trip to Dubrovnik isn't complete without doing this 2km (1.1 mi) walk. See highlights along the way that include Fort Minceta, Fort St. John, Fort Lawrence, Fort Revelin, and St. Luke’s Tower. There are three main entrances to the city walls, the principal one located by the Inner Pile Gates.
Franciscan Monastery & Museum
30HRK per personTake a wander through this Franciscan Monastery complex. Originally constructed as a public pharmacy in 1317, the Friars Minor pharmacy is the third oldest functioning pharmacy in the world today.
Cable Car Ride
150HRK per personGet an amazing view of the rows of red roofs of Dubrovnik and the sea on a scenic cable car ride. While you slowly creep up the side of the mountain, look down on the winding streets and out to the nearby oceans. If you run out of time during the day hop on the cable car near sunset to see the tints of pink, red, and orange spread across the sky.
Accommodation
Akademis Hotel Dubrovnik (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Dubrovnik
In the morning, visit the G Adventures-supported Deša project, a non profit dedicated to empowering and employing women in the community. Then enjoy a free afternoon to explore the Dalmatian Coast.
Free Time
With so much to see and do, get going.
Your G for Good Moment: DEŠA Women's Centre Visit
DEŠA is a women's non-profit, founded during the homeland war in Dubrovnik. It is dedicated to empowering and employing women in the area. From their headquarters in Dubrovnik's Old Town, DEŠA runs victim support for survivors of domestic abuse through computer classes, language lessons, cultural preservation activities, and other inspiring programs. During your visit, you will learn about the powerful work undertaken by the women of DEŠA and their network across Croatia working to preserve traditional foods and handicrafts.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Lopud Island Visit
Escape the city on a ferry ride to Lopud Island, part of the Elafiti Islands and home to one of Croatia's most stunning beaches, Plaza Sunj.
War Photography Museum
10EUR per personThe War Photo Limited gallery displays exhibits from leading photojournalists who cover recent and present conflicts across the world. Curated by photographer Wade Goddard, who covered the Balkan wars in the 1990s, the gallery is spread over two floors and aims to raise public awareness on the injustices and effects of war.
Museum of Croatian War of Independence
20HRK per personHop in a cable car to the top of Mount Srd and take in a bird's eye view of the walled city of Dubrovnik. Admire the vistas surrounding this ancient fortress perched above the Adriatic Sea, then make your way to the Croatian War of Independence Museum housed in a wing of Fort Imperial. Built to commemorate the war which lasted from 1991-1995, find artifacts such as documents, photos, military equipment, maps and other everyday objects from Croatians who lived through the siege. Pause for a moment at the memorial plaque, engraved with the names of those who died defending the city.
Rector's Palace
70HRK per personOriginally built in the 12th century, today's Rector's Palace is a cultural history museum with an intriguing past. A mix of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, it began as the seat of Dubrovnik's rector, becoming a place for merchants and citizens of the republic to gather by the 16th century. In the atrium, you'll find a statue of Miho Pracat, one such merchant who bequeathed his wealth to the city. Wander the galleries and admire paintings, sculptures and furniture from Croatia's past. Today the courtyard is a venue for music and cultural performances - and is often used as a filming location for shows such as Game of Thrones.
Franciscan Monastery & Museum
30HRK per personTake a wander through this Franciscan Monastery complex. Originally constructed as a public pharmacy in 1317, the Friars Minor pharmacy is the third oldest functioning pharmacy in the world today.
Sea Kayaking
36EUR per personHead offshore by sea kayak to gain a different perspective of Dubrovnik and fully appreciate this gorgeous area. Tour around the city walls and take a loop around Lokrum.
Accommodation
Akademis Hotel Dubrovnik (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Dubrovnik/Hvar
Head to the island of Hvar. Enjoy amazing beaches, nightlife, and water sports.
Filled with sunshine, the beautiful island is known for its lavender fields and vineyards in the interior and detailed Venetian-inspired architecture in the towns.
Ferry
Hop on a ferry from Dubrovnik to beautiful Hvar.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute—get exploring.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Hvar Fortress Visit
6EUR per personExplore the 16th century fortress that looks over the city of Hvar. Tour the interior and see some of the artifacts on display like the canon. Climb hundreds of stairs to reach the top for an incredible panoramic view of the city, nearby islands, and the ocean.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
10HRK per personOriginally constructed over 400 years ago, St. Stephen's Cathedral still plays an important role in the lives of local residents. Located in Hvar's main square, step inside the cathedral to admire beautiful altar paintings and bas reliefs made during the Dalmatian Renaissance.
Accommodation
Hotel Pharos (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Hvar
Soak in the scenery and relish the calm on a boat ride around the Pakleni Islands.
Pakleni Islands Boat Ride
Enjoy a scenic boat ride around the famous Pakleni Islands, offering a great escape for those wanting to spend a day relaxing on a quiet beach.
Accommodation
Hotel Pharos (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Hvar/Split
Ferry back to the mainland and arrive to Split. Take a guided tour of the UNESCO site at Diocletian's Palace. Enjoy free time to explore this charming seaside town.
Opt to visit the local market and gobble up some Croatian delicacies. For a little more activity, visit Marjan's peak with gorgeous views over the city or hit up some of the hiking and biking trails in the area.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Diocletian's Palace Guided Walk
Take a guided walk around Diocletian's Palace, one of the most imposing Roman ruins in Europe. It took over 10 years to construct and is built of white stone imported from the island of Brač. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site is a perfect way to learn more about the history of Split.
Free Time
Head out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Marjan's Peak Visit
30EUR per personFor spectacular views of the city, make sure to visit Marjan's Peak. The area has nice hiking and biking trails for those that want to embrace nature and escape the port town.
St Duje Cathedral Visit
15-40HRK per personThe Cathedral of St Duje is said to be the oldest cathedral in the world, built around 305 AD. Climb up the bell tower for excellent views of Split and the surrounding port area.
Bacvice Beach Visit
FreeHead to this local hot spot to soak up some rays or play in the calm waters. The sandy shores are often packed with rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas, but it's still a great place to spend some time if you’re looking to cool off. Visit some of the cafes along the waterfront, wade out into the shallow water, or rent a lounge chair and relax.
Mestrovic Gallery
30HRK per personFilled with the incredible sculptures of Croatian artist and architect Ivan Meštrović, this gallery is beautiful inside and out. The gallery is housed in a villa designed by Meštrović as a summer home which overlooks a wonderful garden where you can view more sculptures and enjoy the breeze from the sea.
Accommodation
Hotel Mondo (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Split
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Trogir Excursion
15-41EUR per personTake an excursion to the historic city of Trogir, where the Old City core is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Found in the centre of Dalmatia on the eastern coastline of Adriatic sea, this pretty seaside town is a great place to walk and explore.
St Duje Cathedral Visit
15-40HRK per personThe Cathedral of St Duje is said to be the oldest cathedral in the world, built around 305 AD. Climb up the bell tower for excellent views of Split and the surrounding port area.
Marjan's Peak Visit
30EUR per personFor spectacular views of the city, make sure to visit Marjan's Peak. The area has nice hiking and biking trails for those that want to embrace nature and escape the port town.
Bacvice Beach Visit
FreeHead to this local hot spot to soak up some rays or play in the calm waters. The sandy shores are often packed with rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas, but it's still a great place to spend some time if you’re looking to cool off. Visit some of the cafes along the waterfront, wade out into the shallow water, or rent a lounge chair and relax.
Mestrovic Gallery
30HRK per personFilled with the incredible sculptures of Croatian artist and architect Ivan Meštrović, this gallery is beautiful inside and out. The gallery is housed in a villa designed by Meštrović as a summer home which overlooks a wonderful garden where you can view more sculptures and enjoy the breeze from the sea.