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Upgraded Balkans Adventure
12 days, Zagreb to Dubrovnik
Itinerary
Day 1Zagreb
Arrive at any time.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and has a very charming old city, complete with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Be sure to sample some of the delicious local food and drink. There are also a number of museums to explore focusing on art, history, and archaeology.
After the meeting, opt to head out for a meal in a local restaurant to get to know your CEO and travelling companions.
Hotel check-in time is approximately 3:00pm. If you'd like to explore this city, consider booking a night or two of accommodations before the tour begins.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Day 2Zagreb/Plitvice Lakes National Park
Visit Plitviče Lakes National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site and walk among its karst formations searching for turquoise pools and cascading waterfalls on a guided walk. In the evening, get ready to sample a peka dish in which vegetables, herbs, and meat are cooked over the embers of a fire.
Entrance to the park is included and there are many opportunities for walking and relaxing in one of Croatia's most famed wonders.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy time on your own.
Your Foodie Moment: Traditional Peka Dinner
Indulge in Dalmatia's signature dish, Peka: a blend of meat, vegetables and herbs cooked over the embers of a fire. Meat doesn't get much more tender than this!
Plitviče Lakes National Park Walk
Enjoy a morning walk in the National Park, admiring the stunning karst rock formations and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning views that make the park a must-see for visitors.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Plitvice Lakes National Park/Split
It’s time to explore the seaside town of Split, along the Adriatic coast. As the sun begins its descent you’ll enjoy a guided walk in Diocletian’s Palace, another World Heritage site. The atmosphere will make for some great photos and this tour is the best way to learn more about the history of Split.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Split
The location of this free day is perfect for endless adventure. Check out Split’s historic old town and curb your appetite with Croatian delicacies at local markets. Looking for something more active? Opt to climb Marjan’s peak where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the city below.
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.
Free Time
Opt to visit the Archaeology Museum or take an excursion to Trogir.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Archaeology Museum
FreeThe Archaeological Museum is the oldest museum in Croatia, built in 1820. It showcases a wide range of artifacts, from prehistoric times through Greek colonization and the Roman, early Christian, and medieval ages.The collections include stone epitaphs from Salona, Greek Hellenistic ceramics, Roman glass, clay lamps, antique and medieval coins, and a variety of artifacts made of bone, metal, and gems.
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.
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Split/Sarajevo
Hop into another country today as we cross the border to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit Stari Most, a symbol of the city’s resilience and walk around this ancient town before continuing to Sarajevo.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Croatia - Bosnia)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Stari Most (Old Bridge) Visit
Visit 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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Sarajevo
Once in Sarajevo you will have the opportunity to learn from a local expert, what it was like to live through the devastating Siege of Sarajevo. Visit the Tunnel of Hope and War Tunnel Museum to gain more insight into this historic event and then witness the city’s resurgence during lunch at a local market.
Siege of Sarajevo Tour
At nearly four years (1992-96) the Siege of Sarajevo is the longest siege of a capital city in modern warfare. Learn about this devastating period from a local expert who lived through the Bosnian War and is willing to share personal stories of this time. Visit the Tunnel of Hope and War Tunnel Museum, and gain perspective on what it was like to live in a 20th century city under siege. Then visit Trebević Mountain, the site of several battles, to view bunkers, minefields, and trenches. One of the most interesting parts about this experience is the opportunity it gives viewers to learn how a city and its people can move beyond serious conflict and once more find peace living together.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 7Sarajevo
Take advantage of this free day and get to know the capital at your own pace. Walk the cobblestone streets, admire the diverse architecture, and appreciate the Latin Bridge. The very bridge where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, thus leading to World War I.
Walk around the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Stari Grad) while taking in the architecture of diverse places of worship. This is also a great place to shop and visit markets. The Latin Bridge is worth a visit as it played an important role in the history of this area. This is the site where the Archduke of the Austro Hungarian Empire, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated, leading to the beginning of World War I.
Free Time
Explore this fascinating city at your own pace.
Optional Activities - Day 7 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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Sarajevo/Kotor
Check another country off those travel lists today as you cross over the border into Montenegro. Spend two days enjoying the paradise of the Bay of Kotor. Opt to visit well-preserved Roman mosaics, get to know the seaside town of Perast, or sea kayak around the islands to explore more of this beautiful bay.
Continue to Montenegro and travel to the Bay of Kotor, a region that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Bosnia - Montenegro)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Free Time
Enjoy some time to explore this evening.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
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.
Sveti Ivan Fortress Hike
Hike up the medieval steps to Sveti Ivan Fortress and be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the Old City, harbour and Bay of Boka Kotorska. This hike takes about an hour and is moderately challenging, but a highlight when visiting the area. Climb up just before sunset for the best experience.
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Kotor
The day is yours to continue exploring Kotor and there’s plenty to do. Consider visiting the largest lake in the Balkan region, or hike up the medieval steps of the fortress to see stunning views of the bay. If you are looking for a more relaxing day head to the beaches of Herceg Novi and check out the local mud therapy spas. Either way, get out and immerse yourself in this beautiful place because time flies when you are having fun.
Opt to visit the Risan Roman mosaics and take a leisurely stroll in Perast and the islands, or go sea kayaking. If relaxing is more your style, the beaches of Herceg Novi offer a great escape. There are also local mud therapy spas nearby to test the natural healing properties of the area's sand.
Free Time
The day is yours to do as much or as little as you choose.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
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.
Sveti Ivan Fortress Hike
Hike up the medieval steps to Sveti Ivan Fortress and be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the Old City, harbour and Bay of Boka Kotorska. This hike takes about an hour and is moderately challenging, but a highlight when visiting the area. Climb up just before sunset for the best experience.
Donji Stoliv Hike
Follow a less challenging hike along the fjords lining the northern border, enjoying amazing views of the bay along the way, before coming upon the quaint fishing village of Donji Stoliv. This hike is mostly flat and is best enjoyed during the day.
The Ladder of Kotor Hike
Hikers looking to get their adrenaline pumping should strap on their boots and head toward the Krstac Pass, standing 940m (3,083 ft) above the Old City. There's no better compliment to an increased heart rate than incredible views, and that's exactly what you'll get here. Be prepared with a camera and lots of water.
Lake Skadar National Park
Take a visit to the breathtaking Lake Skadar National Park. A short bus ride from Kotor, this dolphin-shaped water body is the largest lake in the Balkan region, and is one of the richest bird habitats in Europe.
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.
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.
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.
Perast Visit
Visit the small seaside town of Perast for a taste of the quaint in Montenegro.
Herceg Novi Beach Visit
If relaxing is your style, the beaches of Herceg Novi offer a great escape. There are also local mud therapy spas nearby, so test out the natural healing properties of the area's sand if you like.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Kotor/Dubrovnik
Today, cross back into Croatia and travel to Dubrovnik (any Game of Thrones fans out there?) The city has been an important maritime town on the Dalmatian coast for centuries and is surrounded by medieval walls. But before wandering into the heart of Dubrovnik you will be visiting a locally, family-run agrotourism villa featuring beautiful gardens and views of the Adriatic. Here, you will enjoy a baking demonstration and sit down with our hosts to share a traditional lunch. Then it’s on to the Old City to meet locals through the women-run nonprofit, DEŠA, founded in the early 1990s during the Croatian War of Independence.
Cross into Croatia and travel to Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Set on the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik has been an important maritime town in the region for centuries. Surrounded by medieval walls, it is rich in history and is a beautiful city to explore, filled with stunning architecture, museums, and fountains.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Montenegro - Croatia)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Agroturizam Experience
With its lush, scenic landscapes, Croatia’s Konavle Valley is a must for any visitor to the region. Visit a family-run agroturizam villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Meet our local hosts (who’ll greet us with homemade liqueur) and walk through their beautiful property to learn about the history and culture of the valley. Explore the lush gardens and pick fresh fruits and vegetables before enjoying a baking demonstration. Then, sit down for a traditional lunch of local hams, cheeses, breads, and wines. Yum.
Dubrovnik City Wall Walk
Opt 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.
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 11Dubrovnik
You can’t visit Dubrovnik without a free day to get as up close and personal with it as possible. Today, indulge in anything you didn’t have time for yesterday. Head back to the Old City and take some photos of the distinctive red roofs, feast on fresh seafood at a café along the water, or kayak around the nearby island of Lokrum.
Free Time
Opt to visit museums, take a day trip to Lopud Island, or go sea kayaking.
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.
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Dubrovnik
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.