Journey from medieval ruins to ancient Roman sights on this 10-day exploration of the Best of the Balkans, featuring the historic town centres of Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split. You'll wander through multicultural cities, hear moving stories of war, discover the stunning architecture, and watch as the vivid colours of the Plitvice lakes and waterfalls morph with the changing light. Centuries of history will be revealed through the eyes of Local Specialists who share their secrets of the Balkans.
Travel Style - Costsaver
Essentials By Us. Tailored By You.
Optionalexperience IconEXPLORE YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES ON YOUR DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Tap into your inner socialite and join the locals in indulging in the coffee culture and vibrant energy of the city when you visit Zagreb. Kickstart your adventure through the Balkans on the romantic promenades of Strossmartre or people-watch with a crisp pivo brew in hand. Over the next day you'll uncover the city's unique appeal, but first meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an included dinner this evening and a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - International
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Dinner
Day 2
Zagreb sightseeing and free time
Rub shoulders with the stylish Zagrebians when you join your Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour of this medieval European city. View the Upper and Lower Town, St. Mark's Church, Cathedral on Kaptol, the Croatian National Theatre and Dolac Market, the 'stomach' of Zagreb. You'll have the rest of the day to explore the city your way, perhaps choosing to soak up the local špica coffee culture around the bustling Ban Jelačič Square. Consider joining a Local Specialist for an optional visit to Kumrovec, the birthplace of the late president of Yugoslavia, Marshall Tito. Then enjoy a meal of delicious regional specialities against the backdrop of the beautiful Croatian countryside.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Kumrovec with Food and Drinks
A scenic drive out of Zagreb with our Local Specialist brings us to the Croatian village of Kumrovec, birthplace of the late President of Yugoslavia, Marshall Tito. You’ll see his house, now a museum, and have time to explore the museum village. Later, share a meal of delicious regional specialities in a picturesque restaurant with magnificent views of the Croatian countryside.
Adult Price: €62.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 3
Zagreb – Sarajevo sightseeing (1 Night)
Small villages and lush green forests 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'. Centuries of religious history are reflected in its 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. 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 favourite local restaurant with dinner and entertainment.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Ibis Styles
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Sarajevo Home Hosted Evening
Enjoy a true insight into local culture as you’re invited into a Sarajevo local's home, to savour warm hospitality and tasty traditional cuisine. There’ll be no more than several guests with each family, ensuring a cosy and memorable evening.
Adult Price: €56.00*
Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Entertainment
Enjoy a typical Bosnian evening in an authentic restaurant, famous for its local cuisine, accompanied with lively entertainment, to ensure an unforgettable final evening in Sarajevo.
Adult Price: €49.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 4
Sarajevo – Mostar (1 Night)
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' 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 colourful 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.
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Mystical Blagaj
Journey with your Local Specialist through the picturesque Old Tsar vineyards and magnificent valleys of fruit trees, to the town of Blagaj, famous for the natural spring of the Buna River, the largest karst spring in Europe and one of the most mystical cultural and historical monuments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We'll visit a well-preserved 17th-century Ottoman House, a living museum, where we can sample the famous Bosnian coffee and enjoy a guided tour of the surroundings.
Adult Price: €43.00*
Tunnel of Hope
Rewind to the 1990s, when Sarajevo was under siege. Our Local Specialist gives us a personal insight into the Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope, which was built as a lifeline to the city during its besiegement in the Bosnian War. Learn how Sarajevo's citizens survived for four years on the supplies smuggled via the tunnel as we tour the museum and chart the siege through video, artifacts, and more.
Adult Price: €29.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 5
Mostar – Dubrovnik sightseeing and free time (2 Nights)
You'll get to see 'paradise on earth' - if George Bernard Shaw is to be believed - when you visit Dubrovnik on your Best of the Balkans tour. The famous playwright was a big fan of this medieval fortified city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast and you'll discover why when you join a Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour of the iconic highlights. Admire the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain and the city walls which were never breached by the invading Turks. Stroll through elegant courtyards and along its 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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Adria
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Sunset Cruise And Dinner
Our sunset cruise takes us along the spectacular Dalmatian coast to one of the secluded bays where we'll enjoy a delicious local dinner with drinks. To complete the evening, we'll cruise outside the old city walls and explore the beautiful illuminated city of Dubrovnik, before returning by coach to our hotel. (n.b. This optional is weather dependent and may not be available on all departures)
Adult Price: €62.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 6
Dubrovnik – free day or optional experience to Montenegro
Straight out of a storybook, Dubrovnik's enchanting stone façades reveal a rich trading history from the 7th century. You'll have a full free day to explore the city on your own today. But if you're feeling adventurous, you may wish to switch the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' for the Mediterranean mountain nation of Montenegro, on an Optional Experience. A Local Specialist will take you on a panoramic boat trip across the Bay of Kotor to the UNESCO-listed town of the same name, tucked deep within magical fjord-like surrounds. Fortified walls encircle the city and a rambling maze of steep cobbled lanes reach high up into the hills, with medieval churches and Venetian palaces just waiting to be discovered. Return to Dubrovnik later for dinner at your hotel.
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Montenegro Adventure
We drive south along the Adriatic coast into the country of Montenegro. At the border we meet our Local Specialist, and embark on a panoramic boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks island, constructed by local sailors over six centuries in veneration of a holy relic discovery. Afterwards we sail across the Bay of Kotor, past spectacular fjord-like scenery, approaching the fortified town of Kotor, surrounded with steep mountains and protected by UNESCO. After a guided walking tour, we will have free time to enjoy delicious local cuisine and buy last Montenegrin souvenirs before returning to Dubrovnik. Please see the Visa Information section of this document.
Adult Price: €63.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 7
Dubrovnik – Split (2 Nights)
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. A Local Specialist takes you behind the city walls to this harbour 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. 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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Mondo
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Traditional Konoba Dinner
If you want to truly experience Dalmatian cuisine, a dinner in a traditional stone basement 'konoba' is the best choice. You'll select from a variety of seafood or meats accompanied by Dalmatian wines and typical live music, which will add a traditional touch to your journey on the Croatian Adriatic coastline.
Adult Price: €55.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 8
Split free day
Today is all yours to dive into the history and culture of Split, a city that was built for the retirement of a Roman Emperor. Much of Diocletian's home town survives as you'll come to discover when you venture out to get lost in the narrow lanes of its Old Town. If you're after more sightseeing on your Balkans value tour, you could choose to spend your free day 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 centre for centuries.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Jewel of the Adriatic
A memorable day trip to Hvar, one of the most beautiful islands in the Croatian archipelago. Embarking on a boat ride from Split harbour, we'll explore the historic Hvar Old Town on foot with our Local Specialist. You'll spend free time relaxing along one of the seafront restaurants or soaking up the stunning views from the Venetian hilltop fortress. We then sail back over the Adriatic on our return to Split. Please note: during May or September, Hvar may be substituted for Brac
Adult Price: €75.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 9
Split – Plitvice – Zagreb (1 Night)
Leave the salty sea air behind and venture north on a scenic drive to the UNESCO-listed National Park of Plitvice. Prepare for an encounter with a whimsical landscape, filled with cascading waterfalls in all shades of blue, green and grey. As you explore your magical surrounds of lakes and forests, your Local Specialist reveals the legend of the Black Queen who is credited with creating the kaleidoscopic lakes to stave off a drought. After a day of reconnecting with nature, you'll return to Zagreb where tonight a farewell dinner in your hotel closes the curtain on an exhilarating encounter with the Balkans.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - International
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. Find out more about your free airport transfer at costsavertour.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Available on day 2
Kumrovec with Food and Drinks
A scenic drive out of Zagreb with our Local Specialist brings us to the Croatian village of Kumrovec, birthplace of the late President of Yugoslavia, Marshall Tito. You’ll see his house, now a museum, and have time to explore the museum village. Later, share a meal of delicious regional specialities in a picturesque restaurant with magnificent views of the Croatian countryside.
Adult Price: €62.00*
Available on day 3
Sarajevo Home Hosted Evening
Enjoy a true insight into local culture as you’re invited into a Sarajevo local's home, to savour warm hospitality and tasty traditional cuisine. There’ll be no more than several guests with each family, ensuring a cosy and memorable evening.
Adult Price: €56.00*
Available on day 3
Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Entertainment
Enjoy a typical Bosnian evening in an authentic restaurant, famous for its local cuisine, accompanied with lively entertainment, to ensure an unforgettable final evening in Sarajevo.
Adult Price: €49.00*
Available on day 4
Mystical Blagaj
Journey with your Local Specialist through the picturesque Old Tsar vineyards and magnificent valleys of fruit trees, to the town of Blagaj, famous for the natural spring of the Buna River, the largest karst spring in Europe and one of the most mystical cultural and historical monuments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We'll visit a well-preserved 17th-century Ottoman House, a living museum, where we can sample the famous Bosnian coffee and enjoy a guided tour of the surroundings.
Adult Price: €43.00*
Available on day 4
Tunnel of Hope
Rewind to the 1990s, when Sarajevo was under siege. Our Local Specialist gives us a personal insight into the Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope, which was built as a lifeline to the city during its besiegement in the Bosnian War. Learn how Sarajevo's citizens survived for four years on the supplies smuggled via the tunnel as we tour the museum and chart the siege through video, artifacts, and more.
Adult Price: €29.00*
Available on day 5
Sunset Cruise And Dinner
Our sunset cruise takes us along the spectacular Dalmatian coast to one of the secluded bays where we'll enjoy a delicious local dinner with drinks. To complete the evening, we'll cruise outside the old city walls and explore the beautiful illuminated city of Dubrovnik, before returning by coach to our hotel. (n.b. This optional is weather dependent and may not be available on all departures)
Adult Price: €62.00*
Available on day 6
Montenegro Adventure
We drive south along the Adriatic coast into the country of Montenegro. At the border we meet our Local Specialist, and embark on a panoramic boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks island, constructed by local sailors over six centuries in veneration of a holy relic discovery. Afterwards we sail across the Bay of Kotor, past spectacular fjord-like scenery, approaching the fortified town of Kotor, surrounded with steep mountains and protected by UNESCO. After a guided walking tour, we will have free time to enjoy delicious local cuisine and buy last Montenegrin souvenirs before returning to Dubrovnik. Please see the Visa Information section of this document.
Adult Price: €63.00*
Available on day 7
Traditional Konoba Dinner
If you want to truly experience Dalmatian cuisine, a dinner in a traditional stone basement 'konoba' is the best choice. You'll select from a variety of seafood or meats accompanied by Dalmatian wines and typical live music, which will add a traditional touch to your journey on the Croatian Adriatic coastline.
Adult Price: €55.00*
Available on day 8
Jewel of the Adriatic
A memorable day trip to Hvar, one of the most beautiful islands in the Croatian archipelago. Embarking on a boat ride from Split harbour, we'll explore the historic Hvar Old Town on foot with our Local Specialist. You'll spend free time relaxing along one of the seafront restaurants or soaking up the stunning views from the Venetian hilltop fortress. We then sail back over the Adriatic on our return to Split. Please note: during May or September, Hvar may be substituted for Brac
Adult Price: €75.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Sightseeing tour with Local Specialist includes a visit of the Old City. See the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries
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Mostar
See the historic bridge and visit the Bazaar with a Local Specialist
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Plitvice National Park
See the waterfalls and lakes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your Local Specialist
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Sarajevo
Sightseeing with a Local Specialist includes the Old Town
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Split
See Diocletian's Palace with your Local Specialist
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Zagreb
Sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist includes views of the Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, and the Opera House
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT ON EVERY TRIP
Unique or exclusive to Costsaver, here’s a sample of what’s included in your trip.
Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
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Luxury air-conditioned coach
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Variety of Optional Experiences
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City orientation tours
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
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Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day. Conditions apply
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Best of the Balkans Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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4.5
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Based on 354 independent reviews
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Great tour! Great service!
Trip Rating
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5
Great Travel Director! Good driver! Tour coach is clean and neat everyday! Choice of provided meals and hotel were good in the context of Costsaver. No complaints!
The tour was everything you'd want - good and efficient driver who doesn't just drive but also look after our safety and provided the added service of looking after all our luggages. The tour direct was super! In fact he was responsible for making all of our experiences a very memorable one. In one word, he "mothers" us by looking after all our needs and requirements. He made himself available to us everyday if in case anyone has anything to enquire. All the hotels, local guides and meals in the context of costsaver were good. Highly recommend the tour to anyone.
Itinerary and coach were excellent, as for the Hotels I would say they were good with the exception of a couple that were not close to anything within walking distance. Other wise great job.
Excellent tour director (Jay Mathieson) would travel and have him as tour director on any trip I might take with Costsaver. He was very helpful and well informed regarding all of our schedule and areas that were visited. The bus driver (Evista) was very considerate of his passengers and helped getting on and off the bus as well as a safe driver. Local specialists were very good in giving information and places of interest we visited so we were able to investigated more on our own with the time allotted. Hotels were good, but in most cases besides the towel racks, the towels were hard to reach as they were placed on very high shelves, and for a height challenged person it was very hard to reach. Restaurants and staff were very good, and breakfast at all Hotels was excellent.
It was an amazing very well organized trip for the great value. It exceeded my expectations. Everyday was well planned and scheduled we had free time and time for sightseeing.
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.