Western Balkan explorer tour 2024

This morning we transfer 40 min north to get to Bled lake, the hidden jewel of Julian Alps. Bled lake with its island and 11th century castle on top of the rock often reminds one of a fairy tale seen in the movies. We take a tour ride around Bled lake and visit Bled castle overlooking the Bled lake and Julian Alps. Afterward we take a scenic drive from Bled through Sava canyon all the way to Bohinj lake in the heart of Julian Alps which attracts many outdoor enthusiasts that are into hiking, canyoning, paragliding, rafting, mount biking, etc. Enjoy the panoramic boat ride with the Alpine views or a cable car which takes you to the peaks of Vogel ski center (if weather permitting) for breathtaking views of Triglav national park and it’s peaks. In the afternoon we come back to Bled area and visit Vintgar gorge, one of the most magical places in Slovenia. For 1.6 km boardwalks crisscross their way along Radovna river creating an enchanting landscape that is photogenic and fun to explore. We return to Ljubljana in late afternoon. Overnight in Ljubljana – 4-star Hotel.

Today, we are leaving Ljubljana and heading south for 45 min to visit Postojna, the biggest cave system in Europe and one of the most visited sites in Slovenia, a real Karst phenomenon and masterpiece of nature. Postojna is the world’s most captivating cave with magnificent cave formations and diverse fauna. We will take an unforgettable ride on Postojna Cave’s underground train and experience a fascinating subterranean paradise shaped by tiny droplets over millions of years. After Postojna we drive for 2 hours to reach Zagreb, the capital of Croatia and one of the oldest central European cities. After you check in, your guide will take you for a relaxing walking tour in Zagreb city center. In the evening, we invite you to relax in one of many outdoor caffes and restaurants in Zagreb center. Overnight in Zagreb – 4-star Hotel.

After breakfast, your journey takes you to the most famous natural wonder of Croatia and this part of Europe – Plitvice Lakes national park. On the way we’ll stop in Rastoke miller village, a unique example of traditional 17th century village architecture which once had more than 50 water mills built on breathtaking waterfalls. Just 25 min further south we are entering Plitvice lakes national park (UNESCO site) and we’ll start a comfortable hike along the sixteen beautiful and crystal-clear lakes with numerous cascades and waterfalls. We are ending the day in Split, where you can enjoy a stroll along the heart of the city – the famous Split waterfront or Riva where you will feel the friendly and cozy atmosphere of this vibrant city. Overnight in Split – 4-star Hotel.

Today, your guide will take you for a walking tour through the “most beautiful city in the world”, how Split if often called by its citizens. You’ll visit the Diocletian Palace in the heart of Split, built as a residential palace in the 3rd century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian and a priceless monument included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Enjoy the heart of Split – the famous Split waterfront or Riva where you will feel the friendly and cozy atmosphere of this vibrant city. Overnight in Split – 4-star Hotel.

This morning we are leaving Split, and we are entering neighboring country Bosnia and Herzegovina. Driving through Herzegovina, we make our first stop next to pay a visit to Kravica waterfall, a true natural karst phenomenon. Kravica Waterfall is a large tufa cascade on the Trebižat river, passing through limestone terrains and depositing tufa. According to many visitors, praised as one of the most beautiful natural attractions, the Kravica waterfall is a recognizable symbol of Ljubuski and Herzegovina. Only half an hour drive from Kravica waterfall, we reach Mostar, the 3rd biggest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We pay a visit to the old town center and visit it’s famous Old bridge which connects western (Croatian) and eastern (Muslim) side of Neretva river cutting the city in two. Leaving Mostar we continue our tour north driving through a beautiful scenery of Neretva canyon passing towns Jablanica and Konjic and after two-hour drive we arrive to Sarajevo, often called “little Istanbul” as it was the place where worlds collided for centuries. Upon our arrival and check in we will take a walk in the city center visiting: Baščaršija, Gazi-Husrev Beg Mosque, Latin bridge and many more. In the evening, for dinner, we invite you for a typical Bosnian dish, cevapi. Overnight in Sarajevo – 4-star Hotel.

This morning is reserved for exploring Sarajevo with your local guide. You will learn about Ottoman days when the city was founded, turbulent period under Habsburgs and difficult days at the end of 20th century. Once upon a time, Winter Olympics host in 1984. Sarajevo still enchants its guests with known out giving atmosphere and true charm. Being known as one of the most “open-minded” cities of former Yugoslavia, Sarajevo suffered a devastating siege in the first part of 1990s during the war in Bosnia. You will visit the war tunnel museum, the abandoned Olympic bobsled track on Trebevic Mountain, a large Jewish cemetery and the Ottoman-era Old Town, and hear stories about Sarajevo during the siege. Overnight in Sarajevo – 4-star Hotel.

Leaving Sarajevo this morning we are heading south, and our first stop is in Blagaj, a small town known after the old Dervish tekke (monastery) originating from 15th century. Located on the source of Buna river, it offers a unique insight to Otoman influence and turbulent history of this country. Leaving Blagaj we continue our tour driving south-east and stopping in Trebinje, eastern Herzegovina for traditional Bosnian snack called “burek and pita”. Soon after leaving Trebinje we enter Montenegro, the 4th country on our tour. Crossing the border, we continue a scenic drive along Boka Kotorska bay. Our first stop is in Perast, a small seaside town known after Lady of the rock islet. We take a short boat ride to visit the islet and learn about its legends. Returning to mainland, we continue 20 more minutes to reach Kotor – an old city of traders and famous sailors. The medieval architecture and numerous monuments

of cultural heritage have made Kotor a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site. We reach Budva in late afternoon. After check in, join your guide for a welcome dinner in a typical Montenegrin seafood restaurant. Overnight in Budva – 4-star Hotel.

After breakfast, we are leaving Budva and driving to Lovcen mountain in order to reach our first stop today, a village called Njeguši, located of the mountain slopes, within the Lovćen national park. The village is best known as the birthplace of the Petrović dynasty, which ruled Montenegro from 1696 to 1918. The village is also significant for its well-preserved traditional folk architecture. Njeguški sir and Njeguški pršut (local forms of cheese and prosciutto respectively), made solely in the area around Njeguši, are genuine contributions to Montenegrin cuisine. After Njeguši, we proceed to Cetinje, an Old Royal Capital of Montenegro. Cetinje is also the historic and the secondary capital of Montenegro, where the official residence of the President of Montenegro is located. We’ll visit the old royal palace (Montenegrin history museum) before making our way down back to the coast. In the afternoon, enjoy the sunny and sandy beaches of Budva. Overnight in Budva – 4-star Hotel.

Today we are leaving Montenegro and getting back to Croatia. Our first stop is in Konavle valley where we pay a visit to one of the best preserved fortresses in Dubrovnik region, Sokolgrad, which meant a great deal for generations of inhabitants during Ottoman times and Dubrovnik republic (medieval). Situated on the cliffs of Konavle valley Sokolgrad fortress is a much more than just a viewing point. It offers a true insight in how life was during turbulent and unpeacefull days when Turks, Venetians and many more presented a permanent danger to residents of world known Dubrovnik republic. After the visit you must be hungry already, and we are taking you to one of the hidden gems of this area, a local tavern run by a family known after cooking some of the best meals this region has to offer.

In the afternoon we reach Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic and one of the most beautiful Mediterranean cities. Overnight in Dubrovnik – 4-star Hotel.

This whole day is reserved for exploring and enjoying in our Pearl of Adriatic – the old town, Dubrovnik. The great George Bernard Shaw wrote: “Those who seek paradise on Earth must come to Dubrovnik” and he was as many others overjoyed by the beauty and rich history of this old town under the UNESCO protection. Its glorious walls, with their fortresses and bastions, offer a unique walk with a view of the magical Elafiti islands. From the Onofrio fountain to the City bell tower, along its main street, Stradun and in many other small cobblestone streets, every step in this town will be an experience par excellence. After our walking tour, we are taking you for a lunch in one of Dubrovnik’s taverns. In the afternoon, we invite you to collect more impressions of Dubrovnik. In the afternoon, we invite you to collect more impressions of Dubrovnik and enjoy this beautiful city. Overnight in Dubrovnik – 4-star Hotel.

Today is the last day of our tour. After taking you to mountain Srđ for the most beautiful view on the Mediterranean, we will visit the ancient town of Cavtat, dating from Roman times, known after its pebbly beaches and artsy galleries. In the afternoon, your guide will drive you to Dubrovnik Airport, where you are expecting your flight back home. We wish you a safe journey, and we hope that you will always gladly remember Croatia and have great memories of these days spent with us. Goodbye!