Journeys: Discover the Balkan Coast - 16 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: ZagrebArrival Day

  Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Welcome to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia known for a 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 Expedition Leader and travelling companions.

• Days 2-1: Zagreb/Split

  Enjoy an excursion to Plitviče Lakes National Park. Take in the splendor of the travertine barriers, which create gem-like natural pools, and wander past cascading waterfalls and towering karst formations on a guided walk along boardwalks. Learn about the diverse wildlife and unique bird population of this World Heritage Site – one of Croatia’s most famed wonders. Take some free time for lunch, then journey down the Adriatic coast to Split and settle in for the night. Entrance to the park is included and there are many opportunities for walking and relaxing in one of Croatia's most famed wonders.

• Days 3-2: Split

  After breakfast, begin your exploration of this beautiful coastal city. Take a guided walk around Split’s historic Old Town, where you’ll discover the grandeur of Diocletian’s Palace–dazzling Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built of luminous white stone imported from the nearby island of Braç. National Geographic writer Barbara A. Noe explored the “Gothic and Renaissance buildings incorporating the Roman remnants into their relatively “modern” styles, all within the palace’s original walls” for the article “In Diocletian’s Living Room.” Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Riva promenade – all while soaking in the rich history and stunning architecture of this unique city. Explore on your own with free time this afternoon. Wander the city at your leisure or join an optional excursion to the historic city of Trogir.

• Days 4-3: Split/Hvar

  Ready your sea legs as you board a Catamaran to Hvar town this morning, then set off for a walking tour with a local guide. Wander through the historical and cultural sites including the main square, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Fortica Fortress. Stroll leisurely along the Riva Promenade and enjoy views of the harbor and nearby islands. Join your guide on a walk back to the Citadel and continue your exploration with free time for lunch. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to fill however you’d like.

• Days 5-4: Hvar

  Today, step back into history and embrace traditional Croatian culture. Meet your local guide before transferring to Stari Grad, an ancient Greek settlement that is one of the oldest towns in Europe, as well as a UNESCO-listed site at the Stari Grad Plain. National Geographic writer, Alex Crevar, notes that approximately 120 archaeologists have found remains of ancient and prehistoric buildings in the plains, leading to unparalleled historic significance. After, head to Brusje, a nearly abandoned, once-bustling shepherd's village where you’ll walk in ancient footsteps learning of the days gone by. Continue to Malo Grablje, a ghost town deserted since the 1960s, and wander through the haunting ruins of the town. Head to the only working restaurant at Berti's Konoba for a chat with the owner, then settle in for a traditional lunch. Return to Hvar after lunch and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

• Days 6-5: Hvar/Dubrovnik

  Cross the Neretva Channel by ferry and travel to Ston, famous for its defensive city walls and oyster farming. Here, enjoy a wine and oyster demonstration followed by a local lunch. Continue on to Dubrovnik, 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.

• Days 7-6: Dubrovnik

  Visit a family-run agrotourism villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views of the Adriatic. Join a local host on a spirited walk around the picturesque grounds, pick fresh fruits and vegetables in the gardens, and watch a baking demonstration. Then sit down together to share a traditional lunch of local ham, cheeses, and wine. Return to Dubrovnik for a self-guided visit at the Red History Museum–a unique place showcasing life in the former Yugoslavia. After, walk to the the tour operator-supported Maritimo Recycling project where artists are creatively working to clean up the Adriatic Sea. This evening, join your group for an optional farewell dinner.

• Days 8-7: Dubrovnik

  Explore at your leisure with a free day today. Discover the well-preserved medieval architecture found in the famous Old Town safely tucked away behind the city wall’s stronghold. Take a cable car up Mount Srd and enjoy panoramic views of the city, or sip some Rozulin, a rose liqueur, with the sea breeze in your hair at one of the many seaside cafes.

• Days 9-8: Dubrovnik/Kotor

  Cross the border to Montenegro to the stunning bayside town of Perast. Enjoy a boat cruise to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. In the National Geographic article “How to plan your pilgrimage to Montenegro‘s sacred spaces“ writer Kimberley J. Graham writes that the church is adorned with more than 2,500 silver plaques donated by sailors who credit the Madonna for their safe return from the sea. Explore the church and treasury before transferring back to Perast for a short walk to the old town and free time to wander the narrow streets and admire the abandoned baroque palaces. Continue onward and soak up the sparkling Bay of Kotor, designated a World Heritage Site for its terraced waterfront landscape and medieval architecture.

• Days 10-9: Kotor

  Join your tour leader on a walk to the local market this morning, then enjoy a free day to explore. Discover the Mediterranean spirit of Kotor, surrounded by fortifications built by the Republic of Venice. Consider hiking up the medieval steps of the fortress for panoramic views of the city and harbour. Or opt to experience mud therapy at a local spa to test the natural healing properties of the area’s sand. Choose to visit the Risan Roman mosaics, go sea kayaking or if relaxing is more your style, the beaches of Herceg Novi offer a great escape.

• Days 11-10: Kotor/Trebinje

  Set off to the Kovacevic Family Botanical Garden this morning; home to a diverse collection of approximately 127 species of trees, shrubs, and various other flora – the first protected natural monument of its kind. Walk the grounds before transferring to the Dabovic Winery for a tour and tasting. Whet your palate with sips of wine and brandy paired with local specialties to truly immerse yourself in the local Montenegro culture before crossing the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina, en route to Trebinje. Upon arrival, visit the Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple for spectacular views of the city.

• Days 12-11: Trebinje

  Today is an indulgence of local flavours, regional specialties. Begin with a tour of the local Green Market; take in the colourful stalls and sample the fragrant fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Next, head to a female-operated apiary to learn about all things honey and the history of this 5-generation-run farm. After, continue to another local farm specializing in the art of cheese making. Learn about cheese production, sample the products and join the family for an authentic farm-to-table lunch.Head back to Trebinje for an evening on your own.

• Days 13-12: Trebinje/Buna

  Set off for ancient Stolac–one of the oldest cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit the town centre and stop at the UNESCO-listed medieval Necropolis tombstones of Stecaka. Continue onward to Blagaj for a short orientation walk around town, then enjoy a free afternoon. Perhaps hike to the Blagaj Fortress or if you’re looking for something a little different, visit the Dervish Monastery.

• Days 14-13: Buna/Sarajevo

  Enjoy a scenic drive to Mostar for a stroll around the ancient town and pay a visit to the famed Stari Most (Old Bridge), considered a symbol of the city’s resilience. This reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge was first built in the 17th century and then meticulously rebuilt after its destruction during the Bosnian War. Later, continue to impressive Sarajevo, a city steeped in history and culture. Head out for an evening food tour, exploring tiny alleys, local restaurants and markets and indulge in delicious Bosnian flavours.

• Days 15-14: Sarajevo

  Learn about the four-year-long Siege of Sarajevo from a local expert who lived through this devastating period. Gain more insights at the Tunnel of Hope and War Tunnel Museum, and view bunkers, minefields, and trenches at Trebević Mountain, the site of several battles. After, take advantage of some free time to experience the site on your own before an optional farewell dinner.

• Days 16-15: Sarajevo

  Depart at any time.