Journeys: Discover the Balkans - 12 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: ZagrebArrival Day

  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 Expedition Leader and travelling companions.

• Days 2-1: Zagreb/Plitvice Lakes National Park

  Enjoy an excursion to Plitviče Lakes National Park. Take in the splendor of its karst formations, gem-like pools, and cascading waterfalls on a guided walk along boardwalks, and learn about the diverse wildlife and unique bird population of this World Heritage site. For dinner this evening, savor a traditional peka, a Dalmatian dish of vegetables, herbs, and meat baked over hot coals. 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: Plitvice Lakes National Park/Split

  Begin our exploration of the sparkling Adriatic coast in Split. In the early evening, take a guided walk around the dazzling Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built of luminous white stone imported from the nearby island of Brac, this imposing palace dates to the third century A.D.

• Days 4-3: Split

  Spend a day at your leisure to explore the lively seaside town of Split, which was once a major Byzantine city. Step through the Golden Gate and into the historic old town, situated within the old palace walls. Sample Croatian delicacies at the local market, opt to ascend to Marjan’s peak for breathtaking views of the city, or consider joining an optional tour of one of the world’s oldest cathedrals, a colonnaded octagon built in the early fourth century. 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.

• Days 5-4: Split/Sarajevo

  Enjoy a scenic drive across the border to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 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 Sarajevo for the evening.

• Days 6-5: 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, experience the city’s resurgence at a market and during lunch at a local spot.

• Days 7-6: Sarajevo

  Enjoy a free day to explore the capital at your leisure. Discover the cobblestone streets of its alluring Old Town, noting the architecture of its diverse places of worship, and ponder history at the arched Latin Bridge, the famed site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination—the fateful event that triggered 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.

• Days 8-7: Sarajevo/Kotor

  Cross over the border to Montenegro and soak up two days on the sparkling Bay of Kotor, designated a World Heritage site for its terraced waterfront landscape and medieval architecture. Opt to visit the one time capital of Risan, home to well-preserved Roman mosaics, take a leisurely stroll in the quaint seaside town of Perast and the islands, or set out by sea kayak to explore the spectacular bay. Continue to Montenegro and travel to the Bay of Kotor, a region that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Days 9-8: Kotor

  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. Opt 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.

• Days 10-9: Kotor/Dubrovnik

  Visit a family-run agrotourism villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views of the Adriatic. Join our 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. Continue to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” and walk the medieval city walls. 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.

• Days 11-10: Dubrovnik

  After breakfast, head to the World Heritage–designated Old City and meet locals preserving traditional foods and handicrafts through the women-run nonprofit, DEŠA, founded in the early 1990s during the Croatian War of Independence. Then, enjoy a free afternoon in Dubrovnik, which once rivaled Venice as a maritime power. Continue exploring the Old City, where distinctive red roofs make for spectacular photos. Order the catch of the day at a seaside café, or consider setting out on a boat trip to one of the nearby islands.

• Days 12-11: Dubrovnik

  Depart at any time. We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.