Epic Balkan Explorer

Overview

Epic Balkan Explorer

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Experience the best of the Balkans on an unforgettable 20-day journey through Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, and North Macedonia. Designed for travelers who want a comfortable balance of sightseeing, culture, nature, and leisure, this carefully curated itinerary combines iconic destinations with authentic local experiences.

Begin in beautiful Ljubljana, discovering Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj before continuing to Zagreb and the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park en route to Split. Explore Split's historic Diocletian's Palace and continue along the Adriatic to the legendary walled city of Dubrovnik.

Cross into Montenegro to discover the dramatic Bay of Kotor, then continue to Mostar and Sarajevo, where Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan influences come together. Your journey continues to lively Belgrade, followed by Skopje and the beautiful shores of Lake Ohrid.

Tour Highlights

    Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj (Slovenia) — the iconic island church, alpine backdrop, and Slovenia's largest glacial lake, both in one included day Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia) — UNESCO-listed turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls, walked via wooden boardwalks Bay of Kotor (Montenegro) — dramatic fjord-like bay ringed by mountains, with the walled Old Town right on the water Dubrovnik's City Walls & Old Town — full guided walk along the famous walls, Stradun, and medieval lanes Mostar's Stari Most — the iconic Ottoman-era bridge and Old Bazaar Sarajevo — a guided walk through Baščaršija blending Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history, plus the Latin Bridge Belgrade's Kalemegdan Fortress — perched above the Danube–Sava confluence, paired with a stroll down Knez Mihailova Lake Ohrid (North Macedonia) — one of the Balkans' most beautiful lakes, with a historic lakeside town, closing the trip on a high note Six countries, one seamless overland route — no flights needed between stops

Day-to-Day Itinerary

1
Arrival in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Arrive in Ljubljana and meet your airport transfer for the journey to your 3/4-star hotel. After check-in and some time to relax, enjoy an easy orientation walk through the compact city centre, discovering Prešeren Square, Triple Bridge, the Ljubljanica River and Dragon Bridge. Overnight: Ljubljana Meals: Welcome Dinner

2
Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj

4260 Bled, Slovenia

Enjoy an included full-day excursion to two of Slovenia's most scenic destinations. Begin with Lake Bled, surrounded by the Julian Alps — see Bled Island, the famous church and the lake promenade, with free time for photographs and local cafés. Continue to Lake Bohinj, Slovenia's largest glacial lake, for spectacular mountain scenery and a more peaceful alpine atmosphere, before returning to Ljubljana in the evening. Included: Lake Bled & Bohinj day tour Overnight: Ljubljana Meals: Breakfast

3
Ljubljana at Leisure

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Enjoy a relaxed morning and explore Ljubljana independently. Suggested experiences include Ljubljana Castle, the Central Market, riverside cafés and the historic Old Town. This is intentionally kept as a flexible day so travelers can choose between an additional excursion or a slower day in Ljubljana. Optional: Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle guided excursion Overnight: Ljubljana Meals: Breakfast

4
Ljubljana → Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb, Croatia

After breakfast, travel from Ljubljana to Zagreb by train or coach. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and begin exploring Croatia's capital: Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb Cathedral, Stone Gate and the historic Upper Town. The evening is free to enjoy Zagreb's restaurants and cafés. Overnight: Zagreb Meals: Breakfast

5
Zagreb → Plitvice Lakes → Split

Plitvice Lakes National Park Parking Lot, 53231, Rastovača, Croatia

Today is one of the scenic highlights of the journey. Travel south from Zagreb toward Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's spectacular UNESCO-listed natural attraction. Spend several hours exploring the wooden walkways, turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls, then continue onward to Split, checking into your hotel and relaxing after the journey. Included: Plitvice Lakes entrance and visit Overnight: Split Meals: Breakfast

6
Discover Split

Split, Croatia

Spend the day discovering Split's historic centre: Diocletian's Palace, Peristyle Square, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the old lanes and Riva waterfront promenade. The afternoon is free for shopping, cafés or relaxing by the Adriatic. Optional: Split & Trogir guided tour Overnight: Split Meals: Breakfast

7
Split at Leisure

Split, Croatia

Enjoy a relaxed day in Split — explore more of the Old Town, visit local markets or simply enjoy the waterfront. Optional: Blue Lagoon & Three Islands boat cruise, including time for swimming and enjoying the Adriatic coastline Overnight: Split Meals: Breakfast

8
Split → Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Travel south along Croatia's spectacular Adriatic coastline to Dubrovnik. After hotel check-in, spend the evening exploring Dubrovnik's atmospheric Old Town — walk along Stradun, explore the historic lanes and enjoy dinner overlooking the ancient city walls. Overnight: Dubrovnik Meals: Breakfast

9
Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Today focuses on the historic heart of Dubrovnik. Enjoy a guided walking experience through the Old Town and famous City Walls, discovering medieval architecture, churches, palaces and views over the Adriatic. The afternoon is free for shopping, cafés or optional cable-car views from Mount Srđ. Included: Dubrovnik walking tour & City Walls Overnight: Dubrovnik Meals: Breakfast

10
Dubrovnik → Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, Montenegro

Leave Croatia behind and travel along the spectacular Adriatic coastline into Montenegro, arriving in Kotor, surrounded by dramatic mountains and the Bay of Kotor. After check-in, explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, including St. Tryphon Cathedral, Maritime Square and the medieval lanes, and enjoy an evening by the waterfront. Overnight: Kotor Meals: Breakfast

11
Kotor & Bay of Kotor

Kotor, Montenegro

Enjoy a relaxed day discovering Kotor — walk through the historic Old Town, browse local shops and enjoy views across the bay. Optional: Bay of Kotor boat excursion visiting Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks Overnight: Kotor Meals: Breakfast

12
Kotor → Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Travel inland toward Bosnia & Herzegovina, arriving in Mostar, famous for its Ottoman-era architecture and iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). Spend the afternoon exploring the Old Bazaar, bridge area and riverside cafés. Overnight: Mostar Meals: Breakfast

13
Mostar at Leisure

88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Enjoy a slower day in Mostar. Explore the historic centre, local craft shops and cafés, or simply enjoy the atmosphere around the Old Bridge. Optional: Full-day excursion covering Kravica Waterfalls, Blagaj Tekke and Počitelj Overnight: Mostar Meals: Breakfast

14
Mostar → Sarajevo

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Travel to Sarajevo, the historic capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina. After check-in, explore Baščaršija, Sarajevo's atmospheric Ottoman-era marketplace — see the Sebilj Fountain, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque area and traditional cafés. Overnight: Sarajevo Meals: Breakfast

15
Sarajevo

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Enjoy a guided walking tour through Sarajevo's fascinating historic centre — discover the Latin Bridge, Baščaršija, Ottoman heritage and Austro-Hungarian architecture, while learning about the city's complex modern history. Included: Sarajevo walking tour Optional: Tunnel of Hope Museum excursion Overnight: Sarajevo Meals: Breakfast

16
Sarajevo → Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade, Serbia

Travel onward to Belgrade, Serbia's capital. After hotel check-in, head toward Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically positioned above the meeting point of the Danube and Sava rivers, then continue to Knez Mihailova Street for an evening stroll. Overnight: Belgrade Meals: Breakfast

17
Discover Belgrade

Belgrade, Serbia

Explore Serbia's energetic capital: Belgrade Fortress, Republic Square, Knez Mihailova Street and the Church of Saint Sava. The afternoon remains free. Included: Belgrade city walking tour Optional: Danube & Sava River cruise Overnight: Belgrade Meals: Breakfast

18
Belgrade → Skopje, North Macedonia

Skopje, North Macedonia

Travel south toward Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. After checking into your hotel, explore Macedonia Square, Stone Bridge and the Old Bazaar. Enjoy the evening at leisure and experience local Macedonian cuisine. Overnight: Skopje Meals: Breakfast

19
Lake Ohrid Excursion

Ohrid, North Macedonia

Enjoy a full-day excursion from Skopje to Lake Ohrid, one of the Balkans' most beautiful destinations. Explore the historic lakeside town, traditional architecture, churches and waterfront, with free time beside the lake before returning to Skopje. Optional: Guided visit to St. Naum Monastery Overnight: Skopje Meals: Breakfast

20
Departure from Skopje

Skopje, North Macedonia

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your airport transfer. Depart Skopje with memories of an extraordinary journey through six Balkan countries. Overnight: — Meals: Breakfast

Tour Map & Route

Inclusions
  • Accomodation in 3 star hotel with Breakfast
  • Day trips with Tour Guide
  • Intercity Transfer
  • Breakfast
  • Airport pick up and drop
  • Welcome Dinner
Exclusions
  • International Flight
  • Travel Insurance

Accommodations & Transport Details

Accommodation

Ljubljana, Slovenia B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park / Hotel Emonec Zagreb, Croatia Centrally located 3★ city hotel Split, Croatia Adriatic Queen Residence / Boutique Hotel Venturo Dubrovnik, Croatia Old Town guesthouse-style property Kotor, Montenegro Old Town guesthouse Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina Family-run pansion near the Old Bridge Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina ibis Styles Sarajevo Belgrade, Serbia Hotel Slavija Garni / Balkan Hotel Garni Skopje, North Macedonia Hotel De KOKA / Hotel Senigallia

Transportation

Intercity Coach Transfer

Tour Guide & Staff

All Tours with Guide

Meals & Dining

Hearty Breakfast

Total Cost

$3,999.00

$7,998.00 / person
Mega Sale (50% OFF)
  • Duration 20 Days
  • Difficulty Easy
  • Deposit Required 5.00%
$10,602.00 $5,301.00 each
$7,998.00 $3,999.00 each
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