Budapest & Balkans - 15 days

Welcome to Budapest! Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our driver, who will take you to the hotel. During the short coach ride, you can enjoy the sights of Budapest, known for its bridges and thermal baths. The city is often called the "Paris of the East" because of its youthful vibe and stunning architecture. After checking in at the hotel, take some time to relax and prepare for the trip.

Today we take an included sightseeing tour of Budapest, exploring the city both by foot and by vehicle. Budapest is considered one of Europe's most charming and enjoyable cities. Dubbed the 'Paris of the East' for its scenic beauty and architectural wonders, key landmarks such as the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrassy Avenue have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The tour will include iconic sights such as the Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, Matiass Church, the Fishermen's Bastion, Gellert Hill and Elisabeth Bridge. We also browse the Central Market Hall, see the largest synagogue in Europe and admire the monuments at Heroes' Square. Finally we can take in the Opera House, Saint Stephen's Basilica, and the Hungarian Parliament Building.

Enjoy an included one hour cruise on the Danube, accompanied by a glass of wine. Glide past the illuminated Royal Palace, Parliament, and under some of the city's stunning bridges. An optional dinner cruise upgrade is available, for those who wish to dine aboard the cruise and enjoy a longer, 2.5 hour cruise.

Budapest - Novi Sad (Serbia) - Belgrade. Say goodbye to Hungary as we cross into Serbia and discover the sights of Vojvodina, a province in the north of the country. Arriving at the Zvonko Bogdan Winery, we can admire the stunning architecture of this building, inspired by the traditional architecture of Subotica. During a one-hour guided tour, we have the opportunity to admire various works of art displayed in the winery and sample three different wines made from grapes grown in the Palic vineyard.

Our next stop is Novi Sad, the 2021 European Capital of Culture. This vibrant city is known for hosting EXIT, the largest music festival in south-eastern Europe. A sightseeing tour around Novi Sad takes us through the city's pedestrian zone, passing by notable landmarks such as the City Hall, the old city centre, the former home of Albert Einstein's wife Mileva, the cultural foundation Matica Srpska, and a synagogue. We then walk along the right bank of the Danube to visit Petrovaradin, also known as 'Danube's Gibraltar', home to a historic fortress offering magnificent views of the river and the city. Here, we can enjoy a delicious dinner in a beautiful setting.

After our stop in Novi Sad, we drive to the Serbian capital, Belgrade.

On our first full day in Serbia, we’ll explore Belgrade on a walking and driving tour, starting at Knez Mihailova Street, the city’s lively pedestrian zone lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

We’ll start with a taste of Serbia’s morning traditions at the city’s oldest tavern, known as “?” (Question Mark). Here, we’ll try local coffee and rakija, with our guide sharing stories of Serbian customs and the UNESCO-recognised art of making sljivovica, the nation’s famed plum brandy.

Following this, we’ll walk through the historic Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, where views over the Sava and Danube rivers capture Belgrade’s unique mix of old and new. Crossing Branko’s Bridge into New Belgrade, our panoramic takes in the Brutalist architecture and modern Belgrade Waterfront, and you can gain insight into Serbia’s history, from 19th-century independence to the turbulent 1990s. Highlights include the iconic Ada Bridge, the upscale Dedinje area, and a visit to the Temple of Saint Sava, adorned with stunning mosaics and one of the world’s largest Orthodox temples. Our tour concludes at Republic Square, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Belgrade - Zagreb (Croatia) - Ljubljana (Slovenia). Leaving Belgrade, our tour continues to the Croatian capital of Zagreb. This city is known for its European culture and is located in the heart of the continent. During the sightseeing tour of Zagreb, we visit Kaptol, the Franciscan monastery, and the Church of Saint Francis. We also explore the Dolac farmers' market and see the baroque architecture of the Church of Saint Mary. The tour will end at Ban Josip Jelacic’s monument in his namesake square.

After time for lunch, we cross the border into Slovenia. A stop will be made at Otocec Castle. This castle, situated above the Krka River, is the only water castle in Slovenia and the surrounding area. After a short break to explore, we continue to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana.

Ljubljana - Lake Bled - Ljubljana. Nestled between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Ljubljana is one of Europe’s greenest capitals. On our tour, we'll stroll along the riverfront, discovering Ljubljana’s iconic landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, medieval Mestni Trg (Town Square), Robba’s Fountain, the bustling central market, and the renowned Triple Bridge.

Later, we head to Lake Bled and its iconic island, the most photographed spot in Slovenia. We’ll take a pletna boat to the island, where you’ll have time to explore the Church of Saint Mary. Use your free time to visit Bled Castle, perched atop a cliff with stunning lake views. Don’t miss the famed Bled krempita, a cream cake best enjoyed against the scenic backdrop. We return to Ljubljana for the night.

Ljubljana - Postojna Cave - Goriska Hill - Portoroz. Say goodbye to the capital of Slovenia after hotel check-out. Just an hour from Ljubljana, Slovenia offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the spectacular limestone Postojna Cave. Board an electric train to explore this unique underground landscape, where we will encounter awe-inspiring stalactites, stalagmites, limestone pools, subterranean gorges, and mesmerising underground waterfalls. As one of Slovenia's most beloved tourist attractions, a visit to this cave is an absolute must on our journey through Slovenia.

For a full immersion into Slovenian charms, we will head towards the Goriska Hills, a region shared between Slovenia and Italy, seamlessly blending with the neighbouring Italian countryside. This area is famous for its wine production, particularly white wines such as Rebula and Sauvignon. The highlight of the region is the medieval village of Smartno, dating back to the 14th century, where we can travel back to captivating and picturesque stories of the past and uncover the essence of Brda's warmth and hospitality. Here, amidst rolling vineyards and charming views, we will visit an authentic winery to sample some of the region's finest wines.

Finally, we will arrive in Portoroz, an attractive Istrian town in Slovenia and one of the largest tourist centres in the Slovenian coastal region, where we will check in to our hotel.

Portoroz - Porec (Croatia). Today, we head to Groznjan, a charming hilltop village known for its vibrant arts scene and medieval architecture. We will explore the town's galleries and workshops, enjoying a drink and soaking in the local atmosphere before moving on to our next destination.

Next, we can participate in a truffle-hunting demonstration in a nearby forest famous for its white and black truffles. Guided by an expert and his trained dog, we will learn how to find these culinary treasures and enjoy a tasting of local truffle-infused cheese and sausages with a glass of Istrian wine.

Later, we visit Motovun, an ancient town perched on a hill with stunning views of the Motovun Forest and Istrian countryside. As we walk through its narrow streets, we will admire the medieval architecture, including the town walls and the Church of St. Stephen. Finally, we check into our hotel in Porec.

Porec - Rovinj - Pula - Porec. Today, we explore the historic town of Rovinj, known as the gem of Istria. We will wander through the picturesque old town, where 18th-century Venetian architecture and cobblestone streets create a captivating blend of history and romance. As we stroll through the winding alleys and vibrant squares, we will experience the charm of Grisia Street, famous for its local art and shops, along with stunning views of the Mediterranean.

We indulge in an oyster and seashell tasting at a seaside restaurant near Lim Bay, an 11-km-long estuary teeming with marine life. Here, we will sample fresh oysters, mussels, clams,and scallops.

Our journey continues to Pula, home to remarkable historical sites, including the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, the sixth-largest Roman coliseum in the world. We will also visit the Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of Sergius, and the Twin Gates, immersing ourselves in the town's rich history. As evening approaches, we return to Porec.

Porec - Opatija - Plitvice Lakes. Bid farewell to the beautiful Istrian peninsula and, after check-out, head to Opatija, an elegant town known for its rich history, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. We can enjoy a leisurely coffee break while strolling along the famous Lungomare promenade, which offers stunning panoramic sea views. As we continue our journey, picturesque countryside unfolds before us, showcasing charming villages and rolling hills, with glimpses of the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Next, we explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, home to 16 interconnected cascading lakes. Once known as "Devil's Garden," it was the first site in the Balkans to receive UNESCO World Heritage status. Our 3-hour guided tour will cover both the upper and lower lakes. While swimming is not permitted, there will be time to relax at one of the nearby restaurants amidst this lush paradise. Afterward, we check into our hotel, allowing time to rest and unwind.

Plitvice Lakes - Trogir - Split. As we leave Plitvice Lakes and check out, our tour continues to the coastal region of Croatia, starting with the charming town of Trogir. Located on a small island, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features stunning architecture, beautiful sea views, and palm-lined promenades. As we stroll through its medieval streets, we'll immerse ourselves in a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Key sights include the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, the Clock Tower, the Loggia, the Land Gate, Kamerlengo Castle, and Saint Mark's Tower.

The day concludes in Split, Dalmatia's largest city, steeped in 1,700 years of history. We enter through the Golden Gate and wander the narrow cobblestone streets, discovering bustling markets, charming cafés, and hidden courtyards within Diocletian's Palace. We'll visit the former Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the oldest Catholic cathedral in its original structure. As we stroll along the lively Riva promenade, we can soak up the Mediterranean sun and vibrant atmosphere. Split captivates with its unique charm and dynamic energy.

Split - Hvar - Split. To start our day, we will take a short drive to the ferry port and board a high-speed catamaran that brings us to the queen of the Croatian islands—Hvar, so much more than just the glitz and glamour of its main town. We'll take in the azure blue seascape as we journey through the Splitska Vrata to Hvar Island.

A town built in wonderful Venetian architectural style, the island-city of Hvar is famous for its traffic-free cobbled streets, filled with nice restaurants and bars. During our walking tour, we'll see the harbour, Renaissance Cathedral, Benedictine Convent, Franciscan monastery, and Church of Our Lady of Mercy.

We have set aside plenty of free time for you to fully enjoy all that the island has to offer. Based on your interests, we recommend embarking on a boat excursion to discover the enchanting Pakleni Islands, relaxing on the sun-kissed beaches, exploring the picturesque trails to Milna Bay for a memorable adventure, or enjoying a delightful Mediterranean lunch at a local restaurant.

In the late afternoon, we'll head back to Split. *Please note that the departure timing may vary depending on the season.

Split - Peljesac Peninsula - Dubrovnik. After check-out, we drive along the picturesque Dalmatian coast, taking in stunning views of Croatian islands, lush vineyards, olive groves, and charming stone villages. We arrive at the Peljesac Peninsula via the impressive Peljesac Bridge, renowned for its breathtaking vineyards and celebrated wines.

At a local winery, we’ll taste the robust Plavac Mali, the region's signature red wine. We’ll relish its rich, complex flavours and learn about the centuries-old winemaking traditions, with hand-tended vines growing in rocky terrain. Local vintners will share the secrets behind their craft, transporting us to the heart of Dalmatia with notes of sun-ripened berries.

Next, we stop briefly in the city of Ston to savour its famous oysters and admire the iconic Ston Walls. We then arrive in Dubrovnik, check into our hotel, and enjoy the evening at leisure. You can explore the city on your own or indulge in a Mediterranean dinner at a local restaurant.

Experience the essence of Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," as we visit its iconic sights, including Stradun, the main street, Placa Square, Pile Gate, and the Rector's Palace. We’ll explore the City Walls and the picturesque city port, uncovering hidden gems along the way. Immerse yourself in the magic of Dubrovnik, where stunning locations from "Game of Thrones" come to life, revealing the city’s rich history and fantastical allure. You'll hear intriguing stories about the Republic of Ragusa and the enchantment that makes Dubrovnik one of the world’s most captivating destinations.

After our city tour, make the most of your free time by enjoying lunch at a restaurant atop the city walls, where breathtaking views await. Alternatively, consider taking a cable car to Srđ Hill for stunning panoramas of the Old Town and the Adriatic coast, or walk along the 2 km stretch of City Walls for a unique perspective of Dubrovnik from above. In the evening, you could opt to set sail on a sunset cruise aboard the Karaka, a replica of a traditional 16th-century wooden galleon, and admire breathtaking views of the Old Town and its centuries-old impregnable walls from the sea.

Our tour ends after breakfast, wishing you a safe onwards journey!