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Classic Balkans: Ljubljana to Sarajevo

21 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
16 peopleMaximum group size
12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Highlights

Eat your way through Ljubljana on a food walking tour.

Take in the natural beauty on a walk along Lake Bled.

Enjoy the stunning lakes and waterfalls at Plitvice and Krka National Parks.

Wander past historic churches and monuments in Split and Dubrovnik.

See the spectacular Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls.

Be immersed in Bosnia and Herzegovina's history in Mostar and Sarajevo

Itinerary

For those who crave meaningful travel experiences, the "Classic Balkans: Ljubljana to Sarajevo" tour package offers a 21-day journey through the heart of the Balkans—perfect for experienced travelers. Wander Slovenia’s lush national parks, marvel at Croatia’s historic wonders, and be swept away by Bosnia’s rich culture and hospitality. Easy scenic walks, UNESCO sites, and exquisite local cuisine are all part of the itinerary. The unique selling point? This trip’s expertly curated route showcases three countries’ best-kept secrets and timeless charm for a comprehensive Balkan exploration.

day 1 - Ljubljana

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a short orientation walk to get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Ljubljana

Head into the city centre for a deep dive into the Slovenian capital's food scene on a guided walking tour. Visit a farmers market, various gourmet shops and local diners as you eat your way through the city and enjoy a light lunch along the way. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to continue exploring, visit the Ljubljbana Castle or just relax at a nearby cafe.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Included Activity:Ljubljana Food Walking Tour
Optional Activities:Ljubljana Castle

day 3 - Ljubljana/Portorož

Depart Ljubljana after breakfast and head towards the Adriatic coast, making a stop in the resort city of Piran along the way. Get oriented with your CEO on arrival and then enjoy some free time to explore the waterfront, main square and streets lined with gorgeous Venetian architecture. In the afternoon continue to the nearby town of Portorož for walk around town with the CEO before checking into the hotel for the evening.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr Distance : 130 km
Included Activity:Visit PIran and Portorož Duration : 4.0 hr - 4.5 hr

day 4 - Portorož

Take a Day trip into Italy today and cross the border to the city of Trieste. Explore this historic town on your own and see some of the beautiful architecture, framed by a medieval old city and a neoclassical new city. Taste some of the coffee that Trieste is famous for then visit the nearby Miramare Castle, a beautiful 19th century building with a lush park area and amazing views over the sea. Back in Slovenia, stop for an included lunch with wine tasting at a winery before returning to Portorož in the evening.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 36 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.25 hr Distance : 51 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 90 km
Included Activities:Trieste Visit and Coffee Tasting Duration : 2.0 hr, Lunch & Wine Tasting

day 5 - Portorož/Lake Bohinj

Travel inland from the coast and make a stop at the Postojna Cave, to explore the fascinating network subterranean world with an expert guide. After time in town for lunch, continue north to Lake Bled, stopping to walk around the lake with the CEO to soak in the views and enjoy the incredible scenery. Finish the Day in the nearby Lake Bohinj area and check into the hotel for the evening.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 72 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 105 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr - 0.75 hr Distance : 28 km
Included Activities:Postojna Cave Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr, Lake Bled Visit and Walk Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 2 km

day 6 - Lake Bohinj

Start the Day with an orientation walk with the CEO to get acquainted to the area and with all of the great optional activities available. The rest of the Day is free to get the most out of the picturesque Lake Bohinj area as you please. Options on the water could include swimming or a boat ride, otherwise go hiking, biking or ziplining as other ways to experience the natural beauty of the area. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner with the group.

Meal:Breakfast
Optional Activities:Hike the Mostnica Gorge , Zip-lining from Lake Bohinj

day 7 - Ljubljana/Zagreb

Travel by train this morning across the border into Croatia, to the city of Zagreb. Check into the hotel on arrival and have a bit of free time to relax before setting off with your CEO on a short orientation walk to see some of the street art and to get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Train
Included Activity:Zagreb Orientation Walk Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

day 8 - Zagreb/Plitvička Jezera

Travel south from Zagreb to the stunning and iconic Plitvice Lakes National Park. Explore the park’s forests, crystal waters, and cascading falls with our CEO for incredible scenery, natural beauty and photo opportunities. Continue to the hotel in the evening, check in and relax before a delicious dinner.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr Distance : 132 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 20 km
Included Activity:Plitvice Lakes National Park Visit Duration : 3.0 hr

day 9 - Plitvička Jezera/Šibenik

Depart the hotel after breakfast and drive to the coastal city of Zadar. Discover the city on a walking food tour with a local guide, exploring the historic city centre and important landmarks and culminating in a secluded garden for lunch and wine tasting. Continue to Krka National Park for a hike through the lush forest along the river to a series of spectacular waterfalls. Finish the Day in the nearby city of Šibenik and enjoy a free evening.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 120 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 76 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 50 km
Included Activities:Zadar Walking Food Tour Duration : 2.5 hr - 3.0 hr, Krka National Park Hike Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 4 km

day 10 - Šibenik

Set off on a full-day excursion to explore the nearby islands of Prvic and Zlarin. Take the ferry first to Prvic and explore the old town and other parts of this small island with your CEO then hop on the next ferry to the nearby island of Zlarin. Populated since ancient times, Zlarin has many historical monuments worth exploring and and offers incredible views over the islands natural vistas towards the Adriatic Sea. Return to Šibenik in the afternoon and take a stroll through the old town with your CEO before enjoying the rest of the Day and evening at leisure.

Meal:Breakfast
Included Activity:Excursion to Prvic and Zlarin Islands Duration : 6.0 hr - 7.0 hr

day 11 - Šibenik/Makarska

Travel south along the coast today to the port city of Split. Explore the city with your CEO on an orientation walk to see some of the main sights and landmarks then enjoy free time for lunch and to continue exploring on your own with the chance to visit the Diocletian's Palace and the Riva promenade. In the late afternoon continue by bus to the city of Makarska to check into the hotel and enjoy a free evening.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr Distance : 85 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr Distance : 88 km
Included Activity:Orientation Walk of Split Duration : 1.0 hr
Optional Activities:St Duje Cathedral Visit The Cathedral of St Duje is said to be the oldest cathedral in the world, built around 305 AD. Climb up the bell tower for excellent views of Split and the surrounding port area., Mestrovic Gallery Filled with the incredible sculptures of Croatian artist and architect Ivan Meštrović, this gallery is beautiful inside and out. The gallery is housed in a villa designed by Meštrović as a summer home which overlooks a wonderful garden where you can view more sculptures and enjoy the breeze from the sea. , Bacvice Beach Visit Head to this local hot spot to soak up some rays or play in the calm waters. The sandy shores are often packed with rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas, but it's still a great place to spend some time if you’re looking to cool off. Visit some of the cafes along the waterfront, wade out into the shallow water, or rent a lounge chair and relax. , Diocletian's Palace

day 12 - Makarska

Enjoy a full free Day to take advantage of the many optional activities available in and around Makarska. Perhaps take a ferry to the island of Brač to explore on your own, take a tuk tuk tour, go zip-lining in the nearby town of Tucepi or just relax on the local beach.

Meal:Breakfast
Optional Activities:Brač Island Excursion Head to Brač Island to explore its coastline and beaches, and play in crystal clear waters. Have a barbeque lunch on a deserted beach, visit local vineyards, or go for a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to visit the island's well-known Zlanti Rat beach, where the tides, currents, and wind are constantly shifting the shape of the beach., Tuk Tuk Tour to Skywalk

day 13 - Makarska/Dubrovnik

Set off from Makarska along the coast and make a stop at a small bay called Uvala Bistrina to learn all about the local oyster farming and to sample some fresh ones and with wine and lunch from local ingredients. Take some free time to wander the town of Ston and to walk along the massive and historic Ston City wall which rewards those who climb it incredible views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Continue driving in the afternoon to Croatia's capital city, Dubrovnik and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 120 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 60 km
Included Activities:Oyster Farm Food and Wine Experience with Lunch Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr, Visit Ston and Wall Walk Duration : 2.0 hr

day 14 - Dubrovnik

Discover Dubrovnik today on an orientation walk with your CEO through the old part of the city and seeing some of the city's most iconic buildings and landmarks. Make a stop at the G Adventures-supported Maritimo Recycling, where artists are creatively working to clean up the Adriatic Sea. Then, take the rest of the Day to continue exploring on your own, take an optional kayak excursion or relax in one of the many cafés and watch the world go by. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner out on the town.

Meal:Breakfast
Included Activities:Dubrovnik Orientation Walk With CEO, Maritimo Recycling

day 15 - Dubrovnik/Trebinje

Enjoy a free morning in Dubrovnik for further exploration or for some last-minute shopping before departing around midday for Bosnia and Herzegovina. After driving across the border, make a stop at the Tvrdoš Monastery and sample some of the local wine then continue to a view point at the Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple to enjoy a great view of the city of Trebinje. Make a final stop at Arslanagić bridge before arriving to the hotel. In the evening, set off with your CEO on an orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 50 km
Included Activity:Tvrdoš Monastery and Wine Tasting

day 16 - Trebinje

Today is all about local flavours, culture and long-standing traditions.. Explore the organic market to sample some options and learn of the local specialties before transferring to a women run apiary and see how they manage the hives. Continue to a farm that has specialized in cheese making for more than 5 generations. Visit the farm and share a delicious farm-to-table lunch with the family. Understanding the local culture is made easier by immersing yourself in the cuisine, and there is no better way than this. The rest of the Day is free after returning to Trebinje in the aftenroon.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Included Activities:Trebinje Market Tour Duration : 1.5 hr, Cheese Making Farm and Lunch Duration : 3.0 hr, Apiary Visit Duration : 2.0 hr

day 17 - Trebinje/Čitluk

Head out of Trebinje in the morning by bus for a Day of highlights. First, stop in Stolac to see the town centre then visit a UNESCO-listed site with ornamented necropolis tombstones to get a glimpse into how people lived in the Middle Ages. Continue to the spectacular Kravica waterfall and carry on to the lesser-visited Koćuša Waterfall to enjoy the scenery and have time for lunch. Later, travel to the town of Čitluk for the night and cap off the Day with dinner at a winery, paired with their locally produced wines.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 80 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 42 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 20 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 24 km
Included Activities:Stolac Visit and Necropolis Tombstones Duration : 1.5 hr, Kravica Waterfall, Koćuša Waterfall Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr

day 18 - Čitluk/Mostar

Immerse yourself in history today by visiting the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town and art colony, taking a short hike to the Blagaj Fortress, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Dervish Monastery, built on cliffs by the water at the mouth of the Buna River. Later, continue to the city of Mostar and set off on a guided walking tour before spending the rest of the evening at leisure.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 24 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 20 km
Included Activities:Počitelj Fortress Visit Duration : 1.0 hr, Blagaj Fortress Hike Duration : 1.0 hr, Dervish Monastery Visit Duration : 1.0 hr, Guided Walking Tour of Mostar Duration : 1.5 hr

day 19 - Mostar/Sarajevo

Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo today. Ascend the Mount Trebević for the best views of the city and visit the Abandoned Bobsled track which provides a glimpse into the city’s complex history. Explore the vibrant Sarajevo and be immersed in the local culinary scene on a history and food tour that will serve as a delicious dinner this evening and a great introduction to the city.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner
Transport:Local Train
Included Activities:Sarajevo Cable Car and Bobsled Track, Sarajevo Food Tour Duration : 4.0 hr - 5.0 hr

day 20 - Sarajevo

Take advantage of a free Day to get the most out of the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Dive into the history and tragic past with countless museums and culturally significant monuments, take a graffiti art tour or just relax and sample local flavours at one of the many cafes.

Meal:Breakfast
Optional Activities:National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Founded in 1888, the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the oldest cultural and scientific institutions in the country., Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum Walk in the footsteps of Sarajevans who endured the Siege (1992-1995). Visit many historical sights including a stunning viewpoint over the city, a cemetery were the defenders of Sarajevo are buried, and Sniper Ally. Learn about the Siege and absorb interesting stories about daily life., Gallery 11/07/95 This gallery space aims to preserve the memory on Srebrenica tragedy and 8372 persons who tragically lost their lives during the genocide through photography, video and interactive documentary.

day 21 - Sarajevo

Depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast
Included Activity:Departure Day
Classic Balkans:  Ljubljana to Sarajevo

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What's Included

Accommodation
Hotels (20 nts).
Meals
20 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Note: Allow USD485-630 for meals not included.
Transport
Public Bus, private vehicle, mini-train, ferry, walking.
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Included activities
Your G for Good Moment: Maritimo Recycling, DubrovnikYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Foodie Moment: Ljubljana Food Walking Tour, LjubljanaYour Foodie Moment: Zadar Walking Food Tour, ZadarYour Foodie Moment: Oyster Farm Food and Wine Experience with Lunch, Uvala BistrinaYour Foodie Moment: Trebinje Market Tour, TrebinjeYour Foodie Moment: Cheese Making Farm and Lunch, TrebinjeYour Foodie Moment: Apiary Visit, TrebinjeYour Foodie Moment: Sarajevo Food Tour, SarajevoOrientation walk in LjubljanaVisit the resort city of PiranOrientation walk of PortorožDay trip and visit to Trieste with coffee tastingWine tasting with lunch in the Brda region of SloveniaExplore the Postojna Caves with a local guideVisit Lake Bled with a short walkOrientation walks in Zagreb, Split and DubrovnikExplore Plitvice Lakes National ParkHike in Krka Lakes National ParkFull-day excursion to the islands of Prvic and Zlarin from ŠibenikWalk along the old city wall of StonTvrdoš Monastery Visit and Wine TastingOrientation walk in TrebinjeVisit the town of Stolac and the necropolis tombstonesSee Kravica and Koćuša WaterfallsDinner and wine pairing at a winery in ČitlukVisit the Pocitelj Ottoman stone townHike to the Blagaj FortressVisit the Dervish MonasteryGuided walking tour of MostarTransport to/from all included activities and between all destinations

What's Excluded

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