Balkans Escape
Balkans Escape
$1772
Balkans Escape
8 Days Starting in Budapest, Hungary and ending in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Visiting: Budapest, Ljubljana, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Dubrovnik
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBBDMA20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Embark on the "Balkans Escape" tour, a cultural journey through Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia. Begin in Budapest with a guided walking tour of iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Chain Bridge, followed by a welcome dinner. Travel in comfort by coach to Ljubljana, where you can enjoy a traditional Slovenian evening. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lake Bled and the enchanting Plitvice Lakes National Park. In Split, explore the seaside city and savor dinner at a Dalmatian tavern. Conclude your adventure in Dubrovnik, strolling through its UNESCO-listed old town and spotting Game of Thrones film sets. With comfortable accommodations and scenic drives, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Good evening, travellers! Hope you’re ready for an exciting ride across the beautiful Balkans. Today, you’ll exchange hellos with your Trip Manager (and your new crew too!). To celebrate, we’ll feast on a delicious welcome dinner and watch the sun set over this historical city.
Day 2: Budapest > Ljubljana
Location: Ljubljana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll set out along the cobbled streets of Budapest for a guided walking tour to explore what this city has on offer. You'll see St Stephen's Basilica, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building. And then we’ll hop onto the coach to our next stop. After a morning full of awesome ancient architecture, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana. Tonight, you can choose to join a traditional Slovenian evening. We're talking: a traditional dancing show paired with a spread of authentic dishes. A feast for your mind and tastebuds alike!
Day 3: Ljubljana > Lake Bled > Radovljica > Ljubljana
Location: Ljubljana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ljubljana, thank you for the perfect dose of Balkan tradition. But we’ll be back in a while. Because today, something even more exciting is on the agenda. You've probably seen pictures of Lake Bled, but nothing will prepare you for the real thing. With its fairytale medieval castle reaching out of an islet, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and the turquoise waters of the lake itself, it really is like something out of a Disney movie. Satisfied your soul soaking in all that natural beauty? Now satisfy your hungry tummies with some lunch at this quaint Medieval town. It’s been a long but pleasing day. Tonight, we’ll stroll around town and grab some dinner on the way. And with a satisfied smile on our faces, the day has come to an end.
Day 4: Ljubljana > Plitvice National Park
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Next up is something altogether drop dead gorgeous....A strong introduction to Croatia is on the cards today with cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes. Why this place is not famous world over as one of the prettiest places in Europe, we have no idea.
Day 5: Plitvice National Park > Split
Location: Split
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Split Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning, explorers! Fill up on your included breakfast. It’s time to hit the road again…Welcome to the sea-side heaven of Split. With the oh-so-inviting aquamarine waters on our side, we’ll check into our stay. You’ve got some time to explore this beautiful city. And then, you can choose to join us for some dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern.
Day 6: Split > Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Split it's been fantastic, but we have to leave for other Croatian gems further down the coast. The drive along the Dalmatian coastline to Dubrovnik is a sightseeing must do all on its own. On arrival in the city you'll be greeted by limestone walls; an Old Town filled with quintessentially Croatian cafes and plenty of clubs; and a mountain meets sea situation will see you falling in love within seconds. Tonight over dinner with the crew, spirits will no doubt be high and the show's not over yet!
Day 7: Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The city of Dubrovnik is so much more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Game of Thrones location - not that either of those claims to fame are even mildly mediocre. After you've been guided around the city with intricate detail with our local guide you'll be armed with the knowledge to pick out a waterside rock bar where you can swim and indulge 'til your heart's content.
Day 8: Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast
That's a wrap! Our love affair with the Balkans has sadly come to an end! But perhaps we can get the squad back together for a reunion trip?
What's Included
-
Welcome Dinner in Budapest
Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner and watch the sun set over the historical city of Budapest.
-
Guided Walking Tour in Budapest
Explore Budapest with a guided walking tour, including St Stephen's Basilica, the Chain Bridge, and the Parliament building.
-
Traditional Slovenian Evening
Experience a traditional Slovenian evening with a dancing show and authentic dishes in Ljubljana.
-
Visit to Lake Bled
Walk around the scenic Lake Bled, framed by the Julian Alps, and enjoy the natural beauty.
-
Visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Explore the cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the prettiest places in Europe.
-
Dinner at a Traditional Dalmatian Tavern
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern in Split.
-
Scenic Drive along the Dalmatian Coastline
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Dalmatian coastline to Dubrovnik.
-
Guided Tour of Dubrovnik
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town of Dubrovnik with a local guide and spot Game of Thrones film sets.
-
Coach Transportation
Travel in style and comfort with coach transportation, ensuring a scenic and relaxing journey between destinations including Budapest, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, and Dubrovnik.
-
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Ibis Budapest City South Hotel, Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre, Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera, Hotel Split Inn, and Hotel Petka Dubrovnik, or similar accommodations, offering a blend of modern amenities and convenient locations.
What's Not Included
-
Lunches
Lunches are not included in the tour package.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the traditional Slovenian evening and dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern are not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
-
Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Budapest: An expert walking tour that’ll take you past the Royal Palace, Chain Bridge and Fisherman’s Bastion.
- Lake Bled: Take it easy with your new besties as you walk around the scenic lake, framed by the Julian Alps.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Turquoise lakes. Sparkling waterfalls. Lush green forests. You’ll never want to leave this little slice of heaven.
- Dubrovnik: Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town with a local guide. And play a game of ‘spot the Game of Thrones film set’ as you go.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of transportation is used during the Balkans Escape tour?
The tour uses coach transportation, ensuring a scenic and relaxing journey between destinations such as Budapest, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, and Dubrovnik.
-
Are meals included in the Balkans Escape tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Lunches are not included, and some dinners, such as the traditional Slovenian evening and dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern, are optional and not included in the package.
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Balkans Escape tour?
You will stay in comfortable accommodations such as the Ibis Budapest City South Hotel, Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre, Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera, Hotel Split Inn, and Hotel Petka Dubrovnik, or similar, which offer a blend of modern amenities and convenient locations.
-
Is travel insurance included in the Balkans Escape tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package and must be purchased separately.
-
What activities are included in the Balkans Escape tour?
Included activities are a guided walking tour in Budapest, a visit to Lake Bled, exploration of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a scenic drive along the Dalmatian coastline, and a guided tour of Dubrovnik.
-
Are flights included in the Balkans Escape tour package?
No, flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included in the tour package.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 16, 2026 - May 23, 2026Saturday - Saturday
May 30, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.
