Balkans Escape
Balkans Escape
$1535
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Balkans Escape" tour, a captivating 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. Experience the enchanting beauty of Lake Bled and the vibrant culture of Ljubljana with a traditional Slovenian evening. Discover the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, renowned for its turquoise lakes and lush forests. Explore the historic charm of Zadar and Split, and enjoy a scenic drive along the stunning Dalmatian coastline to Dubrovnik. In Dubrovnik, wander through the UNESCO-listed old town and spot famous Game of Thrones locations. With comfortable coach transportation and accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and natural wonders. Enjoy included breakfasts and dinners, while optional activities and personal expenses allow for personalized adventures. ...more ...less
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: Budapest, Ljubljana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll hop onto the coach for a guided tour to explore to what this city has on offer. You'll see St Stephen's Basilica, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building, before we depart for our next city. After a morning full of awesome ancient architecture, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana. You've got a free evening on your hands. So roam around the city, grab a bite to eat, and rest up for the all the Alpine scenery that awaits us tomorrow.
Day 3: Ljubljana > Lake Bled > Radovljica > Ljubljana
Location: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Radovljica, Ljubljana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ljubljana, you've been lovely. 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, 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 4: Ljubljana > Plitvice National Park
Location: Ljubljana, 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 > Zadar > Split
Location: Plitvice National Park, Zadar, 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… Zadar is the perfect mix of history and modern flair. Explore ancient Roman ruins, chill by the Sea Organ where waves make music, and grab a bite at one of the city's cool cafés. Whether you're soaking in the culture or diving into the local scene, there's always something exciting around the corner in this laid-back Croatian gem.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 > Ston > Dubrovnik
Location: Split, Ston, Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Akademis Akademia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Split it's been fantastic, but we have to leave for other Croatian gems further down the coast. Ston is a charming town on the Dalmatian coast, famous for its impressive medieval walls and ancient salt pans. It’s the perfect spot to explore history, sample fresh seafood, and take in the scenic surroundings. A great place to unwind and enjoy the slow pace before heading to your next adventure. 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.
Day 7: Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Akademis Akademia (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. Tonight over an optional dinner with the crew, spirits will no doubt be high!
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
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Welcome Dinner in Budapest
Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner and watch the sun set over the historical city of Budapest.
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Guided Walking Tour in Budapest
Explore Budapest with a guided walking tour, including St Stephen's Basilica, the Chain Bridge, and the Parliament building.
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Traditional Slovenian Evening
Experience a traditional Slovenian evening with a dancing show and authentic dishes in Ljubljana.
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Visit to Lake Bled
Walk around the scenic Lake Bled, framed by the Julian Alps, and enjoy the natural beauty.
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Visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Explore the cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the prettiest places in Europe.
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Dinner at a Traditional Dalmatian Tavern
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern in Split.
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Scenic Drive along the Dalmatian Coastline
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Dalmatian coastline to Dubrovnik.
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Guided Tour of Dubrovnik
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town of Dubrovnik with a local guide and spot Game of Thrones film sets.
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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.
What's Not Included
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Lunches
Lunches are not included in the tour package.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the traditional Slovenian evening and dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
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.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- 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.
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.
FAQs
- London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the Balkans Escape tour?
The tour provides coach transportation, ensuring a scenic and relaxing journey between destinations including Budapest, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, and Dubrovnik.
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Are meals included in the Balkans Escape tour?
The tour includes 2 dinners and 7 breakfasts. Lunches are not included in the tour package.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Balkans Escape tour?
You will stay in comfort at hotels 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 accommodations, offering a blend of modern amenities and convenient locations.
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Is there a guided tour included in Dubrovnik?
Yes, there is a guided tour of Dubrovnik included, where you can stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town with a local guide and spot Game of Thrones film sets.
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What activities are available at Lake Bled during the tour?
At Lake Bled, you will have the opportunity to walk around the scenic lake, framed by the Julian Alps, and enjoy the natural beauty.
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Is travel insurance included in the Balkans Escape tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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.
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Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.
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Terms and Conditions
Balkans Escape
8 Days Starting in Budapest, Hungary and ending in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Visiting: Budapest, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Radovljica, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Plitvice National Park, Zadar, Split, Ston, Dubrovnik ...more ...less
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:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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