Best of Balkans | Start Budapest | 2025
Best of Balkans | Start Budapest | 2025
$2655
Best of Balkans | Start Budapest | 2025
15 Days Starting and ending in Budapest, Hungary
Visiting: Budapest, Ljubljana, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Ston, Dubrovnik, Budva, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBBBMA20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Balkans with the "Best of Balkans" tour, starting and ending in the vibrant city of Budapest. This cultural adventure takes you through seven captivating countries, including Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia, and Serbia. Experience the charm of Budapest with a guided walking tour, marvel at the fairytale beauty of Lake Bled, and explore the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. Discover the historic streets of Dubrovnik, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, and Belgrade, each offering unique insights into the region's rich history and culture. Travel comfortably by coach, enjoy daily breakfasts and several dinners, and benefit from the expertise of local guides. With highlights like a cable car ride in Tirana and a visit to the iconic Mostar Bridge, this tour promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and cultural immersion.
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 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. 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 > Zadar > Split
Location: Zadar
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 > Dubrovnik
Location: Ston
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. 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 > Budva > Tirana
Location: Budva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Now that we've done all things Dubrovnik, we'll coast our way to Albania via the dramatic Adriatic Coastline. We’ll stop by Montenegro's seaside beauty of Budva. You have the option to grab some lunch at a sea-view restaurant, or spend some time on the beach, before we head to our next stop. Welcome to the capital city of Albania. This hidden gem has a lot to offer, and we’ve got the entirety of tomorrow to see it all. Bet you’re tired after all that travelling, so join us for an included dinner before heading back to our hotel to get some sleep for tomorrow.
Day 9: Tirana
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to wake up! Grab your breakfast and join us for a walking tour of Tirana, guided by a local guide. And the rest of the day is all yours to spend in this beautiful city, and one of the many museums will defo pique your interest!
Day 10: Tirana > Mostar
Location: Mostar
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mostar (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tirana, you’ve been great. But we’ve got another awe-inspiring destination waiting for us. Hello Mostar! We’re officially in Bosnia & Herzegovina, ready to bask in all of its historical glory. Beautiful rivers, iconic bridges, brick-red roofs - it’s gonna be a treat. Tonight, we’ll stroll around the picturesque streets to grab some authentic dinner. Spend the night chilling with your crew and getting some well-deserved rest.
Day 11: Mostar > Sarajevo
Location: Mostar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Grand Sarajevo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready? This morning, we’re visiting the legendary Mostar Bridge that arches right over the silent blue river. (And it makes for a perfect backdrop for your Insta photo dump!) The historical streets of Sarajevo have a story or two to tell. And we’ll be listening to them all tomorrow. Tonight, you have the option to taste home-made Bosnian cuisine, learn what living like a local is like (plus support their families in turn). A truly wholesome experience!
Day 12: Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The only way to uncover the town of Sarajevo is with the wisdom shared on a guided walking tour. We'll help you tap into history & understand the magnitude of our destination. And then to lighten the mood, we’ll head to a local tavern for a delicious dinner and gags with friends.
Day 13: Sarajevo > Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kopernikus Hotel Prag Belgrade (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise up, roamers! We're departing for the town of Belgrade to continue our epic frolic through the Balkans. Another border crossing is on the agenda as we wave our way into Serbia en route to Belgrade. Medieval meets modern in this bustling, pure white city. Zen folk can go sit on the Hill of Contemplation or stroll along the Sava river, others can see the fortress of Beogradska Tvrđava & enjoy the lively mood of Belgrade by night.
Day 14: Belgrade > Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Belgrade behind, today we're onto beautiful Budapest. Fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe, Budapest is on our beeline. You'll have the option to take a cruise and make the most of your evening. Later, you'll no doubt want to keep things moving at one of the city's famous ruins bars, that need to be seen to be believed!
Day 15: Budapest
Location: Budapest
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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Accommodation
Stay in various hotels throughout the tour, including Ibis Budapest City South Hotel, Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre, Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera, Hotel Split Inn, Hotel Petka Dubrovnik, VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel, and more.
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Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner on the first evening in Budapest.
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Guided Walking Tour in Budapest
Explore Budapest with a guided walking tour, including St Stephen's Basilica, Chain Bridge, and the Parliament building.
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Meals
Daily breakfast and several included dinners throughout the tour.
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Local Guides
Benefit from local guides in various cities, including Dubrovnik and Sarajevo.
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Transportation
Travel by coach between destinations.
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Cable Car Ride in Tirana
Enjoy a scenic cable car ride in Tirana for bird's-eye views of the lush green landscape.
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Plitvice Lakes National Park
Visit the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.
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Mostar Bridge Visit
Visit the iconic Mostar Bridge in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
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Walking Tour in Sarajevo
Uncover the town of Sarajevo with a guided walking tour.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the traditional Slovenian evening in Ljubljana and dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern in Split are not included.
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Lunches
Lunches are not included in the tour package.
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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
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation costs are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 14 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.
- Tirana: Take an orientation around the rainbow-coloured Albanian capital with your Contiki gang. Familiarise yourself with the landmarks and best places to grab a coffee.
- Mostar: See this epic piece of Ottoman architecture, which was destroyed by war in 1993 and then rebuilt.
- Sarajevo: See the sights of the Bosnian capital and get up to speed on 500 years of history, from the Ottomans to the present day.
- Belgrade: Ramble around the Serbian capital. It’s brimming with culture and history for you to soak up.
Accommodation
Stay in various hotels throughout the tour, including Ibis Budapest City South Hotel, Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre, Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera, Hotel Split Inn, Hotel Petka Dubrovnik, VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel, and more, offering comfort and convenience at each destination.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses coach travel between destinations, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey through the beautiful Balkans.
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Are local guides included in the tour?
Yes, local guides are included in various cities, such as Dubrovnik and Sarajevo, to enhance your experience with their expert knowledge.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes daily breakfast and several dinners throughout the tour. A welcome dinner is also provided on the first evening in Budapest.
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Is there a welcome dinner included in the tour?
Yes, there is a welcome dinner included on the first evening in Budapest to celebrate the start of the tour.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation is provided in various hotels throughout the tour, including Ibis Budapest City South Hotel, Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre, Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera, Hotel Split Inn, Hotel Petka Dubrovnik, VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel, and more.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as a traditional Slovenian evening in Ljubljana and dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern in Split, which are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, international and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
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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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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
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.
