Discover the Balkan Odyssey: 10 Days Exploring Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Montenegro

Welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival at Zagreb Airport, enjoy a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. After settling in, join your expert guide for an afternoon walking tour of Zagreb’s captivating Upper Town (Gornji Grad). Discover iconic landmarks such as the colorful tiled roof of St. Mark’s Church, the spiritual Stone Gate shrine, the historic Lotrščak Tower, and the bustling Dolac open-air market filled with fresh local produce. Evening at your leisure or choose to indulge in an optional Croatian welcome dinner. Overnight in Zagreb.

Depart early for a scenic drive across the border to Slovenia (approx. 2 hours). Begin your exploration at the enchanting Lake Bled, where you’ll take a traditional pletna boat to the island’s Assumption Church, ring the famous wishing bell, and admire Bled Castle perched majestically above the emerald lake waters. Continue to Ljubljana, one of Europe’s greenest capitals. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the willow-lined Ljubljanica River, marvel at the architectural marvels of the Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge, and explore the charming old town's Baroque and Art Nouveau charm. Free time for lunch and a funicular ride up to Ljubljana Castle for sweeping panoramic views. Return to Zagreb in the late afternoon. Overnight in Zagreb.

Depart Zagreb in the morning for the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend 3–4 hours exploring its wooden pathways weaving through 16 interconnected turquoise lakes and over 90 magnificent waterfalls. Enjoy an electric boat ride and panoramic train tour within the park, plus a light lunch before heading south along scenic routes to the Adriatic coast. Arrive in Split by early evening and take a brief orientation walk along Split’s famous Riva promenade, soaking up the vibrant coastal atmosphere. Overnight in Split.

Spend your morning immersed in history at Split’s iconic Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO), a living monument to Roman architecture. Discover the stunning Peristyle square, the Cathedral of St. Domnius (once the emperor’s mausoleum), the ancient Temple of Jupiter, and the mysterious underground cellars. Enjoy free time to sip coffee on the vibrant Riva promenade or shop within the charming palace lanes. In the afternoon, take a short 30-minute drive to the beautifully preserved medieval island town of Trogir (UNESCO). Admire the magnificent Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its exquisite Portal by Master Radovan, stroll the marble-paved streets, and relax along the scenic seaside promenade before returning to Split. Overnight in Split.

Travel through the dramatic Neretva River valley into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s historic heart: Mostar. Delve into the city’s Ottoman heritage with a guided walk across the renowned Stari Most (Old Bridge – UNESCO), visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque with an optional climb up the minaret for panoramic views, and wander through the charming cobbled lanes of Kujundžiluk, known for copper workshops and riverside cafés. Enjoy free time for lunch to sample Bosnian delicacies like ćevapi or fresh trout, and explore local shops. Evening at leisure to watch the famous bridge divers or soak in Mostar’s enchanting atmosphere. Overnight in Mostar.

Embark on a full-day excursion to Sarajevo, Bosnia’s captivating capital (approx. 2 hours each way). Take a walking tour tracing the city’s rich history: the Ottoman-era Baščaršija with its iconic Sebilj fountain, the grand Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque, elegant Austro-Hungarian buildings along the Miljacka River, the historic Latin Bridge (site of the 1914 assassination that sparked WWI), and poignant memorials related to the 1990s siege. Enjoy free time to savor Sarajevo’s famous burek pastry, traditional Bosnian coffee, or explore the lively Markale market before returning to Mostar in the late afternoon. Overnight in Mostar.

Depart Mostar in the morning and journey along the stunning Adriatic coastline. Stop in the fortified village of Ston to walk part of Europe’s longest stone walls—stretching 5 km and second only to the Great Wall of China. Explore the ancient salt pans that are still actively producing salt and indulge in a light lunch featuring fresh Ston oysters and mussels paired with local wine. Continue to Dubrovnik, famously known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Enjoy your first breathtaking views of Dubrovnik’s magnificent medieval city walls from the panoramic coastal road. Check-in to your hotel then take an evening stroll through the beautifully illuminated Stradun promenade. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Cross the border into Montenegro and set sail on the stunning Bay of Kotor, Southern Europe’s only fjord. Visit the UNESCO-listed Venetian town of Kotor, where you can climb sections of the ancient fortifications for spectacular bay views, explore the historic St. Tryphon Cathedral, and browse the Maritime Museum. Then, continue to the charming coastal town of Perast, taking a short boat ride to the man-made island of Our Lady of the Rocks Church while learning about its romantic origins. Enjoy free time for lunch with breathtaking bay views before returning to Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Dedicate a full day to uncovering the magic of Dubrovnik. Begin early with a walk atop the iconic 2-km medieval city walls (entry included), offering unforgettable panoramic views of terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea. Explore the Old Town’s key landmarks including the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Franciscan Monastery housing Europe’s oldest pharmacy, Onofrio’s Fountain, and the stunning Cathedral with its Treasury. Optionally, take the cable car up Mount Srđ for spectacular sunset vistas over the city and sea. Spend your afternoon and evening free to swim at Banje Beach, visit a hidden Buža bar cliffside, or wander the historic marble streets soaking in local charm. Overnight in Dubrovnik.