Classic Balkans Tour: Serbia, Slovenia & Croatia

Today’s sightseeing tour reveals the diversity of Belgrade. See New Belgrade’s landmarks, the elegant Dedinje district and the monumental Temple of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Continue past the National Assembly and stroll along Knez Mihailova Street to Republic Square. Stop in the city’s oldest tavern for Serbian coffee and a glass of rakija as your guide shares local stories and customs. Finish the tour at Kalemegdan Fortress and enjoy panoramic views where the Sava meets the Danube.
Overnight in Belgrade.

After breakfast, depart Belgrade and travel to Zagreb, Croatia's capital. A guided city tour introduces Kaptol, the Franciscan Monastery, Dolac Market and Ban Jelacic Square in the heart of the city.
After lunch, continue to Slovenia, stopping at romantic Otocec Castle on an island on the River Krka. Arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming green capital, check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening in its lively riverside cafés and restaurants.
Overnight in Ljubljana.

This morning, discover Ljubljana on a guided walk along the Ljubljanica River. See the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, Mestni trg (Town Square), Robba’s Fountain, the central market and the famous Triple Bridge, all set in a relaxed, green city.
In the afternoon, drive to Lake Bled, Slovenia’s alpine jewel. Take a traditional pletna boat to the island with the Church of Saint Mary and enjoy the peaceful setting. Optionally visit Bled Castle for superb views, and try the famous Bled cream cake before returning to Ljubljana. Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Ljubljana.

After breakfast, leave Ljubljana for one of Slovenia’s top natural attractions, Postojna Cave. An electric train takes you deep underground to walk among impressive stalactites, stalagmites and karst formations.
Continue to the sunlit hills of Goriska Brda, a wine-growing region blending into the Italian countryside. In the medieval village of Smartno, visit a family-run winery, taste local varieties such as Rebula and Sauvignon and hear stories of life among the vineyards. In the late afternoon, arrive in Portoroz, Slovenia’s leading seaside resort, and settle into your hotel by the Adriatic.
Overnight in Portoroz.

Today you cross into Croatian Istria and head to Groznjan, a picturesque hilltop town filled with artists’ studios and galleries. Wander its cobbled streets, enjoy the views and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this creative village.
Nearby forests are home to Istria’s famous truffles. Join a truffle hunter and his dog for a short demonstration, then sample truffle-infused delicacies paired with a glass of Istrian wine. Continue to Motovun, another scenic hill town with medieval walls and views over the Motovun Forest, before reaching Porec on the Adriatic coast in the evening.
Overnight in Porec.

After breakfast, travel to Rovinj, often called the gem of Istria. Its colourful houses, narrow stone lanes and Venetian-style architecture create one of the prettiest old towns on the Adriatic. Enjoy free time to explore the streets, small squares and waterfront cafés.
Follow the coast to Lim Bay, an 11 km-long estuary known for its oyster farms. At a seaside restaurant, taste fresh oysters and other shellfish, accompanied by local wine. Later, continue to Pula, where the highlight is the remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. A short walking tour also shows you the Temple of Augustus and the Triumphal Arch of the Sergii before you return to Porec.
Overnight in Porec.

This morning, say goodbye to the Istrian coast and drive to Opatija, an elegant seaside town once favoured by the Austro-Hungarian elite. Enjoy a coffee break and a short walk along the Lungomare promenade with its historic villas and sea views.
Then continue inland towards Plitvice Lakes National Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Balkans. On arrival, follow wooden paths and trails past a series of turquoise lakes and waterfalls on a guided tour of the upper and lower lakes. Later, check in at your hotel in or near the park and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by nature.
Overnight in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

After breakfast and check-out, leave Plitvice and head towards the Dalmatian coast. Your first stop is Trogir, a small island town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through its stone streets to see the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, the main square and the waterfront lined with palm trees.
Continue to Split, the largest city in Dalmatia. A guided tour leads you through Diocletian’s Palace, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the lively Riva promenade. Enjoy the mix of ancient walls, markets and cafés before checking into your hotel. Evening at leisure. 
Overnight in Split.

Today you discover one of Croatia’s most celebrated islands. Transfer to the port and board a high-speed catamaran to Hvar, known for its historic old town and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
On arrival, take a walking tour past the harbour, main square, Renaissance Cathedral, Benedictine Convent and Franciscan Monastery. The rest of the day is free to explore: you might join a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands, walk to a nearby bay for a swim or enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. In the late afternoon, return to Split by catamaran and back to your hotel.
Overnight in Split. 
Note: Sailing times vary by season.

After check-out, follow the scenic coastal road south, with views of islands, vineyards and stone villages. Cross the Peljesac Bridge to reach the Peljesac Peninsula, famous for its red wines.
Visit a local winery to taste Plavac Mali and other regional wines while learning about traditional winemaking on the steep slopes above the sea. Continue to the small town of Ston, known for its impressive defensive walls and oyster farms, where you have time for a short walk or a seafood tasting. In the evening, arrive in Dubrovnik and check into your hotel.
Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Today you explore Dubrovnik, often described as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. On a guided tour of the old town, walk along Stradun and see Placa Square, Pile Gate, the Rector’s Palace and the old harbour, while hearing stories of the Republic of Ragusa and the city’s rich maritime past.
The afternoon is free. You might have lunch with a view over the red roofs, take the cable car to Srđ Hill for panoramic views of the old town and coast, or walk the famous city walls. In the evening, you can choose an optional sunset cruise on a karaka, a replica of a 16th-century galleon, for unforgettable views of Dubrovnik from the sea.
Overnight in Dubrovnik.