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Premium Balkans in Depth

Premium Balkans in Depth

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Description

Unlock the cultural treasure chest of the Balkans on an in-depth Premium adventure from Split to Bucharest. Amazing beaches and sunshine give way to medieval towns and castles as lesser-known national parks provide an incredible mountainous backdrop. Get away from the modern world and in with the locals, soak up ancient riches of Transylvania and discover Mokra Gora’s spectacular scenery on foot and while riding the rails on a historic steam train. Bursting with culinary delights and cultural wonders – the Balkans has it all.

Trip Name
Premium Balkans in Depth
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
25
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Settle into three distinctive Feature Stays – Bucharest’s historic Suter Palace, Split’s Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel in People’s Square and a Sarajevo boutique hotel inspired by traditional Bosnian homes.
  • Savour a farewell dinner at Salon 1905, where early 20th-century Baroque and Art Nouveau details frame a seasonally inspired, multi-course menu by a Belgrade-born chef.
  • Take a scenic steam train ride through Mokra Gora’s forests and mountains on a historic railway that forms part of the famous Ciro trail connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea, a Signature Experience.
  • Explore Balkan history, discovering Saxon villages with fairytale scenery, medieval Old Towns with pretty market squares and Orthodox monasteries where you’ll taste the famous Tvrdos wine made by its monks.
  • Step into another world as you walk through ancient halls and hear the myths and legends surrounding some of the most impressive castles in Eastern Europe – Bran and Peles.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Split
Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Split – located on the Adriatic coast, this is Croatia’s second-largest city. You’ll be met by a local representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel when you arrive, ready for your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Mestrovic Gallery, which displays the remarkable work of one of Croatia’s greatest sculptors. After the meeting, get to know your fellow travellers and group leader over dinner at one of Split’s local restaurants and maybe try some brudet (a rustic seafood stew) and rozata (a creamy custard pudding). Tonight, you’ll stay at Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel in the heart of Split – your Feature Stay, with a history dating back to the 18th century as the first cafe in the city.
Day 2 - Split
This morning, head out on a walking tour with a local guide to see the highlights of this historic city. Led by a licensed heritage interpreter, you’ll stroll through the streets of Split, discover some of the city's less-visited spots, including parts of the ancient Diocletian's Palace, and get a glimpse into local life. Wander through cobblestoned streets in the footsteps of past emperors and kings and learn about how Split has evolved over the centuries. Explore the workshops of local artisans and witness the skill and passion of their creations. Round off your tour with a stop to try soparnik, a traditional Dalmatian savoury pie that was Croatia’s first street food. This afternoon is free for you to explore this seaside city at your own pace – maybe find a seafood restaurant with sweeping views of the coast and tuck into some fresh catches over a glass of wine. Or, head back to your Feature Stay and chill on the la luce terrace or in the secret garden.
Day 3 - Imotski
Take a private transfer to Imotski – a quiet, lesser-known town in the Dalmatian Hinterland where you’ll get an insight into authentic Croatian life away from the crowds. When you arrive, go on a walking tour with your leader. Learn about the town’s history and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue and Red Lakes. This evening, you’ll visit Topana Fortress. Built in the 13th century, the fortress is perched on a cliff, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Take in the scenery as the sun sets while you sip on a glass of local wine and snack on some local produce like prosciutto – all accompanied by live music – and revel in the laidback atmosphere as the day fades into night.
Day 4 - Imotski
Today is a free day for you to explore Imotski at your own pace. You might like to stroll through the narrow streets in the town centre or visit the Blue Lake for a glimpse of the blue-green water and maybe even a scenic swim. In the afternoon, join your group for a traditional dinner of Peka – a Croatian meal of meat or seafood with potatoes and veggies, cooked under a clay or cast-iron lid placed on hot coals. Experience warm local hospitality and sample the flavours of this region, paired with locally produced wine.
Day 5 - Orebic
Travel to the seaside town of Orebic by private vehicle, swapping inland karst landscapes for views of the shimmering Adriatic. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Bacina Lakes, where you’ll board a small boat for a leisurely sail through this string of freshwater lakes set between the mountains and the coast. Then, continue south along the Peljesac Peninsula to Mali Ston. This village is known for having some of the best oysters in Europe. Hop aboard another boat and head to an oyster farm that has been run by generations of shellfish farmers who have perfected their craft. Learn how oysters and mussels are cultivated in these nutrient-rich waters, then taste them straight from the sea—briny, fresh and perfectly paired with a glass of local wine. This afternoon, you’ll continue to Orebic. Start to settle into the slower pace of life here in the quieter side of Croatia with a walk along the waterfront or perhaps wind down the day with a swim.
Day 6 - Orebic to Korcula
Visit the island of Korcula, located just off the Dalmatian Coast and known for its rich folkloric traditions. Begin your daytrip by taking the short boat ride to the island, then go on a walking tour of the town centre with a local guide. Visit the main sites of this relaxed seaside town and learn about the history of the island. You’ll also see some of the traditional costumes used in local celebrations. Head to the Vela Luka promenade, on the west of the island, to take part in a project aimed at creating the longest mosaic in the world. Learn about the craft of mosaics, then have a go yourself! After, head to the village of Blato for lunch and a wine tasting at a small, family-run winery in the hills. Return to Orebic later this evening.
Day 7 - Dubrovnik
Journey to Dubrovnik today, stopping at Trsteno along the way. In this small village just outside of Dubrovnik, you’ll tuck into a brunch made using fresh, local produce from a family-run farm, surrounded by a vibrant garden. Then, take part in an olive oil tasting (a bottle of this locally produced kitchen necessity makes for the perfect souvenir!). Visit the Trsteno Arboretum next door for an Signature Experience – this is the oldest monument of garden architecture and the only arboretum in Croatia that dates back to the 15th century. This is also a Game of Thrones filming location, but is far less crowded compared to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Spot locations you recognise from the show with natural scenery surrounding you rather than crowds. Take in the views of the Elaphiti Islands and the Adriatic Sea below. Continue to Dubrovnik for a tour of the medieval city walls, then join your group at a restaurant in the city’s Old Town for a farewell dinner – here’s to a trip well-travelled!
Day 8 - Dubrovnik
Today you’ll have a second meeting with the new members of your group at 6 pm. Before then, the day is yours. Perhaps take the cable car or hike up Mt Srd for clear views over the Old Town, Lokrum and the Adriatic, or slow the pace with a swim at Banje or Sulic. Maybe visit the Franciscan Monastery and its historic pharmacy, or explore the Dominican Monastery’s art collection. After the meeting tonight, head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other before the next leg of your trip.
Day 9 - Mostar
Today, you’ll cross the border and travel into Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping at several scenic destinations along the way. Your first stop is Trebinje, where you’ll join your leader for a walk around the compact Old Town and its market square, followed by a stop at an Orthodox monastery to taste the renowned Tvrdos wine. After, head to Mostar – a picturesque town home to numerous stone millhouses and cobbled streets. The star attraction is the world-famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), which spans the Neretva River and connects the two sides of the city. Find a spot for lunch and then get to know the town in the company of an expert local guide – including why the locals have such a strong connection to coffee. Pop into a traditional coppersmith workshop and meet the owner here who makes jewellery. You’ll learn about the process, then make something of your own to take home – the perfect souvenir!
Day 10 - Sarajevo
Leave Mostar this morning and make your way toward Sarajevo, stopping in Konjic along the way. Here, you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets of former Yugoslavia – Tito’s nuclear bunker. Built to protect Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and his top military personnel, this military bunker has only recently opened to the public. Step back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and what life was like in the not-so-distant past. After exploring the bunker, continue to Sarajevo and settle into your hotel, your Feature Stay. Well located near the old Ottoman quarter and vibrant bazaars, this boutique hotel is inspired by traditional Bosnian bosanska kuka homes, built with local stone, timber and adobe to blend in with the mountainous Balkan climate.
Day 11 - Sarajevo
Head out on a city tour through Sarajevo with a local guide this morning to get to know your surroundings and learn more about this historical city. With some free time to explore at your own pace after, you might taste your way through the market stalls of Bascarsija, visit one of the museums dedicated to the Yugoslav War or take a cable car up Trebevic Mountain for views of the city. Wrap up the day with a cooking lesson in a charming Austro-Hungarian building. You’ll learn how to make Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most beloved dish – pita – including how to hand-roll and coil the dough to create the distinctive shape. After, enjoy a hearty traditional meal of sogan dolma, stuffed paprika) and, of course, your freshly made pita, too!
Day 12 - Zlatibor
Today, travel to Serbia, with a stop in the small town of Visegrad. Here, a 16th-century bridge that inspired the Nobel Prize-winning literary work The Bridge on the Drina dominates the horizon. From Visegrad, you’ll head to Drina Canyon for a warm welcome to Serbia – a boat tour with a local food tasting. After your scenic lunch, you’ll board a steam train in Mokra Gora National Park for a scenic ride through forests and mountains. Served by one the last operational steam trains in Europe, this stretch of historic railway is part of the renowned Ciro trail, connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea.
Day 13 - Zlatibor
Hop on board the longest gondola ride in the world today – the Gold Gondola, spanning 9000 m (29,530 ft) in length. Take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes before exploring the area on foot. After your ride, drive through the winding roads toward Sirogojno village, known as one of the most beautiful villages in the country and declared as a Cultural Monument of Exceptional Importance in Serbia. Recharge with a lunch break before a special experience in the village meeting local artisans. Check out their pottery, blacksmiths and coopers workshops, and basket weaving, then visit the Knitters Museum, where all products are still traditionally handmade. This is your chance to buy meaningful souvenirs and support the locals in the community.
Day 14 - Belgrade
Leave Zlatibor behind today and head to Belgrade. When you get to arrive, kick off your visit with a walking tour to discover the best of the city, from Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street to Kalemegam Park and the Belgrade Fortress, where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet. Then, peel back a layer and discover some lesser-known sights, including the Roman Well, World War II Military Bunkers, Roman Lapidarium and Old Wine Cellar. This afternoon is free, so you might like to visit the city market or catch a trolleybus to Zemun – a Bohemian neighbourhood known for its cafes along the riverside promenade. Tonight, join your group for an exceptional farewell dinner. Set within the iconic Salon 1905 – a masterpiece of Baroque and Art Nouveau influence – your multicourse meal is cooked by a native Belgrade chef who infuses his Serbian cuisine with local seasonal ingredients. Tuck in, then toast the end of your adventure.
Day 15 - Belgrade
Today you’ll have another meeting with the new members of your group at 6 pm. Until then, enjoy a free day in Belgrade. Maybe check out the city’s many museums – including the one dedicated to Nikola Tesla, the Serbian American inventor known for transforming the world’s understanding of electricity. Or perhaps get a caffeine fix with a Turkish coffee at a kafana – these traditional coffee houses date back to the Ottoman era. After the meeting, get to know your new group over dinner.
Day 16 - Timisoara
This morning, travel by private vehicle to Timisoara, crossing the Serbia-Romania border. Timisoara is a park-filled city where an uprising of local people sparked the Romanian Revolution in 1989. This saw the fall of the country’s Communist regime – reflecting the broader political change seen across Eastern Europe at the time. On a guided walking tour, you’ll take in some of Timisoara’s most significant sights – including the grand and aptly named Victory, Liberty and Union Squares – and learn more about the city’s history.
Day 17 - Sibiu
Head to Sibiu after breakfast, stopping on the way to visit Sarmizegetusa Regia – the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Dacia. Romania’s answer to Stonehenge, Sarmizegetusa Regia was a centre of religious, military and political significance until it was invaded by the Romans in AD102. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest and most mysterious historical sites in Romania. After touring the site with a local guide, continue to Sibiu, where you’ll get acquainted with the cobbled streets and squares on a guided walk. Sibiu is known for its creative, bohemian atmosphere, rich history and architecture. Explore what remains of the city’s medieval walls and towers, cross the legend-shrouded Bridge of Lies and take in the grandeur of Brukenthal National Museum before a free evening.
Day 18 - Sibiu
This morning, head to the outskirts of the city to explore ASTRA Village Museum. Set across 96 acres surrounding a sparkling lake, this open-air living museum seeks to preserve, showcase and celebrate Romanian folk culture and traditional ways of life. Wander the grounds to discover reconstructed old dwellings, windmills and workshops, and learn how Romanian people of centuries past grew food, raised families and made a living. The afternoon is free to visit the Orthodox Cathedral or admire the slightly less imposing (but equally magnificent) Gothic Lutheran church. Alternatively, grab a covrigi (a tasty Romanian pretzel), wander the old town and snap photos of the colourful, Wes Anderson-style architecture.
Day 19 - Coltesti Village
Depart Sibiu and head to Alba lulia – one of the oldest cities in Romania. It’s home to an 18th-century citadel with a history that dates to Roman times. Shaped like a seven-point star, the fortress features a collection of ornate gates and vantage points, as well as numerous museums and cafes. Wander the cobbled streets with an expert guide to hear more about what went on within these ancient walls over the last two millennia. Next, drive to the Trascau Mountains to reach Coltesti and check in to Szekler Mansion. This evening, sit down for a traditional meal, which might feature hearty bowls of borsch or goulash, locally made cheese and sarmale (smoky, meat-filled cabbage rolls).
Day 20 - Sighisoara
On your way to Sighisoara today, stop off at the Turda Salt Mine. This huge subterranean space was renovated and opened to the public in the early 1990s and resembles an alien planet or a Bond villain’s lair. Don’t forget to pack a sweatshirt – it gets chilly 119 m (390 ft) down! When you resurface, head to the nearby town Medias, where you can catch a glimpse of the Trumpeter Tower, a medieval structure with a distinctive tilt. Finish your journey in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sighisoara – your home for the next two nights and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler – the historical figure and inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Explore the colourful streets of Sighisoara’s Old Town on a guided walk to discover the myths and legends of Transylvania, then enjoy a free evening.
Day 21 - Sighisoara
Start your day by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Biertan, home to a 15th-century fortified church perched high on a hill in the centre of town. Then, drive to Malancrav for lunch in a bucolic setting – the Saxon village was once owned by one family, the Apafis, and populated with German farmers. While you’re there, you’ll watch a traditional bread-making demonstration with local women, offering a window into village life and culinary heritage. After, maybe see the Apafi Mansion and the 14th-century church that features the oldest wall paintings in Transylvania. Head back to Sighisoara after your sightseeing and spend the rest of the day exploring as you wish.
Day 22 - Brasov
After breakfast, set off for Brasov, making a stop at the Saschiz fortified church along the way. This 15th-century Gothic-style Lutheran church was built by the Saxons to serve both religious and protective purposes and is now renowned for its massive defensive walls and historic clock tower. After your visit, stop into an artisanal food producer for a taste of local meats, cheeses and wines. Continue to Brasov and join a local guide for a city walk. You’ll learn about the city’s most notable sights, including the remnants of the old medieval fortifications, the Black Church – damaged in the 1689 Great Fire but now restored – and the wedge-shaped Council Square, lined with historic buildings. Round the day off with the Romanian sweet treat of chimney cake (or kurtoskolacs, as the locals call it).
Day 23 - Brasov
After breakfast this morning, travel to the Zarnești Bear Sanctuary for a Signature Experience at one of Europe’s most important wildlife conservation projects. Accompanied by a specialist guide, you’ll learn about bear rescue efforts in Romania and gain deeper insight into the challenges and successes of protecting these magnificent animals in a natural setting. From there, move on to Bran Castle, where a local guide will show you around what is perhaps Romania’s most famous attraction, given its associations with the tale of Count Dracula. Vampire myths aside, it was never actually home to Vlad the Impaler or Bram Stoker! The forested surroundings and lofty location of this 14th-century castle make it a moody setting. The rest of the afternoon is free.
Day 24 - Bucharest
Your discovery of Romanian castles continues this morning with Peles. Built in the late 19th century, the neo-Renaissance creation is even more extravagant on the inside than it is on the outside. After your exploration, you’ll continue to Bucharest, where you’ll check into your Feature Stay – the regal Suter Palace atop Filaret Hill. This afternoon, join a guided city tour exploring Bucharest’s key landmarks and layered history, then come together for a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey.
Day 25 - Bucharest
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to spend some more time in Bucharest, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-08-202621-09-2026AUD $ 20,330-
04-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 21,660-
07-05-202731-05-2027AUD $ 25,795-
28-05-202721-06-2027AUD $ 25,795-
16-07-202709-08-2027AUD $ 25,980-
27-08-202720-09-2027AUD $ 25,980-
10-09-202704-10-2027AUD $ 25,795-
05-05-202829-05-2028AUD $ 22,730-
12-05-202805-06-2028AUD $ 23,245-
26-05-202819-06-2028AUD $ 23,245-
14-07-202807-08-2028AUD $ 22,730-
11-08-202804-09-2028AUD $ 22,730-
25-08-202818-09-2028AUD $ 22,730-
08-09-202802-10-2028AUD $ 23,245-

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (21 nights), Feature Stay (4 nights)

Transport

Ferry, Private vehicle, Train

Map

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