Balkan Bliss
30 September - 12 October 2023
13 days | 12 nights | 12 Places | 4 Countries
13-day tour in the Balkans exploring Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
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TRAVEL
13 Days, 12 Nights, 4 Countries, 12 Places
ACCOMMODATION
12 nights at boutique hotels
MEALS
12 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 3 Dinners, 1 Farewell Dinner
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of walking is necessary
.
30 September - 12 October 2023
13 days | 12 nights | 12 Places | 4 Countries
13-day tour in the Balkans exploring Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
.
TRAVEL
13 Days, 12 Nights, 4 Countries, 12 Places
ACCOMMODATION
12 nights at boutique hotels
MEALS
12 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 3 Dinners, 1 Farewell Dinner
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of walking is necessary
.
Trip Map
Itinerary
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Arrive to our Dubrovnik hotel at leisure today, or take advantage of one or our two scheduled transfers from Dubrovnik airport. Our adventure officially kicks off at 4pm with a brief welcome at our hotel, followed by a spectacular dinner cruise around the city walls of Dubrovnik – the Pearl of the Adriatic. As the sun sets, we toast to the many fabulous friends and memories to be made throughout our journey.*
Inclusions: Group-based airport transfers at set times, Welcome Evening with Dinner
*Sunset cruise is weather dependent. In the case of high wind or rain this will be replaced with dinner at a local restaurant.
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This morning we meet up with a Dubrovnik local for a guided walk through the walls of this medieval city. Our Local Insider uncovers the history of the once very powerful and wealthy Ragusa Republic, pinpoints Game of Thrones filming locations, perfect photo opportunities, and of course the best places to eat and drink. After our stroll we journey up Srd Hill on the picturesque cable car to one of the finest viewpoints over the city. Take the afternoon to explore at leisure, perhaps walk along the top of the walls where more striking photo opportunities await, or relax at our seaside resort.
Inclusions: Breakfast, sightseeing and cable car ride in Dubrovnik with a Local Insider
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Tick another country off your list with an included day trip to Montenegro. We cross the border and take a tranquil boat cruise to the walled city of Kotor with our Local Insider.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, sightseeing and boat ride in Montenegro with a Local Insider
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The visual delights continue to impress as we journey north along the Dalmatian coast before entering Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our Local Insider meets us on arrival to Mostar to unveil this cultural melting pot of Ottoman and Christian architecture. Together, we’ll mosey across the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), gazing into the Neretva River below, before taking some time to explore on our own. This evening, consider joining us for an optional feast of delicious local specialties while admiring the city by night.
Inclusions: Breakfast, sightseeing in Mostar with a Local Insider
Optional Extras: Mostar by Night
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We venture back to Croatia today, passing through the Neretva Riviera, its vineyards and myriad of agricultural fields. Just when you thought the scenery couldn’t get any more beautiful, we embark on a short ferry crossing to the Island of Hvar, with a magical backdrop of mountains meeting the sea. A delightful Lunch with Locals awaits, with produce from the island served amidst spectacular scenery.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch with Locals
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It’s all about island life this morning. We take a short stroll to the heart of Hvar town with our Local Insider, explore the backstreets, discover great places to eat and see the arsenal and cathedral. This afternoon, perhaps take a walk up to the fortress, or join our Optional Encounter chasing the lavender trail and indulging in a light bite with wine tasting.
Inclusions: Breakfast, sightseeing of Hvar town with a Local Insider
Optional Extras: Hvar Explorer
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Farewell Hvar as we set sail for Split – the largest city on the Adriatic coast. Our Local Insider will tell stories of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and his palace, which host some of the most complete Roman ruins anywhere in the world. Tonight, why not join us for a lively night with local food and entertainment at a traditional restaurant.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Sightseeing in Split with a Local Insider, Entry to Diocletian’s palace
Optional Encounters: Konoba Experience
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Plitvice is in our sights today, but not before a brief stop off in the medieval town of Šibenik. Our Local Insider takes us on a brief orientation, before some time at leisure to enjoy a bite to eat. We then head to the breathtaking Plitvice National Park where we will soak up the natural beauty and tranquillity as we walk alongside cascading waterfalls, pristine turquoise lakes and an abundance of fish, birds and wildlife.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, sightseeing in Šibenik, and entry and sightseeing in Plitvice National Park with a Local Insider
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Heading further north, we cross the border into Slovenia and the majestic lakeside town of Bled. Take the afternoon to stroll around the lake, or perhaps indulge in a delicious Kremschnitte, which became famous in the area at our very hotel.
Inclusions: Breakfast
Optional Extras: Traditional Slovenian Evening
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Start the day with a traditional pletna ride to the magical Bled Island. Take some time to visit the island’s quaint church and hear the legend of its bell or simply take in the peaceful surrounds. The rest of the day is free in this picturesque haven – relax with a stroll around the lake, take a dip or simply sit waterside and take in the serenity. With the incredible views from Mt Vogel at our doorstep, you may opt to take a cable car ride into the Julian Alps, stopping by Slovenia’s largest glacial lake – Lake Bohinj on the way.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Pletna Boat and Bled Island visit
Optional Extras: Julian Alps Escape
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Our first stop this morning is the magnificent 24 kilometre long Postojna Cave. We board a small mining train to admire the captivating cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites, before a short walk to get up close to these natural marvels. Then it’s on to the majestic capital Ljubljana, where our Local Insider will share the legends and sights of the city on our scenic stroll.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Postojna Cave visit, Ljubljana sightseeing with a Local Insider
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Wave goodbye to Slovenia as we set our sights on the Croatian capital – Zagreb. A walk through the centre with our Local Insider will reveal the Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb Cathedral, the Dolac Markets and more. This afternoon, take some time to further immerse yourself in this colourful city, or unwind before our final evening, where we will toast the many friends and experiences we’ve had throughout our Balkan adventure.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Zagreb sightseeing with a Local Insider, Farewell Evening
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Bid farewell to the Balkans and new friends, as our tour ends after breakfast this morning.
Complimentary airport transfers are available to arrive at the airport at 7:30am and 11am.
The Kalejo Style of Travel
✦ TRAVEL EXPERTS AND LOCAL GUIDES
Our Travel Experts have a minimum of ten years’ experience in bringing travel dreams to life. Together with our Local Insiders, they will introduce you to a wide range of cultural insights, traditions, hotspots, secret jewels and more to enrich your unforgettable and carefree experience. They’ll be there throughout your time with us for any questions, suggestions, or recommendations.
✦ QUALITY ACCOMMODATION
Quality accommodations selected for their amenities, comfort and location. Please indicate upon booking if you would prefer one large bed or two single (twin) beds*.
Additional charges apply for single room upgrades. Tour costs include city taxes, service charges, tips for chambermaids and baggage handling fees.
*While we make every effort to ensure your requests are fulfilled, occasionally due to hotel size and capacity, your request may not be available.
✦ LUXURY COACH
Modern, comfortable, climate controlled coaches with a professional driver. On board charging facilities, Wi-Fi and WC are available.
✦ TRANSFERS
Complimentary airport transfers at the beginning and end of your trip*.
*Airport transfers operate on the first and last day of the trip only. These are scheduled group transfers and cannot be changed or delayed.
✦ AUDIO HEADSETS
Provided throughout the journey to improve your sightseeing experience. Feel free to roam around and take pictures while never missing a moment of our Local Insider’s fascinating commentary.