Balkan Highlights

From £3,099
Duration 13 Days
Departures from: May 2026 - Oct 2026
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From £3,099
Duration 13 Days
Departures from: May 2026 - Oct 2026

Tour Overview

This 13-day adventure explores three captivating countries in the Balkans. You'll discover Croatia's highlights including Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zagreb, and coastal cities. In Serbia, you'll explore Belgrade, stay in the mountain resort of Zlatibor, and take a ride on the scenic Sargan Eight railway. The journey continues to Bosnia, featuring Sarajevo's historic sites and the famous Stari Most bridge in Mostar. You'll enjoy guided walking tours, traditional craft demonstrations, wine tasting, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Your Holiday Includes

  • Return flights from London 
  • 13 nights in 4-star hotels 
  • 23 meals: 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and welcome drink 
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Walking tour of Split's Old Town
  • Guided tour of Zadar
  • Glass-blowing demonstration
  • Explore the Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Zagreb walking tour
  • Visit the fotress city of Novi Sad
  • Walking tour of Belgrade
  • Discover the Royal Complex of the Karadordevic family 
  • Enjoy a ride on the Sargan Eight narrow gauge railway
  • Visit the small town of Višegrad
  • Guided walking tour of Sarajevo
  • Explore Mostar on a walking tour
  • Visit the village of Medugorje 

Itinerary

UK to Split

Day 1 UK to Split

Fly from the UK to Split where your Balkan adventure will begin with a night in this picturesque coastal city. You'll be introduced to the main sights on a walking tour of the Old Town before getting to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner this evening. Meals included: D
Split to Zadar

Day 2 Split to Zadar

After breakfast, drive north to Zadar, a city that boasts a stunning blend of history and art. You'll enjoy a guided tour here and make a stop at a glass-blowing workshop for a demonstration of the traditional techniques used in this craft. You'll have time at leisure to grab a bite to eat or find a quiet square and soak up the atmosphere. Later, you'll drive inland to the Plitvice Lakes area where you'll enjoy a stay close to the lakes, giving you the chance to rest before a day of exploring this magnificent landscape in more detail tomorrow. Meals included: B
Zadar to Zagreb

Day 3 Zadar to Zagreb

Today, you'll visit one of the most beautiful sights in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park. Walk along wooden boardwalks that almost touch the water and weave around turquoise pools fed by waterfalls creating rainbows in their mist. You'll take a short ferry ride across one of the lakes, before a trail takes you for views of Veliki Slap, the tallest falls in the park. You'll then continue your journey to the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, for an overnight stay. Meals included: B,L
Zagreb to Belgrade

Day 4 Zagreb to Belgrade

This morning, you'll start the day with a short walking tour of Zagreb where sights include a funicular ride to the 'Upper Town', St Mark's Church and Tkalciceva Street. It's then time to leave the city and follow the Central European Plain down towards Serbia. En route, you'll stop to enjoy a tasting of local wines and lunch. Later, you'll visit the famous fortress city of Novi Sad for a walking tour where you'll take in the Petrovaradin Fortress, located on the right bank of the Danube, and the equally impressive Freedom Square, which overlooks the city. Your journey continues to Belgrade where you can enjoy some free time this evening. Meals included: B,L
Belgrade

Day 5 Belgrade

You'll see the highlights of Belgrade on a short walking tour this morning. The former capital of Yugoslavia has plenty of sights to offer, starting with the quaint cobbled lanes of the Bohemian Quarter, often compared to Montmartre in Paris.
This afternoon is at leisure for you to explore further – perhaps visit the Residence of Princess Ljubica, which is now a museum, or the imposing Captain Miša's Mansion. Alternatively, enjoy the facilities at the hotel. Meals included: B
Belgrade to Zlatibor

Day 6 Belgrade to Zlatibor

You'll travel into the mountains to the old resort town of Zlatibor, once a popular destination for the rich and famous escaping the heat of Belgrade in the summer. On the way, you will stop at the royal complex of the Karadordevic family where you will visit the church and mausoleum. You will have free time this afternoon where you can explore more of Zlatibor at leisure. Meals included: B
Sargan Eight Railway

Day 7 Sargan Eight Railway

You have an amazing experience in store today. A hidden gem of Serbia is its Sargan Eight narrow gauge railway, and you will travel on the most picturesque section of this line. The terrain in this area means the railway traverses valleys and mountain passes, and is shaped like an '8' in one section as the line weaves around the valley and through tunnels. This afternoon, head back to Zlatibor for an evening at leisure. Meals included: B
Zlatibor to Sarajevo

Day 8 Zlatibor to Sarajevo

You will travel from Zlatibor in Serbia across into the third country of the trip, Bosnia. Today's journey is all about spectacular landscapes as you travel into Bosnia and stop at the small town of Višegrad. You will have free time to explore and have lunch, then travel on this afternoon to Sarajevo, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Meals included: B
Sarajevo

Day 9 Sarajevo

Enjoy a full-day guided walking tour of Sarajevo where you will visit the historic sites, including the Latin Bridge, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Olympic Museum and then a visit outside the city centre to the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. Enjoy an evening at leisure – perhaps you'll visit the Bašcaršija area for some traditional Bosnian cuisine Meals included: B
Sarajevo to Mostar

Day 10 Sarajevo to Mostar

Today you'll embark on another journey of spectacular scenery following the famous Neretva River.
On arrival in Mostar, you'll start a guided walking tour where you will cross the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) where the Neretva River flows underneath. You may even see people gathering to watch the divers who launch themselves off the bridge into the cold water below. Following this, you will visit the Old Bazaar, Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque and 'Turkish house'. Enjoy dinner at leisure this evening. Meals included: B,L
Mostar to Split

Day 11 Mostar to Split

After breakfast, our journey continues to Spilt. Along the way. you'll enjoy a stop in the small village of Medugorje, a centre for Catholic pilgrimage. Here you'll visit Saint James Church and Apparition Hill. After checking into your hotel in Split, you'll enjoy an afternoon at leisure – perhaps take the opportunity to pick up a last-minute souvenir. Meals included: B
at leisure

Day 12 at leisure

Today has been left free for you to explore Split. Perhaps you'll return to visit some of the sights you discovered earlier in the tour or relax and reflect on your adventure. If you'd like to explore further, join the optional excursion to the small island of Trogir. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, the historical centre is easily explored on foot. Wander through the narrow winding streets and along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the notable sights including Kamerlengo Fortress and St Lawrence Cathedral.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers. Meals included: B,D
Split to UK

Day 13 Split to UK

Your Balkan adventure comes to an end and it's time to say farewell to your fellow travellers as you travel back to the UK. Meals included: B

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Hotel Palcich

Hotel Palcich is your gateway to peace and luxury, located in the heart of stunning nature. We pride ourselves on the perfect blend of comfort, elegance and personalized service. Whether you're here to explore the beautiful Plitvice Lakes, relax in our wellness centre, or enjoy gourmet cuisine, every detail is designed to make your stay unforgettable. Hotel Palcich is a place where the splendour of nature meets refined luxury. Our mission is to provide an extraordinary experience that balances relaxation, adventure, and supreme hospitality. Located close to some of the region's most beautiful attractions, including the Plitvice Lakes and Barac Caves, our hotel is the perfect destination for those looking for both peace and excitement.

Hotel Palcich is your gateway to peace and luxury, located in the heart of stunning nature. We pride ourselves on the perfect blend of comfort, elegance and personalized service. Whether you're here to explore the beautiful Plitvice Lakes, relax in our wellness centre, or enjoy gourmet cuisine, every detail is designed to make your stay unforgettable. Hotel Palcich is a place where the splendour of nature meets refined luxury. Our mission is to provide an extraordinary experience that balances relaxation, adventure, and supreme hospitality. Located close to some of the region's most beautiful attractions, including the Plitvice Lakes and Barac Caves, our hotel is the perfect destination for those looking for both peace and excitement.

Westin Zagreb

A 5-minute walk from a tram station, this luxury hotel is 4 km from both Zagreb Cathedral and Trg Bana Jelacica, Zagreb's main square. Featuring city views, the polished rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and custom-designed beds, as well as minibars and coffeemakers. There’s an elegant bar/lounge, a cafe and an upscale restaurant. Additional amenities include an indoor pool, a fitness room, along with a sauna.

A 5-minute walk from a tram station, this luxury hotel is 4 km from both Zagreb Cathedral and Trg Bana Jelacica, Zagreb's main square. Featuring city views, the polished rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and custom-designed beds, as well as minibars and coffeemakers. There’s an elegant bar/lounge, a cafe and an upscale restaurant. Additional amenities include an indoor pool, a fitness room, along with a sauna.

Hotel Prag

Hotel Prag is a 4-star hotel located in Belgrade, only a few minutes from the many attractions. The hotel was built in several stages and pride themselves on the specific architecture. Following a full renovation, they have maintained their traditional hospitality and service. Hotel offers an A La Carte restaurant and hotel bar. Individual guest bedrooms include; internet, cable TV and air conditioning.

Hotel Prag is a 4-star hotel located in Belgrade, only a few minutes from the many attractions. The hotel was built in several stages and pride themselves on the specific architecture. Following a full renovation, they have maintained their traditional hospitality and service. Hotel offers an A La Carte restaurant and hotel bar. Individual guest bedrooms include; internet, cable TV and air conditioning.

Hotel Zlatibor

A great hotel located in the centre of this mountain town. Good facilities and location mean this is a superb property to relax and enjoy the local area.

A great hotel located in the centre of this mountain town. Good facilities and location mean this is a superb property to relax and enjoy the local area.

Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo

Located in the centre of the Bosnia and Herzegovinian capital city, The Courtyard by Marriot Sarajevo houses sophisticated rooms, along with a outstanding rooftop bar, fitness centre, restaurant. cocktail lounge, and is within walking distance of the city. Each room has tea & coffee, a safe, air conditioning, WiFi and ironing facilities.

Located in the centre of the Bosnia and Herzegovinian capital city, The Courtyard by Marriot Sarajevo houses sophisticated rooms, along with a outstanding rooftop bar, fitness centre, restaurant. cocktail lounge, and is within walking distance of the city. Each room has tea & coffee, a safe, air conditioning, WiFi and ironing facilities.

Hotel Eden Mostar

Featuring views of the city and surrounding hills, this spa hotel is 2 km from the city centre. Relaxed rooms provide Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms add balconies with city and hill views. Amenities include a bar, and a sleek restaurant that has bright artwork. The spa offers a gym, a sauna and a hammam, as well as an indoor/outdoor pool.

Featuring views of the city and surrounding hills, this spa hotel is 2 km from the city centre. Relaxed rooms provide Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms add balconies with city and hill views. Amenities include a bar, and a sleek restaurant that has bright artwork. The spa offers a gym, a sauna and a hammam, as well as an indoor/outdoor pool.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional experiences to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour

Walking tour of Trogir

Walking tour of Trogir

Join us on an optional half day walking tour of the lovely coastal town of Trogir. You will be transferred from Split and then embark on a detailed walk around the medieval centre with a local guide. They will explain how Trogir was founded and you will see some of the most important building and squares such at St. Lawrence's Cathedral and the Trogir Riva. You will have some free time to browse shops or have a drink in a café, and then transfer back to your hotel in Split.
Join us on an optional half day walking tour of the lovely coastal town of Trogir. You will be transferred from Split and then embark on a detailed walk around the medieval centre ...

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Further Information

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • European Holidays - £200 per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £400 per person
  • Ocean & River Cruises - £400 per person

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel Requirements & Visa Service

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

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Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

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