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The Balkan Adventure

From £2,849
Duration 15 Days
Departures from: Oct 2024 - Sept 2025
Book now
From £2,849
Duration 15 Days
Departures from: Oct 2024 - Sept 2025

Tour Overview

Discover the Balkans on this epic journey through six countries. Begin in the beautiful port city of Split on Croatia's Adriatic Coast with its distinctly Mediterranean feel. Then heading inland to Bosnia we'll discover iconic Mostar and the capital Sarajevo, known for its religious diversity, home to the Ottoman-style Emperor’s Mosque, the Catholic Sacred Heart Church and a Jewish synagogue. Visit the stunning Sutjeska National Park on the way to Budva in Montenegro, where you’ll enjoy a cruise to ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’ and discover the Venetian-walled Old Town, before heading to Tirana, Albania’s capital. Here, you’ll discover the 5th century fortress perched atop a rocky outcrop, before heading to Lake Ohrid on the Macedonian border. Explore Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, home to the memorial house of Mother Theresa, before moving on Serbia for a city tour of Belgrade, with its quaint cobbled lanes of the Bohemian Quarter. Your penultimate destination is on the Balkan’s Peninsula in the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, where there is plenty to discover on a city tour before returning to Split.
  • Classic Touring
  • All Highlights Included
  • All Breakfasts

Your Holiday Includes

  • Return flights from London
  • 14 nights in 4-star hotels
  • 23 meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners and welcome drink
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Evening guided walk in Split's old town
  • Visit the iconic 'Old Bridge' in Mostar
  • Discover the capitals of Sarajevo, Belgrade, Tirana, Skopje and Zagreb
  • Sutjeska National Park, home to Mount Maglic
  • Breathtakingly beautiful Kotor Bay
  • Orientation walk in Budva
  • The hill town of Kruje
  • Lake Ohrid and the Bay of Bones
  • The pretty town of Despotovac
  • Explore Novi Sad, on the banks of the Danube
  • Croatian wine-tasting in Kutjevo
  • Dinner in a local tavern in Zagreb

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - Split

Today you will fly to Split, from where we will transfer you to your hotel. Meals included: D

Day 2 Split - Sarajevo

After a leisurely breakfast we begin our journey inland, crossing the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina before reaching one of the Balkan's most iconic cities - Mostar. Situated at the Neretva River, this historic city is famed for its enchanting 'Old Bridge'. After a guided tour of the bridge and the old town there will be free time before our journey continues to the country's capital, Sarajevo where we'll settle into our hotel this evening. Meals included: B

Day 3 Sarajevo

We're going to explore Sarajevo today, a city revered for its cultural and religious diversity. You'll see the Ottoman-style Emperor's Mosque in the same neighbourhood as the Catholic Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Orthodox Church of the Nativity and a Jewish synagogue. During your full-day tour you'll also be reminded of Torvill and Dean's 1984 Winter Olympics figure skating success at the quirky Olympic Museum. Meals included: B

Day 4 Sarajevo - Budva

Sutjeska National Park is home to the highest peak in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Maglic Mountain. We'll see this today before an included lunch and an onward journey across the border into Montenegro. Here the picturesque coastal town of Budva is our new base. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 5 Kotor Bay & Becici

You've the chance to admire more mountain scenery today on a drive to the fjord-like Kotor Bay. We'll take a stroll around the walled city of Kotor before we cruise to 'Our Lady of the Rocks' – a man-made islet housing a church and museum. Legend has it that the tiny island was formed by fishermen dropping a rock into the bay each time they returned from a successful voyage. This afternoon we'll spend some time in the neighbouring towns of Becici and Budva. At Becici, we'll find a lovely sandy beach, and in Budva a walking tour will reveal a picturesque Old Town enclosed by Venetian walls. Why not head back into the town this evening and find a restaurant in which to enjoy local delicacies. Meals included: B

Day 6 Budva - Tirana

Today's journey takes you to Albania's capital, Tirana, with a stop on the way at the hill town of Kruje. Here you'll see its 5th century fortress, dramatically located on top of a rocky outcrop. Afterwards, continue to your hotel in the centre of the city where modern and historical buildings exist side by side. Meals included: B,D

Day 7 Tirana - Lake Ohrid

There's time for a walking tour of Tirana this morning before we head to the Macedonian border and on to Lake Ohrid. Your lakeside hotel offers lovely views, so simply relax and enjoy. This evening why not enjoy a walk around the lake's promenade, where you'll find a good selection of restaurants and cafés. Meals included: B

Day 8 Lake Ohrid

We're going to spend today discovering the beauty of Lake Ohrid. Our first stop is the Bay of Bones, a reconstruction of a prehistoric settlement that was built on the water between 1200 and 600 BC. After lunch, we'll enjoy the lake from a different perspective when we take to the water on a relaxing cruise. It promises to be a very serene and peaceful experience and is the perfect way to take in the magnificent beauty of the surrounding mountains and unspoilt landscapes. Later, there's time to explore the historic town of Ohrid too. Cobbled streets, ancient churches and lakeside cafés are all part of its allure and there are some lovely shops if you want to hunt for souvenirs. Meals included: B,L

Day 9 Lake Ohrid - Skopje

Next stop on your adventure is the Macedonian capital, Skopje, which is home to the memorial house of Mother Teresa. Come on a walk through the narrow, winding streets of the Old Bazaar and take in panoramic views from the Upper Town. Meals included: B,D

Day 10 Skopje - Belgrade

Today we're going to cross the border into Serbia, where its capital Belgrade will be our home for the next two nights. We reach it via a visit to the imposing Manasija Monastery with its 11 towers and impressive fortified walls. We're also going to have some free time in nearby Despotovac, a pretty town named after Serbian prince Stefan Lazarevic, who was given the title Despot. There's lots to discover in Belgrade, and with a free evening you can head into the city for dinner at a restaurant of your choosing. Meals included: B

Day 11 Belgrade

You'll see the highlights of Belgrade on a guided tour today. 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. You'll see the Residence of Princess Ljubica, now a museum, and the imposing Captain Miša's Mansion. Your tour also passes the old and new palaces, which now house the Belgrade City Assembly and the office of the President of the Republic of Serbia. Meals included: B

Day 12 Belgrade - Novi Sad

Today we'll introduce you to Serbia's second-largest city, Novi Sad, for a tour and an overnight stay. Take in the sight of the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress, located on the right bank of the Danube, and the equally impressive Freedom Square. Meals included: B,D

Day 13 Novi Sad - Zagreb

Your final destination on the Balkan Peninsula is Croatia, where we'll base ourselves in its capital Zagreb. En route we'll pay a visit to Osijek, situated where the Drava and Danube Rivers meet, and home to a fortified centre. A little later we'll find ourselves in Kutjevo, a town known for its wines, so of course, we'll head to a winery for a tasting. This evening we'll head to nearby taverna and enjoy a dinner of local specialities. Meals included: B,D

Day 14 Zagreb - Split

After breakfast, your tour of Zagreb will introduce you to a city reminiscent of Prague, Budapest and Vienna, whose upper town is filled with churches and palaces. This afternoon we make the return journey to Split where we overnight. Meals included: B,D

Day 15 Split - UK

After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Meals included: B

Additional Information

Please note - due to the distances involved in travelling on this exploration across the Balkans, some days will involve lengthy drives on our comfortable private coach. Stops will be made regularly during these journeys. This holiday is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Hotel Amphora

This hotel on the seafront facing the Adriatic, offers multiple swimming pools with pool bar, sun loungers and umbrellas. Other facilities include 2 restaurants, a bar and spa and wellness centre. Free WiFI is also provided.

All rooms feature a seating area with flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air conditioning and desk. A private bathroom is fitted with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries.

This hotel on the seafront facing the Adriatic, offers multiple swimming pools with pool bar, sun loungers and umbrellas. Other facilities include 2 restaurants, a bar and spa and wellness centre. Free WiFI is also provided.

All rooms feature a seating area with flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air conditioning and desk. A private bathroom is fitted with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries.

Courtyard by Marriott

The Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo is located in the centre of Sarajevo, right next to the Miljacka River. The scenic Bašcaršija area with restaurants and shops is less than a mile away. Offering views of the city, the modernly furnished rooms come with a flat-screen satellite TV, a mini fridge and an electric kettle. Each room contains a spacious bathroom fitted with a shower. Free high-speed WiFi internet access is available throughout the hotel. The property's à la carte restaurant serves local and international dishes. The lobby features a bar and the Sky Lounge, located on the top floor, serves a number of different refreshments and provides a panoramic view of the city.

The Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo is located in the centre of Sarajevo, right next to the Miljacka River. The scenic Bašcaršija area with restaurants and shops is less than a mile away. Offering views of the city, the modernly furnished rooms come with a flat-screen satellite TV, a mini fridge and an electric kettle. Each room contains a spacious bathroom fitted with a shower. Free high-speed WiFi internet access is available throughout the hotel. The property's à la carte restaurant serves local and international dishes. The lobby features a bar and the Sky Lounge, located on the top floor, serves a number of different refreshments and provides a panoramic view of the city.

Hotel Slovenska Plaza

Hotel Slovenska Plaza is located in the centre of Budva, only a ten mintue walk from the tourist landmarks of Budva and the ancient Old Town and a two mintue walk to the beach. Facilities include varoisu bars and resturants, swmimming pool and tennis courts. All rooms have flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, all with private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer.

Hotel Slovenska Plaza is located in the centre of Budva, only a ten mintue walk from the tourist landmarks of Budva and the ancient Old Town and a two mintue walk to the beach. Facilities include varoisu bars and resturants, swmimming pool and tennis courts. All rooms have flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, all with private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer.

Tirana International Hotel

The Tirana Internation is a 4-star hotel located in the city centre of Tirana. The hotel was constructed in the late 1960's and at the time it was the tallest building in the city. The hotel boasts two restaurants and a bar. Guest bedrooms are modern and comfortable including facilities such as; wireless internet, safe box, bathroom with tub or shower and air conditioning.

The Tirana Internation is a 4-star hotel located in the city centre of Tirana. The hotel was constructed in the late 1960's and at the time it was the tallest building in the city. The hotel boasts two restaurants and a bar. Guest bedrooms are modern and comfortable including facilities such as; wireless internet, safe box, bathroom with tub or shower and air conditioning.

Royal View

Hotel Royal View is a 4-star hotel with a prime position overlooking Lake Ohrid, and just 300m walking distance of Ohrid town where you'll find pretty flowers and quaint shops. Hotel Royal View is a family run hotel with a comfortable interior a restaurant, spa and sauna. Each bedroom has a balcony, and facilities such as; shower cabins, LCD TV, hair dryer and central floor heating and cooling.

Hotel Royal View is a 4-star hotel with a prime position overlooking Lake Ohrid, and just 300m walking distance of Ohrid town where you'll find pretty flowers and quaint shops. Hotel Royal View is a family run hotel with a comfortable interior a restaurant, spa and sauna. Each bedroom has a balcony, and facilities such as; shower cabins, LCD TV, hair dryer and central floor heating and cooling.

Solun Hotel & Spa

Hotel Solun is a 4-star hotel located in Skopje. Situated near the main square, the hotel is perfect for exploring and shopping. The hotel are extremely environmentally friendly, and pride themselves on being the first ECO hotel in the Balkans. You can expect ECO friendly facilities throughout, including; Organic soaps, local and organic foods. Rooms offer a comfortable and peaceful stay with facilities including; fresh air heating and cooling system, wifi, noise protection windows, terrace, and TV.

Hotel Solun is a 4-star hotel located in Skopje. Situated near the main square, the hotel is perfect for exploring and shopping. The hotel are extremely environmentally friendly, and pride themselves on being the first ECO hotel in the Balkans. You can expect ECO friendly facilities throughout, including; Organic soaps, local and organic foods. Rooms offer a comfortable and peaceful stay with facilities including; fresh air heating and cooling system, wifi, noise protection windows, terrace, and TV.

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 Aleksandar

Hotel Aleksandar is a 4-star hotel located in Novi Sad, close to the city centre. The hotel has a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere with a breakfast room, fitness centre and spa. Bedrooms feature necessary modern facilities including; wireless internet, cable TV, mini-bar, safe deposit and bathroom with bathtub and hairdryer.

Hotel Aleksandar is a 4-star hotel located in Novi Sad, close to the city centre. The hotel has a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere with a breakfast room, fitness centre and spa. Bedrooms feature necessary modern facilities including; wireless internet, cable TV, mini-bar, safe deposit and bathroom with bathtub and hairdryer.

Hotel Academia

Hotel Academia offers a comfortable introduction to the centre of Zagreb, located a short distance from the central square. Free WiFi access is provided and all rooms feature a flat-screen TV and a minibar. In each room, there is a private bathroom with toiletries and a hair dryer. Many restaurants and bars are located nearby and the Historic Centre can be reached a short walk away.

Hotel Academia offers a comfortable introduction to the centre of Zagreb, located a short distance from the central square. Free WiFi access is provided and all rooms feature a flat-screen TV and a minibar. In each room, there is a private bathroom with toiletries and a hair dryer. Many restaurants and bars are located nearby and the Historic Centre can be reached a short walk away.

Hotel Amphora

This hotel on the seafront facing the Adriatic, offers multiple swimming pools with pool bar, sun loungers and umbrellas. Other facilities include 2 restaurants, a bar and spa and wellness centre. Free WiFI is also provided.

All rooms feature a seating area with flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air conditioning and desk. A private bathroom is fitted with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries.

This hotel on the seafront facing the Adriatic, offers multiple swimming pools with pool bar, sun loungers and umbrellas. Other facilities include 2 restaurants, a bar and spa and wellness centre. Free WiFI is also provided.

All rooms feature a seating area with flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air conditioning and desk. A private bathroom is fitted with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries.

Further Information

Average group size of our tours

Group sizes vary between tours - we have an average group size of 27. We endeavour to make sure the size of the group has a positive impact on each trip and our guests almost always say that the group was one of the highlights of the trip!

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 - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater
  • Ocean Cruises - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

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.

Reasons to book with Travelsphere

  • 60 years of touring
  • Expert direction & local flavours
  • Carefully-crafted holidays
  • A service you can count on
  • Book with confidence

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All Travelsphere holidays are financially protected via ATOL (flight-inclusive holidays) and financial insurance (non-flight packages). Additionally, all customer money is held in a Trust Fund, governed by independent Trustees. This means your money is 100% protected no matter what.