Basix
Explorer
Explore the Balkans
10 days • 4.9
5
Excellent
47 reviews
10 days
Start
Budapest, Hungary
Finish
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Trip Code
ZMRC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transport
Public bus, Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Pension (2 nights), Hostel (1 night)
From £1,197(10 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Delve into the communist past and progressive present of the Pearl of the Danube - Budapest, a city often underrated by travellers
Visit Novi Sad on the banks of the Danube River and maybe explore the Petrovaradin Fortress – one of the most important landmarks in the city with a great view over the river. Then, immerse yourself in the edgy street scene of Belgrade's Bohemian Quarter.
Explore the sobering Tito’s Bunker in Mostar – an underground facility that served as Yugoslavia's ‘Atomic War Command,’ designed to house a skeleton government who would manage the country in the event of nuclear war.
Admire the restored architecture of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kotor in Montenegro on a climb along the ancient city fortifications. Then, discover the glittering Bay of Kotor in your free time.
Hit the historic hotspot of Dubrovnik along Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline. With medieval walls, Game of Thrones tours, hidden swimming coves and alleyway restaurants, this is the perfect spot to end your adventure.
Is this trip right for you?
As this trip only has limited time in Budapest, we highly recommend staying a few extra days before your tour to enjoy all this amazing destination has to offer.
This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local guide and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
Accommodation on this trip is basic. Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be small, especially compared to American or Australian standards, and in some cases bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite. Some hotels contain stairs only, with no elevators.
Summer temperatures can be very high in many regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s essential to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.
You'll have to carry your own luggage on this trip, including some short distances between your hotel and public transport (no longer than 30 minutes). Make sure your bag doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find details in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
Itinerary
Old-world charm and enduring cultures deep in the Balkans
Veer off the beaten track and discover some of Central Europe’s up-and-coming hotspots on this ten-day adventure. Starting off in cultured and cosmopolitan Budapest, travel to the Serbian capital of Belgrade for a taste of a city on the rise. Learn about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s war years in Sarajevo, stop by the famed Old Bridge of Mostar and finish things up in medieval Dubrovnik of Game of Thrones fame. Melding the past with the present and the raw with the cultivated, this Balkans adventure gives you the power to see Central Europe your way, with a local leader on hand to steer you in the right direction.
Inclusions
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transport
Public bus, Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Pension (2 nights), Hostel (1 night)
Included activities
Novi Sad – Orientation Walk
Sarajevo - Burek Snack in Bascarsija
Mostar - Stari Most
Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
Optional activities
Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
Budapest - Central Market - Free
Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF13000
Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF12000
Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF13500
Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF7000
Belgrade - Danube River Cruise - RSD800
Belgrade - Tito’s Mausoleum (House of Flowers) - RSD400
Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum - RSD800
Belgrade - City Tour with Local Guide - EUR60
Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum - RSD300
Belgrade - Military Museum - RSD350
Belgrade - Bike Tour (from) - EUR30
Sarajevo - City Hall & Old National Library - BAM10
Sarajevo - Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque - BAM3
Sarajevo - Svrzo's House - BAM3
Sarajevo - Brusa Bezistan - BAM3
Sarajevo - Despica House - BAM3
Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum - BAM5
Sarajevo - City Tour with Local Guide - BAM90
Sarajevo - Jewish Museum - BAM5
Sarajevo - Ilidza Park and Springs - BAM15
Sarajevo - War Tunnel - BAM10
Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina - BAM8
Mostar - Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret - BAM15
Mostar - Old Bridge Museum - BAM10
Mostar - War Photo Exhibition - BAM6
Kotor - Cruise on Kotor Fjord - EUR40
Kotor - St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - EUR4
Budva - Day Trip (by public bus) - EUR6
Kotor - Fortress - EUR3
Kotor - Maritime Museum - EUR5
Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
Dubrovnik - Church of St. Blaise - Free
Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure - EUR69
Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car - EUR27
Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence - EUR4
Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace - EUR13
Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum - EUR10
Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip - EUR27
Dubrovnik - Franciscan Monastery - EUR4
Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites) - EUR35
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is not available on this trip.
Reviews (44)
5 stars
41
4 stars
3
Adam
Oct 13, 2024
Excellently organised trip. Everywhere didn't disappoint , as they were unknowns to me!! Lucija, is the girl for the trip to make it the most fun and relaxed.
Carmen
Oct 11, 2024
Exploring the Balkans with Lucija was such an amazing experience. It was a good mix of old towns and water activities in Kotor and Dubrovnik.
Isabelle
Oct 10, 2024
Well organised trip hitting the best of the Balkans. Great sized group and was a perfect mix of sight seeing, food and activities. Highly recommend!
Robert
Oct 02, 2024
I'm a first time traveler with Intrepid & could not have been more pleased with my trip. Ivan was an excellent tour leader, a very composed problem solver and always on the spot. I enjoyed the company of my group, the time in this interesting/fun part of the world (the Balkens). I've taken group trips with another company, solo traveled alone & far more enjoyed the experience I had with Intrepid. If all the trips Intrepid offers are half as good you'll have a life long customer. Thanks for all you've done!
Deneb
Sep 30, 2024
This trip covers amazing places that I didn’t know were a must-visit. It is a great experience improved by tour leaders like Ivan who have a lot of knowledge of the region and can transmit the true feel of local culture. Definitely recommended.
Patrick
Sep 22, 2024
If you are looking for food and fun, or education on the culture and history of the region, will find it. A lot of free time with excellent suggestions. If Ante is your leader, feel lucky. Funny, knowledgeable, and made sure things ran smoothly.
Christina
Sep 18, 2024
The Balkans was an amazingly unexpected tour that I'll never forget. There is so much history across all countries, with resilient people, and such diverse beautiful scenery, I'd do it all again!
Megan
Aug 24, 2024
Go to the Balkans. I can’t put it more simply than that. Was I intending to go there on my 5 month holiday? Absolutely not - these countries were just in the way of where I needed to get to. But did they end up being the absolute highlight of my whole trip? A resounding yes. Beautiful scenery, interesting history and brilliant people. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough!
Laura
Aug 18, 2024
The Balkans trip is the absolute best! Especially if you are paired up with Vijon! The most amazing tour guide! So kind, knowledgeable and professional! We absolutely adored him! In 10 days we learnt so so much about the history of the Balkans.. it is truely eye opening! And wonderful places! The food, the water the mountains and the culture are just incredible! Highly recommend all ages! :D
Amy
Aug 16, 2024
This trip was just brilliant! From learning about the fascinating history of the Balkans to exploring the natural beauty, to enjoying the local cultures, this trip has it all. Our guide, Vojin, was a legend and our group (a delightful mixture of solo travellers and pairs, with a range of ages and experiences) got on so well. Would thoroughly recommend!
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