Balkans Discovery | 2025

Balkans Discovery | 2025

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8 Days From

$1886

$1509

Balkans Discovery | 2025

8 Days Starting in Dubrovnik and ending in Budapest

Visiting: Dubrovnik, Budva, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Budapest

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BBBEMA20

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1886 $1509 Operator discount: -$377 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 30-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Balkans with our "Balkans Discovery | 2025" tour. Starting in the historic city of Dubrovnik and concluding in the vibrant Budapest, this tour takes you through six captivating countries: Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, and Hungary. Experience the rich cultural tapestry of the region with highlights including an orientation in Tirana, a visit to the iconic Mostar Bridge, and a guided tour of Sarajevo. Enjoy scenic views, historical landmarks, and local cuisines with included breakfasts and dinners. This tour is perfect for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, and those who love to explore on foot. Join us for an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable memories.

Highlights

  • Take an orientation around the rainbow-coloured Albanian capital, Tirana.

  • See the epic piece of Ottoman architecture in Mostar, which was destroyed by war in 1993 and then rebuilt.

  • See the sights of the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, and get up to speed on 500 years of history.

  • Ramble around the Serbian capital, Belgrade, brimming with culture and history.

  • Visit the legendary Mostar Bridge that arches over the silent blue river.

  • Explore the historical streets of Sarajevo and taste home-made Bosnian cuisine.

  • Enjoy the lively mood of Belgrade by night and see the fortress of Beogradska Tvrdava.

  • Take a cruise in Budapest and visit one of the city's famous ruin bars.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Dubrovnik > Budva > Tirana

Location: Dubrovnik, Budva, Tirana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Good morning, travellers! Hope you’re ready for an exciting ride across the beautiful Balkans. Today, you’ll exchange hellos with your Trip Manager (and your new crew too!). With no time to waste, we'll head straight to our first stop.

We’ll stop by Montenegro's seaside beauty of Budva. You have the option to grab some lunch at a sea-view restaurant, or spend some time on the beach, before we head to our next stop.

Welcome to the capital city of Albania. This hidden gem has a lot to offer, and we’ve got the entirety of tomorrow to see it all. Join us for an included dinner tonight before heading back to our hotel to get some sleep as our adventure begins...

Day 2: Tirana

Location: Tirana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Time to wake up! Show-stopping views (and a hearty breakfast) await us. We’ll begin the day with a walking tour, guided by your Trip Manager. And then, for scenic birds-eye views of the lush green landscape of Albania, we’ll hop onto a cable car! Afterwards, you can chill with your crew in the city, and grab some dinner too.

Day 3: Tirana > Mostar

Location: Tirana, Mostar

Accommodation Name: A conveniently located Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tirana, you’ve been great. But we’ve got another awe-inspiring destination waiting for us.

Hello Mostar! We’re officially in Bosnia & Herzegovina, ready to bask in all of its historical glory. Beautiful rivers, iconic bridges, brick-red roofs - it’s gonna be a treat. Tonight, we’ll stroll around the picturesque streets to grab some authentic dinner. Spend the night chilling with your crew and getting some well-deserved rest.

Day 4: Mostar > Sarajevo

Location: Mostar, Sarajevo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ready? This morning, we’re visiting the legendary Mostar Bridge that arches right over the silent blue river. (And it makes for a perfect backdrop for your Insta photo dump!)

The historical streets of Sarajevo have a story or two to tell. And we’ll be listening to them all tomorrow. Tonight, you have the option to taste home-made Bosnian cuisine, learn what living like a local is like (plus support their families in turn). A truly wholesome experience!

Day 5: Sarajevo

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The only way to uncover the town of Sarajevo is with the wisdom shared on a guided walking tour. We'll help you tap into history & understand the magnitude of our destination. And then to lighten the mood, we’ll head to a local tavern for a delicious dinner and gags with friends.

Day 6: Sarajevo > Belgrade

Location: Sarajevo, Belgrade

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kopernikus Hotel Prag Belgrade (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise up, roamers! We're departing for the town of Belgrade to continue our epic frolic through the Balkans.

Another border crossing is on the agenda as we wave our way into Serbia en route to Belgrade. Medieval meets modern in this bustling, pure white city. Zen folk can go sit on the Hill of Contemplation or stroll along the Sava river, others can see the fortress of Beogradska Tvrđava & enjoy the lively mood of Belgrade by night.

Day 7: Belgrade > Budapest

Location: Belgrade, Budapest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Belgrade behind, today we're onto beautiful Budapest.

Fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe, Budapest is on our beeline. You'll have the option to take a cruise and make the most of your evening. Later, you'll no doubt want to keep things moving at one of the city's famous ruins bars, that need to be seen to be believed!

Day 8: End Budapest

Location: Budapest

Meals Included: Breakfast

That's a wrap! Our love affair with the Balkans has sadly come to an end! But perhaps we can get the squad back together for a reunion trip?

What's Included

  • Orientation in Tirana

    Take an orientation around the rainbow-coloured Albanian capital, Tirana.

  • Visit to Mostar Bridge

    Visit the legendary Mostar Bridge that arches over the silent blue river.

  • Walking Tour in Sarajevo

    Explore the historical streets of Sarajevo and taste home-made Bosnian cuisine.

  • Nightlife in Belgrade

    Enjoy the lively mood of Belgrade by night and see the fortress of Beogradska Tvrdava.

  • Cruise in Budapest

    Take a cruise in Budapest and visit one of the city's famous ruin bars.

  • Included Dinner on Day 1

    Join us for an included dinner tonight before heading back to our hotel.

  • Walking Tour in Tirana

    Begin the day with a walking tour, guided by your Trip Manager.

  • Cable Car Ride in Tirana

    Hop onto a cable car for scenic birds-eye views of the lush green landscape of Albania.

  • Guided Walking Tour in Sarajevo

    Uncover the town of Sarajevo with the wisdom shared on a guided walking tour.

  • Local Tavern Dinner in Sarajevo

    Head to a local tavern for a delicious dinner and gags with friends.

What's Not Included

  • Lunch in Budva

    You have the option to grab some lunch at a sea-view restaurant in Budva.

  • Dinner in Tirana on Day 2

    You can chill with your crew in the city and grab some dinner.

  • Dinner in Mostar

    Stroll around the picturesque streets to grab some authentic dinner.

  • Home-made Bosnian Cuisine in Sarajevo

    You have the option to taste home-made Bosnian cuisine and learn what living like a local is like.

  • Cruise and Ruin Bars in Budapest

    You have the option to take a cruise and visit one of the city's famous ruin bars.

Mode of Transport

Travel across the Balkans in a comfortable coach, with stops in Dubrovnik, Budva, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade, and Budapest, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey through multiple countries.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the VH Premier AS Tirana Hotel, Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo, Kopernikus Hotel Prag Belgrade, and Ibis Budapest City South Hotel, or similar accommodations, offering a blend of modern amenities and convenient locations.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the nightlife like in Belgrade?

    In Belgrade, you can enjoy the lively mood of the city by night and visit the fortress of Beogradska Tvrđava.

  • What kind of meals are included during the tour?

    The tour includes an included dinner on the first day, breakfast on most days, and a local tavern dinner in Sarajevo.

  • What experiences are planned in Sarajevo?

    In Sarajevo, you will explore the historical streets on a guided walking tour, taste home-made Bosnian cuisine, and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local tavern.

  • What optional activities are available in Budapest?

    In Budapest, you have the option to take a cruise and visit one of the city's famous ruin bars.

  • What can I expect to see in Mostar?

    In Mostar, you will visit the legendary Mostar Bridge that arches over the silent blue river and have the opportunity to stroll around the picturesque streets to grab some authentic dinner.

  • Is there an included dinner on the first day?

    Yes, there is an included dinner on the first day before heading back to the hotel.

  • What kind of activities are included in Tirana?

    In Tirana, you will have an orientation around the city, a walking tour guided by your Trip Manager, and a scenic cable car ride for bird's-eye views of the lush green landscape of Albania.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.