Balkans Escape | 2024

Balkans Escape | 2024

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Balkans Escape | 2024

5 Days Starting in Budapest and ending in Split

Visiting: Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BBBCMA19

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 38

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

If you've got a few short days on the clock, then you better spend it well. With some of the hottest 'it' destinations on the clock, and your phone on full charge, these drool worthy spots are hard names to pronounce but will be hard to forget. Eat, sleep, explore repeat is the name of the game on this incredible snippet of these Balkan faves.

Highlights

  • Visit the fairytale medieval castle at Lake Bled surrounded by the Julian Alps and turquoise waters

  • Explore Ljubljana Slovenia's capital with a free evening to enjoy local cuisine

  • Discover the bohemian art district of Metelkova Mesto in Ljubljana

  • Experience the cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia

  • Option to visit the famous Krka Waterfalls for breathtaking natural beauty

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Budapest To Ljubljana

Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

This morning meet up with your Trip Manager - meet the squad and then we'll be ready for the road. We'll make a stop at magical Lake Bled and then we're off to Ljubljana, a name you'll be able to pronounce by the time we're leaving for Croatia.



You've probably seen pictures of Lake Bled, but nothing will prepare you for the real thing. With its fairytale medieval castle reaching out of an islet, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and the turquoise waters of the lake itself, it really is like something out of a Disney movie.

After a morning of swoonin at all that beauty, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana for a free evening to grab dinner.

Day 2 : Ljubljana

Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Although you might find nods to neighbouring countries within Slovenian culture, a distinct identity has evolved from a melody of influences in Ljubljana. After our guided walking tour, explore the bohemian art district of Metelkova Mesto, sit by one of the cities atmospheric watercourses & try all the incredible food on offer.

Day 3 : Ljubljana To Plitvice Lakes

Accommodation Name: Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Next up is something altogether drop dead gorgeous....
A strong introduction to Croatia is on the cards today with cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes. Why this place is not famous world over as one of the prettiest places in Europe, we have no idea.

Day 4 : Plitvice Lakes To Split

Accommodation Name: Hotel Split Inn (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We'll hit the road this morning for Split.
On the way we'll have an option to experience even more natural beauty at the famous Krka Waterfalls. As well as being one of the most photogenic places you've ever seen!
After plenty of selfies it's time to head onto split, where we'll enjoy an optional farm-to-table Croatian feast, washed down with local wine.

Day 5 : End Split

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, Split becomes sob town as the adventure ends and we say our teary goodbyes. We have two words: reunion trip. It's the only way to ease the pain.

What's Included

  • Guided Tours

    Enjoy guided walking tours in Ljubljana, exploring the city's bohemian art district, Metelkova Mesto, and its atmospheric watercourses.

  • National Park Visits

    Experience the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, known for its cascading teal forest pools.

  • Accommodation

    Stay in comfortable accommodations such as Holiday Inn Express Ljubljana, Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera, and Hotel Split Inn (or similar).

  • Meals

    Some meals are included, providing an opportunity to taste the local cuisine.

  • Transportation

    Transportation is provided throughout the tour, starting from Budapest and concluding in Split.

What's Not Included

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Some Meals

    Not all meals are covered.

    Some meals will be at the travelers' own expense.

  • Optional Activities

    Costs for optional activities, such as visiting the Krka Waterfalls, are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included.

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers to and from the hotel are not included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What countries does the Mini Balkan tour visit?

    The Mini Balkan tour visits Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia.

  • What are some highlights of the Mini Balkan tour?

    Highlights of the tour include visiting the fairytale medieval castle at Lake Bled, exploring Ljubljana's capital and the bohemian art district of Metelkova Mesto, experiencing the cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, and the option to visit the famous Krka Waterfalls.

  • What types of activities are included in the Mini Balkan tour?

    The tour includes adventure tours, cultural experiences, music events, walking tours, and wine tasting.

  • What is the primary travel style of the Mini Balkan tour?

    The primary travel style of the Mini Balkan tour is coach tours (worldwide).

  • What kind of accommodations can be expected on the Mini Balkan tour?

    Accommodations include comfortable hotels such as Holiday Inn Express Ljubljana, Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera, and Hotel Split Inn (or similar).

  • Are meals included in the Mini Balkan tour?

    Some meals are included in the tour, providing an opportunity to taste the local cuisine.

  • What is not included in the Mini Balkan tour?

    Exclusions include travel insurance, some meals, costs for optional activities such as visiting the Krka Waterfalls, personal expenses like souvenirs, laundry, and tips, and airport transfers to and from the hotel.

  • Where does the Mini Balkan tour start and end?

    The tour starts in Budapest and concludes in Split.

  • 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

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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

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 60 GBP 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.