Premium Balkans

Premium Balkans

9 Days Starting in Dubrovnik and ending in Belgrade

Visiting: Dubrovnik , Dubrovnik, Mostar, Sarajevo, Tara National Park, Belgrade

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

ZMPB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3695

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Discover the beauty and history of the Balkans on a nine-day Premium adventure that travels from Croatia through Bosnia and Herzegovina to Belgrade. Walk the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik, sample excellent Balkans wines, learn about the war years in Sarajevo, stop by the famed Old Bridge of Mostar and discover Tara National Park’s spectacular scenery on foot. Ride the rails on a historic steam train, then if the night is calling, discover the lively nightlife of Belgrade – your knowledgeable local leader is always on hand with the best suggestions. Combine battle zones, beaches, bunkers and bars on a comfortable adventure that melds past with present and travel with a small group of like-minded travellers.

Highlights

  • Take a scenic steam train ride through Tara National Park’s forests and mountains on a historic railway that forms part of the famous Ciro trail connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea, a Premium Exclusive Experience.

  • Discover the region known as the Golden Valley of Dubrovnik, filled with vineyards and fruit trees, and visit the town of Cavtat with its beautiful architecture, ancient history and pebble beaches.

  • Drop into Trebinje and tour the compact Old Town and its pretty market square, followed by a stop at an Orthodox monastery to taste the famous Tvrdos wine made by its monks.

  • Tour one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia, Tito's nuclear bunker, which was built to protect Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and his top military advisors.

  • Stay in an Ethno Village created by a famed Serbian film maker to preserve architectural and cultural history, a unique Premium Feature Stay.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana Zagreb. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities.

  • Take a scenic steam train ride through Tara National Park’s forests and mountains on a historic railway that forms part of the famous Ciro trail connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea – a Premium Exclusive Experience.

  • Drop into Trebinje and tour the compact Old Town and its lively market square, followed by a stop at an Orthodox monastery to taste the famous Tvrdos wine made by its monks.

  • Stay in an unspoiled corner of Serbia at your Feature Stay – a collection of chalets surrounded by nature and complete with swimming pools and views of the surrounding countryside.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Park or similar

Meals Included: dinner

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia, the jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, you might like to head out and explore Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town, which is surrounded entirely by city walls and easily covered on foot. Although Dubrovnik experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, the restored Old Town remains one of the most picturesque places, surrounded by ramparts, filming locations (Game of Thrones fan, anyone?) and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. See the 15th-century Rector's Palace, the monasteries with their cloistered gardens and the baroque churches on a self-paced walk around town. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant showcasing Croatia’s traditional cuisine.

Optional Activities:
-Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure
-Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
-Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites)
-Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence
-Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip
-Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum
-Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace
-Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car

Day 2: Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Park or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

After breakfast, drive from your hotel to the Konavle region south of Dubrovnik. The region is known as the Golden Valley of Dubrovnik as it has the most fertile grounds in the area and is filled with vineyards and fruit trees. Visit the small town of Cavtat with its beautiful architecture, ancient history and pebble beaches. After exploring the town, you’ll head further into the Konavle region for a traditional ‘peka’ lunch featuring lamb and other meats cooked under an iron bell. No meal in this region is complete without a glass of Croatian wine, so raise a glass of Grk or Plavac Mali local wine and toast to a new adventure. Return to Dubrovnik, where the rest of the day is free.

Included Activities:
-Dubrovnik - Cavtat Tour

Day 3: Mostar

Location: Mostar

Accommodation: Hotel Eden or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today you’ll cross the border and travel into Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping at several scenic destinations along the way. Your first stop is Trebinje where you’ll join your leader for a walking tour that takes in the compact Old Town and its market square, followed by a stop at an Orthodox monastery to taste the famous Tvrdos wine. After you’ve quenched your thirst, your trip continues to Stolac where you’ll stop for the lunch and the chance to explore this ancient town on the banks of the blue Bregava River. After you’ve explored the sights of Stolac, head on to Mostar. Here you’ll join an expert local guide for a tour around town that reveals why there is such a strong connection between the locals and coffee.

Included Activities:
-Mostar - Guided Tour with Coffee Experience
-Stolac - Town Visit
-Trebinje - Tvrdos Monastery Wine Tasting
-Trebinje - Walking Tour

Optional Activities:
-Mostar - Old Bridge Museum

Day 4: Sarajevo

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation: Hotel President or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Leave Mostar and travel towards Sarajevo, stopping in Konjic along the way. Here, you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia – Tito's nuclear bunker. The military bunker was built to protect Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and hundreds of his top military personnel and has only recently opened to the public. Go back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and how life used to be in not-so-distant past. After touring the bunker, continue to Sarajevo and settle into your hotel before heading out to explore the city with an expert local guide. Tonight, you might like to join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.

Included Activities:
-Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
-Sarajevo - Walking Tour

Day 5: Sarajevo

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation: Hotel President or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today is yours to explore your own way. Taste your way through the market stalls of Bascarsija, visit one of the museums dedicated to the Yugoslav war or maybe take a cable car up Trebevic Mountain to enjoy the views over the city. You’ll finish the day with a home-cooked meal shared with your hosts Mustafa and Mersiha who proudly claim their kitchen has the best view over Sarajevo. Your night begins learning how Bosnian pita is made before a hearty meal of sogan dolma (stuffed onions) and dolam (stuffed paprika). Of course, you’ll get to try the freshly made pita too.

Included Activities:
-Sarajevo - Cooking Demo and Home-made Dinner

Optional Activities:
-Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
-Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum
-Sarajevo - War Tunnel
-Sarajevo - Trebević Mountain Cable Car

Day 6: Tara National Park

Location: Tara National Park

Accommodation: Golden Chalets (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today you’ll travel to Serbia with a stop in the small town of Visegrad where a 16th-century bridge dominates the horizon (this bridge also provided the inspiration for the Nobel Prize winning literary work, The Bridge on the Drina). From Visegrad, you’ll cross the border into Serbia and continue your journey to Tara National Park. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular destinations in the country, the park is home to the world’s third largest river canyon and filled with forested slopes and dramatic ravines. This afternoon, you’ll have the chance to soak in the natural beauty with an easy 2-hour hike. Tonight, you’ll bed down near the town of Zlatibor in your Feature Stay accommodation – a group of wooden chalets surrounded by nature complete with individual swimming pools and views of the surrounding countryside. Later, sit down for a traditional dinner to celebrate your first night in Serbia.

Included Activities:
-Višegrad - Town Visit
-Tara National Park - Hike

Day 7: Belgrade

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation: Royal Inn Hotel or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning you'll explore Tara National Park further with a scenic steam train ride through the park’s forest and mountains. This section of the railway is part of the famous Ciro trail that connects Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea. Rattle along the tracks as the narrow-gauge engine and historic carriages take you through the incredible scenery, with four stops along the way so you can take photos. After spending a half day exploring Tara National Park on foot and riding the rails, settle in for the drive to Belgrade where you’ll have a free evening.

Included Activities:
-Tara National Park - Steam Train

Day 8: Belgrade

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation: Royal Inn Hotel or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Start your day with a guided walking tour and discover all that Belgrade has to offer including Republic Square, Knez Mihailova Street, Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet. Immerse yourself in the town’s rich history and ask your local guide for suggestions on where to experience the best night life, as Belgrade is known for its party scene. This afternoon is free, so you might like to visit the city market or the Nikola Tesla Museum. You could also catch a trolleybus to Zemun – a bohemian neighbourhood known for its cafes and fish restaurants along the riverside promenade. Tonight, join your group for a traditional dinner in the bohemian Skadarska quarter to celebrate the penultimate night of your trip.

Included Activities:
-Belgrade - Walking Tour

Optional Activities:
-Belgrade - House of Flowers
-Belgrade - Saint Sava Temple - Free
-Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum
-Belgrade - Military Museum
-Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum
-Belgrade - Danube River Cruise
-Belgrade - National Museum
-Belgrade - Belgrade Fortress - Free
-Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History

Day 9: Belgrade

Location: Belgrade

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Comfortable Hotel (7 nights), Feature Stay (1 nights)

  • Dubrovnik - Cavtat Tour

  • Mostar - Guided Tour with Coffee Experience

  • Stolac - Town Visit

  • Trebinje - Tvrdos Monastery Wine Tasting

  • Trebinje - Walking Tour

  • Konjic - Tito's Bunker Tour

  • Sarajevo - Walking Tour

  • Sarajevo - Cooking Demo and Home-made Dinner

  • ViÅ¡egrad - Town Visit

  • Tara National Park - Hike

show more

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private vehicle

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • FACILITIES
  • Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Important Information

  • 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    This trip spends limited time in Dubrovnik at the start of the trip. You may want to consider arriving a few days earlier to make sure you are not missing out on everything that Dubrovnik has to offer.

    Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C). It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

    There are some long drives on this trip so bring along headphones and your favourites tunes or use this time to go through your photographs. Or you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

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

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

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May 16, 2025 - May 24, 2025
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$4140

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Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
$4300

Friday - Saturday

Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$4470

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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