Croatia - Balkans Tour (9 Night Package)

Balkans to the Aegean: A Journey Through Europe’s Living History

 

Step into a journey where cultures blend, histories intertwine, and landscapes shift from medieval capitals to sun-soaked coastlines. 

 

Beginning in the elegant streets of Zagreb, this unforgettable route winds through the heart of the Balkans — crossing borders, eras, and traditions — before culminating in the timeless grandeur of Athens.  

Discover Sarajevo, a city where East meets West, echoing with stories of Ottoman bazaars, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and resilient spirit. 

Continue to the Adriatic jewel of Dubrovnik, where ancient stone walls rise above shimmering blue seas, offering one of Europe’s most iconic coastal experiences. 

From the Croatian coast, travel south to vibrant Tirana, a city reinventing itself with colour, energy, and modern charm. 

Journey onward to the tranquil shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO-listed treasure known for its crystal-clear waters, ancient churches, and breathtaking scenery.  

Cross into Greece to reach mystical Kalambaka, home to the awe-inspiring monasteries of Meteora, dramatically perched atop towering rock pillars. 

Finally, arrive in legendary Athens, where classical ruins, lively neighbourhoods, and Mediterranean flavours bring your journey to a spectacular close.  

 

This itinerary is more than a tour — it’s a passage through civilizations, coastlines, and cultures that have shaped Europe for centuries.

What's Included

ITINERARY

 

Day 1 WED. Zagreb:

Arrival in Zagreb. We'll be ready to transfer you to your hotel. Our guide will join us with the group from Slovenia around lunchtime. In the afternoon, at around 04:00 p.m. (time may vary), we'll embark on a panoramic tour with a local guide (included), giving us the opportunity to admire the city's two hills, the upper town, and the new neighborhoods of Croatia's capital. Dinner will be included.

 

Day 2 THU. Zagreb - Banja Luka - Jajce - Sarajevo:

We'll depart early in the morning to travel to Bosnia. Border formalities may take some time. As we drive through certain areas, we'll be reminded of the tragic war of the 1990s. Our journey will take us through the majority-Serb territory of Bosnia, with our first stop in Banja Luka. Here, you'll have time to explore the capital of the autonomous entity of Republika Srpska, the second largest city in Bosnia after Sarajevo, known for its fortress and Orthodox cathedral. There will be time for lunch. We'll then continue to Jajce, arguably the most beautiful town in Bosnia, celebrated for its cultural diversity, mosque, fortress, and impressive waterfall (admission included). After some time to explore, we'll proceed to Sarajevo, arriving in the evening. You'll have the opportunity to stroll through the historic center and visit the charming Bazaar, an old Ottoman market renowned for its architecture, oriental ambiance, and traditional shops. Dinner will be included.
 

Day 3 FRI. Sarajevo - Mostar - Dubrovnik:

In the morning, we'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the “Jerusalem of Europe” due to its coexistence of several religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich religious diversity. We'll explore the old town´s strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent mosque over 500 years old and a beautiful fountain. After our visit, we'll continue through an area of stunning beauty to Mostar, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities. You'll have time for lunch and a stroll through the city. We'll then proceed to Croatia, where border procedures may take a while. We'll arrive in Dubrovnik at the end of the day. Dinner will be included.

 

Day 4 SAT. Dubrovnik:

We'll enjoy a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide in the morning. We will undoubtedly be in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, perched on a cliff, surrounded by walls and kissed by the Adriatic Sea. Its intact historic center is a jewel of world architectural heritage. We'll have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning view of the city from a scenic viewpoint along the road. The tour includes tickets to the Franciscan Monastery, home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Assumption Cathedral. We'll also take a boat trip to Lokrum, a small island just 15 minutes away that is home to the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery, a popular setting for the series Game of Thrones. Afterward, you'll have free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be included.


Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.

 

Day 5 SUN. Dubrovnik - Kotor - Budva - Tirana:

We'll set off early for Montenegro. After completing border procedures, we'll enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and the Bay of Kotor. We'll take a ferry across the bay to Kotor, where you'll have time to explore this beautiful walled town with its strong Venetian influence. Next, we'll stop in Budva, a charming walled village surrounded by the sea, for lunch. Then we'll travel to Albania. After customs procedures, we'll go to the capital, Tirana, where you'll have some free time to explore. Dinner will be included.
 

Day 6 MON. Tirana - Struga - Ohrid:

Today, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, visiting its mosques, the Clock Tower, and the ministries. Around midday, we'll head inland, passing through Albania's tall mountain scenery and little villages. Enjoy the beautiful countryside around Lake Ohrid, which forms the border with Macedonia. We'll continue to the Republic of Macedonia (border procedures) and stop for lunch in Struga, a picturesque town on the lake´s shores. We'll then proceed to Ohrid, a city rich in Ottoman influence and a designated World Heritage Site. You'll have time to explore the Plaosnik Monastery, or the ancient university founded in the ninth century. Dinner will be included.

 

Day 7 TUE. Ohrid - Bitola - Kalambaka:

We'll journey through Macedonia into Greece, with a stop in Bitola, a city rich in history and charm, known for its Ottoman and neoclassical architecture. You'll have time to stroll along Širok Sokak, a lively area filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. After completing border formalities, we'll enter Greece, where the northern region is deeply influenced by Slavic and Ottoman culture and features rugged landscapes. Our journey will continue to the Meteora region. Just outside Kalabaka, we'll stop in Kastraki, a picturesque village offering stunning views of the valley, where you'll have time for lunch before going to the Meteora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll drive through the entire valley and include admission to one of the most famous cliffside monasteries. Arrival in Kalabaka, with dinner included.
 

 

Day 8 WED. Kalambaka - Delphi - Athens:

We'll journey south through the Thessaly region, where you'll experience stunning landscapes, before reaching Delphi. Here, we´ll explore the exquisite archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, with breathtaking views. There will be time for lunch. Following that, we´ll head to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, renowned as one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and a World Heritage Site. Its magnificent 11th-century mosaics are truly remarkable. We´ll then continue our journey towards Athens, arriving in the evening.

 

Day 9 THU. Athens:

We´ll embark on a city tour of Athens with a local guide, visiting landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the National Library, and the bustling squares of the city center. We´ll also explore the newer neighborhoods that developed after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour will conclude at the Acropolis (admission not included). In the evening, we´ll provide a transfer to the historical neighborhood of Plaka, renowned for its charming Greek tavernas and opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich folklore of this country.
 

Day 10 FRI. Athens:

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

 

INCLUSIONS:

Europamundo General Services: Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance and breakfast buffet.
Includes arrival transfer
Boat: to Lokrum island in Dubrovnik.
City tour in : Zagreb, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Tirana, Athens.
Evening Transfer: Plaka neighborhood in Athens.
Ticket admission: Jajce Waterfall in Jajce, Franciscan Monastery and Cathedral in Dubrovnik, Monastery at Meteoras, Archaeological Ensemble of Delphi; Monastery of Osios Loukas.
Ferry: Kotor Bay.
7 Lunches or Dinners Included in: Zagreb, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Tirana, Ohrid, Kalambaka.

 

EXPECTED HOTELS:

See the hotels provided for this trip in the final part of the brochure and on the website "My Trip". 

What's Excluded

• Flights 
• Flight Travel insurance 
• Visa
• Meals and drinks not mentioned 

Specific Terms

EUROPAMUNDO PRE-SALE NOW ON:

Book by 15 January, to enjoy 2025 prices (15% off)!

 

Non-refundable Deposit of R3000 per person.

Balance - 75 days prior to tour departure.

 

Prices are based on a from price, twin share, subject to availability and currency fluctuation. The exact amount will be confirmed at the time of booking. High season surcharges, block out periods and minimum stay conditions may apply. 

For Standard Terms and Conditions please refer to link below:

General Terms and Conditions – Catalog and Product 2025–26

Please Note

DEPARTURES DATES:

 

Wednesday all year (Guaranteed Departures)  

 

Mar: 4, 18

Apr: 15

May: 6, 20

Jun: 3, 17

Jul: 1, 15

Aug: 5, 19

Sep: 2, 16, 30

Oct: 14, 28

 

Gallery

More offers