Balkan Delight

Day 1
Welcome to Zagreb
Embark on an epic discovery of the Balkans. Croatia's capital, Zagreb, is your springboard to a fascinating journey through a land of diverse cultures and traditions which you will have a unique opportunity to enjoy with newfound friends. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for dinner and an orientation drive.

Day 2
Explore Historic Zagreb
The paved squares and steep alleyways of Zagreb are ours to explore this morning as we join a Local Specialist to delve into the city's rich medieval and religious history. See the majestic cathedral on Kaptol and St. Mark's Church, with its vividly coloured tiled roof. Admire the Opera House, then take a stroll around the 17th-century Ban Jelačić Square. Spend the rest of the afternoon on your own – enjoy panoramic city views from Strossmayer promenade, pay tribute to Zagreb's patron saint at the Stone Gate or wander through the Old Town, twirling your Šestine umbrella as you ramble through its labyrinthine lanes. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Kumrovec, birthplace of the iconic leader Tito and enjoy a delicious meal of regional specialities with magnificent views of the Croatian countryside.

Day 3
Off to Stunning Plitvice
Few experiences will match today’s guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Plitviče, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll choose one of two walks revealing the cascading lake waters shifting from azure to green, grey to blue depending on how the sun hits the water. Admire sweeping views of the canyon during your short walk and, if you're feeling a little more energetic, there's always an opportunity to lace up for the long walk, where you'll join your Local Specialist and head into the canyon to take the electric boat across Kozjek Lake. You'll discover how these beautiful lakes, caves, and waterfalls have been shaped over thousands of years and remain pristine for generations to come, thanks to visits like yours to the area.

Day 4
Admire Historic Trogir and on to Split
Join your Local Specialist and go beyond the fortress walls of Trogir to explore its charming medieval heart connected to the mainland and island of Čiovo by bridges. Learn about its rich history which spans the Hellenistic period to a time when Venice was the ruler of the Adriatic as you admire the island’s ornate Renaissance and Baroque buildings. You’ll visit Diocletian’s Palace around which the city of Split was built and Dive Into Culture hearing about the legacy of the Roman Empire and how Emperor Diocletian settled on this stunning landscape for his retirement, building a palace fit for an emperor. Your Local Specialist will share the remnants of luxurious squares and temples that still stand many centuries later. You’ll have plenty of time over the next two days to discover the city by night along with its Dalmatian flavours.

Day 5
Split Your Way
Discover why Split has justifiably earned its nickname “the most beautiful city in the world” with a full day to explore its heart and beyond. People-watch in Pjaca Square where citizens of Split have met for centuries, then ascend the bell tower for magnificent views of the sprawling terracotta roofs and white marble façades that seem to tumble into the Adriatic. Having worked up an appetite, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the many cafes tucked away in hidden lanes – find one to enjoy a leisurely local lunch surrounded by Split’s rich history. You could choose a full-day Optional Experience to one of the Dalmatian Islands which will leave you with a deep appreciation for what it’s like to live in an area that is as beautiful as its history was tumultuous.

Day 6
Journey to Sarajevo
We journey to Sarajevo, whose rich religious and multicultural heritage has earned it the nickname, the 'Jerusalem of Europe'. Its centuries-old religious history is reflected in its beautiful synagogues, mosques, and Orthodox and Catholic churches. Delving into the depths below Sarajevo, we join a Local Specialist for an insider tour of the Bosnian war tunnel which allowed food, war supplies and humanitarian aid to come into the city, and people to get out. Hear war-time tales of bravery and tragedy. This evening, join your travel companions for dinner at your hotel.

Day 7
Uncover Sarajevo’s Secrets
Join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour of the city's Old Town, past the largest mosque in the Balkans, the Eternal Flame and the Sarajevo Roses that are dotted across the city as a stark reminder of the turmoil Sarajevo endured decades ago. Later, meet third-generation coppersmiths Adnan and Kenan, who are preserving Bosnia’s Ottoman-era metalwork tradition on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. During your free time this afternoon perhaps ramble along Copper Street seeking treasures, or drink from the fountain of Sebilj to secure your return to Sarajevo.

Day 8
Along the Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik
Journey to the secluded coves and dramatic cliffs of the Dalmatian coast that for centuries have attracted famous artists, actors and aristocrats. En route to Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', we stop at the magnificent Mostar Bridge. A Local Specialist will provide tales of this impressive bridge over the Neretva River and the bridge keepers who watched over it in medieval times - giving Mostar its name. The 16th-century bridge, built by Sinan the great Ottoman architect, was destroyed during the war and has been rebuilt using age-old traditions. Later, we continue to the ancient city of Dubrovnik.

Day 9
Discover Picturesque Dubrovnik
Stroll through the limestone streets of this stunning mediaeval city on a walking tour of Dubrovnik’s main sights with a Local Specialist. Admire the Rector's Palace, Onofrio’s Fountain, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Consider taking a walk along the top of the city walls. This evening, we will travel to a local winery to meet Matea Botaro and her family for a wonderful Be My Guest experience. You’ll Connect With Locals as you dine on Dubrovnik specialities and enjoy the warm Croatian hospitality of your hosts.

Day 10
A Day in Montenegro
Dazzling natural surroundings are ours to enjoy today as we travel to the Republic of Montenegro, where we will meet a Local Specialist and head toward the mouth of the Bay of Kotor. Celebrate centuries of history in the charming town of Kotor, with its Venetian palaces and medieval churches. We return to Dubrovnik this evening and we come together for a memorable Farewell Dinner toasting to the beauty of the Adriatic and new friendships forged.

Day 11
Farewell Dubrovnik
Our time together comes to an end this morning after breakfast.

Dining Summary
5 Dinner (D)
10 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
Dubrovnik: Meet Matea Botaro and her family to gain a deep appreciation for Croatian hospitality as you to enjoy a Be My Guest experience at a local winery. The business is located in the centre of the Konavle valley, and the Botaro family have been producing high quality wines for five centuries! Enjoy a taste of liquor, followed by a delicious meal with wine. 
Dive into Culture
Split: See the ancient fortress built in Split as a retirement residence for Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century.
Iconic Experience
Zagreb: Spend the day discovering the diverse cultures and traditions of Zagreb. 
Zagreb: Take in the scenic landscapes of Zagreb. 
Trogir: Enjoy the Renaissance art and the Romanesque architecture on the island of Trogir. 
Split: Discover the rich history of Split on a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. 
Sarajevo: Discover the history of the Bosnian war tunnel in Sarajevo. 
Sarajevo: Discover the wonders and hidden treasures of Sarajevo. 
Mostar: Discover the magnificent coves and cliffs of the Kotor coast as well as the monumental Mostar Bridge.
Kotor: Take in the stunning surroundings of the Bay of Kotor.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Admire the irresistible beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO-listed protected area and home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 14 & 15: Life Below Water & Life on your Land.
Sarajevo: Meet third-generation coppersmiths Adnan and Kenan, who are preserving Bosnia’s Ottoman-era metalwork tradition. Using repurposed war materials, they craft intricate coffee sets, jewellery and decorative pieces, keeping their family’s legacy alive despite the rise of mass production. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
Explore Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Trogir, Split,  Sarajevo, Mostar, Dubrovnik and Kotor
Visit Diocletian's Palace in Split and the War Tunnel in Sarajevo
View the Cathedral in Zagreb, the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Rector's Palace and city walls in Dubrovnik