Best Of The Balkans
Trip Length
7 Night Tour
Tour Type
Private Land Tour
From: 3408 USD
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Overview
Immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and beauty of the Balkans. Your adventure begins in Kotor where you’ll explore stunning Kotor Bay and learn about the legend of Our Lady of the Rocks. On our way back to Dubrovnik, learn about Croatian culture and have a very special lunch in a local family’s home. In Dubrovnik, walk the Old City Walls for unforgettable views above the red tiled roofs to the turquoise blue waters of the Adriatic. Discover the history of Bosnia & Herzegovina with a guided walking tour through the picturesque Old Town of Mostar before getting a glimpse at local traditions and regional Bosnian cuisine. Continue your immersion in the rich Balkan Culture with a delightful culinary tour through Split’s Markets before capping off your adventure with a day spent amongst the natural beauty of Krka National Park.
Included
- All PRIVATE transfers/experiences in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
- Professional English-speaking guides and drivers
- 24-hour concierge assistance
- Stays in 4-5 Star hotel properties
- 2 nights in Kotor, Montenegro
- 4-hour Kotor Bay boating experience
- Cooking experience and lunch with local family
- 2 nights in Dubrovnik
- Old Town Dubrovnik walking tour
- Mostar experience with farmstead lunch
- 3 nights in Split
- Split markets experience with lunch
- Krka National Park experience with wine tasting and snacks
Itinerary
Welcome to the Balkans! Our driver will pick you up from the Dubrovnik airport and transfer you to Kotor, Montenegro. The exploration begins almost immediately as the drive will take you along the picturesque fjord. The vast natural beauty is breathtaking as is the stillness of the water in the bay. Arrive at your local accommodations and unwind while taking in the beautiful sights of this unique geographical wonder.
Embark on a breathtaking discovery of Kotor Bay by boat! You’ll visit the fabled island of Our Lady of the Rocks, the charming coastal town of Perast, and end the day with a walking tour of Kotor.
The exploration begins with a cruise along the Bay of Kotor towards the island of Our Lady of the Rocks.
Legend has it that this island was made over the centuries by the seamen who kept an ancient oath. Upon returning from each successful voyage, they laid a rock in the bay. Over time, the islet gradually emerged from the sea.
Atop the island sits a Byzantine style church which was built in 1667. The interior of the church was decorated by Tripo Kokolja, a famous 17th-century painter from Perast. On the altar is the famous icon of Our Lady of the Rocks.
After this visit you will have a short boat ride towards the lovely town of Perast, where you’ll see beautiful examples of baroque architecture. In Perast, you have time to walk amongst the buildings and villas which were built during the city’s prosperous years in the 17th and 18th centuries.
We’ll then cruise back to Kotor where a local guide will walk with you through the maze of streets lined with beautiful Renaissance buildings that make up Kotor’s medieval quarter to visit the stunning Cathedral of St. Tryphon. Here you can see the elaborate frescoes and Venetian golden works of the treasury. Plus visit the Maritime Museum of Kotor to learn about the role the sea and sailing played in the growth of Kotor.
The rest of your evening is free to seek out any activities, views, or cafes that have caught your eye throughout the day before returning to port.
Half day private Boating Experience and walking tour of Kotor
We return to Dubrovnik today, but along the way we’ll stop in the rural region of Konavle for a special culinary and cultural experience with a local family. Not only will this lovely family teach us the Croatian way to make bread, but they’ll also share the history of the area and what makes the Croatian culture so special.
Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine with this traditional cooking class. Each cooking class is unique as we create our meal based on the season and the interests of our chefs (you!). Once we decide on our menu, we’ll gather all of the ingredients and learn the steps required to create our meal.
However, one consistent piece of our menus is making homemade bread with the family’s Grandma. She will activate the yeast, and you’ll be in charge of kneading the dough to perfection, with Grandma’s help of course! As the bread rises, we’ll go into the garden to gather our ingredients and perhaps even some fresh eggs. Then Grandma will teach us how to create a delicious meal with the seasonal, freshly picked vegetables from the garden.
Continue on to Dubrovnik for an afternoon arrival just in time to get settled into your hotel room.
Half day private cooking experience with lunch and drinks
Head to Old Town Dubrovnik this morning, known as the Jewel of the Adriatic and the most well-preserved medieval city in Europe. A private walking tour awaits where you’ll learn about the rich history of Dubrovnik as you walk through centuries old polished stone walkways and promenades.
Afterwards you’ll have ample time to wander through town at your leisure finding your own favorite corners of this magical city. Your guide can provide recommendations, however a few of our favorite things to do in Dubrovnik are walk the Old City walls, ride the cable car to the top of Srd Hill, explore nearby Lovrijenac Fortress.
90-minute private walking tour
Embark on a journey through history in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Once part of former Yugoslavia, this country has long been a mysterious part of the Balkans due to its mountainous terrain and sparse infrastructure.
A guided walking tour through the eclectic city of Mostar will highlight a mix of different architectures (Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman), a mix of churches (Catholic, Serbian Orthodox and Muslim Mosques), two universities and a vibrant street art scene. Learn about the historic and picturesque Old Bridge in the center of town protected by UNESCO.
For lunch, a local family will welcome you into their home and share homemade wine and liquors as well as regional dishes.
Arrive to Split in time for a pleasurable evening dinner among the 4th Century walls of Diocletian’s Palace.
Full day private Mostar Experience with lunch and drinks
Partake in one of the daily activities in the life of Split local: going to the markets! First visit the Peškarija–the gourmet city Fish market—and get acquainted with fresh Adriatic seafood. Choose some items based on advice given by your local guide and then head to the Green market, where vendors offer you goat cheese, traditional pršut and other authentic products. It can be a colorful, comical and unforgettable experience. Purchase some additional groceries there and end in a local restaurant where a chef will prepare all the fresh ingredients into your own personally curated lunch menu.
3-hour Split Markets Experience with lunch
This tour ticks off a must-see item on your Croatia bucket list with a picturesque drive to Krka National Park to experience the gorgeous waterfalls. For lunch, you’ll head to a rural establishment with all the tasty traditional Croatian treats on the menu. Luxuriate in the peaceful setting amidst olive trees. Then, soak in the relaxed charm of the Mediterranean town, Šibenik. Discover this gem for yourself as you explore the medieval heart of town and meander down the winding side streets lined with restaurants and cafes that lead to the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Return to Split in the early evening for your last night in Croatia.
Full day private Krka NP and Šibenik Experience with snacks and tastings
It’s time to say goodbye to the Balkans. Our driver will transfer you from your Split hotel to the airport.
