Grand Ex-Yugoslavia Tour

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Ljubljana

   Ljubljana enjoys a central position, making it the ideal base for exploring the rest of Slovenia. It is a crossroads culturally due to its location. On one hand, you can see its Central European influences, because of its time within the Austro-Hungarian empire, in the city's architecture and language. On the other hand there is a strong Mediterranean and Balkan influence which is brought out in their laid back approach and the city's café culture. People are often surprised how westernized and advanced Slovenia is putting it more in a class with its Austrian neighbors than its Eastern European and Balkan counterparts. The surrounding areas of the city are packed with natural beauty and cultural sights bearing witness to the city's dynamic history. There is diverse range of places to satisfy culinary desires as the local cuisine is also heavily influenced by its neighbors in all directions. Wine lovers will find Slovenia to be a hidden gem. One of the best ways we have found to get to know Ljubljana and Slovenian cuisine at the same time is on a food tour, which will take you on a gastronomic tour of the whole country while walking around the center. The city layout is tourist friendly as the Old Town has an ever expanding pedestrian zone and a great way to see Ljubljana is by bike taking advantage of the numerous bike lanes spread out across the city.

   When you arrive at Ljubljana's airport, you'll be greeted and taken to your centrally located accommodations. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

   

   Castle Views and a Lovely Dinner

   Start your stay in Ljubljana by taking a funicular or a short walk to reach Ljubljana Castle, offering stunning views of the city below and the mountains beyond. Don't miss the museum, and if possible, catch a sunset from the castle grounds, especially the tower. End your day on a high note with dinner in one of the charming restaurants within the castle walls. We are confident that you'll go to bed feeling happy and in love with "the loved one," the literal translation of "Ljubljana." On the other hand, if you're still experiencing jet lag and seeking complete relaxation before your upcoming adventures, we recommend taking a short walk by the Ljubljanica River and having dinner at Julija Restaurant. Remember to make a reservation or let your local destination expert handle it for you; they will be delighted to assist!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Ljubljana

   

   Communist Slovenia Private Tour

   Look back on recent Slovenian history via a walking/driving tour. You'll visit the city's usual must-see spots, such as Preseren Square, City Hall, the Open Market, and Dragon Bridge, and places granting an overview of the city's communist era, such as monuments, architecture, and places related to the independence movement. After lunch at a typical Slovenian restaurant, you'll explore the hidden rooms and secret communications center hidden within Hotel Jama, which bear witness to the acts committed by Yugoslavia's secret services.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   A Taste of sLOVEnia

   Slovenia is the first country to be named a European Region of Gastronomy, so if you want to truly experience Slovenia, you must experience its cuisine. It will be a delight for your tastebuds as well as a great way to get acquainted with the main attractions and landmarks. You’ll get a taste of the best of Slovenian gastronomy with dishes representing all its diversity and quality. We recommend enjoying a small group food tour, tasting your way around town, but also offer a memorable wine tasting, with games and challenges.
   

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Ljubljana Food Tasting Small Group Tour

   Slovenia is the first entire country in Europe to be named a European Region of Gastronomy, an honor that has otherwise only been given to individual regions. Thus, if you want to truly experience Ljubljana, you must experience its cuisine as well, which is why we recommend this three-hour food tour with a local guide.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   Watch the video

   

   Wine Tasting Ljubljana Group Tour

   Get introduced to Slovenian wines the right way! This wine tasting will give you a better idea of the quality and variety of wines from Slovenia. You'll have around two hours in one of the oldest wine cellars in Slovenia, where you'll taste seven types of wine with some light bites.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Ljubljana

   

   Bled and Vintgar Gorge Private Day Trip

   This is the best way to discover Bled, one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia. Set around by an eponymous lake and surrounded by mountains, this town is a natural paradise. Your first stop will be Bled Castle, where you can try some nice Slovenian wines in a wine cellar. After the castle, you'll be driven down to the lake to go to the island on a traditional boat. Visit the stunning church on the island and the town's charming center, you'll walk through the scenic Vintgar Gorge.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Zagreb by Private Car / Arrival in Zagreb

   

   Your private driver will pick you up at your accommodations and take you to the Croatian capital of Zagreb. This non-guided drive is about 2 hours.

   If you'd like to stop along the way, for an extra fee we can arrange some time at Otočec Castle, located on an island in the river Krka or at the small picturesque town of Samobor close to Zagreb, known for its many local food and drink specialties.

   For an extra fee we can also organize a stop at Sparkling Wine Tasting with the Istenič Family to make the journey even more enjoyable.

   Zagreb is a city where different worlds have long come together. Situated at the intersection of ancient trade routes between the Adriatic and Central Europe, it is a cosmopolitan place with various cultural influences evident in the cuisine and architecture at home in any Austro-Hungarian city. You’ll love exploring the open-air markets, impressive buildings, peaceful parks, and many delicious restaurants. Just strolling through the unique combination of medieval towers, 19th century palaces, ancient churches, and market squares is a pleasure, but there’s much more to do here. After exploring all that the city has to offer with a local guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time. You could also take a guided bike tour around the city, to get a little exercise as you experience the city. But you’ll also want to explore some of the region surrounding Zagreb. As a longer day trip, you could see the delightful Trakoscan, a neo-Gothic castle sitting on a hilltop, surrounded by a romantic English style park with exotic trees and an artificial lake. While you’re there you can also stop in Varazdin to appreciate its ornate baroque architecture.

   Your driver will bring you straight to your accommodation upon arriving in Zagreb.

   

   Zagreb City Private Tour in a Classic Yugo Car

   This tour allows you to see all the major sights in Zagreb on four wheels! The Yugo, the famous little Yugoslavian car, will be your strangely nostalgic means of getting around, as you get to know the city.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Take it Easy

   Trade your accommodations for fresh air in Zagreb, the greenest city in Croatia. Strolling through elegant parks and enjoying shaded benches is a perfect way to walk off your jet lag. For those who need a bit more than just a walk, cafes are a great place to enjoy the city like a local, soaking in the pulse of the city instead of rushing. Zagreb's food scene has been growing rapidly, providing many great choices: choose local, traditional, modern, or even selections from the growing street food scene. If you'd like a brief, structured introduction to Zagreb and especially to Croatia's wine, a one-hour wine tasting at a popular local wine cellar can be arranged. For your first time in the capital of a country increasingly known for its wines, this is a perfect opportunity to indulge in a glass of local goodness in one of Zagreb’s many wine venues!

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Zagreb

   

   Tito's Birthplace Private Half-Day Trip

   Discover the hidden treasures of northwest Croatia, the region of Zagorje. The first stop is Klanjec, a small village surrounded by vineyard-covered hills, home to two famous Croatians. You'll then visit Kumrovec, the small village where Josip Broz Tito, Yugoslavia's iconic leader, was born. His birthplace has become an open-air museum containing a number of old traditional houses typical for the area, including the one where Tito spent his childhood.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Unique Museums

   Explore numerous museums in Zagreb, each offering a unique experience. Highlights include the Museum of Broken Relationships, the currently closed Arts and Crafts Museum, the Zagreb 80s Museum, the Museum of Illusions, and more. The Museum of Broken Relationships originated as a traveling exhibition centered on unsuccessful relationships, highlighting the journey of overcoming emotional pain through creation and rebirth. The Zagreb 80s Museum provides a vivid reconstruction of everyday life in former Yugoslavia, seamlessly merging past and future, way of life and heritage, and memories and emotions in an interactive presentation. Meanwhile, at the Museum of Illusions, immerse yourself in a captivating world that challenges your senses and brings immense delight. It's an initially confusing but ultimately educational and enjoyable experience for all. Choose your favorite!
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Traveling to Sarajevo by Private Transfer / Arrival in Sarajevo

   

   Time to head to the cosmopolitan capital of Bosnia, Sarajevo! Our driver guide will meet you at your accommodations and take you on a scenic ride. On the way, you'll make a stop at Jajce, once the capital of the Kingdom of Bosnia, and the birthplace of Yugoslavia (if you're into history, be sure to visit the AVNOJ Museum, devoted to the WWII-era anti-fascist partisans who formed postwar Yugoslavia). The total duration of the journey, with stop, is about 7.5-8 hours. Since you’ll be crossing a border on your way, your journey can take a bit longer, depending on border crossing waiting time. 
   

   A cosmopolitan city, Sarajevo's sheer religious and cultural diversity earned it the nickname "Jerusalem of the Balkans." While the prosperity that brought it the 1984 Winter Olympics has since faded, the city remains unique. Nestled among endless hills and towering mountains, it feels isolated yet central, quaint yet cosmopolitan. The Old Town, known as Bascarsija, with cobblestone streets, mosques and bazaars that betray its Ottoman heritage. There’s a vibrant combination of cultures here, which has had wonderful effects on the eclectic cuisine, the incredibly welcoming locals and the impressive architecture. And within that mix is the city’s dramatic and often volatile history. History is alive in Sarajevo, and you’ll find reminders of past triumphs and tragedies as you explore this lovely city. No visit is complete without a feast of the local meat specialties from the grill, including the mouthwatering Cevapcici. Explore the city’s unique history at the Tunnel of Hope, constructed between March and June of 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo in the midst of the Bosnian War, the longest modern siege of a capital city. These days it’s an evocative museum. You’ll also want to visit the ruins of the Olympic Games in the hills outside the city. It’s haunting and beautiful to see the abandoned ski jump and luge tracks.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation when you arrive in Sarajevo.

   

   Bascarsija, the City's Heart

   Bascarsija is Sarajevo's old bazaar and the city's historical and cultural center. This historic district, dating back to the 15th century, exudes a captivating blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic influences. If you want to experience the bazaar at its best, we suggest taking a stroll through the bazaar to Bravadžiluk Street. Once home to the city's locksmiths, this street is now Bascarsija's gastronomic paradise, home to many of Sarajevo's most famous eateries.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Sarajevo

   

   Fall of Yugoslavia and Sarajevo Siege Small Group Tour

   Fall of Yugoslavia, Sarajevo Siege Tour is one of the most popular tours in Sarajevo. With our experienced Sarajevo local guides, you will be able to understand better the rich and sometimes violent history of this city and the whole Balkan region. The facts presented in this war tour are delivered from an intellectual perspective, greatly insightful if you want to learn about what it was like to live in the former Yugoslavia and to have been affected by the war, as well as how these tragic events fit within the big picture.
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Sarajevo's Best Museums

   Each museum in Sarajevo reflects the history and lives of locals in very different circumstances, and each one will significantly help you understand this unique city and its determined citizens. Museums centered around the fighting in the 90s are exceptionally emotional and include the War Tunnel (the sole source of aid and weapons during the Siege of Sarajevo), Gallery 11/07/95 (named for the date of the Srebrenica Massacre), and especially the War Childhood Museum. If you're interested in more distant history, seek out Svrzo's House (a traditional Bosnian house) and the National Museum. We also recommend visiting the Jewish Museum to learn about the very complicated and interesting history of Bosnia's long-lived Jewish community.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   Traditional Bosnian Dinner with a Local Family Small Group Tour

   You'll enjoy a delicious historical adventure through the cuisine and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina at this unique and traditional Bosnian dinner. You'll have several courses of traditional cuisine and get to learn more about the local culture as you dine. At the end of the meal your guide will show you a lovely panoramic view over the entire city!
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Sarajevo

   

   Tito's Bunker and Konjic Private Day Trip

   Day tour to visit Konjic and Tito's bunker is filled with diversity and you will be surprised to learn so many interesting facts about the Yugoslavian period and the position of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the time.  Tito’s Bunker is one of the largest and best-kept secrets of the former Yugoslavia. The Bunker is a real miracle of construction, complex for a special purpose - in case a catastrophe happened, Tito and his closest associates would be sheltered here. The 6.500 square meters long bunker was one of the most expensive structures in the former Yugoslavia, there was an incredible $4.6 billion spent on this project. With your local guide, you will discover how it took 26 years to build, and how it was designed to withstand nuclear war and shelter communist leaders and army generals. Its air conditioning system, power generator, toilets are still working and the water container is filled with fresh water, just in case.

   
   

   The tour continues with a visit to Konjic, including its Old Bridge, and time at a local woodcarving shop, as Konjic is still home to some of the best woodcarvers in the Balkans. Depending on your interests and based on your agreement with your guide, you can plan your lunch break either in Konjic or in the nearby Jablanica area known as the best place when it comes to fresh lamb. 

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Traveling to Belgrade by Private Transfer / Arrival in Belgrade

   

   It's time to head to nightlife capital of the Balkans, Belgrade! Your driver will meet you at your accommodations and take you on a scenic drive to Serbia. En route, you'll make a few historical stops with your driver/guide: Višegrad and its Ottoman bridge, Mokra Gora and its stunning views, and Kustendorf, a traditional village museum constructed as a set for the films of the famous director Emir Kusturica. With stops, this journey takes around 12 hours. You can stop for lunch at Višegrad or Mokra Gora.

   Belgrade is an eclectic destination with a big-city feel, friendly locals, tasty cuisine and a very unique history. You’ll find all sorts of interesting architecture here, as well as galleries and museums that will really bring the local culture to life. While it might look a little rough around the edges, that just means there’s a real charm here waiting to be discovered. And discover it you will, from the daytime to the nightlife, as you experience the best this vibrant destination has to offer. While you’re exploring Belgrade, including the military ruins in the center, you’ll want to sample some of the local cuisine, including hearty grilled meats, local cheeses and breads, and vegetables cooked with seasonal herbs. Some of the sites you don’t want to miss include Kalmegdan Fortress, Republic Square and St. Sava Temple. Zemun, a bohemian neighborhood, is particularly rich in restaurants and cafes, and you also have the possibility of taking a food tour that will introduce you to some of the tastiest dishes. You’ll have fun in Belgrade, the perfect place to introduce yourself to this inviting region.

   Upon reaching Belgrade your driver will take you to your accommodation in the city center.

   

   Traipse the Bohemian Quarter

   For your first night in Belgrade, we suggest taking a leisurely walk down Knez Mihajlova Street and through the Bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, often compared to Paris' Montmartre. These old areas reflect the local lifestyle and culture at its best. Here, you'll experience a blend of classical and modern architecture, together with lively cafeterias, street musicians, outdoor artists, interesting galleries, and shopping. In short, this is a great place to spend a few hours.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 Your First Full Day in Belgrade

    

    Belgrade's Yugoslavian Heritage Private Tour

    Belgrade's Yugoslavian past is not only visible in the form of old habits, but also in the distinct architecture left behind. Praised by some and cursed by others, these monumental structures are nothing if not memorable, and are one reason the past is a never-ending topic of conversation among locals. As Yugoslavia's capital, Belgrade's socialist past is especially visible. Visit some of Belgrade's most prominent socialistic sights, including the House of Flowers, the eternal home of leader Josip Broz Tito.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 4 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Visit Belgrade's Museums

    As the capital of Serbia, Belgrade has more than a few museums, but three stand out and are especially worth seeing. The National Museum of Belgrade has opened all of its doors to visitors. Guests can explore a massive collection encompassing everything from the Paleolithic period to 20th-century art. Our second recommendation is the Nikola Tesla Museum. You'll explore his often fantastical inventions and unusual approach to life. Finally, be sure to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art. Its "permanent" exhibition actually changes every three to five years. As a rule, though, it's based on reconstructions of historical periods, movements, tendencies, and individual phenomena in the Yugoslav art space.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

11. Day 11 Your Second Full Day in Belgrade

    

    Serbia on Your Plate Small Group Tour

    This tour is best described as "Serbia on your plate." You'll learn all about Serbian culture while tasting many of the country's traditional dishes. We suggest having light breakfast or even skipping it because this is one filling food tour, the equivalent of breakfast and lunch! Your enthusiastic young local guide will take you around central Belgrade, to visit 6 authentic venues and a green market, tasting 14 local specialties and 3 drinks along the way. During the tour you will be presented with two souvenirs and a special memory book. It's a tasty day, to say the least!
    

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 4 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Art, Inside and Out

    Sava Mala and Dorcol Street represent Belgrade's artistic center, which is popular among the hip and young. One of Sava Mala's most significant art venues is Galerija Haos, where you can spend a few hours admiring the art and chatting with the host. Another good place to visit is next door, the Ozone Gallery. This modern and unique venue displays art in digital form, focused on the future potential of digital art and attracting prominent artists. We also recommend visiting BIGZ, which turns its huge, formerly abandoned interior into a kind of artistic mecca via its temporary exhibitions.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

12. Day 12 Traveling to Skopje by Private Transfer / Arrival in Skopje

    

    Today you'll enjoy a memorable journey, traveling south to sunny North Macedonia, and its capital, Skopje. Your drive/guide will meet your accommodations and take you on a scenic drive. Along the way, you'll stop at Nis, known for its turbulent history. This is especially clear from its Ottoman-era Skull Tower, as well as memorials to the city's concentration camp and the partisans who fought for its liberation. This journey's total duration is about eight hours.

    The birthplace of Mother Teresa, Skopje is a city that reveres its past. You’ll find numerous landmarks and tributes to Mother Teresa here. But the statues in Skopje aren’t like those you’ve seen elsewhere. Several years ago, the government built monuments to many local historical figures. As a result, Skopje is like a living museum where the region’s culture and history come alive before your eyes. Skopje's atmosphere is unique, combining a little of the energy of Las Vegas with Eastern European charm. It’s really like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Some of the decorations are a little over the top, but the city is a must for visitors to the region. As you explore the sites you should try the excellent local wine and food, which combines flavors from Balkan and Greek cuisines. Skopje’s Old Town is reserved for pedestrians, so its traditional atmosphere has been preserved. This is the best place to explore the Muslim influence on the region, as the city center features various bazaars and cozy alleyways. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped back into a more traditional age, in contrast to the modern monuments throughout Skopje. But the city isn’t all there is to explore. The fortress on the hill is impressive and well worth the hike. About 20 minutes away you’ll find Matka Canyon, which offers spectacular outdoor activities including boating, kayaking and hiking. For another point of view on Skopje, take the funicular up to the famous cross that overlooks the city. This is an ever-changing and exciting destination that always offers visitors something new and never disappoints.

    Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Skopje.

    

    Bizzare, Bazaar, Skopje

    For a capital city, Skopje is fairly small and walkable. For your first evening, we suggest walking along the Vardar River, passing the charming bridges and impressive buildings lining both banks. The many monuments in the city center may create a bizarre atmosphere, but they're undeniably interesting. Enjoy evening drinks on one of the fake ships built atop the shallow river. The boat offers a charming atmosphere, and the river's fresh breezes are helpful if you're visiting in summer. Finish your day with a dinner in one of the many restaurants offering live music.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

13. Day 13 Your First Full Day in Skopje

    

    Yugoslavian Skopje Private Tour

    Get your bearings from the get-go, with a drive to Skopje's best panoramic point. You'll see, first from a distance, then close up, prominent places reflecting the distinctive architecture of the Yugoslavian period. One of the most representative monuments is the Fallen Fighters memorial near the Government Building, and the monument to Josip Broz Tito, in front of a school named in his honor. You'll continue to the Kale Fortress in the city center, which offers views of many other attractions, including Mother Teresa's birthplace. You'll end the tour with a visit to the Old Rail Station.
    

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 4 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Taste Macedonia

    Your tour starts with a one hour drive to the small town of Kratovo. Local host will meet with you upon arrival and he will take you to his home. Cooking class will be a very interactive experience as there is so much to learn about rich Macedonian gastronomy. Variety of melas such as "sarma", homemade pie, and various grilled vegetables produced organically will be prepared together with your host and we are sure the cooking class will be the highlight of your trip. Macedonians are known by their hospitality and they are very proud of their gastronomy heritage. 

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 5 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

14. Day 14 Departure Day

    Today, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the Skopje airport for your departing flight.