The Highlights of the Former Yugoslavia

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.

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.

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.

The southernmost fjord in all of Europe and the deepest in the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is truly a hidden gem. This is a spectacular, visually stunning destination where steep black mountains edge up against the sea. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, mostly for its perfectly preserved Old Town and its walls, with architecture from the Middle Ages. The combination of picture-perfect natural scenery with incredible ancient architecture is dramatic to say the least, and makes a wonderful setting for a unique holiday. The churches and fortresses are some of the most spectacular structures, but that’s just the beginning of things to do in this city of friendly locals, rich history and delicious cuisine. After touring the city with a local, who will help you make your way through the winding streets to see the most impressive sites, we recommend you take the opportunity to get different points of view on Kotor. For a little exercise, hike up the hills surrounding the city for a breathtaking view over the rooftops to the sea. And speaking of the sea, the seafood here is delicious and incredibly fresh. You can get together with a local mussel farmer on a private pier to learn more about this craft before sitting down to a huge plate of mussels and wine. There are also numerous options for swimming, kayaking and fishing in the beautiful and calms waters of the Bay of Kotor.