The Highlights of the Former Yugoslavia

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Zagreb

   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.

   We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Zagreb's airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

   

   Take it Easy

   Meet Zagreb and Croatia through their best product - delicious wine! In only an hour, you’ll have a tour through the country’s wine regions with a knowledgeable and passionate guide. In one of the oldest wine cellars in Croatia, you'll enjoy three reds and two whites, accompanied by champagne and small bites of locally produced cheese and olive oil.
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour

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

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day 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

   

   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

3. Day 3 Traveling to Belgrade by Private Transfer / Arrival in Belgrade

   

   Today you're departing one Balkan capital and heading eastwards to another. Your final destination is Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. It's around a 4-hour drive door to door. Since you’ll be crossing a border on your way, your journey can take a bit longer, depending on border crossing waiting time. 
   

   Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

   To break the journey for a small extra fee we can arrange for a stop at the Sirmium archeological site, the location of a Roman Imperial Palace that was first excavated in 1957 when it was discovered by accident during the construction of an apartment building in modern-day Sremska Mitrovica.

   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.

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Belgrade

   

   Meet Belgrade on a Walking and Driving Tour

   Today, you will see the best locations in the city, from views over the Danube River to the National Theatre and National Museum. Your experienced guide will first take you to Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, where you'll enjoy superb views at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Then, you will head back into the heart of the city, where your guide will tell you all about Republic Square, with its monument to Prince Michael, as well as the National Theatre and the National Museum. Before exploring the rest of the city, you'll have a short break for refreshments.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Taste Belgrade

   Belgrade's food scene is a delightful fusion of traditional Serbian cuisine and modern culinary trends, offering hearty dishes like ćevapi and sarma alongside innovative gourmet experiences. The city's vibrant markets and street food stalls provide an authentic taste of local flavors, with fresh produce, meats, and pastries that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. While Serbia isn’t always considered a culinary capital, it has a rich traditional cuisine that is intimately connected with local history. Our guided tours will give you an insider’s perspective and taste of authentic local culture.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Serbia on Your Plate Small Group Tour

   This tour is the perfect way to experience Serbia through its rich culinary traditions. Discover the essence of Serbian culture as you sample a variety of traditional dishes. Accompanied by your enthusiastic local guide, you will explore central Belgrade, visiting five authentic venues and a bustling green market (subject to availability). Along the way, you will taste eleven local specialties and enjoy four different drinks. As a special touch, you will receive one souvenir and a memory book to remember the experience. It is a flavorful day you will not soon forget.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Serbia on a Toothpick Small Group Tour

   During this tour you will visit four diverse local outlets, from traditional to modern, and get a sense of the uniqueness of the Serbian lifestyle and the vibrant city center. You'll get the unique chance to savor carefully selected flavors that will guide you through the past and even the future of Belgrade. Your guide has chosen each of the dishes you will try because they represent some part of Serbia's vibrant culinary culture.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

5. Day 5 Traveling to Sarajevo by Private Transfer / Arrival in Sarajevo

   

   Today you're departing one Balkan capital and heading westward to another. Your final destination is Sarajevo. It's around a five-hour drive, door to door. To break up the journey for a small extra fee we can arrange for a stop of your choice: a small detour and you can visit Tuzla, a town that wasn't spared the atrocities of the war in the '90s but has miraculously managed to maintain its pluralist nature and is still a city with a mixed Bosniak, Croat and Serb population; or for the archeologically inclined, a stop in Sremska Mitrovica might be in order, for this is the location of Sirmium, where a Roman imperial palace was excavated in 1957 (his has the advantage of requiring much less of a detour). Please note that this is a non-guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver. 

   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

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Sarajevo

   

   Explore Sarajevo's Past and Present

   Today, your two-hour sightseeing tour of Sarajevo's Old Town encompasses all the most significant landmarks, such as the Latin Bridge, the Museum of Sarajevo, the Emperor's Mosque, and the House of Defiance. You will also visit the stunning City Hall, the historic Old Orthodox Church, the traditional Morica Guesthouse, and the Jewish Synagogue, among other notable sites. Led by an experienced local guide, this tour provides a comprehensive understanding of Sarajevo's rich history and vibrant contemporary layout. Your guide will skillfully bring the past to life, sharing fascinating stories and insights at each location. As you walk through the streets of Old Town, you will experience the unique blend of cultural influences that define Sarajevo. This immersive experience ensures you appreciate the city's heritage and its enduring spirit.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   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

7. Day 7 Your Second Full Day in Sarajevo

   

   East Bosnia UNESCO Heritage Small Group Tour

   This full-day tour will show you some of the most famous sights in the region and also take you over the border to Serbia. With an expert local guide you'll get out of the city and off the beaten path to discover some of the most atmospheric villages and landscapes around. Highlights include Visegrad and Andricgrad, two picturesque villages. In Dobrun you will explore one of oldest Orthodox monasteries in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Crossing the border, you'll see the typical Serbian village of Drvengrad, and then have the option for a short train ride before being taken back to your accommodation.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 10 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Traveling to Kotor by Private Transfer / Arrival in Kotor

   

   Today you'll be leaving Sarajevo for the picturesque town of Kotor. Your driver will pick you up at your accommodation at the agreed-upon time. The trip takes about 4.5 hours.

   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.

   When you arrive and meet your driver, he will bring you directly to your Kotor accommodation.

   

   Evenings in Kotor

   Kotor is a charming and vibrant town, so enjoy its scenic coast with an easy walk around its center. Take a moment to explore the enchanting alleys of the old town, where you'll find a plethora of nice, cute restaurants situated among historic buildings. If you'd like to stretch your legs a bit more, walk down the 4km (2.5 miles) promenade to Dobrota, a cute village that is officially a separate town but is a de facto part of Kotor.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Kotor

   

   Best of Montenegro Private Tour

   Best of Montenegro tour will give you a chance to see some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Montenegro, and also enjoy some spectacular views. First, you'll stop in Njegusi village and afterwards you'll visit Lovcen National Park, followed by the historical capital Cetinje and a cruise on Lake Skadar. This is a great tour where you can enjoy untouched nature, spectacular views and local cuisine.

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 10 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

10. Day 10 Departure Day

    It's time to say so long and thanks for all the mussels to magnificent Kotor Bay and jet off. We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at your accommodation and take you to the nearby Tivat airport, a journey of around fifteen minutes, in plenty of time for your departing flight.