Balkans Express

Welcome to Serbia! Upon arrival in Belgrade, our driver will greet you at the Nikola Tesla airport and take you to the hotel. After checking in at your hotel, you will have free time to rest and prepare for the tour.

Your first day in Serbia begins with a tour of Belgrade, starting at the lively Knez Mihailova Street, a pedestrian zone filled with shops, cafes, and historic architecture. Next, visit Belgrade’s oldest tavern, known as the ‘?’ (Question Mark), to enjoy traditional Serbian coffee and rakija while learning about the UNESCO-recognised craft of making sljivovica, Serbia’s famous plum brandy.

Following this local experience, explore the historic Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, offering sweeping views over the Sava and Danube rivers. Crossing into New Belgrade, you’ll see Brutalist architecture and the modern Belgrade Waterfront, along with landmarks like the Ada Bridge, Dedinje residential area, and the Museum of Yugoslavia. You’ll also visit the impressive Temple of Saint Sava, adorned with intricate mosaics.

The tour concludes in Republic Square, after which you’ll embark on a scenic river cruise at sunset, passing key landmarks and taking in views of Belgrade’s illuminated skyline and bridges.

Belgrade - Zlatibor. Departing Belgrade in the morning, journey south to Serbia’s heartland and the historic Oplenac, where Serbia’s royals are laid to rest. Visit the grand royal mausoleum and explore one of the region’s celebrated wineries, where you’ll enjoy tastings of three locally crafted wines and learn about the Karadjordjevic dynasty’s influence on Serbia’s winemaking traditions.

After this wine experience, continue with a short drive to the scenic Zlatibor Mountain, home to Serbia's first royal resort. Check in to your mountain hotel, then enjoy a relaxing stroll around the charming town centre. In the evening, savour a traditional Serbian dinner, starting with rich ajvar, creamy kajmak, and artisanal cured meats, followed by dishes like hearty pies or proja cornbread, and a main course of veal or fresh fish—all enjoyed against the stunning backdrop of Zlatibor’s natural beauty.

Zlatibor - Visegrad (Bosnia) - Sarajevo. After check-out, the tour heads to the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden Town), created by film director Emir Kusturica. Built mainly from natural wood, the village includes the Mecavnik Hotel, houses, galleries, shops, a cinema, and a church. Since 2008, Drvengrad has hosted the annual Kustendorf Film and Music Festival, attracting celebrities like Johnny Depp, Monica Bellucci, and Jim Jarmusch.

Next, experience the nostalgic charm of the Sargan Eight Railway, a unique narrow-gauge heritage line with a figure-eight layout that winds through the mountains. This scenic train ride offers picturesque views of tunnels and viaducts and traces part of the old railway connecting Belgrade to Sarajevo in the early 20th century.

The day concludes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a short drive to Visegrad to visit Andricgrad (Stone Town), another imaginative creation by Kusturica. Set by the emerald Drina River, near the UNESCO-listed bridge featured in Ivo Andric's novel The Bridge on the Drina, this cultural centre honours the Nobel Prize-winning author. After lunch, the tour continues to Sarajevo, where you’ll check in to your hotel for the night.

Our Sarajevo exploration begins at Vjecna Vatra (Eternal Flame), a WWII memorial, before delving into the cultural and historical gems of the city. Kick off with a taste of Sarajevo’s famous burek at a local bakery, then stroll through the bustling Ferhadija pedestrian zone to visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the 16th-century Orthodox Church, witnessing the city’s unique blend of Orthodox, Catholic, and Islamic influences.

Continue to Bascarsija, Sarajevo’s historic heart, where you’ll try cevapi, a beloved Balkan minced meat dish, and experience the local coffee tradition—a daily ritual here. Visit landmarks like the Vjecna City Hall, Latin Bridge, the Bezistan market, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, and the Sahat Tower, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history. Conclude with a sweet taste of baklava, capturing the essence of Sarajevo’s culinary heritage.

In the afternoon, explore at your own pace, revisiting favourite spots or unwinding in a cosy cafe, reflecting on Sarajevo’s vibrant history and flavours.

Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Trebinje. Today we depart Sarajevo and head to the beautiful city of Mostar. Begin with a guided walk to the iconic Old Bridge, a UNESCO-protected landmark and one of the most photographed sights in the Balkans. Continue to the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge, and the historic tanner’s quarter, Taba Hana.

In Mostar’s Old Town, discover the traditional craft of copper artistry at a workshop led by a master coppersmith. Try your hand at creating jewellery or intricate copper reliefs as you learn about this centuries-old Bosnian craft.

Enjoy free time for lunch along the banks of the Neretva River with scenic views of the Old Bridge.

The tour continues to Blagaj, a 15th-century town where the noble Kosaca family once ruled. Admire the serene setting of the monastery perched beneath cliffs beside the emerald Buna River spring.

Arriving in Trebinje, visit the tranquil Arslanagica Bridge, a 400-year-old stone landmark, before concluding at Poet’s Square, where ancient plane trees lend a timeless charm to the town. Check in to our hotel for the night.

Trebinje - Kotor - Dubrovnik. After checking out from our hotel, we will make our way to the lively Trebinje local market, the heart of local life.

We will savour the fresh delights at Trebinje's vibrant market, a rare gem where traditional tastes and methods still thrive. Amidst the friendly chatter of vendors and the inviting aromas of fresh produce, we'll indulge in creamy, fresh cheese, flavourful dried meats, and sun-ripened fruits, all sourced from local producers. We'll sip on homemade juices and immerse ourselves in the authentic spirit of Trebinje.

After our market experience, we will wave farewell to Herzegovina as we continue towards Montenegro, known for its rich heritage and stunning natural beauty. Our first stop will be the town of Perast, a charming baroque-style settlement nestled in the heart of Boka Bay.

From Perast, we have the opportunity to visit the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rocks. This manmade island is home to a church featuring valuable paintings by local artists, silver votive tablets, and a famous sacred tapestry. As we explore, we'll uncover the rich history and legends that make this small island a cultural treasure in the bay.

After a short boat ride, we will head to Kotor, an ancient Mediterranean town that dates back to the 12th and 14th centuries. A walking tour will allow us to explore this UNESCO site, including the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and other cultural highlights. We'll have free time to wander the old paved streets or enjoy lunch at a restaurant in one of the romantic squares.

Our day will conclude in Dubrovnik, one of the world's most significant monuments and one of Europe's best-preserved walled cities, with a history dating back to the 7th century. We'll check in to our hotel for the evening.

We will begin our day by experiencing the essence of Dubrovnik, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Our visit will take us to iconic sights, including Stradun, the main street, Placa Square, Pile Gate, the Rector's Palace, and more. As we explore the City Walls and the picturesque city port, we'll uncover hidden gems along the way.

We'll immerse ourselves in the magic of Dubrovnik, where stunning locations that served as backdrops for "Game of Thrones" bring the city's rich history and fantasy world to life. We'll dive into intriguing stories about the Republic of Ragusa, enjoying the enchantment that makes Dubrovnik one of the most captivating destinations in the world.

After our city tour, we will have some free time to enjoy lunch at a restaurant perched atop the city walls, offering breathtaking views. Alternatively, we can take a cable car to Srđ Hill for stunning panoramas of the Old Town and the Adriatic coast, or explore the 2 km stretch of City Walls for a unique perspective of Dubrovnik from above.

In the evening, you could opt to set sail on a sunset cruise aboard the Karaka, a replica of a traditional 16th-century wooden galleon, and admire breathtaking views of the Old Town and its centuries-old impregnable walls from the sea.

Our tour ends today after breakfast at the hotel and check out.