The Balkans with Istria in 13 days

Arrive at “Nikola Tesla” International Airport.

Our guide will meet you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. He will do the following: assist with currency exchange, provide essential information about Belgrade, assist with check-in, explain the location of your accommodation, advise on how to reach the main sights, and give you an overview of current events in the city.

If your flight is delayed, there is no need to worry. We will monitor your flight, and our guide will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays. After a short ride of 20 minutes, you’ll be in the city’s center. Check in at the hotel, and take the rest of the day to get more familiar with Belgrade, walk around, or follow your guide’s recommendation for dinner. 

Overnight: Belgrade

After breakfast, we will visit Novi Sad. On our way to the second-largest city in Serbia, we shall stop at the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci, the center of Serbian culture in the 18th century. Strolling through this picturesque town’s cobbled streets will lead us to the first Serbian High School, which produced several great writers and poets. Along the way, we will visit the Old Patriarch’s Court and the theological complex, including the Assembly Church and the Theological Lyceum. Being in the very heart of the famous wine region, why not visit one of the well-respected wine cellars? We’ll try Bermet wine, the area’s most famous product.

Our next stop is the second-largest fortress on the Danube River – Petrovaradin, one of the most important strategic points in the perpetual war between the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires. We shall be introduced to the legends of underground passages before we continue to “Serbian Athens”, as the City of Novi Sad is known.

As we stroll through Novi Sad’s great cultural institutions and historic buildings, we will visit the oldest part of the city, the Zmaj Jovina pedestrian zone. Here, we will be introduced to the rich history of Novi Sad, including the monument to Svetozar Miletic, the Novi Sad Cathedral, and the Episcopal Church. After our sightseeing, we will enjoy a traditional Serbian three-course lunch at one of the area’s most famous restaurants. (not included). Enjoy your free afternoon and discover Novi Sad independently. Return to Belgrade. Free time.

Overnight: Belgrade

After breakfast, we’ll depart from the hotel and head for Croatia. After about a 4-hour drive, we’ll arrive in Croatia’s capital.

We’ll begin our sightseeing tour in busy Kaptol Square in Upper Town, dominated by the monumental Zagreb Cathedral, with its soaring twin spires, cobblestone streets, and red tile-roofed buildings. We’ll walk along Krvavi Most to St. Mark’s Church, with its brightly colored roof, and the 17th-century Jesuit Church of St. Catherine. After a stop at the Parliament building, the tour will conclude at Ban Jelacic Square, the main square.

After the lunch break, we will proceed toward Slovenia – one of the world’s greenest countries.

On our way to Ljubljana, we’ll make an en-route stop at Otočec Castle, a gem on the green Krka River. This interesting landmark is the only water castle in Slovenia and the surrounding area.

After this nice experience, we will proceed to Ljubljana. Check in at the hotel, then spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring Ljubljana independently.

Overnight: Ljubljana

Breakfast and check out. We’ll start our walking tour around Slovenia’s charming capital. Hopping from one coast of the Ljubljanica River to another, we’ll check the main sights: The Dragon Bridge, Prešern’s Square with the Franciscan Church, the famous Triple Bridge, the Church of Saint Nicholas, and an impressive Baroque palace – the Town Hall. After the walking tour, we’re confident you’ll fall in love with Ljubljana.

Our next experience will be the spectacular Postojna Cave. We’ll take a train to the magical underground world where during an hour-and-a-half-long guided tour, you will learn about all of the most important karst features: the largest, 16-meter-high stalagmite known as the Skyscraper, the crystal white symbol of Postojna Cave – the Brilliant, the oldest underground post office in the world and the most famous secretive animal – the olm or the human fish.

After the Cave, welcome to Istria. We’re starting with the Slovenian part of Istria. Our first stop will be Piran, the most beautiful town of Mediterranean Slovenia. The old port town with remnants of a medieval wall is protected as a cultural and historical monument. We’ll explore the charming Tartini Square and climb up to Saint George’s Cathedral to enjoy the beautiful view from above.

We’ll conclude our day in Portorož, a beautiful resort town on the Adriatic coast. Check in, enjoy, and relax the rest of the day.

Overnight: Portorož

After breakfast, we’ll continue to the Croatian part of Istria. Packed with charming cities, hidden caves, beautiful beaches, stunning hilltop towns, wineries and olive plantations, and ancient Roman ruins, combined with a mild Mediterranean climate and food to die for, you’ll quickly realize why Istria is so special.

Our first stop will be Pula. Both laid-back and cosmopolitan, Pula will captivate you with its remarkable architecture, a wealth of historical sites, and nearly intact Roman monuments.

We’ll visit the sixth-largest surviving Roman arena, one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Croatia, and other main sights: The Temple of Augustus, and the Arch of the Sergii, which will give you an impression that you’ve stepped back in time.

After Pula, we’ll proceed to Rovinj, another gem of Istria often called the Portofino of the Adriatic. Rovinj, with its narrow cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture, small squares, and colorful houses, is perhaps the most romantic place in Croatia. After the walking tour around the Old Town, soak up the relaxing atmosphere and enjoy yourself on the shore of the Adriatic Sea.

Overnight: Rovinj or Poreč

Today we’ll leave Rovinj behind us and head for Opatija. It was a popular holiday resort in the 19th century when Croatia was still a province of the Austrian Empire. The Austrian aristocracy discovered this jewel of the Adriatic, so close to their homes in Austria, and decided to build beautiful villas by the sea. We’ll walk along the famous Lungo Mare, a 12 km-long path along the shore, and check different architectural styles, including Renaissance, Venetian, and Baroque. Free time for lunch in one of the restaurants by the sea, for which Opatija is widely known and praised.

In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Plitvice National Park, Croatia’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax and enjoy the park’s refreshing atmosphere.

Overnight: Plitvice National Park

In the morning, enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes flanked by thundering waterfalls and a vast primeval forest. This area, a geological and hydrological phenomenon, is celebrated as one of Europe’s most beautiful natural sights and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive along the Dalmatian coast to Šibenik, a typical medieval Venetian city. We’ll walk around and check out the most important sights, including the UNESCO-protected Cathedral of Saint James. Šibenik is a perfect place for a break on our way to Split.

In the evening, we’ll arrive in Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, with an interesting mix of modern life and ancient history. Check in and take the rest of the evening to roam around on charming streets, at the famous Riva along the sea, or have a fresh seafood dinner.

Overnight: Split

After breakfast, we’ll have a walking tour of the Old Town’s cobbled streets, featuring the historic inner city with its dominant Roman influence, built around the 4th-century Palace of Diocletian. This spectacular palace, a precious example of Roman architecture, is one of the largest and best-preserved in the world. We’ll see the remains of the Cathedral of St. Domnius, built in the Middle Ages, and the Temple of Jupiter with its headless black sphinx guarding the entrance. You’ll have time to discover the town independently or stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade.

The afternoon is reserved for Trogir, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Trogir is a remarkable example of urban continuity. The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period, and successive rulers with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications embellished it. The outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period complement its beautiful Romanesque churches.

After that, we’ll return to Split, and you can enjoy one more evening in the city’s charming Mediterranean atmosphere.

Overnight: Split

Today, it’s time to add one more country to our itinerary – Bosnia & Herzegovina. On our way to Mostar, we’ll drive along the beautiful Dalmatian coast, with stunning views of Croatian islands and olive plantations.

Our first stop in Bosnia will be Medjugorje, a major Catholic pilgrimage site since 1981, when apparitions of the Virgin Mary were first reported. We will climb the  Apparition Hill, where the young visionaries first encountered Our Lady. You’ll have the opportunity for private devotions at the statue commemorating the spot where Our Lady first appeared to the visionaries.

Next, we will stop in Mostar, a medieval town in northern Herzegovina. We’ll view the compelling reconstructed Old Bridge, a staunch symbol of freedom on the Neretva River and a UNESCO-protected landmark. We will proceed to the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge, and the old tanner’s quarter, Tabhana. Enjoy your free time in Mostar for lunch on the banks of the Neretva River, with an amazing view of the bridge that rises above you.

We’ll end the day in Trebinje, a charming and picturesque little town on the banks of the Trebišnjica River, with a laid-back atmosphere and an interesting mix of Mediterranean, Central European, and Ottoman influences. We’ll check the most important sights before we check in at the hotel, and after that, you can use the evening to stroll around the small streets or have a nice dinner.

Overnight: Trebinje

After breakfast, we’ll ride towards the stunning Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. Our first stop will be the charming coastal town of Perast, where a short boat ride will take us to the 15th-century “Our Lady of the Rocks” Church perched on an islet in the bay. Once there, we will visit the Roman Catholic Church, whose interior is decorated with 68 paintings by Tripo Kokolja, a famous 17th-century painter from Perast.

Next stop: Kotor, where we will take a guided walking tour. This old Mediterranean town, surrounded by formidable city walls, was built between the 12th and 14th centuries.  Its medieval architecture and other cultural monuments are why UNESCO included the city on the list of “World Natural and Historical Heritage Sites.” We’ll visit the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, the Maritime Museum, numerous Palaces, and Old Square, and experience the atmosphere of this unique medieval town. Here we will have a lunch break

Later on, we will proceed to Croatia. End the day in the spectacular walled city of Dubrovnik, lovingly named the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Check-in. Free time.

Overnight: Dubrovnik

In the morning, tour “Old Dubrovnik” on foot. The magnificent Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, and palaces. The tour highlights sites such as Rector’s Palace, an outstanding blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Also, the monumental Sponza Palace, one of the city’s most beautiful, is preserved in its original form. Under the City Bell Tower on Luza Square, view Orlando’s Tower, dedicated to the legendary Knight who saved the city in the 9th century. Then on to see the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world.

After the tour, take some time for yourself, wander the old streets of Dubrovnik, or have a coffee at one of the city’s coffee shops with beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea.

Explore independently. Consider strolling along the impressive ramparts overlooking the shimmering Adriatic Sea or visiting the Maritime Museum in St. John’s Castle. Or maybe check out the parts of Dubrovnik where the famous Game of Thrones was filmed, visit Lokrum Island, explore the Dubrovnik city walls, or take a ride on the Dubrovnik cable car. 

Overnight: Dubrovnik

Breakfast and check out. Transfer to Dubrovnik airport. End of services. Have a safe flight!

• 3 nights in the chosen hotel category in Belgrade 
• 1 night in the chosen hotel category in Ljubljana
• 1 night in the chosen hotel category in Portorož
• 1 night in the chosen hotel category in Istria (Rovinj or Poreč, depending on availability)
• 1 night in the chosen hotel category in Plitvice 
• 2 nights in the chosen hotel category in Split
• 1 night in the chosen hotel category in Trebinje
• 2 nights in the chosen hotel category in Dubrovnik 
• 12 meals (12 breakfasts in the hotels – buffet style)
• arrival airport transfer
• departure airport transfer
• transfers according to the itinerary
• sightseeing per itinerary
• English-speaking tour manager from day 2 to day 12
• All fuel costs, parking fees, and road tolls
• Entrance fees: Postojna Cave, Arena in Pula, Plitvice Lakes, boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks
• City taxes
• VAT
• tour organization and 24/7 assistance from a licensed incoming tour operator

• Arrival and departure flights
• Food & drinks (except for breakfast in the hotels)
• Optional expenses
• entrance fees other than mentioned

• Children from 0 to 2 years old – FREE of charge.
• Children from 2 to 12 years old, sharing the bed – 50% discount on the price of a twin room
• Children from 2 to 12 years old, extra bed – 30% discount on the price of a twin room

• Up to 60 days before the departure date = 100% refund
• 59 days to 46 days before the departure date = 90% refund
• 45 days to 31 days before the departure date = 80% refund
• 30 days to 16 days before the departure date = 70% refund
• 15 days to 8 days before the departure date = 50% refund
• 7 days or less before the departure date = 0% refund

• You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to the booking. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler. A current, valid passport is required on the day of travel.
• Gratuities are not included in the price (not mandatory, but common)
• The final choice of hotels will depend on the availability at the time of your booking. We reserve the right to change the hotel due to availability, but we promise the same category, location, and level of quality
• The minimum number of guests required is one
• Tour duration = 13 days
• Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee entrance to the church/cathedral due to sudden closure (mass, wedding, etc)
• Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee the timing due to weather and traffic
• Please note that VICTOR TOURS doesn’t guarantee entrance to any site due to late arrival