Balkan adventure: from Budapest to Dubrovnik
East meets West in the Balkans and this trip showcases the region's incredible variety. Visit Orthodox churches and bustling markets in Belgrade, mingle with pilgrims at Ostrog Monastery, and admire the Adriatic from Dubrovnik's city walls.
£1295 (Maximum group size 12)
Greentraveller's Top Tip: Minimize the environmental impact of your holiday by adding scenic rail journeys to reach the meeting/end points of this Balkan Adventure. From London St Pancras, relax on the train to Budapest whilst gazing out at the pictureque landscapes of France, Germany and Austria. To return home, the rail journey from Ploce via Venice and Paris allows time to enjoy breathtaking views of Slovenia, Northern Italy, Switzerland and France.
>> For full details, see: Train from London to Budapest and Train from Venice to London
Overview of Balkan adventure: from Budapest to Dubrovnik
Over the centuries people have been drawn to the Balkan region for its fertile soil and healing waters. This enchanting land, which has remained virtually untouched by tourism, holds much tradition and a rich and diverse culture. This memorable journey discovers its natural beauty, mouth-watering cuisine and hospitable people.
Summary itinerary
Days 1-2 Budapest: Built on the banks of the Danube River, this beautiful city is best seen from the water. Admire the architecture and cross the iconic Chain Bridge to get a great view over the Castle District.
Days 3-4 Osijek: Cross the border into Croatia and travel to the beautiful city of Osijek. Explore grand buildings, stroll along the mighty Drava River and search out wildlife in the beautiful wetlands of the Kopacki Rit Nature Park.
Days 5-6 Belgrade: Soak up the history of one of Europe's oldest cities and experience a mix of progressive flamboyance and conservative tradition. Stroll through the Bohemian quarter or explore the boulevards to see Orthodox churches vying for space amid fashionable nightclubs.
Days 7-9 Sarajevo/ Mostar: Travel through serene countryside to the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. A day trip to Mostar affords an opportunity to see the famous town and bridge, both reduced to rubble during the Yugoslav wars. Since rebuilt, the town is an important symbol of the new Balkans.
Day 10 Ostrog Monastery: Follow pilgrims up the rocky mountain path and spend the night in humble konaks at a monastery.
Days 11-12 Budva: The 'Montenegrin Miami' is known for its pristine coastline and vibrant nightlife. Hit the beach and soak up some sun.
Day 13 Kotor: Hop aboard a bus bound for a perfectly preserved, World Heritage-listed medieval town with charming, crooked alleyways to explore.
Days 14-15 Dubrovnik: Walk along the city walls for panoramas of the Adriatic Sea or climb Mt Srd for an aerial perspective.
What price includes
- Trip accompanied by a group leader
- Travel by train, bus, tram and on foot
- Hotels & pensions (9 nights)
- Monastery stay (1 night) & Private houses (4 nights)
- No meals are included so we eat locally where we choose
- Carbon emissions offset: 164 kgs per person
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Central hotel in Budapest
Budapest Keleti
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
From Keleti international railway station: Take bus no.7 in the direction of Buda. Get off at the 3rd stop (Kazinczy utca), which is 50 meters past Nagy Diófa street.The bus stop is 300 meters from the hotel.
How to get there:
Train from London to Budapest (via Vienna)
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
The tour ends in Dubrovnik.
Ploče (less than 2 hours by bus from Dubrovnik)
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
If you are travelling onwards by train, catch the local bus to Ploče, where you can connect to trains to Mostar and Sarajevo. Trains to points north can be boarded at Split, a 4 hour bus ride from Dubrovnik.
How to get back:
Train from Ploce to London (via Venice)
