Operated by G Adventures

Classic Balkans: Ljubljana to Sarajevo

From

CAD 7,849

Duration

21 days

Countries

Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia

Activity

easy

The adventure

Hit the road from Ljubljana to Sarajevo with a crew of like-minded adventurers and dive into the best that Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have to offer. Take scenic walks through lush national parks with jaw-dropping lakes and waterfalls, explore historic landmarks that tell centuries of stories, and savour every bite of the local gastronomy. From stunning nature to rich culture, this 21-day journey across three incredible countries will leave you with endless memories and a heart full of adventure.

At a glance

Duration

21 days

Route

Ljubljana → Sarajevo

Countries

Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia

Activity level

easy

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, National Parks & Wilderness, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Idyllic village in Stahovica, Slovenia with green hills and mountain backdrop in summer.

Your journey through

Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina & Croatia

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a short orientation walk to get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a short orientation walk to get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Day 2Head into the city centre for a deep…

Head into the city centre for a deep dive into the Slovenian capital's food scene on a guided walking tour. Visit a farmers market, various gourmet shops and local diners as you eat your way through the city and enjoy a light lunch along the way. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to continue exploring, visit the Ljubljbana Castle or just relax at a nearby cafe.

Day 3Depart Ljubljana after breakfast and head towards…

Ljubljana

Depart Ljubljana after breakfast and head towards the Adriatic coast, making a stop in the resort city of Piran along the way. Get oriented with your CEO on arrival and then enjoy some free time to explore the waterfront, main square and streets lined with gorgeous Venetian architecture. In the afternoon continue to the nearby town of Portorož for walk around town with the CEO before checking into the hotel for the evening.

Day 4Take a day trip into Italy today…

Take a day trip into Italy today and cross the border to the city of Trieste. Explore this historic town on your own and see some of the beautiful architecture, framed by a medieval old city and a neoclassical new city. Taste some of the coffee that Trieste is famous for then visit the nearby Miramare Castle, a beautiful 19th century building with a lush park area and amazing views over the sea. Back in Slovenia, stop for an included lunch with wine tasting at a winery before returning to Portorož in the evening.

Day 5Travel inland from the coast and make…

Travel inland from the coast and make a stop at the Postojna Cave, to explore the fascinating network subterranean world with an expert guide. After time in town for lunch, continue north to Lake Bled, stopping to walk around the lake with the CEO to soak in the views and enjoy the incredible scenery. Finish the day in the nearby Lake Bohinj area and check into the hotel for the evening.

Day 6Start the day with an orientation walk…

Start the day with an orientation walk with the CEO to get acquainted to the area and with all of the great optional activities available. The rest of the day is free to get the most out of the picturesque Lake Bohinj area as you please. Options on the water could include swimming or a boat ride, otherwise go hiking, biking or ziplining as other ways to experience the natural beauty of the area. Regroup in the evening for an optional dinner with the group.

Day 7Travel by train across the border into Croatia

Travel by train across the border into Croatia, to the city of Zagreb. Check into the hotel on arrival and have a bit of free time to relax before setting off with your CEO on a short orientation walk to see some of the street art and to get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Day 8Travel south from Zagreb to the stunning…

Travel south from Zagreb to the stunning and iconic Plitvice Lakes National Park. Explore the park’s forests, crystal waters, and cascading falls with our CEO for incredible scenery, natural beauty and photo opportunities. Continue to the hotel in the evening, check in and relax before a delicious dinner.

Day 9Depart the hotel after breakfast and drive…

Depart the hotel after breakfast and drive to the coastal city of Zadar. Discover the city on a walking food tour with a local guide, exploring the historic city centre and important landmarks and culminating in a secluded garden for lunch and wine tasting. Continue to Krka National Park for a hike through the lush forest along the river to a series of spectacular waterfalls. Finish the day in the nearby city of Šibenik and enjoy a free evening.

Day 10Set off on a full-day excursion to explore…

Set off on a full-day excursion to explore the nearby islands of Prvic and Zlarin. Take the ferry first to Prvic and explore the old town and other parts of this small island with your CEO then hop on the next ferry to the nearby island of Zlarin. Populated since ancient times, Zlarin has many historical monuments worth exploring and and offers incredible views over the islands natural vistas towards the Adriatic Sea. Return to Šibenik in the afternoon and take a stroll through the old town with your CEO before enjoying the rest of the day and evening at leisure.

Day 11Travel south along the coast today…

Travel south along the coast today to the port city of Split. Explore the city with your CEO on an orientation walk to see some of the main sights and landmarks then enjoy free time for lunch and to continue exploring on your own with the chance to visit the Diocletian's Palace and the Riva promenade. In the late afternoon continue by bus to the city of Makarska to check into the hotel and enjoy a free evening.

Day 12Enjoy a full free day to take advantage…

Enjoy a full free day to take advantage of the many optional activities available in and around Makarska. Perhaps take a ferry to the island of Brač to explore on your own, take a tuk tuk tour, go zip-lining in the nearby town of Tucepi or just relax on the local beach.

Day 13Set off from Makarska along the coast…Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Set off from Makarska along the coast and make a stop at a small bay called Uvala Bistrina to learn all about the local oyster farming and to sample some fresh ones and with wine and lunch from local ingredients. Take some free time to wander the town of Ston, and to walk along the massive and historic Ston City wall which rewards those who choose to climb it (for an additional fee) incredible views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Continue driving in the afternoon to Croatia's southernmost city, Dubrovnik and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 14Discover Dubrovnik today on an orientation walk…

Dubrovnik

Discover Dubrovnik today on an orientation walk with your CEO through the old part of the city and seeing some of the city's most iconic buildings and landmarks. Make a stop at the G Adventures-supported Maritimo Recycling, where artists are creatively working to clean up the Adriatic Sea. Then, take the rest of the day to continue exploring on your own, take an optional kayak excursion or relax in one of the many cafés and watch the world go by. Regroup in the evening for an optional dinner out on the town.

Day 15Enjoy a free morning in Dubrovnik for further…

Dubrovnik

Enjoy a free morning in Dubrovnik for further exploration or for some last-minute shopping before departing around midday for Bosnia and Herzegovina. After driving across the border, make a stop at the Tvrdoš Monastery and sample some of the local wine then continue to a view point at the Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple to enjoy a great view of the city of Trebinje. Make a final stop at Arslanagić bridge before arriving to the hotel. In the evening, set off with your CEO on an orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Day 16Today is all about local flavours

Today is all about local flavours, culture and long-standing traditions.. Explore the organic market to sample some options and learn of the local specialties before transferring to a women run apiary and see how they manage the hives. Continue to a farm that has specialized in cheese making for more than 5 generations. Visit the farm and share a delicious farm-to-table lunch with the family. Understanding the local culture is made easier by immersing yourself in the cuisine, and there is no better way than this. The rest of the day is free after returning to Trebinje in the aftenroon.

Day 17Head out of Trebinje in the morning by…

Head out of Trebinje in the morning by bus for a day of highlights. First, stop in Stolac to see the town centre then visit a UNESCO-listed site with ornamented necropolis tombstones to get a glimpse into how people lived in the Middle Ages. Continue to the spectacular Kravica waterfall and carry on to the lesser-visited Koćuša Waterfall to enjoy the scenery and have time for lunch. Later, travel to the town of Čitluk for the night and cap off the day with dinner at a winery, paired with their locally produced wines.

Day 18Immerse yourself in history today by visiting…

Immerse yourself in history today by visiting the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town and art colony, taking a short hike to the Blagaj Fortress, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Dervish Monastery, built on cliffs by the water at the mouth of the Buna River. Later, continue to the city of Mostar and set off on a guided walking tour before spending the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 19Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo today

Sarajevo

Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo today. Ascend the Mount Trebević for the best views of the city and visit the Abandoned Bobsled track which provides a glimpse into the city’s complex history. Explore the vibrant Sarajevo and be immersed in the local culinary scene on a history and food tour that will serve as a delicious meal and a great introduction to the city.

Day 20Take advantage of a free day to get…Sarajevo

Sarajevo

Take advantage of a free day to get the most out of the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Dive into the history and tragic past with countless museums and culturally significant monuments, take a graffiti art tour or just relax and sample local flavours at one of the many cafes.

Day 21Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.

Depart at any time.