Balkan Adventure

Szia! Welcome to Hungary. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Budapest. If you arrive early, maybe visit the historic Buda Castle or wander through the winding streets of the Castle District, which dates back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, maybe a cruise along the Danube to see the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges linking Buda and Pest. Tonight, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner, then take a night walk along the Danube to see the buildings and bridges lit up in lights.

Today is a full free day to explore Budapest. See the intricate carvings on the local architecture, cross the Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District or walk through winding streets, snacking on local delicacies. Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water, so maybe take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to the castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building. Hiring a bicycle is another great way to move between sights. Perhaps round off your day with a drink in the popular ruin bars, where the night comes to life.

Head for Kopacki Rit today – a nature park in eastern Croatia, home to the white-tailed eagle. Since the park is made up of many different waterways, like lakes and canals, you’ll go on a guided tour of the area after you drop your belongings at your family-run accommodation. In the evening, join your group for a home-cooked dinner on the property.

Get off the tourist track today and drive to Novi Sad – the second largest city in Serbia. Along the way, you’ll visit nearby Vukovar – this town symbolises the devastation of the recent war and you can learn about the sobering local history here. Visit the local hospital and the museum in its basement used as a refuge during the siege and listen to wartime stories from hospital staff. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Maybe visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, which was constructed in the 17th century and used to protect the city during the Napoleonic Wars. Or you can walk around Liberty Square and take in the Neo-Renaissance architecture, perhaps finishing the day off at a carda tavern (a fish restaurant along the Danube River).

After breakfast, begin your journey to Belgrade. Known as the White City, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. When you arrive, take a guided tour of the city’s wide boulevards and squares and the green heart of Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River for centuries. Tonight, maybe head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and soak up the lively atmosphere in a place where Orthodox churches vie for space next to nightclubs.

Today, make your way to the neighbourhood of Zemun. This Old Town favourite has a rich history and is now known as the bohemian part of town, home to many of the city’s artists and writers. As Zemun used to be an independent town – only joining Belgrade in 1934 – the small village atmosphere still stands, transporting you to the past. After your orientation walk, maybe head to a market and explore the local wares. Stroll along the river promenade and stop for an optional lunch in one of the riverside restaurants serving fresh fish. Later, head back to Belgrade’s centre in the late afternoon, where you have free time to visit the imposing Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) or learn about the life of Serbia’s greatest inventor at the Nikola Tesla Museum. The city’s nightlife has become legendary throughout Europe, with several hundred floating bars, restaurants and nightclubs lining the Danube and Sava rivers – so you’ll find the perfect way to spend your evening.

Travel by bus through the countryside to Sarajevo this morning. The city often draws comparisons with Istanbul as a city that mixes east and west – dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and the aroma of coffee. When you arrive, take a guided tour for an insight into the history and culture of the city. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that features an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque all within proximity. Tonight, maybe sample the local specialty of bosanski cevapi (grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices) in Bascarsija – Sarajevo's old bazaar.

Today, take a daytrip to Mostar – a city that sits in a valley among the high mountains of Herzegovina. Thanks to the Neretva River, Mostar was able to develop into a city within a barren landscape. It was the most heavily bombed settlement in Bosnia during the war but has since been rebuilt and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head to the famous Stari Most Bridge, first built by the Ottomans in 1565 by architect Mimar Hajrudin, who succeeded in the seemingly impossible mission of crossing the Neretva River with a single-span stone bridge. Maybe see the famous bridge divers hurl themselves into the icy waters below before returning to Sarajevo in the afternoon, stopping at Konjic on the way to discover one of the best-kept secrets in the former Yugoslavia at Tito's nuclear bunker. Step back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and what life was like in the not-so-distant past.

Enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo. Maybe take an optional daytrip to the thermal springs and green parks of Ilidza – the source of the Bosna River. Or discover local history with a visit to the History Museum and the Sarajevo War Tunnels, dug underneath the airport runway and used to smuggle provisions into the city during its siege. You can also learn about the tragedies faced by the city's Jewish population at the Jewish Museum or explore the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Pivnica HS brewery and restaurant is a great place to sample local award-winning beer and grab some dinner tonight.

Today, you’ll travel through the countryside to Montenegro. Although it’s a long drive, there will be plenty of stops along the way. You might stop at the bridge over the Piva Canyon, the top of Kruska Mountain or the Saddle Peak viewpoint – wherever you pause, you’ll find great photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs. When you arrive at Durmitor National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site formed by glaciers – set off on a hike through the lesser-explored wilderness along the shores of Black Lake and keep an eye out for some of the 163 species of bird or 50 species of mammal that roam the region. Finish your day in the nearby town of Zabljak where you’ll spend the night.