Belgrade to Zagreb - 12 days
Belgrade to Zagreb - 12 days
Belgrade to Zagreb - 12 days
12 Days Starting in Belgrade, Serbia and ending in Zagreb, Croatia
Visiting: Belgrade, Zlatibor, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
No min or max age (children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Age policy for children is as follows:Children 0-2 = FOCChildren 2-6 (sharing a bed) = 50% DiscountChildren 6+ = Need to be booked into a triple room (triple room prices are the same f
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This 12-day escorted group tour travels from Belgrade in Serbia to Zagreb, capital of Croatia. Along the way it discovers European gems including the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo, Kotor in Montenegro and Mostar, 'City of Bridges'. Ride a heritage train in the mountains of Zlatibor, explore Dubrovnik, Split and Sibenik in Croatia and enjoy a guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park before arriving in Zagreb.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Accommodation Name: hotel
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.
During a brief meeting with our guide at 7pm, you will be introduced to the tour and provided with all necessary information.
Day 2: Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3: Belgrade
Location: Zlatibor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 4: Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Mostar
Location: Mostar
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Kosača 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.
Day 7: Kotor
Location: Kotor
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Dubrovnik
Location: Dubrovnik
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, we'll set sail on a sunset cruise aboard the Karaka, a replica of a traditional 16th-century wooden galleon. As we glide along the water, we'll admire breathtaking views of the Old Town and the centuries-old, impregnable walls of Dubrovnik from the sea.
Day 9: Split
Location: Split
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dubrovnik - Split. After check-out, we will drive along the picturesque Dalmatian coast, enjoying stunning views of Croatian islands, lush vineyards, olive groves, and charming stone villages. We’ll make a brief stop in the City of Ston to savour its famous oysters and capture a photo of the iconic Ston Walls.
As we continue to the Pelješac Peninsula, we will visit a local winery to experience the essence of Dalmatian winemaking. Here, we’ll taste the robust Plavac Mali, the region's signature red wine. We’ll relish the rich, complex flavours and learn about the centuries-old winemaking traditions, with vines hand-tended in rocky terrain.
Our day concludes in Split, the largest city in Dalmatia, boasting 1,700 years of remarkably preserved history. Enter through the Golden Gate and wander narrow cobblestone streets, where bustling markets, charming cafés, and hidden courtyards reveal the rich history of Diocletian's Palace. We’ll visit the former Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the oldest Catholic cathedral still in its original structure. Stroll along the lively Riva promenade, soaking up the Mediterranean sun and vibrant atmosphere before checking into our hotel.
Day 10: Hvar
Location: Hvar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Split - Hvar - Split. To start our day, we will take a short drive to the ferry port and board a high-speed catamaran that brings us to the queen of the Croatian islands—Hvar, so much more than just the glitz and glamour of its main town. We'll take in the azure blue seascape as we journey through the Splitska Vrata to Hvar Island.
A town built in wonderful Venetian architectural style, the island-city of Hvar is famous for its traffic-free cobbled streets, filled with nice restaurants and bars. During our walking tour, we'll see the harbour, Renaissance Cathedral, Benedictine Convent, Franciscan monastery, and Church of Our Lady of Mercy.
We have set aside plenty of free time for you to fully enjoy all that the island has to offer. Based on your interests, we recommend embarking on a boat excursion to discover the enchanting Pakleni Islands, relaxing on the sun-kissed beaches, exploring the picturesque trails to Milna Bay for a memorable adventure, or enjoying a delightful Mediterranean lunch at a local restaurant.
In the late afternoon, we'll head back to Split. *Please note that the departure timing may vary depending on the season.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-star hotels (upgrade available) -
11 breakfasts & 1 dinner
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11 nights 4 star hotels (upgrade available)
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Escorted by a local tour leader with local guides for some sightseeing
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1
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Transportation in a mini-bus with air-conditioning & Wi-Fi
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1 bottle of water (0.5l) daily for each passenger, accommodation taxes and city taxes
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Guided sightseeing in Belgrade, Zlatibor, Sarajevo, Mostar, Blagaj, Trebinje, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar & Zagreb
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Entrance to Temple of Saint Sava, Oplenac Royal Complex, Wooden-Town, Blagaj Tekke, Kotor Old Town, Plitvice Lakes
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Coffee & rakija in a Belgrade tavern
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Boat ride to the island and entry ticket to the church (Our Lady of the Rocks)
What's Not Included
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International flights & visas
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Departure transfers
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Meals not specified in itinerary
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
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Entry fees unless specified & optional activities
Age Policy
No min or max age (children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Age policy for children is as follows:Children 0-2 = FOCChildren 2-6 (sharing a bed) = 50% DiscountChildren 6+ = Need to be booked into a triple room (triple room prices are the same for adults and children)
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with our air-conditioned mini-bus, equipped with Wi-Fi for your convenience. Enjoy seamless transfers, including an airport arrival transfer on day 1, ensuring a hassle-free journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights in comfortable 4-star hotels, with an option to upgrade to 5-star accommodations for a more luxurious experience. Each hotel stay includes breakfast, ensuring a relaxing and convenient start to your day.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 9 nights in 4-star hotels, with an option to upgrade to 5-star accommodations.
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Is there a transfer provided from the airport upon arrival?
Yes, an airport arrival transfer is provided on day 1 of the tour.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation is provided in a mini-bus equipped with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.
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Are there any meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
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Will there be guided tours at the destinations?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a local tour leader, and local guides are provided for some sightseeing activities.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Entrance fees are included for the Museum of Yugoslav History, Drvengrad wooden town, and Plitvice Lakes National Park, among others.
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Is there a boat ride included in the tour itinerary?
Yes, there is a boat ride from Perast to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks included in the tour.
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What is the policy for children on this tour?
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children aged 0-2 are free of charge, those aged 2-6 sharing a bed receive a 50% discount, and children aged 6 and above need to be booked into a triple room at the same price as adults.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.