Call Us 800.528.9300
Best of Balkans | Start Budapest | 2025
Tour Description:
Hit up an incredible 7 countries in just one trip and take in the best sights the Balkans has to offer. Whether it's exploring the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, partying until the early hours in Belgrade or strolling around the historic sights Sarajevo has to offer, this trip has something for everyone.
Click for larger view.
Dates & Pricing
| Saturday 17 May 25 — Saturday 31 May 25 | Starting at $2,564 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 31 May 25 — Saturday 14 Jun 25 | Starting at $2,413 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 14 Jun 25 — Saturday 28 Jun 25 | Starting at $2,413 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 28 Jun 25 — Saturday 12 Jul 25 | Starting at $2,495 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 12 Jul 25 — Saturday 26 Jul 25 | Starting at $2,495 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 26 Jul 25 — Saturday 09 Aug 25 | Starting at $2,495 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 09 Aug 25 — Saturday 23 Aug 25 | Starting at $2,413 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 23 Aug 25 — Saturday 06 Sep 25 | Starting at $2,413 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 06 Sep 25 — Saturday 20 Sep 25 | Starting at $2,413 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining Summary
4 Dinner (D)
14 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
Budapest: An expert walking tour that’ll take you past the Royal Palace, Chain Bridge and Fisherman’s Bastion.
Lake Bled: Take it easy with your new besties as you walk around the scenic lake, framed by the Julian Alps.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Turquoise lakes. Sparkling waterfalls. Lush green forests. You’ll never want to leave this little slice of heaven.
Dubrovnik: Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town with a local guide. And play a game of ‘spot the Game of Thrones film set’ as you go.
Tirana: Take an orientation around the rainbow-coloured Albanian capital with your Contiki gang. Familiarise yourself with the landmarks and best places to grab a coffee.
Mostar: See this epic piece of Ottoman architecture, which was destroyed by war in 1993 and then rebuilt.
Sarajevo: See the sights of the Bosnian capital and get up to speed on 500 years of history, from the Ottomans to the present day.
Belgrade: Ramble around the Serbian capital. It’s brimming with culture and history for you to soak up.
4 Dinner (D)
14 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
Budapest: An expert walking tour that’ll take you past the Royal Palace, Chain Bridge and Fisherman’s Bastion.
Lake Bled: Take it easy with your new besties as you walk around the scenic lake, framed by the Julian Alps.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Turquoise lakes. Sparkling waterfalls. Lush green forests. You’ll never want to leave this little slice of heaven.
Dubrovnik: Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town with a local guide. And play a game of ‘spot the Game of Thrones film set’ as you go.
Tirana: Take an orientation around the rainbow-coloured Albanian capital with your Contiki gang. Familiarise yourself with the landmarks and best places to grab a coffee.
Mostar: See this epic piece of Ottoman architecture, which was destroyed by war in 1993 and then rebuilt.
Sarajevo: See the sights of the Bosnian capital and get up to speed on 500 years of history, from the Ottomans to the present day.
Belgrade: Ramble around the Serbian capital. It’s brimming with culture and history for you to soak up.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYBudapest
Good evening, travellers! Hope you’re ready for an exciting ride across the beautiful Balkans. Today, you’ll exchange hellos with your Trip Manager (and your new crew too!). To celebrate, we’ll feast on a delicious welcome dinner and watch the sun set over this historical city.
Budapest > Ljubljana
This morning we'll set out along the cobbled streets of Budapest for a guided walking tour to explore what this city has on offer. You'll see St Stephen's Basilica, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building. And then we’ll hop onto the coach to our next stop. After a morning full of awesome ancient architecture, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana. Tonight, you can choose to join a traditional Slovenian evening. We're talking: a traditional dancing show paired with a spread of authentic dishes. A feast for your mind and tastebuds alike!
Ljubljana > Lake Bled > Radovljica > Ljubljana
Ljubljana, thank you for the perfect dose of Balkan tradition. But we’ll be back in a while. Because today, something even more exciting is on the agenda. You've probably seen pictures of Lake Bled, but nothing will prepare you for the real thing. With its fairytale medieval castle reaching out of an islet, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and the turquoise waters of the lake itself, it really is like something out of a Disney movie. Satisfied your soul soaking in all that natural beauty? Now satisfy your hungry tummies with some lunch at this quaint Medieval town. It’s been a long but pleasing day. Tonight, we’ll stroll around town and grab some dinner on the way. And with a satisfied smile on our faces, the day has come to an end.
Ljubljana > Plitvice National Park
Next up is something altogether drop dead gorgeous....A strong introduction to Croatia is on the cards today with cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes. Why this place is not famous world over as one of the prettiest places in Europe, we have no idea.
Plitvice National Park > Split
Morning, explorers! Fill up on your included breakfast. It’s time to hit the road again…Welcome to the sea-side heaven of Split. With the oh-so-inviting aquamarine waters on our side, we’ll check into our stay. You’ve got some time to explore this beautiful city. And then, you can choose to join us for some dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern.
Split > Dubrovnik
Split it's been fantastic, but we have to leave for other Croatian gems further down the coast. The drive along the Dalmatian coastline to Dubrovnik is a sightseeing must do all on its own. On arrival in the city you'll be greeted by limestone walls; an Old Town filled with quintessentially Croatian cafes and plenty of clubs; and a mountain meets sea situation will see you falling in love within seconds. Tonight over dinner with the crew, spirits will no doubt be high and the show's not over yet!
Dubrovnik
The city of Dubrovnik is so much more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Game of Thrones location - not that either of those claims to fame are even mildly mediocre. After you've been guided around the city with intricate detail with our local guide you'll be armed with the knowledge to pick out a waterside rock bar where you can swim and indulge 'til your heart's content.
Dubrovnik > Budva > Tirana
Now that we've done all things Dubrovnik, we'll coast our way to Albania via the dramatic Adriatic Coastline. We’ll stop by Montenegro's seaside beauty of Budva. You have the option to grab some lunch at a sea-view restaurant, or spend some time on the beach, before we head to our next stop. Welcome to the capital city of Albania. This hidden gem has a lot to offer, and we’ve got the entirety of tomorrow to see it all. Bet you’re tired after all that travelling, so join us for an included dinner before heading back to our hotel to get some sleep for tomorrow.
Tirana
Time to wake up! Grab your breakfast and join us for a walking tour of Tirana, guided by a local guide. And the rest of the day is all yours to spend in this beautiful city, and one of the many museums will defo pique your interest!
Tirana > Mostar
Tirana, you’ve been great. But we’ve got another awe-inspiring destination waiting for us. Hello Mostar! We’re officially in Bosnia & Herzegovina, ready to bask in all of its historical glory. Beautiful rivers, iconic bridges, brick-red roofs - it’s gonna be a treat. Tonight, we’ll stroll around the picturesque streets to grab some authentic dinner. Spend the night chilling with your crew and getting some well-deserved rest.
Mostar > Sarajevo
Ready? This morning, we’re visiting the legendary Mostar Bridge that arches right over the silent blue river. (And it makes for a perfect backdrop for your Insta photo dump!) The historical streets of Sarajevo have a story or two to tell. And we’ll be listening to them all tomorrow. Tonight, you have the option to taste home-made Bosnian cuisine, learn what living like a local is like (plus support their families in turn). A truly wholesome experience!
Sarajevo
The only way to uncover the town of Sarajevo is with the wisdom shared on a guided walking tour. We'll help you tap into history & understand the magnitude of our destination. And then to lighten the mood, we’ll head to a local tavern for a delicious dinner and gags with friends.
Sarajevo > Belgrade
Rise up, roamers! We're departing for the town of Belgrade to continue our epic frolic through the Balkans. Another border crossing is on the agenda as we wave our way into Serbia en route to Belgrade. Medieval meets modern in this bustling, pure white city. Zen folk can go sit on the Hill of Contemplation or stroll along the Sava river, others can see the fortress of Beogradska Tvrđava & enjoy the lively mood of Belgrade by night.
Belgrade > Budapest
Leaving Belgrade behind, today we're onto beautiful Budapest. Fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe, Budapest is on our beeline. You'll have the option to take a cruise and make the most of your evening. Later, you'll no doubt want to keep things moving at one of the city's famous ruins bars, that need to be seen to be believed!
Budapest
That's a wrap! Our love affair with the Balkans has sadly come to an end! But perhaps we can get the squad back together for a reunion trip?
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
