The Balkans are just getting noticed as a great European travel destination — we can’t believe it took so long! Situated on the balmy shores of the Adriatic and home to some of the most wondrous landscapes, monuments, and villages you’ll ever see, this part of the world still feels like a well-kept secret. This adventure showcases the region’s compelling history and scenery while allowing time for outdoor pursuits like kayaking and hiking. You may not know much about Croatia and the Balkans now, but once you’ve been, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop talking about them.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: DEŠA Women's Centre Visit, Dubrovnik
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Petrovaradin Fortress visit (Novi Sad). Kalemegdan Fortress visit (Belgrade). 'Tunnel of Life' tour (Sarajevo). Sea kayaking trip (Bay of Kotor). Beach time in Hvar. Scenic boat ride around Pakleni islands. Diocletian's Palace guided tour (Split). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Kayak to tiny islands in the crystal waters of the Bay of Kotor, Enjoy beach time in Hvar, Explore the ancient Roman palace of Diocletian on a guided tour
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
14 breakfasts
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, ferry, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels/pensions (14 nts).
Itinerary
Budapest
Arrive at any time. We recommend booking pre-tour accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city. There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.
Budapest/Novi Sad
Today we will be traveling by local bus to Novi Sad. Enjoy the first opportunity to try some Serbian cuisine. Cross into Serbia and enjoy time in the second largest city. Spend an evening wandering this cultural hub.
Novi Sad/Belgrade
Spend the morning exploring Novi Sad. Visit the famous Petrovaradin Fortress and, with time, check out the charming old town, or Stari Grad. In the afternoon, enjoy a short bus ride to Belgrade.
Belgrade
Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress then spend a free day floating down the Danube or shopping in one of the many bustling markets. Opt to visit the National Theater or National Museum. The city offers a wealth of churches and cathedrals as well as an interesting Ethnographic Museum. Learn more about Serbian culture, traditions, costumes, and tools used throughout history.
Belgrade/Sarajevo
Travel to Sarajevo, one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the region. Walk around the cobblestone streets, visit the famous Latin Bridge, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of this resilient place. Walk around the cobblestone streets of the Old Town while taking in the architecture of its diverse places of worship.
Sarajevo
Take an included tour of the 'Tunnel of Life' to get a better understanding of the tragic recent history of this captivating city. Spend some free time exploring the Stari Grad section and looking for 'Sarajevo Roses'.
Sarajevo/Mostar
Travel through beautiful countryside to reach charming Mostar. The city's symbol, a beautiful reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge, is a reminder of the tenacity of Bosnians in recent times. Wander the old city and visit the new, taking in the many reminders of what the people of this region have survived. After visiting the bridge, wander through the small streets and opt to sit in a café, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
For a sobering look into the city's recent history, wander through town, passing buildings still riddled with bullet holes. Visit a bank that was completely destroyed during the war and past houses in shambles. While life continues and progress is made, these sights remain as reminders of the evils of war.
Mostar/Kotor
Continue on to Montenegro and arrive to the Bay of Kotor, a World Heritage-listed region. There is free time here to relax or explore as desired. Arrive in time to start exploring this gorgeous area.
If relaxing is more your style, the beach of Kotor offers a great escape.
Kotor
Enjoy a sea kayaking tour before free time to relax or explore. Wander the streets of the walled city of Kotor or relax on picturesque beaches.
Kotor/Dubrovnik
Travel to Croatia and experience the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' in Dubrovnik. Choose to relax in one of the many cafés, explore the old town fortifications, or take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands. The red roofs of the old city make for spectacular photos and the seaside cafés serve up tasty seafood.
Dubrovnik
In the morning, visit the G Adventures-supported Deša project, a non profit dedicated to empowering and employing women in the community. Then enjoy a free afternoon to explore the Dalmatian Coast.
Dubrovnik/Hvar
Head to the island of Hvar. Enjoy amazing beaches, nightlife, and water sports. Filled with sunshine, the beautiful island is known for its lavender fields and vineyards in the interior and detailed Venetian-inspired architecture in the towns.
Hvar
Soak in the scenery and relish the calm on a boat ride around the Pakleni Islands.
Hvar/Split
Ferry back to the mainland and arrive to Split. Take a guided tour of the UNESCO site at Diocletian's Palace. Enjoy free time to explore this charming seaside town. Opt to visit the local market and gobble up some Croatian delicacies. For a little more activity, visit Marjan's peak with gorgeous views over the city or hit up some of the hiking and biking trails in the area.
Split
Depart at any time. We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
