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Best of Balkans | Start Budapest | 2025

This tour has other variations available

Everyday Price From

$3,535

15 days

No Countries

Overview

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.

Locations Visited

Budapest, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Radovljica, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Split, Ston, Dubrovnik, Budva, Tirana, Mostar, Sarajevo, Belgrade

Countries Visited

Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia

Travel Style

Accommodations

14 nights included

Age Requirements

Travel experiences for 18-35 year olds

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

Budapest

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.

  • Accommodation

    Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)


  • Meals

    Dinner

This morning we'll hop onto the coach for a guided tour to explore to what this city has on offer. You'll see Heroes Square, Fisherman's Bastion, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building, before we depart for our next city.
After a morning full of awesome ancient architecture, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana. You've got a free evening on your hands. So roam around the city, grab a bite to eat, and rest up for the all the Alpine scenery that awaits us tomorrow.

  • Accommodation

    Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Ljubljana, you've been lovely. 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, 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!

  • Accommodation

    Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Visit Lake Bled

Take it easy with your new besties as you walk around the scenic lake, framed by the Julian Alps. 

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.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Explore Plitvice National Park

Turquoise lakes. Sparkling waterfalls. Lush green forests. You’ll never want to leave this little slice of heaven. 

Morning, explorers! Fill up on your included breakfast. It’s time to hit the road again…

Zadar is the perfect mix of history and modern flair. Explore ancient Roman ruins, chill by the Sea Organ where waves make music, and grab a bite at one of the city's cool cafés. Whether you're soaking in the culture or diving into the local scene, there's always something exciting around the corner in this laid-back Croatian gem.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Split Inn (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Split it's been fantastic, but we have to leave for other Croatian gems further down the coast.
Ston is a charming town on the Dalmatian coast, famous for its impressive medieval walls and ancient salt pans. It’s the perfect spot to explore history, sample fresh seafood, and take in the scenic surroundings. A great place to unwind and enjoy the slow pace before heading to your next adventure.
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. 

  • Accommodation

    Akademis Akademia (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

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. Tonight over an optional dinner with the crew, spirits will no doubt be high!

  • Accommodation

    Akademis Akademia (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Tour Dubrovnik on foot

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.  

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 for lunch. So grab a bite, check out the beach and hop back on for 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.

  • Accommodation

    VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

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!

  • Accommodation

    VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Get to know 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.

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See the Underground Bunk'Art Exhibit

Wanna dive into Albania’s past? Then you need visit Bunk’Art – a massive underground bunker turned museum. It was once built to protect leaders from nuclear attacks. And now it tells the story of Albania’s communist era with art, history (and even a few surprises!). Explore eerie tunnels, snap some pics, and experience a slice of Cold War history you won’t find anywhere else.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Mostar (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

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!

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Grand Sarajevo (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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See the Mostar Bridge

See this epic piece of Ottoman architecture, which was destroyed by war in 1993 and then rebuilt.  

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.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Grand Sarajevo (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

highlights.title

Guided tour of 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. 

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.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Sumadija (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Tour Belgrade on foot

Ramble around the Serbian capital. It’s brimming with culture and history for you to soak up. 

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!

  • Accommodation

    Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

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?

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Visit Lake Bled
Explore Plitvice National Park
Tour Dubrovnik on foot
Get to know Tirana
See the Underground Bunk'Art Exhibit
See the Mostar Bridge
Guided tour of Sarajevo
Tour Belgrade on foot
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Highlights

FAQs

  • A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.

Dates & Prices

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Best of Balkans | Start Budapest | 2025

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Special Offers

Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request.

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Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes:

  • Please note that airfare to and from your start/end destinations are not included in the cost of your trip.
  • Internal flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the trip price.
  • Travel to Europe from Canada often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of your itinerary start date.
  • Call 1-844-528-7316 for great deals from Canada to & from all start/end cities for your selected itinerary.

 

Terms & Conditions:

  • ​Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the trip.
  • Prices listed are per person in CAD, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability.
  • For departure points and stay longer accommodation options call 1-844-528-7316 for more details.
  • ​​'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available after member log in. 
  • Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travellers departing from Canada; not combinable with any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking. 
  • All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • ​​​Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions or FAQs page.

Other conditions may apply. TICO #2058256 #2759979