A Taste of the Balkans
Snapshot
- 15 days / 14 nights
- Guided Tour
- Dubrovnik to Zagreb
- Multiple departures
From
$5,699*
per person twin share
BOOK NOW
Overview
Last seats remaining for 2025!
Uncover a region where rocky coastlines and towering mountains meet a complex history. Personalise your time in Dubrovnik, choosing between exploring the Dubrovnik city walls or taking a cable car ride. Travel by boat to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks in Montenegro. Discover Sarajevo, home to a multitude of religious sects all living in harmony. Enjoy a home-hosted dinner in a Bosnian home, sampling klepe and burek. Experience rural life in the northeast corner of Croatia. Explore the natural wonder of Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO) with a guide. As you make your way through the Balkans, get a glimpse into generations of traditions and connect with welcoming locals.
Collette
You're not just going on tour; you’re having a travel experience!
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across hundreds of destinations across the world.
Family owned Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you must do is enjoy the adventure!
Why choose Collette Tours?
- When Collette says guaranteed, we mean a guaranteed departure.
- 24/7 Emergency Services
- Be immersed with fewer one-night stays and more 2 – 3 – 4 night stays.
- 5-Star Touring with 4-Star Plus Accommodation
- Includes both the must-sees and unique local experiences - not one or the other.
- Culinary Immersion dining at local restaurants unique to each region
- Location, Quality & Uniqueness of Accommodation staying in a grand castle, picturesque villa, glass igloo, private yacht, safari lodge, French chateau and more.
*Advertised price is based on a twin share per person departing on 17 & 27 April 2025 departures, correct as of 18 October 2024. Other departure dates available, but might be at an increased cost.
Inclusions
Your Tour Includes
- 14-night fully guided tour with Collette, from Dubrovnik to Zagreb
- 23 Meals, 14 Breakfasts, 3 Lunch, 6 Dinners
- With a local siege survivor, visit the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum and the bobsled track on Olympic Mountain -OR- visit Gallery 11/07/95, which documents the city’s conflict through photography.
- See the famous city walls of Dubrovnik, still standing from the Middle Ages -OR- hop into a cable car for incredible views of the city from above.
Must-See Inclusions
- Experience Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO) by foot and by boat.
- Admire tranquil Lake Bled.
- Take a private boat to Our Lady of the Rocks and the coastal Kotor.
Cultural Experiences
- Explore Sarajevo’s wartime history – with either a siege survivor or a visit to Gallery 11/07/95.
- Meet the famous Lipizzan horses and take a carriage ride to a picnic lunch in the meadows.
- Impact Moment: Visit a Serbian community centre, and learn how the local women are keeping the community alive through their traditions and crafts.
Culinary Inclusions
- Follow friendly dogs on a quest for coveted mushrooms, followed with a tasty truffle-inspired lunch.
- Enjoy locally caught seafood in Dubrovnik.
- Feel like a local and taste regional specialities during a home-hosted meal in Sarajevo.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Dubrovnik, Croatia - Tour Begins
Twisting cobblestone streets and burnt-orange rooftops reveal Dubrovnik, a city steeped in history and charm. Look out over the sparkling Adriatic Sea during your welcome dinner. Savour Mediterranean cuisine and new friendships.
Stay: Royal Hotels & Resort Ariston
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s ancient streets share its history and timelessness with you during your tour. For the rest of the day, the city is yours to unfold personally because it’s your choice! Perhaps you’ll explore its famous city walls, still standing from the Middle Ages -OR- hop into a cable car for incredible views of the entire city from above. With the remainder of your day free, you do you – Croatia-style.
Stay: Royal Hotels & Resort Ariston
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Dubrovnik - Kotor, Montenegro
It’s “Dovidenja” to Croatia as you head to Montenegro. Set sail on a private boat for the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Visit the church before coasting through the breathtaking Kotor Bay towards the Old Town of Kotor (UNESCO). Your 18th-century hotel rises from the original city walls. With your free afternoon, explore this beautiful city on your own. Complete your day in a quiet corner of Old Town Kotor in a cosy family restaurant.
Stay: Hotel Cattaro
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4 - Kotor
Today, have fun exploring Kotor your way. Perhaps you’ll go on an optional excursion to Njeguši, a quiet and peaceful village located on the slope of Mount Lovcen about 900 metres above sea level. Get a tasty local lesson on the tradition of prosciutto and homemade cheeses famously produced here – and, of course, sample these specialities. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the hidden corners of Kotor.
Stay: Hotel Cattaro
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Kotor - Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Sarajevo
Welcome to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Spend time in Mostar, home to the iconic arched Stari Most Bridge (UNESCO). Explore Mostar with your Tour Manager before lunching on your own at a traditional restaurant in the historic part of the city. Continue on to Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city where East meets West – and your home for the next 3 nights. Reminiscent of a European Jerusalem, find an ever-evolving conglomeration of religious sects all living in harmony. Perhaps you’ll take an evening stroll with your Tour Manager to get familiar with the area.
Stay: Colorsinn Hotel Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6 - Sarajevo
With a local expert, uncover the history of Sarajevo, the starting point of the first World War. Meander the storied roadways and take in its blend of religions and architectural styles. Free time means independent exploration of this historic city. Then, it’s your choice! Uncover Sarajevo’s past with a local siege survivor, spending time in the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum before visiting the bobsled track on Trebevic Olympic Mountain -OR- visit Gallery 11/07/95, which documents the city’s 20th-century turmoil through photography. Tonight, locals welcome you to their home-hosted dinner. Enjoy regional favorites such as klepe (meat dumplings) and burek (flaky filled pastries). Sip Bosnian coffee as a soundtrack of traditional folk music sets the tone of a truly memorable evening.
Stay: Colorsinn Hotel Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7 - Sarajevo
Enjoy time on your own today. Consider an optional excursion to Lukomir Highland, hiking to a remote village and bond with locals over lunch. Or maybe embark on an optional tour of Tito’s Bunker, exploring the former president’s personal hideout. With the rest of your afternoon and evening at leisure, relax, reset, or explore even more.
Stay: Colorsinn Hotel Sarajevo
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8 - Sarajevo - Karanac, Croatia
Wind through Bosnia into Croatia’s northeast corner for a lunch that highlights authentic Bosnian cuisine. Travel off the beaten path towards the rural village of Karanac, nestled at the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers. Tonight, your host delights you with dinner and folklore entertainment.
Stay: Baranjska Kuca Hotel and Etno Restaurant
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 - Karanac - Osijek - Karanac
This morning, immerse yourself in country life. Perhaps you’ll join your hosts in preparing breakfast. A local guide shares Osijek’s history of the Romans and Ottomans with you, before some free time to explore the town. Learn how wine is made in this region, enjoying a glass. Alongside locals, prepare traditional dishes and bread for dinner.
Stay: Baranjska Kuca Hotel and Etno Restaurant
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 - Karanac - Zagreb
This morning, say goodbye to the beautiful Baranja region and continue your journey to Zagreb – Croatia’s fascinating capital city. A local guide introduces you to one of the most unique Croatian museums – the Museum of Naive Art. Enjoy some free time to explore it on your own. The evening is yours – perhaps join your Tour Manager for an evening stroll – and then take in Zagreb at night however you’d like.
Stay: Boutique Hotel Le Premier
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Zagreb
You have an entire day to soak up Zagreb at leisure! Explore its Old Town, medieval settlements, open squares, museums, or the Dolac Market. Perhaps you’ll choose to take an optional tour to Croatia’s Zagorje region, visiting the historic Kumrovec and Samobor, set in a picturesque countryside.
Stay: Boutique Hotel Le Premier
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 - Motovun - Ljubljana, Slovenia
It’s off to northern Croatia. A local guide takes you past the forested landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO). Walk along the cascading lakes and the free-falling waterfalls. Cruise through a portion of the park by boat before enjoying some free time and lunch on your own. This afternoon, an Impact Moment reveals how local women are sustaining their community through their crafts. Tonight, an authentic “under the bell” dinner is yours to savour, complete with slow roasted lamb and vegetables.
Stay: The Lyra Hotel Plitvice
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13 - Ljubljana - Bled - Ljubljana
Today, cross into Slovenia, a country that has the word “love” in its name. Travel off the beaten path and discover Novo Mesto – a unique experience in one of the most beautiful Slovenian cities. Enjoy a scenic boat ride under the bridges in the Krka River before joining your local guide for a walking tour. Finish your visit with a Slovenian lunch in a local restaurant. Later, arrive in Ljubljana’s city centre, your home for the next two nights. Acquaint yourself with this incredible city before having an evening of free time to explore it on your own.
Stay: Grand Plaza Hotel Ljubljana
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 14 - Ljubljana - Zagreb, Croatia
This morning, head to beautiful Lake Bled nestled under the Julian Alps. Board a Pletna Boat to the isle of Bled to discover the nature and natural scenery of Slovenia. Take a walk around the lake or relax in the beautiful scenery. This evening, toast to the end of your adventure during a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, complete with folklore performances.
Stay: Grand Plaza Hotel Ljubljana
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15 - Zagreb - Tour Ends
Wish Slovenia goodbye as you depart for home.
Meals: Breakfast
* Term and conditions apply:
All pricing subject to change and availability.
Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies.
Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.