Ultimate Balkan Adventure (Split to Split)

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Visits 10 destinations

15 Days

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The Balkans is the wild part of Europe. Be enthralled by the cobbled castle lanes and satiated by strange exotic cuisines.

Unleash your wild side in Europe’s untameable Balkan Peninsula. You’ll be enthralled by the cobbled castle lanes, satiated by strange, exotic cuisine, and pushed to your party limits in the offbeat capitals of Belgrade and Sarajevo. On this gorgeous 15-day adventure you’ll venture so far from the beaten track you won’t remember what a track even looks like! These are lands where the mountains loom on high and the sun rarely reins in its pulsing rays. These are the lands for you.

We spend 15 days exploring Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia. We visit Split, Kotor, Tirana, Meteora, Athens, Thessaloniki, Lake Orhid, Skopje, Belgrade, Sarajevo.

What Is Included...

  • Your legendary Busabout crew

  • 14 nights’ accommodation

  • 14 breakfasts

  • All coach transport

  • Transfer to Budva

  • Orientation walks of Thessaloniki, Tirana, Gjirokastra, and Split

  • Entry into two monasteries in Meteora (Kalambaka)

  • Local guide in Mostar

  • Local guide in Delphi, plus site and museum entrance

Trip Highlights
  • Scale the Old Town walls of Dubrovnik
  • Breathtaking views of Meteora monasteries
  • Be immersed in the unique culture of Sarajevo

Check these off your bucket list

Meteora Meteora
Mostar Bridge Mostar Bridge
Dubrovnik Dubrovnik

15 Day Itinerary

Ultimate Balkan Adventure (Split to Split) 15 day full itinerary breakdown and route map

Day 1

Split to Dubrovnik to Kotor

Our adventure begins as we depart from Split en route to Dubrovnik with stunning coastal vistas. Explore some surviving renaissance architecture such as the Sponza Palace or partake in a Game of Thrones walking tour of the city. This evening we’ll make our way to gulf-nestled Kotor. This Mediterranean marvel offers gorgeous panoramas of the limestone cliffs and bay and a maze of medieval streets begging travellers to meander through. Come sunset, we leave our belts in the hostels and prepare for a feast of traditional Montenegrin eats. After dinner, feel free to enjoy the city’s bustling nightlife or recharge for the thrills still to come.

Day 2

Kotor to Budva to Kotor

This morning, soak up the views and explore some phenomenal sites within the old Venetian walls. Kotor’s Old Town is history-rich and hosts some of the finest medieval architecture in the Balkans. In the late morning, we’ll depart for the Budva Riviera, a 2,500-year-old settlement on the Adriatic. Here, you can spend the afternoon perfecting your tan as you laze on the Adriatic’s pristine beaches. When we return to Kotor, you’ll have the fantastic opportunity to scale the nearby fortress and bask in some stunning sunset views. Regale stories of your past travels and hopes for the future over an ice-cold drink. - Breakfast included.

Day 3

Kotor to Tirana

New day, new country! Welcome to Albania. We’ll be traversing this majestic land’s winding roads as we head––gleefully––to the capital city: Tirana. After stretching our legs with an included (and wonderful) afternoon orientation walk, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Get lost in the sights and sounds of this incredible city whilst you explore vast monuments erected by the Romans, Ottomans, and Byzantines. See the famous Tirana Mosaic Archaeological Complex or sample genuine Albanian cuisine. Tonight, explore pulse-pumping nightlife in this beautiful Balkan city. - Breakfast included.

Day 4

Tirana to Gjirokaster to Kalambaka (Meteora)

As we make our way to Greece this morning we’ll be making a pitstop at Gjirokaster, a fantastic example of a preserved Ottoman town. We arrive in Kalambaka (Meteora) this evening with traditional Greek cuisine waiting for us to devour. After the feast, explore your new surroundings and the amazing mountainous scenery. Wind down the day with a drink or two in one of the bars and get to know your fellow passengers a little better. Don’t stay out too late, though, because tomorrow we’ll get truly stuck in to the awe-inspiring surroundings of this dream-like Greek town! - Breakfast included.

Day 5

Kalambaka (Meteora) to Thermopylae to Athens

We’ll depart early for the monasteries of Meteora with free entry into the best ones. From James Bond to Game of Thrones, these mysterious mountains have ignited more than a few imaginations, and are home to extensive cave systems. The rest of the morning can be used to bask in the panoramic views and absorbed the area’s fascinating history. After lunch we depart for Athens with a stop at the Spartan Monument in Thermopylae. Home to many historic battles, most notably when the Greeks––led by the Spartan King Leonidas––managed to halt the advancing Persian armies under Xerxes. Tonight, we dine in Athens! Enjoy your dinner under the gaze of the Acropolis. - Breakfast included.

Day 6

Athens

Kick off your day in Athens exploring the city’s vast, impressive sights. Visit the breathtaking Acropolis, which is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. See the Daphne Monastery and Parthenon, and the temple to the Goddess Athena. With your head full of mythology, join us for a traditional Greek dinner. End the day however you please! - Breakfast included.

Day 7

Athens to Delphi to Thessaloniki

Kick off your day in Athens exploring the city’s vast, impressive sights. Visit the breathtaking Acropolis, which is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. See the Daphne Monastery and Parthenon, and the temple to the Goddess Athena. With your head full of mythology, join us for a traditional Greek dinner. End the day however you please! - Breakfast included.

Day 8

Thessaloniki to Ohrid

This morning explore the capital of Greek Macedonia with its quirky vibe, rich history and many archaeological wonders and ruins. We then depart Thessaloniki, heading towards North Macedonia on our jaunt to Ohrid. Situated on Lake Ohrid, Ohrid is a charming little city and a UNESCO-listed site. Here, we’ll discover an insane 365 churches, one for each day of the calendar year. Take advantage of an optional walking tour to better appreciate the many sights available in this picturesque lakeside city. Later, we’ll enjoy a traditional North Macedonian meal and views of the glistening water’s edge. With dinner done, you’re free to enjoy the rest of your time in this outstanding utopia. Take in some of the sites or relax alongside the lake and its calming waters. - Breakfast included.

Day 9

Ohrid to Skopje

We’ll be leaving Ohrid this morning, but there’s plenty of time for a dip and a frolic in the lake beforehand. We don’t like to look back, however, so it’s onwards to the North Macedonian capital city of Skopje. Found on the Vardar River, Skopje is home to towering Roman architecture and an abundance of masterfully crafted statues. Take advantage of an optional walking tour on arrival to help get a feel for the city. Afterwards, you’re free to explore Roman ruins, the aqueduct, Skopje Fortress, and anything else that might take your fancy. Tonight, lose yourself in a myriad of exciting venues. Live music is plentiful, as are casinos and nightclubs. Skopje caters to all whims! - Breakfast included.

Day 10

Skopje to Nis to Belgrade

Farewell, Skopje! Today we’re journeying into the heart of Serbia with Belgrade in our sights. En route we’ll be stopping for lunch in one of the oldest Balkan cities, Nis. This ancient metropolis was once considered the gateway between the East and West. Today, however, it’ll be our gateway to Belgrade. We’ll arrive in the Serbian capital come afternoon, where we’ll be offered an optional walking tour to familiarise ourselves with the city. The tour is capped off with a pub crawl where we’ll absorb Belgrade’s friendly party atmosphere and the party barges (or splav) for a truly memorable night. - Breakfast included.

Day 11

Belgrade

Day two in Belgrade and you’re free to explore this glorious city and the many, many attractions. Seek out the museums, churches, the old palace, the parliamentary buildings, and many more fascinating places. Budding mad scientists should make sure to visit the Nikola Tesla Museum to marvel at the archive of his life’s work. History buffs and lazy-walk fans should venture to Kalemegdan Park and Fortress for beautiful views steeped in cultural significance. When the sun sets, head out into the city once again for some splav-hopping. - Breakfast included.

Day 12

Belgrade to Sarajevo

We’re headed westward today, with Bosnia and Herzegovina in our sights. Arriving in the late afternoon, you’ll have time to explore Sarajevo, a true melting pot of faiths, ideals, and ethnicities. Having undergone a brutal four-year siege, the city may have a painful history but its vibrance and spirit have survived despite it all. Tonight, explore the emerging nightlife of the area or seek out a cafe, club, or bar and share a drink or a story with the locals. - Breakfast included.

Day 13

Sarajevo

Start the day right with an optional walking tour of the city. Sports fans will want to check-out Sarajevo’s various Olympic venues from when it hosted the 1984 Winter Games. Exploring is hungry work, so grab some street food while you’re out (we recommend a cevapi). Alternatively, why not check out the Old Bazaar (or Bascarsija as it is locally known), the cultural and historical hub of the city? Tonight, we’ll be enjoying the local cuisine at the famous Sarajevo Brewery. - Breakfast included.

Day 14

Sarajevo to Mostar to Split

Our last full day of travel dawns and we depart for Split with a stop in Mostar along the way. Here, we’ll explore the area with a walking tour lead by a local guide. After which we’ll visit the Bridge Museum and watch as professional divers leap from the bridge into the rushing river below. Afterwards, we’ll be departing Mostar and arriving in the coastal gem of Split, Croatia. See the majestic walls of the ancient Diocletian’s Palace and then enjoy your last night out. Split comes to life at night with its varied selection of bars, clubs and cafes. - Breakfast included.

Day 15

Split

Check-out is after breakfast. If you’re continuing your journey on our Hop-on Hop-off network, the next stop is Venice via Zadar! - Breakfast included.

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