Journeys: Discover the Balkan Coast
- Trip code: 4L3X025
- Dauer: 16
- Stil: National Geographic Journeys
Journey through the Balkans where dramatic landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and warm hospitality. From the glittering coastline of Croatia to the medieval towns of Bosnia and Montenegro, uncover a region shaped by history and brimming with beauty. Wander through walled cities, savour fresh oysters and local wines, and connect with communities keeping centuries-old traditions alive. This is a trip of vivid contrasts — where UNESCO sites and hidden gems combine to create something unforgettable.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Hotels (15 nts)
Checklist
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
Group Size Notes
Max 16, Avg 10
Highlights
Walk beside turquoise waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Visit Macirovo House a community hub blending co-op school and market, Cruise the Bay of Kotor to Our Lady of the Rocks and its historic treasury, Taste local wines and regional specialities on guided food experiences
Introduction
Journey through the Balkans where dramatic landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and warm hospitality. From the glittering coastline of Croatia to the medieval towns of Bosnia and Montenegro, uncover a region shaped by history and brimming with beauty. Wander through walled cities, savour fresh oysters and local wines, and connect with communities keeping centuries-old traditions alive. This is a trip of vivid contrasts — where UNESCO sites and hidden gems combine to create something unforgettable
Meals Included
15 Frühstück, 4 Mittagessen, 1 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD565-735 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Trogir
- Ausflug nach Trogir (15-41EUR pro Person)
Split
- Archäologisches Museum (Gratis)
- Besichtigung der Kathedrale des Hl. Domnius (15-40HRK pro Person)
Lopud
- Besuch der Insel Lopud
Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik Sea Kayaking
Kotor
- Museum Maritimun in Kotor (4EUR pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Stadt Kotor (Gratis)
- Seekajakfahren (20EUR pro Person)
- Wanderung auf die Festung Sveti Ivan
Sarajevo
- Besuch der Lateinerbrücke (Gratis)
Start / Finish
Zagreb nach Sarajevo
Transport
Private minivan, walking, bus, catamaran, ferry
What's Included
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Brusje Guided Walk, Brusje
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Agroturizam, Dubrovnik
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Dabovic Winery, Nudo
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: „Belagerung von Sarajevo“-Tour, Sarajevo
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Maritimo Recycling, Dubrovnik
Dein Welcome-Moment: Tag der Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen am Vormittag
Dein Foodie-Moment: Green Market Tour, Trebinje
Dein Foodie-Moment: Apiary Visit, Trebinje
Dein Foodie-Moment: Cheese Making Farm and Lunch, Trebinje
Dein Foodie-Moment: Sarajevo Food Tour, Sarajevo. Plitvice National Parks walk. Split guided walking tour. Hvar guided walking tour. Stari Grad guided walking tour. Malo Grablje walk. Ston walk with oyster and wine tasting. Self guided Red History Museum visit. Boat cruise to Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor orientation walk, Winery tour and tasting, Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple views, UNESCO Necropolis tomb stone visit, Stari Most visit, All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Minimum Age
Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre
Itinerary
Day 1 Zagreb
Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel
Day 2 Zagreb/Split
Enjoy an excursion to Plitviče Lakes National Park. Take in the splendor of the travertine barriers, which create gem-like natural pools, and wander past cascading waterfalls and towering karst formations on a guided walk along boardwalks. Learn about the diverse wildlife and unique bird population of this World Heritage Site – one of Croatia’s most famed wonders. Take some free time for lunch, then journey down the Adriatic coast to Split and settle in for the night
Day 3 Split
After breakfast, begin your exploration of this beautiful coastal city. Take a guided walk around Split’s historic Old Town, where you’ll discover the grandeur of Diocletian’s Palace–dazzling Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built of luminous white stone imported from the nearby island of Braç. National Geographic writer Barbara A. Noe explored the “Gothic and Renaissance buildings incorporating the Roman remnants into their relatively “modern” styles, all within the palace’s original walls” for the article “In Diocletian’s Living Room.” Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Riva promenade – all while soaking in the rich history and stunning architecture of this unique city. Explore on your own with free time this afternoon. Wander the city at your leisure or join an optional excursion to the historic city of Trogir
Day 4 Split/Hvar
Ready your sea legs as you board a Catamaran to Hvar town this morning, then set off for a walking tour with a local guide. Wander through the historical and cultural sites including the main square, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Fortica Fortress. Stroll leisurely along the Riva Promenade and enjoy views of the harbor and nearby islands.
Join your guide on a walk back to the Citadel and continue your exploration with free time for lunch. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to fill however you’d like
Day 5 Hvar
Today, step back into history and embrace traditional Croatian culture. Meet your local guide before transferring to Stari Grad, an ancient Greek settlement that is one of the oldest towns in Europe, as well as a UNESCO-listed site at the Stari Grad Plain. National Geographic writer, Alex Crevar, notes that approximately 120 archaeologists have found remains of ancient and prehistoric buildings in the plains, leading to unparalleled historic significance. After, head to Brusje, a nearly abandoned, once-bustling shepherd's village where you’ll walk in ancient footsteps learning of the days gone by. Continue to Malo Grablje, a ghost town deserted since the 1960s, and wander through the haunting ruins of the town. Head to the only working restaurant at Berti's Konoba for a chat with the owner, then settle in for a traditional lunch. Return to Hvar after lunch and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure
Day 6 Hvar/Dubrovnik
Cross the Neretva Channel by ferry and travel to Ston, famous for its defensive city walls and oyster farming. Here, enjoy a wine and oyster demonstration followed by a local lunch. Continue on to Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic”. Set on the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik has been an important maritime town in the region for centuries. Surrounded by medieval walls, it is rich in history and is a beautiful city to explore, filled with stunning architecture, museums, and fountains
Day 7 Dubrovnik
Visit a family-run agrotourism villa surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views of the Adriatic. Join a local host on a spirited walk around the picturesque grounds, pick fresh fruits and vegetables in the gardens, and watch a baking demonstration. Then sit down together to share a traditional lunch of local ham, cheeses, and wine. Return to Dubrovnik for a self-guided visit at the Red History Museum–a unique place showcasing life in the former Yugoslavia. After, walk to the G Adventures-supported Maritimo Recycling project where artists are creatively working to clean up the Adriatic Sea. This evening, join your group for an optional farewell dinner
Day 8 Dubrovnik
Explore at your leisure with a free day today. Discover the well-preserved medieval architecture found in the famous Old Town safely tucked away behind the city wall’s stronghold. Take a cable car up Mount Srd and enjoy panoramic views of the city, or sip some Rozulin, a rose liqueur, with the sea breeze in your hair at one of the many seaside cafes
Day 9 Dubrovnik/Kotor
Cross the border to Montenegro to the stunning bayside town of Perast. Enjoy a boat cruise to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. In the National Geographic article “How to plan your pilgrimage to Montenegro‘s sacred spaces“ writer Kimberley J. Graham writes that the church is adorned with more than 2,500 silver plaques donated by sailors who credit the Madonna for their safe return from the sea. Explore the church and treasury before transferring back to Perast for a short walk to the old town and free time to wander the narrow streets and admire the abandoned baroque palaces. Continue onward and soak up the sparkling Bay of Kotor, designated a World Heritage Site for its terraced waterfront landscape and medieval architecture
Day 10 Kotor
Join your tour leader on a walk to the local market this morning, then enjoy a free day to explore. Discover the Mediterranean spirit of Kotor, surrounded by fortifications built by the Republic of Venice. Consider hiking up the medieval steps of the fortress for panoramic views of the city and harbour. Or opt to experience mud therapy at a local spa to test the natural healing properties of the area’s sand. Choose to visit the Risan Roman mosaics, go sea kayaking or if relaxing is more your style, the beaches of Herceg Novi offer a great escape
Day 11 Kotor/Trebinje
Set off to the Kovacevic Family Botanical Garden this morning; home to a diverse collection of approximately 127 species of trees, shrubs, and various other flora – the first protected natural monument of its kind. Walk the grounds before transferring to the Dabovic Winery for a tour and tasting. Whet your palate with sips of wine and brandy paired with local specialties to truly immerse yourself in the local Montenegro culture before crossing the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina, en route to Trebinje. Upon arrival, visit the Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple for spectacular views of the city
Day 12 Trebinje
Today is an indulgence of local flavours, regional specialties. Begin with a tour of the local Green Market; take in the colourful stalls and sample the fragrant fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Next, head to a female-operated apiary to learn about all things honey and the history of this 5-generation-run farm. After, continue to another local farm specializing in the art of cheese making. Learn about cheese production, sample the products and join the family for an authentic farm-to-table lunch.Head back to Trebinje for an evening on your own
Day 13 Trebinje/Buna
Set off for ancient Stolac–one of the oldest cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit the town centre and stop at the UNESCO-listed medieval Necropolis tombstones of Stecaka. Continue onward to Blagaj for a short orientation walk around town, then enjoy a free afternoon. Perhaps hike to the Blagaj Fortress or if you’re looking for something a little different, visit the Dervish Monastery
Day 14 Buna/Sarajevo
Enjoy a scenic drive to Mostar for a stroll around the ancient town and pay a visit to the famed Stari Most (Old Bridge), considered a symbol of the city’s resilience. This reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge was first built in the 17th century and then meticulously rebuilt after its destruction during the Bosnian War. Later, continue to impressive Sarajevo, a city steeped in history and culture. Head out for an evening food tour, exploring tiny alleys, local restaurants and markets and indulge in delicious Bosnian flavours
Day 15 Sarajevo
Learn about the four-year-long Siege of Sarajevo from a local expert who lived through this devastating period. Gain more insights at the Tunnel of Hope and War Tunnel Museum, and view bunkers, minefields, and trenches at Trebević Mountain, the site of several battles. After, take advantage of some free time to experience the site on your own before an optional farewell dinner
Day 16 Sarajevo
Depart at any time
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Zagreb
Welcome to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia known for a charming old city, complete with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Be sure to sample some of the delicious local food and drink. There are also a number of museums to explore focusing on art, history, and archaeology.
After the meeting, opt to head out for a meal in a local restaurant to get to know your CEO and travelling companions. Hotel check-in time is approximately 3:00pm. If you'd like to explore this city, consider booking a night or two of accommodations before the tour begins
Day 2 Zagreb/Split
Entrance to the park is included and there are many opportunities for walking and relaxing in one of Croatia's most famed wonders.
Day 3 Split
Day 4 Split/Hvar
Day 5 Hvar
Day 6 Hvar/Dubrovnik
Day 7 Dubrovnik
Day 8 Dubrovnik
Day 9 Dubrovnik/Kotor
Day 10 Kotor
Day 11 Kotor/Trebinje
Day 12 Trebinje
Day 13 Trebinje/Buna
Day 14 Buna/Sarajevo
Day 15 Sarajevo
Day 16 Sarajevo
