COUNTRIES: 5 | CITIES: 20 | EXPERIENCES: 15+ | ACCOMMODATION: 4* Hotels (twin / double) | ONE WAY TOUR: Ljubljana – Bled – Postojna – Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes NP – Una NP – Jajce – Sarajevo – Srebrenica – Konjic – Mostar – Kravice Falls – Split – Dubrovnik – Perast – Kotor – Budva – Sveti Stefan – Krujë – Vlorë – Durrës – Tirana | TRIP EXTENSIONS: Best of Istria 5 Days; Durmitor NP 3Day Tour; Kosovo All Inclusive 5Day Tour; Via Dinarica Trekking 8Day Tour (Bosnia & Herzegovina); Biogradska Gora NP 3Day Tour;
Explore and understand the true nature of the Balkans by visiting Europe’s most uncharted pearls – Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania. Delve into the world of amazingly flawless nature, diverse cultures and complex history puzzles and visit 5 Balkan countries in only 16 days at your own pace.
The stunning 16 day Balkan itinerary is the most convenient way to explore the 5 fascinating ex-Yugoslavian countries with addition of stunning Albania as well. This is an optimized mix of well-known destinations and those off-the beaten path.
The cost-benefit of this itinerary is the best value on the Balkan travel market today. We guarantee it. Private trip is possible on request.
Destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
>Ljubljana
Arrival Note: Depending on your arrival time and hotel check-in policy, you might not be able to check into your room immediately upon the arrival. Of course, you are welcome to store your luggage at the reception desk of your hotel and enjoy the bar services ideal for refreshment while discussing the rest of the day’s activities with your Funky Tours host.
Morning/Afternoon: We will pick you up at the airport at the time of your arrival and take you to your hotel. After you settle in your room, your Funky Tours local guide will pick you up and will take you for the afternoon walking tour of Ljubljana, one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Slovenia. We will take a stroll through the centuries and enjoy the treasure trove of endless layers of history and architecture.
You will have the opportunity to enjoy the most interesting parts of Ljubljana, covering places such as Prešern square, Triple bridge, Castle hill above the old town, Ljubljanica river, Dragon bridge, and many other attractions that this city is proud of.
Evening: On your own. In the evening you have free time that you can use to relax and make up for the time difference of the trip (jet lag), or if you are in a good mood visit some of the locations we suggest. Our guides are more than happy to recommend places for dinner or night out, in order to make your first night in Ljubljana as accommodating as possible.
WHEN YOU HAVE FREE TIME IN LJUBLJANA
During your time in Ljubljana, you will have some free time slots, during which you can opt for some interesting activities in Ljubljana. We recommend few of the following for independent explorations:
The Slovenian Art Commune is actually a former barracks of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, which today has been turned into a hip urban cultural center, where various theatrical and art events take place. On the facades but also inside the buildings you can see the unique street art. It is a particularly attractive place for night outs and meeting new people. Make sure not to miss out on Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova | +MSUM.
Built in 1813, Tivoli Park is the largest and most beautiful park in Ljubljana, reaching as far as the city center. Tivoli is a true oasis of peace in the heart of Ljubljana, which with its hiking and running trails, bike trails, lakes and fountains, offers everything one perfect recreation center should have. For lovers of easy walks, but also for those true sports lovers, Tivoli is the perfect choice.
Destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B
>Lake Bled
Activity Note: Today is a special day, today we are visiting the most interesting locations in Slovenia. We simply can’t miss Lake Bled, Postojna Cave and Vingar Gorge.
Breakfast: Our beautiful 4* hotel in Ljubljana will serve us buffet breakfast from 7 to 10 AM featuring local and International options.
Morning: In the early morning, after breakfast we are setting off for the north of Slovenia. The region known as the Julian Alps, is home to some of the most beautiful mountains and glacial lakes, of which we especially highlight the picturesque Lake Bled.
Lake Bled is definitely the most popular destination in Slovenia. Located at an altitude of 475m, 2.12km long, 1.38km wide and with maximum depth of 29.5m the Lake Bled offers fantastic opportunities both in summer and winter.
> Lake Bled castle
When we get to the lake itself, the possibilities of exploring the lake are unlimited. If you love walking, what you definitely have to try is a circular tour around the lake itself lasting from 1.30 to 2h. We are not putting pressure, we are just suggesting that you should take a walk around the lake 🙂
The island of Bled with the pilgrimage church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary is an indispensable part of our itinerary. You can reach the island by rowing on your own, or with a boat known as “pletna”, where you have your skipper rowing for you.
To explore the island itself with the church, souvenir shop, and local cafe bar, we usually leave for about 45min to 1 hour. From the dock where the boats dock to the very top of the island, you are separated by 99 steps, so be prepared to climb.
FOR EXTRA LAKE EXPLORATIONS:
For those who are interested in further exploring the Lake Bled region, we additionally recommend climbing the Mala Osojnica lookout point and enjoying the most beautiful views of the lake itself.
After that, we additionally recommend a visit to the medieval town of Bled, which was first mentioned on May 22, 1011, located on a hill just above the lake.
The delicacy that dates back to the times of Austro-Hungary, for which almost every country in the Balkans has its own name, is “Krempita” or “Kremšnita” (Ger: Cremeschnitte).
Lunch: You will have free time for lunch. Along the very coastline, or a little further around the narrow region of Lake Bled, is an excellent choice of places for top lunch. Whether you want to try something traditional local or international, your Funky Tours host will be of real help, and will happily recommend you the best options for your preferences.
Afternoon: After great lunch, and in-depth explorations of Lake Bled, our journey continues.
For the afternoon adventure, we single out a visit to Vintgar Gorge. Located a few kilometers from Lake Bled, this 1.6 km long canyon, carved by Radovna river, with cliffs from 50 to 100 meters high, Vintgar gorge offers the ultimate experience of passing through this canyon.
In many places, the river Radovna has eroded beautiful parts of the canyon with pools, waterfalls and the beautiful, 13m high “Šum” falls (eng. noisy falls). Walking on suspension walks and bridges is a great experience of Vintgar Canyon.
> Vintgar Gorge
After the beautiful Vintgar we move on. We continue our journey by visiting one of the most beautiful caves in the Balkans, the famous Postojna Cave. The cave complex, which carved out the Pivka River, was first mentioned in the 17th century, although interior graffiti dates back to the early 13th century. The cave is believed to be over a million years old.
Postojna Cave with the experience of driving the in-cave railway systems, with a huge space for exploring stalactites and stalagmites, curtains and all other wonders of the natures underworld, is an indispensable part of a visit to Slovenia. Exploring the cave is done with a local guide, who is always ready to answer any questions you may have.
Evening: Return to Ljubljana is in the evening when you have free time for dinner and additional exploration of Ljubljana on your own.
Destination: Zagreb, Croatia
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B
>Zagreb
Breakfast: Our beautiful 4* hotel in Ljubljana will serve us buffet breakfast from 7 to 10 AM featuring local and International options.
Morning: In the morning we leave Ljubljana and drive to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. After crossing the border, soon we are in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.
Since we usually arrive in Zagreb in the morning hours, we will leave our luggage at the hotel and go on a two-hour locally guided tour of Zagreb.
During the tour we will explore the most historically interesting parts of Zagreb, including the Upper and Lower Towns, Ban Jelacic Square, Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark’s Church, Dolac market and all the most important attractions in the heart of Zagreb.
Afternoon: After the walking tour, we check in our hotel, recommend the best places for lunch and dinner in Zagreb, and give you a free afternoon for activities in Zagreb. Your Funky Tours host is at your disposal 24 hours a day for all questions or additional activities in Zagreb itself. Our ultimate goal is satisfied guests and hassle-free logistics of exploring the Balkans.
WHEN YOU HAVE FREE TIME IN ZAGREB:
The Museum of Broken Relationships collects stories of broken relationships and offers a creative way to overcome the emotional pain of losing a partner by donating personal items to the museum collection. We definitely recommend this museum for afternoon fun in Zagreb.
The Museum of Broken Relationships collects stories of broken relationships and offers a creative way to overcome the emotional pain of losing a partner by donating personal items to the museum collection. We definitely recommend this museum for afternoon fun in Zagreb.
If you want to taste the true essence of Zagreb’s urban culture, then an afternoon visit to Tkalčićeva street is the best way to do it. Tkalčićeva street preserves the spirit of the past and at the same time represents the modern spirit of today.
Destination: Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B – D
>Plitvice Lakes
Activity Note: Today we are visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park and at the end of the day we are having overnight in Bosnia and Herzegovina, its northwest, which is one of the most beautiful and off-the-beaten path regions in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Also, since we are not in a rush and are spending one night in Zagreb, on this day we can leave a free morning in Zagreb, with a later departure from Zagreb.
Breakfast: Our beautiful 4* hotel in Zagreb serves buffet style breakfast with a variety of local and international options available.
Morning: After we leave Zagreb and head towards Plitvice National Park, we will make two short stops in Turanj Memorial and Rastoke Village. The journey towards Plitvice will take us some two hours.
From 1991 to 1995, Croatia waged its own Homeland War in the last decade of the previous century. It was the bloodiest conflict in post-World War II Europe, with massive ramifications for infrastructure and society. The Turanj area served as Karlovac’s last line of defense during the 1990s Homeland War. In the museum, which is housed in a facility that the Croatian defenders called “Hotel California,” we will learn a lot about the region’s rich history and see firsthand what equipment was utilized to protect Karlovac and Croatia.
Rastoke is known for its well-preserved mills and the picturesque waterfalls along the Slunjčica river, which flows into the river Korana at this place. The Korana river originates at Plitvice Lakes National Park, meaning at Rastoke, similar natural phenomena are occurring as at the Plitvice Lakes.
Afternoon: In the early afternoon we are visiting UNESCO world heritage, amazing Plitvice Lakes National Park. At Plitvice we will admire nature’s most amazing wonders made of water, limestone, green forest and much much more.
The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years, deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. These geological processes continue today.
At the park, we’ll walk around, do a few boat rides, learn more about the place and most importantly enjoy nature as much as we can. A visit to Plitvice Lakes is totally flexible according to your wishes and physical possibilities. The tour of the visit to the lakes can last from 3 to 5 or even 6 hours and we offer you maximum flexibility.
Evening:After a stunning visit to Plitvice lakes, In the later afternoon we shall depart towards Bihać, where we’ll cross the border from Croatia and enter the country of wonderland, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dinner: Upon short ride, we shall check up into our Una river based 4* hotel, take a short break and meet up for local dinner and a relaxed evening walk around Bihać town.
Destination: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B
>Una National Park
Activity Note: Wherever you travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina you travel off-the-beaten-path. Our mix of activities and destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina is optimized to offer only the best, whether they are off the beaten path or world famous destinations.
Morning: After great Bosnian style breakfast at our convenient 4* accommodation, we leave Bihać. Our first stop of the day is Una National Park, and probably the most beautiful National Park in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The visit to the National Park focuses on exploring the parts of the park that are located just by the Una River itself, and its most spectacular part – Štrbački Buk waterfall and the Una river canyon. In addition to easy sightseeing of the national park, the Una River offers perfect conditions for white water rafting of a world class level.
Štrbački Buk is the largest waterfall in the Balkans in terms of water flow capacity. It is 25 meters high and is a unique attraction of this part of the Balkans.
After visiting the waterfall, a special part of the day will be a morning coffee with traditional Bosnian desserts, with one of the families living next to the national park. Getting to know the hospitality of the Bosnian people will be one of the highlights of the whole Balkan trip.
Afternoon: After a beautiful first part of the day, we continue our journey towards Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Of course before that we stop in Jajce.
Jajce is the medieval residence of the Bosnian Kings. It is the World’s only place with a natural waterfall in the city center and birthplace of Yugoslavia. Ideas and life during Yugoslavia will be our most commented topic, so it definitely makes sense to visit a place where it all started in 1943.
A visit to the Jajce Fortress, the medieval catacombs where Josip Broz Tito hid during World War II, the Pliva Waterfall, the AVNOJ Museum and all other attractions of the old part of Jajce is an unavoidable part of this unique city, an open-air museum.
Lastly, a visit to Pliva lakes with numerous slopes and old mills is a must see when visiting Jajce region.
>Jajce fort and Pliva waterfalls
Lunch: Depending on the tour pace, we plan lunch in Jajce, next to the river Pliva or later in Travnik, tasting the famous Travnik cevapi.
Afternoon: The last part of the day before the final transfer to Sarajevo, we dedicate to Travnik. The Vizier’s Town, which with its beautiful Travnik Fortress, Blue Water springs, Šarena Mosque, the house of the Bosnian Nobel Laureate Ivo Andrić and other beauties represents a great end to this beautiful day.
Evening: We should arrive in Sarajevo in the evening, and we shall check into our 4* accommodation. The hotels we normally use in Sarajevo are always well located, greatly valued 4* hotels. Rest of the evening on your own for free time or local dinner. Your Funky Tours host will happily give you great recommendations on where to eat good in the evening hours in Sarajevo.
Destination: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B – L – D
>Sarajevo old part
Breakfast: There are no bad mornings when you are visiting Sarajevo, especially not for the first time. We will let you wake up and have breakfast at your own pace. Our nice and centrally located hotel will serve the buffet breakfast that will compliment the local cuisine offering an abundance of typical Bosnian choices but also the international.
Morning: Once you are ready, we will pick you up from your hotel and introduce you to the city in depth.
Sarajevo is one of the most walkable cities in the world so, naturally, we will start with the old town and city center making sure to take a peek into the every smallest detail of the city which gained its reputation as World’s emblem of multiculturalism often called the European Jerusalem.
During a nice and easy walk, we will take a stroll in cobblestone streets of Bascarsija, discover the small hidden alleys, blend with the clamour of the vibrant old town and admire the city’s symbols such as Gazi Mosque, Jewish Sinagogue, Orthodox and Catholic church, Franz Ferdinand assassination spot and many other sites important for understand the incredibly rich history of Sarajevo.
>Gazi Husref bey mosque – Sarajevo Baščaršija
Lunch: Tasting some tasty local food is an inevitable part of adopting the spirit of Sarajevans and comprehending the city’s DNA. In a cozy atmosphere of the small local restaurant we will taste some of the most popular Sarajevo meals and get an inside scoop on rich history immensely intertwined with famous local cuisine. Traditional Bosnian coffee and home-made juice is just an icing on the cake.
Afternoon: With full stomachs it is time to face the story of a once completely besieged city. Guided by an ex soldier, you will have a chance to not only visit but get a first-hand gripping experience and hear some overwhelming personal stories.
We will drive through the notorious Sniper Alley, take a photo of the famous Holiday Hotel, take a walk through the Tunnel of Hope which used to be the only connection of the city with the rest of the country, wander through one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe and end our visit at the grandiose Olympic Mt. Trebevic admiring the sunset views over the city.
>Sarajevo Olympic bobsled
Dinner: Bosnian Traditional Dinner. Now that you are familiar with the basics, and already in love with the city, it is time to show you how Bosnians relax. Every Bosnian will tell you that one of the most important things you need to do, in order to escape from the pitfalls of everyday life, is to know how to relax. We will take you on a food and drink adventure, presenting you all of the best local specialities followed by some great live music performances. After the dinner we will take you to your hotel, or let you enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace.
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF NIGHTLIFE IN SARAJEVO
Sarajevo is not a “nightclubs” city but it is known for a handful of pubs, bars and cafes that will meet the expectations of even the most demanding ones. Here are some of the best recommendations to start your night:
This is one of the most unique and authentic places in the old town of Sarajevo. It is officially called “Birtija” which means convivial saloon mostly visited by locals. Every birtija should have its local special drink and, at this place, it is visnjevaca- local cherry brandy.
Whether you are into cocktails, a glass of wine or watching some sports with friends, this place is the ideal place to be. In a cosy atmosphere this small place serves some of the best wines and cocktails you can find in the city. Moreover, this is a place where you will feel like home away from home.
This unique and impressive place is not just a bar, it is an attraction and a must while in Sarajevo. The decoration remains on antique steampunk theme and you won’t see many places in the world that include such a level of interior design. The place has its own style which you need to respect so do not expect some over fancy service.
This is a paradise for beer lovers. It offers more than 120 types of beer, 15 of which are craft. Besides drinks you will also have a chance to order some of the delicious snacks and dishes served on a special mat that will take you back to 1984. The bar is named after the mascot of the Winter Olympics and was created with the idea of reminiscing about the golden age of Sarajevo.
For the late night visits, Jazzbina is one of the best choices in Sarajevo. Jazz + bina in the local language means Jazz stage but if you cut one letter “z” you will get a word which means “burrow”. This is exactly what this club is- a sanctuary for all jazz, blues and R’n’R fans with amazing live music performances till early mornings.
Destination: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B – L
Activity Note: Meeting our guests needs and preferences is what we strive for. Today you will be given the two choices, depending on what you find more convenient for your BiH explorations.
Breakfast: Another absolutely amazing morning and time to start a day a bit earlier. After the tasty buffet breakfast and plethora of local and international choices brought by the amazing hotel staff, we will pick you up and head for another amazing experience of your choice.
Option 1: Lukomir Nomad Village
Activity Note: Although we strongly recommend a full hiking experience, do not feel discouraged in case you are not opting for a full day hike. This trip can easily be adjusted and coordinated to fit anyone’s preferences and fitness level.
>Lukomir village
Morning: If you are a nature lover and hiking enthusiast, Lukomir Nomad Village is your choice of a day no matter the fitness level.
We will start after breakfast and head towards the captivating Olympic beauty – Mountain Bjelasnica which is a home to the most isolated village in the country, Lukomir Nomad Village. Our first stop of the day will be a small village Umoljani where we shall leave our vehicle and enjoy the breathtaking sceneries of Studeni Potok (Cold Creek) and enter the mysterious world of legends while admiring the stone carved Dragon – Ažbaha.
In case you choose a full hiking adventure, the first part of the Umoljani to Lukomir village trail will be a 3.30 hour long hike which will take us from Umoljani all the way to the 1986 m high Obalj peak looming over the enchanting Lukomir village. We will have a short break at the top and admire the spectacular views over the Rakitnica Canyon and mountains of Treskavica, Visocica with numerous small villages in distance.
Lunch: We shall descend to Lukomir at around 12 PM and do some nice walks through this vibrant village which gets completely abandoned with the first snow every year. We will learn about the small local community of nomads, admire their fairytale-like homes and gardens and enjoy spectacular tastes of freshly prepared Bosnian pie made from the home grown vegetables. After the lunch, refreshments and inevitable Bosnian coffee, we will head towards the Rakitnica Canyon.
Afternoon: The return hike following the amazing Rakitnica Canyon will be a roughly 2.30hrs of an easy flat hike. With its length of 26km, Rakitnica canyon is the longest canyon in the country, and one of the European most remote and unexplored canyons.
We will walk the trail at the upper edge of the canyon and, once again, enjoy some amazing views until the path takes us back to Umoljani. We shall return to Sarajevo in the afternoon hours and let you have some free time to rest and explore the city on your own.
Option 2: Srebrenica Genocide Study Tour & Lunch with locals
>Srebrenica Memorial Cemetery
Morning: We will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast and head towards Srebrenica. During the, roughly, 3hrs of drive, we will pass along some picturesque villages and stunning sceneries of the remote parts of East Bosnia known for its fertile vast fields embraced by the high mountain peaks.
Along the way we will discuss the ex-Yugoslavia, from its rise to its fall, from the reasons to consequences and slowly introduce you to the story of the largest massacre in Europe ever since WWII.
During the drive, we will pass the remote places of Sokolac, Vlasenica with the notorious Sušica Concentration Camp, Milići, Kravica warehouse, the place of mass mass execution of nearly 1200 man in Kravica warehouse and Bratunac, place where Srebrenica Genocide victims were held first before the executions.
Once we reach Potocari, we will visit the Memorial Centre complex with the cemetery and the former Dutch UN base where you’ll get a chance to see Museum of “Srebrenica Genocide – failure of international community”, the Memorial Room, documentary movies, chronological photo exhibitions, graffiti remains and listen to the testimonies of the genocide survivors.
Most importantly, you will have a chance to meet the local survivor who will guide you through the Memorial and share some of his/her personal stories and experiences.
Lunch: It is impossible to decide what will be the highlight of today’s day as each moment will be absolutely overwhelming, but if we must choose a highlight, we will always go with supporting the local community and intense work on reconciliation.
After the Memorial Center we will meet with our hosts at their home and, over the tasty home-cooked lunch prepared from home-grown organic products, we will discuss further on the past, present and future of Srebrenica.
Afternoon/Evening: Last part of a day will be some nice and easy walks in the Srebrenica town and admiring the sunset from the viewpoint towering the mosque, catholic & orthodox church nestled in less than 200 m distance. We shall return to Sarajevo around 6 PM and let you have some free time to relax and explore the city on your own.
WHEN YOU HAVE FREE TIME IN SARAJEVO
Rising from the crowd-sourced book War Childhood and championing the principles and practices of social entrepreneurship, the independent, youth-led War Childhood Museum has garnered recognition as the world’s only museum focused exclusively on childhoods that have been affected by war.
Gallery 11/07/95 is the first memorial museum/gallery in Bosnia and Herzegovina – exhibition space aiming to preserve the memory on Srebrenica tragedy and 8372 persons who tragically lost their lives during the genocide.
The most famous Pizza place in Sarajevo is called “Pekara kod Mahira” and the most famous viewpoint above Sarajevo is the Yellow Bastion, a few min walking distance from the Baščaršija square. Pekara kod Mahira is a takeaway pizza place offering just one type of pizza made in the traditional style with Bosnian style ingredients such as smoked beef and kajmak .
Destination: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B
>Mostar Old Bridge
Breakfast: Enjoy the buffet style breakfast at your hotel offering the best of the local and international breakfast food. If you are a coffee drinker, Bosnian coffee with some ustipci (closest to Bosnian doughnuts) are the perfect choice to start a day.
Morning: Your team who you are already familiar with will pick you up from your hotel and start an absolutely amazing journey towards the region of Herzegovina with a first stop for a day being in Konjic. Konjic is a small town known for its charming bazaar and one of the best preserved Ottoman bridges in the country which also served as a “monument to human stupidity” for a very long time.
Konjic is also a home to the famous ARK D-0 or Tito’s Bunker, one of the best kept Yugoslavian secrets which took 26 years and around 5 billion dollars to be built. The bunker was meant to provide a shelter to over 350 Yugoslav leaders and army generals in case of Nuclear War. We will walk its premises and delve deep into the stories and secrets of the rise and fall of Yugoslavia.
>Tito’s Bunker
After Konjic, we will make a short stop in Jablanica, known for the famous WWII Neretva Battle and successful invasion of Partisans led by Josip Broz Tito. We will visit the commemorative park and take a short walk along the pedestrian bridge crossing the powerful Neretva battle and admire the massive bridge construction and its remains.
Afternoon: The last stop for a day, before we reach Mostar, will be Blagaj located on banks of mesmerising Buna river spring, a subterranean river which is considered to be the most beautiful, most powerful and the largest amongst karst springs in Europe.
In Blagaj, we will have a lunch break just next to the river and enjoy the tastes of the local dishes embraced by the amazingly serene nature setting.
After lunch, we will enter the world of mystical Sufi life and explore the Blagaj Tekke, Dervish House representing a true, unique sacral-residential example of Islamic architecture.
Around 4 PM we shall reach Mostar and take you to your centrally located hotel where you can have some rest before we delve into exploring the city and its most important landmarks.
Being the place that naturally connects the Adriatic coastline and Bosnian hinterland, Mostar is a unique fusion of numerous different historical periods that staked their claim to the city and sculpted it in a way that it proudly stands on a throne of cultural, historical, architectural and natural diversity of Balkans.
That is to say, once you are ready and fully energized, we will start exploring the city and follow its stories and legends of east and west lurking over each corner of charming narrow streets and cobblestone passages.
Evening: We will end the Mostar adventure at the Unesco protected Old Bridge and let you feel the pulse of the city on your own.
WHEN YOU HAVE FREE TIME IN MOSTAR
Probably one of the most inspiring moments in Mostar is having a drink of your choice at beaches just under the bridge, at very late evening hours. During the day Mostar’s old town area is extremely crowded and busy, while in the late evenings when most of the shops and cafes around Mostar are closed, spending a “private” time with the bridge, listening the sound of Neretva river will be one of those awe-inspiring moments of your Balkan travels.
The Partisan Cemetery of cenotaphs (symbolic graves), a masterwork of renowned Yugoslavian architect Bogdan Bogdanovic, finished in 1965, as a memorial to the partisan victims of WW2 in Mostar, beautifully displays all features of complex architectural, aesthetic and landscape design. Being a unique monument of the urban scale of the city of Mostar, with great ambient value, this cemetery serves as a monument of Yugoslav solidarity. Cemetery is some 20-25min walk from the Old Bridge area and is quite easily reachable just by using Google Maps. There is no entrance fee.
Destination: Split, Croatia
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B
>Blagaj Dervish House and Buna river spring
Breakfast: Our beautiful 4* hotel in Mostar will serve us buffet breakfast from 7 to 10 AM featuring local and International options.
Morning:Today, the road will take us through the amazing Herzegovina region that comes as an incredible fusion of karst topography and water abundance. Our first stop will be the enchanting Medieval town and Ottoman village – Pocitelj.
With only 17 people living there, Pocitelj is a fortified town which is nowadays turned into an art gallery and one of the favourite gathering places of many world’s renowned artists. We will take some nice and easy hikes, enjoy the spectacular views of the town towering the turquoise Neretva river and head towards the Kravica Waterfall, a remarkable cascade at Trebizat river.
Afternoon:: Kravica waterfall is a paradisiacal place where we shall have a rest from everything that is ordinary and mundane, and simply enjoy the serene setting of captivating waterfalls embraced by the lush greenery. During the summer it is also possible to swim
>Kravice waterfalls in Herzegovina
After we bless our eyes and souls at Kravica falls, we will head to Medjugorje, the last stop of the day before we arrive at Split. Millions of people Medjugorje. Due to a popular belief of apparition of Virgin Mary which started in 1981. Medjugorje is visited by millions of Catholic pilgrims each year.
Besides being Catholic pilgrimage, Medjugorje is a place where we will learn about the importance of diverse religions which have left a strong impact on people teaching them tolerance, respect and acceptance. We will visit the beautifully serene inside of St. James Parish Church where mass is held throughout a day in several languages.Those who are interested, will have a chance to do a 20/30min hike up the hill, to the Virgin Mary statue and enjoy the serene settings at their own pace.
As an icing on the cake, Medjugorje is known for another amazing movement, the Herzegovina Wine Route. Just when you thought this day couldn’t get any better, we will make a stop at the local winery and taste some of the finest of indigeneous Zilavka and Blatina wines. “Trapped” between the lush vineyards, powerful rivers, karst and stone while treating your taste buds with the finest wines and learning about the wine production dating back from the 2000 BC is truly a hard to match experience. But every day brings a new challenge and discovery.
Evening:We will arrive to Split just on time for dinner. After the hotel check-in, we will make sure to recommend some good place to enjoy the rest of the evening and we will see you tomorrow.
Destination: Split, Croatia
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B
>Trogir
Breakfast: Welcome to Dalmatia. Who wouldn’t want to be woken up by the gentle sun breaks and sounds of seagulls and smells of the turquoise Adriatic sea. Your centrally located hotel in Split will offer the best of typical Dalmatian but also International food choices over the buffet breakfast. Enjoy your time and we will pick you up when you are ready.
Today you will have a chance to admire one of the most popular Mediterranean places, a place so special that there will hardly be a single thing you won’t be fascinated with. They say that Split is a place you have to love, it’s not a matter of choice.
The first part of a day we will use for an extensive walk and learn about Split in depth. We will take a stroll through the centuries, starting from Roman times and enjoy the treasure trove of endless layers of history, architecture and urban spirit of this amazing city.
Just the fact that the essence of the city’s urban life is the grandiose 4th century Diocletian’s Palace which, along with the historic centre are UNESCO protected and maintained by the United Nation’s agency for education, science and culture is a small hint on all of the possible whirlwinds of emotions you will be experiencing while walking the paths of the ancient civilisations and enjoying the mesmerizing colors of Adriatic sea.
>Split
Afternoon: Second part of the day will not be any less amazing as we are heading to Trogir, a town so special its entire core, or to say the old town, is completely under UNESCO protection.
Very often pointed out as The Old Town Heaven, Little Venice of Dalmatia or Stone beauty, Trogir is most likely one of the top 10 romantic places you will ever encounter. Together with your local host, we will take a stroll in maze-like marble streets and admire Renaissance, baroque and Romanesque buildings, hear some intriguing stories and legends as Trogir, with its 2300 years old urban tradition, is a historical treasure trove.
We will have a lunch break in Trogir as restaurants there are famous for Dalmatian but also international food. After lunch, we will let you wander the city on your own, do some shopping or simply relax at one of the amazing pebble-stone beaches.
Evening: In the late afternoon hours, we shall go back to Split which never sleeps and is known for its amazingly vibrant nightlife so don’t call it a day yet. After the dinner, make sure to check out some of the popular bars, pubs or nightclubs.
WHEN YOU HAVE FREE TIME IN SPLIT
Looming over the city, Marjan Hill is a low mountain surrounded by the sea and the city. It is completely naturally preserved and is ideal for nice and easy hikes. Climbing the Marjan Hill will take you around 2hrs but do rest assured you will be rewarded with the breathless views stretching over the Split as well as other surrounding towns and villages.
Apart from the fairytale centre of Split, the beaches of this city are its strongest asset, especially during the summer season but winter doesn’t. The most famous beaches are Bačvice, Kasjuni, Bene, Firule, Žnjan and Kaštelet. Bačvice Beach is the most popular beach in Split, and famous for picigin, a really fun game which is, believe it or not, included in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Picigin is played in shallow water and if you take a walk along the beach you will most likely encounter numerous locals playing picigen.
Apart from the fairytale centre of Split, the beaches of this city are its strongest asset, especially during the summer season but winter doesn’t. The most famous beaches are Bačvice, Kasjuni, Bene, Firule, Žnjan and Kaštelet. Bačvice Beach is the most popular beach in Split, and famous for picigin, a really fun game which is, believe it or not, included in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Picigin is played in shallow water and if you take a walk along the beach you will most likely encounter numerous locals playing picigen.
Diverse local cuisine in this region is something you must try. Since Split lies on the Adriatic Sea, the dominant cuisine is Mediterranean. However, the choice of traditional Dalmatian dishes is also excellent. Therefore, we can recommend one of the famous – restaurant “Zrno Soli” where you will be able to try some of the most delicious and traditional meals and to taste the finest wines from Dalmatia region with an enchanting sea view.
“Survive” the drinking games, play pong and flip cup, hang out with locals and visit multiple Split bars in one night. That is what Pub Crawl that gained a huge popularity in Split is all about. Pub crawl runs 7 days a week and, for only 25 EUR per person, you can enjoy the open bar from 9 PM to 11.30 PM and “all you can drink” fun which usually continues with dancing to the early morning at one of the famous Split nightclubs.
Destination: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B
>Dubrovnik
Breakfast: Another morning in Paradise. Your hotel will serve breakfast from 7 till 10 AM but we should start with a day no later than 9 AM so make sure to get fully energised before as we have another amazing day ahead.
Morning: Today’s destination is Dubrovnik, city of walls and favorite stop for the fans of Game of Thrones. A roughly 3hrs drive with a short stop in the walled town of Ston, will bring us to Dubrovnik where we shall arrive around 12 PM. We will do the hotel check-in and recommend some good places for lunch that will be an absolute threat.
Afternoon: After lunch we will head towards exploring the medieval core of the old town of Dubrovnik with our local host and resident who will make sure to introduce us to the city, its culture, history and people in depth while discovering the 1400 year history of the city.
We will navigate the old town labyrinth through the white limestone-paved streets and admire the crowning walls and medieval homes surrounded by 15th century fortification walls for at least a couple of hours.
You will have a chance to visit the gothic-renaissance Rector’s Palace; the baroque-style Cathedral of the Assumption, built in the 18th-century; and the landmark Bell Tower, which looms 31 meters over Luza Square etc. and learn every important story this city can tell.
Afternoon/Evening: The rest of the day we will let you soak up the DNA of the city on your own. Whether you prefer taking a cable car to the craggy Mt. Srdj, walking the Dubrovnik city walls, discovering the spots where your favorite TV show Game of Thrones was filmed, or you simply prefer some relaxing time and enjoy this Adriatic pearl at the beach, waiting for a spectacular sunset colours, Dubrovnik will never fail to disappoint you.
WHEN YOU HAVE FREE TIME IN DUBROVNIK
Srdj is a low mountain just behind the walled city of Dubrovnik. Cable Car to Mt. Srdj is definitely a “must” experience while in Dubrovnik and will enable you to admire the city from the above. Place where the ocean blue sky meets the ancient Dubrovnik reflecting in softly dousing sea is absolutely a perfect spot for taking some everlasting memories and awe inspiring photos. Moreover, if you are into adrenaline pumped activities, you can do zip-line.
Kupari is a village in Croatia southeast of Dubrovnik and it is just about 15 minutes of drive from the center of Dubrovnik. The Kupari beach is an abandoned complex which includes several large hotels severely damaged during the Croatian War of Independence. Be careful but do check out the inside of the ruins. You will have a chance to see some amazing graffiti and recreate the old glory of the place which used to host ex. Yugoslav president Tito, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and many others.
Did you know that The State of Dubrovnik was among the first countries to abolish slave trade in the 15th century? Moreover, Dubrovnik had the first orphanage in the world and is home to the oldest commercial pharmacy in the world. That is to say, interesting stories are lurking over at each corner of this city which will never fail to absolutely amaze you.
Destination: Kotor, Montenegro
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B
>Kotor
Morning: After a delicious breakfast, we leave Dubrovnik in the early morning, and are pumped up to explore the best of Montenegro, the beautiful region of Kotor bay.
As soon as we cross the border, the first point of the morning visit is the beautiful Perast. Perast is a baroque village in the municipality of Kotor with its two stunning islets: Sveti Djordje (St. George) as a natural one, and Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) as an artificial one. Historically important for its naval history, Perast strategically stands opposite the only water entrance to Kotor bay.
After we take a pleasant short walk through Perast village, we are ready to take a short boat ride to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. In the middle of the 15th century, on 22nd of July 1453, when two brothers found an icon on a rocks (“škrpjela”) in the water, as a sign of gratitude, the locals of Perast, built an islet, by increasing the surface of the islet by pouring stones and sinking old sailing ships.
Today, the islet with its church, beautiful frescoes and a small museum is one of the biggest attractions of the Bay of Kotor. This two-way boat ride and islet explorations will take us around one hour. Once we are back to Perast, we shall make a short coffee break at one of the local cafes in Perast. Experiencing Perast without at least having one drink or coffee at bars and cafes overlooking the islets is definitely a miss.
Afternoon:In the early afternoon we arrive in Kotor, the most popular place on the beautiful Montenegrin coast, located in the Bay of Kotor.
The first plan is to check our accommodation, leave our things and start a detailed exploration of the old part of Kotor with a local guide. Walking tour of Kotor will take us via hidden cobble stoned streets, giving us an opportunity for in-depth understanding of the history and cultural background of Kotor.
In the present day originating from Venetian-era, but originally mentioned during the Roman era as a strategic position on the Adriatic sea, the Kotor throughout its nearly 2 millenia long history has been through many ups and downs. Since Romans, followed by Illyirians, Slavs, Hungarians, Serbian, Venetians, French, Austrians, Yugoslavian, and today finally part of modern Montenegro, the Kotor has seen many empires passing by, while leaving part of their history engraved within heavily fortified walls of Kotor.
Learning specifics about the past and presence of Kotor, while admiring the narrow stone streets, stone churches, stone walls, high mountains above, small windows with drying laundry, a ton of cats, hidden bars and cafes, and so much more, is a great way to experience UNESCO heritage of Kotor town.
Lunch:After a pleasant two-hour walk through the old part of Kotor, lunch and the rest of the day we leave you free to explore this pearl of the Adriatic. A local guide with the assistance of your Funky Tours host will be happy to recommend locations for excellent sea or continental Montenegrin food.
Evening:On your own. Your Funky Tours Host will provide you with all the amazing recommendations on locations to chase for some good time during your evening free time in Kotor.
WHEN YOU HAVE FREE TIME IN KOTOR
The famous Saint John’s Fortress, or Castle of San Giovanni just above the lowground of Kotor is the number one thing to do in Kotor. We recommend this experience either in the early morning or late afternoon during your free time in Kotor. To avoid big heats and sun getting directly to your camera while taking photos, the most recommended time is early morning. For romantics, the late afternoon during the sunset is also very recommended. Regular time to climb the top is 45min and 30min to come down. For the majority of people, this experience lasts around 2hrs.
The Maritime Museum of Montenegro in Kotor has grown out of the collection founded by the “Boka Marine” Fraternity around the year 1880, and opened to the public in 1900. Great place to visit for history buffs and lovers of maritime glory of Kotor.
St Tryphon Cathedral is a Romanesque style church that dates to 1166, and was built on the site of the church dating to 809. It is one of two Roman Catholic cathedrals in Montenegro, and houses the relics of St. Tryphon, the city’s patron saint and protector. As it is one of the most popular things to see in Kotor, we heavily recommend a visit.
Destination: Tirana, Albania
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B
>Sveti Stefan
Morning: After a very tasty breakfast in our Kotor accommodation, we move on to explore the rest of the Montenegrin coast that we planned for this day.
The first location on the list is the old town of Budva and the island of Sveti Stefan. Originally founded by Phoenicians, 2500 years of turbulent history are woven into the walls of Budva old town, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places of the Adriatic coast.
Walking around the narrow, cobble stoned streets and enjoying the wide panorama views from Budva old town fort, while listening to the historical facts on this beautiful small town, is a great way to peek into the glorious history of this small, but extremely beautiful town on Montenegro coastline.
Budva is traditionally considered a Balkans summer time party capital. Long sandy beaches with open space clubs and bars bring young people from all around the Balkans, eager to party and enjoy the Balkan style of music.
Once an island, today connected to the mainland by narrow isthmus, Sveti Stefan is now a 5-star franchise hotel of the international group of Aman Resorts. Entrance to Sveti Stefan is usually not allowed unless you have booked accommodation or lunch there. However, observing the beautiful Sveti Stefan islet from a short distance, and taking selfies during our visit is a must do.
After enjoying beautiful Budva and Sveti Stefan we continue our journey towards Albania. After we cross the border into Albania, the last stop of the day, before we reach Tirana, is Kruje.
Lunch: In the afternoon hours upon arrival to Kruje, we are having lunch at Skanderbeg fort.
> Kruje Fort
Afternoon: Once upon a time Kruje was capital of the first autonomous Albanian state and a home place of Albanian National hero Skenderbeg. Being home to the most preserved old marketplace in Albania and beautifully nested on the mountains, overlooking the Adriatic sea and amazing Ishëm River plain, the town of Kruje offers great panorama sights and insight into ancient and interesting history.
In the end, we are offering you free time for shopping in the old market of Kruje.
Evening: In the later afternoon we move towards Tirana, where we arrive in the evening hours. After we check into our 4*hotel, we are giving you free time to relax with detailed suggestions where to go out in Tirana for good local food and drinks.
Destination: Tirana, Albania
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B
>Tirana
Morning: Welcome to one of the only capitals in the world that has no McDonalds but will impress you with its food and the ideal start to discover Albanian cuisine will be the buffet style breakfast serving the food you would typically smell in mornings at Albanians homes.
Today, we will take it nice and easy, discovering Tirana, a youthful and vibrant city with incredibly rich and diverse architecture and nature in depth. Plucked from the comunist era and regime, Tirana is nowadays a colourful city seeking the attention with each massive building you stumble on.
First part of this day we will focus on the city center and offer you an introduction followed by some interesting stories provided by our local guide who will make sure you understand this city as if it wasn’t your first time visiting.
We will learn about the 2000BC origins of Albania, the numerous wars it went through and the secrets of the Communist regime in the 1960s when Albania was officially declared as an atheist country and closed the door of all the religious temples.
During the walk, and some interesting talks, we will face one of the largest open squares you have seen, the Skandarbeg square which used to be a home to the statue of Stalin, the amazing Clock Tower, Mother Teresa Square, National Art Gallery, Ethem Bey Mosque and the fascinating Pyramid of Tirana, a massive structure which used to be a museum, conference hall and, during the Kosovo War a NATO base.
Early Afternoon: Our next stop will be BunkArt 2, a fascinating contemporary art and history museum placed in a colossal war bunker which makes it Tirana’s highlight. Bunker was built in the 1970s for the political elite and it remained a top secret for many years of its existence.
Its controversial message can be seen right upon the entrance which evokes the fact of, roughly, 750.000 bunkers that the former dictator Enver Hoxha had constructed all over Albania. Walking along its labyrinth and discovering the premises with interesting and interactive exhibits will take you deep into the philosophy of the dark times of Albania.
Afternoon/Evening: Completely overwhelmed by everything you have seen so far, we will let you be one on one with the city and remember, contrary to the majority of the world, nodding your head in Albania to locals means “no” while shaking it will mean “yes.
WHEN YOU HAVE FREE TIME IN TIRANA
If you are a nature lover, Mt. Dajti is a simple must while in Tirana. It offers an amazing number of possible activities such as hiking, horse riding, shooting, adventure park and, most importantly, a fascinating number of military bunkers hidden in woods waiting to be discovered.
If you liked BunkArt 2, you will love BunkArt 1 for sure. Another former Cold War bunker turned into an underground contemporary art & history museum over several floors. You will have a chance to step back in time during the communist’s paranoia and even explore the Enver Hoxha personal premises.
Besides being known for Enver Hoxha’s former villa, Blloku neighbourhood is Tirana’s most colourful residential area which, during the communist years, was built to house the members of the communist party. Chase the colours in the neighbourhood which once was completely prohibited for the ordinary people, enjoy a famous Albanian brand of coffee, and visit the Wilson Square Apartment to admire Tirana’s iconic rainbow painting.
Albanian cuisine is an excellent and tasty fusion of Turkish, Italian and Greek traditional dishes so rest assured it will absolutely amaze you with the abundance of the exciting new tastes and textures. On top of that, hospitality is an inevitable part of Albanian culture and tradition no matter if you are a friend, acquaintance or a complete stranger. Relax in the cozy atmosphere of the local restaurant and discover the world of ferges, sarma, kukurech, qofte, flija or simply enjoy the refreshing taste of the sea food.
Do a Xhiro. Xhiro is an evening stroll. Locals in Tirana like their evening walks so much they gave the special name to it. Xhiro is an evening walk during which locals meet in the neighborhood and hang with each other walking and talking until nightfall. Xhiro could be your way of some interesting encounters and meeting the true local people.
Destination: Tirana, Albania
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Meals Included: B
>Berat
Morning: Over buffet breakfast in the hotel make sure not to miss out to taste some of the famous Albanian dishes and dare yourself to taste the strong Albanian type of coffee to get you started the day.
After breakfast we will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Berat, a town which is definitely a highlight of Albania. In July 2008, the entire old town of Berat, Mangalem district, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Berat dates from 6th – 5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement and, later on in the 3rd century, this settlement was turned into a castle city with churches, valuable frescoes and icons.
Nowadays, citizens of the picturesque city of Berat still live inside of the castle walls and you will have a chance to visit this amazing Berat fortress, National Ethnographic and Iconographic museums, Holy Trinity Church, King` s Mosque and many other locations on our way.
After we get familiar with Berat, we will head towards Vlore. Besides the fact it is an amazingly beautiful harbour with stunning beaches, Vlore also holds a special place in Albanian history as it is the place where the Albanian leader, Ismail Qemal, proclaimed Albania an independent state in 1912.
Early Afternoon:Before we let you enjoy the city on your own, we will make sure to visit the Independence Monument and Muradie Mosque, both of which nowadays serve as reminders of the glory days of independence and dark ages of communism and post-war struggle.
The remarkable visit to Vlore will help us understand what it means to be Albanian and will give some mind provoking information which we can discuss together, on our way to the beach.
After some easy stroll in the city we will let you enjoy the city, its amazing beaches and have lunch on your own in one of the traditional Vlore restaurants.
Before we head to Tirana, we will take another time travel and make a short visit to Durres. Many heard about the Durres incredibly beautiful beaches but only a few did understand that Durres is a home to a grandiose Roman amphitheater in the very heart of the city center. We will explore the ancient premises of the largest amphitheater in the Balkans dating back from 2nd century BC and try to imagine a crowd of over 20.000 people which this place used to easily host at once.
Evening:In the late afternoon we will get you back to Tirana and let you soak up the impressions over some nice dinner and discovering the city on your own.
Please book via booking form by selecting departure date and number of person. If you have any additional questions about departure dates, please reach us via +387 62 612 612 or info@funkytours.com.
| Departure Dates | Tour Status | Price per person |
| January 14 | Departed | 1995 € |
| January 28 | Departed | 1995 € |
| February 11 | Departed | 1995 € |
| February 25 | Departed | 1995 € |
| March 11 | Departed | 1995 € |
| March 25 | Departed | 1995 € |
| April 8 | Departed | 2150 € |
| April 22 | Departed | 2150 € |
| May 6 | Available | 2150 € |
| May 20 | Available | 2150 € |
| June 10 | Available | 2585 € |
| June 24 | Available | 2585 € |
| July 8 | Available | 2585 € |
| July 22 | Available | 2585 € |
| August 5 | Available | 2585 € |
| August 19 | Available | 2585 € |
| September 2 | Available | 2585 € |
| September 16 | Available | 2585 € |
| September 30 | Available | 2585 € |
| October 14 | Available | 2150 € |
| October 28 | Available | 2150 € |
| November 11 | Available | 1995€ |
| November 25 | Available | 1995 € |
| December 09 | Available | 1995 € |
| December 23 | Available | 1995 € |
What Do I Need to Bring?
We choose the accommodation very carefully and include only the best in the range of 4 * hotels in all destinations where we spend the night. Accommodation is based on double / twin sharing rooms with breakfast.
The final list of hotels will be forwarded by email to travellers when the tour and rooming list is finally confirmed (at least 30 days prior to departure).
1. Ljubljana: Hotel M or similar
2. Zagreb: Hotel Loop or similar
3. Bihać: Hotel Kostelski Buk or similar
4. Sarajevo: Hotel Colors Inn or similar
5. Mostar: Hotel Eden or similar
6. Split: Hotel Ora or similar
7. Dubrovnik: Hotel Lero or similar
8. Kotor: Hotel Vardar or similar
9. Tirana: Hotel Colosseo or similar
Single Supplement
This tour package is covered by Funky Tours General and Multi-day Tours Terms and Conditions.
Funky Tours makes every effort to adapt the Terms & Conditions to its valued travellers and we sincerely ask you to pay attention to them at this link.
We are at your disposal for any questions at +387 62 612 612 (WhatsApp or call) or info@funkytours.com.
Funky Tours was an excellent tour of 5 countries of the Balkans. (Slovenia, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania). Our tour guide, Emir was very professional, informative and well organized. Funky Tour staff in Sarajevo were very hands on and very accommodating. The local guides they used in a number of locations on tour were all great. I would highly recommend Funky Tours in the future. Loved our tour!!!
My husband and I have had our trip of a lifetime in the Balkans.
Everything went smoothly from the moment we arrived and every day was better than the day before. The Balkans have easily become our favorite part of Europe.
We loved the culture, history, people and food! Thank you Ema, Nadira, Salem, Adnan and Senad for EVERYTHING!!!
We will be back for sure.
Funky Tours made me and my friends feel like FAMILY. Traveling in a group of twenty students from sunny California, Funky Tours planned an astonishing three-week-long tour that encapsulated Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia. Funky Tours really made this trip into the kind of “once in a lifetime” trip that I was hoping it would be prior to arriving in Europe.
The Funky Tours FAMILY:
The people that make up this organization are phenomenal. Emir, our tour guide, helped so much to make this trip amazing. He was so knowledgeable, always surprised us with interesting facts, and was like a walking encyclopedia! But Emir was much more than just our tour guide, he was our friend. He was funny, energetic, and in a good mood.
Another person I would like to thank is Edna. She was in charge of arranging and maintaining our hotel reservations. Without her, we wouldn’t have had a roof over our heads and warm beds to sleep in. She was always super cool to talk to and a very nice person all around!
Last, but not least was Skender – the founder of Funky Tours. It felt like his main goal was for us to experience the culture that the region had to offer; he did a great job of it as well. His actions proved it, he would always drive us places in his personal vehicle if we needed a ride somewhere and he would pay money for group side excursions.
Overall, we had a great time thanks to funky tours and we learned a lot about the history and culture of the region.
Thank you, Skender, Emir, Edna, Ema, Tomislav, and Nadira.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I can’t thank Funky Tours enough for all the effort they put into our study abroad trip.
We went on walking tours, museum visits, boat rides, national parks, snowboarding, ate traditional Balkan cuisine, listened to guest speakers, climbed fortresses, and spent nights out in the town. We got the privilege to visit Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina immersing ourselves in each culture.
I especially want to thank our tour guides Skender, Edna, and Emir for solving all of our problems during the trip and even hanging out with us some nights.
They went above and beyond to make sure everyone in the group was happy and enjoyed the experience, even driving us around individually to different places around the cities to save us money.
Also, I want to thank Nadira and Ema for helping organize this memorable trip for my entire class.
Lastly, I have to thank all of Funky Tours for hosting a party at their office for my 21st birthday during the trip which was something I wasn’t expecting but will never forget.
Overall, I can’t even fully explain how grateful I was to have had such a genuine group of people take care of me and my class for 26 days in the Balkans. Thank you Funky Tours for an experience I’ll never forget!
Amazing tour through Balkans
We visited the Balkans area and our tour guides at funky tours spent almost a whole month with us. We traveled together explored different cities each place was more beautiful than the last.
Edna, Emir, Skender and Ema took great care of us, we had an amazing time. If I could go back I would definitely ask for the same guides. Visiting a different country where language is completely different and no one you know has visited can be a bit scary but funky tours made it all so easy and did an amazing job at helping us learn basic words, they recommend some of the best restaurants and made sure we had the best experience of a lifetime.
I’m so grateful and I would love to visit again. FYI EDNA was my favorite ❤️
