Best of Balkans in 12 Days (Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina & Montenegro)

Destination:Zagreb Arrival | Zagreb Walking Tour
Inclusions: Lunch | Swim stops | Relax time 

Activity Note:We recommend arriving in Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital, a day earlier if possible. This gives you time to settle in, adjust, and enjoy the city at your own pace before starting your journey. Zagreb is a welcoming mix of history, culture, and lively urban charm, making it a fantastic place to kick off your adventure.

When you arrive at Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel in the city center. After checking in and having some time to relax, head out to explore Zagreb on foot. Start in the historic Upper Town, where the cobblestone streets lead you to St. Mark’s Church with its eye-catching tiled roof. You’ll visit the Lotrščak Tower for stunning views of the city and walk through the Stone Gate, a peaceful spot filled with candles and prayers. Tkalčićeva Street is a must-see, with its colorful cafés, restaurants, and shops buzzing with life.

Make your way to Dolac Market, Zagreb’s lively hub where locals shop for fresh produce, flowers, and traditional snacks. From there, head to the Lower Town to see Zagreb Cathedral, the city’s most iconic landmark, and spend some time in Ban Jelačić Square, the heart of the city. Take a stroll through Zrinjevac Park, a beautiful green space surrounded by elegant buildings.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try some Croatian favorites like štrukli, a warm cheese pastry, or a hearty Zagorski šnicl. After dinner, you can either soak up the city’s lively evening atmosphere or head back to your hotel to rest and get ready for the journey ahead. This is just the beginning of your 12-day adventure through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

Destination:Zagreb / Split, Croatia
Inclusions:4* Hotel Globo (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast | Plitvice Lakes entrance fee | Željava Airport Base
Driving Time:4.30hrs | Private Vehicle

Activity Note: Today, we are visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park and Željava Airport Base, and at the end of the day, we are having overnight in Split.

Morning: After we leave Zagreb and head towards Plitvice National Park. The journey towards Plitvice will take us some two hours. The optional stop is available at Croatian Homeland War Museum.

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, housed in a facility that the Croatian defenders called “Hotel California,” we will learn much 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 Korana River 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.

Mid-day: In the early afternoon, we visit UNESCO world heritage, amazing Plitvice Lakes National Park. At Plitvice, we will admire nature’s most impressive wonders made of water, limestone, green forest, and much much more.

The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have deposited travertine barriers over thousands of years, creating natural dams, creating a series of beautiful lakes, caves, and waterfalls. These geological processes continue today. 

 We’ll walk around the park, do a few boat rides, learn more about the place, and, most importantly, enjoy nature as much as possible. 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.

Afternoon:After a stunning visit to Plitvice Lakes, we shall pay a visit to the attractive Željava Air Base. 

After soaking in the natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes, embark on a unique adventure to Željava Air Base. This former top-secret military facility, nestled within the mountainous terrain, offers a captivating glimpse into Yugoslavia’s Cold War history. Explore underground tunnels, once bustling with activity, and witness the remnants of a bygone era. Stand in awe of the colossal entrance carved into the mountainside. Željava‘s mystique and historical significance make it a must-visit destination, adding a fascinating layer to your journey through Croatia.

Later afternoon, we shall depart towards Split, where we expect to be by 7 or 8 pm.

Dinner: On your own in Split.

Destination:Split, Croatia
Inclusions:4* Hotel Globo (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast | Walking Tour of Split | Free time in Split
Optional:Half-day tour to Trogir, Solin and Klis fortress | Half-day boat tour to Blue cave, Bol, Šolta

Morning: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 Dalmatian and 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 unique that there will hardly be a single thing you won’t be fascinated with. They say that Split is a place you must love; it’s not a matter of choice. 

We will take an extensive walking tour in the early morning and learn in-depth about Split. We will stroll through the centuries, starting from Roman times, and enjoy this fantastic city’s treasure trove of endless layers of history, architecture, and urban spirit. 

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 center UNESCO protected and maintained by the United Nations Agency for Education, Science, and Culture, is a slight hint on all of the possible whirlwinds of emotions you will be experiencing while walking the paths of the ancient civilizations and enjoying the mesmerizing colors of the Adriatic sea.

Afternoon/Dinner: Free on your own. After the morning walking tour, you can spend the rest of the day exploring Split on your own or take one of the full-day or half-day tours covering the surroundings of Split, such as the UNESCO town of Trogir or the beautiful islands of Brac, Solta, or even Hvar.

Destination:Split / Dubrovnik, Croatia
Inclusions:4* Hotel Kompas (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast | Funky Tours Treat: Oyster tasting in Ston
Driving Time:3hrs | Private Vehicle

Afternoon: We will arrive in Dubrovnik in the afternoon. After checking into the hotel, we’ll recommend some great spots to make the most of the rest of the day—whether it’s a stroll through the Old Town, a relaxing café, or a scenic viewpoint to catch the stunning Dubrovnik sunset. We’ll see you tomorrow for the next adventure!

Destination:Dubrovnik, Croatia
Inclusions:4* Hotel Kompas (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast | Dubrovnik Walking Tour | Free Time in Dubrovnik
Optional:Day Tour to Peljesac Peninsula and Korcula Island with Wine Tasting | Explore National Park Mljet

Morning: In the morning, we will be 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 town. 

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 few 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/Dinner: On your own. During the second half of the day, you can spend by exploring Dubrovnik on your own.

Destination:Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Inclusions:4* Hotel Colors Inn (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast
Driving Time:4.30hrs | Private Vehicle

Morning: Our trip from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo will take us through two hidden gems that often stay off the tourist map: Trebinje and Tjentište. These places are true treasures, rich in history, beauty, and stories waiting to be discovered.

As we cross the border, you will see the welcoming sign for Republika Srpska – an introduction to the layered history and unique character that define Bosnia and Herzegovina. Your tour leader will be by your side, sharing stories and fascinating insights about the cultural and historical twists that shape this beautiful part of the world.

In Trebinje, located along the tranquil Trebišnjica River, you’ll experience the blend of Mediterranean charm and rich cultural heritage. We’ll stroll through the old town, enjoying its stone streets, lively squares, and vibrant markets shaded by towering plane trees.

Trebinje is home to around 20 wine cellars, each with its own story and flavors. While we’re talking about wines, this will be a perfect time to pop open a bottle of local wine and toast to this journey, savoring the moment with a view of the river and surrounding hills.

Afternoon:From Trebinje, we’ll head towards Tjentište, home to one of the most striking World War II memorials in the region. Set in the heart of Sutjeska National Park, this grand monument stands as a powerful reminder of bravery during the Battle of Sutjeska. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, we’ll share the stories of this important battle, a turning point in Yugoslavia’s history. The scale and design of the monument leave visitors in awe, making it a moment for both inspiration and reflection.

This route may not be on every tourist map, but that’s because not many people know about it or how to reach it. Your tour leader will guide you through hidden corners and untold stories, taking you beyond the ordinary and into the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here, you’ll find that true travel isn’t just about places — it’s about moments that resonate, the quiet beauty that speaks to the soul, and the connections that remind you of what it means to be human. These are the experiences that transform a journey into something much deeper, leaving you with a sense of wonder and a renewed perspective on the world.

We will reach Sarajevo in the late afternoon and give you some amazing tips for tasy local dinner.

Destination:Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Inclusions:4* Hotel Colors Inn (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Siege Tour of Sarajevo | Funky Tours Treat:  Food Tasting & Home-hosted dinner
Driving Time:1.30hrs | Private Vehicle

War Tour of Sarajevo:In the morning, after a delicious Bosnian-style breakfast, it is time to learn the story of the Siege of Sarajevo and the Death of Yugoslavia.

Guided by an ex-soldier, you can visit, 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.

Afternoon: Sarajevo is one of the most walkable cities in the world so. After the lunch break, we will start with exploring the old town and city center, taking a peek into every smallest detail of the city, which gained its reputation as the World’s emblem of multiculturalism, often called the European Jerusalem.

During a nice and easy walk, we will take a stroll in the cobblestone streets of Bascarsija, discover the small hidden alleys, blend with the clamor of the vibrant old town and admire the city’s symbols such as Gazi Mosque, Jewish Synagogue, Orthodox and Catholic church, Franz Ferdinand assassination spot and many other sites important for understand the incredibly rich history of Sarajevo.

Home-hosted Dinner:Get to meet some local Bosnians over some fantastic food in the warmth of their home (vegetarian options available)!

Destination:Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Inclusions:4* Hotel Colors Inn (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast
Optional:Lukomir Hiking Tour | Srebrenica Genocide Tour | East Bosnia & West Serbia UNESCO Tour

Option 1: Lukomir Nomad Village

Embark on a captivating hiking tour to Lukomir Village in Bosnia for an immersive journey into untouched natural beauty. This remote gem, nestled high in the Dinaric Alps, offers a rare glimpse into traditional Bosnian life. Trek through pristine landscapes, breathe in the crisp mountain air and be rewarded with panoramic views of breathtaking valleys. Engage with the warm hospitality of the villagers, learning age-old customs and crafts. The hike to Lukomir unveils stunning vistas and fosters cultural connections, creating an unforgettable adventure that intertwines nature and heritage in an unspoiled setting.

Option 2: Srebrenica Genocide Study Tour & Home-hosted Lunch with Locals

Embark on the Srebrenica Genocide Tour to witness an essential chapter in history. This solemn journey pays homage to the lives lost during one of the darkest periods in Bosnia’s past. Guided by experts, you’ll gain profound insights into the tragic events that unfolded. Visiting the Srebrenica Memorial Center and cemetery, you’ll honor the victims and understand the importance of remembrance and reconciliation. As a highlight of the tour, meet the local resilient Srebrenica survivors for home-hosted lunch and learn more about life in Srebrenica today.

This tour is a powerful opportunity to acknowledge the past, raise awareness, and contribute to a world where such atrocities are never repeated, fostering a commitment to peace, understanding, and humanity.

Option 3: East Bosnia and West Serbia UNESCO Tour

East Bosnia and West Serbia, two regions enriched with numerous cultural, historical, and natural wonders, are not to miss when passing near or traveling around these regions.

This fantastic UNESCO off-the-beaten-path tour is created with a focus on wonderful yet remote parts of East Bosnia and West Serbia, which will quickly make this trip a highlight of your entire Balkan travels.

Destination:Sarajevo / Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Inclusions:4* Hotel Eden (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Blagaj Dervish House | Kravice Waterfalls | Počitelj Fort | Funky Tours Treat: Dining experience by the serene Buna River
Driving Time:3hrs | Private Vehicle

Morning: Your team, who you are already familiar with, will pick you up from your hotel and start a fantastic journey towards the region of Herzegovina with a first stop for a day 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. 

After Konjic, we will make a short stop in Jablanica, known for the famous WWII Neretva Battle and the successful invasion of Partisans led by Josip Broz Tito. We will visit the commemorative park, walk along the pedestrian bridge crossing the mighty Neretva River, and admire the massive bridge construction and its remains.

Moving further, the road will take us through the fantastic 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 that is nowadays turned into an art gallery and one of the favorite gathering places of many world’s renowned artists. We will take some friendly and easy hikes, enjoy the spectacular views of the town towering over the turquoise Neretva River, and head towards the Kravica Waterfall, a remarkable cascade at Trebizat River.

Kravica waterfall is a paradisiacal place where we shall rest from everything ordinary and mundane and enjoy the serene setting of captivating waterfalls embraced by the lush greenery. During the summer, it is also possible to swim.

Lunch: The last stop for a day before we reach Mostar will be Blagaj, located on the banks of mesmerizing Buna River spring. This underground river 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 an authentic, unique sacral-residential example of Islamic architecture.

Afternoon: We shall reach Mostar in the late afternoon and take you to your centrally located hotel, where you can rest before we explore 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 the cultural, historical, architectural and natural diversity of Balkans. 

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. 

Destination:Mostar / Kotor, Montenegro
Inclusions:4* Hotel Vardar (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast | Perast Boat Ride | Our Lady of The Rocks | Kotor Walking Tour
Driving Time:3.30hrs | Private Vehicle

Morning: After a delicious breakfast and some free time in the morning, we will leave Mostar and 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 crucial for its naval history, Perast strategically stands opposite the only water entrance to Kotor Bay.

After 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 the 22nd of July 1453, when two brothers found an icon on a rock (“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.

Lunch: Once we return to Perast, we shall take a break and let you have an amazingly tasty lunch at one of the local restaurants at your choice.

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. A walking tour of Kotor will take us via hidden cobble-stoned streets, giving us an opportunity for an in-depth understanding of Kotor’s history and cultural background.

In the present day, originating from the Venetian era but mentioned initially during the Roman era as a strategic position on the Adriatic sea, the Kotor has been through many ups and downs throughout its nearly two millennia-long history. Since Romans, followed by Illyirians, Slavs, Hungarians, Serbian, Venetians, French, Austrians, Yugoslavians, 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.

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.

Destination:Kotor, Montenegro
Inclusions:4* Hotel Vardar (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast | Skadar National Park Boat Ride | Lovćen National Park | Sveti Stefan | Budva | Funky Tours Treat: Local Montenegro Wine Tasting
Driving Time:3.35hrs | Private Vehicle

Morning:After a delicious breakfast at your Kotor hotel, embark on a captivating day tour from Kotor, immersing yourself in the diverse beauty and cultural riches of Montenegro. Our journey begins as we ascend toward Lovćen National Park, a testament to nature’s grandeur and historical significance. Traverse winding roads, enjoy breathtaking Bay of Kotor vistas unfolding beneath you, including the stunning serpentine road to Njeguši village.

Optionally stop at Njegusi village for world-famous Prosciutto tasting, a culinary delight in the heart of Montenegro’s countryside. Delight in the flavors of this traditional delicacy and explore the village’s rustic charm.

Destination:Kotor, Montenegro
Inclusions:Airport Transfer to Podgorica or Tivat
Optional: Transfer to Dubrovnik (Croatia) or Tirana (Albania)

Morning:Free time in Kotor until your final transfer to airport Tivat or Podgorica in Montenegro. Alternatively we can organise a transfer to Tirana in Albania or Dubrovnik in Croatia.