Home / Europe, Hungary Tours / Combined Country
12 day(s)
Regular & Private
20-40 people
easy
This 12-day journey through Central and Southeastern Europe begins in Budapest and unfolds across a rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and historical landmarks. Travelers explore iconic cities such as Ljubljana, Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, while also experiencing natural wonders like Plitvice Lakes National Park and Kravica Waterfall. The itinerary blends UNESCO heritage sites, scenic coastal drives along the Adriatic, and cultural highlights including medieval towns, Roman architecture, and vibrant local traditions. Unique experiences range from visiting spiritual sites in Mostar and Međugorje to relaxing by lakes and exploring charming villages. The tour concludes in Tirana, offering a perfect balance of history, nature, and authentic Balkan experiences.
Duration
12 day(s)
Max Group Size
20-40 people
Tour Code
12BUDXBALK
Departure Type
request
Tour Category
Combined Country
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
15 - 85

Budapest
Tirana
Arrive at “Ferenc Liszt” Budapest International
Airport.
Your drive will meet you in the arrivals hall with your name
on the signboard.
In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to
worry. We will monitor your flight, and our guide will meet you accordingly.
There are no additional charges for flight delays. After a short ride of 30
minutes, you’ll be in the city’s center. Check-in at the hotel, and take the
rest of the day to get more familiar with Budapest by walking around.
Overnight
in Budapest.
After breakfast, set off on a comprehensive 3-hour city
tour of Budapest, starting with the view from Gellert Hill.
Enjoy an unbeatable panorama of the city and the Danube
River as your guide fills you in on the city’s two halves: Buda, the ancient
seat of the Hungarian Kings, and Pest, the heart of the modern city. Start your
explorations in Buda with a tour of the medieval castle and follow your guide
around Trinity Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matyas church. After snapping
photos of the grand Buda Castle from the 13th century, cross the iconic Chain
Bridge into Pest to admire the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building on the
waterfront.
Browse the shops
along lively Vaci Street, then take a peek inside the opulent St. Stephen’s
Basilica, where the star attraction is, somewhat bizarrely, the right hand of
its namesake, King Stephen. Next, stroll down the elegant Andrassy
Avenue, home to the lavish Hungarian State Opera House, and marvel over the
monuments of Heroes Square.
For lunch follow your guide’s recommendations and tuck
into some traditional Hungarian cuisine at a local restaurant. Gulyas stew is
always a good choice.
Use your free afternoon to soak in one of Budapest’s
many famous thermal baths or walk around this magnificent city. In the evening,
don’t miss a spectacular Danube cruise under Budapest’s bridges. You will hear
many stories and legends while sipping champagne and listening to some famous
Ferenc (Franz) Liszt’s pieces. (not included).
Overnight in Budapest.
Leaving
Budapest, the road heads southwest through the Hungarian countryside toward Lake
Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, a short stop.
Passing the border our next stop is in Maribor, yes the home to the world’s
oldest grapevine.
Maribor sits along the banks of the Drava River and is known for its relaxed
atmosphere and
We continue with a visit to the Museum
of the Oldest Vine in the World
One sample of the Queen’s Wine from the
Štajerska wine-growing region.
Visit to the permanent exhibitions of the
Maribor Regional Museum in Maribor Castle.
Lunch in a traditional inn or Mediterranean restaurant.
The journey ends in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, known for its lively old
town, riverside cafés, and landmarks such as Ljubljana Castle overlooking the
city. Check-in and free time.
Overnight in Ljubljana.
During
the way a quick stop in Zagreb, a short tour of 1h to show the top interest
spots. Continue to Plitvice, see in person of the 16 crystal - blue lakes
cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. Walk on the wooden promenades with
magnificent views on the waters where every turn leads to a breathtaking
scenery and yet another waterfall. Surrounded by dense woods, Plitvice Lake is
a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty.
Overnight in Plitvice.
Leaving
Plitvice Lakes National Park, the road
descends from the forested mountains of central Croatia
toward the Adriatic coast. The scenery gradually changes from dense forests and
karst landscapes to Mediterranean hills and olive groves.
Arriving in Split, the atmosphere becomes
lively and coastal. The city is built around the remarkable Diocletian's Palace, a Roman palace complex that
forms the heart of the old town. Narrow stone streets, historic squares, and
seaside promenades give the city a vibrant character, with Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage
site,Cathedral of Saint Domnius, one of
the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world, Riva
Promenade, a lively waterfront lined with cafés and palm trees.
Leaving Split, the route heads inland
toward Bosnia and Herzegovina. The road
crosses dramatic karst landscapes, mountains, and river valleys typical of the
western Balkans.
The destination is Mostar, one of the most
picturesque cities in the region. The historic center is famous for its Ottoman
architecture and stone streets along the Neretva
River. The symbol of the city is Stari
Most, the iconic 16th-century Ottoman bridge connecting the two sides of
the old town. Around it are traditional markets, mosques, and cafés overlooking
the river.
Overnight in Mostar.
Leaving
Mostar,
the route travels through the sunny landscapes of Herzegovina to Međugorje,
one of Europe’s most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations, known for St. James Church and the nearby Apparition Hill.
The journey continues to Blagaj, a picturesque village famous for the Blagaj Tekke, a historic Dervish monastery set
dramatically beside the spring of the Buna River
beneath towering cliffs.
Next is Kravica
Waterfall, a beautiful natural amphitheater of cascading falls
on the Trebižat River, surrounded by lush
greenery and walking paths.
The route ends in Dubrovnik, the historic Adriatic city renowned for the Walls of Dubrovnik and its charming old town
along the Croatian coast and overnight there.
Starting tour with ther walled city of Dubrovnik for a city tour. See
this UNESCO protected pearl of the Adriatic and its Cathedral, Rector’s Palace,
Franciscan Monastery, Clock Tower and Orlando’s Columns.
Stop for lunch and free time.
Swim in the crystal waters or perhaps take a day trip to the Elaphite Islands&
Blue Cave, see the city in electric tuk tuk or cable car ride (not included).
Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Departing
from Dubrovnik, the route follows
the stunning Adriatic coastline south toward Montenegro,
offering panoramic sea views and passing charming coastal landscapes. After
crossing the border near Herceg Novi,
the road continues along the beautiful Bay of
Kotor, one of the most scenic bays in Europe.
The journey then passes historic towns such as Kotor,
famous for its medieval old town and fortified walls, before arriving in Budva, a lively coastal
destination known for Budva Old Town,
sandy beaches, and its vibrant Adriatic atmosphere.
Overnight in Budva.
Leaving Budva, the journey continues south along the
Adriatic coast before crossing from Montenegro
into Albania. The route reaches the
historic northern Albanian city of Shkodër, located near the
shores of Lake Skadar, the largest
lake in the Balkans.
In Shkodër,
visitors stop to explore the unique Venice Art
Mask Factory, where traditional handmade Venetian-style masks are
produced and displayed. The visit offers insight into the craftsmanship behind these
colorful decorative masks. The experience continues with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Skadar, where
the calm waters, wetlands, and surrounding mountains create one of the most
beautiful natural landscapes in the region. After the visit, the journey
continues south through the Albanian countryside to Fishte, to enjoy a only
seasonal all organic late lunch.
Procced to Tirana, the lively capital
city, check in and at 20.00pm dinner with live music and overnight.
Departure from Tirana at 07.00am.
Our first stop is in the Albanian town of Struga, where you’ll stroll along the lakefront and the Black Drin River, from the river’s mouth up to the town’s lively bazaar.
You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace.
Next, we head to Ohrid, a city steeped in history and charm.
Here, we’ll visit the Old Town, the vibrant bazaar, and the lake promenade.
Optional: take a short boat ride on Lake Ohrid. We’ll also see St. Sophia Church and other landmarks, with some free time for lunch at a local
restaurant.
After Ohrid, we continue to the Bay of Bones (Muzeu mbi Ujë), a unique archaeological site, followed by a visit to the Monastery of St. Naum and its surrounding natural park.
Crossing back into Albania.
Before heading back to Tirana, we’ll visit the Drilon Natural Park, a beautiful green oasis.
Overnight in Tirana.
Depending on your schedule leave for airport. City tour of Tirana and shopping.