Balkans Rail Adventure
Overview
Highlights
- Visit seven countries of Former Yugoslavia in just 16 days
- Experience a variety of scenic rail journeys
- Discover contrasting landscapes and cities in this lesser visited region
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Our journey through the Balkans starts today in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. This historic city lies in the shadow of its old castle and upon the banks of the Ljubljanica River, which meanders through the pedestrianised centre. For those arriving in time, o...
Ljubljana is brimming with art, culture and music, and topped off with stunning Germanic-style architecture. This morning, we'll explore the city on foot with a local guide to take in some of its most attractive landmarks including the Opera House, National Gallery, R...
This morning, you're free to relax in Ljubljana and grab some lunch before we hop aboard our train to Zagreb, this afternoon. The journey will see us cross the border into Croatia and will take around three hours. On arrival, we'll begin exploring Croatia's capita...
Today we drive around three hours out of the city to the stunning Plitvice National Park. The park boasts 16 interconnecting lakes, waterfalls, and dense woodland with an array of wildlife. The rare fauna includes wild brown bear, wolves, lynx, and eagles, but more co...
This morning, we'll walk from our hotel to the railway station to start our journey to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. We'll take the train from Zagreb to Vrpolje - a journey of around three hours. In Vrpolje, we'll change to a private bus for the bor...
A poignant start this morning, we'll take taxis into the city centre to learn about the events that triggered World War I on 28th June 1914 - the assassination of assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. We'll join a local guide to find out more and along the way, w...
This morning, we'll walk to the railway station and board our train for a very scenic journey between Sarajevo and Mostar (taking just under three hours). As we chug slowly through the mountains, which were occupied by Bosnian Serbs during the Bosnian War, take a mome...
Today we have a jam-packed but rewarding schedule. Leaving Mostar early this morning (at around 7.30am) we'll drive to Podgorica in Montenegro via Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the Bay of Kotor. Depending on border crossings we hope to have around two and half hours to...
This morning, we'll take a bus (162km) to the small town of Prijepolje, Serbia. From here, we'll board our train to take one of the most scenic rail routes in Europe. The six-hour journey from Prijepolje to Belgrade introduces us to stunning scenery - soak in the land...
This morning, we'll walk the short distance to the train station where we'll board a train to Novi Sad, a journey of around one hour. Although the second largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad offers a much more laidback atmosphere, standing tall above the Danube River. The...
We'll begin today with a guided walking tour to see the earliest known areas of the city, Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park. The fortress is an appropriate setting to learn about the city's history through the centuries including Medieval, Roman and Ottoman period...
Today, we'll explore Skopje. We'll take taxis to the city centre for and orientation tour which will include highlights such as the fortress, 12th-century Old Bazaar (which is the largest and most well-preserved bazaar in south-east Europe), and the Holocaust Museum. ...
Taking a step back in time, today we'll visit the ancient Macedonian city of Heraclea. We'll leave our hotel early this morning and takes taxis to the train station. There, we'll start our four-hour train journey to Bitola in southern North Macedonia, which is a short...
This morning, we'll drive through the beautiful Galicica National Park to Ohrid. Popular for its natural scenery including mountains, lakes and caves, the national park is also very important to the area's agricultural industry. We'll make a number of short stops alon...
This morning, we'll begin the nine-hour journey to Kosovo's capital, Pristina. To break up the long drive, we'll make plenty of stops. We'll visit Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and built almost 1000 years ago. We'll also stop in t...
Our trip ends this morning in Pristina. There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Pristina at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you\ d like an airport trans...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Dick
Oct 2023
Balkans Rail Adventure
The holiday ticked many boxes. Interesting part of the world, well planned itinerary, excellent local guides, small group size (and nice fellow travellers), efficien...
Trusted Customer
Oct 2023
Balkans Rail Adventure
Our guide Jane was good and he did his best to make the trip enjoyable ...
Trusted Customer
Oct 2023
Balkans Rail Adventure
The holiday tries to cover too many countries in one holiday.
Trusted Customer
Oct 2023
Balkans Rail Adventure
The visits to Mostar and Plitvice Lakes National Park were my highlights. The tour leader did not add value. The first trip where I have downgraded due to this! ...
Sally
Oct 2023
Balkans Rail Adventure
Inconsistent quality of hotels and local guides - while most met our expectations, a few were not up to standard. Our Explore leader was excellent and took great ca...
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Tour Operator
About Explore
We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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