Balkans Encompassed

30 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
The beauty of the Balkans and the Dalmatian Coast is a delight to the senses, and on this 30- Peregrine adventure, you will see the most beautiful sights and taste the most delicious delights in this spectacular part of the world. Meander your way from Split to Dubrovnik, visiting the beautiful Lastovo and Korcula islands, weaving through fascinating historic...

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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • The croatian islands are a wondrous sight. learn the local trade with an immersive fishing experience on lastovo island, marvel at the sparkling adriatic on korcula island, and cruise to lokrum island from historic dubrovnik.
    • Under the guidance of knowledgeable locals, you'll visit some of the region's most beautiful cathedrals, monasteries, palaces, ottoman mosques and unesco-protected townscapes.
    • Montenegro may be a tiny country, but its charms can hardly be overstated. take a day trip to this land of pristine beaches, mountain peaks and old-world villages.
    • Explore cultural and architectural delights of sofia on a tour with a local guide, stopping along the way to indulge in local delicacies like shopska (cucumber salad), ukanka (semi-dried salami) and wine.
    • Observe the architectural grand jewels of turkey from the water during a cruise along the narrow bosphorus strait that bisects the city.

What's this trip about?

    The beauty of the Balkans and the Dalmatian Coast is a delight to the senses, and on this 30- Peregrine adventure, you will see the most beautiful sights and taste the most delicious delights in this spectacular part of the world. Meander your way from Split to Dubrovnik, visiting the beautiful Lastovo and Korcula islands, weaving through fascinating historic cities, the political history of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, the relaxing coast on the Black Sea, and making your way to the transcontinental Istanbul. With local guides to illuminate the historic sights and cities along the way, this trip is a feast of ancient cultures, untouched wilderness and some of the best food and drink in Europe.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySplit
End CityIstanbul

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Bulgaria
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Croatia
  • Montenegro
  • Serbia
  • Turkey

Attractions

  • Belgrade
  • Dubrovnik
  • Istanbul
  • Montenegro
  • Sarajevo
  • Sofia
  • Split

Activities

  • Culture

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Split

Your trip starts today with your arrival in Split, the second largest city in Croatia, located right on the Adriatic coast. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until the important group meeting in the evening. If you arrive early why not head out and get a first taste of this magnificent city. After the meeting head out for a dinner with the group.

Day 2 Trogir / Split

This morning you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Split with a local guide. The city dates back 1,800 years, to the time when the Roman emperor Diocletian built a monumental imperial residence for his retirement. Today this fortified camp is an intriguing warren o...

Day 3 Lastovo Island

Enjoy a free morning in gorgeous Split before boarding an afternoon catamaran for our ride to Croatia’s most remote island – Lastovo. The 4-hour journey is worth it to reach this secluded slice of paradise. Being so remote the island is still undiscovered by mainstrea...

Day 4 Lastovo Island

Today you’ll learn the local trade with an immersive fishing experience – early start included. Rise and shine to head out with a local fisherman, his wife and his crew, helping to bring in the days' catch, usually scorpion fish, mackerel, sardine and bream. Enjoy the...

Day 5 Korcula Island

Bid farewell to Lastovo and transfer back to the port of Ubli, where you will board the mid-morning ferry bound for the island of Korcula (approximately 1.5 hours). Disembark at Vela Luka and transfer to Korcula Town, stopping en route at Blato, a little-known interio...

Day 6 Peljesac Peninsula – Dubrovnik

Take a short ferry ride from Korcula to the Peljesac Peninsula, famous for its wine. Visit a family winery and sample some of the local drops, along with light cheese and smoked ham. Next, visit the town of Ston and enjoy time to explore or partake in an optional lunc...

Day 7 Lokrum Island – Dubrovnik

Travel by boat to the island of Lokrum, located off the coast of Stari Grad. In this quasi 'botanical garden' you'll encounter a collection of exotic Mediterranean plants. Lokrum is also strewn with many golden sandy beaches that are popular with the locals. Visit the...

Day 8 Dubrovnik

There are no activities planned for today, so perhaps take a stroll through the charming Old Town, or simply enjoy the city's lively outdoor cafe culture. There’s also some idyllic coves and rocky beaches to sunbake or take a swim at around town. In the evening, head ...

Day 9 Kotor / Dubrovnik

Set out from Dubrovnik on a day excursion to the stunning country of Montenegro. Montenegro occupies a thin strip of the Adriatic coast and is a land of beautiful sandy and pebbled beaches, dramatic mountain peaks and delightful old villages. Your excursion will take ...

Day 10 Blagaj / Mostar / Sarajevo

Depart Dubrovnik this morning and travel to the peaceful town of Blagaj, our first stop in Bosnia (approximately 2.5 hours). Blagaj is the location of the turquoise Buna River spring, where you’ll visit a historical tekija (Dervish monastery). After lunch there is a s...

Day 11 Sarajevo

Explore Sarajevo this morning with a walking tour of the city. You will visit the famous Baščaršija, the old Turkish quarter, home to one of the most interesting market centres in the country. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that features an Orthodox ch...

Day 12 Srebrenica / Belgrade

After breakfast transfer from Sarajevo for Srebrenica (approximately 2.5 hours). Explore the narrow streets and learn about the town's tragic past on a guided tour, including a visit to the Srebrenica Memorial Center. The Centre honours the thousands who died in the i...

Day 13 Belgrade

After breakfast take part in a guided sightseeing tour of Belgrade to give you some familiarity with the area and local amenities. Then you'll have the rest of the day free to explore the city. Perhaps begin with a wander around the city’s wide boulevards and squares,...

Day 14 Novi Sad / Sremski Karlovci / Belgrade

Embark on a day trip to Serbia's second-largest city, Novi Sad (approximately 1.5 hours). Experience Novi Sad's fascinating blend of traditional culture and Austro-Hungarian architecture wit your leader. Visit the city’s fortress of Petrovaradin, which sits right on t...

Day 15 Belgrade

Today is at your leisure, so perhaps spend your spare time exploring the markets near the Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) and Pijaca Venac. In the evening, have another group meeting at 6 pm, where new travellers may be joining you, and your group leader may change....

Day 16 Belgrade / Drvengrad

The morning is yours to do as you please. Perhaps take a wander through the historic, bohemian Skadarlija street and imagine life as an impoverished 20th-century poet. In the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to Drvengrad (4 hours). This traditional-style Serbian v...

Day 17 Tara National Park / Drvengrad

This morning you will further immerse yourself in antiquity with a ride on the Sargan Eight Railway. Board this old-fashioned train and travel along a narrow-gauge railway, which snakes (in the shape of a figure eight) around the mountain. Views of woodland and small ...

Day 18 Nis

Make the approximately 4.5-hour journey from Drvengrad to Nis by private vehicle, breaking up the drive with some stops along the way. On arrival in Nis, set out on a guided tour of the city with a passionate local. Nis has a rich history, occupied by the Romans, the ...

Day 19 Sofia

Leave Nis behind to and make the 3-hour drive to Sofia, a city where Soviet, Ottoman, Russian and Bulgarian Renaissance influence is evident in the architecture. In the afternoon embark on an Urban Adventures tour of the city with a local guide, learning history while...

Day 20 Sofia

Enjoy an entire day to explore Sofia at your leisure. Bulgaria's capital is a cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and pleasant parks. There are a number of optional activities today that your leader can help you parse, so remember to ask them for advice....

Day 21 Rila Mountains / Plovdiv

Travel into the Rila Mountains on a 2-hour drive through incredible scenery to the Rila Monastery. Founded in the 10th century by canonised hermit St John of Rila, the complex has architectural features that span from the 11th to the 19th century. Spend some time wand...

Day 22 Bachkovo / Plovdiv

Spend the morning on a tour of Plovdiv with a local guide, getting a feel for the city’s history and culture. Visit the Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum, housed in a stately 19th-century home. Continue to Yustina Winery for lunch. There is a proud tradition of win...

Day 23 Plovdiv

Spend the day as you please in Plovdiv. Perhaps walk through the Old Town to Nebet Tepe, a hilltop lookout where the remains of a fortress can be found. From the hill the views of the city are spectacular, and the unassuming ruins offer a little slice of ancient life ...

Day 24 Veliko Tarnovo

Take a 3-hour journey to Veliko Tarnovo, stopping en route at Etar Ethnographic Village. Founded in the 1960s, this open-air museum recreates a typical Bulgarian town from the late 18th century. It features wooden bridges leading over streams, traditional craftspeople...

Day 25 Veliko Tarnovo / Sozopol

Spend the morning as you please in Veliko Tarnovo. Located seven kilometres north of the city is the Transfiguration Monastery, a small complex that nonetheless features some frescoes by Zahari Zograf in a peaceful environment. Ask your leader about how to organise a ...

Day 26 Bulgarian Coast / Sozopol

Embark on a day trip to the coastal hinterland. Just a few kilometres from town, see the fantastical Castle of Ravadinovo, designed by Georgi Kostadinov Tumpalov in a whimsical fairy-tale style. Spend some time exploring inside and in the extravagant gardens, wanderin...

Day 27 Bulgarian Coast / Sozopol

Enjoy a free day on the coast. You may wish to stay in Sozopol and enjoy a leisurely day exploring the Old Town. In addition to the restored ancient town walls, a few traditional churches and houses line the cobblestone streets, as do many restaurants. Unsurprisingly,...

Day 28 Istanbul

Today is primarily a travel day as we make the approximately 6-hour journey to Istanbul. The drive will be broken up with an included lunch stop around the halfway point in either Luleburgaz or Ahmetbey. Upon arrival in Istanbul the evening is free for you to either rest after a long day of travel or perhaps explore at your leisure.

Day 29 Istanbul

Take a cruise through the narrow strait that separates Turkey and the continents of Europe and Asia, the Bosphorus. The strait is small enough that you will enjoy stunning views of the iconic buildings that line either side, including the opulent Dolmabahce Palace and...

Day 30 Istanbul

Your Eastern European Experience comes to an end after breakfast. If other parts of Turkey also intrigue, consider talking to your Peregrine representative before you leave about combining this trip with 'Treasures of Turkey' (trip code PETT), which departs from Istanbul and covers Selcuk, Fethiye, Cappadocia and more.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $11,320
Price per day$377
Last Updated: 3/18/2020

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

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.

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Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings

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Tania

Mar 2020

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Good impression overall

My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...

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Ruth

Mar 2020

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very reasonable

Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...

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Jane

Apr 2020

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Expect I'm not the only one

they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...

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Tour Operator

Peregrine Adventures

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It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

Why we love this operator
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (22 nights),Feature stay on Lastovo Island,Drvengrad and Sozopol (7 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,Ferry,Vintage railway,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle,Ferry,Vintage railway
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visa requirements
For visits of 90 days or less Australian, British, Canadian, New Zealand and US passport holders, and most EU citizens do not require a visa for Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia and Bulgaria. Most nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey. Visas must be obtained through the e-Visa system. To apply for an e-visa, please go to https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ at least two weeks before you arrive in Turkey. A multiple entry e-Visa costs USD60 as is valid for 90 days. Please note, visa costs can change at any time and with little notice depending on the political climate of the region. Some countries do not require a visa at all. This includes passport holders from New Zealand, Argentina, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland for stays of up to three months. We recommend all nationalities check with the relevant authorities as to whether this information is current, as changes do happen.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Legacy Ottoman Hotel
  • Hobyar Mahallesi Hamidiye Cd. No:16
  • Fatih / Sirkeci
  • Istanbul
  • TURKEY
  • Phone: +90 2125276767
Trip ID
peregrine-PEKBC

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