Best of Balkans | Start Budapest | 2025
Deal Number 19330712
Interest Free
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Hit up an incredible 7 countries in just one trip and take in the best sights the Balkans has to offer. Whether it's exploring the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, partying until the early hours in Belgrade or strolling around the historic sights Sarajevo has to offer, this trip has something for everyone.
Duration 15 days
Destination Budapest
Company Contiki
Availability From 23/08/2025 to 20/09/2025
Call 133 133
What's Included?
- Highlights
- 4 Dinner (D)14 Breakfast (B)London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations
- There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers
- Lake Bled: Take it easy with your new besties as you walk around the scenic lake, framed by the Julian Alps
- Plitvice Lakes National Park: Turquoise lakes
- Sparkling waterfalls
- Lush green forests
- You’ll never want to leave this little slice of heaven
- Dubrovnik: Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town with a local guide
- And play a game of ‘spot the Game of Thrones film set’ as you go
- Tirana: Take an orientation around the rainbow-coloured Albanian capital with your Contiki gang
- Familiarise yourself with the landmarks and best places to grab a coffee
- Tirana: Wanna dive into Albania’s past? Then you need visit Bunk’Art – a massive underground bunker turned museum
- It was once built to protect leaders from nuclear attacks
- And now it tells the story of Albania’s communist era with art, history (and even a few surprises!)
- Explore eerie tunnels, snap some pics, and experience a slice of Cold War history you won’t find anywhere else
- Mostar: See this epic piece of Ottoman architecture, which was destroyed by war in 1993 and then rebuilt
- Sarajevo: See the sights of the Bosnian capital and get up to speed on 500 years of history, from the Ottomans to the present day
- Belgrade: Ramble around the Serbian capital
- It’s brimming with culture and history for you to soak up
Availability
- From 23/08/2025 to 20/09/2025
Visit Budapest
Day 1
Good evening, travellers! Hope you’re ready for an exciting ride across the beautiful Balkans.
Today, you’ll exchange hellos with your Trip Manager (and your new crew too!). To celebrate, we’ll feast on a delicious welcome dinner and watch the sun set over this historical city.
Day 2
This morning we'll hop onto the coach for a guided tour to explore to what this city has on offer.
You'll see Heroes Square, Fisherman's Bastion, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building, before we depart for our next city. After a morning full of awesome ancient architecture, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana. You've got a free evening on your hands. So roam around the city, grab a bite to eat, and rest up for the all the Alpine scenery that awaits us tomorrow.
Day 3
Ljubljana, you've been lovely.
But we’ll be back in a while. Because today, something even more exciting is on the agenda. You've probably seen pictures of Lake Bled, but nothing will prepare you for the real thing. With its fairytale medieval castle reaching out of an islet, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and the turquoise waters of the lake itself, it really is like something out of a Disney movie. Satisfied your soul soaking in all that natural beauty? Now satisfy your hungry tummies with some lunch at this quaint Medieval town. It’s been a long but pleasing day. Tonight, you can choose to join a traditional Slovenian evening. We're talking: a traditional dancing show paired with a spread of authentic dishes. A feast for your mind and tastebuds alike!
Day 4
Next up is something altogether drop dead gorgeous.
...A strong introduction to Croatia is on the cards today with cascading teal forest pools at Plitvice Lakes. Why this place is not famous world over as one of the prettiest places in Europe, we have no idea.
Day 5
Morning, explorers! Fill up on your included breakfast.
It’s time to hit the road again… Zadar is the perfect mix of history and modern flair. Explore ancient Roman ruins, chill by the Sea Organ where waves make music, and grab a bite at one of the city's cool cafes. Whether you're soaking in the culture or diving into the local scene, there's always something exciting around the corner in this laid-back Croatian gem.Welcome to the sea-side heaven of Split. With the oh-so-inviting aquamarine waters on our side, we’ll check into our stay. You’ve got some time to explore this beautiful city. And then, you can choose to join us for some dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern.
Day 6
Split it's been fantastic, but we have to leave for other Croatian gems further down the coast.
Ston is a charming town on the Dalmatian coast, famous for its impressive medieval walls and ancient salt pans. It’s the perfect spot to explore history, sample fresh seafood, and take in the scenic surroundings. A great place to unwind and enjoy the slow pace before heading to your next adventure. The drive along the Dalmatian coastline to Dubrovnik is a sightseeing must do all on its own. On arrival in the city you'll be greeted by limestone walls; an Old Town filled with quintessentially Croatian cafes and plenty of clubs; and a mountain meets sea situation will see you falling in love within seconds.
Day 7
The city of Dubrovnik is so much more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Game of Thrones location - not that either of those claims to fame are even mildly mediocre.
After you've been guided around the city with intricate detail with our local guide you'll be armed with the knowledge to pick out a waterside rock bar where you can swim and indulge 'til your heart's content. Tonight over an optional dinner with the crew, spirits will no doubt be high!
Day 8
Now that we've done all things Dubrovnik, we'll coast our way to Albania via the dramatic Adriatic Coastline.
We’ll stop by Montenegro's seaside beauty of Budva for lunch. So grab a bite, check out the beach and hop back on for our next stop. Welcome to the capital city of Albania. This hidden gem has a lot to offer, and we’ve got the entirety of tomorrow to see it all. Bet you’re tired after all that travelling, so join us for an included dinner before heading back to our hotel to get some sleep for tomorrow.
Day 9
Time to wake up! Grab your breakfast and join us for a walking tour of Tirana, guided by a local guide.
And the rest of the day is all yours to spend in this beautiful city, and one of the many museums will defo pique your interest!
Day 10
Tirana, you’ve been great.
But we’ve got another awe-inspiring destination waiting for us. Hello Mostar! We’re officially in Bosnia & Herzegovina, ready to bask in all of its historical glory. Beautiful rivers, iconic bridges, brick-red roofs - it’s gonna be a treat. Tonight, we’ll stroll around the picturesque streets to grab some authentic dinner. Spend the night chilling with your crew and getting some well-deserved rest.
Day 11
Ready? This morning, we’re visiting the legendary Mostar Bridge that arches right over the silent blue river.
(And it makes for a perfect backdrop for your Insta photo dump!) The historical streets of Sarajevo have a story or two to tell. And we’ll be listening to them all tomorrow. Tonight, you have the option to taste home-made Bosnian cuisine, learn what living like a local is like (plus support their families in turn). A truly wholesome experience!
Day 12
The only way to uncover the town of Sarajevo is with the wisdom shared on a guided walking tour.
We'll help you tap into history & understand the magnitude of our destination. And then to lighten the mood, we’ll head to a local tavern for a delicious dinner and gags with friends.
Day 13
Rise up, roamers! We're departing for the town of Belgrade to continue our epic frolic through the Balkans.
Another border crossing is on the agenda as we wave our way into Serbia en route to Belgrade. Medieval meets modern in this bustling, pure white city. Zen folk can go sit on the Hill of Contemplation or stroll along the Sava river, others can see the fortress of Beogradska Tvrđava & enjoy the lively mood of Belgrade by night.
Day 14
Leaving Belgrade behind, today we're onto beautiful Budapest.
Fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe, Budapest is on our beeline. You'll have the option to take a cruise and make the most of your evening. Later, you'll no doubt want to keep things moving at one of the city's famous ruins bars, that need to be seen to be believed!
Day 15
That's a wrap! Our love affair with the Balkans has sadly come to an end! But perhaps we can get the squad back together for a reunion trip?
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Departure dates and Pricing
| Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 23rd August, 202523/08/2025 | Sat 6th September, 202506/09/2025 | available | Per person from$0* | Enquire » |
| Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 6th September, 202506/09/2025 | Sat 20th September, 202520/09/2025 | available | Per person from$4546* | Enquire » |
Terms and conditions
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 17 August 2025 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- Price is per person and subject to availability. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
- Local payments, "trip kittys" or food funds may apply and may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel agent prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
- Additional conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at time of publication.
- Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.
- Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
- Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.
- Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.
- These prices are a guide to the best price. Prices are correct as at 12 August 2025 and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details.
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Important Notice
The above information has been obtained from the relevant suppliers and should be considered an indicative guide only as to the prices that may be available for these products. Flight Centre cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to that price displayed on this website. Please contact a Flight Centre travel consultant to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, any blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply.
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