Recently updated on June 7th, 2023 at 03:13 pm
From the bustling streets of Zagreb to the stunning Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, next month our lucky Trafalgar Unlocked Awards winners will go on a 12-day trip to the Balkans, discovering some of the most beautiful and historic destinations.
The Balkan Delight tour by Trafalgar is a 12-day adventure that takes travelers on a journey through some of the most beautiful and historic destinations in the Balkans.
Ahead of the big trip, we thought we’d dive into the experiences, highlights and special moments on our Balkan Delight tour. Let’s take a glimpse at the ancient ruins, charming towns, beautiful national parks, and delicious local cuisine our Trafalgar guests will get to enjoy on this trip to the Balkans.
EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF: Balkan Delight
Kick off in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb
Our guests begin their unforgettable Balkans journey in Zagreb. The Croatian capital seamlessly blends tradition and culture with its metropolitan heart. A Local Specialist will lead a tour of the city’s rich medieval and religious history. Visit the majestic cathedral on Kaptol and St. Mark’s Church, famous for its vividly colored tiled roof. Admire the Opera House and take a leisurely stroll around the 17th-century Ban Jelačić Square.
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Learn about Balkan history in Sarajevo
After Zagreb, continue to Sarajevo, a city with a rich religious and multicultural heritage with the nickname, the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’. Its centuries-old religious history is reflected in its beautiful synagogues, mosques, and Orthodox and Catholic churches.
Sarajevo is where the complex history of the Balkans will be revealed on tour. From the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires to the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina has a complicated past. A Local Specialist will lead an insider tour of the Bosnian war tunnel. This tunnel provided a lifeline for the city of Sarajevo during the war. Delve into the depths below Sarajevo and learn about the tunnel’s crucial role in allowing food, war supplies, and humanitarian aid to enter the city, as well as enabling people to escape.
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Visit the magnificent Mostar Bridge
On our way to Dubrovnik, Trafalgar makes a special stop in Mostar, a small city known for its iconic Old Bridge, also known as Stari Most. Built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire, and it became a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage. A Local Specialist will tell tales of the medieval bridge keepers who watched over it and gave the city its name. Our guests will have free time to explore before this trip to the Balkans continues past the secluded coves and stunning cliffs of the Dalmatian coast.
Explore the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik
Surrounded by high ancient walls and overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik’s former life as a major maritime power is visible in the Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dotted with picturesque streets and alleys, historic buildings, and charming cafes. A Local Specialist will take a sightseeing tour through medieval limestone streets. Guests will admire the Rector’s Palace, Onofrio’s Fountain, and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Use in Game of Thrones and Star Wars, you’ll recognise famous scenes as you explore.
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Join a Croatian family for dinner
Our Be My Guest experiences are a highlight on any Trafalgar tour. On Balkan Delight our guests will join the Knez family at their traditional tavern overlooking the Dubrovnik Hills. You’ll Connect With Locals as you dine on Dubrovnik specialities and drink local wine produced nearby. Spend the meal fully immersed in your hosts’ warm Croatian hospitality.
Discover the Bay of Kotor
Trafalgar’s Balkan Delight ticks off a third country – the tiny but dazzling Montenegro – with a full-day trip. Cross over the border to meet a Local Specialist at the mouth of the Bay of Kotor. The magnificent bay is famous for its stunning beauty, clear turquoise waters and rugged coastline. The bay is surrounded by towering mountains and dotted with picturesque towns and villages, including the historic town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Montenegro is an unmissable stop on any trip to the Balkans.
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Visit Diocletian’s Palace in Split
There’s no destination as fascinating as Split. The historic inner city is set within the halls of a palace, built by Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century. Our guests will Dive Into Culture admiring the façades, the city’s Renaissance and Gothic structures. Explore Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral with a Local Specialist.
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Witness the unreal beauty of Plitvice Lakes
Admire the cascade of spectacular waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes in Plitvice Lakes National Park. This magnificent and tranquil turquoise and emerald waters make this an unmissable stop. A Local Specialist will lead this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where guests have will connect with the exquisite beauty of this UNESCO-listed natural wonder. Walk along the wooden pathways suspended over the natural landscape. Guests will absorb the irresistible beauty of as many as 16 upper and lower lakes and caves all connected by waterfalls. A magical end to a magical trip.
After, our guests will return to Zagreb for a final Farewell Dinner together. The perfect chance to reminisce this unforgettable trip to the Balkans.
EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF: Balkan Delight
Keen to take this trip to the Balkans? You can! Join our Balkan Delight tour and live the highlights and experiences of this Balkans tour for yourself.