[Balkan Cultural Circuit] 7-Day In-Depth Exploration | Hungary + Croatia + Bosnia and Herzegovina: Cultural Heritage Across Three Countries · 1/3 — 1 / 3

[Balkan Cultural Circuit] 7-Day In-Depth Exploration | Hungary + Croatia + Bosnia and Herzegovina: Cultural Heritage Across Three Countries

Trip duration

7 days

Departure date

Departing Thursday

Type

Group Tours

Set off on a cultural journey across Central and Southern Europe! This itinerary takes you deep into Hungary, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, from the romantic nightscape of Budapest to the emerald lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, the old town of Dubrovnik on the Adriatic coast, and the rich history of Sarajevo and Mostar. Explore old-town lanes lined with red-tiled roofs and white walls, and savor the unique blend of lakes, mountains, and Ottoman civilization over seven days and six nights, experiencing the Balkans at their most authentic.

Budapest

Hungary’s capital, straddling the Danube and comprising the districts of Buda and Pest. Buda’s historic Castle Hill is home to Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, while Pest is known for the Parliament Building, Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square. At night, a cruise on the Danube offers glittering views of the city on both banks and is a must for a romantic trip. Budapest is also famous for its rich thermal bath culture. Visit Széchenyi Baths to experience an authentic Hungarian soak.

Lake Balaton

The largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, also known as the “Hungarian Sea,” is famous for its beautiful scenery and resort atmosphere. Lakeside towns such as Tihany are known for lavender and their abbey, while Lake Hévíz on the western shore boasts one of the world’s rare natural thermal lakes. In spring and summer, the lake region offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including cycling, sailing and wine tasting, making it a favorite holiday destination for Hungarians.

Zagreb

Croatia’s capital blends the classical elegance of the Austro-Hungarian Empire with the artistic spirit of modern Europe. The roof of St. Mark’s Church in the Upper Town features distinctive coats of arms formed in mosaic; Zagreb Cathedral is a city landmark, with its twin Gothic spires reaching skyward; and Ban Jelačić Square, the bustling heart of the city, is always full of people. The city also offers museum-lined streets, romantic cafés and charming artistic lanes, all reflecting its elegant pace of life.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of Croatia’s most famous natural attractions and a World Heritage Site. It comprises 16 lakes in a range of colors, dozens of waterfalls and forest trails. Travertine formations have created fantastical underwater scenery, and the water is exceptionally clear. Strolling through the park feels like stepping into a real-life fairy tale. Lush green in spring and summer, covered in autumn foliage in fall, and blanketed in snow in winter, it offers a different kind of beauty in every season.

Zadar

A 3,000-year-old city that was once an important Roman port. The old town lies along the sea, and its well-preserved walls and gates bear witness to its history. Its most distinctive attraction is the “Sea Organ,” which creates remarkable melodies powered by the waves, along with “Greeting to the Sun,” an art installation whose lights create a dazzling spectacle at night. It is a perfect example of technology and nature working in harmony.

Split

Croatia’s second-largest city, whose soul is Diocletian’s Palace—a Roman palace built in 305 AD that is still bustling with markets, cafés and homes. Visitors can wander along ancient Roman stone streets and feel transported back in time, while also experiencing the modern lifestyle of the Adriatic coast. The city is also an important departure point for the islands of Hvar, Brač and others.

Dubrovnik

A medieval port city hailed as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is surrounded by well-preserved city walls and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its fame soared as the filming location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. The city features palaces, bell towers, monasteries, fountains, and other historic landmarks, as well as spectacular views of the red-roofed city and blue bay from the mountain cable car. The city may be small, but every step reveals another beautiful view.

Blagaj

One of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most tranquil and beautiful hidden gems, Blagaj lies beside the Buna River at a spring at the foot of the mountains. The Tekija monastery is surrounded by cliffs, forming a picture-perfect landscape with the clear river. Once a secluded retreat for Sufis, it retains a peaceful and sacred atmosphere, making it an ideal place for photography and contemplation.

Mostar

One of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most representative historic cities, Mostar blends Ottoman and European styles. Its iconic “Old Bridge” (Stari Most) spans the Neretva River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stone houses, narrow lanes, and markets along the bridge evoke the Middle East, while cafés abound—making this a wonderful place to experience Bosnia and Herzegovina’s culture and history in depth.

Sarajevo

The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is known as the “Jerusalem of Europe,” where different religions coexist. Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and socialist-era architecture stand side by side. The famous Latin Bridge, where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, was the site of an event that sparked World War I. Today, the rebuilt city is full of life, and Lonely Planet once named it one of the world’s best cities to visit.

Vinkovci

One of Croatia’s oldest cities, with a history of human settlement stretching back 8,000 years. Known as “Cibalae” in Roman times, it was once the birthplace of emperors. Though understated today, it still preserves elegant churches, traditional markets and Slavic culture, offering a journey through the ages and across civilizations.

Pécs

An important cultural city in southern Hungary, where Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques and Baroque architecture intertwine, making it a model of cultural fusion. Pécs Cathedral, the Early Christian Necropolis and the Zsolnay Museum of Ceramics are all worth a visit. With its pleasant climate and vibrant arts scene, the city is a cultural gem of Hungary.

Day 1

Budapest - Lake Balaton - Zagreb

In the morning, drive to Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, passing Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe and a famous Hungarian holiday destination, surrounded by beautiful green hills and water. Arrive in Zagreb in the afternoon. This city has a long tradition of resisting invaders and has endured heavy bombardment, yet its historic buildings remain remarkably well preserved. The old town is full of beautiful, intricately designed Gothic architecture. Combined with Mediterranean cuisine, locally produced wine and the warm hospitality of optimistic Croatians, it makes for an unforgettable experience. After arrival, visit the city’s highlights, including Zagreb Cathedral, Ban Jelačić Square and St. Mark’s Church.

Day 2

Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes - Zadar

Join your guide to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, known as the “Jiuzhaigou of Europe.” Sixteen lakes are linked one after another along mountain paths. Amid dense forests, countless layers of travertine barriers form natural dams, creating lakes that look like something out of a fairy tale. The water has a distinctive color, and calcium deposits give submerged tree surfaces a bronze-like texture. Smooth and beautiful, they do not decay, creating a rare underwater spectacle of jade-like trees. Lush green grass, rushing streams, cascading waterfalls, and clear turquoise lakes make this place seem like a paradise on earth. Follow the paths through the lake district, listening to the clear sounds of water and waterfalls as your mind escapes the bustle of daily life and enjoys a moment of tranquility. Note: “National Park admission” prices vary between low and high seasons.

Day 3

Zadar - Split - Dubrovnik

The religious atmosphere of Zadar’s old town is palpable, and its many narrow medieval streets and buildings make it feel as if time has turned back. In recent years, the waterfront has also gained popular modern art installations: the “Sea Organ” and the “Greeting to the Sun” solar installation. Next, head to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, steeped in ancient Roman character. Dating back to the construction of the imposing Roman palace, Diocletian’s Palace, in 305 AD, Split has a history of more than 1,700 years. Then set off for Dubrovnik, the “King’s Landing” surrounded by azure waters, and immerse yourself in the legendary charm of this thousand-year-old city, both in and beyond the world of Game of Thrones.

Day 4

Dubrovnik

Nobel Prize-winning author George Bernard Shaw once said, “If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik.” This is no exaggeration: Dubrovnik is love at first sight, and you must not miss the chance to explore in person this coastal city that inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s Kiki’s Delivery Service. Explore the city’s highlights: the Old Town, city walls, defensive towers, Rector’s Palace, and Franciscan Monastery. You can also take the cable car up the mountain for postcard-perfect views of the entire city. Enjoy some leisurely free time afterward! Optional activities include exploring at your own pace or returning to the hotel to enjoy the sun and beach.

Day 5

Dubrovnik - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo

The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (abbreviated as Bosnia and Herzegovina) is the highlight of today’s itinerary. It was once one of the six socialist republics of the former Yugoslavia, and many cities still retain a strong historical atmosphere. Our first stop is a medieval stone old town, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we visit Blagaj, known as a “hidden paradise.” The Tekija monastery, built beneath a cliff, and the crystal-clear stream form a breathtaking scene. Then we head to the historic old town of Mostar and climb onto the graceful and majestic old arch bridge, Stari Most, to admire the picturesque views on both banks. After exploring this poetic old town, we drive to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and check in to the hotel for a rest. Note: Bosnia and Herzegovina requires the number of people entering and leaving as a group to be the same, so you cannot leave the tour midway through the day.

Day 6

Sarajevo - Vinkovci

Sarajevo was once an important gateway to the East. A city where many religions and cultures converge, it has a distinctive Eastern European character. As if reborn from the ashes, this city, once ravaged by war, has now been named by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top ten cities to visit. We will stroll through the streets and squares of the city center and explore its soul: visit the site of the assassination on the Latin Bridge that sparked World War I, as well as Old Town landmarks such as the “Meeting of Cultures” line, a symbol of the convergence of Eastern and Western cultures. You can also experience the modern character of the rebuilt New Town and see how Sarajevo has risen from the ashes of war and transformed itself. After the tour, we drive across the border to Vinkovci, Croatia. Note: Bosnia and Herzegovina requires the number of people entering and leaving as a group to be the same, so you cannot leave the tour midway through the day.

Day 7

Vinkovci - Pécs - Budapest

In the morning, drive back to Hungary and head to Pécs, a historic city between the Danube and Drava rivers. Pécs is considered one of Hungary’s most charming cities, with a pleasant climate, a rich cultural heritage, numerous museums and some of the country’s most significant relics from the Turkish period. On St. Stephen’s Square in the city center stands Pécs’s landmark building, the solemn and grand Neo-Romanesque cathedral. Pécs is also renowned throughout Hungary for its music, opera and ballet. Most enchanting is its blend of old and new: architecture in a variety of styles and charming little shops give the whole city a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. In the afternoon, we’ll continue driving back to Hungary’s capital, Budapest, bringing this wonderful and enriching cultural journey through Central and Eastern Europe to an end.

Included

• Hotel accommodation: We guarantee hotels rated at least three stars under local European standards. All rooms have private bathrooms and are generally for two people. Upgrade guarantee: Two nights per tour will be upgraded to four-star hotels. • Transportation: A luxury, air-conditioned tour bus, as specified in the itinerary, will be used throughout the tour. • Tour leader: A professional bilingual tour leader who speaks Mandarin and Cantonese will accompany the group from its local departure point. • Tour fare details: The original fare was €763 per adult and €693 per child. As accommodation costs are higher for some nights on this itinerary, a surcharge of €25 per person per night applies for two nights, totaling €50 per person. This has been included in the final tour fare. Thank you for your understanding.

Not included

• All types of insurance, travel documents, and visa fees • Attraction admission tickets: As specified in the itinerary; optional activities outside the itinerary are charged separately • Tips: €10 per person per day for the tour guide and driver (same rate for adults and children) • International flights and fees for oversized or overweight baggage • Personal expenses (such as lunches and dinners not included in group meals, in-room drinks, telephone calls, laundry, or compensation for damage) • Additional expenses arising from force majeure (such as strikes or transport delays) • City entry taxes and accommodation taxes (please refer to the “City Tax / Spending Guide” for details)

Booking information

• Please do not book flights in advance: If you need to purchase a flight to join the tour, please wait until you receive the Booking Confirmation from our company before booking, to avoid losses due to itinerary changes. • Instructions for using the “Tour Voucher”: The Tour Voucher contains departure information and an emergency contact number. Please print it and carry it with you; you must present it when boarding for identity verification. Only the version issued by our company is valid. Any information or terms added by a travel agent who prepares its own version are unrelated to our company, and we reserve all rights to pursue liability. • No responsibility for delays: We accept no responsibility for delays or expenses caused by passenger negligence, missed connections, arriving late at the meeting point, or similar circumstances. In a serious emergency, please call the emergency contact number listed on your “Tour Voucher.” • Airport pickup reminder: To ensure a smooth airport pickup, please use the mobile number provided when you booked on the day of pickup. If the driver cannot locate you after you have cleared customs, they will contact you at this number. • Please read before registering: To protect your rights, please read the terms, conditions, and liability information in “Registration Procedures & Information for Circular Tours” carefully before registering. By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted our company’s relevant terms.

Cancellation policy

When booking, please read carefully and make sure you understand the cancellation, date-change and refund terms that apply after your booking is confirmed: • If you need to cancel your booking for any reason after booking, the following charges will be deducted as compensation (including for medical or personal reasons): • 16 days or more before departure, either party may make any changes, bringing the departure forward or postponing it, with no charges deducted • 15–8 days before departure: 50% of the total tour price will be charged • Within 7 days of departure: 100% of the total tour price will be charged

Special Notes

• Due to the high cost of local hotels in Dubrovnik, an accommodation surcharge of €25 per person per night applies, based on the number of nights spent there. • Participants must hold a Schengen visa allowing two or multiple entries. • Tour fares are calculated by the number of days. There is no accommodation on the final night of the itinerary (for example: 7 days/6 nights, 4 days/3 nights, or 1 day/no overnight stay). • Children aged 2–11 must share a room with two adults and do not get a bed (limited to one child per room). If a child needs a bed, the adult tour fare applies. • Infants aged 0–2 travel free of charge but are not entitled to a seat or any services. • The times listed for departure points are for reference only. Delays are not grounds for dispute or compensation claims. • Group activities: Where group activities are arranged as part of the itinerary, participants must pay to take part. • Gratuities: €10 per day, payable in cash to the tour guide after joining the tour.

Helpful Information

• European hotels generally include breakfast, but it is usually a simple continental breakfast (defined as coffee or tea, juice, bread, and jam). • European hotel rooms are relatively small, and their amenities and service standards are below those in Asia and North America. Please bring your own toiletries. • Temperatures can vary greatly between day and night in Europe. There are no more than two months a year when temperatures exceed 30°C. Environmental awareness is also high, and some hotels do not have air conditioning. Thank you for your understanding.

Quick booking

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