Premium Balkans in Depth

Premium Balkans in Depth

26 Days Starting in Split and ending in Bucharest

Visiting: Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik , Mostar, Sarajevo, Tara National Park, Belgrade, Timisoara, Sibiu, Coltesti Village, Sighisoara, Brasov, Bucharest

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

ZMPDC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Interests:

Cultural

From: $11436 $10292 Operator discount: -$1144

NB: Prices correct on 18-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Unlock the cultural treasure chest of the Balkans on an in-depth 26-day Premium adventure from Split to Bucharest. Amazing beaches and sunshine give way to medieval towns and castles as lesser known National Parks provide an incredible mountianous backdrop. Get away from the modern world and in with the locals on the remote and beautiful island of Lastovo, and soak up ancient riches of Transylvania, and discover Tara National Park’s spectacular scenery on foot and riding the rails on a historic steam train. Bursting with culinary delights and cultural wonders - the Balkans has it all.

Highlights

  • Follow a local guide through Diocletian's Palace in Split, where narrow cobblestone streets are lined with pre-Romanesque churches, Gothic chapels and museums.

  • Spend two nights in Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel – your Feature Stay in Split –located right in the popular Pjaca (also known as the Peoples Square). This gorgeous 1776 building was recently restored and features the la luce terrace, a secret garden and private dining options

  • Take a scenic steam train ride through Tara National Park’s forests and mountains on a historic railway that forms part of the famous Ciro trail connecting Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea, a Premium Exclusive Experience.

  • Explore Balkan history, discovering Saxon villages with fairytale scenery, mideivel Old Towns with pretty market squares, and Orthodox monasteries where you'll taste the famous Tvrdos wine made by its monks.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Split

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torarnenb
tourguide_split

Location: Split

Accommodation: Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: dinner

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Split – right on the Adriatic coast, this is Croatia’s second-largest city, combining stunning architecture with timeless tradition. You’ll be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel when you arrive, ready for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Mestrovic Gallery, which displays the remarkable work of one of Croatia’s greatest sculptors. After the meeting, get to know your fellow travellers and group leader over dinner at one of Split’s excellent restaurants and maybe try some brudet (a rustic seafood stew) and rozata (a creamy custard pudding). Tonight, you’ll stay in your Feature Stay – Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel in the Pjaca (the most beautiful square in Split).

Included Activities:
-Split - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Day 2: Split

filip_simoens
torarnenb
tourguide_split

Location: Split

Accommodation: Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, you’ll head out on a sustainable Urban Adventure – Unveiling Split’s Living History. Led by a licensed heritage interpreter, stroll through the historic streets of Split, unveil the city's hidden gems and get a glimpse into the lives of those who call this 1700-year-old city their home. Wander through cobblestoned streets in the footsteps of past emperors and kings and learn about how Split has evolved over the centuries, now embracing eco-friendly initiatives like solar power and waste management. Explore the workshops of local artisans and witness the skill and passion of their creations. This afternoon is free to explore the seaside city at your own pace – maybe find the perfect seafood restaurant with sweeping views of the coast and tuck into some fresh cuisine over a glass of wine. Or, head back to your Feature Stay and chill on the la luce terrace or in the secret garden.

Included Activities:
-Split - Walking Tour with Local Guide
-Split - Diocletian's Palace Visit

Optional Activities:
-Split - Fish Market - Free
-Split - Marjan Hill Hike - Free
-Split – Highlights of Split Urban Adventure
-Split - City Museum
-Split - Ivan Mestrovic Gallery
-Split - St Domnius Cathedral and Tower
-Split - Ethnographic Museum
-Split - Diocletian's Palace Cellars
-Split - Archaeological Museum
-Split - Gallery of Fine Arts

Day 3: Korcula

Josipa KL
Sandra Blagojevic
Karel Jiříček

Location: Korcula

Meals Included: breaksfast

Take a morning ferry to Korcula – a paradisical island off the Dalmatian Coast. When you arrive in the afternoon, head out on a walking tour with a local guide dressed in traditional costume to the folklore treasury of Korcula Town. Here, traditional costumes and items are displayed exclusively for Intrepid tour groups (other tour groups don't have permission) and learn about the history of this island, whose population is almost entirely made up of ethnic Croats. After, maybe hit one of the hidden beaches like Vela Przina or Proizd, wander the orange-topped architecture in the Old City or soak up some of the local wine culture among the olive groves.

Included Activities:
-Korcula Island - Korcula Old Town Orientation Walk

Day 4: Korcula

Josipa KL
Sandra Blagojevic
Karel Jiříček

Location: Korcula

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Get ready for an exciting, custom-made half-day tour around Korcula today. You'll explore the rich history of the island and visit places that are less impacted by tourism, supporting the local community. First, visit the Ethnographic Museum Barilo in Blato and explore the impressive collection, which includes agricultural tools, ceremonial clothes, traditional costumes, kitchen utensils and handicrafts that give a unique insight into the daily lives of the owners' ancestors. Wander the house and garden, then join your hosts for a tasting of local liqueurs, brandies, arancini, fried almonds and dried figs, prepared according to traditional recipes. After, head to Vela Luka to see the 20,000-year-old Vela Spila archaeological site and cave. Take a short walk over the cave for beautiful panoramic views of the archipelago and the bay below. Visit the archaeological museum before heading out to a local village for lunch and a wine tasting of local drops, at a small family winery among the hills. 

Included Activities:
-Korcula - Local Winery lunch and wine tasting
-Vela Luka - Vela Spila
-Korcula - Custom half day tour

Day 5: Korcula

Josipa KL
Sandra Blagojevic
Karel Jiříček

Location: Korcula

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today is a free day in Korcula. You might like to spend the day lazing at one of the hidden beaches and soak up the sun, taking a dfip in the glittering waters of the bay. Alternatively, maybe head to another local winery and support the local community with some delicious cuisine and a glass of wine (or three). Perhaps continue your explorations of the Old Town tonight, taking in the stocky Revelin Tower and impressive defensive walls before stopping for dinner in one of the island’s many restaurants.

Included Activities:
-Korcula – Blato Ethno House Barilo

Optional Activities:
-Korcula - Traditional Moreska Dance Performance
-Korcula – Hop on hop off boat
-Korcula – City Museum
-Korcula - Mljet National Park visit (including the ferry)

Day 6: Dubrovnik

thewingedbone
markusreidus

Location: Dubrovnik

Meals Included: breaksfast

You’ll begin the journey to Dubrovnik today, stopping at Trsteno along the way – a small village just 20 km away from Dubrovnik. Here, you’ll tuck into a delicious brunch of local products made by a local family on their farm and presented by the famous Croatian chef Katija Paseta. Soak in the garden views and morning sun and then be treated to an olive oil tasting (a bottle of this locally produced kitchen necessity makes for the perfect souvenir!). Visit the arboretum next door – this is the oldest monument of garden architecture and the only arboretum in Croatia that dates back to the 15th century. This is also a Game of Thrones filming location but is far less crowded with fans than Dubrovnik’s Old Town. As you spot filming locations you recognise from the show (well away from the tourist crowds), take in the gorgeous views of the Elaphiti Islands and the Adriatic Sea below. Continue to the medieval walls of picturesque Dubrovnik, where you’ll have a free evening to find the best spot for dinner.

Included Activities:
-Dubrovnik - City Walls
-Trsteno - Arboretum visit
-Trsteno - Olive Farm tasting and brunch

Day 7: Dubrovnik

thewingedbone
markusreidus

Location: Dubrovnik

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

The day is free to explore Dubrovnik at your leisure. This gorgeous city offers a wealth of experiences to cater to every taste, so maybe ask your leader for some suggestions. Maybe visit the historical Rector's Palace and marvel at the ornate Venetian-Gothic architecture or sip a beer on the terrace of one of Dubrovnik’s teetering cliff bars. Take a Game of Thrones walking tour to some more filming locations if you're a fan, or just people-watch over an espresso. Tonight, you'll be treated to a sunset sail on the glittering Adriatic waters. On a private boat, you'll sail to the Elafiti Islands, taking in the stunning coastal scenery during golden hour. Go for a couple of swims off the boat and then hit land and visit the picturesque fisherman's village of Lopud. Here, you'll toast to an incredible trip with the group over a farewell dinner of local cuisine. Sail back to Dubrovnik just in time to enjoy the view of Old Town from the sea during sunset and toast to an unforgettable memory with some nice local wine.

Included Activities:
-Dubrovnik - Sunset Sailing

Optional Activities:
-Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure
-Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip
-Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence
-Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum
-Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car
-Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace

Day 8: Dubrovnik

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Park or similar

Meals Included: dinner

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia, the jewel of the Dalmatian Coast. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, you might like to head out and explore Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town, which is surrounded entirely by city walls and easily covered on foot. Although Dubrovnik experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, the restored Old Town remains one of the most picturesque places, surrounded by ramparts, filming locations (Game of Thrones fan, anyone?) and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. See the 15th-century Rector's Palace, the monasteries with their cloistered gardens and the baroque churches on a self-paced walk around town. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant showcasing Croatia’s traditional cuisine.

Optional Activities:
-Dubrovnik - Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations Urban Adventure
-Dubrovnik - Hike up Mt Srd - Free
-Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Card (1 day local transport & entry to sites)
-Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Museum of Croatian War of Independence
-Dubrovnik - Lokrum Island Boat Trip
-Dubrovnik - War Photography Museum
-Dubrovnik - Rector's Palace
-Dubrovnik - Mt Srd Cable Car

Day 9: Dubrovnik

thewingedbone
markusreidus

Location: Dubrovnik

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Park or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

After breakfast, drive from your hotel to the Konavle region south of Dubrovnik. The region is known as the Golden Valley of Dubrovnik as it has the most fertile grounds in the area and is filled with vineyards and fruit trees. Visit the small town of Cavtat with its beautiful architecture, ancient history and pebble beaches. After exploring the town, you’ll head further into the Konavle region for a traditional ‘peka’ lunch featuring lamb and other meats cooked under an iron bell. No meal in this region is complete without a glass of Croatian wine, so raise a glass of Grk or Plavac Mali local wine and toast to a new adventure. Return to Dubrovnik, where the rest of the day is free.

Included Activities:
-Dubrovnik - Cavtat Tour

Day 10: Mostar

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Location: Mostar

Accommodation: Hotel Eden or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today you’ll cross the border and travel into Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping at several scenic destinations along the way. Your first stop is Trebinje where you’ll join your leader for a walking tour that takes in the compact Old Town and its market square, followed by a stop at an Orthodox monastery to taste the famous Tvrdos wine. After you’ve quenched your thirst, your trip continues to Stolac where you’ll stop for the lunch and the chance to explore this ancient town on the banks of the blue Bregava River. After you’ve explored the sights of Stolac, head on to Mostar. Here you’ll join an expert local guide for a tour around town that reveals why there is such a strong connection between the locals and coffee.

Included Activities:
-Mostar - Guided Tour with Coffee Experience
-Stolac - Town Visit
-Trebinje - Tvrdos Monastery Wine Tasting
-Trebinje - Walking Tour

Optional Activities:
-Mostar - Old Bridge Museum

Day 11: Sarajevo

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation: Hotel President or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Leave Mostar and travel towards Sarajevo, stopping in Konjic along the way. Here, you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia – Tito's nuclear bunker. The military bunker was built to protect Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and hundreds of his top military personnel and has only recently opened to the public. Go back in time on a guided tour of the bunker and learn about Yugoslav history and how life used to be in not-so-distant past. After touring the bunker, continue to Sarajevo and settle into your hotel before heading out to explore the city with an expert local guide. Tonight, you might like to join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.

Included Activities:
-Konjic - Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 (Tito’s Bunker) tour
-Sarajevo - Walking Tour

Day 12: Sarajevo

Location: Sarajevo

Accommodation: Hotel President or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today is yours to explore your own way. Taste your way through the market stalls of Bascarsija, visit one of the museums dedicated to the Yugoslav war or maybe take a cable car up Trebevic Mountain to enjoy the views over the city. You’ll finish the day with a home-cooked meal shared with your hosts Mustafa and Mersiha who proudly claim their kitchen has the best view over Sarajevo. Your night begins learning how Bosnian pita is made before a hearty meal of sogan dolma (stuffed onions) and dolam (stuffed paprika). Of course, you’ll get to try the freshly made pita too.

Included Activities:
-Sarajevo - Cooking Demo and Home-made Dinner

Optional Activities:
-Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
-Sarajevo - Sarajevo Museum
-Sarajevo - War Tunnel
-Sarajevo - Trebević Mountain Cable Car

Day 13: Tara National Park

Location: Tara National Park

Accommodation: Golden Chalets (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today you’ll travel to Serbia with a stop in the small town of Visegrad where a 16th-century bridge dominates the horizon (this bridge also provided the inspiration for the Nobel Prize winning literary work, The Bridge on the Drina). From Visegrad, you’ll cross the border into Serbia and continue your journey to Tara National Park. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular destinations in the country, the park is home to the world’s third largest river canyon and filled with forested slopes and dramatic ravines. This afternoon, you’ll have the chance to soak in the natural beauty with an easy 2-hour hike. Tonight, you’ll bed down near the town of Zlatibor in your Feature Stay accommodation – a group of wooden chalets surrounded by nature complete with individual swimming pools and views of the surrounding countryside. Later, sit down for a traditional dinner to celebrate your first night in Serbia.

Included Activities:
-Višegrad - Town Visit
-Tara National Park - Hike

Day 14: Belgrade

dejan sokolovic
Сергей Филиппов

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation: Royal Inn Hotel or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning you'll explore Tara National Park further with a scenic steam train ride through the park’s forest and mountains. This section of the railway is part of the famous Ciro trail that connects Belgrade and the Adriatic Sea. Rattle along the tracks as the narrow-gauge engine and historic carriages take you through the incredible scenery, with four stops along the way so you can take photos. After spending a half day exploring Tara National Park on foot and riding the rails, settle in for the drive to Belgrade where you’ll have a free evening.

Included Activities:
-Tara National Park - Steam Train

Day 15: Belgrade

dejan sokolovic
Сергей Филиппов

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation: Royal Inn Hotel or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Start your day with a guided walking tour and discover all that Belgrade has to offer including Republic Square, Knez Mihailova Street, Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet. Immerse yourself in the town’s rich history and ask your local guide for suggestions on where to experience the best night life, as Belgrade is known for its party scene. This afternoon is free, so you might like to visit the city market or the Nikola Tesla Museum. You could also catch a trolleybus to Zemun – a bohemian neighbourhood known for its cafes and fish restaurants along the riverside promenade. Tonight, join your group for a traditional dinner in the bohemian Skadarska quarter to celebrate the penultimate night of your trip.

Included Activities:
-Belgrade - Walking Tour

Optional Activities:
-Belgrade - House of Flowers
-Belgrade - Saint Sava Temple - Free
-Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum
-Belgrade - Military Museum
-Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum
-Belgrade - Danube River Cruise
-Belgrade - National Museum
-Belgrade - Belgrade Fortress - Free
-Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History

Day 16: Belgrade

dejan sokolovic
Сергей Филиппов

Location: Belgrade

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Serbia. Your adventure begins in Belgrade. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a representative and brought to your hotel. Join your local leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, check out the city’s many museums – including the one dedicated to Nikola Tesla, the Serbian American inventor known for transforming the world’s understanding of electricity. Or maybe get a caffeine fix with a Turkish coffee at a kafana – these traditional coffee houses date back to the Ottoman era. After the meeting, get to know your group over dinner at a local restaurant and explore the flavours of Serbian cuisine.

Optional Activities:
-Belgrade - Military Museum
-Belgrade - Ethnographic Museum
-Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum
-Belgrade - Museum of Yugoslav History
-Belgrade - House of Flowers
-Belgrade - Danube River Cruise
-Belgrade - National Museum

Day 17: Timisoara

Location: Timisoara

This morning, travel by private vehicle to Timisoara, crossing the Serbia-Romania border. Timisoara is a park-filled city where an uprising of local people sparked the Romanian Revolution in 1989. This saw the fall of the country’s Communist regime – reflecting the broader political change seen across Eastern Europe at the time. On a guided walking tour, you’ll take in some of Timisoara’s most significant sights – including the grand and aptly named Victory, Liberty and Union Squares – and learn more about the city’s history.

Included Activities:
-Timisoara - City Tour

Day 18: Sibiu

Location: Sibiu

Head to Sibiu after breakfast, stopping on the way to visit Sarmizegetusa Regia – the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Dacia. Romania’s answer to Stonehenge, Sarmizegetusa Regia was a centre of religious, military and political significance until it was invaded by the Romans in 102 AD. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest and most mysterious historical sites in Romania. After touring the site with a local guide, continue to Sibiu, where you’ll get acquainted with the cobbled streets and squares on a guided walking tour. Sibiu is known for its creative, bohemian atmosphere, rich history and architecture. Explore what remains of the city’s medieval walls and towers, cross the legend-shrouded Bridge of Lies and take in the grandeur of Brukenthal National Museum before a free evening.

Included Activities:
-Sibiu - Evening Walking Tour
-Sarmizegetusa Regia - Guided Tour

Day 19: Sibiu

Location: Sibiu

This morning head to the outskirts of the city to explore ASTRA Village Museum. Set across 96 acres surrounding a sparkling lake, this open-air living museum seeks to preserve, showcase and celebrate Romanian folk culture and traditional ways of life. Wander the grounds to discover reconstructed old dwellings, windmills and workshops and learn how Romanian people of centuries past grew food, raised families and made a living. The afternoon is free to visit the Orthodox Cathedral or admire the slightly less imposing (but equally magnificent) Gothic Lutheran church. Alternatively, grab a covrigi (a tasty Romanian pretzel), wander the old town and snap photos of the colourful, Wes Anderson-style architecture.

Included Activities:
-Sibiu - ASTRA Village Museum

Optional Activities:
-Sibiu - Brukenthal Palace National Museum
-Sibiu Museum of Contemporary Art
-Sibiu - Holy Trinity Cathedral - Free

Day 20: Coltesti Village

Location: Coltesti Village

Depart Sibiu and head to Alba Lulia – one of the oldest cities in Romania. It is home to an 18th-century citadel with a history that dates to Roman times. Shaped like a seven-point star, the fortress features a collection of ornate gates and vantage points, as well as numerous museums and cafes. Wander the cobbled streets with an expert guide to hear more about what went on within these ancient walls over the last two millennia. Next, drive to the Trascau Mountains to reach Coltesti and check in to Szekler Mansion – your exclusive Feature Stay. This evening, sit down for a traditional meal which might feature hearty bowls of borsch or goulash, locally made cheese and sarmale (smoky, meat-filled cabbage rolls).

Included Activities:
-Alba Lulia - Citadel Tour

Day 21: Sighisoara

Location: Sighisoara

On your way to Sighisoara today, stop off at the Turda Salt Mine. This huge subterranean space was renovated and opened to the public in the early 1990s and resembles an alien planet or a Bond villain’s lair. Don’t forget to pack a sweatshirt – it gets chilly 119 m down! When you resurface, head to the nearby town Medias, where you can catch a glimpse of the Trumpeter Tower, a medieval structure with a distinctive tilt. Finish your journey in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sighisoara – your home for the next two nights and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure and inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Explore the colourful streets of Sighisoara’s old town on a guided walk and then enjoy a free evening.

Included Activities:
-Turda - Salt Mines Tour

Day 22: Sighisoara

Location: Sighisoara

Start your day by visiting the UNESCO World Hertiage site Biertan, home to a 15th century fortified church perched high on a hill in the centre of town. Then, drive to Malancrav for lunch in a bucolic setting – the Saxon village was once owned by one family, the Apafis, and populated with German farmers. Maybe see the Apafi Mansion and the 14th-century church that features the oldest wall paintings in Transylvania. Head back to Sighisoara after your sightseeing and spend the rest of the day exploring as you wish.

Included Activities:
-Malancrav - Village Stop
-Medias - Town Stop
-Biertan - Town Stop
-Sighisoara - Walking Tour

Day 23: Brasov

Location: Brasov

After breakfast, set off for Brasov, making a pit stop at hilltop Rupea Fortress along the way. The restored citadel’s steep and rocky pathways spiral up to the highest point, offering sweeping views over the surrounding fields. Next, you'll visit Bran Castle – perhaps Romania’s most famous attraction, given its associations with the tale of Count Dracula. Vampire myths aside (it was never actually home to Vlad the Impaler or Bram Stoker), the forested surroundings and lofty location of this 14th-century castle is a great setting. This evening you’ll reach Brasov and have dinner together at a local restaurant.

Included Activities:
-Rupea - Fortress Stop
-Bran Castle - Tour

Day 24: Brasov

Location: Brasov

Your tour of Romanian castles continues with Peles. Built in the late 19th century, the neo-Renaissance creation is even more extravagant on the inside than it is on the outside. Return to Brasov and, in the afternoon, join your leader for a walk, learning about the city’s most notable sights. You’ll see the remnants of the old medieval fortifications, the Black Church – damaged in the 1689 Great Fire but now restored – and the wedge-shaped Council Square, lined with historic buildings. Round the day off with the Romanian sweet treat of chimney cake (or kurtoskolacs as the locals call it).

Included Activities:
-Brasov - Walking Tour
-Peles - Castle Visit
-Brasov - Chimney Cake Tasting

Day 25: Bucharest

Location: Bucharest

Today, you have a free morning in Brasov. Maybe seek out tiny String Street, which is 44 inches at its narrowest point or indulge in some Romanian sweet treats like papanasi (a sweet cream doughnut topped with blueberry jam). Depart the city and head for lunch in the Prahova Valley, where you’ll tour a local winery known for its sparkling rose in the mountain town of Azuga. Hit the road one last time, reaching Bucharest in the late afternoon.

Included Activities:
-Azuga - Winery Tour and Tasting with Lunch

Day 26: Bucharest

Location: Bucharest

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to spend some more time in Bucharest, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Optional Activities:
-Bucharest - Village Museum
-Bucharest - Bike Tour
-Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence
-Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum
-Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour
-Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Tour

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Comfortable Hotel (21 nights), Feature Stay (4 nights)

  • Split - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

  • Split - Walking Tour with Local Guide

  • Split - Diocletian's Palace Visit

  • Korcula Island - Korcula Old Town Orientation Walk

  • Korcula - Local Winery lunch and wine tasting

  • Vela Luka - Vela Spila

  • Korcula - Custom half day tour

  • Trsteno - Arboretum visit

  • Trsteno - Olive Farm tasting and brunch

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Transport

  • Ferry , Private vehicle , Train

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • FACILITIES
  • Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Important Information

  • 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room?on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip?and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 3. This itinerary no longer visits Hunedoara Castle as it is undergoing renovation and there is a lack of local guides meaning we cannot guarantee the quality of the experience. You will instead visit the UNESCO site of Sarmizegetusa Regia with a local guide, as well as visiting Peles Castle and Bran Castle.

Mode of Transport

  • Ferry , Private vehicle , Train

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Croatia’s coast is very hilly and mountainous, which means lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet, so good walking shoes are recommended.

    Summer temperatures can be extreme in Croatia (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Tuesday

May 16, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025
$11890 $10701

Operator discount: -$1189

Friday - Tuesday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
$12010 $10809

Operator discount: -$1201

Friday - Tuesday

Jun 13, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
$11436 $10292

Operator discount: -$1144

Friday - Tuesday

Aug 15, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
$11550 $10395

Operator discount: -$1155

Friday - Tuesday

Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
$11436 $10292

Operator discount: -$1144

Friday - Tuesday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$11890 $10701

Operator discount: -$1189

Friday - Tuesday

Sep 12, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$11890 $10701

Operator discount: -$1189

Friday - Tuesday

May 08, 2026 - Jun 02, 2026
$12005

Friday - Tuesday

May 15, 2026 - Jun 09, 2026
$12485

Friday - Tuesday

May 29, 2026 - Jun 23, 2026
$12485

Friday - Tuesday

Jun 12, 2026 - Jul 07, 2026
$12005

Friday - Tuesday

Jul 03, 2026 - Jul 28, 2026
$12005

Friday - Tuesday

Aug 14, 2026 - Sep 08, 2026
$12005

Friday - Tuesday

Aug 28, 2026 - Sep 22, 2026
$12485

Friday - Tuesday

Sep 11, 2026 - Oct 06, 2026
$12485

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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