Tour

Balkans Escape
from USD 1455

Contiki Holidays

Tour Code: BBBDMA20
Vacation Type:
Brochure:
Duration: 8 Days
Countries: Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia

From Budapest to Dubrovnik, there's so much to explore with this 8-day adventure around the Balkans. With some of the hottest 'it' destinations on the clock, these drool worthy spots might have names that are hard to pronounce, but we promise, they'll be hard to forget too! Eat, sleep, explore, repeat is the name of the game on this incredible snippet of these Balkan faves.



Balkans Escape Trip Map

Dining Summary

  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 7 Breakfast (B)

Included Experience

  • Budapest: An expert walking tour that’ll take you past the Royal Palace, Chain Bridge and Fisherman’s Bastion.
  • 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.  

  • Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)
  • Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)
  • Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)
  • Hotel Split Inn (or similar)
  • Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)
Day 1 Budapest

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Budapest > Ljubljana

This morning we'll set out along the cobbled streets of Budapest for a guided walking tour to explore what this city has on offer. You'll see St Stephen's Basilica, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building. And then we’ll hop onto the coach to our next stop. After a morning full of awesome ancient architecture, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana. 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!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

Day 3 Ljubljana > Lake Bled > Radovljica > Ljubljana

Ljubljana, thank you for the perfect dose of Balkan tradition. 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, we’ll stroll around town and grab some dinner on the way. And with a satisfied smile on our faces, the day has come to an end.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

Day 4 Ljubljana > Plitvice National Park

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)

Day 5 Plitvice National Park > Split

Morning, explorers! Fill up on your included breakfast. It’s time to hit the road again…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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Split Inn (or similar)

Day 6 Split > Dubrovnik

Split it's been fantastic, but we have to leave for other Croatian gems further down the coast. 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. Tonight over dinner with the crew, spirits will no doubt be high and the show's not over yet!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)

Day 7 Dubrovnik

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)

Day 8 Dubrovnik

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?

Duration: 1 Day

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Sat, 17 May 2025 Sat, 24 May 2025 USD 2,064USD 1,532USD 1,455
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Sat, 31 May 2025 Sat, 07 Jun 2025 USD 2,064USD 1,532USD 1,455
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Sat, 28 Jun 2025 Sat, 05 Jul 2025 USD 2,112USD 1,580USD 1,501
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Sat, 12 Jul 2025 Sat, 19 Jul 2025 USD 2,640USD 1,975USD 1,876
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Sat, 26 Jul 2025 Sat, 02 Aug 2025 USD 2,112USD 1,580USD 1,501
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Sat, 09 Aug 2025 Sat, 16 Aug 2025 USD 2,064USD 1,532USD 1,455
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Sat, 23 Aug 2025 Sat, 30 Aug 2025 USD 2,064USD 1,532USD 1,455
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Sat, 06 Sep 2025 Sat, 13 Sep 2025 USD 2,064USD 1,532USD 1,455
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