Highlights of the Balkans 12D - Private Tour

• DAY 1 - Welcome to Ljubljana: Riverside Charm & First Taste of Slovenia - Arrive in Slovenia and enjoy a smooth private transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a relaxed first evening along the Ljubljanica River—lantern-lit bridges, café terraces, and a gentle introduction to Ljubljana’s easy pace. The city’s character is shaped by architect Jože Plečnik, whose design touches you’ll start noticing immediately. Overnight: Ljubljana

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• DAY 2 - Ljubljana City Stories First, Then Lake Bled’s Alpine Icon - Begin with a private guided tour of Ljubljana: Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and a visit (or viewpoint) from Ljubljana Castle. Hear how the city grew from Roman Emona into today’s creative capital. In the afternoon, travel to Lake Bled for storybook scenery—an island church, a cliffside castle, and peaceful lakeside walks framed by the Julian Alps. Return to Ljubljana for the evening. Overnight: Ljubljana

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• DAY 3 - UNESCO Škocjan Caves & Zagreb: Capitals and Culture - Travel toward Croatia with a highlight stop at UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves, where a river disappears into a dramatic underground canyon—one of Europe’s most impressive karst systems. Continue to Zagreb for a guided walk through the historic Upper Town, shaped by medieval quarters and Austro-Hungarian elegance. Stroll past St. Mark’s Church, the Stone Gate, and lively squares where Zagreb’s café culture thrives.. Overnight: Zagreb

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• DAY 4 - Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO) & Arrival to Split - Depart Zagreb for Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s most famous natural wonder. Walk boardwalk trails over turquoise lakes and past cascading waterfalls, learning how travertine formations constantly reshape the scenery. Continue to Split and settle in near the waterfront—perfect for a relaxed evening on the Riva promenade. Overnight: Split

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• DAY 5 -  Split & Diocletian’s Palace: Living Roman Heritage - Meet your licensed local guide for a private walking tour of Split, centered on UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, built in the 4th century as a Roman emperor’s residence and now a living neighborhood inside ancient walls. Explore atmospheric cellars, courtyards, and historic squares where Roman stone meets modern life. Enjoy a free afternoon for beach time, markets, or a slow Dalmatian lunch. Overnight: Split

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• DAY 6 - Mostar’s Iconic Bridge & Sarajevo’s Cultural Crossroads (Optional Tito’s Bunker) - Travel inland to Bosnia & Herzegovina and arrive in Mostar, where the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) spans the emerald Neretva—an Ottoman-era masterpiece and symbol of resilience. Walk the old bazaar streets and hear stories of rebuilding and local traditions. Optional: stop at Tito’s Bunker near Konjic, a fascinating Cold War shelter hidden inside a mountain. Continue to Sarajevo, a true cultural crossroads with layers of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage. Overnight: Sarajevo

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• DAY 7  -  Sarajevo: Old Bazaar, Tunnel of Hope & Olympic Views - Explore Sarajevo with a private guide: Baščaršija bazaar, coffee culture, artisan lanes, and the unique mix of religions and architecture that earned it the nickname “Jerusalem of Europe.” Visit the Tunnel of Hope, a moving site that tells the story of survival during the 1990s siege. Later, head to an Olympic mountain (1984 Winter Olympics) for fresh air and panoramic views—an unforgettable contrast to the old town’s intimate streets. Overnight: Sarajevo

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• DAY 8 - Montenegro North: Plužine & the Durmitor Ring Scenic Drive - Cross into Montenegro and watch the scenery turn wild. Stop near Plužine for viewpoints over the Piva region’s emerald waters and dramatic cliffs, then continue along the legendary Durmitor Ring—one of the Balkans’ most spectacular drives. Expect high plateaus, traditional villages, and frequent “stop-the-car” panoramas. Arrive in Žabljak, gateway to Durmitor National Park. Overnight: Žabljak

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• DAY 9 - Durmitor Highlights: Black Lake & Tara Bridge - Spend the day in Durmitor’s raw mountain landscapes. Visit Black Lake (Crno Jezero) for an easy nature walk beneath pine forests with peak reflections, then continue to Đurđevića Tara Bridge, spanning the Tara River Canyon—often ranked among Europe’s deepest gorges. Scenic viewpoints make this a day of pure Balkan wilderness and unforgettable photography. Overnight: Žabljak

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• DAY 10 -  Kotor Bay (UNESCO) & Arrival to Dubrovnik - Descend from the mountains to the Adriatic and enter Kotor Bay, where steep peaks drop into calm blue water. Explore historic Kotor, a UNESCO-listed town of Venetian walls and stone lanes, with time for squares, viewpoints, and café stops. Then cross back into Croatia and arrive in Dubrovnik—the iconic “Pearl of the Adriatic”—for an evening at leisure. Overnight: Dubrovnik

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• DAY 11 - Dubrovnik: Old Town Wonders & Mount Srđ Panorama - Start with a scenic drive to Mount Srđ, revealing Dubrovnik’s iconic panorama—red rooftops framed by mighty walls and the Adriatic beyond. Then enter the UNESCO-listed Old Town for a private guided walk through marble streets and baroque landmarks. Hear the story of the Republic of Ragusa, a powerful maritime state built on diplomacy and trade, whose wealth and independence shaped this remarkable city. Afternoon is yours: walk the city walls, visit museums, shop for local crafts, or unwind by the sea. Dubrovnik is both dramatic and serene—best enjoyed slowly. Overnight Dubrovnik

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• DAY 12 -  Departure from Dubrovnik - At the scheduled time, enjoy a private transfer to Dubrovnik Airport. Relive memories - Slovenia’s elegance, Croatia’s icons, Bosnia’s powerful stories, and Montenegro’s wild nature and breathtaking bay—explored over the past 12 days.​

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