Balkan Explorer

Days 1-2  Venice, Italy  
Arrive into this romantic city and transfer to your hotel for the next 2 nights, before enjoying a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers. On day two, embark on a walking tour of the city to see St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge.          

Day 3  Venice to Trieste          
This morning, board the Golden Eagle Danube Express to begin your journey through the Italian countryside to the port city of Trieste. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour to see the vast Piazza Unita d’Italia and climb the hill to the famous medieval Church of San Giusto for a close up view of the precious mosaics.          

Day 4  Trieste to Ljubljana, Slovenia      
After breakfast, visit the Postojna Cave to tour the magnificent myriad of cave formations and mysterious animals, before heading to the delightful capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour to discover how the city combines ancient architecture with youthful culture, and visit Preseren Square, the Three Bridges and Plecnik Market.          

Day 5  Ljubljana to Dubrovnik, Croatia  
Depart early for the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo and discover the city’s poignant history on an informative tour detailing the horrors of the Balkan War from a local guide who lived through the conflict. This afternoon, travel to Mostar to see the iconic stone arch bridge linking the Christian and Muslim areas of this historic city before heading to Dubrovnik for the night.          

Day 6  Dubrovnik         
Explore the 13th Century city of Dubrovnik today including Ploce Gate, the Franciscan Monastery, the Old Harbour, St Laurence Fortress and the Rector’s Palace. Enjoy lunch overlooking the Adriatic before some free time to explore this fascinating city at your leisure. This evening re-board the train for dinner and to continue onto Serbia.        

Day 7 Dubrovnik to Belgrade, Serbia    
Arrive into the former Yugoslavian capital, Belgrade this morning. Spend a full day exploring the sights including the House of Flowers, the Town Hall, Republic Square Knez Mihajlova Street, Varos Gate and visit the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress.          

Day 8  Belgrade to Skopje, Macedonia
Today arrive in the little-visited Skopje and discover a city where the Ottoman influences are still strong. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town with tiny shops and mosques with ceramic-tiled interiors. Meander through the Old Bazaar area, brimming with things to buy, and cross the 15th-century Stone Bridge which links the bazaar to the modern town.

Day 9  Skopje to Sofia & Plovdiv, Bulgaria      
The site of Bulgaria’s modern capital, at the foot of Mt Vitosha, was first occupied by the Thracian tribe of Serdi. On a morning tour, spot sections of Roman wall, admire the ancient church of St George, the golden domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Turkish Bashi Mosque. Later, enjoy lunch on the train as you journey from Sofia to Plovdiv. The second largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia, ‘The City of Seven Hills’ is one of the oldest cities in Europe with more than 200 known archaeological sites. Spend the afternoon here exploring the many sights in the charming Old Town including its ancient theatres, medieval walls and Ottoman baths.  

Days 10-11  Plovdiv to Istanbul, Turkey      
This morning arrive into Istanbul for a two night stay. Today see how old meets new, east meets west when we visit a selection of Istanbul’s must-see historic sites. Visit one of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque). Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian and was one of the largest basilicas in the Christian world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent Grand Mosques in the world. Also included is a visit to the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi. This stunning palace is the largest and oldest in the world and was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience.  

Day 12  Istanbul  
Following breakfast on the final morning you will be transferred to the airport for onward departures.