Best of Balkans

This morning meet up with your Trip Manager - meet the squad and then we'll be ready for the road. We'll make a stop at magical Lake Bled and then we're off to Ljubljana, a name you'll be able to pronounce by the time we're leaving for Croatia. 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.

After a morning of swoonin at all that beauty, we'll be ready to arrive in Ljubljana for a free evening to grab dinner. Stay: Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)

Although you might find nods to neighbouring countries within Slovenian culture, a distinct identity has evolved from a melody of influences in Ljubljana. After our guided walking tour led by our Trip Manager, explore the bohemian art district of Metelkova Mesto, sit by one of the cities atmospheric watercourses & try all the incredible food on offer. (B)

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. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)

We'll hit the road this morning for Split. On the way we'll stop at Zadar, an archeology-lovers dream! A boon of riches from the ancient world and medieval times, you'll find some storied and impressive ruins and artefacts. We won't say too much more to keep the mystery alive but keep an eye out for the first Sea Organ in the world.

After plenty of selfies it's time to head onto split, where we'll enjoy an optional farm-to-table Croatian feast, washed down with local wine. (B) Stay: Hotel Split Inn (or similar)

Spend a free day roaming around or flop in your hotel room before we crack on with the rest of our day! (B/D)

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! (B) Stay: Hotel Petka Dubrovnik (or similar)

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. (B)

Now that we've done all things Dubrovnik, we'll coast our way to Montenegro via the dramatic Adriatic Coastline. All good journeys are broken up by fjords, steep mountain landscapes & a trot in a town that meets old and new. Our journey between Dubrovnik and Budva will tick all the boxes,  stopping in the super-yacht spot of pretty Kotor. If you tire of European coastal towns, you have tired of life. Take it easy tonight with the assurance that you have all day tomorrow in Montenegro's seaside beauty of Budva. (B) Stay: Hotel Skyprime (or similar)

Just what does one do with a whole day free to explore the 2,500 year old town of Budva? Well - you could start with a dip in the dreamy Adriatic Sea, continue with coffee in a café draped in vines down a narrow cobbled stone road, finish with the Church of St. Ivan, and eat some milk-soaked lamb and buttered polenta along the way. That should get you started. (B/D)

The time has come to farewell our ocean hangs in exchange for rivers, countrysides and captivating culture, which means a sad goodbye to beautiful Budva. Mostar is home to the world's cutest bridge. According to us. But still - we've seen a lot of bridges. You'll have plenty of time to oohh and aahh before we kick on to our 2-night site of Sarajevo.

Later on in our perfect day, we'll skip into the brimming with lively culture town of Sarajevo, also known as Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital. With all the day's explorations you may just want to hang out and take on the city with the fresh eyes of a new day. (B) Stay: Hotel Hollywood Sarajevo (or similar)

The only way to uncover the town of Sarajevo is with the wisdom shared on a guided walking tour. We'll help you tap into history & understand the magnitude of our destination before leaving you to lighten the mood with an evening of bars and nightlife, should you so choose. (B/D)

Rise up, roamers! We're departing for the town of Belgrade to continue our epic frolic through the Balkans.  Another border crossing is on the agenda as we wave our way into Serbia en route to Belgrade. Medieval meets modern in this bustling, pure white city. Zen folk can go sit on the Hill of Contemplation or stroll Sava rivers, others can see the fortress of Beogradska Tvrđava & enjoy the lively mood of Belgrade by night. (B) Stay: Kopernikus Hotel Prag Belgrade (or similar)

Leaving Belgrade behind, today we're onto beautiful Budapest.  Fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in Europe, Budapest is on our beeline. You'll no doubt want to keep things moving at one of the city's famous ruins bars, that need to be seen to be believed! (B) Stay: Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)

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. We'll see St Stephen's Basilica, a grand neo-Classical Roman Catholic affair named after the first King of Hungary and the largest church in the country, as well as the famed chain bridge & the stunning parliament building. The rest of the day will be yours to lounge about at the famous thermal baths and soak up the city alfresco. (B)

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? (B)