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Journeys: Discover the Balkans

On the crossroads between East and West, the Balkan Peninsula dazzles with less-discovered gems. Enjoy a fascinating introduction to the stunning Dalmatian coast of Croatia, the dramatic history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the lush waterways of Montenegro, discovering an array of UNESCO World Heritage sites and natural treasures along the way.

12 DaysZagreb to Dubrovnik
Valid on May 5 2026Trip Code: ECWNG
From $3229.15 USDIncluding taxes and fees

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Grading: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Merchandising: Planeterra Project

Trip Type: Small Group

Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.

Age requirements: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

Journeys: Discover the Balkans - Itinerary

Trip Start: ZagrebTrip End: Dubrovnik

DAY 1

Zagreb

Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and has a very charming old city, complete with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Be sure to sample some of the delicious local food and drink. There are also a number of museums to explore focusing on art, history, and archaeology. After the meeting, opt to head out for a meal in a local restaurant to get to know your Expedition Leader and travelling companions.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria:
Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria

Journeys: Discover the Balkans - Itinerary

Trip Start: ZagrebTrip End: Dubrovnik
DAY 1
Zagreb

DAY 1

Zagreb

Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and has a very charming old city, complete with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Be sure to sample some of the delicious local food and drink. There are also a number of museums to explore focusing on art, history, and archaeology. After the meeting, opt to head out for a meal in a local restaurant to get to know your Expedition Leader and travelling companions.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria:
Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria

DAY 2
Zagreb/Plitvice Lakes National Park
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DAY 3
Plitvice Lakes National Park/Split
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DAY 4
Split
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DAY 5
Split/Sarajevo
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DAY 6
Sarajevo
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DAY 7
Sarajevo
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DAY 8
Sarajevo/Kotor
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DAY 9
Kotor
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DAY 10
Kotor/Dubrovnik
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DAY 11
Dubrovnik
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DAY 12
Dubrovnik
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What’s Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Siege of Sarajevo Tour, Sarajevo
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Konavle Valley Agorturizam Walk and Lunch, Dubrovnik
  • Your G for Good Moment: DEŠA Women's Centre Visit, Dubrovnik
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
  • Local Life: Traditional Peka Dinner, Zagreb
  • Plitviče Lakes National Park walk
  • Traditional peka dinner
  • Split orientation walk around Diocletian's Palace
  • Excursion to Mostar visiting the Stari Most (Old Bridge)
  • Kotor orientation walk
  • Dubrovnik city wall walk
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
  • Hotels – 11 nts.
Meals
  • 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Transportation
  • Private minivan, walking, bus, boat.
Staff & experts
  • National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides.

Journeys: Discover the Balkans Departure Dates

All Years

StartEndingAvailabilityPrices from
Sun, Jun 14 2026Thu, Jun 25 2026Open (11)$3,229.15 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Aug 09 2026Thu, Aug 20 2026Open (16)$4,199 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Sep 13 2026Thu, Sep 24 2026Open (16)$4,399 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Sep 20 2026Thu, Oct 01 2026Open (15)$4,399 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Sep 27 2026Thu, Oct 08 2026Open (15)$4,399 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)

USEFUL INFO

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Siege of Sarajevo Tour, Sarajevo
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Konavle Valley Agorturizam Walk and Lunch, Dubrovnik
Your G for Good Moment: DEŠA Women's Centre Visit, Dubrovnik
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Local Life: Traditional Peka Dinner, Zagreb. Plitviče Lakes National Park walk. Traditional peka dinner. Split orientation walk around Diocletian's Palace. Excursion to Mostar visiting the Stari Most (Old Bridge). Kotor orientation walk. Dubrovnik city wall walk. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Visit the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, Explore the ancient town of Mostar and the Stari Most (Old Bridge), Take a tour of the "Tunnel of Life" in Sarajevo, Spend a couple days on the Bay of Kotor.

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

1. LOCAL GUIDES
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.

2. LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.

3. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

4. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.

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