Balkans Rail Adventure

Our journey through the Balkans begins today in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. This historic city lies in the shadow of its old castle and along the banks of the Ljubljanica River, which meanders through the pedestrianised centre.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 8.30pm. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Ljubljana at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (LJU), which is around a 40-minute drive from the hotel.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day - or if you're extending your stay by a night - we recommend visiting the castle today.

This evening, before the welcome meeting, you might like to enjoy dinner in one of the city's gostilna restaurants, where traditional recipes are prepared with local ingredients and paired with good wines.

This morning, we'll take an excursion to Lake Bled, about an hour away by public bus. Located at the foot of the Alps, Lake Bled is famous for its stunning natural beauty. The crystal-clear lake, surrounded by lush forests and dramatic mountain peaks, creates a picture-perfect setting that has captivated visitors for centuries. The charming resort town of Bled was once one of Europe's most fashionable retreats. In the early 20th century, it was home to the Yugoslav Royal Family and later became the summer residence of President Tito.

You'll have free time here to explore as you wish. You might like to give your camera a workout on a scenic walk along the lakeshore, or take a traditional gondola boat (known as a pletna) across the water to the island at its centre. There, you'll find the Baroque Church of the Assumption. Alternatively, you could visit Bled Castle, perched high on a cliff with spectacular views over the lake and surrounding countryside.

We'll return to Ljubljana in the afternoon. The city is brimming with art, culture and music, all framed by striking Germanic-style architecture. Late this afternoon, we'll explore the city on foot with a local guide, taking in some of its most iconic landmarks - including the Opera House, National Gallery, Republic Square, and the city's most famous sight, Triple Bridge.

This evening is free for you to enjoy dinner wherever you like, or you may wish to join your fellow travellers at a local restaurant recommended by your tour leader.

This morning, you have free time to relax and enjoy Ljubljana at your own pace. If you haven't already, why not take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle or enjoy a scenic ride along the Ljubljanica River aboard a traditional wooden boat?

In the early afternoon, we'll board a local train to Zagreb. The journey takes around three hours, following the Sava River for much of the way and offering beautiful views of farmland across eastern Slovenia. During the trip, we'll cross the border into Croatia, arriving later this afternoon.

On arrival, we'll begin exploring Croatia's capital with a guided walking tour. While Zagreb is rich in art and gastronomy, it doesn't attract the same tourist crowds as many European capitals. It's well worth a spot on your bucket list, thanks to its mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture and more austere socialist-era buildings. Key highlights include the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral and the 13th-century Saint Mark's Church.

Please note that the city suffered a significant earthquake in 2020, and some historic buildings are still undergoing renovation-so access to certain interiors may be limited. The walking tour is mostly easy, but Zagreb's hilly terrain means there are quite a few steps to navigate as we move up and down the streets.

After the tour, you may wish to join your tour leader for dinner at a local Croatian restaurant while in the city. Afterwards, we'll take public transport back to our hotel to check in.

Today, we'll spend the full day visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its chain of turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush woodlands teeming with wildlife. The drive takes around three hours from Zagreb.

On arrival, we'll explore the park by boat and on foot, following well-marked walking trails, many of which are wooden boardwalks suspended just above the water. Around every corner, you'll encounter breathtaking waterfalls and unforgettable views that give the park its fairytale feel. The walk is expected to take around five to six hours, so we recommend wearing sturdy footwear.

After some free time for an optional picnic lunch in the park, we'll return to Zagreb for the evening. Your hotel is well located with plenty of nearby restaurants to choose from for dinner tonight.

This evening, we recommend stocking up on snacks and food in preparation for tomorrow's train journey.

This morning, we embark on one of the longest travel days of the tour as we make our way to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first leg of the journey takes us by local train from Zagreb to the remote village of Vrpolje, near the Croatian border - a journey of around five hours. Travelling through the southern region of the Pannonian Plain, you'll get a real glimpse of rural Croatian life from the train window.

From Vrpolje, we'll switch to a private vehicle for the border crossing and continue our journey by road to Sarajevo. As we drive, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic - the flat plains give way to rugged mountains and steep valleys, part of the wider Dinaric Alps.

Sarajevo itself is dramatically set in a narrow river valley, surrounded by mountains on all sides - a striking setting that hints at the city's complex history and unique blend of cultures. The drive to the city takes around six hours, including a stop at a local restaurant for dinner. We expect to arrive in Sarajevo by mid-evening.

This morning, we'll head into the city centre to meet our local guide for a walking tour exploring Sarajevo's complex and fascinating history. We'll visit the site of a pivotal moment in world events - the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914, which triggered the outbreak of the First World War. As we walk, we'll admire elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture, including the grand City Hall, and learn about the city's rich heritage that once earned it the nickname 'Little Jerusalem'.

Sarajevo has long been a cultural crossroads, where East meets West and mosques, synagogues, Catholic and Orthodox churches all sit within walking distance of one another. This unique blend of influences is visible throughout the city - from the Ottoman-era Bascarsija bazaar to the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Cathedral of Jesus' Heart, and the Old Synagogue. On the walking tour, we'll also visit local artisans who practice traditional hand-hammered metalwork, crafting beautiful copper and tin pieces using techniques passed down through generations.

The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. You might like to continue wandering through the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, relax in a café with a strong Bosnian coffee, or simply soak up the city's atmosphere. Alternatively, you can join an optional visit to the Tunnel of Hope Museum. Built during the 1992-1995 siege, this tunnel was a vital lifeline for residents under blockade - and the museum provides a powerful insight into life during the longest siege in modern history. The visit includes transport to and from the museum, as well as a local guide, since the site is located just outside the city. You'll be dropped back in the afternoon with free time to explore more of Sarajevo or sample the city's excellent culinary scene at your own pace.

This evening, you're free to enjoy dinner wherever you choose. Sarajevo's culinary scene reflects its diverse cultural roots, with strong Ottoman influences. Expect to find grilled meats, pita-style breads, fresh salads and rich stews on the menu - and be sure to leave room for some syrup-soaked baklava for dessert.

This morning we have an early start due to limited train timetables - but the scenic rail journey from Sarajevo to Mostar more than makes up for it. The trip takes just under three hours, though timings can vary slightly depending on signalling as we pass through the mountains. As the train winds through dramatic landscapes once occupied by Bosnian Serb forces during the war, the views serve as a poignant reminder of the region's recent past.

We'll arrive in Mostar in the late morning and take taxis to our hotel to drop off our luggage before heading into the city centre for a guided walking tour.

Set in the Herzegovina region, Mostar still bears visible scars from the 18-month siege it endured during the 1990s. Yet despite its turbulent history, the city now has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere - a striking contrast that speaks to its resilience. The Ottoman influence is still strongly felt in the cobbled lanes, historic mosques and traditional architecture. We'll explore the old bazaar, visit a mosque, and wind our way through the heart of the city to one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's most iconic landmarks - Stari Most (Old Bridge).

Spanning the Neretva River, the bridge once connected the city's Muslim east bank with the predominantly Christian west. Destroyed during the Balkan conflict and later rebuilt, the UNESCO-listed Stari Most stands today as a powerful symbol of unity, reconciliation and cultural heritage.

This afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Mostar at your own pace. You might like to return to the bazaar, try traditional Herzegovinian dishes, or simply relax by the river with a coffee or cold drink.

Today is another full day of travel as we make our way from Mostar to the Adriatic coast. Leaving behind the dramatic landscapes of the lower Dinaric Alps, we'll cross the border back into Croatia. As we approach the sea, the scenery shifts - with drier karst mountains and glimpses of the deep blue Adriatic coming into view.

Depending on how smooth the border crossing is, the journey to Dubrovnik should take around 4.5 hours. Once we arrive, we'll have approximately three hours to explore the city's extraordinary Old Town. Surrounded by towering medieval walls and perched along the sparkling coast, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich and complex history. Though it suffered heavy shelling during the conflicts of the early 1990s, the Old Town has been meticulously restored.

During your free time here, we recommend wandering through the narrow, marble-paved streets, finding a spot for lunch, or - if you're up for it - climbing the city walls for panoramic views. Just be prepared for queues in the summer months, as it's one of the city's most popular activities.

Later this afternoon, we'll continue our journey south along one of the region's most scenic coastal roads, crossing into Montenegro and heading to the stylish port town of Tivat, where we'll spend the night. Depending on traffic, the drive from Dubrovnik to Tivat can take up to three hours.

Once a quiet town, Tivat has undergone a striking transformation in recent years, now known for its sleek marina and upscale waterfront that draws the global yachting crowd each summer. This evening, you might like to stroll through the town and enjoy some of the excellent seafood on offer.

Please note that we'll be crossing two international borders today. Delays are possible, especially during peak travel season - so bring a book, snacks, and a bit of patience for the road.

This morning, we'll take a 40-minute public bus ride to the historic Mediterranean port of Kotor. Set against dramatic cliffs, Kotor is one of the best-preserved Medieval old towns along the Adriatic coast. You'll have most of the day to explore its cobblestone streets, visit the charming cafes and shops, or hike the city walls for panoramic views. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, retaining much of its medieval character. You can also opt to hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress for stunning views, or visit the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, built in 1452 on the site where fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary.

In the afternoon, we'll drive for 1.5 hours to the coastal seaport town of Bar, where we'll board our overnight sleeper train to Belgrade, a journey of about 12 hours. Known as one of Europe's most scenic rail routes, this overnight train ride offers spectacular views, especially if you're travelling in mid-summer. As the sun sets, we'll pass through gorges and canyons, winding along the natural contours of the land. The landscape is so breathtaking that Yugoslavia's Head of State, Tito, had a special train built in 1959 to take in the views. He regularly made this journey, often hosting famous guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, in the deluxe carriages until his death in 1980.

Sleeper trains offer a fantastic experience and are a great way to meet fellow travellers. We book second-class sleepers, which typically feature 2, 3, or 4 beds per compartment, with all bedding provided. While we aim to keep the group together, due to high demand and the complexities of train ticket bookings, it may not always be possible to have everyone in the same carriage. If this happens, our tour leader will assist in ensuring everyone finds their seat and makes the most of the journey. Please note single rooms/ compartments cannot be booked on this night.

**Please take note to read our 'Accommodation notes' section below so as to prepare yourself for this overnight journey in a classic soviet sleeper**

We'll arrive in Belgrade this morning around 7 am and take a taxi to our hotel, where we'll stay for the next two nights. Please note that check-in won't be available at this early hour, so we'll leave our luggage at the hotel. Your tour leader will then take you to a local café for breakfast, a great way to experience Belgrade's lively café culture.

After breakfast, we'll set off on a 3-hour walking tour with a local guide to explore the city. We'll begin in the downtown area, visiting Kalemegdan Park, which offers stunning views of the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Here, we'll explore the Belgrade Fortress, a historic site that has stood for centuries. Next, we'll visit the Cathedral of St. Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, known for its impressive white marble exterior.

This afternoon, you'll have free time to explore Belgrade further. You can wander through the charming Skadarlija district, enjoy the vibrant Republic Square, or simply relax by the riverbanks.

Today, you have the option to visit the city of Novi Sad by train. We'll walk a short distance to the train station, where we'll board a train for the one-hour journey to this charming city. As Serbia's second-largest city, Novi Sad offers a much more relaxed atmosphere, perched on the banks of the Danube River. The city's origins are believed to trace back to the historic Petrovaradin Fortress, which proudly dominates the skyline. We'll take a guided tour, both on foot and using local buses, to explore key sites, including the fortress, rich in Roman, Greek, and Byzantine history, the Greek School, and the Orthodox Cathedral.

After the tour, you'll have free time to wander through the pedestrian area of Novi Sad. You might choose to relax at one of the many riverside cafés, enjoying a drink and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere before we take the train back to Belgrade.

This evening, we'll walk from the hotel to a local restaurant for a traditional Serbian barbecue dinner, accompanied by live music.

Paprika is a key ingredient in Serbian cuisine, often used in its fresh form rather than as a dried spice. You'll find it in salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese, grilled alongside meats, pickled, stuffed, and even mashed. Serbs also love cream, particularly kajmak, a thick, partially fermented cream that's commonly served with grilled meats or fresh bread (it's like a blend of sour cream and clotted cream). The national drink is rakija, a powerful spirit typically made from plums or grapes, but more unusual versions made from quince, walnut, or honey can also be found.

Today, we'll start our day early, taking taxis to the train station for our journey to the charming city of Nis. The train ride will take around 6 hours, offering scenic views of the countryside along the way.

Nis, one of the oldest cities in Europe, has a rich history and vibrant culture. Upon arrival, we'll explore the city further with our tour leader, uncovering its fascinating past and cultural heritage.

This afternoon, you'll have free time to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the birthplace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great at the Constantine the Great Memorial Complex, where you can learn about his life and legacy. Alternatively, you can visit the impressive Nis Fortress, dating back to the 18th century. The fortress offers stunning views over the city, and inside, you'll find several museums and cultural landmarks to explore.

For a more somber experience, you can also visit the Crveni Krst concentration camp. Established by the Gestapo in 1941 and liberated by partisans on October 14, 1944, Crveni Krst was the first Nazi camp set up in the Balkans and is one of the few remaining camps still intact today.

Today, we'll take taxis to the local bus station and board a charter bus for our journey to Skopje, North Macedonia. The drive should take about 3 hours, giving us a scenic view of the region as we make our way to the capital. Upon arrival, we'll head to the city centre by taxi, where we'll begin our orientation tour. Skopje's unique blend of history and culture will be immediately apparent as we explore its key highlights.

We'll start with a visit to the city's ancient fortress, which offers stunning views over Skopje and the surrounding landscape. From there, we'll head to the Old Bazaar, a vibrant 12th-century marketplace that remains the largest and most well-preserved in Southeast Europe. As we stroll through its winding streets, we'll pass traditional shops, mosques, and historical buildings that reflect the city's Ottoman heritage. Next, we'll visit St. Savior Church, known for its beautiful frescoes and serene atmosphere, followed by a stop at the Holocaust Museum, which offers a poignant insight into the history of Jewish communities in the region.

Skopje has been used a pawn in many wars, including World War II, and many empires have ruled over the city, all influencing the architecture, religion, and traditions. Despite the turbulent and sometimes violent history, Skopje is now a peaceful city where residents are free to practice all religions, the main faiths being Macedonian Orthodox and Islam. The city is awash with stunning places of worship, though you might notice the skyline dotted with minarets - this is due to a law enforced by the Turks stating Christian buildings could not be taller than mosques.

This afternoon, you have free time to further enjoy the city or to relax following the busy morning explorations. We'll end today with dinner in a traditional local North Macedonian restaurant.

Today, we'll drive for around 3 hours and by midday, we'll arrive into the 3000-year-old town of Ohrid, where we'll join a local guide for a 2 hour tour of the historic settlement. Weather permitting, we'll take a trip out onto the lake by boat, so we can see the town from a different perspective, too.

To end the day, you have the option to walk the short distance to a local restaurant and have a traditional fish supper. If we're lucky this will include Lake Ohrid brown trout which is a speciality often served in soups or as a whole stuffed fish.

This morning, we'll begin the nine-hour journey to Kosovo's capital, Pristina. To break up the long drive, we'll make plenty of stops.

We'll visit Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and built almost 1000 years ago. We'll also stop in the Mavrovo National Park, which is home to a wealth of pine forests, field covered plains, waterfalls and also North Macedonia's highest mountain, Mount Korab, standing at 2,764 metres high.

Once we cross the border into Kosovo, we'll drive the final section to the capital city Pristina. Kosovo remains practically untouched by tourism, and we'll get a taste of this unique destination with an overnight stay. After checking in to our hotel, we'll have about an hour to freshen up before our final farewell dinner. After dinner, we take a walk through Mother Teresa Square before returning to our hotel.

Cuisine in Kosovo has been influenced by many different countries over the years and is quite similar to that found in Albania. Bread and dairy are important elements of most dishes and Flia is a popular dish (a crepe like layered tart normally served with Kaymak cream). Pies, stews and grilled meats with potatoes and rice are also all popular. If you want to try a local liquor, get a taste of Boza (a thick sticky sweet drink made from malted corn and flour).

Please note the border crossing into Kosovo today can at peak times take up to 1 hour.

Our trip ends this morning in Pristina.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Pristina at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Pristina International Airport 'Adem Jashari' (PRN), which is a 25-minute drive away.

Depending on the time of your flight, or if you're extending your stay by a night, we'd recommend exploring more of the city. It might not be the most attractive city on the tour but what it lacks in lustre, it makes up for in lively atmosphere.