7-Day Balkan Peninsula Loop Tour: Budapest, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, and Plitvice Lakes | Complimentary Belgrade City Walk
What you'll experience
Highlights
• UNESCO Heritage Sites: Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park, Dubrovnik Old Town, and Mostar's iconic Old Bridge.
• Scenic & Cultural Highlights: Experience medieval cities, Adriatic coastlines, and the rich history of the Balkans.
• Discover Belgrade Like a Local: Included one-hour guided walking tour featuring the city's rich history and cultural highlights.
7 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — [Sat.] Budapest(135km)- Lake Balaton(213km)- Zagreb
This morning, we will set off for the picturesque Lake Balaton. It is an excellent vacation resort in Hungary largely due to its alluring blend of lakes and mountains. It is also one of the most favored tourist attractions among locals who lovingly call it “the Hungarian Sea”. After Balaton, we will cross the border and enter Croatia, more specifically, the capital Zagreb. Here you can see a city featuring the tradition of resisting invaders but still registering complete old buildings. This ancient city is characterized by beautiful Gothic buildings everywhere and its Mediterranean food, local wines as well as friendly Croats will leave you with a favorable impression. All these can offer you a rare and unique experience. Afterward, you can explore famous tourist attractions like Zagreb Cathedral, Croatian National Theatre, and the Column of the Virgin Mary, etc.
Estimated drop-off point and timing:
Time: 19:00
Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor Railway Station
Address: Trg Kralja Tomislava 12, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb Cathedral
Lake Balaton
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Best Western Hotel Stella 3*, Hotel Europa 3*, Hotel Galerija 3*, Hotel Central 3* - 2
Day 2 — [Sun.] Zagreb (134km)- Plitvice Lakes National Park (147km)- Zadar
In the morning, we will go to Plitvice Lakes National Park, often referred to as the Jiuzhaigou of Europe. This world heritage is composed of sixteen terraced lakes connecting with each other along mountain trails. Hidden within lush, forested hills, layers and layers of travertine barriers form natural dams, creating a fairytale-like landscape of turquoise lakes. The water there has special hues as submerged trees are coated with calcium-rich deposits which turn into bronze-like substances. All this creates an extraordinary underwater spectacle. With verdant meadows, rushing streams and waterfalls, and clear lakes surrounded, this place indeed feels like a paradise on earth. You can stroll along the park’s walkways which will offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life when you are accompanied by the gentle sound of flowing water and falling cascades. After the park, we will depart for Zadar.
Plitvice Lakes National Park requires pre-booking of tickets online at https://ticketing.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/?_gl=1*1ihr3l8*_gcl_au*MTIzNDIxODQ3LjE3NDU4MjE5MzI. It is recommended to visit between 11:00 AM and 12:00 AM.Please choose “Entrance 1”.
Plitvice Lake National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Belveder 3* - 3
Day 3 — [Mon.] Zadar (158km)- Split (232km)- Dubrovnik
Spend the first part of the day exploring the deeply spiritual city of Zadar. This ancient city still retains narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings with a lot of medieval charm that could transport you back to ancient times. However, you can find two modern installations favored by most travelers: the Sea Organ, which plays music with the movement of the waves, and the Greeting to the Sun, a solar-powered light display that can show different regions of the world. Visit to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, full of remnants of the Roman Empire. The majestic Diocletian’s Palace once was a lavish retreat for Roman emperors and now is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is estimated that the city boasts more than 1,700 years of history. For the rest time, we will head to Dubrovnik. Maybe you are not familiar with this name, but you must know King’s Landing. Yes, this thousand-year-old city became a hot travel destination for being the King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.
Zadar Old Town
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Akademis Academia 3*, Hotel Vimbula -Komolac 3*, Sun Studio Apartment 3* - 4
Day 4 — [Tue.] Dubrovnik (65km)- Neum
In the morning, we continue our trip to Dubrovnik. Nobel Literature Prize laureate George Bernard Shaw once described this place as “If you want to see heaven on Earth, come to Dubrovnik”. This is never an exaggeration. Dubrovnik is truly the kind of city that captures peoples’ hearts at first sight. Once an affluent trade hub of both land and maritime business rivaling Venice, this city was exposed to warfare during the Yugoslav era. Nevertheless, thanks to the supervision and reconstruction from UNESCO and the European Union, it now thrives as one of the European most hot tourist attractions. When you step into this filming location as King’s Landing of Game of Thrones, you will feel like being in a reality-like dream. Meet those attractions including the old town, ancient city walls, defense towers, the Rector’s Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. Afterward, I recommend taking the cable car up to the mountain and reaching all the stunning scenery of this Adriatic pearl before you. At last, we will make our way to Neum.
Dubrovnik Town
Dubrovnik City Walls
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Ragusa Villa Stolac 3* - 5
Day 5 — [Wed.]Newm (25km)- Pocitelj (19km)- Medjugorje (28km)- Blagaj (13km)- Mostar (129km)- Sarajevo
Our major schedule for today is to cross the border and visit the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s one of the six socialist republics of the former Yugoslavia. The Pocitelj, built in the Middle Ages, now is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later we will travel to the sacred site of Medjugorje. In 1981, someone claimed to have witnessed the Virgin Mary at Medjugorje. While the Vatican has not yet officially confirmed the authenticity, there are still many people making a pilgrimage here. Nowadays, Medjugorje has already become an important pilgrimage destination for Catholics, actually, the third most-visited Marian apparition site in Europe, with more than one million pilgrims annually. After the saint place, we move to Blagaj, the hidden gem, where a Dervish Monastery (Tekija) was built into a cliffside beside clear spring waters. Trust me, this secluded place is indeed stunning. Then we continue to the historic town of Mostar. You can walk through the iconic Stari Most, which is a majestic arched bridge registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing on it, you can have the perfect view of riverbanks and the whole town. For the night, we drive on to Sarajevo.
Besides, please note that due to border regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the number of group members entering and exiting must remain consistent. As a result, leaving the group during this part is not allowed.
Blagaj Town
Mostar Old Bridge
Mostar Old Town
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Grand 3* - 6
Day 6 — [Thu.] Sarajevo (294km) - Belgrade
In the morning, we pay a visit to Sarajevo. This city is reborn from warfare. It was a vital connection between East and West. Therefore, it is tolerant of different religions and cultures, boasting a unique style in European countries. Lonely Planet put it as one of the world’s top ten must-visit cities. This place has witnessed so many historical events, like the infamous Latin Bridge event, the ignition of the First World War, and the line where East meets West which is still preserved in this old city. This is all the historical part while you can see the rebirth of this city through its modern architecture in the newly built town. In the afternoon, we will depart Sarajevo and go to the Serbian border. We will arrive in Belgrade by dusk.
Besides, please note that due to border regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the number of group members entering and exiting must remain consistent. As a result, leaving the group during this part is not allowed.
Sarajevo Old Town
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Elegance 3*, Putnik Inn Belgrade 3* - 7
Day 7 — [Fri.]Belgrade (379km) - Budapest
Our Complimentary Offer will be today: a one-hour city walk in Belgrade, accompanied by a local tour guide.
city walk reminder: As this activity is physically demanding, we advise you to wear comfortable sneakers and baggy garments; if it is disrupted by force majeure (such as bad weather, traffic restriction, or strike), we will have the right to temporarily cancel this activity and all tourist attractions are not available for the tourists.
In the morning, we will first explore Belgrade. It is known as the Key to the Balkans because it lies at the heart of the Balkan Peninsula and once was the capital of the former Yugoslav Federation. Today it is proud of its Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, which were important medieval strongholds. You can easily find the architectural traces of the Roman and Austro-Hungarian eras. You can also visit other iconic landmarks at the same time such as St. Sava Temple, the House of Flowers, St. Mark’s Church, and the National Assembly of Serbia. In 1999, with the outbreak of the Kosovo War, this country witnessed the tragedy of the Chinese Embassy in the former Yugoslavia being bombarded. A small memorial at the site was built to commemorate this event. People here are hospitable and friendly. It also has been recognized as one of the European new hot travel destinations. In the afternoon, we will drive straight to Budapest, Hungary.
Estimated drop-off point and timing:
Time: 13:00
Belgrade Centre railway station (Prokop)
Address: Beograd, Savski trg 2, Beograd 11000, Serbia
Time: 19:00
Budapest Keleti Palyaudvar Railway Station
Address: Kerepesiút 2-4，1087 Budapest
Cathedral of St. Sava
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- Transportation throughout the entire journey (Vehicles with 9 seats or less may be assigned a driver-guide)
- Chinese & English-speaking guide
- Accommodation in a local 3 to 4-star hotel (a twin-share room)
- Continental breakfast at the hotel
- All accommodations are in local 3-star or above hotels, furnishing private bathrooms. Two people share one room.Twin rooms are typically furnished with two single beds.
- Continental breakfast differs from hot dishes, usually including coffee, tea, juice, bread and jam. Breakfast may be slightly different between various hotels.
Not included
- Any tourist attractions tickets
- Lunches and dinners
- Tips: €8 per person per day
- City entrance tax and accommodation tax (refer to Personal Consumption Guidelines) (mandatory fee)
- Transportation fees of commuting between meeting point (eg. Airfare, train tickets, etc.)
- Visa application fees and personal travel insurance
- Any other items that exclude from the "Tour fees include"
Meeting & drop-off
Departure points
- Budapest Keleti Palyaudvar Railway Station Waiting Spot: Main Entrance · BudapestPickup at 08:30:00Kerepesiút 2–4, 1087 BudapestImmediate departure to Zagreb after meeting (no Budapest touring)
- Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor Railway Station Waiting Spot: Main Entrance · ZagrebPickup at 08:30:00Trg Kralja Tomislava 12, 10000, Zagreb, CroatiaImmediate departure to Plitvice after meeting (no Zagreb touring)
[Budapest (BUD), Zagreb (ZAG), and Belgrade (BEG) – Airport Transfer Guidelines]
Driver working hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. An additional fee will be charged for transfers outside these hours.
Booking limit: Must be booked at least 15 days before the tour date. Flight details must be provided at least 7 days before the tour, otherwise the service cannot be guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding.
Additional notes:
1. English-speaking airport transfer service. Guests are required to wait at the designated meeting point as per the instructions. The driver will hold a sign for pickup.
2. The airport transfer service is a group-based service, not a private car. Passengers with similar flight times may be grouped together.
3. The driver is only responsible for the transfer between the airport and the group hotel. They are not informed of any tour-related matters. A WhatsApp group will be created the day before the tour for communication. Please wait at the designated meeting point.
4. Once you receive your e-ticket, please immediately verify that the name and mobile number provided during booking are correct and ensure the phone is able to receive calls while roaming in Europe.
5. The driver's waiting time is limited to 90 minutes after the flight’s actual arrival time. Exceeding this will be considered a no-show, and the driver will leave without responsibility. If a return trip is needed, a new charge will apply. In case of last-minute airline delays that cannot be communicated to the driver, the fee will not be refunded, and the guest must seek compensation from the airline directly.
6. For departures, the transfer will be scheduled 4 hours before the flight departure time to avoid missing the flight. In the event of unexpected road conditions such as traffic congestion, we will do our best to assist guests, but we are not liable for any resulting missed flights.
7. The transfer fee is the same for adults and children.
8. For transfers from/to other airports, locations, or at other times, please inquire separately. We can arrange them upon request.
9. Regarding transfers booked less than 9 days before the tour or added during the tour:
- Transfers added during this period are subject to reconfirmation.
- A 30% surcharge will be applied for last-minute bookings.
- Once confirmed, bookings are non-refundable. Cancellation will result in a 100% loss.
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–9 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 9 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 10–17 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 10 days to 17 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 18+ days before | 90% | Cancellation Made 18 or more days prior to departure, Refund 90% of total purchase amount |
Important info
Special notes
Kind Reminder: To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, this tour is not available for guests aged 80 or above due to long travel distances and overseas arrangements. Thank you for your understanding.
[About Guide Service]
1. Guide service commences at the start of the tour. Guide service is not included during the additional accommodation excluded in the itinerary, free-time activities period, as well as on a tour-included train or other regular transportation.
2. There are circumstance where our guides cannot provide commentary outside the bus due to local regulations in some cities. Thus the guides will provide you with tour information as reference during your free time before you leave the bus.
[About Luggage]
Due to limited luggage compartment space on tour buses, each passenger may carry only one piece of checked luggage (not exceeding 30 kg in weight or 158 cm in total dimensions). Should you carry more than one piece, the driver reserves the right to refuse storage. If sufficient space remains available, a handling fee of 5€ per piece per day will be charged for each additional item. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thanks for your understanding!
[About Temperature and Clothing]
【Spring/Autumn】Average temperature around 5°C-20°C
Suggestions: Trench coats, sweaters, waterproof jackets, long-sleeved shirts, casual trousers
【Summer】Average temperature: 20°C–30°C
Suggestions: Short-sleeved shirts, lightweight pants, light jackets, sun hats, sunglasses
【Winter】Average temperature: 2°C–8°C
Suggestions: Heavy coats, sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats
[About Hotel]
1. Check-in and check-out times vary by hotels. However, check-in time for most hotels is usually 2 pm or 3 pm. Please present your tour voucher at the hotel reception when you check in. Check-out time for most hotels is usually 10 am.
2. We cannot guarantee that all hotels offer a double room with a king-size bed. In some hotels, a twin room usually consists of one large bed and a sofa bed/or extra bed.
3. We cannot guarantee you the hotel for your extended-stay will be the same the group hotel. It will be confirmed as the date approaches.
4. Breakfast is provided in all European hotels, typically offered as a simple continental one; (continental breakfast usually includes coffee or tea, juice, bread, and jam)
5. European hotels have smaller room sizes and offer fewer extensive facilities and services than those in Asia and North America. Guests are suggested to bring their own toiletries.
6. Due to the large day-and-night temperature difference, the total days with temperature exceeding 30 degrees Celsius are less than 2 months, and strong environmental awareness across European countries, some European hotels do not provide air conditioning, which does not indicate substandard facilities. We kindly ask for your understanding.
[Transportation Policy]
1.The distance of the two cities stated in the itinerary is only for reference. Our company reserves the right to adjust based on real-time traffic conditions.
2.European law stipulates that a driver cannot drive more than 10 hours per day and must have at least 12 consecutive hours of rest every day. Drivers must take a 20-minute break after every two hours of driving.
3.Please note that there are strict work time limits in European laws. If you have any request for extra service that requires the driver to work overtime, consent from the driver and overtime charges of 50 - 200 euros or pounds per hour will be a must. To ensure a smooth trip, please respect the driver's schedule and avoid delays.
4.According to the environmental protection rules in Europe, to avoid air pollution, drivers are not allowed to turn on the air conditioner when the vehicle is not in motion. Your understanding is appreciated.
5.For your safety, do not walk around when the vehicle is in motion. Our company and transportation companies shall not be liable for any injury caused by violating this rule.
[Shopping and Tax Refund Policy]
1.No compulsory shopping will be arranged throughout the tour;
2.Please carefully verify the quantity, model, and quality of the goods on site after you get the goods you have purchased. Requests for exchanges/refunds after departure may face complicated procedures , and whether they can be realized depends on the specific situation;
3.Tax refunds (VAT reclaims) are a European policy. To protect your interest, our guides will give you a specific introduction. Please listen to the guides' suggestions carefully.
4.Shopping is a personal act. If the guests fail to complete the refund in time due to contractual problems between shops and Customs or other reasons related to the airports (e.g.. delay of the plane, bank closing, urgent inspection time of the customs), our company bears no liability to the refund business.
5.You can enjoy a tax refund of about 8%-16% on purchases in Europe. Guests should be aware that any tax refund method may face risks. Please thoroughly review the European Tax Refund Guide, and complete the refund formalities independently. Successful refunds aren't guaranteed by guides, travel agencies, or even shops, thus our company will not be liable for losses from failed refunds.
[Airport Transfer Service Notes]
1.The airport transfer services are provided as group services. Drivers are only responsible for the transfers between airports and group hotels.
2.Guests who have booked the transfer service should confirm if the information (name and phone number) on the voucher is correct and if the phone number is roaming-enabled in Europe.
3.After the arrival of guests' flights, it takes 30-45 minutes to collect luggage and clear customs. The driver will arrive at the airport 30 minutes after the guests' arrival.
4.If you are aware of any flight delays, changes, or cancellations, please notify the contact person on your voucher. We will try our best to make an adjustment for the transfer service. However, there is no guarantee that it can be changed, and if it cannot be changed, the fees will be refunded. Guests should claim compensation from the airline. If you request any assistance after your arrival, please contact us via our emergency hotline.
5.The driver waits up to 90 minutes after the flight's arrival. The driver will bear no responsibility for leaving if the waiting time exceeds 90 minutes. If guests request the return of the driver for the pick-up service, they will be charged again. In the event of a temporary delay by the airline resulting in a delay in notifying the driver, guests will not be refunded and should claim compensation from the airline.
6.The drop-off service will be arranged 4 hours ahead of flight departure time to avoid missing the flight. In the event of traffic jams or any uncontrollable situation during the drop-off service, we will try our best to assist our guests but will not be liable for failing to take the flight in time.
[Pre/Post-Tour Accommodation Guidelines]
1.Guests who have booked pre-tour accommodations can check in with their voucher and passport at the hotel reception after arriving at the group hotel.
2.Please note that, according to international hotels practice, check-in time for hotels in Europe is usually 3 pm. If you arrive in advance and the room isn’t ready due to cleaning, you can rest in the hotel lobby or leave your luggage at the reception to go out for free-time activities and come back by 3 pm to check in. Your understanding will be appreciated.
3.If you have booked the post-tour accommodation, the guide and team will send you to the post-tour hotel and help you check in. If you have booked the drop-off service for the next day, the guide will inform you of the meeting time at the lobby and other details for the next day. Please note!
4.As pre/post-tour accommodation is an extra service, we are unable to assist you with room-sharing arrangements. Your understanding will be appreciated.
[Special Reminders]
1. Traveling in Europe differs from other countries, as most tourist attractions do not permit tour buses to park nearby. Visitors must therefore walk to these sites. If a traveler has mobility issues, they may only wait in the bus at certain attractions and cannot join the group tour. Lost attractions cannot be used as reasons for demanding compensation or refunds. Please assess your physical condition before registration. Once registered, it means you acknowledge and accept these precautions.
2. Drivers and tour leaders provide dedicated service throughout the journey, including site commentary and careful assistance. As a customary gesture of appreciation, please tip them before the tour concludes. Following European practice, our company requires a minimum daily tip of 8 euros per participant (applies equally to adults and children) for both the tour leader and driver.
3. Present the tour voucher to board the bus. No waiting will be provided for latecomers, and tour fees are non-refundable. In case of emergencies, please call our emergency number.
4. Participants are solely responsible for carrying valid travel documents (passport) and visas (if required), with a minimum validity of six months from the departure date. Under any circumstances or for any reasons, if immigration authorities (Customs) deny entry, the company bears no responsibility. All losses incurred shall be borne solely by the participant, and tour fees will not be refunded.
5. Avoid carrying valuables and expensive jewelry while traveling. Keep valuables and certificates on your own at all times. The company, driver, and tour leader assume no responsibility for any loss.
6. Prepare any necessary personal medications independently. Verify each country's import regulations for medications and refrain from bringing prohibited substances.
7. Meals and admission tickets during the itinerary are at your own expense. Please refer to the “Personal Consumption Guidelines” for estimating and carrying sufficient local currency for use during the trip.
8. All participants must comply with the laws and regulations of each country. Carrying contraband for profit or illegal items is strictly prohibited.
9. Should any participant request to depart independently, return separately, or leave the group mid-trip for any reason, the company will assist with arrangements. However, the company shall not be liable for any indirect or direct expenses incurred due to missed pre-arranged itineraries or accommodations resulting from transportation delays or other unforeseen circumstances.
10. Should any participant deliberately obstruct the tour leader's duties, endanger others' personal safety, or disrupt the group's normal activities and interests, the tour leader reserves the right—based on specific circumstances or with majority participant approval—to revoke their tour eligibility and order them to leave the group. No refunds will be issued for the uncompleted portion of the journey, and the company shall bear no responsibility for any actions taken by the participant after departure.
11. Should flight or bus departures be delayed due to mechanical failure or traffic congestion, resulting in itinerary changes or cancellations, participants may not object or withdraw on such grounds. In cases of severe weather, strikes, or unforeseen incidents causing delays, participants may not demand compensation or refunds.
12. The tour itinerary serves as a reference guide. The company reserves the right to make appropriate adjustments to the tour sequence and accommodation arrangements based on actual circumstances. Participants shall accept such changes without objection.
13. Participants sharing rooms with strangers, even when arranged by the Company, assume full responsibility for their own conduct and character. The Company shall not be held liable for any disputes arising from such arrangements.
14. Various transportation providers and hotels utilized by the company—including airlines, cruise lines, railways, and bus operators—each maintain distinct regulations governing participant safety and baggage loss. Baggage loss, accidental injury/death, and property damage shall be resolved according to these respective regulations and are not the responsibility of the company.
15. Participants are strongly advised to purchase travel accident insurance and baggage insurance independently. For enrollment procedures, please consult your booking travel agency or your own insurance provider.
17. During the tour, photographs and videos may be taken for promotional purposes. The company retains usage rights to such visual materials. Participants who do not wish their likeness to be publicly used should notify us accordingly.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
2. For one adult traveling with one child aged 2–11, the tour is charged at two-adult rates, sharing a standard double room to avoid inconvenience to other guests. For two adults with two children, the tour is charged as four adults, with rooms arranged as one adult + one child per room, child occupying a bed and charged at adult rate.
3. Infants aged 0–2 are free of charge but may not occupy a seat or bed. If a seat is required, the child rate applies.
4. Single Traveler / Odd Number Booking: Single travelers or parties with an odd number of guests may choose room sharing to avoid the single supplement.
Travel tips
| Duration | Pick-up Time & City | Drop-off Time & City |
| 7 days | Saturday 08:30 Budapest | Friday 13:30 Belgrade Friday 19:00 Budapest |
| 7 days | Sunday 08:30 Zagreb | Saturday 19:00 Zagreb |
Tour operator
Tours4Fun Provider 10563
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$882
NPR 1,19,076