Balkans Rail Adventure

Join trip in Ljubljana

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. Tour leader meets group at hotel reception at 6pm. No activities planned; free to arrive at any time. Recommended to visit the castle if arriving early. Welcome meeting this evening.

Visit Lake Bled, afternoon Ljubljana walking tour

Morning excursion to Lake Bled by public bus (approx. 1 hour). Free time to explore the lakeshore, take a pletna gondola to the island church, or visit Bled Castle. Return to Ljubljana in the afternoon for a guided walking tour including the Opera House, National Gallery, Republic Square, and Triple Bridge. Evening free.

Meals: Breakfast

Morning train to Zagreb (Croatia). Walking tour of Zagreb on arrival.

Board a local train to Zagreb (approx. 3 hours), following the Sava River and crossing into Croatia. Guided walking tour of Zagreb on arrival, including the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral and 13th-century Saint Mark's Church. Bags taken to hotel. Free time for lunch then hotel check-in around 3pm. Free afternoon and evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Visit Plitvice National Park

Full day at Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), approx. 3-hour drive from Zagreb. Explore by boat and on foot along wooden boardwalks (5-6 hours walking). Optional picnic lunch in the park. Return to Zagreb for the evening. Stock up on snacks for tomorrow's train journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Travel to Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

One of the longest travel days. Local train from Zagreb to Vrpolje (approx. 5 hours) through the Pannonian Plain. Private vehicle from Vrpolje across the border and by road to Sarajevo (approx. 6 hours including dinner stop at a local restaurant). Arrive Sarajevo by mid-evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Walking tour of Sarajevo, chance to visit Tunnel of Hope Museum

Morning guided walking tour of Sarajevo: assassination site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austro-Hungarian City Hall, Bascarsija bazaar, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Cathedral of Jesus' Heart, Old Synagogue, and local metalwork artisans. Free afternoon - optional visit to Tunnel of Hope Museum (extra cost, includes transport and local guide). Evening free.

Meals: Breakfast

Scenic rail trip to Mostar and walking tour of the city

Early start for the scenic rail journey from Sarajevo to Mostar (just under 3 hours). Arrive late morning; taxis to hotel to drop luggage. Guided walking tour of Mostar including a traditional Turkish house, mosque, old bazaar, and Stari Most (Old Bridge) over the Neretva River. Free afternoon and evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Visit Old Town Dubrovnik (Croatia), travel to Tivat (Montenegro)

Travel from Mostar to Dubrovnik (approx. 4.5 hours, crossing into Croatia). Approx. 3 hours free time in Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed Old Town. Continue south along the coast into Montenegro to Tivat (up to 3 hours). Two international border crossings today. Evening free in Tivat.

Meals: Breakfast

Morning in Tivat, walking tour of Kotor, board overnight sleeper train to Belgrade (Serbia)

Free morning in Tivat; optional swim at nearby pebbly beach. Around midday, short drive (30 min) to Kotor for a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Optional climb to San Giovanni Fortress. Continue south to Bar (approx. 2 hours) to board the overnight sleeper train to Belgrade (approx. 12 hours). Second-class sleeper compartments with 2-3 bunk beds and bedding provided. Single rooms/private compartments not available.

Meals: Breakfast

Walking tour of Belgrade; free afternoon to explore

Arrive Belgrade around 7am. Taxis to hotel; luggage storage available (no early check-in). Breakfast at hotel. Three-hour guided walking tour: Republic Square, National Museum, National Theatre, Kalemegdan Park, Belgrade Fortress, views of Sava and Danube confluence. Free afternoon to explore Skadarlija district or riverbanks.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional train excursion to Novi Sad, free time

Optional day trip to Novi Sad by train (1 hour each way). Guided tour of Petrovaradin Fortress, Greek School, and Orthodox Cathedral, partly on foot and partly by local bus. Free time in the pedestrianised centre. Return to Belgrade by train in the afternoon. Free evening; tour leader recommends Serbian restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast

Train to Nis; free afternoon to explore further

Early start; taxis to Belgrade station for the final rail journey to Nis (approx. 6 hours). Free time in Nis to visit the Constantine the Great Memorial Complex, 18th-century Nis Fortress, and possibly the Crveni Krst concentration camp (subject to opening hours). Evening stroll along the Nisava River or Obrenoviceva Street.

Meals: Breakfast

Orientation tour of Skopje (North Macedonia), included traditional Macedonian dinner

Private transfer to Skopje, capital of North Macedonia (approx. 3 hours, crossing an international border). Walking tour of Skopje: ancient fortress, Old Bazaar (12th-century), St. Saviour Church, Holocaust Museum. Free afternoon. Included dinner at a traditional North Macedonian restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey to Ohrid with afternoon boat ride on the lake

Drive approx. 4 hours to Ohrid (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Two-hour guided tour including the National Workshop for Handmade Paper, Ohrid pearls, Church of Saint Jovan the Theologian at Kaneo, and Ancient Macedonian Theatre. Weather-permitting boat trip on Lake Ohrid. Free choice of local restaurants for dinner, many with live music.

Meals: Breakfast

Visit to Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery en route to Pristina (Kosovo). Included farewell dinner.

Full-day journey to Pristina (up to 11 hours with stops). First stop: Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery. Continue through Mavrovo National Park with a lunch stop in a local village. Cross into Kosovo from North Macedonia (border can take 1+ hour). Arrive Pristina; farewell dinner included.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Trip ends in Pristina

Trip ends this morning in Pristina. No activities planned; free to depart at any time. Luggage storage available at hotel. Pristina International Airport 'Adem Jashari' (PRN) is a 25-minute drive away.

Meals: Breakfast