Beautiful Balkans & Adriatic

After a morning of scenic driving, negotiating stunning back roads clad with the lush green farmland and dense forests of southeast Slovenia, we will cross over to Croatia and cruise through the breathtaking majesty of Dinaric plain.

In the late afternoon, we will visit the Plitvice National Park, a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site with sixteen lakes interconnected by waterfalls and home to some of the nation's most diverse wildlife habitats - simply breathtaking.

On day three of our driving adventure, we cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina, a stunning country, nestled between northern and southern Croatia.

This is the longest day of the tour, but it's one of the most exciting. The driving is out of this world: the roads are empty and wind through the low mountains and stretches of Herzegovina's great open plains until we reach Sarajevo. It's been a peaceful nation now for 20 years and now travellers can enjoy its unrivalled beauty once again. For lunch and dinner, we will enjoy burek and cevapcici, two mouthwatering Bosnian delicacies.

Sarajevo, Europe’s most Oriental city, is steeped in rich history with its many mosques, markets and a charming old Turkish bazaar.

You can spend a day cruising the scenic roads that frame the city while exploring the sites of the legendary 1984 Olympic Games. Or visit the Bascarsija bazaar, roam, relax, soak in the sights, and try Turkish coffee or two.

From Sarajevo, we will take deserted scenic roads to Mostar, passing through Sutjeska National Park, home to Europe’s the last existing primaeval forest.

Driving along the Sutjeska River is a sight to behold and once we reached Mostar, you will be enchanted by its beauty. A medium-sized city among the vineyards between Sarajevo and Croatia's Dubrovnik, Mostar is home to a famous stone bridge which is one of the most photographed World Heritage-listed sites on the planet. That evening, we will pay a visit to the Old Ottoman Quarter to meet its resident artists and master craftsmen before sitting down to dinner.

Day six takes us towards Montenegro and Durmitor National Park.

The road rises into the low mountains, but we will pass through wide open plains that offer panoramic views of the valleys below. Visit Medjugorje at your leisure, and cool down in the Kravica waterfalls. Finally, we will navigate the narrow twists and turns that take us into the mountains, passing through the dramatic Durmitor National Park before reaching Zabljak.

Venturing south, we will cruise along the stunning Tara River Canyon, dropping down past Skadar Lake until the coast hits the horizon.

We will follow the dramatic coastline of Montenegro (a section of challenging yet rewarding driving)—the view of the Adriatic Sea stretches endlessly into the distance and will linger in the memory for years to come. In the afternoon, we will reach the shores of Petrovac, and soak in a treasure trove of Petrovac warm sandy beaches, pretty promenades, and lively beachside restaurants. The perfect way to end the day.

After breakfast, we will cruise west, visiting the peninsula of Sveti Stefan along the way before driving on through winding mountain paths again to the summit of Lovcen Mountain, where we will visit the Njegos mausoleum.

In the afternoon, we will reach the world-famous Dubrovnik. Here you will find rich vegetation, stunning lakes, paradise islands, white pebble beaches, and lagoon-like seas - a dream come true.

Our rest day is your chance to enjoy everything that Dubrovnik has to offer.

Enjoy a boat trip to Mljet island, explore the city's many nooks and crannies on foot, relax and watch the world go by - the choice is yours. Or, if you do feel like driving, Montenegro is close by with plenty of panoramic views along the way. Whatever you decide to do, you'll have a magical time in Dubrovnik.

In the morning, we will leave Dubrovnik and head northwest, stopping at Mali Ston along the way, a town known for serving the best seafood in Croatia.

A quick ferry will take us to Hvar Island, where we will tackle the twistiest road of the whole trip! Known as the "Croatian Madeira", Hvar enjoys 2.724 hours of sunshine every single year, more than anywhere else in the country. But, despite the heat, the island is emerald green, with striking patches of lavender, rosemary, and heather - a real paradise island.

A rest day on a paradise island - what more could you want?

Explore the island's endless sandy beaches and bathe in the crystal clear sea, try some water sports or cruise by boat to the spectacular Blue Grotto. Medieval Hvar town is also worth exploring with its marble streets and unique ornamented buildings. Oh, and the town's restaurants and taverns are incredible - take your pick.

After breakfast and a quick ferry ride, we will pass the pretty islands of Brac and Solta before we get to Split, famed for its grand Diocletian's Palace.

We can also stop in the quaint towns of Trogir, Primosten or Sibenik. Finally, we will reach the ancient city of Zadar: once the heart of Dalmatia, today Zadar is a preserved monument of many historical periods, events, and cultures.

We will cruise along winding roads with the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Velebit mountain range on the other.

We will visit Opatija, thriving green seaside town with a beautiful promenade. Cruising further along the coast, our final stop is in Poreč, an ancient Roman town and home to the World Heritage-listed basilica, boasting a mix of Gothic, Romanesque, and baroque buildings among many other wonders.

In the morning, we will head inland to cruise the rolling hills and plains of the Istria Peninsula, stopping in Motovun, a charming Tuscan-like town perched on a hill where we will try local truffles.

Next, we will enter Slovenia and spend the rest of the day driving through the Karst region south of Ljubljana. It's an awe-inspiring area of mystical lakes, underground caves, and amazing wineries. The road winds through green farmland before we hit the big city.

In the morning, you can pay a visit to the old part of the city and its vibrant market before exploring Ljublana’s many narrow roads, pathways, shops, and iconic landmarks.

Depending on the time of your flight you could climb the staircase to the 16th-century fortification of Ljubljana Castle, a sight that dominates the town. On the flight home, you will have the chance to think about your incredible Balkans adventure.