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2026

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Who is travelling?

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Balkans Rail Adventure

16 days
From Ljubljana to Pristina
4.4
36 traveler reviews
From
$4,520
-5%
US $4,310 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:
In-depth Cultural
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity
Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 7 - 18
Ages 16+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Ljubljana

    Start point
    Tabor 9, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia (Hotel Park, Hotel reception, 18:00)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Park), Hotel (B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Ljubljana Castle
    • Dinner at a traditional gostilna restaurant
    Landmarks
    Ljubljana Castle
    Ljubljanica River
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  2. Day 2

    Lake Bled - Ljubljana

    Accommodation
    Hotel (B&B Hotel Ljubljana Park (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Excursion to Lake Bled
    • Walking tour of Ljubljana with local guide

    Optional Activities

    • Scenic walk along Lake Bled lakeshore
    • Pletna boat trip to Bled Island
    • Visit Church of the Assumption on Bled Island
    • Visit Bled Castle
    • Dinner at a local restaurant
    Landmarks
    Lake Bled
    Bled Island
    Church of the Assumption
    Bled Castle
    Ljubljana Opera House
    National Gallery of Slovenia
    Republic Square
    Triple Bridge
    Itinerary Image 1
  3. Day 3

    Ljubljana to Zagreb

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Manda Heritage (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Guided walking tour of Zagreb

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Zagreb independently
    • Dinner at a local Croatian restaurant
    Landmarks
    Zagreb Cathedral
    Saint Mark's Church
    Itinerary Image 1
  4. Day 4

    Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Manda Heritage), Hotel (Hotel Manda Heritage (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Exploration of Plitvice Lakes National Park by boat and on foot

    Optional Activities

    • Picnic lunch in the park
    • Dinner at a restaurant near the hotel
    Landmarks
    Plitvice Lakes National Park
    Itinerary Image 1
  5. Day 5

    Zagreb to Sarajevo

    Meals
    Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant along the journey)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Cosmopolit (or similar))
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  6. Day 6

    Sarajevo

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Cosmopolit (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Walking tour of Sarajevo city centre
    • Visit to Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassination site
    • Observation of traditional hand-hammered metalwork artisans

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Tunnel of Hope Museum with transport and local guide
    • Explore Old Town independently
    • Dinner at a Sarajevo restaurant
    Landmarks
    Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassination Site
    City Hall (Viječnica)
    Bascarsija
    Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
    Cathedral of Jesus' Heart
    Old Synagogue
    Tunnel of Hope Museum
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  7. Day 7

    Sarajevo to Mostar

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Vila Fortuna), Hotel (Hotel Bristol (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Guided walking tour of Mostar
    • Visit to traditional Turkish house
    • Visit to mosque

    Optional Activities

    • Return to the bazaar
    • Sample traditional Herzegovinian dishes
    • Relax by the river
    Landmarks
    Stari Most
    Neretva River
    Mostar Old Bazaar
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  8. Day 8

    Mostar to Dubrovnik to Tivat

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Helada), Hotel (Hotel Helada (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Wander narrow, marble-paved streets of Dubrovnik Old Town
    • Climb Dubrovnik city walls for panoramic views
    • Lunch in Dubrovnik
    • Explore Tivat's marina and waterfront
    • Seafood dinner in Tivat
    Landmarks
    Dubrovnik Old Town
    Dubrovnik City Walls
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  9. Day 9

    Tivat - Kotor - Bar

    Accommodation
    Sleeper Train (Overnight train from Bar to Belgrade (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Walking tour of Kotor with local guide

    Optional Activities

    • Swim at Tivat public beach
    • Beachfront café relaxation
    • Climb 1,400 steps to San Giovanni Fortress
    Landmarks
    Kotor Old Town
    San Giovanni Fortress
    Bay of Kotor
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  10. Day 10

    Belgrade

    Meals
    Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Prag), Hotel (Hotel Prag (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Breakfast at hotel
    • Three-hour guided walking tour of Belgrade

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Skadarlija bohemian district
    • Visit Republic Square
    • Relax by riverbanks
    Landmarks
    Republic Square
    National Museum
    National Theatre
    Kalemegdan Park
    Belgrade Fortress
    Sava River
    Danube River
    Skadarlija
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  11. Day 11

    Belgrade to Novi Sad

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Prag (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Train excursion to Novi Sad
    • Guided tour of Novi Sad including Petrovaradin Fortress, Greek School, and Orthodox Cathedral
    • Relax at riverside cafés in Novi Sad's pedestrianised centre
    Landmarks
    Petrovaradin Fortress
    Greek School
    Orthodox Cathedral
    Danube River
    Itinerary Image 1
  12. Day 12

    Belgrade to Nis

    Accommodation
    Hotel (New City Hotel (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Constantine the Great Memorial Complex
    • Explore 18th-century Nis Fortress
    • Visit Crveni Krst concentration camp
    • Stroll Nisava River banks
    • Dine at riverside eateries
    • Explore Obrenoviceva Street
    Landmarks
    Constantine the Great Memorial Complex
    Nis Fortress
    Crveni Krst
    Nisava River
    Obrenoviceva Street
  13. Day 13

    Nis to Skopje

    Meals
    Dinner (Traditional North Macedonian dinner at a local restaurant)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Centar), Hotel (Hotel Centar (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Orientation walking tour of Skopje with local guide
    • Traditional Macedonian dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Old Bazaar
    • Visit St. Saviour Church
    • Visit Holocaust Museum
    Landmarks
    Skopje Fortress
    Old Bazaar
    St. Saviour Church
    Holocaust Museum
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  14. Day 14

    Skopje to Ohrid

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Aleksandrija Hotel), Hotel (Aleksandrija Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Ohrid with local guide
    • Visit to National Workshop for Handmade Paper
    • Visit to Church of Saint Jovan the Theologian at Kaneo
    • Visit to Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid
    • Boat trip on Lake Ohrid (weather permitting)

    Optional Activities

    • Dinner at a local restaurant with live music
    Landmarks
    Lake Ohrid
    National Workshop for Handmade Paper
    Church of Saint Jovan the Theologian at Kaneo
    Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  15. Day 15

    Ohrid to Pristina

    Meals
    Dinner (Farewell dinner)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hotel Begolli (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit to Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery
    • Farewell dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Lunch in a local village
    Landmarks
    Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery
    Mavrovo National Park
    Itinerary Image 1
  16. Day 16

    Pristina

    End point
    Tahir Zajmi, Prishtinë 10000 (Hotel Garden, Hotel reception, 09:00)

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Pristina
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Optional Extras

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Explore!

4.5
(8,631 reviews)

Number of tours

589

Age Range

16 to 85 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

96%

Explore Worldwide has over 40 years’ experience in creating expert-led small...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

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Sustainability Programs

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

4.4
Overall rating based on 36 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.4
  • Transport
    4.3
  • Guide
    4.8
  • Accommodation
    4.0
  • Food
    4.0
  • 4.5

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  • R
    October 8th, 2025
    4
    This tour was what it was advertised to be, a great opportunity to see 6 Balkan countries in 16 days. Our tour...
    Show more
    Traveled in September 2025
    Reply from: Explore!
    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are delighted to hear that, on the whole, you enjoyed your experience with us. This particular journey was accompanied by our Product Manager, and we truly appreciate your comments, which we’ve shared directly with them. As part of our commitment to more sustainable travel, we intentionally included rail journeys in this itinerary to reduce the need for multiple flights and help lower our overall carbon footprint.. We do recognise that the train standards may differ from what you might be used to, but as I’m sure you can appreciate, this is part of the authenticity of adventure travel. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you on another adventure with us in the future.
    Show more
  • A
    May 24th, 2023
    4
    No major highlights but all very interesting, made all the more so by excellent , well chosen and knowledgable city...
    Show more
    Traveled in May 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    June 6th, 2023
    4
    Holiday Inn in Sarajevo though not the best hotel glad we stayed there due to the history. Like stepping back to...
    Show more
    Traveled in May 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    June 6th, 2023
    4.2
    Plitvic lakes was wonderful, very beautiful. Sarajevo and Mostar were lovely places with lovely people. Ljubljana a...
    Show more
    Traveled in May 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    June 20th, 2023
    4.7
    Mostar was a highlight Enjoyed the variety of different train journeys
    Traveled in June 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    June 22nd, 2023
    3.3
    Scenery - visiting countries with so much history.
    Traveled in June 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    July 2nd, 2023
    4.7
    Old town Mostar Belgrade was amazing Plitviče lakes Sarajevo
    Traveled in June 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    July 3rd, 2023
    4.2
    The train journey from Podgorica to Prijepolje was amazing. Also Belgrade and Skopje.
    Traveled in June 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    August 28th, 2023
    4.5
    A chance to see the lakes, national parks and places I would not have got to if I had been travelling independently
    Traveled in August 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    August 30th, 2023
    3.8
    I don't have a highlight of the tour. It was an interesting tour, the guides were very knowledgeable and passionate...
    Show more
    Traveled in August 2023
    Review collected by Explore!

Dates & Availability

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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2027

Jan
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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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  • -5%
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    12 Sep, 2026
    To Sunday
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    19 Sep, 2026
    To Sunday
    4 Oct, 2026
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    From Saturday
    1 May, 2027
    To Sunday
    16 May, 2027
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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  • Instant Confirmation
    From Saturday
    15 May, 2027
    To Sunday
    30 May, 2027
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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  • Instant Confirmation
    From Saturday
    5 Jun, 2027
    To Sunday
    20 Jun, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,560 per person
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
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  • S

    Stephanie

    Asked on May 20th, 2025

    Who is the tour guide? Is there a supplemental charge for singles? How large is the group?

    Group size
    Single supplement
    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten May 2025

      The cost fo the tour including the single room supplement if required is: US$4150. Single room (optional) US$860. if you do not wish to pay for a single room we can match you up with another traveller same sex to share a two-bedded room. Please note that the single room supplement does not include the sleeper train to Belgrade (Serbia) on day 9 of the trip. The tour leader is decided about 6 weeks before trip departure so we don't have that information yet.

  • J

    Josephine

    Asked on December 23rd, 2024

    How do we find out more about the hotels on our itinerary?

    Accommodation
    • Explore!OperatorWritten December 2024

      The hotel details will be listed in your final documents which are uploaded to your dashboard prior to your departure.

  • A

    Amanda

    Asked on December 14th, 2024

    Can we customize parts of our tour experience?

    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten December 2024

      Customization options may be available, and you can make requests through your tour leader.

  • G

    Geneviève

    Asked on August 20th, 2024

    Are there any concerns about traveling to Kosovo?

    Other
    • Explore!OperatorWritten August 2024

      Kosovo is generally safe for travel. We monitor the situation and will inform customers if there are any changes affecting the itinerary.

  • M

    Martin

    Asked on June 13th, 2024

    What is the procedure for booking an additional night after the tour?

    Accommodation
    • Explore!OperatorWritten June 2024

      Extra nights can be booked based on availability at the designated hotel. Please ask for details on how to arrange this.

  • D

    Dewi

    Asked on May 20th, 2024

    Can we receive the benefit of a future price reduction if we book now?

    Price / Availability
    • Explore!OperatorWritten May 2024

      Once you book with a discount, that price is fixed and further reductions will not apply to your booking.

  • A

    Amanda

    Asked on April 16th, 2024

    What should we do about currency in different countries?

    Payments
    • Explore!OperatorWritten April 2024

      It's best to exchange money for each specific country, but U.S. dollars can be used in some places.

  • Y

    Yvette

    Asked on April 3rd, 2024

    What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    Group size
    • Explore!OperatorWritten April 2024

      Group sizes vary, but we ensure they remain manageable for an enjoyable experience.

  • C

    Chiara

    Asked on January 14th, 2024

    How long does the deposit last before it needs to be confirmed?

    Payments
    • Explore!OperatorWritten January 2024

      The deposit is good until you decide to move forward or cancel, with specific terms for refunds based on timing.

  • P

    Paula

    Asked on December 31st, 2023

    What type of transport will we use during the tour?

    Transport
    • Explore!OperatorWritten January 2024

      The main method of transport will be by train, often with a bus for short distances or walking to nearby hotels.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Explore! with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.
From
$4,520
-5%
US $4,310 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

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Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 124987

  • Currencies
    KM
    Convertible Mark
    Bosnia
    Euro
    Croatia and Kosovo
    ден
    Denar
    Macedonia
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

    Type C
    Bosnia, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo
    Type E
    Bosnia, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo
    Type F
    Bosnia, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Bosnia.Macedonia.Serbia.Slovenia.Montenegro. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bosnia. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Bosnia.Croatia.Macedonia.Serbia.Slovenia.Montenegro. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Croatia.Slovenia. Ideally 6 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before June 1st, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 1st, 2026, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Explore!. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 75 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Explore! will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Explore!" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
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