Are you going to open up more tour dates for best of Balkans for October?

As of now, we don't have the availability to confirm when October dates for the Best of Balkans tour will be released. The best way to stay updated is to check the website periodically, as new schedules and openings are posted there once they're finalized.

How much swimming and water activities are in this trip? And also in which places? I am planning a surgery before it and need to work out what this trip is all about

The tour does not include any swimming or high‑intensity water activities. Most water‑related activities are optional, usually during free time at your own risk. Please be advised that Contiki only caters to travellers ages 18 to 35 years old.

From

US $2,522 per person

Best of Balkans (Start Budapest)

15 days

•

Start and end in Budapest

5.0 (6 reviews)

View all
We got to see and experience a lot in a short amount of time we had there. Overall, a good tour of the Balkans.
Boone•traveled in July5.0
View all

From

US $2,522 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Contiki offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $126

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Contiki
City & Culture: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 8 - 50
Ages 18-35

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Budapest
Budapest
Meals
Dinner (Welcome dinner)
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar))
Day 2
Budapest to Ljubljana
Budapest to Ljubljana
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided coach tour of Budapest including Heroes Square, Fisherman's Bastion, Chain Bridge, and Parliament Building
Landmarks
Heroes Square
Fisherman's Bastion
Chain Bridge
Parliament Building
Day 3
Ljubljana to Lake Bled
Ljubljana to Lake Bled
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar))
Included Activities
- Walking tour around Lake Bled
Optional Activities
- Traditional Slovenian folk show with traditional feast - EUR 34.00
Landmarks
Lake Bled
Bled Castle
Julian Alps
Day 4
Ljubljana to Plitvice Lakes
Ljubljana to Plitvice Lakes
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar))
Landmarks
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Day 5
Plitvice Lakes to Zadar to Split
Plitvice Lakes to Zadar to Split
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Split Inn (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Farm-to-table Croatian meal at a family-run restaurant with figs, olives, wine & more - EUR 42.00
- Dinner at a traditional Dalmatian tavern
Landmarks
Sea Organ
Zadar Roman Ruins
Day 6
Split to Ston to Dubrovnik
Split to Ston to Dubrovnik
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Akademis Akademia (or similar))
Landmarks
Ston Medieval Walls
Ston Salt Pans
Day 7
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Akademis Akademia (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town with local guide
Optional Activities
- Adriatic cruise around Dubrovnik with meal - EUR 39.00
- Sea kayaking trip around UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik City Walls - EUR 34.00
- Optional dinner with crew
Landmarks
Dubrovnik Old Town
Day 8
Dubrovnik to Budva to Tirana
Dubrovnik to Budva to Tirana
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel (or similar))
Landmarks
Budva
Day 9
Tirana
Tirana
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Tirana with local guide
- Visit to Bunk'Art - underground bunker museum showcasing Albania's communist era history
Landmarks
Bunk'Art
Day 10
Tirana to Mostar
Tirana to Mostar
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (HA Hotel Mostar (or similar))
Day 11
Mostar to Sarajevo
Mostar to Sarajevo
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Grand Sarajevo (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit to Stari Most (Mostar Bridge)
Optional Activities
- Home-cooked Bosnian cuisine dinner with local families - EUR 34.00
Landmarks
Stari Most
Day 12
Sarajevo
Sarajevo
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Grand Sarajevo (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Sarajevo
Optional Activities
- Sarajevo War Tunnels museum - EUR 15.00
Day 13
Sarajevo to Belgrade
Sarajevo to Belgrade
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Moxy Belgrade Hotel (or similar))
Landmarks
Beogradska Tvrđava
Sava River
Day 14
Belgrade to Budapest
Belgrade to Budapest
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Danube River cruise with dinner - EUR 43.00
Day 15
Budapest
Budapest
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
Heroes Square
Fisherman's Bastion
Chain Bridge
Parliament Building

Landmarks
Lake Bled
Bled Castle
Julian Alps

Landmarks
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Landmarks
Sea Organ
Zadar Roman Ruins

Landmarks
Ston Medieval Walls
Ston Salt Pans

Landmarks
Dubrovnik Old Town

Landmarks
Budva

Landmarks
Bunk'Art

Landmarks
Stari Most

Landmarks
Beogradska Tvrđava
Sava River

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What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Ibis Budapest City South Hotel (or similar)
Hotel
Days 1, 14
Ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre (or similar)
Hotel
Days 2, 3
Hotel Big House Plitvika Jezera (or similar)
Hotel
day 4
Hotel Split Inn (or similar)
Hotel
day 5
Akademis Akademia (or similar)
Hotel
Days 6, 7
VH Eurostar Tirana Hotel (or similar)
Hotel
Days 8, 9
HA Hotel Mostar (or similar)
Hotel
day 10
Hotel Grand Sarajevo (or similar)
Hotel
Days 11, 12
Moxy Belgrade Hotel (or similar)
Hotel
day 13

Operated by

Contiki

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.7 (6,371 reviews)
Response time: 11 hours
Response rate: 80%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

5.0

Overall rating based on 6 Reviews

Itinerary
4.8
Transport
5.0
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
4.8
Food
4.8
Tour Operator
4.7

mitchell4.8•September 2026
Led by Thomas
Tom was great. Made things light and fun. Had a few tricks that made the tour even better and is just a good guy in...
Tom was great. Made things light and fun. Had a few tricks that made the tour even better and is just a good guy in general.Show more
Traveled in July 2026
Reply from: Contiki
Thank you for taking this adventure with Contiki.
Show more
Eliza5.0•July 2026
Led by Thomas
Tom lead our group through the second half of our Contiki (Budapest -> Dubrovnik) and he was an absolute legend....
Tom lead our group through the second half of our Contiki (Budapest -> Dubrovnik) and he was an absolute legend. Brilliant mix of a good time and making sure we made it to where we were going in one piece. Some excellent historic bus spiels along the way too.Show more
Traveled in July 2025
Reply from: Contiki
Thank you for travelling with Contiki and for taking the time to share your feedback. We are pleased to read that your Trip Manager made such a positive contribution to the second half of your journey. It is encouraging to know that their enthusiasm, organisation and engaging historical commentary helped create an enjoyable experience while ensuring everything ran smoothly throughout the trip. We truly appreciate your kind comments and will ensure they are shared with the Trip Manager in recognition of their outstanding service. Thank you again for your valued feedback, and we hope to welcome you on another Contiki adventure in the future.
Show more
Lianna5.0•May 2026
Led by Thomas
I’ve been on many contikis and this one was one of the best by far. Tom was an amazing trip manager! He made...
Show more
Traveled in July 2024
Reply from: Contiki
Thank you for travelling with Contiki and for sharing your feedback. We are pleased to read that this was one of your best Contiki experiences and that your Trip Manager helped make the journey so engaging and enjoyable throughout. It is great to know their energy and approach contributed to a consistently positive experience. Thank you again for your kind recommendation. We hope to welcome you on another Contiki adventure in the future.
Show more
Scott5.0•May 2026
Led by Thomas
For my first Contiki Tour, and my partner’s first time properly travelling internationally, Tom was amazing. He was...
For my first Contiki Tour, and my partner’s first time properly travelling internationally, Tom was amazing. He was so knowledgeable about all of the places he visited, he helped my partner find a iced oat latte with vanilla syrup in almost every country (crazy stuff), and he genuinely cared that everyone was having an enjoyable time! Thanks Tom ☀️Show more
Traveled in July 2025
Reply from: Contiki
Thank you for travelling with Contiki and for sharing your feedback. We are pleased to read that your first Contiki experience, and your partner’s first international trip, was such a positive one. It is great to know that your Trip Manager’s knowledge, care and attentiveness helped make the journey enjoyable for everyone, and that their support added to the overall experience across multiple destinations. Thank you again for your kind comments. We hope to welcome you on another Contiki adventure in the future.
Show more
caoimhe.flynn.contiki5.0•May 2026
Led by Thomas
Tom is an incredible trip manager! His whole vibe is so positive and uplifting. He’s like a walking encyclopaedia and...
Show more
Traveled in May 2026
Reply from: Contiki
Thank you for travelling with Contiki and for sharing your feedback. We are pleased to hear that your Trip Manager brought such a positive and uplifting energy to your journey and enriched your experience with engaging stories and insights along the way. It is great to know their enthusiasm helped make the trip so enjoyable for you. Thank you again for your kind comments. We hope to welcome you on another Contiki adventure in the future.
Show more
Boone5.0•July 2019
I had the best time in the Balkans with contiki. We got to see and experience a lot in a short amount of time we had...
Show more
Traveled in June 2019

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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From Saturday
22 May, 2027
To Saturday
5 Jun, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$2,665 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
From Saturday
29 May, 2027
To Saturday
12 Jun, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$2,840 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
with Start Dubrovnik Version
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Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
5 Jun, 2027
To Saturday
19 Jun, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$2,715 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
From Saturday
12 Jun, 2027
To Saturday
26 Jun, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$2,840 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Start Dubrovnik Version
View this tour
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
12 Jun, 2027
To Saturday
26 Jun, 2027
English
From:
US$2,840 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
19 Jun, 2027
To Saturday
3 Jul, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$2,715 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
26 Jun, 2027
To Saturday
10 Jul, 2027
English
From:
US$2,840 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
From Saturday
26 Jun, 2027
To Saturday
10 Jul, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$2,840 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Start Dubrovnik Version
View this tour
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
3 Jul, 2027
To Saturday
17 Jul, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$2,665 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
From Saturday
10 Jul, 2027
To Saturday
24 Jul, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$2,788 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Start Dubrovnik Version
View this tour

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What our customers ask about this tour

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B
Bob
Asked on March 31st, 2026
Are you going to open up more tour dates for best of Balkans for October?
Price / Availability
- ContikiOperator•Written March 2026
  As of now, we don't have the availability to confirm when October dates for the Best of Balkans tour will be released. The best way to stay updated is to check the website periodically, as new schedules and openings are posted there once they're finalized.
D
David
Asked on March 12th, 2026
How much swimming and water activities are in this trip? And also in which places? I am planning a surgery before it and need to work out what this trip is all about
Meals
Tour Details
- ContikiOperator•Written March 2026
  The tour does not include any swimming or high‑intensity water activities. Most water‑related activities are optional, usually during free time at your own risk.
  
  Please be advised that Contiki only caters to travellers ages 18 to 35 years old.

From

US $2,522 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Contiki offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $126

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 192867

Currencies
L
Lek
Albania
KM
Convertible Mark
Bosnia
€
Euro
Croatia
Ft
Forint
Hungary
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
Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro
Type E
Albania, Bosnia, Hungary, Serbia and Montenegro
Type F
Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Albania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Albania.Bosnia.Hungary.Serbia.Slovenia.Montenegro. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Albania.Bosnia.Croatia.Hungary.Serbia.Slovenia.Montenegro. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Albania. Ideally 10 days before travel.
- Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Albania.Croatia.Hungary.Slovenia. Ideally 6 months before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bosnia. Ideally 3 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 December 10th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after December 10th, 2026, a minimum payment of $200 is required to confirm your booking with Contiki. 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 65 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 Contiki will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Contiki" 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
- Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
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Insurance
Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.
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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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Best of Balkans (Start Budapest)

Itinerary

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Prices

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