Itinerary
- Day 1
Budapest
You'll kick things off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, then head out for dinner with your group. Later in the evening, take a walk along the Danube to see the illuminated buildings and bridges lighting up the city. If you're feeling energetic, you can check out one of Budapest's well-known ruin bars afterwards.
Optional Activities
- Welcome dinner with fellow travellers
- Night walk along the Danube River
- Ruin bar visit
Landmarks Danube River 
- Day 2
Budapest to Belgrade via Novi Sad
After traveling to Belgrade with a stop in Novi Sad, you'll do an orientation walk with your leader. From there, you'll have time to explore the city on your own before heading to Petrovaradin Fortress for some river views. Later, continue to Belgrade and spend time wandering the wide boulevards and checking out Kalemegdan Park and Fortress. By evening, head to Skadarska Street to try authentic local food and soak in the atmosphere.
Included Activities
- Novi Sad orientation walk with leader
Optional Activities
- Petrovaradin Fortress visit
- Restaurant and cafe stop at fortress
Landmarks Petrovaradin Fortress Kalemegdan Fortress Kalemegdan Park Skadarska Street Danube River - Day 3
Belgrade
Start your morning at Decje Srce Cafe, a social enterprise run by and for young people with developmental disabilities. Have a drink there, learn about their work, and look at local handicrafts they've made. The rest of your day is completely open - you can visit museums, take a Danube cruise, explore local markets, or simply relax on Ada Ciganlija beach.
Included Activities
- Decje Srce Cafe visit
Optional Activities
- Danube River cruise past Kalemegdan Fortress, Pancevo Bridge and Zemun
- Zeleni Venac local market exploration
- Nikola Tesla Museum visit
- Ethnographic Museum visit
- Military Museum visit
- Ada Ciganlija beach - swimming, water sports, sunbathing
Landmarks Kalemegdan Fortress Pancevo Bridge Zemun Zeleni Venac Market Nikola Tesla Museum Ethnographic Museum Military Museum Ada Ciganlija Beach - Day 4
Belgrade to Sarajevo
You'll have a long drive through the countryside to Sarajevo - get comfortable and watch the scenery roll by. Once you arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital, you'll find a city that blends Eastern and Western influences with minarets, mosques, and bazaars throughout. Explore on your own pace or join an optional tour to see Bascarsija, the old bazaar. Try bosanski cevapi, a local meat specialty, for dinner.
Optional Activities
- Guided city tour with insight into history and culture
- Bascarsija old bazaar visit
- Bosanski cevapi dinner
Landmarks Bascarsija - Day 5
Sarajevo
This is your free day in Sarajevo to move at your own speed. You can visit the History Museum, check out the Sarajevo War Tunnels, or walk Sniper Alley to learn about the city's complex history. Alternatively, explore Bascarsija's mosques and stone-vaulted bazaars, visit the Art Gallery, or head to Ilidza for the thermal springs. End your evening at Pivnica HS brewery sampling local award-winning beer.
Optional Activities
- Day trip to Ilidza thermal springs and Bosna River source
- History Museum visit
- Sarajevo War Tunnels visit
- Sniper Alley visit
- Jewish Museum visit
- Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina visit
- Bascarsija bazaar exploration
- Burek snack in Bascarsija
- Pivnica HS brewery and restaurant visit
Landmarks Bascarsija History Museum Sarajevo War Tunnels Sniper Alley Jewish Museum Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina Ilidza - Day 6
Sarajevo to Mostar
Travel to Mostar with a stop at Tito's Bunker for a 1.5-hour guided tour of this underground nuclear war command facility that was built to shelter 350 government officials. After that, continue to Mostar and see the famous Stari Most, a 16th-century Ottoman stone bridge. If conditions are right, you might catch local divers from Mostar's diving club jumping into the icy waters below.
Included Activities
- Tito's Bunker tour (1.5 hours with local guide)
- Stari Most visit
Optional Activities
- Diving club show viewing
Landmarks Tito's Bunker Stari Most Neretva River 
- Day 7
Mostar to Kotor
After breakfast, travel to Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site set on a secluded bay with towering peaks and rocky coastline. You'll get to explore Europe's most southerly fjord, Boka Kotorska, and have the afternoon free to check out the town. Consider visiting the 12th-century Cathedral of St Tryphun, the South Gates, or Armoury Square on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Cathedral of St Tryphun visit
- South Gates (Gurdich Gate) visit
- Armoury Square exploration
Landmarks Boka Kotorska Cathedral of St Tryphun South Gates Armoury Square 
- Day 8
Kotor
Wander through Kotor's crooked alleyways, browse boutiques and cafes at your leisure. If you're up for it, climb the stone steps up to the Fortress of Sveti Ivan for a 1.5-hour hike that passes churches, gates and bastions. The views across town and the bay make it worth the effort. Later, find a lookout spot to watch the city walls light up against the night sky.
Optional Activities
- Fortress of Sveti Ivan hike (1.5 hours with views)
- Boutique and cafe exploration
- Evening city wall viewing
Landmarks Fortress of Sveti Ivan - Day 9
Kotor to Dubrovnik
Travel by bus along Croatia's beautiful southern coast to Dubrovnik. Once you arrive, you'll have the afternoon free to explore this medieval city. Take a boat trip out to Lokrum Island to see Fort Royal Castle, a monastery, and botanical gardens. As evening comes, find a secluded beach for sunset or grab a meal with your group by the harbor.
Included Activities
- Elafiti Island day trip
Optional Activities
- Lokrum Island boat trip
- Fort Royal Castle visit
- Monastery visit on Lokrum Island
- Botanical gardens visit on Lokrum Island
- Sunset beach viewing
- Harbourside group dinner
Landmarks Elafiti Islands Lokrum Island Fort Royal Castle 
- Day 10
Dubrovnik
You have the day free to explore Dubrovnik's Old Town on your own with the Adriatic Sea as your backdrop. New travelers are arriving today, so there's a meeting at 6 pm to introduce everyone. After that, take a walk around town or have a meal with your group to get to know your new travel companions.
Optional Activities
- Old Town exploration
- Group meeting (6 pm)
- Group dinner
Landmarks Dubrovnik Old Town - Day 11
Dubrovnik
Head out on a day trip to the Elafiti Islands, a small archipelago northwest of Dubrovnik. You'll explore churches along the way before arriving at the beach for free time to relax, swim, or enjoy a long coastal lunch. Back in Dubrovnik later, check out Big Onofrio's Fountain or the Franciscan Monastery with one of the world's oldest continuously functioning pharmacies. Finish your evening on Banje Beach or find a dinner spot with sunset views.
Included Activities
- Elafiti Islands day trip
Optional Activities
- Church visits on the islands
- Swimming and relaxation on beach
- Coastal restaurant lunch
- Big Onofrio's Fountain visit
- Franciscan Monastery visit
- Banje Beach visit
- Sunset dinner viewing
Landmarks Elafiti Islands Big Onofrio's Fountain Franciscan Monastery Banje Beach - Day 12
Dubrovnik to Split
Travel up the coast to Split, Croatia's second-largest city and the soul of Dalmatia. The drive is fairly long, so settle in with a book or podcasts. By afternoon you'll arrive and can explore at your own pace - walk through historic streets, check out the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian's Palace, or join an optional tour. End your day with dinner by the sea, whether fresh seafood or just watching the sunset.
Optional Activities
- Historic street exploration
- Diocletian's Palace visit
- Guided city tour with local guide
- Seaside dinner
Landmarks Diocletian's Palace - Day 13
Split
You have a free day in Split to explore the atmospheric Old Town and its city-within-a-city, the remains of a 3rd-century palace built for Roman Emperor Diocletian. Wander through the maze of passageways and courtyards, check out the 16th-century synagogue, and listen to music echoing through the courtyards. Grab Croatian coffee from a Riva waterfront cafe or climb the Cathedral of Saint Domnius for panoramic views.
Optional Activities
- Diocletian's Palace passageway exploration
- 16th-century synagogue visit
- Cathedral of Saint Domnius climb
- Riva waterfront cafe visit for coffee
- Old Town exploration
Landmarks Diocletian's Palace Cathedral of Saint Domnius Riva Waterfront Promenade - Day 14
Split to Zagreb via Plitvice Lakes
Head to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia's most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the wooded hills surrounding turquoise lakes and waterfalls on your own or follow your leader to the best spots. Keep an eye out for local wildlife in the primeval forest. Then drive to Zagreb, Croatia's capital, where you'll stay for the night.
Included Activities
- Plitvice Lakes National Park visit
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration of park trails
- Leader-guided tour of park highlights
- Wildlife spotting
Landmarks Plitvice Lakes National Park 
- Day 15
Zagreb
After breakfast, take an orientation walk around Zagreb with your leader. Then head to Dolac Market, the main city market, for lunch where you can sample local specialities like cevapcici, seasonal produce, cheese and meats. The rest of your day is free to explore Zagreb Cathedral with its distinctive twin spires, check out quirky museums like the Museum of Broken Relationships, or see other attractions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Dolac Market lunch featuring local specialities)
Included Activities
- Breakfast
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Dolac Market lunch
Optional Activities
- Zagreb Cathedral visit
- Museum of Broken Relationships visit
- Museum exploration
- Cevapcici tasting at market bakery
Landmarks Dolac Market Zagreb Cathedral Museum of Broken Relationships - Day 16
Zagreb to Ljubljana
Travel by train across the Slovenian border to Ljubljana. After checking in, take a short orientation walk with your leader to find your way around. The rest of your day is open to explore this beautiful city with its style, history, and great restaurants. Wander the unique old city centre architecture, visit Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, the Dragon Bridge, or Preseren Square honoring a Slovenian romantic poet.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Ljubljana Castle visit
- Town Hall visit
- Dragon Bridge visit
- Preseren Square visit
- Old city centre exploration
- Museum visits
- Restaurant exploration
Landmarks Ljubljana Castle Dragon Bridge Preseren Square Ljubljana Town Hall - Day 17
Ljubljana
You have the day free to explore Ljubljana further or take an optional day trip to Bled, one of the most scenic alpine resorts. Visit the fairy-tale castle, tranquil lake, and island church, then take a Pletna boat ride to the island and climb 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Try the famous Bled cream cake and sample local specialities like struklji. Action enthusiasts can try rafting, caving, cycling, or swimming. Join your group for dinner later.
Optional Activities
- Day trip to Bled by public bus
- Bled Castle visit
- Lake Bled visit
- Pletna boat ride across Lake Bled
- St Mary's Church visit (99 steps)
- Bled cream cake tasting
- Rafting
- Caving
- Cycling
- Canoeing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Struklji dinner
- Potica dinner
- Group dinner
Landmarks Lake Bled Bled Island St Mary's Church Bled Castle - Day 18
Ljubljana to Venice
Travel by bus to Venice, known for its canals and small islands connected by nearly 400 bridges. Once you arrive, the day is yours to explore. Visit St Mark's Basilica, walk across the Rialto Bridge, tour Doge's Palace, or ride a gondola through the canals. Don't miss trying tiramisu, a specialty of the Veneto region. Join your fellow travelers for dinner to celebrate your final night together.
Optional Activities
- St Mark's Basilica visit
- Rialto Bridge visit
- Doge's Palace visit
- Gondola ride
- Tiramisu tasting
- Group celebration dinner
Landmarks St Mark's Basilica Rialto Bridge Doge's Palace 
- Day 19
Venice
You have a free day in Venice's watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas, practically unchanged for 600 years. Explore the maze of streets behind San Marco Square, understand how the canal system works, and find great food throughout the day. Experience Venice's blend of history and contemporary life through food, performance, art and architecture. There's a group meeting at 6 pm for new members.
Optional Activities
- San Marco Square area exploration
- Canal exploration
- Street maze navigation
- Food discovery throughout city
- Art and architecture appreciation
Landmarks San Marco Square - Day 20
Venice
Start with a leader-led orientation walk exploring Classical, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles around San Marco Square. Your leader will show you the best spots for cicchetti, Venice's famous local snacks. Have lunch at a lively bacaro or watch the world go by from a canal-edge restaurant. Your afternoon is free to explore on foot or by boat - take the Vaporetto to San Giorgio island to climb the bell tower for city views, or glide down the Grand Canal on a gondola.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Cicchetti snack stop
Optional Activities
- Bacaro lunch visit
- Canal-edge restaurant lunch
- Vaporetto water bus ride to San Giorgio
- Bell tower climb for views
- Gondola ride down Grand Canal
- Self-guided exploration on foot or by boat
Landmarks San Marco Square San Giorgio Island Grand Canal - Day 21
Venice to La Spezia
Catch a morning train through scenic northern Italy to La Spezia, your gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre, five tiny villages perched on coves between sheer cliffs. After checking into your hotel, take a short walk around the pedestrian zone on Via del Prione or head out for dinner with the group to get your bearings.
Optional Activities
- Via del Prione pedestrian zone walk
- Group dinner
Landmarks Cinque Terre Monterosso Vernazza Corniglia Manarola Riomaggiore 
- Day 22
Cinque Terre
Explore Cinque Terre with your included 24-hour pass covering paths and trains. Your leader walks you to two of the five villages, or explore on your own with well-marked trails. Be ready for challenging uphill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and footbridges. Use the train between villages as needed or return to La Spezia. An optional pesto class is available to book. Grab focaccia for lunch, another local specialty.
Included Activities
- Cinque Terre Pass (24-hour access to paths and trains)
Optional Activities
- Self-guided village exploration
- Leader-guided walk to two villages
- Train travel between villages
- Pesto cooking class
- Focaccia lunch
- Hiking various sections
Landmarks Cinque Terre Monterosso Vernazzo Corniglia Manarola Riomaggiore - Day 23
La Spezia to Florence
Depart La Spezia and catch a train to Florence. Check in at the hostel and take a brief walk around to get your bearings. Florence is one of Italy's most culturally rich cities and the heart of Tuscany, home to Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and so many other masters. Food is central to the city's identity - sample local treats on an optional Florence Foodies Walk or try Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the famous Florentine T-bone steak.
Optional Activities
- Florence Foodies Walk with Urban Adventures
- Local culinary history exploration
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner
- Food exploration
Landmarks Florence Old City Centre 
- Day 24
Florence
Spend another day in beautiful Florence. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance city, so pick a few highlights and relax. Visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's David statue, or explore the Uffizi, one of the world's oldest art galleries. Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo on the Arno's south bank for beautiful city views. Plenty of optional activities are available.
Optional Activities
- Galleria dell'Accademia visit
- Michelangelo's David statue viewing
- Uffizi gallery visit
- Piazzale Michelangelo walk for views
- Museum exploration
- Restaurant visits
- Various optional activities
Landmarks Galleria dell'Accademia Uffizi Gallery Piazzale Michelangelo Arno River - Day 25
Florence to Rome
Take the morning train to Rome and join your leader on an orientation walk to see iconic sites including Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. After walking, grab lunch with a slice of pizza and espresso at Piazza Navona. Your afternoon is yours to spend - visit the Vatican to see St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, or explore the Pantheon. Join the group for dinner to celebrate the end of your journey.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Trevi Fountain viewing
Optional Activities
- Spanish Steps visit
- Pantheon visit
- Piazza Navona lunch and exploration
- Vatican Museum visit
- St Peter's Basilica visit
- Sistine Chapel visit
- Trattoria exploration
- Group celebration dinner
Landmarks Spanish Steps Trevi Fountain Pantheon Piazza Navona Vatican City St Peter's Basilica Sistine Chapel 
- Day 26
Rome
Your adventures come to an end today with no activities planned. You're free to depart your accommodation anytime after check-out. With so much to see in Rome, you might want to stay longer and soak it all in. Contact your booking agent if you'd like to extend your stay.
