12-Day Balkans & Hungary Explorer: Sarajevo, Belgrade & Budapest

DAY 1 | Monday – Depart for Bosnia

Begin your unforgettable journey through the Balkans and Hungary. Depart for Sarajevo, the historic and vibrant capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

DAY 2 | Tuesday – Arrive in Sarajevo

Arrive in Sarajevo and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the city at your own pace. In the evening, meet your Tour Manager for a welcome orientation and dinner.

Overnight: Sarajevo | Meals: Dinner

DAY 3 | Wednesday – Sarajevo Walking Tour & Bosnian Coffee Workshop

Discover Sarajevo’s rich history and culture on a guided walking tour:

• Bascarsija, the historic Turkish Bazaar with cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and cafes

• Olympic Stadium, site of the 1984 Winter Games

• Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture

Experience a traditional Bosnian coffee workshop, brewing coffee in a copper dzezva the traditional way. Afternoon free for individual exploration.

Overnight: Sarajevo | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 | Thursday – Mostar & Stari Most

Travel to Mostar, a picturesque medieval town in Herzegovina:

• Walk the Old Town with Ottoman-era architecture

• Visit the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) spanning the emerald Neretva River

• Free time to explore local shops and cafes

Return to Sarajevo for dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Sarajevo | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5 | Friday – Visegrad & Open-Air Museum Sirogojno

Drive east through Bosnia to Visegrad, along the Drina River:

• See Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cross into Serbia and visit Open-Air Museum Sirogojno, showcasing 19th-century rural life with authentic wooden houses, barns, and workshops. Continue to Zlatibor, where you check into your hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Zlatibor | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6 | Saturday – Panoramic Train Ride & Home-Hosted Cooking Class

Board the Sargan Eight Railway, a historic narrow-gauge train famous for its unique figure-eight loops, offering stunning views of the Serbian countryside.

• Arrive in Sargan-Vitasi and continue to Dresnik Village

• Join a local family for a hands-on cooking class and savor a home-cooked lunch

Return to Zlatibor for an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Zlatibor | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7 | Sunday – Terzica Avlija Ethno Park & Avala Tower

Travel toward Belgrade, Serbia’s capital:

• Visit Terzica Avlija Ethno Park, watch artisans craft clay pottery, and participate in a folk dance class

• Stop at Avala Tower for panoramic views and the Avala Monument, honoring World War I soldiers

Evening at leisure to explore Belgrade’s vibrant nightlife.

Overnight: Belgrade | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8 | Monday – Belgrade City Tour & Rakija Tasting

Explore Belgrade’s historic highlights:

• Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street

• Kalemegdan Fortress with views of the Sava and Danube Rivers

• Saint Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world

Conclude with a rakija tasting at a local distillery. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Belgrade | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9 | Tuesday – Szeged en Route to Budapest

Drive north through Serbia and cross into Hungary. Stop in Szeged, the “City of Sunshine,” and admire:

• Votive Church

• Dom Square

• City Hall

Continue to Budapest, Hungary’s enchanting capital, for dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Budapest | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10 | Wednesday – Budapest Sightseeing & Danube River Cruise

Discover Budapest’s landmarks:

• Parliament Building, Royal Palace, Heroes’ Square

• Cross the Danube to visit Buda Castle and Matthias Church

• Panoramic views from Fisherman’s Bastion

• Visit the Great Dohany Synagogue, Europe’s largest

In the evening, enjoy a Danube River cruise with dinner, admiring Budapest’s illuminated skyline.

Overnight: Budapest | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11 | Thursday – Hungarian Countryside & Horse Show

Venture into the scenic Hungarian countryside for a traditional horse show, featuring daring stunts and the iconic “Puszta Five” formation. Meet the horses up close and experience Hungary’s rich equestrian heritage. Return to Budapest for a farewell dinner with your Tour Manager.

Overnight: Budapest | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12 | Friday – Depart Hungary

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your immersive Balkan and Hungarian journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Highlights

• Small-group size ensures personalized attention and access to hidden gems

• Explore Sarajevo Old Town, Bascarsija, Olympic Stadium, and Ottoman mosques

• Walk across Stari Most in Mostar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Discover Sirogojno Open-Air Museum and rural Serbian traditions

• Panoramic Sargan Eight Railway ride and hands-on cooking experience

• Taste rakija and explore Belgrade’s historic squares and fortresses

• Scenic Danube River cruise and panoramic views from Fisherman’s Bastion

• Traditional Hungarian horse show and local hospitality

Package Includes

• Small-group tours (max 22 travelers)

• Round-trip flights: New York–Sarajevo / Budapest–New York (other departures available)

• 10 nights First Class accommodations: 3 nights Sarajevo, 2 Zlatibor, 2 Belgrade, 3 Budapest

• 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

• Hotel taxes, fees & porterage

• Transfers with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†

• Guided sightseeing in air-conditioned vehicles

• Services of English-speaking tour manager and local guides

• Entrance fees per itinerary and wireless earphones for enhanced touring

Not Included

• Gratuities (unless otherwise specified)