Balkans Rail Adventure

Our journey through the Balkans starts today in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. This historic city lies in the shadow of its old castle and upon the banks of the Ljubljanica River, which meanders through the pedestrianised centre.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 8.30pm for a welcome meeting followed by dinner for those that wish. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Ljubljana at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (LJU), which is around a 40-minute drive from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will catch you up as soon as possible.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, or if you are extending your stay by a night, then we'd recommend visiting the castle today.

This evening, you might like to have dinner in one of the city's 'Gostilna' restaurants, where traditional recipes are prepared with local ingredients and paired with good wines. Some of the most popular Slovenian dishes include prekmurje (a layered cake made with cottage cheese, poppy seeds and with a walnut and apple filling), kras prosciutto (an air-dried ham) and bleki (a beef soup with noodles). If you'd like to drink like the locals, finish off your night with a glass of Slovenia's Pleterska Khruska liquor made with brandy and pears.

Ljubljana is brimming with art, culture and music, and topped off with stunning Germanic-style architecture. This morning, we'll explore the city on foot with a local guide to take in some of its most attractive landmarks including the Opera House, National Gallery, Republic Square and arguably the city's most famous site, Triple Bridge. Connecting the old Medieval town to the modern business centre, the bridge, originally served as the entrance to the fortified part of the city, but now is bustling with locals.

Late morning we'll take an excursion to Lake Bled, which is about a one-hour on a public bus. The picturesque resort town of Bled is situated on a tranquil lake. In the early 20th century, it was home to the Yugoslavian Royal Family and the summer residence of President Tito, making it one of Europe's most fashionable resorts. You might like to visit the island in the lake by traditional gondola boat (known as a Pletne). Once on the island, you'll find the Baroque Church of the Assumption as well as Bled Castle, perched on a steep cliff above. If you'd prefer to stretch your legs, you can walk the six kilometres around the lake past linden, chestnut and willow trees and swans and water lilies on the water. we'll return to Ljubljana by public bus in time for dinner.

This morning, you have free time to relax and enjoy Ljubljana at your own pace. Why not opt for a scenic ride along the Ljubljanica River aboard a traditional wooden boat?

In the early afternoon, we'll board our train to Zagreb. The journey, which takes around three hours, will see us cross the border into Croatia, arriving later this afternoon.

On arrival, we'll begin exploring Croatia's capital, Zagreb, with a guided walking tour. While the city is rich in art and gastronomy, it doesn't draw the same tourist crowds as other European capitals. Nonetheless, it's deserving of a bucket-list spot, thanks its blend of Austro-Hungarian architecture and its more hard-edged socialist buildings. The city's centrepieces are the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral and 13th-century Saint Mark's Church.

We'll walk to our hotel to check in before having the opportunity to go out for dinner.

Tonight, you might like to try the traditional delicacies, like Zagreb meat and Cuspajz vegetable stew, followed by Strukli (a boiled dough filled with sour cream and cottage cheese) or Knedli (a sweet potato dumpling rolled in sugar and stuffed with fruit such as plum) for dessert. Wash it all down with the more unusual local drink, Bambus - a concoction of red wine and cola served over ice.

Today, we take a three-hour drive out of the city to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its 16 interconnecting lakes, cascading waterfalls, and dense woodlands teeming with wildlife. While sightings of rare species like wild brown bears, wolves, lynx, and eagles are uncommon, you're more likely to spot lizards, butterflies, and a variety of birdlife.

We'll explore the park by taking a couple of ferries and following its well-marked walking trails, many of which are wooden promenades. Around every corner, you'll encounter stunning waterfalls and captivating views that make this landscape truly magical. After enjoying some free time for an optional picnic lunch, we'll head back to Zagreb for the evening.

This evening, we recommend stocking up on snacks and food in preparation for tomorrow's train journey.

This morning, we'll walk from our hotel to the railway station to begin our journey to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our first leg takes us by train from Zagreb to Vrpolje, a journey of approximately three hours.

From Vrpolje, we'll transfer to a private bus for the border crossing, then continue our drive towards Sarajevo. As we travel, we'll pass through a beautiful mountainous region, with rolling hills and occasional views of limestone cliffs, part of the broader Dinaric mountain range. While we won't directly enter the heart of the Dinaric Alps, the journey offers scenic vistas of valleys, rivers, and lush forests that define this diverse landscape.

The drive to Sarajevo takes about four and a half hours, bringing us to the city by late afternoon. After arriving, we'll take a short walk to our nearby hotel.

A poignant start to the day, we'll take taxis into the city centre, where we'll meet a local guide for a walking tour of Sarajevo's fascinating history. We'll begin by learning about the events of June 28, 1914, when the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked the outbreak of World War I. Our first stop will be the Eternal Flame, a touching memorial to those who lost their lives during the war. We'll also admire the beautiful Austro-Hungarian architecture, including the City Hall, and hear the story of Sarajevo's once-thriving Jewish community, known as 'Little Jerusalem'. Along the way, we'll visit some other highlights, such as the Haus of Spite, the bustling Bašcaršija market, the main Sarajevo mosque, the Cathedral of the Holy Jesus, and the old synagogue. It's a day filled with history, culture, and poignant reminders of the past.

The afternoon, you're free to explore more at your own pace and return to the hotel whenever you wish. You might like to take a relaxing wander through the city's Old Town or, as with everywhere else in the Balkans, grab a strong coffee and people watch. There's an array of museums dedicated to the varied histories of the capital, including the Tunnel Museum depicting life during the Sarajevo Siege in 1992-1995 and telling how the resident civilians managed to keep themselves supplied during the longest siege in modern history. It's recommended to join the Times of Misfortune tour which includes entry to the Tunnel Museum.

Tonight, you have free time to discover the delicious culinary options available. Bosnian cuisine tends to use a range of subtle spices and is similar in some ways to Turkish food with grilled meats and pita bread followed by sweet and sticky nutty Baklava being popular. Other local specialities include Burek, a spiral of meat filled pastry served in slices or Rastika, kale leaves stuffed with rice and minced meat. Another tasty dessert option is Tulumba, deep-fried dough served in syrup. To wash it down, you could try the non-alcoholic drink Kompot made with fruit such as rhubarb or gooseberries soaked in water, sugar and spices like vanilla or cinnamon.

This morning, we'll walk to the railway station and board our early morning train for a very scenic journey between Sarajevo and Mostar (taking just under three hours). As we chug slowly through the mountains, which were occupied by Bosnian Serbs during the Bosnian War, take a moment to take in the dramatic scenery. On arrival in Mostar in the late morning, we'll take taxis to our hotel to check in before returning to the city centre mid afternoon for a 1.5 hour guided walking tour.

Mostar is in the Herzegovina region of the country and displays vivid scars from the 18-month-long siege the city was held under in the nineties. With its relaxed atmosphere, it's hard to believe the conflicts are such recent history. The city's Ottoman past is still very evident, with winding cobbled stone streets and a skyline dotted with domes and minarets. We'll see the bazaar, mosque, and old city on the way to one of the country's most famous landmarks, Stari Most. The city is divided by the Neretva River and, traditionally, Muslims lived on the east bank and Christians on the west. The UNESCO-listed Stari Most (Old Bridge) provided a crossing between the two and became a symbol of Bosnia's multi-ethnicity and the friendship between the two communities. Both the town and its historic bridge were badly damaged during the Balkan conflict of the early 1990s. The old Ottoman bridge was rebuilt after the war and much of the old city has also been restored to its former glory.

Today, we have a busy but rewarding schedule. We'll depart from Mostar early and drive for about 2.5 hours to reach Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Depending on the border crossing, we'll have around four hours to explore Dubrovnik's Old Town. This stunning city, nestled along the Adriatic coast and surrounded by ancient walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the severe shelling it endured in 1991, the Old Town has been beautifully restored, offering us a chance to immerse ourselves in its rich history and charm.

After our time in Dubrovnik, we'll continue our drive along the coastline, crossing into Montenegro and heading towards the picturesque port town of Tivat, where we'll stay the night. Once a modest town, Tivat has transformed into a glamorous destination, particularly known for its marina, and attracts the world's jet-set in the summer months.

While Tivat exudes modern sophistication, it also holds onto its historical roots. Take the opportunity to wander through the old village of Gornja Lastva or unwind at the beautiful Plavi Horizonti beach.

Please note that today we'll be crossing two borders. Border crossings can sometimes be slow, especially in peak season, so be sure to bring a book and some snacks to keep you entertained along the way.

This morning, we'll take a 40-minute public bus ride to the historic Mediterranean port of Kotor. Set against dramatic cliffs, Kotor is one of the best-preserved Medieval old towns along the Adriatic coast. You'll have most of the day to explore its cobblestone streets, visit the charming cafes and shops, or hike the city walls for panoramic views. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, retaining much of its medieval character. You can also opt to hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress for stunning views, or visit the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, built in 1452 on the site where fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary.

In the afternoon, we'll drive for 1.5 hours to the coastal seaport town of Bar, where we'll board our overnight sleeper train to Belgrade, a journey of about 12 hours. Known as one of Europe's most scenic rail routes, this overnight train ride offers spectacular views, especially if you're travelling in mid-summer. As the sun sets, we'll pass through gorges and canyons, winding along the natural contours of the land. The landscape is so breathtaking that Yugoslavia's Head of State, Tito, had a special train built in 1959 to take in the views. He regularly made this journey, often hosting famous guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, in the deluxe carriages until his death in 1980.

Sleeper trains offer a fantastic experience and are a great way to meet fellow travellers. We book second-class sleepers, which typically feature 2, 3, or 4 beds per compartment, with all bedding provided. While we aim to keep the group together, due to high demand and the complexities of train ticket bookings, it may not always be possible to have everyone in the same carriage. If this happens, our tour leader will assist in ensuring everyone finds their seat and makes the most of the journey. Please note single rooms/ compartments cannot be booked on this night.

**Please take note to read our 'Accommodation notes' section below so as to prepare yourself for this overnight journey in a classic soviet sleeper**

We'll arrive in Belgrade this morning around 7 am and take a taxi to our hotel, where we'll stay for the next two nights. Please note that check-in won't be available at this early hour, so we'll leave our luggage at the hotel. Your tour leader will then take you to a local café for breakfast, a great way to experience Belgrade's lively café culture.

After breakfast, we'll set off on a 3-hour walking tour with a local guide to explore the city. We'll begin in the downtown area, visiting Kalemegdan Park, which offers stunning views of the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Here, we'll explore the Belgrade Fortress, a historic site that has stood for centuries. Next, we'll visit the Cathedral of St. Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, known for its impressive white marble exterior.

This afternoon, you'll have free time to explore Belgrade further. You can wander through the charming Skadarlija district, enjoy the vibrant Republic Square, or simply relax by the riverbanks.

Today, you have the option to visit the city of Novi Sad by train. We'll walk a short distance to the train station, where we'll board a train for the one-hour journey to this charming city. As Serbia's second-largest city, Novi Sad offers a much more relaxed atmosphere, perched on the banks of the Danube River. The city's origins are believed to trace back to the historic Petrovaradin Fortress, which proudly dominates the skyline. We'll take a guided tour, both on foot and using local buses, to explore key sites, including the fortress, rich in Roman, Greek, and Byzantine history, the Greek School, and the Orthodox Cathedral.

After the tour, you'll have free time to wander through the pedestrian area of Novi Sad. You might choose to relax at one of the many riverside cafés, enjoying a drink and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere before we take the train back to Belgrade.

This evening, we'll walk from the hotel to a local restaurant for a traditional Serbian barbecue dinner, accompanied by live music.

Paprika is a key ingredient in Serbian cuisine, often used in its fresh form rather than as a dried spice. You'll find it in salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese, grilled alongside meats, pickled, stuffed, and even mashed. Serbs also love cream, particularly kajmak, a thick, partially fermented cream that's commonly served with grilled meats or fresh bread (it's like a blend of sour cream and clotted cream). The national drink is rakija, a powerful spirit typically made from plums or grapes, but more unusual versions made from quince, walnut, or honey can also be found.

Today, we'll start our day early, taking taxis to the train station for our journey to the charming city of Nis. The train ride will take around 6 hours, offering scenic views of the countryside along the way.

Nis, one of the oldest cities in Europe, has a rich history and vibrant culture. Upon arrival, we'll explore the city further with our tour leader, uncovering its fascinating past and cultural heritage.

This afternoon, you'll have free time to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the birthplace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great at the Constantine the Great Memorial Complex, where you can learn about his life and legacy. Alternatively, you can visit the impressive Nis Fortress, dating back to the 18th century. The fortress offers stunning views over the city, and inside, you'll find several museums and cultural landmarks to explore.

For a more somber experience, you can also visit the Crveni Krst concentration camp. Established by the Gestapo in 1941 and liberated by partisans on October 14, 1944, Crveni Krst was the first Nazi camp set up in the Balkans and is one of the few remaining camps still intact today.

Today, we'll take taxis to the local bus station and board a charter bus for our journey to Skopje, North Macedonia. The drive should take about 3 hours, giving us a scenic view of the region as we make our way to the capital. Upon arrival, we'll head to the city centre by taxi, where we'll begin our orientation tour. Skopje's unique blend of history and culture will be immediately apparent as we explore its key highlights.

We'll start with a visit to the city's ancient fortress, which offers stunning views over Skopje and the surrounding landscape. From there, we'll head to the Old Bazaar, a vibrant 12th-century marketplace that remains the largest and most well-preserved in Southeast Europe. As we stroll through its winding streets, we'll pass traditional shops, mosques, and historical buildings that reflect the city's Ottoman heritage. Next, we'll visit St. Savior Church, known for its beautiful frescoes and serene atmosphere, followed by a stop at the Holocaust Museum, which offers a poignant insight into the history of Jewish communities in the region.

Skopje has been used a pawn in many wars, including World War II, and many empires have ruled over the city, all influencing the architecture, religion, and traditions. Despite the turbulent and sometimes violent history, Skopje is now a peaceful city where residents are free to practice all religions, the main faiths being Macedonian Orthodox and Islam. The city is awash with stunning places of worship, though you might notice the skyline dotted with minarets - this is due to a law enforced by the Turks stating Christian buildings could not be taller than mosques.

This afternoon, you have free time to further enjoy the city or to relax following the busy morning explorations. We'll end today with dinner in a traditional local North Macedonian restaurant.

Today, we'll drive for around 3 hours and by midday, we'll arrive into the 3000-year-old town of Ohrid, where we'll join a local guide for a 2 hour tour of the historic settlement. Weather permitting, we'll take a trip out onto the lake by boat, so we can see the town from a different perspective, too.

To end the day, you have the option to walk the short distance to a local restaurant and have a traditional fish supper. If we're lucky this will include Lake Ohrid brown trout which is a speciality often served in soups or as a whole stuffed fish.

This morning, we'll begin the nine-hour journey to Kosovo's capital, Pristina. To break up the long drive, we'll make plenty of stops.

We'll visit Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and built almost 1000 years ago. We'll also stop in the Mavrovo National Park, which is home to a wealth of pine forests, field covered plains, waterfalls and also North Macedonia's highest mountain, Mount Korab, standing at 2,764 metres high.

Once we cross the border into Kosovo, we'll drive the final section to the capital city Pristina. Kosovo remains practically untouched by tourism, and we'll get a taste of this unique destination with an overnight stay. After checking in to our hotel, we'll have about an hour to freshen up before our final farewell dinner. After dinner, we take a walk through Mother Teresa Square before returning to our hotel.

Cuisine in Kosovo has been influenced by many different countries over the years and is quite similar to that found in Albania. Bread and dairy are important elements of most dishes and Flia is a popular dish (a crepe like layered tart normally served with Kaymak cream). Pies, stews and grilled meats with potatoes and rice are also all popular. If you want to try a local liquor, get a taste of Boza (a thick sticky sweet drink made from malted corn and flour).

Please note the border crossing into Kosovo today can at peak times take up to 1 hour.

Our trip ends this morning in Pristina.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Pristina at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Pristina International Airport 'Adem Jashari' (PRN), which is a 25-minute drive away.

Depending on the time of your flight, or if you're extending your stay by a night, we'd recommend exploring more of the city. It might not be the most attractive city on the tour but what it lacks in lustre, it makes up for in lively atmosphere.