Montenegro/Croatia/Bosnia-Herzegovina/Serbia/Slovenia
Best of the Balkans: From Medieval Fortresses to the Majestic Adriatic Sea
Program No. 1587860MEADV-0519
Discover the rich cultural and social history of the Balkans, a place of ancient trade routes, architecture, breathtaking scenery and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
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PRICES
DATES
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PRICES
Apr 20 - May 6, 2025
Starting at
5,159May 4 - May 20, 2025
Starting at
5,289May 11 - May 27, 2025
Starting at
5,289Sep 14 - Sep 30, 2025
Starting at
5,429Sep 21 - Oct 7, 2025
Starting at
5,429Sep 28 - Oct 14, 2025
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5,289Oct 5 - Oct 21, 2025
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17 days
16 nights
33 meals
15B 7L 11D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Herceg Novi
3
Herceg Novi Bay, Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi
4
Kotor and Kotor Bay
Herceg Novi
5
Dubrovnik, Free Time
Dubrovnik
7
Split, Free Time
Solin
8
Mostar, Free Time
Sarajevo
9
Sarajevo, Free Time
Sarajevo
11
Belgrade, Free Time
Belgrade
12
Novi Sad, Srijemski Karlovci
Novi Sad
13
Ilok
Zagreb
14
Zagreb, Free Time
Zagreb
15
Lake Bled
Ljubljana
16
Ljubljana, Free Time
Ljubljana
17
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Journey through five nations of the former Yugoslavia, crossing the dramatic Dinaric Alps, discovering ancient palaces and marveling at the sun-dappled water of the Adriatic Sea. Learn about the complex ancient and recent history of these resilient countries at medieval UNESCO World Heritage Sites and in bustling capital cities. Immerse yourself in the Balkans' renowned scenic splendor, admiring the lush countryside on boat excursions and discovering picture-perfect Lake Bled, Slovenia's most photographed site.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking through city streets; cobblestones and many stairs.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Montenegro, Dubrovnik, Split and more.
- Enjoy a boat excursion on the captivating Adriatic Sea.
- Discover Lake Bled, a scene right out of a storybook with a romantic hilltop castle.
Suggested Reading List
(18 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Best of the Balkans: From Medieval Fortresses to the Majestic Adriatic Sea
Program Number: 15878
The Balkans: Nationalism, War, and the Great Powers, 1804-2011
Longtime central European correspondent for the BBC based in Vienna, Glenny (The Fall of Yugoslavia) poignantly challenges the role of the Great Powers in this survey, newly revised and updated to cover developments in the region through 2011.
Lonely Planet Southeastern Europe
A compact, practical guide to the region from Slovenia and Croatia, to Bosnia & Hercegovina, Serbia & Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania, as well as Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey.
Yugoslavia, Death of a Nation
Called "one of the finest volumes to come out of the war" by the New York Times, this book combines eyewitness reports, political commentary and documentary photographs to elucidate the origins and aftermath of the breakup of Yugoslavia.
The Bridge on the Drina
These linked stories by the Nobel Prize-winning author capture the history and complexity of Christian and Muslim relations during Ottoman occupation. Hewn of stone, the bridge dividing the town of Visegrad was Andric's inspiration.
The Balkans in World History
A professor at Northwestern University, Wachtel focuses on the traditions and contributions of overlapping cultures in this lively short history.
The Balkans, From Constantinople to Communism
Hupchick looks at European, Orthodox Christian and Muslim influences in the Balkans from early kingdoms through the 1990s in this important survey.
Bury Me Standing
This marvelous portrait of the Roma, also known as the Gypsies, offers insight into their music, foods, religions and folk traditions and also examines their influential but complex relationship with Eastern Europe.
Black Lamb and Grey Falcon: A Journey Through Yugoslavia
First published in 1941, this monumental work explores the complex history of Yugoslavia, its heroes, politics and culture. It's a big, challenging book -- some call it the best ever written on the Balkans.
Spies of the Balkans
A master storyteller, Furst places senior police official Costa Zannis at the center of this taut World War II thriller, his eleventh. The action (and there is plenty) plays out against a backdrop of the Nazi occupation of Salonika.
Zagreb, A Cultural History
An illuminating account of the tumultuous but vibrant history of Croatia's capital, with a strong focus on the art and architecture of the city.
The Balkans, A Short History
With eloquence and clarity, Mazower addresses issues of geography, nationalism and nation in this indispensable survey.
Eastern Europe!
An entertaining history of the region from its stint as an outpost of Rome through the formation of states, Medieval splendor, Ottoman incursions, wars, the Soviet period and the fall of Yugoslavia. Jankowski divulges, in an epilogue, the recipe for Mrs. Jankowska's Homemade Pierogis.
A Traveller's History of Croatia
Curtis untangles with alacrity the complex history of this nation at the crossroads of Europe.
Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Yugoslavia, Macedonia Map
A handy, folded regional travel map (at a scale of 1:1,000,0000), covering former Yugoslavia.
How We Survived Communism and Even Laughed
These short essays capture the absurdity, struggle and day-to-day reality of being a woman in Yugoslavia under communism. Drakulic is an award-winning Croatian journalist and novelist.
Realm of the Black Mountain, A History of Montenegro
An authoritative history of Montenegro from prehistory through independence in 2006.
Balkan Ghosts, A Journey through History
Kaplan interweaves history, art and culture with his travels through Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece in this regional portrait.
Palgrave Concise Historical Atlas of the Balkans
The changing borders and complex history of the Balkans are clearly and concisely shown through 50 double-page maps and accompanying essays, organized chronologically.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
17 days
Program Begins
Herceg Novi
Program Concludes
Ljubljana
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
33
| 15B |
7L |
11D |
Activity Level
Journey through five nations of the former Yugoslavia, crossing the dramatic Dinaric Alps, discovering ancient palaces and marveling at the sun-dappled water of the Adriatic Sea. Learn about the complex ancient and recent history of these resilient countries at medieval UNESCO World Heritage Sites and in bustling capital cities. Immerse yourself in the Balkans' renowned scenic splendor, admiring the lush countryside on boat excursions and discovering picture-perfect Lake Bled, Slovenia's most photographed site.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Montenegro, Dubrovnik, Split and more.
- Enjoy a boat excursion on the captivating Adriatic Sea.
- Discover Lake Bled, a scene right out of a storybook with a romantic hilltop castle.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking through city streets; cobblestones and many stairs.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(18 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
17 days
16 nights
What's Included
33 meals | 15B | 7L | 11D |
6 expert-led lectures
18 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
15 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Herceg Novi
Meals:
D
Stay:
Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa
Activity Note
Check-in available from 2:00 PM.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a three-course set menu. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Herceg Novi Bay, Herceg Novi
Location:
Herceg Novi
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 2 hours of walking. Please note that Herceg Novi is known as the “city of stairs”, so there will be a lot of steps with and without railings. The boat ride in the Adriatic Bay of Herceg Novi will be approximately 3 hours long with one stop to get on in the afternoon.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room, the daily breakfast will offer a buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.
Morning:
Enjoy an expert-led boat excursion on the Adriatic in Herceg Novi Bay. View an Austrian-built fortress on a small island, the Blue Cave, and then stop in Rose, one of the oldest settlements in the region, for a short stroll.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Herceg Novi, enjoy a light lunch of local fare. Unless otherwise noted, lunches on this program are typically a two-course set menu.
Afternoon:
Our Group Leader will lead us on an expert-led walk of Herceg Novi. Founded in 1382, this medieval town was formerly known as Castel Nuovo, or “new castle” in Italian, because of its many fortresses. Walk through the winding streets, the Forte Mare, and the port of the city alongside your group, and then enjoy some free time to independently explore on your own. After returning to the hotel, we will listen to a lecture by a local expert on the topic of Montenegro.
Dinner:
On your own. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to explore local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Kotor and Kotor Bay
Location:
Herceg Novi
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Begin the morning with a panoramic drive through Herceg Novi, where we will see some of the small coastal towns and islands off the Bay of Kotor. These sites are internationally recognized as some of Montenegro’s most iconic cultural treasures. We will then head towards the small town of Perast. Despite its current small population of 400 people, palaces from the Renaissance and Baroque eras attest to this town’s history as a favored vacation spot for Venetian and Russian nobles. Home to one of the best maritime schools in the 18th century, this town was also has a strong seafaring heritage. After exploring Perast, we will take a short motor boat ride into the bay to an artificial island known as Our Lady of the Rocks. According to legend, two sailors passing by this part of the bay in 1452 encountered the image of Madonna and the Child upon a rock. Since then, generations of seamen have pledged their faith to the saint by laying a rock on the bay after each successful voyage. Over time, an islet emerged from the sea, upon which a small chapel was erected. Such was its fame that the chapel was gifted masterful paintings and thousands of silver plates. After some time to explore the island, we will return to shore once again via motor boat.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will board the motorcoach once again and head to explore Kotor’s Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its exceptional architecture and stunning natural setting. Founded by the Romans, and traded back and forth between empires for centuries, Kotor was an important center of commerce and the arts. See some of the town’s famous sites, such as its Venetian city walls and the local Maritime Museum, during a short walking excursion before having time on your own to explore Kotor independently.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Dubrovnik, Free Time
Location:
Dubrovnik
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Grand Hotel Park
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking, plus any additional walking done during your free time in Dubrovnik. The drive from Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik is approximately 2 hours long and includes a border crossing, so please have your passports ready.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will board a motorcoach and journey towards Dubrovnik. We will take an excursion of Dubrovnik’s Old Town on foot, passing by the Onofrio Fountain, Saint Blaise’s Church, the Franciscan Monastery and the famous Rector’s Palace. you will learn about the history of Dubrovnik Republic, its diplomacy in politics affairs, trade and the beauty of remarkable architecture reflecting its historical glory and freedom.
Lunch:
On your own in Old town.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Enjoy some time to explore Dubrovnik on your own. In your free time you can explore Dubrovnik City Walls and take funicular to Mountain Srd for a magnificent view to the Old Town. Late afternoon we will check in and settle into our rooms before dinner.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Cetina Valley, Mestrovic Gallery
Location:
Solin
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel President Solin
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking and standing for long periods of time. There are over 60 steps leading to the main house of the Mestrovic Gallery, as well as some additional steps to reach the upper floors of the museum. The drive from Dubrovnik to Omis is approximately 3.5 hours long, it is then an additional 1 hour to Split.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will check-out of our hotel and make our way to Omis, Croatia. The coach with travel along the beautiful seafront, where we will enjoy a stunning view of picturesque islands and rich Mediterranean vegetation. We will get an opportunity to enjoy this view further upon our arrival towards Omis, where we will enjoy the views of Cetina river.
Lunch:
En route, in local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Board the coach once again as we make our way to Split. Upon arrival, we will take an expert-led excursion of the Mestrovic Gallery, situated in the villa where sculptor Ivan Mestrovic used to live. Known as the greatest 20th century sculptor in Croatia, Mestrovic's works can be found all over the world. On display at the gallery are bronze, marble and wood sculptures, along with drawings, architectural plans and family furniture.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Split, Free Time
Location:
Solin
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel President Solin
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast we will enjoy an expert-led lecture as an introduction to Split. After the lecture, we will head out on an expert-led field trip of the city of Split. We will begin at Diocletian’s Palace, a palace and fortress built by Roman Emperor Diocletian shortly after abdicating his throne at the turn of the 4th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this palace is considered one of the most significant monuments of the Roman Era. It’s remain lie on what is considered the old town of Split, and after our visit, we will continue our exploration of the old town by visiting the Peristyle, the Cathedral, and some of the majestic statues of Ivan Mestrovic – the greatest Croatian sculptor of the 20th century.
Lunch:
At local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in the city of Split.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Mostar, Free Time
Location:
Sarajevo
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel President Sarajevo
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking. Please be careful when crossing the Old Bridge at Mostar, as the stone work makes it very smooth and slippery to walk on. The drive from Split to Mostar is approximately 3 hours, it is then an additional 2 hours to Sarajevo. Please note that this day includes a border crossing, so be sure to have your passports ready.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will check-out of our hotel and begin our journey towards Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will begin our visit with an exploration of Mostar, the largest city in Herzegovina and the fifth-largest in the country. Mostar is located on the Neretva River and is named after the bridge keepers, or “mostari”, who guarded the old bridge, or “stari most”, from invaders during medieval times. The Old Bridge was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, and is considered one of the most exemplary pieces of Islamic architecture in the Balkans. Unfortunately, the original bridge collapsed due to shelling during the Bosnian War in 1993, but was reconstructed to its original design in 2004 and deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mostar is known for its multicultural architectural features, including examples of pre-Ottoman, eastern Ottoman, Mediterranean and western European architecture styles.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Enjoy some free time to explore more of Mostar. Afterwards, we will board the coach once again and make our way to Sarajevo, where we will check-in to our new hotel.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Sarajevo, Free Time
Location:
Sarajevo
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel President Sarajevo
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Today we will begin our exploration of Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On a field trip that will be part on bus and part on foot, we will explore various parts of the city including the old Ottoman neighborhood of Bascarsija, the Austro-Hungarian architecture alongside the river, and the former Jewish quarter of the city. We will also take a visit to the Latin Bridge, where Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914 and whose murder sparked the beginning of World War I. As we venture further into the Old Town, we will also take a visit to the “war tunnel”, also known as the Tunnel of Hope, which connected the city of Sarajevo to an area controlled by the United Nations during the Bosnian War. This tunnel was built by the Bosnian Army in 1993 and made it possible for both supplies to make their way into the city, and for people to get out.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Before dinner, enjoy a lecture by a local expert on a local topic.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Panoramic Sceneries of Bosnia and Serbia
Location:
Belgrade
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
HOTEL ENVOY
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 1 hour of walking. The drive from Sarajevo to Belgrade is approximately 6 hours long and includes a border crossing, so please have your passports ready.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Today we travel to Belgrade. During this journey, we will see impressive Bosnian undiscovered mountains. Entering Serbia, we will continue towards Belgrade and arrive early afternoon.
Lunch:
Lunch en-route.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival to Belgrade, we will make a visit to the Nikola Tesla Musuem. Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current electricity supply system. This museum is dedicated to honoring and displaying the life and works of Tesla, and includes more than 160,000 original documents and 1,000 technical exhibits of his work. After our visit, we will head to our new hotel for check-in.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Belgrade, Free Time
Location:
Belgrade
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
HOTEL ENVOY
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 3 hours of walking.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Today we will explore the city of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and former capital of Yugoslavia. Belgrade is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas of Europe, and was first founded at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, where the now historic Kalemegdan Fortress lies. This fortress was built around the 3rd century BC by the Celtic tribe of Scordisci, and used to encompass the whole city (then called “Singidunum”) within its walls. During our field trip we will learn how this city rapidly expanded and grew, and was influenced by a multitude of cultures and architectural styles in later centuries. Among some of the sites seen today will be the main pedestrian street of Knez Mihailova, featuring a series of buildings and mansions of the 1800s, the Church of Saint Sava, the largest Orthodox church in Serbia modelled after the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul, and the “House of Flowers”, the memorial center of former Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito.
Lunch:
Lunch on your own.
Afternoon:
Free time to explore Belgrade on your own.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Novi Sad, Srijemski Karlovci
Location:
Novi Sad
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Centar
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 4 hours of walking. The drive from Belgrade to Novi Sad is approximately 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Today we will head towards northern Serbia. We will pass by Srijemski Karlovci and magnificent forth Petrovaradin to reach town of Novi Sad. We will begin with a walking exploration of the city of Novi Sad. Founded in 1694 by merchant Serbs and quickly becoming an important trading, manufacturing and cultural center, Novi Sad has earned the nickname of “Serbian Athens”. It is today the second largest city in all of Serbia, and is a key industrial and financial center in the country.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will have expert-led lecture about the region of Vojvodina, an area on the border of the Ottoman Empire and the Western World. You will have some free time to explore town on your own.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
Ilok
Location:
Zagreb
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Dubrovnik Zagreb
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 1 hour of walking. The drive from Novi Sad to Zagreb is approximately 4.5 hours and includes a border crossing, so please have your passports ready.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast we will head towards Ilok, a town situated on the very border of Croatia and Serbia. This town is known for its long history of winemaking, and we will get the exciting opportunity to visit wine cellars that have been part of this town’s history for more than 200 years. During our visit we will explore wine cellars, learn about Ilok’s history and enjoy a tasting of local wines.
Lunch:
Lunch in local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will board the coach and continue towards Zagreb. We will check-in to our new hotel and enjoy some time to relax into our rooms before dinnertime.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
Zagreb, Free Time
Location:
Zagreb
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Dubrovnik Zagreb
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 2 hours of walking.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
This morning we will have an Expert-led lecture - region overview you have visited on your program. After lecture we will explore the historic city of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Enjoy a walking excursion from the Upper Town to the lively main square of the city, Ban Jelacic Square. This square is named after city’s founder, Count Josip Jelacic, after he formerly unified the neighboring settlements of Kaptol and Gradec into a single city in 1850. Among some of the sites we will see during our excursion are the Cathedral and Saint Marks Church.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time to explore Zagreb on your own.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
15
Lake Bled
Location:
Ljubljana
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
City Hotel Ljubljana
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 2 hours of walking. The drive from Zagreb to Bled is approximately 3 hours, it is then another 1 hour to Ljubljana. Please note that this day includes a border crossing, so be sure to have your passports ready.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will check-out of our hotel and begin our journey towards Ljubljana, Slovenia. On our way, we will visit Lake Bled, one of the prettiest Alpine resort, known for its natural beauty, crystal clear lake water, magnificent castle over the lake on the rock overviewing the Julian Alps. In the middle of the lake admire the small island with the church. We will visit the Old castle, the most photographed site in Slovenia.
Lunch:
We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, enjoy your free time admiring the lake and natural beauty before we make our way to Ljubljana. Upon arrival, we will check in to our hotel and have a lecture by a local expert on the topic of Slovenia.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
16
Ljubljana, Free Time
Location:
Ljubljana
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
City Hotel Ljubljana
Activity Note
Today’s activities include up to 2 hours of walking.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will begin our morning with an expert-led excursion of Ljubljana on foot. Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia, and one of the smallest capital cities in all of Europe. This city derives its name from the Ljubljanica River, which divides the city into two halves and provides an attractive and intimate boardwalk for visitors. The riverside area by the Old Town also includes many restaurants and coffee shops, making it a popular destination for locals and foreigners alike. Ljubljana’s unique character is heavily marked by the design of famous Slovene architect, Joze Plecnik, whose influence can be seen throughout the city.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time to explore Ljubljana on your own. We suggest to take a cable care to discover Ljubljana Castle and admire the view of the city from above.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
17
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Check-out by 11:00 AM.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
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Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
33 Meals
15 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
11 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
- Apr 20, 2025 - May 06, 2025 (Herceg Novi to Ljubljana)
- May 04, 2025 - May 20, 2025 (Herceg Novi to Ljubljana)
- May 11, 2025 - May 27, 2025 (Herceg Novi to Ljubljana)
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025 (Herceg Novi to Ljubljana)
- Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025 (Herceg Novi to Ljubljana)
- Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025 (Herceg Novi to Ljubljana)
- Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025 (Herceg Novi to Ljubljana)
Participant Reviews
Based on 30 Reviews
Sort By:
Great first-time experience with Road Scholar and will definitely try them again. Thank you Bashkim and Kresho!
— Review left October 24, 2024
Road Scholar provides an experience that is the right blend of lectures, guided tours and free time. Our guide was very knwledgeable and enjoyable. The food, acomodations and pace of travel were great!
— Review left October 23, 2024
I learned so much about this part of the world. All my life I have heard references to the area that was once Yugoslavia. I came away with a greatly expanded understanding of the history and current way of life. There was some extended driving on a couple days which was necessary to reach certain areas. However, the beauty of this area was spectacular. Mountains, pretty villages, beautiful rivers and ocean.
— Review left October 23, 2024
There’s only one way to understand the complex history of the former Yugoslavia and that is to experience it first-hand. Thanks to informative lectures, site visits, and a very capable guide, my goal in visiting this beautiful part of the world has been accomplished.
— Review left October 10, 2024
The Balkans are breathtakingly beautiful and provide important and amazing lessons in history. Best of the Balkans: From Medieval Fortresses to the Majestic Adriatic Sea Is a well organized and presented introduction to both the area and the history. Highly recommended!
— Review left October 10, 2024
This trip was fantastic! We stayed in great hotels, had an amazing bus and bus driver, and Petra was such a great tour guide! The educational part of the tour was great for the most part, although some of the local guides went on way too long. Being in Bosnia and seeing the destruction from the war was emotionally taxing, but I am glad that I am now informed about what happened. I am in awe of their resilience. The only downfall of this trip was the food. No one seemed to understand that a vegetarian dish should actually contain vegetables. Instead I was given pasta, risotto, and tons of cheese. The last dinner we had as a group had a fantastic vegetarian meal. This lack of healthy vegetarian food gives me pause as to whether or not I would do another trip with Road Scholar.
— Review left October 7, 2024
An extraordinary educational experience in this historic cultural and political crossroads of significant international import. I had wanted to come to the Balkans to better understand all these facets for myself, and directly experiencing the Slavic culture under the guidance of our expert group leader Srdjan Boskovic met my expectations in every way.
— Review left June 12, 2024
This was a wonderful trip! Our guide was fantastic!! Beautiful country!
I couldn't have enjoyed it more!!
— Review left May 29, 2024
Our tour of the Balkan countries was very informative with breathtaking sights and historical buldings and cities. I learned much from guides that I did not know prior to this trip about the past and modern hstory.
— Review left May 29, 2024
Just returned home for The Best of the Balkans trip with Road Scholar. It was an amazing and memorable experience. Beautiful scenery, exciting cities, historical sites, wonderful lectures and local guides, great local food, just the right amount of free time, amazing group leader, and great fellow travelers. Left with amazing memories and beautiful pictures to help me remember my wonderful experience.
— Review left May 26, 2024
Evan was the greatest bus driver. His navigation skills were amazing and the bus was always clean
— Review left May 13, 2024
This was a great trip and I learned a lot about the area comprised of 6 of the nations of the former Yugoslavia. The program was Keep the Pace and it was active. Lots of hotel changes and walking over some uneven surfaces. A bit unnerving in the rain but we all managed. Our leader, Srdjan was very knowledgable and our driver Ivan was a lovely, humble individual who was very helpful.
— Review left May 9, 2024
Traveling through the Balkans was beautiful and thought provoking. I knew little of its history before the trip, but with our exceptional guide, Srdjan, and the many guest lecturers, I have gained a new understanding of this part of the world. From sea to mountains, each city we visited was filled with picture perfect scenes of medieval forts and churches, stunning architecture, and immersion into city life.
— Review left October 18, 2023
Fantastic program! Our Group Leader Alan was exceptional; he possessed a wealth of knowledge about the Balkans and was personable too. Marco, the bus driver, carried us safely to every destination and became a daily fixture in our program. The participants came from varied backgrounds yet we became a cohesive group. The highlights of every country visited are memorable.
— Review left October 8, 2023
If you never try Road Scholar program, you should do so. RS travel included more educational information than general pleasure travel you experience. I felt like I went back to school to learn, but yet not overwhelming by the amount of information presented.
— Review left September 27, 2023
Loved learning further about the history of this important part of the world.
Lovely scenery in particular Dubrovnik to Split
— Review left May 3, 2023
This Road Scholar adventure is top notch from beginning to end. Incredible natural beauty, a rich & complex history, and many wonderful adventures.
— Review left May 3, 2023
Certainly the “Best of the Balkans” with sunny coastlines, impressive mountains, and everything in between. Delightful and charming cities! But the bonus is a fascinating look at the former Yugoslavia and how the countries have transitioned to independent republics. I grew up hearing about all of the conflicts in this region, but didn’t fully understand the how and the why. A great group and a great group leader, Alan!
— Review left October 28, 2022
I can not praise Road Scholars enough. Just took my first Road Scholar's trip, 16 days in the former Balkans, and was blown away. I just showed up with a suitcase and pretty much everything was planned for me. Mercedes tour bus with an excellent driver, 4 star hotels, extremely knowledgeavble tour guide that made everything run seamlessly, excellent local experts, amazing scenary. In addition, the optional travel service providers are excellent. Top to bottom, way to go!
— Review left October 20, 2022
This tour of the Balkans demonstrated how stereotyping the Other, in this case, by religious affiliation, results in disaster. Many of the Balkan states problems are grounded in centuries old beliefs which have been exploited by governing bodies - Ottomans, Local nobles and the AustroHungarian government. The results have been devastating for the governed. The individual citizens we met were courteous, affable and willingly shared their culture but the results of their history were always in view.
— Review left October 5, 2022
outstanding program with excellent balance of places visited. Well organized. Excellent value too. Would recommend to anyone seeking insight and knowledge into this complex history and region.
— Review left October 1, 2022
Most people know so little about this region: the conquests; the movement of large populations (ethnic groups and religions); and the Balkan wars which have left such a mark, both emotionally and physically. Each country has its own unique story. And each country has pride in their history. I enjoyed this trip very much. The accommodations were excellent (no need to worry about that). The food ranged from excellent to good. The coast is exquisite and the mountains are majestic. This is an important trip to take. You will learn a lot. Not to forget our wonderful Guide Sinisa. He made our trip a delight.
Sheryl Oliver
— Review left October 1, 2022
Our trip to the Balkans was a great way to learn about a part of the world with which I was less familiar. Hearing differing points of view on the policial history and current situation helped with understanding and growth.
— Review left May 20, 2022
Excelente trip, enjoyed from day one to the last day!
— Review left November 6, 2021
Another excellent Road Scholar program in the books!
— Review left October 27, 2021
Due to Covid, we seriously debated canceling our trip. The confusing requirements between the airlines and countries were daunting! I’m so glad we persisted. Everyone was required to wear masks at the airports and on flights. Our vaccinated group dropped from 22 to 11, so there was plenty of space for social distancing on the bus. Hotels and restaurants also took precautions. Crowds were down in populated areas and we returned home, Covid free.
If you are looking for a well-rounded experience, diverse cultures, and topography and want to time travel through the centuries, I highly recommend this adventure! Srdjan Boskovic, our personable guide/host, knows the history of this area inside and out. Each of the local guides is just as passionate and knowledgeable about their areas. Covid restrictions and weather limited some activities, nevertheless, our guides offered us a full experience. The food choices were basic. Poultry, pork, beef and fish prepared in the local custom with spices, potatoes and vegetables. We spent a lot of time on the bus between destinations. The diverse scenery never gets tiresome. We traveled along the seacoast, through rugged mountains and fertile plains. Srdjan kept our interest with anecdotes and tales from the history of the area. He also generously shared local sweets he picked up during our breaks along the way. The cities we visited are time capsules, spanning centuries of architectural and historic treasures. The program is correctly rated as “keeping the pace”. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on cobblestone streets and stone steps. Your feet will thank you!! The only complaint — the trip ended too quickly.
— Review left October 24, 2021
This trip is a very solid experience from beginning to end. It is well paced, but it is a steady pace. Occasionally, if a member became tired, they simply took an afternoon off, and the rest of us were happy to share our experiences with them at the evening meal. Our whole group was exceptionally congenial and supportive.
— Review left October 28, 2019
Fascinating part of the world!!
— Review left October 27, 2019
It is one of the best Road Scholar trips I have taken where you enjoy the fresh clean air, surrounded by nature, centuries old history and the beautiful cultures .
Our guide, Srdjan Boskovic, was excellent! He was very passionate about his country and its history. Learned a lot from him.
— Review left June 14, 2019
Each country we visited has been shaped by its early history more recent socialist history and the current over governance but they all had so much to show and share with us.You will come away from this trip with a different attitude about these countries. Each guide had a distinct outlook on his/her city or part of the country It was well directed by Klemon our leader. It was a positive experience all round
— Review left May 16, 2019