Journey from medieval ruins to ancient Roman sights on a 9 day exploration of the Best of the Balkans, featuring the historic town centers of Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split. You'll wander through multicultural cities, hear moving stories of war, discover the stunning architecture, and watch as the vivid colors of the Plitvice lakes and waterfalls morph with the changing light. Centuries of history will be revealed through the eyes of Local Specialists who share their secrets of the Balkans.

Eco-ship MSC Splendida carries you in comfort, style and luxury to the most desirable cruise destinations in the world, while at the same time being a beautiful destination in her own right. With so much to see and do on board, every day on MSC Splendida promises travellers of all ages a world of new discoveries, before they even step ashore.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $2700 flight credit per person
• 8 night Best of the Balkans guided tour with Costsaver, Dubrovnik to Split
• Includes cherry-picked hotels, 12 meals, sightseeing, expert Travel Director plus more
• 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Trieste
• 9 night Mediterranean cruise onboard MSC Splendida, Trieste (Venice) return
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• Select private transfers in Trieste (Venice)

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 19 May – 08 June 2024

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Itinerary:

Day 1 / Arrive Dubrovnik (2 Nights)

Arrive in Dubrovnik where you'll get to see 'paradise on earth'- if George Bernard Shaw is to be believed. The famous playwright was a big fan of this medieval fortified city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast. Over the next day you'll uncover the city's unique appeal, but first meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for an included dinner this evening and a glimpse into what lies ahead.

Day 2 / Dubrovnik Sightseeing and free time

Today we join a Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour of the iconic highlights in Dubrovnik. Admire the Rector's Palace, Onofrio's Fountain and the city walls. Stroll through elegant courtyards and along limestone streets, admiring the remnants of Dubrovnik's Golden Age. Tonight, there's no better way to enjoy this shimmering coastline than embarking on an optional sunset dinner cruise to a secluded bay, with the illuminated city of Dubrovnik providing the perfect end to the evening.

Day 3 / Dubrovnik - Kotor (1 Night)

Journey through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro to the Old Town of Kotor, known as Stari Grad. Located beside a beautiful bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, its no surprise it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your Travel Director will take you on an orientation around this historic town. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 4 / Kotor - Sarajevo (2 Nights)

Small villages and broad plains line your route south into Bosnia-Herzegovina. Arrive later today in its capital Sarajevo, where a rich religious and multi-cultural heritage has earned it the nickname, the 'Jerusalem of Europe'. Warm Bosnian hospitality is on the menu tonight if you choose one of our two Optional Experiences. Join a local family in their home for tasty traditional cuisine or enjoy a lively encounter in a favorite local restaurant with dinner and entertainment.

Day 5 / Sarajevo Sightseeing

Today, centuries of religious history are reflected in Sarajevo's beautiful synagogues, mosques, and Orthodox and Catholic churches as you'll discover when you join a Local Specialist for a guided walking tour. You'll also visit the Old Town, view the largest mosque in the Balkans, and see the Eternal Flame and the Sarajevo Roses that are dotted across the city, standing as a stark reminder of the turmoil Sarajevo endured decades ago.

Day 6 / Sarajevo - Mostar (1 Night)

Today you’ll head to Mostar, joining a Local Specialist for an exploration of this historic multicultural city that witnessed an impressive resurrection after the Bosnian War. Part of its restoration can be seen in the traditional reconstruction of its medieval 'Stari Most', an Ottoman-style bridge. You'll delve into a tragic time not long ago when Catholic Croats, Muslim Bosniaks and Orthodox Serbs fought for supremacy amidst the colorful cobbled streets overlooking the Neretva River. You’ll have time to explore the city on your own or perhaps join a Local Specialist for a visit to Blagaj, famous for its natural spring and one of the most mystical cultural and historical villages in the country.

Day 7 / Mostar - Split (2 Nights)

Sit back, relax and watch the stunning Adriatic coastline go by as you pass old fishing villages and modern resorts bound for Split, where modern façades reveal glimpses of an ancient Roman past. You'll have an evening to discover the Dalmatian capital on your terms or join an Optional Experience in a traditional stone basement konoba for a Dalmatian dinner and live music.

Day 8 / Split Sightseeing

Today a Local Specialist takes you behind the city walls to this harbor town's heart, the 4th-century Roman Emperor Diocletian Palace, followed by a leisurely walking tour through the historic Old Town. See how Gothic, Roman and Renaissance structures merge seamlessly across the cityscape. Admire Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the 7th-century Cathedral of Saint Domnius as you explore its maze of narrow alleys. If you’re after more sightseeing on your Balkans value tour, you could choose to spend the rest of your day by joining an Optional Experience to one of the glittering Dalmatian islands. Or perhaps indulge in some of the local vintages which have justifiably earned the islands their reputation as a celebrated wine center for centuries.

Day 9 / Depart Split

You've explored medieval monuments, witnessed the revival of war-torn cities and relaxed on the sun-kissed shores of the Adriatic. The allure of the Balkans will linger long after you've said goodbye to your travel companions. Find out more about your available transfers at costsavertour.com/transfers.

Cruise Itinerary: