Legends of The Balkans

Explore the Balkans & Beyond: A Cultural Journey Across Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania & Greece.

Holiday package

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Package Details
Itinerary
Terms and Conditions

Discover the rich cultures, stunning landscapes, and timeless traditions of the Balkans on this unforgettable journey. From Zagreb's lively streets to Athens' ancient wonders, explore iconic cities, UNESCO sites, and hidden gems. Marvel at the beauty of Plitvice Lakes, walk through history in Sarajevo and Dubrovnik, cruise the bay of Kotor, and enjoy warm hospitality in Albania. End your adventure in Greece, where the monasteries of Meteora and the Acropolis await. With guided tours, local experiences, and authentic cuisine, this trip offers a deep and rewarding look at southeastern Europe.

Package Inclusions:

You Fly & Tour Package Includes:

~ Return economy class flights with full-service airline from Australia* to Zagreb, returning from Athens
~ Arrival transfer from Zagreb airport to hotel*
~ 15 day Guided Tour to the Balkans with Collette Tours, from Zagreb to Athens
~ Handpicked Accommodations in Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Sarajevo, Kotor, Tirana, Kalambaka & Athens
~ 23 Meals - 14 Breakfast, 2 Lunch, 7 Dinner
~ Exploration small group tour - maximum of 24 guests
~ Local expertise to uncover hidden wows and get the cultural inside scoop
~ Pre-paid gratuities (Valued AU$482pp)

Departure date: 28 August 2026 - 11 September 2026

Highlights of the Tour:
~ Discover 5 countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania & Greece
~ Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
~ Take a private boat to explore Our Lady of the Rocks Island
~ Explore the historic and architectural evolution of Tirana
~ Come to know Meteora and visit one of its Byzantine monasteries, built over 600 years ago
~ Impact Moment:Uncover Sarajevo's wartime history with a siege survivor
~ Discover Gjirokastra's dominant castle on the hill
~ Visit a traditional icon-painting workshop in Kalambaka
~ Enjoy traditional Albanian food and folk entertainment in the capital city, Tirana
~ Experience Bosnian hospitality and regional dishes, joining a local family for a meal in a Sarajevo home

Optional Excursions:
- Discover Highlands of Montenegro & Cable Car experience* $179 per person
Take in breathtaking views over ancient Kotor and Boka Bay as the cable car whisks you to Lovcen Mountain (1749m). Next, head to the mountain village of Njegusi to visit an old smokehouse, sampling the smoked ham and cheese made on site. Finally, arrive in the old royal capital of Cetinje and learn about the rich history of Montenegro on a visit to King Nikola's Palace. After some free time in Cetinje, return to Kotor this afternoon.
- Historic Durres and Albanian Winery Tour* $149 per person
Explore the ancient city Durreson a walking tour, with its 2,500 years of recorded history, discover the ruins of a Byzantine forum, Byzantine walls, Roman baths, a Roman amphitheatre, a Venetian tower, and an archaeological museum. Follow with a visit to an Abaia Winery & Communist-era bunkers, which are now used for wine production and aging. Learn about viticulture and wine production in this beautiful region of Albania, and enjoy a wine tasting paired with a lunch of traditional Albanian food.

Extend your holiday in Europe
Discover Portugal with 2 night stay in Lisbon, follow by a 7 night Douro River Cruise with Uniworld, Porto return, inclusive of flights between Athens to Lisbon & Lisbon to Porto.
Extension cost based on twin share:
Classic Window from $9,899 per person
Deluxe Window from $10,399 per person
French Balcony from $14,399 per person

Itinerary

Day 1: 28AUG2026 - Zagreb, Croatia
Arrive in Croatia's fascinating capital city, Zagreb. As arrival times may vary, there are no scheduled activities today. Spend time as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Stay in Zagreb

Day 2: 29AUG2026 - Zagreb
This morning, join a local guide on a walking tour of Zagreb's highlights, from the main square to Upper Town. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own in the city. Perhaps you'll wander through the old town's two medieval settlements, stroll the many open squares and parks, browse the stalls at the Dolac Market, or savour the flavours of Zagreb's exciting culinary scene. (B)
Stay in Zagreb

Day 3: 30AUG2026 - Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes
This morning, travel to Plitvice Lakes, one of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful national parks in Croatia. Inspiring scenery abounds at this designated UNESCO World Heritage site as you enjoy a short cruise into the heart of this natural wonder. Tonight, stay at a hotel in the small village near the national park. (B, D)
Stay in Plitvice Lakes

Day 4: 31AUG2026 - Plitvice Lakes - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
This morning, continue to Sarajevo - Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital city, where East meets West, and your home for the next two nights. With its centuries-old multiculturality, experience a city shaped by its rich history and the coexistence of various religious sects. Perhaps you'll join a guided stroll this evening to get acquainted with the area. (B, L)
Stay in Sarajevo

Day 5: 01SEP2026 - Sarajevo
With a local expert, uncover the history of Sarajevo, the starting point of the First World War. Meander the storied roadways and take in its blend of religions and architectural styles before enjoying some free time to independently explore the city. During an Impact Moment, meet with a local siege survivor, who will uncover more of Sarajevo's past. Spend time in the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, the site of the - Tunnel of Hope, that connected the besieged city to the outside world. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Sarajevo on your own. Tonight, locals welcome you to their home for dinner. Enjoy regional favourites such as klepe (meat dumplings) and burek (flaky filled pastries). Sip Bosnian coffee as a soundtrack of traditional folk music sets the tone for a truly memorable evening. (B, D)
Stay in Sarajevo

Day 6: 02SEP2026- Sarajevo - Mostar - Dubrovnik, Croatia
This morning, on your way to Croatia, spend time in Mostar, home to the iconic arched Stari Most Bridge (UNESCO). Explore Mostar on a guided walk before lunching on your own in the historic part of the city. This afternoon, be greeted by views of the Adriatic Sea when you arrive in Dubrovnik. As the day comes to an end, perhaps you'll join in an evening stroll. (B)
Stay in Dubrovnik

Day 7: 03SEP2026 - Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik's ancient streets share their history and timeless appeal during a tour of the city. Then, let the city continue to reveal itself to you because it's your choice! Take a harbour cruise for magnificent views of Dubrovnik's medieval city walls and visit Lokrum Island - OR- get a bird's-eye view of the city by cable car, riding up to Srd Hill, a breathtaking vantage point to look over the Old Town below and the Adriatic Sea. With the remainder of your day free, you do you - Croatia-style. (B)
Stay in Dubrovnik

Day 8: 04SEP2026 - Dubrovnik - Kotor, Montenegro
It's Dovidenja to Croatia as you head to Montenegro. Set sail on a private boat* for the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Visit the church before coasting through the breathtaking Kotor Bay towards the Old Town of Kotor (UNESCO). Complete your visit to Kotor with a locally guided tour before you settle in your hotel located within the historic walls of Kotor town. (B, D)
Stay in Kotor

Day 9: 05SEP2026 - Kotor
Today, have fun exploring Kotor your way. Perhaps you'll go on an optional excursion to Njegusi, a quiet and peaceful village located on the slope of Mount Lovcen about 900 metres above sea level. Soak in the views from a cable car and get a tasty local lesson on the traditions of prosciutto and homemade cheeses famously produced here - and, of course, sample these specialities. Learn more about Montenegrin history while visiting the royal town of Cetinje. Upon return, the remainder of the day is yours to explore the hidden corners of Kotor. (B)
Stay in Kotor

Day 10: 06SEP2026 - Kotor - Fishte, Albania - Tirana
Cross another border today and arrive in Albania! A unique blend of traditional Albanian hospitality and cultural experiences awaits in the picturesque rural setting of one of Albania's best-regarded agritourism destinations, located in the village of Fishte. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch of authentic dishes made from organic, locally sourced ingredients, and take a stroll through the farm and learn about traditional Albanian agriculture. Continue your travel day on your way to Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Explore its history and architecture on a locally guided tour while learning more about Albania's intriguing past. Visit a former top-secret nuclear bunker, now a museum dedicated to the victims of one of most controlling communist regimes in Europe. (B, L)
Stay in Tirana

Day 11: 07SEP2026 - Tirana
Today, explore Tirana as you wish. Perhaps you'll decide to join an optional excursion to the coastal ancient city of Durres, where the Roman Amphitheatre of Emperor Hadrian stands as the city's most prominent attraction. Join a local guide to see the historic city's ruins, and later, get an introduction to the viticulture in the region while enjoying a wine tasting paired with local specialities at a prominent winery. No matter how you fill your day, experience the best of the local cuisine and a show of rich folk traditions during dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
Stay in Tirana

Day 12: 08SEP2026 - Tirana - Gjirokastra - Kalambaka, Greece
Soak in the beauty of the countryside with its winding roads and stretches of green on your way to Gjirokastra in southern Albania. Perhaps one of the steepest cities in the world, explore its unique architecture and glorious history. After having some free time in this fascinating town join your local guide on a tour of Gjirokastra's dominant castle on the hill. Cross into Greece, your last border on this travel journey. Arrive in Kalambaka** in the late afternoon in time to freshen up for dinner at the hotel. (B, D)
Stay in Meteora, Kalambaka

Day 13: 09SEP2026 - Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens
This morning, explore Meteora. Visit one of the remote monasteries*** situated in a unique landscape, where limestone rock towers extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks built their monastic community perched atop these rocks. Later, learn how Byzantine icons are created by visiting an icon-painting workshop in Kalambaka. Watch some of the process at this atelier, where icons are made using traditional methods. Spend some time on your own in this enchanting town before continuing your journey to Athens. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers to savour a delicious Greek dinner and celebrate all you've experienced. (B, D)
Stay in Athens

Day 14: 10SEP2026 - Athens
Later this morning, explore the sights of Athens on a locally guided walking tour. From Syntagma Square and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, wander through the streets, soaking in the essence of this iconic city and savouring its charm and energy. Visit the new Acropolis Museum, considered one of the most important museums in the world, to trace the story of the ancient city. Located within a short walking distance of the Acropolis, the museum houses archeological treasures from the Acropolis and offers wonderful views on the ancient site. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Athens on your own before joining your fellow travellers to toast to the end of your journey. (B)
Stay in Athens

Day 15: 11SEP2026 - Athens - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today. (B)

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as of 19 June 2025 & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Oceanview and Balcony cabins may have obstructed views, please check with your consultant. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. Airfares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from Sydney and are subject to the carriers' flight schedules and conditions. Seasonal and flight routing surcharges may apply. Airfares are based on the lowest available fare, which comes with strict conditions i.e., non-refundable, or non-changeable. Please ask your consultant for pricing on flexible fare options that allow cancellations and/or amendments at a fee. Please call us for prices from other airports. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in. The Collette tour required minimum number of guests to operates. Please note a minimum of 8 passengers is required for Discover Highlands of Montenegro & Cable Car experience, transport is included for this excursion. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required for the Historic Durres and Albanian Winery Tour, Once purchased this option is non refundable, transport is included for this excursion. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.