COX & KINGS

Grand Tour of the Balkans

Prices checked 26 October 2026 · Cox & Kings · Supplier snapshot; confirmation required.

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From Ljubljana to Istanbul, this Grand Tour of the Balkans crosses seven countries in 17 days. It takes in the Triple Bridge and castle of Ljubljana, the cascading lakes of Plitvice, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, the walled Old Town of Dubrovnik, the fjordlike Bay of Kotor, Mostar’s rebuilt Stari Most and Sarajevo’s Ottoman bazaars. After a reflective pause at Srebrenica, it stops by Belgrade at the meeting of two rivers, before concluding at Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern.

Plan this tour with Kat & Simon Morgan — Personal Travel Consultants at Hays Travel. Call 0800 0662 694 for help comparing dates, departure points and room options.

Tour highlights

See Mostar’s UNESCO-listed Old Bridge and Ottoman heritage
In Sarajevo, stand at the crossroads of civilisations where Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic and Jewish heritage coexist within a few city blocks
Enjoy the waterfalls and wonders of UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes
Hear Zadar’s Sea Organ, the world’s only musical instrument played by the ocean waves
Follow the historic route of the Orient Express from Central Europe to Istanbul, taking in seven countries and 15 towns and cities

Further highlights

Tour gallery

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Your itinerary

In supplier order. Some entries may cover multiple days; optional experiences are described by the supplier.

Sample itinerary. Choose a departure for its exact itinerary and hotel plan.

Day 0.1 — Transfer: Venice to Ljubljana

Day 1 — Venice - Ljubljana

Fly from London, transfer to your hotel and join a welcome dinner.

Meals: dinner

Day 2 — Ljubljana

Take a walking tour with a local guide, seeing Ljubljana Castle, the City Hall, the Triple Bridge and the Franciscan Church, following the Ljubljanica River through a compact capital of open squares and cafés. The rest of the day is free.

Meals: breakfast

Day 2.1 — Transfer: Ljubljana to Zadar

Day 3 — Zadar via Plitvice

Drive to Zadar via Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s oldest national park, stopping for lunch en route. Simple, wooden walkways lead through the park’s waterfalls and interlinked, colourful lakes.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 4 — Zadar

Take a walking tour through Zadar’s Roman ruins and medieval churches, ending at the city’s newer additions: its Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun installations. The afternoon is free.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 4.1 — Transfer: Zadar to Dubrovnik

Day 5 — Split - Dubrovnik

Drive to Split for a walking tour, then enjoy some free time and lunch, before continuing on to Dubrovnik.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 6 — Dubrovnik

Tour Dubrovnik’s Old Town, under UNESCO protection, seeing the cathedral, the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, Placa street and the city walls. The afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: breakfast

Day 6.1 — Transfer: Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi

Day 7 — Herceg Novi - Montenegro

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Montenegro, taking in Perast, a charming fisherman’s village; the medieval town of Kotor; a scenic cable-car ride up Lovcen Mountain; and the rock formations of Lovcen national park.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 7.1 — Transfer: Herceg Novi to Sarajevo

Day 8 — Mostar - Sarajevo

Drive to Mostar for lunch and explore the city independently, perhaps taking in the famous Stari Most bridge, rebuilt after its wartime destruction. Arrive in Sarajevo in the evening.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 9 — Sarajevo

Take a tour with a local guide in Sarajevo’s bazaars and Austro-Hungarian architecture; the city was the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 9.1 — Transfer: Sarajevo to Belgrade

Day 10 — Srebrenica - Belgrade

Drive towards Belgrade, stopping at Srebrenica in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina and visiting the Potocari Memorial and Cemetery. Continue to Belgrade.

Meals: breakfast

Day 11 — Belgrade

Take a guided, introductory tour of Belgrade, a city at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences sit alongside lively cafés. The afternoon is free.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 11.1 — Transfer: Belgrade to Sofia

Day 12 — Niš - Sofia

Drive to Sofia via Niš, birthplace of Roman emperor Constantine; explore the old town. Continue to Sofia.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 12.1 — Transfer: Sofia to Plovdiv

Day 13 — Sofia

Enjoy a walking tour, familiarising yourself with one of the oldest cities in Europe. Later, enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 13.1 — Transfer: Plovdiv to Edirne

Day 14 — Plovdiv - Edirne

Drive to Edirne via Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Continue to Edirne.

Meals: breakfast

Day 14.1 — Transfer: Edirne to Istanbul

Day 15 — Edirne - Istanbul

Take a morning tour of Edirne, which includes Sinan’s Selimiye Mosque, the Eski Camii, and the historic Bayezid II Kulliyesi medical museum. Continue to Istanbul.

Meals: breakfast

Day 16 — Istanbul

Take a tour of Istanbul’s old town, including the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before dinner.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 17 — Fly Home

Transfer to the airport; fly home.

Your accommodation

Planned hotels or ships as published by Cox & Kings. Alternatives of a similar standard may be used. Hotel options are grouped as supplied and are not necessarily all included in one departure.

Grand Hotel Union Eurostars Ljubljana

Conveniently located in Ljubljana's city center, the Grand Hotel Union overlooks the lively Prešeren Square. This contemporary luxury hotel offers 194 spacious guest rooms and suites. Dining options include upscale classical cuisine with a Mediterranean spin, creative confectionary and a breakfast buffet. Other amenities include a heated pool, bar, lounge and fitness center. Located 30 minutes by car from the Ljubljana Airport, the Grand Hotel Union puts Ljubljana's charming Old Town front and center.

Hotel Bastion

Located in the historic center of Zadar, steps from the renowned Sea Organ0 and Greeting to the Sun0 , Hotel Bastion is built on the remains of a 13th-century fortress - an invaluable monument of medieval fortification. The boutique hotel has 28 contemporary guest rooms and suites with neutral hues and modern furnishings. A Mediterranean restaurant specializes in seafood and pasta. Other amenities include a fitness center, lounge and a spa with sauna. Located 90 minutes from Split airport, Hotel Bastion melds historic charm with a prime, city-centered location.

Sumratin

Hotel Sumratin is located on Dubrovnik’s Lapad Peninsula, within reach of the waterfront promenade and the city’s historic centre. The property provides straightforward, comfortable accommodation and a practical base for sightseeing, with restaurants, cafés and the Adriatic shoreline nearby.

Lazure Hotel & Marina

Occupying a restored 18th-century complex beside the Bay of Kotor, Lazure Hotel combines historic architecture with refined contemporary interiors. Its waterfront setting near Herceg Novi offers views across the bay, landscaped grounds and a tranquil atmosphere after a day exploring Montenegro’s dramatic coastline.

President Hotel

President Hotel enjoys a central position in Sarajevo, close to the historic Baščaršija quarter, the Latin Bridge and the city’s principal cultural sights. Modern rooms and an accessible old-town location make it well placed for discovering Sarajevo’s Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and modern heritage on foot.

Mercure Belgrade Excelsior

Located in central Belgrade, Excelsior Hotel provides convenient access to the city’s principal squares, cultural landmarks and lively pedestrian areas. Its comfortable accommodation and city-centre setting create a practical base for exploring Serbia’s capital and its blend of historic architecture and contemporary urban life.

Sofia Balkan Palace

Sofia Balkan Palace is a grand central hotel close to many of the Bulgarian capital’s principal landmarks. Its traditional interiors reflect the building’s long-established character, while the location is convenient for exploring the city’s churches, archaeological remains, museums and broad boulevards.

Westdoor Hotel

Located in the heart of Edirne, West Door Hotel offers contemporary accommodation within easy reach of the city’s Ottoman landmarks, including the magnificent Selimiye Mosque. Stylish, modern rooms are complemented by welcoming service and comfortable facilities. Its central location provides an ideal base for exploring Edirne’s rich architectural heritage, bustling bazaars and long-standing culinary traditions.

Royan Hotel Hagia Sophia

Set in the heart of Sultanahmet, just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia, Royan Hotel is a comfortable, 4-star property of 48 rooms and suites. A bar, lounge and restaurant are available on-site with numerous other choices within easy walking distance. All rooms are air conditioned and feature a television and safe.

What’s included

Welcome & farewell dinners
Porterage at hotels
Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
16 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners
Experienced local tour manager
Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
International flights
Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
4- & 5-star accommodation
Small group size - average 14 people (max 18)

Dates & prices

Indicative supplier snapshot. Confirm price, room basis and availability before booking. Monthly estimates deduct a £250 deposit per person for Europe or £395 elsewhere, then divide by whole monthly payments ending no later than 42 days before departure. Rounded to the nearest pound; final payment adjusted.

London and Manchester departures available. Published tour fares are indicative and not airport-specific; confirm your selected airport and quote with Kat & Simon.

28 published departure and room-basis records. Standard prices are per person sharing; solo fares are labelled separately. Sold-out records are shown for reference.

Departure	Departure point	Duration	Room basis	Price per person	Status
10 May 2027	London	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,095~~ £5,920 Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
10 May 2027	Manchester	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,095~~ £5,920 Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
7 June 2027	London	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,145~~ £5,970 Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
7 June 2027	Manchester	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,145~~ £5,970 Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
13 September 2027	London	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,445~~ £6,270 Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
13 September 2027	London	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £8,340~~ £8,090 Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
13 September 2027	Manchester	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,445~~ £6,270 Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
13 September 2027	Manchester	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £8,340~~ £8,090 Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
4 October 2027	London	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,395~~ £6,220 Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
4 October 2027	London	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £8,290~~ £8,065 Save £225 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
4 October 2027	Manchester	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,395~~ £6,220 Save £175 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
4 October 2027	Manchester	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £8,290~~ £8,065 Save £225 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
8 May 2028	London	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,995~~ £6,795 Save £200 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
8 May 2028	London	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £9,090~~ £8,840 Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
8 May 2028	Manchester	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,995~~ £6,795 Save £200 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
8 May 2028	Manchester	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £9,090~~ £8,840 Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
5 June 2028	London	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £7,045~~ £6,845 Save £200 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
5 June 2028	London	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £9,140~~ £8,890 Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
5 June 2028	Manchester	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £7,045~~ £6,845 Save £200 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
5 June 2028	Manchester	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £9,140~~ £8,890 Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
11 September 2028	London	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £7,045~~ £6,845 Save £200 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
11 September 2028	London	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £9,140~~ £8,890 Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
11 September 2028	Manchester	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £7,045~~ £6,845 Save £200 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
11 September 2028	Manchester	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £9,140~~ £8,890 Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
2 October 2028	London	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,995~~ £6,795 Save £200 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
2 October 2028	London	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £9,090~~ £8,840 Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
2 October 2028	Manchester	17 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £6,995~~ £6,795 Save £200 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
2 October 2028	Manchester	17 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £9,090~~ £8,840 Save £250 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability

Supplier source ↗

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How do I book?

Call 0800 0662 694 with your preferred dates, departure point and party details. We’ll confirm the current fare and availability before booking. This page does not reserve a place.

Can I spread the cost?

The date selector shows monthly estimates where eligible. Deposit and balance dates are shown alongside each option; ask us to confirm the payment arrangement for your booking.

Will my itinerary vary?

Check the itinerary for your selected departure. Hotels, order of visits and included experiences can vary; optional activities may cost extra.

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