September 25 - October 9, 2027 Experience two weeks in this beautiful part of the world, a week traveling through the Balkans and a second week cruising the Adriatic Coast of Croatia on our own private yacht. This trip will be EPIC!
We'll land in Sarajevo, the friendly capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina and spend three nights exploring before we head south to Mostar and the world famous Mostar Bridge. Then a couple nights in Budva, Montenegro exploring the region around Kotor before touring Dubrovnik and boarding our own fully crewed 150 foot private yacht.
Late September is a beautiful time of the year to go. The weather is gorgeous, the water is still warm enough for swimming, and the crowds of summer are long gone.
$7632 for the 2 week package includes international airfare*, all transfers between airports, piers, and hotels throughout the trip, three nights in the heart of Old Town Sarajevo within walking distance to all the sights, a half day city tours of Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor and Dubrovnik, a night in the beautiful city of Mostar with plenty of free time to explore the city, Two nights in Budva, Montenegro on the Adriatic, Seven nights aboard our gorgeous 150 foot private yacht, breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 2 dinners aboard our yacht, daily afternoon swim stops during our cruise, winery tours and tastings, island tours, and a pre departure meeting and orientation before we go. So much is included in this tour!
Prices are based on double occupancy. There is a single supplement fee of $599 for the land portion. Solo travelers will be paired up to share a cabin for the cruise portion.Transportation to JFK is available for an additional charge. Airfare is subject to change until time of booking. See additional airfare notice below.
This is a rare opportunity to visit a truly remarkable and little known region. The Balkans offer a mix of spectacular, affordable, and uncrowded destinations that serve as a fantastic alternative to Western Europe. They feature dramatic mountains, pristine coastlines, rich history, and vibrant, welcoming cultures. Key highlights include Croatia's coastline, Montenegro's mountains, and the historic charm of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sarajevo is is a uniquely captivating destination often called the "Jerusalem of Europe" for its deep, blended religious and cultural history, where mosques and synagogues coexist with Catholic and Orthodox churches. Experience the "East meets West" atmosphere where Ottoman-era streets (Baščaršija) transition into Austro-Hungarian architecture within minutes. Bosnia Herzegovina is known for its affordable prices, welcoming people, and dramatic mountains.
Mostar is a city famous forits UNESCO-listed stone bridge over the turquoise Neretva River. The original Mostar Bridge was built by Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin in the 16th century at the height of Ottoman influence and architecture. Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557, It stood for 427 years before being destroyed in 1993, then was reconstructed by a UNESCO-led international team and reopened in 2004. Mimar was a student of Mimar Sinan who built the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The surrounding city of Mostar is a cultural gem in its own right and we'll have plenty of time to explore it's meandering cobblestone streets.
Kotor- a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage destination known for its dramatic scenery, where rugged mountains plunge into a serene Adriatic bay. Visitors are drawn to the maze-like, medieval Old Town, the challenging hike up to Kotor Fortress for panoramic views, and the charming, cat-friendly streets. We'll stay in nearby Budva, a destination in its own right, with a charming walkable old town.
Dubrovnik - the Pearl of the Adriatic, the fabulously famous medieval backdrop for King's Landing on the Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik's unique, UNESCO-listed, and incredibly well-preserved medieval Old Town is a picture postcard at every turn. Walking the 2-kilometer-long, 15th-century walls offers incredible views of the city's red-roofed buildings and the Adriatic Sea.
THE CRUISE! - Slano, Mljet, Korcula, Vis, Komiza, Hvar, Brac, and Trogir. We'll island hop our way north up the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia from Dubrovnik to Split, stopping each night along the way, with plenty of time for exploration, relaxing, swimming, eating and drinking, or whatever else you'd like to do!
Day 1 – Saturday September 25: Departure Board our overnight flight to Sarajevo. Flight details to be announced.
Day 2 – Sunday September 26: Sarajevo Arrive in Sarajevo this morning and head to our hotel located in the old city of Sarajevo. Check into our hotel and the rest of the day is yours to explore this very walkable city complete with museums, shops, restaurants, cathedrals, mosques, and more. Overnight in Sarajevo.
Day 3 – Monday September 27: Sarajevo After breakfast we'll spend the day digging a little deeper into this very beautiful and historical city, with a guided tour of the War Tunnel Museum, constructed between March and June 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo in the midst of the Bosnian War, entrance to the Gazi Husrev Bey's Mosque, and maybe a ride on the city's cable car , offering a scenic ride from the city center to Mount Trebević. It provides magnificent views of Sarajevo, access to hiking trails, and the abandoned 1984 Olympic bobsled track.
Day 4 – Tuesday September 28: Sarajevo Today is a free day to wander the old town, explore and soak up the city. Maybe an optional cooking class? Hit the bazaar, some museums, grab a Bosnian coffee and a dish of Cevapi, so much to see and do. Overnight in Sarajevo.
Day 5 – Wednesday September 29: Sarajevo - Mostar After breakfast we'll head south to Mostar. The drive from Sarajevo is one of the most scenic in Europe. The road follows the emerald-green Neretva River, winding through dramatic mountains and deep gorges. Upon our arrival in Mostar we'll take a guided tour of this very walkable town perched on the banks of the Neretva river with it's famous 16th century Ottoman bridge. Overnight in Mostar. Day 6 – Thursday September 30: Mostar - Trebinje - Budva Today we head to the Adriatic coastal town of Budva, a perfect jumping off point to explore the stunningly beautiful Bay of Kotor. Along the way we'll stop for a tour and tasting at a winery that belongs to the 4th century Tvdros Monastery and spend a little time for lunch in the charming Old Town of Trebinje. Overnight in Budva.
Day 7 - Friday October 1: Budva - Kotor - Perast - Budva After breakfast today we'll visit one of the most beautiful places on the Adriatic coastline, the Bay of Kotor. We'll have a guided tour of the town, ride the cable car up over 4000 feet for some breathtaking views of the bay, and have some free time for lunch. Afterwards we'll head to Perast for a quick boat ride to Our Lady of The Rock. The church was built over a period of 200 years on an artificial island created by sailors sinking ships and laying rocks. Back in Budva we'll have free time to explore the Old Town for dinner. Overnight in Budva.
Day 8 – Saturday October 2: Budva - Dubrovnik After breakfast this morning we head to The Pearl of the Adriatic, the old city of Dubrovnik for a tour, a walk on the famous city walls, a ride on the cable car, and some free time to wander before boarding our floating home for the next seven nights. Dinner, cocktails, and overnight aboard our yacht, the 150' Rhapsody.
Day 9 – Sunday October 3: Dubrovnik - Slano/Ston After breakfast on board we'll depart towards the small village of Slano on the mainland. Enjoy the magical scenery as you cruise around Dubrovnik's city walls before anchoring at one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop. Afternoon arrival in Slano, a peaceful fishermen's village and our starting point to Ston, a once fortified village, famous for its oysters. After exploring the town’s long medieval ramparts, head for a small village nearby to learn about oysters and taste this special delicacy. Time at leisure and return transfer to the vessel. Overnight in Slano.
Day 10 - Monday October 4: Slano - Mljet In the morning, the cruise continues further north to the Island of Mljet. The legend says Greek hero Odysseus spent years on this island when he was captured by the nymph Calypso. Join the cruise manager for a stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a Church dating back to the 12th Century. Alternatively, you can rent kayaks, bicycles, scooters or convertible cars to roam around the National Park or island on your own, but beware of the nymphs! In the evening, be ready for the Captain’s dinner with live entertainment on board. Overnight in port Polača or Pomena.
Day 11 - Tuesday October 5: MLJET - KORČULA Early morning departure towards the island of Korčula, best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo. Stop for lunch in one of the secluded bays en route. Afternoon arrival in Korčula Town, followed by a guided walking tour of this enchanting and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Korčula is known as the foodie island, and has an abundant choice of excellent restaurants and numerous bars for those looking for evening entertainment. Optional excursion to a small village near Korčula Town for a typical Dalmatian dinner and learn about the history and traditional way of living. Overnight in Korčula.
Day 12 - Wednesday October 6: KORČULA - VIS / KOMIŽA Continue to the island of Vis, one of the main Greek colonies in the 4th century BC. Vis remains relatively under the radar for tourists, partly because it served as a Yugoslav military base until 1991. That long isolation left the island’s culture and architecture remarkably well preserved. Rosemary, capers and sage grow wild across the landscape, adding to its quiet, authentic charm. Try some exquisite local wines, and if you’re up for exploring, visit the remains of the Roman thermal baths or the City Museum. A stroll along the waterfront reveals the remains of ancient villae rusticae and the timeless island atmosphere. Overnight stay is planned in Vis or Komiža (subject to berth availability), both offering a genuine taste of the island’s character.
Day 13 - Thursday October 7: VIS / KOMIŽA – HVAR Early in the morning, cruising resumes towards the small island of Biševo to visit the Blue Cave, a magnificent natural phenomenon. (the visit is weather dependent and the entrance fee is to be paid on the spot). Continue towards the jet-set island of Hvar with a swimming stop and lunch on board at the Pakleni Islands. Hvar, the longest and sunniest island in the Adriatic is known for glorious lavender fields and resplendent beauty. Arrive in the afternoon for the guided tour of Hvar - visit the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, and the oldest community theatre in Europe founded in 1612. Hike up the zig-zag path to the town fort overlooking the harbour for lovely scenic views of our boat and the Paklinski Islands. Hvar offers an abundance of entertainment in the evening - numerous restaurants, bars and clubs, many open long into the night. Overnight stay is planned in Hvar or Stari Grad (subject to berth availability), both offering a genuine taste of the island’s character.
Day 14 - Friday October 8: HVAR – BOL - TROGIR Early morning departure towards the island of Brač and the town Bol, best known for its famous Zlatni rat beach (Golden horn), a natural phenomenon that with its distinct shape and form dominates other beaches of Croatia. Directional winds and waves cause the shape of the beach to often change. In the afternoon, sail towards Marina Baotić, arriving in time for a transfer to Trogir. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of this UNESCO-listed town, followed by leisure time to explore its picturesque streets and choose a restaurant for dinner. For those who prefer a later meal, Marina Baotić offers dining options, including a restaurant, pizzeria, and bar. Return transfer to Marina Baotić. Overnight in Marina Baotić.
Day 15 - Saturday October 9: Trogir and Departure Gather for one final breakfast, followed by goodbyes with all the new friends and the crew before they see you off in the Marina Baotić (Trogir). From here we'll head to the Split airport for our flight home.
*Airfare prices are estimated and based on current prices. Final airfare schedules and prices will be available ten months prior to the trip. In the meantime I have done my best to estimate pricing based on current trends. The final air price may vary slightly.
