Tour Epic Balkans | Visit Hungary, Greece

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. We’ve sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid 18-29 style of travel. Our first accommodation choice is always as close to the main attraction of the destination as possible, however, sometimes we are not in the right centre of action, which means you may need to hop on a public transport to get to the city centre. Please note that service and accommodation in Europe may be different to the standards you are used to. Your accommodation will not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don’t provide kettles or fridges and in particular destinations, rooms may be rather small. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. ROOMING ALLOCATION: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with other travellers of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: Please note that on our 18 -29 trips in Europe we do not provide a single room supplement option. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. Hotel (5 nights),Hostel (8 nights),Pension (4 nights)

Meals

13 breakfasts

Guide

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Transport

Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Metro,Taxi,Ferry TRANSPORT IN EUROPE: Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that’s why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city’s public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action. LONG TRAVEL DAYS: As we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.

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Day 1 Day 1: Budapest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Budapest

Szia! Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s intoxicating capital on the banks of the Danube River. Things kick off with a welcome meeting this evening at 6 pm, after which it’d be rude not to grab your new friends and leader for dinner and a night walk along the Danube. With the buildings and bridges lit up in the evening, Budapest is a beautiful city to explore by night, and be sure you don’t miss the city’s trending ruin bars – bars found in formerly abandoned buildings that are filled with eclectic furniture, street art and young locals.
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 2 Day 2: Budapest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Budapest

Join your leader on a short orientation walk this morning if you wish. Afterwards, you have a full free day to explore the city known as ’The Pearl of the Danube’. Split by the river into Buda and Pest, this city united under one name, Budapest, in 1873. It’s a great city to explore by foot or from the water, or perhaps catch a funicular up to Buda castle for some seriously spectacular views of the skyline, dominated by the Hungarian parliament building. Continue exploring the cobblestones of the Castle District, or maybe hire a bicycle and head to Statue Park to see the communist monuments that were removed from the city after the Iron Curtain fell. Other highlights include the State Opera House and the Hungarian National Museum, and one unmissable activity is a long soak in the healing waters of one of Budapest’s hot thermal baths – there’s a reason it’s called the City of Spas.
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 3 Day 3: Belgrade
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Belgrade

Today, take the journey to Belgrade. Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe, sitting at the intersection of the Sava and Danube rivers, and is an important hub between Eastern and Western Europe. As a result of this, you’ll experience an energetic mix of progressive and conservative customs as you spend time exploring the city as you please. Perhaps begin with a wander around the city’s wide streets and squares to the historic Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kelmegdan Fortress, which has kept watch over the Danube for centuries. You’ll also get the chance to taste the traditional rakija (a fruit-flavoured brandy) with the locals. Ziveli! In the evening, perhaps head down to Skadarska Street, in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, to sample some authentic local food, soak up the lively atmosphere and witness an area where Orthodox churches coexist near grungy nightclubs.
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 4 Day 4: Belgrade
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Belgrade

Ease into the day with an optional 90-minute cruise along the Danube River, passing the Kalemegdan Fortress, Pancevo Bridge and the artist suburb of Zemun. Make sure you visit the imposing Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) today as well. If markets are your jam, the Zeleni Venac food market will keep you occupied for hours, or perhaps take a stroll through the Nikola Tesla Museum to learn about the life and work of Serbia’s greatest inventors. Otherwise, the 36-metre Gardos Tower is perfect for views and photos of the city and the Danube. In the afternoon, perhaps head to Ada Ciganlija beach on the Sava River, a popular river beach with the young city crowd. Take a swim or soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand, and if you happen to be visiting in the summer months then there is probably a variety of musical and cultural events taking place. The beach is a great place to stick around into the night, being one hotspot of Belgrade’s legendary nightlife. Floating bars, restaurants and nightclubs line the Danube and Sava rivers – the envy of many cities right around Europe.
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 5 Day 5: Sarajevo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Sarajevo

Travel by bus through some beautiful countryside to Sarajevo. It’s about an 8-hour trip, so enjoy the views, chat with your fellow travellers or load up on music for the journey. Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is slowly asserting itself as one of Europe’s most interesting destinations, following the end of a devastating war. It has a similar vibe to Istanbul, in the sense that it mixes east and west and is dotted with minarets, mosques, bazaars and that rousing coffee smell. You can join an optional guided tour on arrival to learn a bit about the city’s culture and history – this is one of the few cities in the world featuring an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque within close proximity. In the evening, why not grab your crew and head to Bascarsija, the city’s old bazaar, for a delicious meal, then check out the city’s nightlife. Your leader can point you in the right direction to some popular bars.
Accommodation: Pension
Day 6 Day 6: Sarajevo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Sarajevo

This morning join your leader and head up to the viewpoints next to the Yellow Bastion and the White Fortress, both located in strategic positions overlooking the entire valley and Sarajevo’s old town. Then enjoy a free day in and around Sarajevo. Perhaps jump on the newly reopened cable car up Trebevic Mountain, or head out to Ilidza, the source of the River Bosna, where green parks and thermal springs are the order of the day. Perhaps discover more about Sarajevo’s history with a visit to the History Museum, the Sarajevo War Tunnels and Sniper Alley, or learn about the struggles of the city’s Jewish population at the Jewish Museum. The Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a chance to get a little cultured, or why not return to Bascarsija to snack on burek. In the evening, the Pivnica HS Brewery is a great place to try some award-winning brews and hearty local food.
Accommodation: Pension
Day 7 Day 7: Mostar / Budva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Mostar / Budva

Rise early to take the train from Sarajevo to Mostar (approximately 3 hours), a beautiful town in the high mountains of Herzegovina. You may well have heard of Mostar for its famous Stari Most: the Old Bridge from which young men traditionally jump into the Neretva River. It’s thanks to this river that the city was able to develop in an otherwise barren landscape, and Mostar quickly became the region’s trading centre before being heavily bombed during the war. It has since been rebuilt and its World Heritage-listed Old Town is a maze of alleys and cobblestones. Make sure to post up next to river and watch the brave divers hurl themselves off the bridge. We don’t recommend that travellers jump as the bridge is super high and the water is absolutely freezing. Later in the afternoon, you and your group will continue to Budva (approximately 4 hours), where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation: Pension
Day 8 Day 8: Budva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Budva

Wake up in Montenegro’s prime beach resort, Budva. Take a quick walk around town with your leader to orientate yourself, then enjoy free time to explore. Budva has a beautiful Old City and a stunning coastline, so have a look around and be sure to relax on the beach and take swim in the azure Adriatic Sea. If you are feeling more energetic, why not head by bus to the beautiful Bay of Kotor, Europe’s most southerly fjord. Kotor is a 5th-century, World Heritage-listed town, sitting in the shadow of towering peaks in a secluded bay. The picturesque Old Town is quintessential Eastern Europe – winding cobblestone alleys, terracotta roofs, ancient fortifications and, weirdly, cats. So many cats.
Accommodation: Pension
Day 9 Day 9: Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Dubrovnik

Leave Montenegro for the beautiful southern coast of Croatia, arriving in Dubrovnik after approximately 2.5 hours. Today is free for you to explore Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s most popular destinations, as you see best. A walk along the city walls is a must-do, especially if you happen to be a Game of Thrones fan. From here you’ll not only recognise scenes from the TV series, but also enjoy views of the glittering Adriatic, so don’t forget your camera. Other sights include the 13th-century Franciscan monastery and the Sponza and Rector’s palaces, which were the only Renaissance buildings to survive an earthquake and fire in 1668. If you’ve seen enough, why not look for the hole-in-the-wall bar where you can relax on the rocks, drink a cold beer and spend some time swimming. There are also several beaches just outside the walls on which to unwind. In the evening, why not get your group together for a delicious Mediterranean meal and, if you feel like it, a few drinks at one of the town’s bars.
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 10 Day 10: Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Dubrovnik

Today is a free day to explore the beaches and scenery of this idyllic coastal city that overlooks the Adriatic. The walled city of Dubrovnik is a great place to discover on foot, with its cobblestone streets, tiled roofs, white washed walls and stone buildings. Stroll down the main street of Stradun that runs straight through the World heritage listed Old Town, with its baroque monuments and gothic buildings.
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 11 Day 11: Dubrovnik / Kotor / Stari Bar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Dubrovnik / Kotor / Stari Bar

This morning, hit the road to Kotor in Montenegro. Spend some free time exploring this terracotta-lined medieval town, perhaps walking up Kampana tower to see the surrounding turquoise waters and limestone cliffs or finding one of the many churches dotted around the relatively small town. Continue on to Stari Bar – the old town of Bar. Stepping inside the walls, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, so spend the night like a medieval ruler. Perhaps try the area’s typical drink, beer or wine with pomegranate juice, before exploring the compact town and its surroundings.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 12 Day 12: Tirana
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Tirana

Get your car games ready for a drive across the border into Albania to our next stop in Tirana. Upon arrival, take a leader-led orientation walk around the city to get your bearings. Included for today is a visit to a history and contemporary art museum, Bunk’Art. This museum is quite the experience just to get to, as you’ll head through a long, dark tunnel in the hillside that leads you to the entrance, on the side of a active Albanian military base. From here, you’ll descend into 3000 square metres of underground space, which was originally meant as a bunker in the 1970s for Albania’s political elite. Now, it houses different exhibitions of Albanian modern history and contemporary art pieces. This afternoon, you’ll have time to explore this eclectic city. Perhaps, head out to the Block for drinks.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13 Day 13: Tirana
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Tirana

Wake up without an alarm today, you’ve got the day to yourself to explore however you wish – yep, Tirana is all yours to check out. So, what’s an adventurer to do on a free day here? Well, you could go where the locals go and explore the colourful street markets, spend some time wandering the city (perhaps, discovering its traditional cuisine) or even jump on public transport to Kruja. A town with medieval charm, the ancient Albanian city is just 32km out of Tirana. This evening, you might like to gather your newfound travel buds and head to the Blloku neighbourhood, a hotspot for pre-dinner drinks. Then, why not treat yourself to dinner at Tirana castle – a Byzantine time castle that has been transformed into a trendy outdoor shopping area with plenty of restaurant options to take your fancy.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 14 Day 14: Tirana / Dhermi Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Tirana / Dhermi Beach

After breakfast today, we’ll be setting our sights for the coast; Dhermi Beach to be exact, a stunning stretch of Albania’s coastline. You’ll have time to laze on the golden beaches and swim in the shimmering waters of the Adriatic. Spend some time at one of the beachside bars with your group – a night of good food and good company is definitely on the cards.
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 15 Day 15: Dhermi Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Dhermi Beach

Wake up on the calming shores of Dhermi Beach, with your day being as clear as the blue waters of the surrounding seas. There’s a range of optional activities that might take your fancy: think hiking, sea kayaking, or even a boat excursion to the Karaburun Peninsula. The best thing is that there’s no need to rush – go as fast or as slow as you want! Today, you call the shots. If you want some more recommendations on what to do, hit up your group leader – they know the ropes.
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 16 Day 16: Blue Eye Spring / Gjirokaster
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Blue Eye Spring / Gjirokaster

Leave the sparkling Adriatic shores behind and take private transport to Gjirokaster, stopping at Blue Eye Spring en route. This feat of nature has to be seen to be believed – a kaleidoscope of blues and greens pulsating from a natural river spring from a depth of more than 50 metres. Take the time to explore the surrounding parks and take in the different vantage points of the spring. Then head onwards to Gjirokaster, a well-preserved Ottoman town in Albania’s south. On arrival, visit one of the traditional tower houses with a local guide and taste their traditional coffee ’on the stone’, roasted on the fire right in front of you. If you are lucky you may even get your fortune read. You’ll spend the night here, so explore the quaint cobblestoned streets and perhaps find some speca me glize (stuffed peppers) to have for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 17 Day 17: Corfu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Corfu

Today we’ll be heading south to Saranda – a coastal resort town near the Albania-Greece border. From here, we’ll take a hydrofoil ferry to Corfu, an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea. Corfu is known for its mountainous landscapes that extend to the shores, and its cultural heritage, spent under rule from Venetian, French and British influence, before being united with Greece in 1864. Your group leader will take you on an orientation walk near where you’re staying to direct you to the best places and help you get your bearings. The evening is all yours – perhaps round up your group and head out for sunset drinks at one of the local restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 18 Day 18: Corfu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Corfu

With no activities planned and no accommodation organised for tonight, you’re free to leave at any time. But, if shorelines and souvlakis are still on the cards, you don’t have to leave just yet! If you would like to spend more time on Corfu, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

+15

18 days tour

Epic Balkans

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Epic Balkans

Day 1: Budapest

Day 2: Budapest

Day 3: Belgrade

Day 4: Belgrade

Day 5: Sarajevo

Day 6: Sarajevo

Day 7: Mostar / Budva

Day 8: Budva

Day 9: Dubrovnik

Day 10: Dubrovnik

Day 11: Dubrovnik / Kotor / Stari Bar

Day 12: Tirana

Day 13: Tirana

Day 14: Tirana / Dhermi Beach

Day 15: Dhermi Beach

Day 16: Blue Eye Spring / Gjirokaster

Day 17: Corfu

Day 18: Corfu

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