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The Highlights of the Former Yugoslavia

10 Days / 9 Nights

Zagreb, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Kotor

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue

This sample 10-day (9 nights) itinerary covers Zagreb, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, and Kotor. You'll enjoy a rich diversity of cosmopolitan cities and beautiful countryside scenes as you sample the culture and cuisine of Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Learn about the incredible history of the region while you experience its riches, getting to know the landscape as you travel between destinations. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.

One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

Route for Zagreb, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Kotor tour

2 Nights in Zagreb

2 Nights in Zagreb

3 days in Zagreb
3 days in Zagreb

2 Nights in Zagreb

Zagreb is a city where different worlds have long come together. Situated at the intersection of ancient trade routes between the Adriatic and Central Europe, it is a cosmopolitan place with various cultural influences evident in the cuisine and architecture at home in any Austro-Hungarian city. You’ll love exploring the open-air markets, impressive buildings, peaceful parks, and many delicious restaurants. Just strolling through the unique combination of medieval towers, 19th century palaces, ancient churches, and market squares is a pleasure, but there’s much more to do here. After exploring all that the city has to offer with a local guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time. You could also take a guided bike tour around the city, to get a little exercise as you experience the city. But you’ll also want to explore some of the region surrounding Zagreb. As a longer day trip, you could see the delightful Trakoscan, a neo-Gothic castle sitting on a hilltop, surrounded by a romantic English style park with exotic trees and an artificial lake. While you’re there you can also stop in Varazdin to appreciate its ornate baroque architecture.

Zagreb is a city where different worlds have long come together. Situated at the intersection of ancient trade routes between the Adriatic and Central Europe, it is a cosmopolitan place with various cultural influences evident in the cuisine and architecture at home in any Austro-Hungarian city. You’ll love exploring the open-air markets, impressive buildings, peaceful parks, and many delicious restaurants. Just strolling through the unique combination of medieval towers, 19th century palaces, ancient churches, and market squares is a pleasure, but there’s much more to do here. After exploring all that the city has to offer with a local guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time. You could also take a guided bike tour around the city, to get a little exercise as you experience the city. But you’ll also want to explore some of the region surrounding Zagreb. As a longer day trip, you could see the delightful Trakoscan, a neo-Gothic castle sitting on a hilltop, surrounded by a romantic English style park with exotic trees and an artificial lake. While you’re there you can also stop in Varazdin to appreciate its ornate baroque architecture.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Zagreb

We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Zagreb's airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

Wine Tasting in a Wine Cellar Private Experience

Take it Easy

Included in your vacation package price.

Meet Zagreb and Croatia through their best product - delicious wine! In only an hour, you’ll have a tour through the country’s wine regions with a knowledgeable and passionate guide. In one of the oldest wine cellars in Croatia, you'll enjoy three reds and two whites, accompanied by champagne and small bites of locally produced cheese and olive oil.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Zagreb

Zagreb City Private Tour in a Classic Yugo Car

Zagreb City Private Tour in a Classic Yugo Car

Included in your vacation package price.

This tour allows you to see all the major sights in Zagreb on four wheels! The Yugo, the famous little Yugoslavian car, will be your strangely nostalgic means of getting around, as you get to know the city.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 2 hours

Unique Museums

Suggestion to explore on your own

There are numerous museums to visit in Zagreb, but two of the most unique are the Museum of Broken Relationships and the Arts and Crafts Museum. We recommend visiting at least one today. The Museum of Broken Relationships grew from a traveling exhibition revolving around the concept of failed relationships, and overcoming emotional pain through creation and rebirth. The Museum of Arts and Crafts was founded in 1880 as one of the first institutions of its kind in Europe with a rich collection of local cultural and historical creations which reflect everyday life and work.

Unique Museums

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Belgrade by Private Transfer

Today you're departing one Balkan capital and heading eastwards to another. Your final destination is Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. It's around a 4-hour drive door to door. Since you’ll be crossing a border on your way, your journey can take a bit longer, depending on border crossing waiting time. 

Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

To break the journey for a small extra fee we can arrange for a stop at the Sirmium archeological site, the location of a Roman Imperial Palace that was first excavated in 1957 when it was discovered by accident during the construction of an apartment building in modern-day Sremska Mitrovica.

Belgrade by Private Transfer
We also offer the following excursions in Zagreb

Ljubljana and Bled Small Group Day Trip
Moderate10 hours and 30 minutes
Ljubljana, Bled & Bohinj Private Day Trip
Light10-12 hours
Medvedgrad Fortress Private Tour
Strenuous6-7 hours
Mirogoj Cemetery Park & Medvedgrad Fortress Private Tour
Light3 hours

2 Nights in Belgrade

2 Nights in Belgrade

3 days in Belgrade
3 days in Belgrade

2 Nights in Belgrade

Belgrade is an eclectic destination with a big-city feel, friendly locals, tasty cuisine and a very unique history. You’ll find all sorts of interesting architecture here, as well as galleries and museums that will really bring the local culture to life. While it might look a little rough around the edges, that just means there’s a real charm here waiting to be discovered. And discover it you will, from the daytime to the nightlife, as you experience the best this vibrant destination has to offer. While you’re exploring Belgrade, including the military ruins in the center, you’ll want to sample some of the local cuisine, including hearty grilled meats, local cheeses and breads, and vegetables cooked with seasonal herbs. Some of the sites you don’t want to miss include Kalmegdan Fortress, Republic Square and St. Sava Temple. Zemun, a bohemian neighborhood, is particularly rich in restaurants and cafes, and you also have the possibility of taking a food tour that will introduce you to some of the tastiest dishes. You’ll have fun in Belgrade, the perfect place to introduce yourself to this inviting region.

Belgrade is an eclectic destination with a big-city feel, friendly locals, tasty cuisine and a very unique history. You’ll find all sorts of interesting architecture here, as well as galleries and museums that will really bring the local culture to life. While it might look a little rough around the edges, that just means there’s a real charm here waiting to be discovered. And discover it you will, from the daytime to the nightlife, as you experience the best this vibrant destination has to offer. While you’re exploring Belgrade, including the military ruins in the center, you’ll want to sample some of the local cuisine, including hearty grilled meats, local cheeses and breads, and vegetables cooked with seasonal herbs. Some of the sites you don’t want to miss include Kalmegdan Fortress, Republic Square and St. Sava Temple. Zemun, a bohemian neighborhood, is particularly rich in restaurants and cafes, and you also have the possibility of taking a food tour that will introduce you to some of the tastiest dishes. You’ll have fun in Belgrade, the perfect place to introduce yourself to this inviting region.

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Belgrade

Upon reaching Belgrade your driver will take you to your accommodation in the city center.

Day 4

Day 4 - Your First Full Day in Belgrade

Belgrade Private Sightseeing Tour

Meet Belgrade on a Walking and Driving Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

After hotel pick-up, you’ll drive to Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan park. It is the most logical spot to begin telling the unusual and exciting story about Belgrade, the “Crossroads of the World.” You’ll have superb views at the confluence of Sava and Danube rivers as you gaze over New Belgrade and Zemun. Next you’ll proceed to the heart of the city, Republic Square, with its stunning monument to Prince Michael, as well as the National Theatre and the National Museum. After the break you’ll continue with your panoramic ride to see Terazije, the National Assembly, the City Council, and Kneza Miloša Street, which still has scars from the recent conflicts. Before the tour concludes you’ll move onto the luxurious residential quarter of Dedinje, the Memorial of Marshall Tito, and the Red Star soccer stadium. Finally, you’ll stop and visit Saint Sava church, one of the largest religious objects in the whole world.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 4 hours

Taste Belgrade

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

The Belgrade Food and Culture tour is an excellent way to see more of the city while getting a taste of local gastronomy. While Serbia isn’t always considered a culinary capital, it has a rich traditional cuisine that is intimately connected with local history. Our guided tours will give you an insider’s perspective, and taste, of true local culture.

Serbia on Your Plate Small Group Tour

Serbia on Your Plate Small Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

This tour is best described as "Serbia on your plate." You'll learn all about Serbian culture while tasting many of the country's traditional dishes. We suggest having light breakfast or even skipping it because this is one filling food tour, the equivalent of breakfast and lunch! Your enthusiastic young local guide will take you around central Belgrade, to visit 6 authentic venues and a green market, tasting 14 local specialties and 3 drinks along the way. During the tour you will be presented with two souvenirs and a special memory book. It's a tasty day, to say the least!


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Serbia on a Toothpick Small Group Tour

Serbia on a Toothpick Small Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

During this tour you will visit four diverse local outlets, from traditional to modern, and get a sense of the uniqueness of the Serbian lifestyle and the vibrant city center. You'll get the unique chance to savor carefully selected flavors that will guide you through the past and even the future of Belgrade. Your guide has chosen each of the dishes you will try because they represent some part of Serbia's vibrant culinary culture.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours and 30 minutes

Day 5

Day 5 - Traveling to Sarajevo by Private Transfer

Today you're departing one Balkan capital and heading westward to another. Your final destination is Sarajevo. It's around a five-hour drive, door to door. To break up the journey for a small extra fee we can arrange for a stop of your choice: a small detour and you can visit Tuzla, a town that wasn't spared the atrocities of the war in the '90s but has miraculously managed to maintain its pluralist nature and is still a city with a mixed Bosniak, Croat and Serb population; or for the archeologically inclined, a stop in Sremska Mitrovica might be in order, for this is the location of Sirmium, where a Roman imperial palace was excavated in 1957 (his has the advantage of requiring much less of a detour). Please note that this is a non-guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver. 

Sarajevo by Private Transfer
We also offer the following excursions in Belgrade

Belgrade's Yugoslavian Heritage Private Tour
Light4 hours
Fruska Gora Monasteries and Sremski Karlovci Private Tour
Easy8 hours
Iron Gate Gorge and Lepenski Vir Private Tour
Light9-10 hours
Mokra Gora and Sargan Eight Train Private Tour
Moderate12 hours

3 Nights in Sarajevo

3 Nights in Sarajevo

4 days in Sarajevo
4 days in Sarajevo

3 Nights in Sarajevo

A cosmopolitan city, Sarajevo's sheer religious and cultural diversity earned it the nickname "Jerusalem of the Balkans." While the prosperity that brought it the 1984 Winter Olympics has since faded, the city remains unique. Nestled among endless hills and towering mountains, it feels isolated yet central, quaint yet cosmopolitan. The Old Town, known as Bascarsija, with cobblestone streets, mosques and bazaars that betray its Ottoman heritage. There’s a vibrant combination of cultures here, which has had wonderful effects on the eclectic cuisine, the incredibly welcoming locals and the impressive architecture. And within that mix is the city’s dramatic and often volatile history. History is alive in Sarajevo, and you’ll find reminders of past triumphs and tragedies as you explore this lovely city. No visit is complete without a feast of the local meat specialties from the grill, including the mouthwatering Cevapcici. Explore the city’s unique history at the Tunnel of Hope, constructed between March and June of 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo in the midst of the Bosnian War, the longest modern siege of a capital city. These days it’s an evocative museum. You’ll also want to visit the ruins of the Olympic Games in the hills outside the city. It’s haunting and beautiful to see the abandoned ski jump and luge tracks.

A cosmopolitan city, Sarajevo's sheer religious and cultural diversity earned it the nickname "Jerusalem of the Balkans." While the prosperity that brought it the 1984 Winter Olympics has since faded, the city remains unique. Nestled among endless hills and towering mountains, it feels isolated yet central, quaint yet cosmopolitan. The Old Town, known as Bascarsija, with cobblestone streets, mosques and bazaars that betray its Ottoman heritage. There’s a vibrant combination of cultures here, which has had wonderful effects on the eclectic cuisine, the incredibly welcoming locals and the impressive architecture. And within that mix is the city’s dramatic and often volatile history. History is alive in Sarajevo, and you’ll find reminders of past triumphs and tragedies as you explore this lovely city. No visit is complete without a feast of the local meat specialties from the grill, including the mouthwatering Cevapcici. Explore the city’s unique history at the Tunnel of Hope, constructed between March and June of 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo in the midst of the Bosnian War, the longest modern siege of a capital city. These days it’s an evocative museum. You’ll also want to visit the ruins of the Olympic Games in the hills outside the city. It’s haunting and beautiful to see the abandoned ski jump and luge tracks.

Day 5

Day 5 - Arrival in Sarajevo

Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation when you arrive in Sarajevo.

Baščaršija, the City's Heart

Suggestion to explore on your own

Baščaršija is Sarajevo's old bazaar and the historical and cultural center of the city. If you want to experience the bazaar at its best, we suggest taking a stroll through the bazaar to Bravadžiluk Street. Once home to the city's locksmiths, this street is now Baščaršija's gastronmic paradise, home to many of Sarajevo's most famous eateries.

Bascarsija, the City's Heart

Day 6

Day 6 - Your First Full Day in Sarajevo

Meeting of Cultures Private Walking Tour

Explore Sarajevo's Past and Present

Included in your vacation package price.

This sightseeing tour of Sarajevo's Old Town includes all of the most important sights, including the Latin Bridge, the Museum of Sarajevo, the Emperor's Mosque, the House of Defiance, the City Hall, the Old Orthodox Church, the Morica Guesthouse, the Jewish Synagogue, and much more. Led by an experienced local guide, you will come to a better understanding of the history of the city and its contemporary layout. Your guide will make the past come alive for you as you experience all that Sarajevo has to offer.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours

Traditional Bosnian Dinner with a Local Family Small Group Tour

Traditional Bosnian Dinner with a Local Family Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

You'll enjoy a delicious historical adventure through the cuisine and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina at this unique and traditional Bosnian dinner. You'll have several courses of traditional cuisine and get to learn more about the local culture as you dine. At the end of the meal your guide will show you a lovely panoramic view over the entire city!


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Your Second Full Day in Sarajevo

East Bosnia UNESCO Heritage Small Group Tour

East Bosnia UNESCO Heritage Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This full-day tour will show you some of the most famous sights in the region and also take you over the border to Serbia. With an expert local guide you'll get out of the city and off the beaten path to discover some of the most atmospheric villages and landscapes around. Highlights include Višegrad and Andrićgrad, two picturesque villages. In Dobrun you will explore one of oldest Orthodox monasteries in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Crossing the border, you'll see the typical Serbian village of Drvengrad, and then have the option for a short train ride before being taken back to your accommodation.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 10 hours

Day 8

Day 8 - Traveling to Kotor by Private Transfer

Today you'll be leaving Sarajevo for the picturesque town of Kotor. Your driver will pick you up at your accommodation at the agreed-upon time. The trip takes about 4.5 hours.

Kotor by Private Transfer
We also offer the following excursions in Sarajevo

Fall of Yugoslavia and Sarajevo Siege Small Group Tour
Easy3 hours and 30 minutes
Greatest Winter Olympics Story Small Group Tour
Light4 hours
Jajce and Travnik Small Group Tour
Moderate11 hours
Tito's Bunker and Konjic Private Day Trip
Light6-7 hours

2 Nights in Kotor

2 Nights in Kotor

3 days in Kotor
3 days in Kotor

2 Nights in Kotor

The southernmost fjord in all of Europe and the deepest in the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is truly a hidden gem. This is a spectacular, visually stunning destination where steep black mountains edge up against the sea. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, mostly for its perfectly preserved Old Town and its walls, with architecture from the Middle Ages. The combination of picture-perfect natural scenery with incredible ancient architecture is dramatic to say the least, and makes a wonderful setting for a unique holiday. The churches and fortresses are some of the most spectacular structures, but that’s just the beginning of things to do in this city of friendly locals, rich history and delicious cuisine. After touring the city with a local, who will help you make your way through the winding streets to see the most impressive sites, we recommend you take the opportunity to get different points of view on Kotor. For a little exercise, hike up the hills surrounding the city for a breathtaking view over the rooftops to the sea. And speaking of the sea, the seafood here is delicious and incredibly fresh. You can get together with a local mussel farmer on a private pier to learn more about this craft before sitting down to a huge plate of mussels and wine. There are also numerous options for swimming, kayaking and fishing in the beautiful and calms waters of the Bay of Kotor.

The southernmost fjord in all of Europe and the deepest in the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is truly a hidden gem. This is a spectacular, visually stunning destination where steep black mountains edge up against the sea. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, mostly for its perfectly preserved Old Town and its walls, with architecture from the Middle Ages. The combination of picture-perfect natural scenery with incredible ancient architecture is dramatic to say the least, and makes a wonderful setting for a unique holiday. The churches and fortresses are some of the most spectacular structures, but that’s just the beginning of things to do in this city of friendly locals, rich history and delicious cuisine. After touring the city with a local, who will help you make your way through the winding streets to see the most impressive sites, we recommend you take the opportunity to get different points of view on Kotor. For a little exercise, hike up the hills surrounding the city for a breathtaking view over the rooftops to the sea. And speaking of the sea, the seafood here is delicious and incredibly fresh. You can get together with a local mussel farmer on a private pier to learn more about this craft before sitting down to a huge plate of mussels and wine. There are also numerous options for swimming, kayaking and fishing in the beautiful and calms waters of the Bay of Kotor.

Day 8

Day 8 - Arrival in Kotor

When you arrive and meet your driver, he will bring you directly to your Kotor accommodation.

Evenings in Kotor

Suggestion to explore on your own

Kotor is a charming and vibrant town, so enjoy its scenic coast with an easy walk around its center. If you'd like to stretch your legs a bit more, walk down the 2.5 mile promenade to Dobrota, a cute village that is officially a separate town, but is de facto part of Kotor.

Evenings in Kotor

Day 9

Day 9 - Your First Full Day in Kotor

Best of Montenegro Private Tour

Best of Montenegro Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Best of Montenegro tour will give you a chance to see some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Montenegro, and also enjoy some spectacular views. First, you'll stop in Njegusi village and afterwards you'll visit Lovcen National Park, followed by the historical capital Cetinje and a cruise on Lake Skadar. This is a great tour where you can enjoy untouched nature, spectacular views and local cuisine.


Activity Level : Strenuous
Duration : 10 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

It's time to say so long and thanks for all the mussels to magnificent Kotor Bay and jet off. We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at your accommodation and take you to the nearby Tivat airport, a journey of around fifteen minutes, in plenty of time for your departing flight.

We also offer the following excursions in Kotor

All About the Mussels Group Tour
Light3 hours
Bay of Kotor Private Half-Day Speedboat Tour
Light4 hours
Bay of Kotor and Blue Cave Private Full-Day Speedboat Tour
Light8 hours
Cooking Class Private Tour
Easy3-4 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Zagreb

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Zagreb Airport Transfer
Private Wine Tasting in a Wine Cellar
Zagreb City Private Tour in a Classic Yugo Car
Zagreb - Belgrade Private Transfer

Belgrade

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Belgrade Private Sightseeing Tour
Belgrade - Sarajevo Private Transfer

Sarajevo

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Meeting of Cultures Private Walking Tour
Traditional Bosnian Dinner with a Local Family Small Group Tour
East Bosnia UNESCO Heritage Small Group Tour
Sarajevo - Kotor Private Transfer

Kotor

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Best of Montenegro Private Tour
Kotor - Tivat Airport Private Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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