Balkans Rail Adventure
Overview
Highlights
- Visit seven countries of Former Yugoslavia in just 16 days
- Experience a variety of scenic rail journeys
- Discover contrasting landscapes and cities in this lesser visited region
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Max Group Size
Itinerary
Our journey through the Balkans starts today in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. This historic city lies in the shadow of its old castle and upon the banks of the Ljubljanica River, which meanders through the pedestrianised centre. For those arriving in time, o...
Ljubljana is brimming with art, culture and music, and topped off with stunning Germanic-style architecture. This morning, we'll explore the city on foot with a local guide to take in some of its most attractive landmarks including the Opera House, National Gallery, R...
This morning, you're free to relax in Ljubljana and grab some lunch before we hop aboard our train to Zagreb, this afternoon. The journey will see us cross the border into Croatia and will take around three hours. On arrival, we'll begin exploring Croatia's capita...
Today we drive around three hours out of the city to the stunning Plitvice National Park. The park boasts 16 interconnecting lakes, waterfalls, and dense woodland with an array of wildlife. The rare fauna includes wild brown bear, wolves, lynx, and eagles, but more co...
This morning, we'll walk from our hotel to the railway station to start our journey to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. We'll take the train from Zagreb to Vrpolje - a journey of around three hours. In Vrpolje, we'll change to a private bus for the bor...
A poignant start this morning, we'll take taxis into the city centre to learn about the events that triggered World War I on 28th June 1914 - the assassination of assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. We'll join a local guide to find out more and along the way, w...
This morning, we'll walk to the railway station and board our train for a very scenic journey between Sarajevo and Mostar (taking just under three hours). As we chug slowly through the mountains, which were occupied by Bosnian Serbs during the Bosnian War, take a mome...
Today we have a jam-packed but rewarding schedule. Leaving Mostar early this morning (at around 7.30am) we'll drive to Podgorica in Montenegro via Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the Bay of Kotor. Depending on border crossings we hope to have around two and half hours to...
This morning, we'll take a bus (162km) to the small town of Prijepolje, Serbia. From here, we'll board our train to take one of the most scenic rail routes in Europe. The six-hour journey from Prijepolje to Belgrade introduces us to stunning scenery - soak in the land...
This morning, we'll walk the short distance to the train station where we'll board a train to Novi Sad, a journey of around one hour. Although the second largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad offers a much more laidback atmosphere, standing tall above the Danube River. The...
We'll begin today with a guided walking tour to see the earliest known areas of the city, Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park. The fortress is an appropriate setting to learn about the city's history through the centuries including Medieval, Roman and Ottoman period...
Today, we'll explore Skopje. We'll take taxis to the city centre for and orientation tour which will include highlights such as the fortress, 12th-century Old Bazaar (which is the largest and most well-preserved bazaar in south-east Europe), and the Holocaust Museum. ...
Taking a step back in time, today we'll visit the ancient Macedonian city of Heraclea. Leaving our hotel this morning it's a three hour drive to Bitola in southern North Macedonia, which is a short distance from Heraclea. We'll check-in at our hotel before a local gui...
This morning, we'll drive through the beautiful Galicica National Park to Ohrid. Popular for its natural scenery including mountains, lakes and caves, the national park is also very important to the area's agricultural industry. We'll make a number of short stops alon...
This morning, we'll begin the nine-hour journey to Kosovo's capital, Pristina. To break up the long drive, we'll make plenty of stops. We'll visit Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and built almost 1000 years ago. We'll also stop in t...
Our trip ends this morning in Pristina. There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Pristina at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you\ d like an airport trans...
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check current availability, prices, specials & more.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Clive
Oct 2024
Balkans Rail Adventure
Four star rating because the explore trip description was out of date. Whilst advertised as a rail adventure we had very few train journeys (even counting in the rai...
Judith
Oct 2024
Balkans Rail Adventure
Well organised with lots of variety. Fast pace but lots to see and learn about. History of all the different countries was extremely complex .Beautiful scenery and g...
YingWah
Oct 2024
Balkans Rail Adventure
Our group Explore Leader, Filip Kolic, is highly professional in ensuring our trip is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. He's quick in problem-solving and for...
Gill
Oct 2024
Balkans Rail Adventure
Full on, busy, enjoyable trip. I wouldn’t describe it as a rail adventure as mostly we travelled by bus. Worth noting that towards the end of the season some train r...
Other Explore! Reviews
Hilary
Apr 2025
Helpful and knowledgeable
Very efficient and re assuring as a single traveller
Susan
Apr 2025
Very helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful.
Trusted Customer
Apr 2025
Simply Japan
This was an excellent introduction to Japan. We saw lots of highights and it made me want to return to this lovely country. The guide was patient and enthusiastic ...
Tour Operator
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
Transportation & Flights
Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 15
- Dinner : 3
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations