Trekkup Dubai ✔

In a Central Asian intersection of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan across the Wakhan Corridor lays the Republic of Tajikistan, a small enclave country of Persian-speaking, cyrillic writing Tajik peoples once part of the Samanid Empire and most known today for its rugged snow-capped peaks, world-class trekking and climbing across the Fann Mountains, a warm and inviting culture, and what is surely one of the world’s most picturesque turquoise lakes, Iskandarkul!

The capital city of Dushanbe, along the Varzob River in the Gissar Valley, was once the site of several settlements which were rebuilt during the Soviet Era and has become the metropolis it is today, with Barakat covered-market as one of it’s most iconic attractions. With wide tree-lined avenues, museums and monuments around every corner, and cafes and tea-houses to satisfy every craving for Tajik sweets.

One cannot venture across Tajikistan without paying a visit to Iskandarkul. The legendary Lake of Alexander the Great, at nearly 2200 MASL, is iconic in its turquoise still reflections of the surrounding mountains and peaks. The locals will have a few stories to tell about how the lake formed and whether Alexander’s favourite horse Bucephalus still haunts the icy waters, but you’ll have a chance to see and swim this pristine jewel, trek around the “Fann Niagara”, and explore a few sites of scientific expeditions!

Let’s go!!

Day 0 // Dushanbe Departure

Meeting at Dubai Airport Terminal 2 at 21:00 for a direct flight to Dushanbe at 22:55.

Day 1 // Yaghnob Valley & Iskandarkul Lake

After early morning arrival and immigration formalities, we’ll transfer to hotel for a very quick rest and breakfast before we hit the road to Varzob through the Anzob Pass and take in our first views of the Fann Mountains along the way.

We’ll continue to Yaghnob Valley for a village visit and local lunch before we reach Iskandarkul Lake where we’ll check-in and take a quick trek to waterfall and first pristine views of the lake! Return to hotel for dinner and rest.

Day 2 // Iskandarkul & Dushanbe

We’ll rise with the sun for a boat trip around the lake before a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before we start our return journey back to Dushanbe. We’ll have a lunch in town before sightseeing few highlights of Somoni Statue, Navruzhoh Palace, and the Mehrigon Market. We’ll have a quick hotel check-in before we head out to enjoy some live music at local pub for dinner.

Airport transfer for return flight home. Back in DXB at 07:25 AM.

Activities: Short trekking, boating, optional swimming, cultural immersion.

Duration: Weekend.

Accommodation & meals: hotels and lake bungalows - double sharing. Meals in guesthouses included, restaurant meals excluded. Bring your fav snacks.

Cost: AED 4720 all incl. flight until MAY 10th. Past this date please inquire about cost and availability.

Peru, oh Peru. You really do have to see it to believe it. Open your eyes - you’re in Machu Picchu, the eternal city in the clouds, renowned as one of the seven wonders of the modern world. It’s the kind of dream everyone should have at least once – preferably while awake.

It may top bucket lists around the world, but Machu Picchu is just the beginning. Peru is a country with over 10,000 years of history, once the proud seat of the Inca Empire. And long before the Incas, it was home to a series of ancient civilizations that left their marks, ones that we still marvel at today: Caral, the oldest city in the Americas; the tombs of Sipán; the giant Nazca lines only fully visible from the sky; and the mountain fortress of Kuélap. In Peru, the past isn’t hidden in museums. It’s carved into cliffs, etched in desert sands and hidden high on Andean ridges.

Nature lovers, this one’s for you: Peru is also one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Out of the planet’s 117 known life zones, Peru has 84. That means you can go from dry, dusty desert to icy peaks to rainforests teeming with life, all in a single trip. The Amazon River Basin alone could keep explorers busy for a lifetime, but let’s not forget the condors, llamas, alpacas or the surreal rainbow-striped slopes of Vinicunca, the Mountain of Seven Colors.

And then there’s the food. Once considered “just” local food, Peruvian gastronomy now has the world’s attention, with chefs turning ancient flavors into haute cuisine. Imagine potatoes in every possible color, the freshest ceviche, jewel-toned corn and a national love for pisco that turns every gathering into a party. Pair that with a rich living culture expressed through music, dance and traditional festivals, and you’ll find that Peru offers an atmosphere as vibrant and layered as its landscapes.
Machu Picchu: The Inca’s Enigma
At 2,400 meters above sea level, tucked away in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu is the jewel of the Andes. Built without wheels, iron tools, or cement, its granite stones fit together so precisely you can’t even slip a credit card between them. Was it an astronomical observatory, or a royal retreat for Pachacuti, the Inca emperor with 150 children and possibly even more secrets? Was it built by an engineering genius, or as conspiracy enthusiasts like to claim, the handiwork of aliens? Take your pick – the mystery is half the fun.
What we do know is this: the Spanish conquistadors never found Machu Picchu, which is why it survived as the best-preserved Inca city. Whether you arrive by train, bus or the legendary Inca Trail, nothing dulls the awe of standing among its terraces and temples, as clouds drift across the mountains. Some places are overhyped…but Machu Picchu isn’t one of them.
The city rises from the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba, a fertile basin once central to Inca agriculture. Stretching nearly 150 kilometers, the valley gets just the right mix of sun, water, and breezes. No wonder the Incas carved terraces here that still cling to the slopes in perfect formation, turning steep mountainsides into productive farmland and picture-perfect landscapes all at once.
Part of Machu Picchu’s magic is that no one really knows how it was built. Without wheels, draft animals, or cement, the Incas managed to shape and fit massive granite blocks with a precision that still baffles engineers today. Astronomical temples line up with the solstices, making the site part observatory, part sanctuary, part royal getaway – and entirely mind-blowing. (Theories about alien contractors are still optional.)
Why the Incas abandoned such a masterpiece remains one of history’s enduring questions, especially as we still don’t know its exact purpose. Maybe it was Pachacuti’s summer palace, a spiritual sanctuary or even the Inca world’s version of a secret hideout. Some say it was left behind deliberately to protect it from the invading Spaniards. Whatever the truth, its temples – especially the famed Intihuatana, or “Hitching Post of the Sun” – still glow with mystery…and offer us a rare glimpse into a civilization that, for a moment, built a paradise in stone.
The Rainbow Mountain: Where Geology Went Wild
About 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco, at 5,200 meters above sea level, it looks as if a rainbow crash-landed into the Andes. The slopes and peaks of Vinicunca, the Mountain of Seven Colors, dazzle with stripes of red, turquoise, lavender and gold, thanks to mineral sediments dating back millions of years. Only revealed about 10 years ago, due to a melting glacial, it has already become one of Peru’s most photographed icons. It seems that nature still has surprises up its sleeve!
Lake Titicaca: Myths on the Water
Then there’s Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, its sparkling waters sitting at nearly 3,900 meters above sea level. Fun fact: It’s both the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. Even more interesting? According to legend, Titicaca is the birthplace of the sun itself. The Aymara people say the creator god Viracocha rose from these waters to bring light and humanity into the world. The Incas believed their first ruler, Manco Cápac, emerged here too.
This is a place with legends and mysteries at every turn, and one its most intriguing concerns an ancient city known as Wanaku, or the City of Spirits, which is supposedly submerged somewhere in Titicaca’s chilly waters. Apparently, Wanaku was an important cultural and spiritual center, before a great earthquake struck and it was swallowed by the lake, leaving no trace.
Still more exciting are the rumors of Inca gold that have long sparked the imaginations of treasure hunters around the world. Legends speak of riches sunk beneath the lake’s waters to keep them safe from the Spanish conquistadors. No one has struck it rich (yet). But through the years, Titicaca has continued to reveal its secrets – for example in the 1970s, when Jacques Cousteau explored the lake and discovered giant, never-before-seen frog species in its depths.
Gold may be elusive, but most visitors would agree that the true treasure is the lake itself. Scattered across its vast surface are islands which indigenous communities call home, both those using the pre-Inca language of Aymara and Quechua, the official language of the Incas. On Titicaca’s Peruvian side, floating islands made of reeds – home to the Uros people – bob gently in the water. Further out, Amantani and Taquile islands welcome visitors into traditional communities where, over centuries, their resourceful people learned to make the most of their surroundings and live in harmony with nature.
And in case you’re wondering about the name: ask a Peruvian and a Bolivian who owns which part of Lake Titicaca’s name, and you’ll get two very different answers. In Quechua, titi means puma and refers to the lake’s shape. Caca, in Spanish, means…something less impressive. Since most travelers set sail from the Peruvian side, locals will cheerfully tell you the noble titi is theirs – and the other half belongs to Bolivia.
A World of Discoveries
Peru is so much more than a tick on the bucket list. It’s the Andes and the Amazon, Inca ruins and Spanish plazas, mystery and myth, ceviche and pisco…the softness of alpacas, rainbows painted onto mountains and temples that touch the sky.
And perhaps best of all, it’s the people…generous, resilient and proud to share their culture with anyone curious enough to discover it. Peru has fascinated travelers for centuries. Once you experience it, you’ll understand why.

Let’s go!

Day 1 // ARRIVAL
Arrival in Lima, transfer from the airport to our hotel in the Miraflores neighborhood. In the evening, we’ll gather for a group dinner at the Larcomar Center to kick off the trip.

Day 2 // PARACAS
Breakfast and an early departure to make our way from Lima to Paracas, hopping on a boat to explore the largest peninsula in Peru. We’ll admire the famous "Candelabro" geoglyph and then head to the Ballestas Islands, spotting sea lions, Humboldt penguins, crabs, pelicans, cormorants, boobies and maybe even dolphins as we go. After about 2.5 hours we’ll return to port and continue to Ica, known for its wine production. We'll enjoy a tasting of wine, pisco and local liqueurs such as chirimoya. After the tasting, transfer to Nazca for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 // NAZCA
After breakfast we’ll head to Nazca airport for a flight over the famous Nazca Lines and geoglyphs – still a mystery to this day. During the 30-minute flight we'll marvel at these mysterious and incredible artworks and dive into the ocean of theories surrounding them. Then, we head to the Huacachina Oasis for a thrilling buggy tour through the Peruvian desert, the gateway to the Atacama. After a day of adventure, we return to Lima for overnight.

Day 4 // LIMA CITY TOUR
Today we explore the capital city of Peru. We’ll visit the famous Park of Love in our neighborhood, Miraflores, followed by a city center tour including Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Armas, the cathedral and the catacombs in the Church of San Francisco. After lunch, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Juliaca in southern Peru, near Lake Titicaca. From Juliaca, we transfer by bus to Puno and check into our hotel.

Day 5 // TITICACA
The lake of myths and legends, the great Titicaca, is calling us! We’ll embark on a boat trip to the famous Uros floating islands, made from Totora reeds. There, we will meet the community’s leader, who will explain how the islands are constructed, and what daily life is like there. We’ll continue to Taquile Island, to experience a showcase of local dress, music and dances. While we feast on a delicious lunch of local trout, we’ll learn more about life on this island, and the traditions which have been preserved for centuries. Those looking for souvenirs will have the chance to purchase some local handicrafts before we return to Puno. Optional evening outing to Los Balcones restaurant for a traditional dance show.

Day 6 // JOURNEY TO CUSCO
After breakfast we’ll hit the road to Cusco, making several stops along the way. First we’ll visit Pukara, home to award-winning Peruvian coffee, and then brave the La Raya high-mountain pass. A hearty lunch buffet will energize us before our visits to Raqchi Temple and the Church of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of Peru. Later, arrival in Cusco and check-in at hotel.

Day 7 // SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
Today we explore the famous Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley of the Incas). We'll begin with the massive archaeological complex in Pisac, visiting the craft market where we'll have the opportunity to purchase various souvenirs, typical Peruvian clothing and other characteristic regional products. We'll head to a restaurant in Urubamba for lunch, where a buffet awaits us. In the afternoon we'll head to the very end of the Sacred Valley, to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we'll visit the beautiful archaeological complex. Afterward, we'll head to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) for our overnight stay.

Day 8 // MACHU PICCHU
After fueling up for a day of discovery, we’ll hop on a local bus and head to one of the wonders of the world – the famous Machu Picchu. We'll also climb to the summit of one of the most important Apu Picchus, where the most important ceremonies and rituals took place. We'll be treated to one of the most beautiful views of Machu Picchu below and a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks – including Apu Salkantay, weather permitting. After exploring the complex, we'll head to Aguas Calientes for lunch and return to our hotel in Cusco.

Day 9 // CUSCO CITY TOUR
This morning we’ll take a tour of the high-altitude city of Cusco, taking in sights such as Plaza de Armas, its largest and most important square, and the famous Coricancha – the site of Inca gold, where Inca rulers were crowned and their mummies were kept. From there, we will visit Saqsayhuaman, a monumental 15th century Inca fortress and ceremonial complex located on a hill overlooking the city, and then Quenquo, where mummifications were performed. We will have lunch at a restaurant in Cusco and then transfer to the airport for our return flight to Lima.

Day 10 // RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
We’ll start the day enjoying a scenic drive with a local breakfast on the way, before hitting a short trail to Rainbow Mountain, soaking in the stunning colors around. Optional horse riding available.
Continue with few viewpoint stops of the breathtaking Red Valley. After well-deserved lunch, we’ll relax on the drive back to Cusco, evening at leisure.

Day 11 // DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel, then some free time to relax or do some last-minute souvenir shopping, followed by a transfer to the airport for our return flight.

Trip starts and ends in Lima MAY 20-30.
2 domestic flights are included in trip budget.

Grade: Moderate High altitude ahead! (5200 masl)

Activities:
Hiking, boating, encounter one of the worlds wonder, sightseeing.

Duration: 11 days.

Accommodation & meals:
Hotels 3-4 star - double sharing. Meals except breakfasts, excluded.

Cost: 8,810 AED incl 2 domestic and NAZCA flights, excl. international flight.
Cost valid until MAY 10.

Recommended international flight cost (KLM): approx. 7750 AED.

Specifically excluded: meals, visa, international flights to Lima.

From mesmerizing Machu Picchu to peering over the edge of heart-stopping cliffs, to walking salt planes, gazing out across breathtaking landscapes, and feasting your eyes on some of the world’s most treasured wonders. And as if that isn’t enough, set against this spectacular natural backdrop we will dive headfirst into the unique history and culture of the Andean region, as we party the nights away to a soulful soundtrack that uncovers regional sounds from Bolivia’s traditional folklorico!!

Brazil is a fascinating country of contrasts. On one hand, it is the country of the best footballers in the world, on the other – home to endless rainforest where you can still come across Indian traditions. Iguazu falls is an 60-82 mts escarpment over which the Iguaçu River plunges and divide the falls into some 275 separate waterfalls. It is approx. 3 times wider than Niagara Falls.

Argentina, with its spectacular nature, cosmopolitan cities and mix of different cultural influences, is one of the favorite destinations in South America. It extends over about 4,000 kilometers, from its subtropical north to Tierra del Fuego, encompassing in its territory a wide variety of climates and ecosystems.

Bolivia - A country of extremes, landlocked Bolivia is the highest and most isolated country in South America. One of the most secluded and underrated travel destinations in the world, Bolivia is a country like no other. Offering up surreal landscapes, unique cultures, fun-filled festivals, vibrant cities, bustling markets and adrenaline pumping activities, it’s not a question if to visit Bolivia.

Peru - A country with 10,000 years of history was once a seat of the fabulous Inca Empire. However long before that, ancient civilizations left the world with magnificent samples of a glorious past like Caral; the royal tombs of Sipan, the most lavish burial in America; the enigmatic Nazca lines; and the mighty fortress of Kuélap. Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonders of the world, is the best-preserved Inca city located at an altitude of 2090-2400 masl, 112 km from the city of Cuzco.

We have packed a must-see list of South America in extra ordinary journey where you will not only visit 4 countries but most importantly spend time immersing yourself in Latin culture and nature, definitely some of the most picturesque and unique on this planet! We have a detailed itinerary far too extensive for meetup word limits.

Lets go!

Day 0 :: Flight DXB-IGU
Day 1 :: BRAZIL Arrival to Iguazu at midnight. In the morning visit Brazilian side of the falls.
Day 2 :: ARGENTINA Salta - Purnamarca - Tilcara
Day 3 :: Humahuaca - crossing to BOLIVIA - Tupiza
Day 4 :: Tupiza - Uyuni day 1
Day 5 :: Quetena - Laguna Colorada - Uyuni day 2
Day 6 :: La Paz City - Moon Valley - optional Cholitas wrestling
Day 7 :: La Paz - Ruta de la Muerte
Day 8 :: La Paz - crossing to PERU: Titicaca lake - Uros islands - Puno
Day 9 :: Drive Puno - Cuzco via Rachq'i
Day 10 :: Machu Picchu
Day 11 :: Cuzco free day
Day 12 :: Flight to Lima + departure LIM-DXB

TRIP STARTS ON MAY 23 MORNING in IGUAZU and ENDS ON JUNE 03 in PERU, LIMA. You can arrive anytime on MAY 22, depart in the afternoon on JUNE 03.

Our schedule is based on EK connection via GRU (cost approx. AED 8,500 - excluded from trip budget):

MAY 22 DXB-GRU-IGU
JUNE 03 LIM-GRU-DXB.

Grade: Easy - available for everyone. High altitude ahead, optional activities such as downhill cycling.

Activities: Trekking, cycling, boating, swimming, sightseeing. Optional Cholitas wrestling show.

Duration: 12 days

Cost: 13,500 AED incl. 3 connecting flights until MAY 02. On this date we will close the list.

Connecting flights: Dubai - Iguazu and return Lima - Dubai excluded.

Visas:
Most of passports are visa free regime / USA visa waiver.
Any visa support is not available for this program.

Accommodation & meals: 3-4 star hotels - double sharing. Meals excluded.

Excluded: Return flight from Dubai, visas, restaurant meals.

See yah in South America x

Sitting at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, the Balkans are a region that has been shaped by movement, exchange and conflict. From the Ottomans to the Austro-Hungarians, over centuries empires have risen and fallen here, leaving behind a layered cultural identity that is still visible today. While the 20th century brought a more turbulent chapter, particularly during the breakup of Yugoslavia, what stands out now is this resilient region’s incredible cultural and natural richness.

Travel through Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Croatia reveals a constantly shifting cultural landscape, each country offering its own distinct character while sharing deep historical ties. You’ll find Ottoman-era mosques alongside 19th century Austro-Hungarian façades, socialist-era architecture next to lively café-lined streets, and a shared love of hospitality that runs throughout. Food is a highlight: hearty, flavourful and rooted in tradition, whether it’s grilled meats, slow-cooked stews, fresh breads or strong coffee lingered over in a busy square.

Our journey begins in Belgrade, Serbia’s cool and slightly gritty capital city. Set at the meeting point of the Danube and Sava rivers, its historic Belgrade Fortress offers sweeping views and a sense of the city’s strategic importance through the centuries. From here, we’ll head into the Serbian countryside, where villages like historic Mokra Gora show us what rural life was like in days gone by.

In tiny Bosnia, Sarajevo is often described as a place where East meets West. Ottoman bazaars sit nearby colorful Baroque squares, and the city’s tragic recent history adds another layer to its story. The city is also known as the "Jerusalem of Europe", due to the fact that the four major faiths of Islam, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and Judaism have coexisted here for centuries. Further south, Mostar offers one of the region’s most recognisable sights in the elegant Stari Most, a UNESCO-listed bridge that brave divers leap off in the summer months.

Crossing into Croatia, the landscapes shift from forest to dazzling Adriatic coastlines. Towns like Šibenik provide a gateway to some of the country’s best national parks, including Krka National Park and the lake-filled Plitvice Lakes National Park. Wooden walkways will lead us past waterfalls and through turquoise waters, offering a refreshing break from the city.

The final stretch takes us into under-the-radar Slovenia, a land of pristine lakes, towering mountains and tranquil alpine meadows. The compact and picturesque capital, Ljubljana, is perfect for a riverside stroll, while nearby we’ll find highlights like Kranjska Gora’s jagged peaks and Lake Bled, with its iconic island church and clifftop castle, a must on every traveler’s bucket list.

Taking in four countries and countless epic sights, this is the Balkan adventure of a lifetime.

Let’s go!

Day 0 / SER: Flight & Arrival in Belgrade

Meet at DXB for a direct flight to Belgrade.
Upon arrival in Belgrade, immigration and transfer to the hotel to get a good night’s sleep before the adventure begins.

Day 1 / SER: Belgrade

We start things off with an exploration of Belgrade, an underrated European capital that offers incredible culture, history and gastronomy, without the crowds. This morning we’ll tour the city’s highlights, including the iconic Belgrade Fortress. Built on a ridge above the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, and dating back to the 2nd century, the fortress has been destroyed and rebuilt countless times over 16 centuries. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of the city’s long and often turbulent history.

In the afternoon, we’ll head out of the city center for some nature and views, visiting the Avala Tower, a 205-metre-high structure atop Avala Mountain offering panoramic vistas across the region, and Košutnjak Forest, often referred to as the city’s “oxygen factory”.
Overnight in Belgrade.

Day 2 / SER-BOS: Belgrade – Mokra Gora – Visegrad - Sarajevo

Today we leave the city behind and head into the mountains towards Mokra Gora, a picturesque traditional village sitting between the Tara and Zlatibor ranges, offering a glimpse of life in rural Serbia. Here we’ll take a ride on the famous Šargan Eight, a narrow-gauge railway that loops in a figure-eight through 22 tunnels, revealing expansive views of forested hills and valleys.

Crossing the border into Bosnia, we’ll make a stop at Visegrad to see the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, one of the region’s most striking architectural landmarks. Spanning the Drina River, this 16th-century Ottoman bridge is UNESCO-listed and offers a picturesque spot for photos.
We’ll continue to Sarajevo, where we spend the night.

Day 3 / BOS: Sarajevo – Mostar

We’ll start the day with a tour of Sarajevo, a city defined by its cultural and religious diversity. It’s one of the few places where a mosque, Catholic church, Orthodox church and synagogue can all be found within walking distance, reflecting centuries of coexistence. In the old bazaar of Baščaršija, Ottoman influences remain strong, from the architecture to the tradition of slow-brewed Bosnian coffee, showcasing the city’s reputation as a place where “east meets west”.

Later, we’ll take the gondola up Trebević Mountain, rising 1,627 metres above the city, which once hosted events for the 1984 Winter Olympics. We’ll enjoy the views before continuing our journey south.

En route to Mostar, we’ll stop in Jablanica to visit the Neretva River battle museum, a memorial to the pivotal WWII battle of 1943.
Overnight in Mostar.

Day 4 / BOS-CRO: Mostar – Kravice – Šibenik

Today we discover Mostar, the historic capital of Herzegovina, developed as an Ottoman frontier town in the 15th century. Its beautifully restored old town centres around the iconic Stari Most, a 16th-century bridge that was destroyed during the Bosnian War and later rebuilt, now standing as a symbol of reconciliation. We’ll wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town, explore the narrow streets of the bazaar, and soak up the blend of Islamic and European influences.

We’ll continue on to Blagaj Tekke, a 16th-century Dervish monastery set at the base of a cliff beside a spring, combining Ottoman and Mediterranean architectural styles. Our next stop is the lush Kravice Waterfalls, a wide cascade on the Trebižat River, close to the border.

Crossing into Croatia, we’ll continue to the Šibenik area, where we spend the night.

Day 5 / CRO: Šibenik – Plitvice

Today we get a dose of stunning nature as we explore Krka National Park, a majestic, protected landscape of cascading waterfalls, emerald pools and rich biodiversity shaped by the Krka River. Wooden walkways and trails make it easy to experience the scenery up close, including the impressive Skradinski Buk falls.
Afterwards, we’ll stop in the historic riverside town of Skradin, a settlement with over two millennia of history. We’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch before continuing inland to the Plitvice region.

Overnight in the Plitvice area.

Day 6 / CRO-SLO: Plitvice – Ljubljana

Today we visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s oldest and largest national park. Its 16 interconnected lakes, linked by waterfalls and natural limestone barriers, are famous for their constantly shifting colours, from deep azure to vivid green, caused by mineral-rich waters. Wooden boardwalks wind through the landscape, offering an immersive way to explore this UNESCO-listed site.

Later, we’ll visit Rastoke, a picturesque village where traditional houses and historic watermills sit among a network of small waterfalls at the meeting point of two rivers.

We’ll hit the road again and cross the border into Slovenia, continuing to Ljubljana, where we spend the night.

Day 7 / SLO: Ljubljana – Kranjska Gora – Bled

This morning we’ll set off into the Julian Alps towards Kranjska Gora, a charming alpine town near the borders of Austria and Italy. Known as a gateway to Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only national park, it offers a pristine landscape of mountains, forests and glacial valleys, perfect for hiking and scenic drives.

Next we’ll explore the most iconic of Slovenia’s sights: the fairytale-like Lake Bled. This glacial lake, known for its striking blue-green waters, is centred around a small island topped by a 17th-century church and overlooked by a dramatic cliffside castle dating back over 1,000 years. This incredible destination offers stunning views from every angle, and once we’ve had our fill (and taken hundreds of photos), we’ll head back to the city.

Overnight in Ljubljana.

Day 8 / SLO-CRO: Ljubljana – Zagreb

This morning we’ll hit the road first thing, crossing the border back into Croatia. We’ll make our way to Zagreb, the country’s capital and main transport hub, where Central Europe, the Mediterranean and Southeast Europe meet.

Setting out on a tour, we’ll take in the city’s chic café culture and the beautiful architecture in its charming Old Town, passing by highlights such as Zagreb Cathedral, St Mark’s Church, the Lotrščak tower, offering one of the most beautiful views of the city, and the Gric Tunnel, built as a refuge during WWII and used again during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 90s.

Overnight in Zagreb.

Day 9 / CRO: Departure

Free morning to explore and do some last-minute souvenir shopping, before we head to Zagreb Airport to catch our return flight.

Bye bye Balkans x

Duration: 9 days
Activities: trekking, boating, swimming, sightseeing, cultural immersion.
Grade: Easy
Room & Meals: 3 and 4* hotels, double sharing. Meals excluded.
Cost: 6,230 AED excl. flights until MAY 10.
Past this date cost will change.

Visa: Schengen visa rules apply.