Trans Balkan | Journey Across Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Slovenia

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: 5,950 AED excl. flights until APR 25th.
Past this date cost will change.

Visa: Schengen visa rules apply.

See yah in Balkans x
Trekkup Crew
050 4848238/[docs@trekup.com](mailto:docs@trekup.com)
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup