Crossing the border into Croatia, your first stop is the historical village of Kumrovec, the birthplace of Tito. After exploring on a private tour, enjoy lunch at a local farm.

Zagreb

Subsequently, arrive in Zagreb and check into Le Premier Boutique Hotel. A guided walking tour of the Croatian capital rounds out the evening. 

Zadar

The following day brings one of the most natural highlights of any Balkans travel package: Plitvice Lakes National Park. As the oldest national park in Europe, it embodies a wonderland of turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forest.

After a scenic lunch in the park, continue south to Zadar. There, check in to Hotel Bastion, a Relais & Châteaux property residing on the remains of a 13th-century medieval fortress.

While here, enjoy a guided walking tour through Old Town Zadar. In addition, an excursion to a local eco farm and winery offers a welcome taste of rural Dalmatian life.

Dubrovnik

Finally, journey further south to Dubrovnik, passing through Split en route. Stop for a guided tour of Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world. From there, the route continues along the stunning Adriatic coastline.

Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, settle into The Pucić Palace, set along the pristine waterfront of the Old City.

Then a privately guided walking tour leads through Dubrovnik's medieval core. Highlights of the tour include the Cathedral, the Rector's Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. A cable car ride up to Srđ Mountain, moreover, rewards you with panoramic views.

Departing Croatia, your Balkans tour package continues Bosnia. Here, East and West coexist, collide, and merge. Bosnia tours therefore represent some of the most compelling chapters of this history tour of the Balkans.

Mostar

En route to Sarajevo, a day trip to Mostar delivers one of the journey's most memorable moments. Additionally, a rare stop in Konjic offers access to Tito's Bunker. Indeed, this top-secret Cold War facility only recently opened to the public.

Sarajevo

Upon arrival in Sarajevo, check into the contemporary Swissotel Sarajevo in the heart of the city.

The following morning, guided Bosnia Herzegovina tours begin at Baščaršija Square, the historic Ottoman bazaar at the city's soul. Then travel through the iconic landmarks of Old Town with your local guide.

The highlight, however, will arrive in the form of a visit to the War Tunnel. This clandestine lifeline resides beneath the airport runway, constructed during the Siege of Sarajevo. As a result, few experiences on this journey carry as much emotional weight.

To learn more about including Bosnia and Herzegovina in your travel to the Balkans, check out the travel report from the journalist we sent there from Travel + Leisure Magazine.

Crossing east into Serbia, you will finally arrive in Belgrade, one of Europe's oldest and most vibrant capitals. As such, a private dinner cruise along the Danube River offers an exciting welcome to your final destination. In addition, your hotel, Square Nine Hotel, deliver the highest level of service and fine dining in the city.

The next day, embark on several Serbia tours, beginning first with a private history tour of Belgrade's Old Town. Then visit the Museum of the 25th of May, an institution dedicated to Yugoslav history and the site of Tito's grave.

Finally, for a truly memorable farewell, Ker & Downey can arrange a traditional folk dance performance. It can even accompany your last dinner on this history tour of the Balkans.