Southeastern Europe features so many lovely destinations! While it’s true that the area has suffered from political strife and other issues that have left scars on its landscape, many individuals whose ancestors hail from that part of Europe long to see their homeland. This 2-week trip takes such travelers to four exciting areas — including the stunning coasts of Croatia and the alpine beauty of Slovenia — with plenty of time to explore each both via organized tours and on their own.
Begin with a visit to Ljubljana, the capital and largest city in Slovenia. Considered the cultural, political, economic, and educational center of the region, Ljubljana boasts a lovely, historic city center with many Baroque-style buildings, but it’s also a modern city with plenty of contemporary touches. During your visit here, you’ll enjoy a day at leisure to explore on your own as well as a full-day tour to the town of Bled, led by a local guide well-versed in the history of the area. This alpine town, which sits on a glacial lake of the same name, is home to beautiful Bled Castle and the lush Triglav National Park as well as a number of other notable sites.
Next, depart your Ljubljana hotel for your flight to Split, Croatia and check in for a 2-night stay. Spend a day exploring on your own. Split is situated in the Mediterranean Basin on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. One of the oldest cities in the region, the city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a joy to explore on foot. The city also boasts several fine museums and is the region’s center for music and sports. It’s also a thriving university town.
Depart Split for a 3-night stay in Dubrovnik. This Croatian coastal town is one of the area’s top tourist destinations, enticing visitors with its historic attractions (it’s often been voted among the top 10 medieval walled cities) and boasting lovely beaches lined with top-notch hotels. As you explore on your own, consider visiting the city walls as well as the Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace, St. Blaise’s Church, and St. Saviour Church.
The last leg of your trip takes travelers to Budva, Montenegro for a luxurious 3-night stay in the area known as the Budvanska Riviera. This beautiful Mediterranean town is lauded for its traditional architecture, welcoming beaches, and lively nightlife. Home to many resident millionaires, it’s a popular destination with Russian and Italian tourists and is blessed with warm, sunny summers and mild winters. Be sure to spend plenty of time relaxing on the sand before you depart for Dubrovnik and your flight home. If you’re drawn to this region, also consider our Central Europe tour, which pairs beautifully with a Southeast Europe journey.
The 13-day Southeast Europe Tour covers three countries: Slovenia (Ljubljana and Lake Bled), Croatia (Split and Dubrovnik), and Montenegro (Budva on the Budvanska Riviera). This combination offers a rich variety of landscapes, cultures, and historic sites across some of the most scenic and underrated destinations in Europe.
Lake Bled is a glacial lake in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, famous for its emerald-green waters, the picturesque Bled Island with its 17th-century church, and the clifftop Bled Castle with panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains. It is one of Europe's most photographed natural landmarks and a highlight of any Slovenia itinerary. A full-day guided excursion to Bled is included in this tour.
Yes, Dubrovnik is a very safe destination and one of Croatia's most popular tourist cities. The city is well-established as an international travel hub, with excellent infrastructure, hospitality, and security. Dubrovnik's historic walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regularly visited by millions of tourists each year without incident.
The Budvanska Riviera is a stretch of stunning Adriatic coastline in Montenegro centered on the town of Budva. Known for its beautiful beaches, traditional architecture, and lively summer atmosphere, Budva is a popular destination with both European and international travelers. The area enjoys warm Mediterranean summers and mild winters, and it is particularly known for its luxury hotels, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
The Southeast Europe Tour is 13 days in total, covering Ljubljana and Lake Bled in Slovenia, Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia, and Budva in Montenegro, with a final night back in Dubrovnik before departure. The itinerary balances guided excursions with plenty of leisure time, making it suitable for both first-time visitors and those returning to explore the region more deeply.
13 days featuring Ljubljana, Split, Dubrovnik & Budva
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Plan My TripWe can offer round trip international airfare from any city in the United States. Please note that we can only offer published fares and do not have the capabilities to hold specific fares or flights for longer than five days. Also, we do not offer airfare as a single item - it must be included with a travel package.
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Plan My TripEurope offers an array of River Cruise options from the Douro River in Portugal, to Normandy and the South of France along the Seine and Rhone Rivers, to Rhine and Danube Rivers meandering through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and Romania. We can help you navigate all options best suited for you or group.
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We wanted to drop you a note to thank you for all your help with our recent vacation to Italy. It was simply a phenomenal trip! You put together a package which was exactly what we asked for ? organized activities coupled with ample free time to explore on our own, and smaller quaint (yet elegant) accommodations.

Our trip to Paris and Provence was even better than we had imagined. Once again we gave you short notice, but you came through for us with flying colors. Everything, transportation, hotel accommodations, day tours were excellent. This was our second trip with you planning all of the details, truly amazing!