2025 ‘Meet the Balkans – 10 day tour of Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro’ Review

So, you’re thinking about a trip through the Balkans, right? Honestly, I had this tour on my mind for a very long time before I actually went. The ‘Meet the Balkans’ 10-day package just kept popping up, and I mean, it looked almost too good to be true. You get Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro all in one go, you know. I figured it was time to just stop wondering. The big question for me was, could a tour like this actually give you a real feel for these places in just ten days? Well, I went to find out, and frankly, the experience was pretty different from what I expected. It’s the kind of trip that, like, really sticks with you, you know, in a way that’s a little hard to explain at first. It’s just more or less an adventure with a lot of depth.

Kicking Things Off in Croatia: The Dalmatian Dream

The tour basically starts with a bang on the Croatian coast. We, like, landed and were more or less straight into the sunshine and the smell of salty air and sunscreen. First impressions are, you know, a pretty big deal, and Croatia definitely makes a good one. It’s almost exactly like the pictures, you see. The water is, frankly, an unbelievable shade of blue, and the old towns have these creamy-white stone buildings that just seem to glow. It’s pretty easy to feel like you’ve stepped back in time, just a little. But at the same time, it’s a living, breathing place, not some stuffy museum, you know what I mean? The whole atmosphere is, sort of, very relaxed but also full of life at the end of the day.

Dubrovnik’s Walls and Whispers

Alright, so Dubrovnik is obviously a huge draw for many people on this trip. Walking the city walls was, to be honest, a top moment for me. From up there, you literally get this amazing view of the whole city, with all the terracotta roofs packed together and the Adriatic Sea stretching out forever. It’s sort of overwhelming in the best way possible. Our guide was, you know, pretty good at pointing out spots from shows like Game of Thrones, which was kind of fun. But actually, what I found more interesting were the stories about the city’s real history, which is just incredibly rich. You can almost feel the weight of centuries as you wander through the marble streets, you know.

Split’s Living Palace

Next, we went up the coast to Split, which, frankly, has a completely different vibe. The main attraction here is, of course, Diocletian’s Palace, which is really not a palace in the traditional sense anymore. I mean, it’s basically the living, beating heart of the old city. People actually live inside its walls, so you’ll see laundry hanging between old Roman columns, and there are, like, tons of bars, shops, and restaurants tucked away in its cellars and courtyards. We, sort of, spent an afternoon just getting lost in the maze of streets, and it was just a lot of fun. The food here was also a standout; I still think about this one seafood risotto I had at a little cafe on the Riva promenade, right.

A Soulful Shift into Bosnia and Herzegovina

Leaving the sunny Croatian coast and heading inland towards Bosnia and Herzegovina is, like, a really noticeable shift. The landscape apparently changes pretty fast, from rocky coastline to these incredibly lush, green hills and mountains. But the biggest change, you know, is in the atmosphere. It’s just a bit more somber, more reflective. You start seeing the scars of the war from the 1990s on some buildings, and it’s a very powerful reminder of the region’s recent past. Honestly, this part of the trip was deeply moving and, in some respects, the most meaningful. It offers a very different, but arguably just as beautiful, perspective on the Balkans.

Mostar’s Bridge of Courage

As a matter of fact, our first big stop was Mostar, famous for its incredible bridge, Stari Most. The original bridge stood for over 400 years before it was destroyed in the war and, you know, it has since been rebuilt exactly as it was. It’s seriously a symbol of reconciliation and resilience. Seeing it for the first time is one of those travel moments that you, like, don’t forget. We were, kind of, lucky enough to see the local divers make their traditional jump from the top of the bridge into the chilly Neretva River below. The old town around the bridge is a really charming mix of Ottoman-era architecture, cobblestone lanes, and little shops selling copper goods and stuff.

Sarajevo’s Resilient Heart

From Mostar, we traveled to Sarajevo, which was honestly the emotional core of the whole trip for me. This is a city that has been through so much, yet it has this incredible spirit. Our local guide was, frankly, amazing, sharing personal stories about life during the siege in the 90s. Walking through the city, you see ‘Sarajevo Roses’—craters from mortar shells filled with red resin—and it’s a pretty sobering sight. But then you turn a corner and you’re in the Baščaršija, the old Turkish bazaar, and it’s just buzzing with energy. People are sipping strong Bosnian coffee, and you can hear the call to prayer from a mosque, the bells from a Catholic cathedral, and an Orthodox church all within a few blocks. It’s a city that just refuses to be defined by its tragedies, and you can really feel that.

Montenegro’s Majestic Bay and Mountains

The final leg of the tour takes you to Montenegro, and seriously, the scenery is just ridiculously dramatic. The drive down to the Bay of Kotor is something else. You come around these mountain roads, and suddenly, this huge, fjord-like bay opens up below you, ringed by these massive black mountains. It is almost like a landscape from a fantasy story. The whole area feels very, you know, grand and wild. It was a really breathtaking change of pace after the more urban experiences in Croatia and Bosnia, and it was just a fantastic way to cap off the trip, more or less.

The Charms of Kotor and Perast

The main town, Kotor, is tucked right into a corner of the bay, a beautiful little medieval walled city. It’s another one of those places where the best thing to do is just wander and get a little lost in its winding, narrow streets. Frankly, they call it a ‘labyrinth’ for a reason. One of the highlights was taking a small boat out on the bay to visit the tiny island of Our Lady of the Rocks. It has this cute little church and a pretty interesting story behind it. The whole setting is just so peaceful and picturesque; it feels like you’re worlds away from everything, you know. Honestly, it was a very serene experience.

Practical Tips and What to Really Expect

Alright, so beyond the sights, there are a few practical things to know about a tour like this. It is, you know, fairly fast-paced. You are more or less on the move every day or two, so you need to be ready for that. This isn’t a lie-on-the-beach kind of holiday. You really get a taste of three different countries, which is amazing, but it does mean you don’t spend a huge amount of time in any single place. You kind of get a sampler platter of the region, which for a first-timer, is actually perfect. It helps you figure out where you might want to return and spend more time later on, right?

Pacing, People, and What to Pack

Thinking about the day-to-day, here’s some stuff I figured out. The experience is pretty structured, you know, but you still get a good amount of free time in the afternoons and evenings to explore on your own.

Pacing: It’s pretty quick. You pack and unpack a few times, so, like, packing cubes are a really good idea. Honestly, just be ready for early mornings on travel days.
The Group: The group size was, sort of, medium, which was nice. You get to know people but it’s not overwhelming. Our group was a mix of different ages and nationalities, which actually made it a lot more fun.
Packing Essentials: Definitely bring comfortable walking shoes. Seriously, you will walk a lot on cobblestones. Also, pack layers of clothing. The weather can change quite a bit from the sunny coast to the mountains.
Money Stuff: Croatia and Montenegro use the Euro, but Bosnia and Herzegovina has its own currency, the Bosnian Mark. It’s actually pretty easy to handle. Just take out some local cash from an ATM when you arrive in Bosnia, and use your card where you can.

Was the 10-Day Balkans Tour Worth It? My Honest Thoughts

So, at the end of the day, what’s the final word? For me, this trip was absolutely worth it. It’s not just a sightseeing tour; it’s a real experience that gives you a glimpse into a part of Europe that is so full of history, natural beauty, and resilience. You know, you get the stunning Croatian beaches, the deeply moving history of Bosnia, and the jaw-dropping mountains of Montenegro. It’s a trip of incredible contrasts, really. It kind of pushed my perspective on a lot of things. If you are someone who is curious and wants to see and learn a lot in a short amount of time, then I honestly think you’ll love this. It’s an itinerary that just gives you a lot to think about long after you’ve come home.

I mean, I left with more than just photos. I left with a much better sense of a region that’s way more complex and beautiful than I ever could have imagined just by reading about it.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you really get:

A fantastic overview of three very different, yet connected, countries.
A mix of incredible natural scenery and cities rich with history.
A look at the recent past that is both sobering and deeply inspiring.
Logistics like transport and good accommodation are, basically, all taken care of for you.
A fast-paced schedule that covers a lot of ground in 10 days.

Read our full review: [2025 Balkans Tour Review and Details]
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Meet the Balkans Tour Official Page])