Ultimate Yugoslavia Tour

Friday 16th May – Ljubljana, Slovenia

Morning

• Arrive at your own leisure into Ljubljana – the capital and largest city of Slovenia which is well connected with many European countries, as well as Istanbul. Self-transfer to our centrally located hotel for a pre-tour meeting at 8:30am. Pre-tour accommodation and airport pickup can be arranged for a fee.
• Our journey begins at 9:30am in Ljubljana – culturally rich and is considered one of the greenest cities in Europe. The best way to explore the beautiful city is by foot and with our knowledgably local guide. Here we’ll appreciate the historical architecture, including the old town and medieval castle, originally built to defend against the Ottomans. It now serves as a venue for special occasions and is the city’s most famous landmark.
• We’ll cross Dragon Bridge to the other side of the city – dragons being the national symbol of Ljubljana. We’ll visit the monuments dedicated to Franc Rozman Stane, a partisan commander in WWII and Edvard Kardelj, politician, economist and a leading member of the Communist Party of Slovenia.
• On Republic Square, we’ll see our first Spomenik (monument). These socialist monuments were created throughout Yugoslavia to honour the partisans and victims from WWII. Also located on the Square is the TR2 & TR3 Towers, a perfect example of socialist modernism architecture. The Towers are shorter than originally planned due to countries difficult economic conditions.
• Next, we’ll head to the Slovenian National Assembly formally known as the People’s Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia during the socialist era. Here you can appreciate the building’s facade with life size bronze statues depicting various scenes of daily life, culture and industry in Slovenia. We’ll get an epic group picture in front of the impressive entrance.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch at Sarajevo ’84 – this is one of Pioneer Adventure Travel’s favourite cafés in Slovenia, which evokes the spirit of the legendary winter Olympics. We recommend trying the Gibanica, a layered cake loaded with nuts and apples is always a good choice with coffee.
• We’ll continue to explore this charming city to capture some scenic pictures and pick up a souvenir Central Market. Once we’re ready we’ll head to one of the most important sites in Slovenia, Žale Cemetery. Prime and influential Slovenian figures are laid here, including Edvard Kardelj. Recently the cemetery is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll head to Prešeren Square. It’s a great place to the late spring evening over a few drinks and get to know your fellow group members.
• In the evening we’ll head to a local restaurant to sample some traditional Slovenian cuisines – we recommend trying the national dish, Matevž with roasted meat and sauerkraut.
• After dinner, we’ll make the most of our time in the capital and head out for a few drinks to experience the vibrant nightlife. Despite Ljubljana having a small population, the city has a very diverse and thriving scene.
• Overnight stay in Ljubljana.

Saturday 17th May – Ljubljana – Zagreb, Croatia

Morning

• Early morning start, we’ll have breakfast at our hotel before checking out. Board our private bus and enjoy our scenic route to Zagreb – the capital of Croatia.
• Along our journey we’ll visit Mirna, a small village located in the valley. Here we’ll find a spomenik hidden away dedicated to the 106 resistance fighters from the region who lost their lives during WWII. We’ll visit the local shop to pick up supplies and continue on our journey.
• On our arrival, we’ll check in to our hotel before meeting our local guide and heading out to discover Zagreb.
• We’ll head out to explore Grič Tunnel – built during WWII by the Ustaše, the Croatian ultranationalist fascist organization. The tunnels served as a bomb shelter during WWII. It was used again for its intended use during the Croatian War of Independence/the fall of Yugoslavia – in lighter times it held raves.
• We’ll take a walk around Zagreb and visit sites which were bombed during the war before taking a funicular to the top of the city – which is also the oldest part of Zagreb.
• Next, we’ll visit the unique and bizarre Museum of Broken Relationships – which displays artefacts from previous failed relationships and the meaning behind them. Some of these pieces include a stolen toaster, which represents a partner’s revenge so their partner cannot make toast.
• After a busy morning, we’ll stop for lunch. There are plenty of cafes to choose from, but we’ll go by the recommendation of our local guide.

Afternoon

• After lunch we’ll head to Mirogoj Cemetery – considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, and also very peaceful. We’ll not only come here to see some of the most interesting graves of Croats but also to learn about post WWII repercussions. We’ll see the controversial Memorial to the Yugoslav death march of Nazi collaborators. It’s estimated around 80 thousand Axis powers, civilians and collaborator unnecessary lost their lives during the Bleiburg repatriations.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll get the tram to the lower part of the city. Here we can explore this un-touristy part of Zagreb and appreciate the brutalist architecture including the Cube and Zagreb We’ll continue to apartment block known for its Lego like appearance and get a group picture together.
• We’ll continue to centre taking in the relaxed evening atmosphere before heading to a traditional Croatian restaurant – we recommend trying Pljeskavica, a distant cousin of the hamburger.
• For those who wish to stay out – Zagreb has an amazing bar scene with a variety of establishment to choose from.
• Overnight stay in Zagreb.

Sunday 18th May – Zagreb – Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Morning

• Early morning start and we’ll have breakfast at our hotel before we check-out and explore Croatia and learn about the recent turbulent history.
• Along our journey we’ll stop off at villages and towns which still bears the scars of the war. Amongst the ruined buildings are the used weapons of war including heavy artillery, tanks and a fighter plane. Its heavy and painful reminder how civilians pay the ultimate price during times of conflict.
• We’ll have the chance to grab a coffee, stretch our legs and relax before we continue further into Croatia.
• We’ll head out on a scenic route towards Plješevica Mountain to Željava Air Base – the largest underground airport and one of the largest military airbases in Europe. Now abandoned, the secretive base still houses Soviet-era fighter planes, missiles and bullet-riddled cargo planes on the runway. For safety reasons, we’ll follow our local guide who knows how to navigate around the base as there are still minefields located around the area.
• We’ll continue on our scenic road-trip, we’ll stop at a local café for lunch.

Afternoon

• Our journey will continue towards Sarajevo – the capital, and the largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We’ll break up our journey to relax and stretch our legs at various Bosniak and ethnic Serb rural villages and towns. These stops are a perfect way to interact with genuinely friendly locals.
• Once we arrive to Sarajevo, late in the evening – we’ll check into our hotel and head straight out to explore the vibrant city in evening.
• We’ll head to our favourite local restaurant for dinner – we recommend trying a traditional Bosnian cuisine – klepe, meat filled dumplings with a few glasses of plum brandy, rakija.
• Overnight stay in Sarajevo

Monday 19th May – Sarajevo

Morning

• We’ll have a leisurely start this morning with breakfast at our hotel.
• Group B members: Meet the group and Pioneer Adventure Travel guide at the hotel lobby in Sarajevo.
• Once we’re ready we’ll head out – the coffee in Bosnia is incredible so we’ll grab another cup along the way.
• Our local guide and driver will be ready for us to take us on an exciting excursion to the Sarajevo Tunnel, also known as the Tunnel of Hope. These tunnels were important during the Siege of Sarajevo. Constructed by the Bosnian Army, it allowed the movement of people, food, humanitarian aid and weaponry – an essential lifeline to continue to defend against the Serbian Forces. Now a museum, it’s both fascinating and insightful to learn about the conditions and the causes their fighting for.
• Next, we’ll head to the Serbian side of Sarajevo. The atmosphere changes as you’ll see banners of Ratko Mladic proudly displayed on the streets. We’ll continue up the mountain until we reach our view point overlooking Sarajevo – here we can relax and enjoy the stunning views.
• Located close by is the abandoned bobsleigh track from the 1984 Olympics. We’ll go and explore this eerie site which is mainly visited by urban explorers. The long-lasting impact of the war gives photo opportunities around the decaying bunkers surrounding the site – we’ll have more opportunities to explore abandoned buildings which have been damaged to give more context of the destruction in this area.
• We’ll head back to Sarajevo, stopping at the exact site which changed the course of history – where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was dramatically assassinated, and which ultimately triggered WWI – there’s a small plaque at the site.

Afternoon

• After a busy morning exploring important historical sites, we’ll settle down and have lunch at a local spot.
• We’ll then continue our Sarajevo tour, which exclusively focuses on related key events and sites during the war. We’ll see the Sarajevo Roses, a memorial made from impacted mortar shells. Powerful reminder, how destructive war can be.
• We’ll visit the Sarajevo Rose, the impacted mortar shells are filled with red resin to the Canned Beef Memorial which has drawn some criticism. The tour will also include personal accounts and experiences from the war told by our local guide.
• Once the walking tour concludes we’ll head to Sarajevo railway station, the impressive building and rail network was initially intended to unite the former republic. However the station has a darker purpose, during WWII the original station was used to transport Jews in cattle wagons to camps.
• We’ll continue explore Sarajevo at a leisurely pace. Here you can appreciate the Turkish style architecture built by the Ottomans and explore the markets. Once we’re ready we’ll head to a local café on Bascarsija Square, it’s a perfect spot to people watch over a coffee or a beer. We’ll make this our base, if you fancy picking up some gifts from the shops.
• For dinner, we’ll head to a restaurant which serves local cuisines – we highly recommend trying ceapi, a Bosnian speciality. For those inclined, we’ll head towards the river for some freshening drinks.
• Overnight stay in Sarajevo.

Tuesday 20th May – Sarajevo – Mostar

Morning

• We’ll have an early morning start with breakfast at our hotel. Once we’re ready we’ll head out on our private bus to discover and explore Mostar, Herzegovina historical capital city.
• Along our scenic journey, we’ll take a detour to a secret military command facilities – Armijska Ratna Komanda (ARK D-0), better known as Tito’s bunker. The structure took over 26 years at a staggering cost of $18.5 billion in today’s currency and is still used by the military. It was specially constructed as the command centre for Tito and his inner circle in case of a nuclear warfare during the cold war.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue to Mostar visiting many historical sites and landmarks including the Diver’s Club and Kujundžiluk Bazar – perfect place to acquire sentimental gifts. Our local guides will help us navigate around busy cobbled streets with insightful stories and events.
• We’ll have lunch around the Bazar and enjoy our surroundings before we continue to discovering this beautiful city.

Afternoon

• In the afternoon we’ll visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and the Mausoleum of Osman Đikić a renowned poet and national hero. Finally, we’ll visit the impressive Gimnazija Mostar – the old gymnasium was built in 1879 which now serves as a school. Unfortunately, it’s been met with criticism due to its liberal integration practices.
• In the evening we’ll explore the abandoned and war torn sites of Mostar, including the department store Razvitak. Although it’s not permitted to enter, we’ll try our luck. We’ll head towards the former Ljubljanska Bank, your guide will explain the brutal military tactics used during the conflict. We’ll head up the tower and appreciate the cities views, it’s these very vantage points why the tower is referred to as sniper tower by the local residents.
• We’ll walk across Mostar Bridge – locally known as Stari Most and the centre piece, connecting both sides of the city. We’ll explore the listed UNESCO listed old town and have dinner sampling the local cuisines.
• After dinner, we’ll take advantage of Mostar relaxed atmosphere. We’ll head to our favourite bar for a few chilled drinks enjoying the evening.
• Overnight stay in Mostar.

Wednesday 21st May – Mostar – Podgorica, Montenegro – Budva

Morning

• We’ll have an early morning start with breakfast at our hotel.
• Group A members: Tour concludes – Pioneer Adventure Travel is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for ongoing transport.
• Once we’re ready we’ll head out of our hotel and start making our way to Podgorica, the largest, and capital city of Montenegro.
• Along our journey we’ll visit one of the most impressive spomenik dedicated to the Partisans who bravely fought and died during Battle of the Sutjeska. We’ll take a moment to appreciate the memorial park and the picturesque scenery. Ninth Fort – The WWII monument located in Kaunas, Lithuania was heavily influenced by this Spomenik.
• On our arrival, we’ll explore Podgorica old town, built during the Ottoman although many historical buildings were destroyed by both the Luftwaffe and USAAF. Throughout history, the city has been administered by the Romans, Ottomans and Austro-Hungarians, with various name changes including Titograd – Tito City.
• For lunch, we’ll make the most of Podgorica and visit a café which is popular with the locals – the city has a friendly and lively atmosphere.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we’ll start making our way to Budva. Along the way, we’ll visit Sveti Stefan, a beautiful small island town connected by a narrow causeway. The 15th century’s architecture amongst the turquoise waters is perfect for photo opportunities.
• On our arrival, we’ll check into our hotel before heading out to Budva.
• We’ll explore Budva old town – a historical medieval city surrounded by defensive stone walls. Nowadays it’s popular with Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs sporting their super-yachts.
• We’ll continue exploring the city to capture some scenic pictures and enjoy the towns’ atmosphere. After a busy day, we’ll find café/bar overlooking the Adriatic Sea for some relaxing drinks.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll head to a local restaurant which serves traditional cuisines and their specialty is seafood. Those wishing to enjoy the early summer evenings can head to old town, which has a few bars.
• Overnight stay in Budva.

Thursday 22nd May – Budva – Kotor – Podgorica – Serbia, Belgrade

Morning

• Early morning start. We’ll have breakfast before we check out of our hotel and experience the magnificent Montenegro Coast.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll take a short drive to Kotor – with century old buildings with cobblestone pathways. This town is really like stepping back in medieval times. Here you’ll experience the delightful town walking through narrow streets filled with museums, churches, cafes with locals happily continuing with their daily chores.
• We’ll head to a local café for lunch, it’s perfect to relax over a coffee. We’ll make this our base if you require picking up a few gifts from the market stalls.

Afternoon

• In the afternoon we’ll visit a yard full of former Sava-class submarine – these attack submarines were intended to be used to hunt and sink enemy submarines and surface vessels. We’ll check out the submarines and other military hardware and learn about their service during conflicts and peaceful times.
• We’ll also pass Tivat Airport – one of the most difficult airports in Europe to take off and land from due to the hilly terrain surrounding the valley in which the airport is situated, and strong prevailing crosswinds.
• Once we’re ready we’ll head back to Podgorica, on arrival we’ll have some time to explore the cities socialist era architecture including the brutalist Blok 5 and Morača Sports Centre. We’ll also see a towering statue of Tito along the way.
• After we explored Podgorica, we’ll head to the train station to pick up supplies ready for our 8:10pm overnight sleeper train to Belgrade. For those inclined, we can have a few drinks in the restaurant carriage enjoying the evening scenery.
• Overnight on sleeper train.

Friday 23rd May – Belgrade

Morning

• We’ll arrive into Belgrade at 6am, starting the day with breakfast at the central train station. This is the perfect opportunity for us to walk around the quiet city in the morning to capture some pictures before it fills with life. We’ll head towards the River Sava where we can appreciate New Belgrade brutalist architecture.
• Group C members: Meet us at 8:30am at Belgrade Centre railway station for pre tour meeting. We’ll then meet our local guide who’ll take us to our hotel, and depending on room availability, we’ll have early check-in to freshen up before we explore the “White City”.
• Our tour begins with exploring Belgrade – the oldest continuously inhabited cites in the Europe. Our walking tour will focus on the history about WWII, Yugoslavia, Tito’s life and communism. We’ll also learn about the Relay of Youth movement and the NATO bombing of Serbia in 1999.
• We’ll continue to the Museum of Yugoslavia, which is also the resting place for Josip Broz Tito – president for life and marshal of Yugoslavia.
• Our tour will allow us to explore Belgrade further, including the key sites such as Republic Square, Bohemian Quarter, Kalemegdan Park, and the Belgrade Fortress.
• For lunch, we’ll head to a nice café and enjoy our surroundings.

Afternoon

• In the afternoon we’ll explore Red Star Belgrade and Partisan Belgrade stadiums. The area is covered in interesting political graffiti – both teams have their own fanatical supporters, known as ultras. During the war, many of these fans were members of the ruthless paramilitary squads during the 1990s war.
• After a busy morning, we’ll head to the hotel and check in.
• We’ll have time to relax and freshen up before we continue exploring the beautiful city. We’ll head towards Republic Square checking out the key sites before heading to the Dorcol neighbourhood. We’ll explore the oldest part of Belgrade and visit the oldest surviving house built in 1727. The area is also popular with locals enjoying the cafés and bar scene.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll go for dinner at a local Serbian restaurant. For those inclined to stay out for a few drinks – the night life is amazing in Belgrade!
• Those who have joined the tour to see the legendary German metal band Rammstein will continue with your Pioneer Adventure Travel guide to the concert. We’ve managed to secure tickets in the best category right in front of the stage. (additional fees apply for concert tickets).
• Overnight stay in Belgrade.

Saturday 24th – Belgrade – Skopje, North Macedonia

Morning

• Early morning start, we’ll have breakfast.
• Group B members: Tour concludes – Pioneer Adventure Travel is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for ongoing flights.
• We’ll check out of our hotel and ready to explore less visited sites in Serbia as we make our way to Skopje.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll start our scenic road trip to Nis – the third largest city in Serbia.
• Along the way, we’ll stop at the most iconic spomenik found in Serbia. We’ll visit a memorial complex dedicated to the fallen partisans from the Kosmaj area. Unfortunately the unique spaceship-like monument is falling into disrepair. We’ll also visit the local town to pick up supplies and enjoy the picturesque Serbian countryside.
• On arrival to Nis, we’ll visit the infamous Skull Tower – the structure was constructed by the Ottoman Empire from mortar and bones and embedded with skulls from the Serbian rebels remains from the battle of Cegar. During the battle in May 1809, facing defeat, the Serbian commander decided to ignite the gunpowder, ultimately killing the rebels and the approaching Ottomans rather than face being captured and impaled. We’ll have the opportunity to visit the archaeological hall and see the various artefacts excavated from past battles.
• Next, we’ll visit Bubanj Memorial Park build to commemorate the atrocities which took place during WWII. Over 10,000 civilians, mainly Serbs, Gypsies and Jews from Nis, were rounded up and bought to Bubanj Forest only to be met by the German execution squads. Located in the park are three obelisks which vary in size. The concrete structures represent a raised fist of a man, a woman and a child which symbolises the gruesome fact that entire families were wiped out.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll head to local café in Nis and have lunch, once we’re ready our guide will take some time to explain the series of events which took place before we visit the sensitive site.

Afternoon

• In the afternoon we’ll visit Crveni Krst – Red Cross concentration camp, where you’ll have some time to explore the museum at your own pace. The museum focuses on the camps history and accounts of those who don’t have voices anymore.
• Once we’re ready we’ll leave the site and start to make our way to Skopje. We’ll make necessary stops along the way but we aim to cross into North Macedonia in the evening.
• On arrival to our hotel, we’ll check in and head straight out for dinner and a few drinks to reflect our journey today.
• Overnight stay in Skopje.

Sunday 25th – Skopje – Pristina, Kosovo

Morning

• Early morning start, we’ll have breakfast before we head out to discover Skopje – the largest city and the capital city of North Macedonia.
• We’ll explore the charming city which has a rich heritage of Greek, Roman and Ottoman influences. Skopje is unique as it’s a mixture of both Balkan and Mediterranean. The diversity gives the capital a fascinating and complex national identity which we’ll experience!
• On our walking tour, we’ll visit Mother Teresa Memorial House – adored yet a controversial figure to many. We’ll see the monument of Tito, followed by the epic centrepiece of Alexander the Great on horseback, which cost almost 7.5 million euros and reignited a diplomatic dispute with Greece!
• We’ll cross the ancient stone bridge into the Ottoman Old Town. We’ll continue to spend some time exploring the charming streets and shops where you can pick up souvenirs or simply enjoy some Turkish tea/coffee and sweets before we settle down for lunch.

Afternoon

• In the afternoon, we’ll have the opportunity to visit Skopje brutalist architectures, which has been described as some of the most striking in the former Republic. We’ll visit the Central Post Office, Academy of Sciences and Arts and Saint Cyril and Methodius University where we’ll get an epic group photo together.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll head to the impressive Skopje Fortress locally referred to as Kale, the Turkish word for fortress. We’ll spend some time exploring the fortress and the views of the city.
• Before we leave North Macedonia, no trip would be complete without visiting the beautiful Matka Canyon. Here we’ll take a boat to Vrelo Cave, frequently described as the most beautiful cave in Europe.
• We’ll have some time to explore Matka at your own pace where you can visit the medieval monasteries and take the boat to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• We’ll meet up at the designated time and take the bus to Pristina – we’ll cross the border into Kosovo in the evening. On our arrival we’ll check into our hotel and head out for dinner at a local restaurant.
• Overnight stay in Pristina.

Monday 26th May – Pristina

Morning

• We’ll have a leisurely morning, starting the day with breakfast at our hotel before we’ll explore this amazing region.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll head out to Gračanica – the town has a majority Serbian population. Located in the centre is the beautiful monastery built in 1321, we’ll need to dress appropriately when entering.
• We’ll continue to the Bear Sanctuary, a fantastic institution that houses bears rescued from performances in Kosovo. These bears were snatched from their mothers as cubs by animal poachers and sold to restaurants, only to be kept in small cages to attract customers. Thankfully in 2010 it became illegal to privately own bears.
• After seeing these amazing intelligent animals we’ll head back to Pristina to visit the National Library of Kosovo, which was met with controversies due to its appearance. The library was vital during the Yugoslav Wars, providing shelter for refugees. Unfortunately the site was also used as a command centre for the Serbian Forces resulting in the destruction of important Albanian literature.
• We’ll also visit the much loved Bill Clinton monument and get a group picture with the 42nd President.
• We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, we recommend trying the local delicacy Sarma – cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat, rice, and onions.

Afternoon

• Once we’re ready, we’ll head into Mitrovica. The city is divided by the River Ibar and ethnicity with the North being Serbian and the South Kosovan. The divided city has been the scene of numerous bloody fights and international incidents.
• We’ll cross the tense bridge which is guarded by international peacekeepers, and enter the Serbian side. Despite being the same city, it feels like you’re crossing into a different nation.
• Here, we’ll get to explore the city starting with huge political murals honouring Serbian commanders, generals, and paramilitaries. Along the way we’ll visit a bizarre souvenir shop that sells every pro-Russian, pro-Putin and pro-Serbian thing you can imagine!
• Once everyone’s ready and bought their souvenirs, we’ll head to the top of town, where there’s a monument dedicated to the Serbian and Albanian partisans who fought against Nazi Germany. From here we can enjoy the incredible views over this divided city.
• We’ll have dinner in Mitrovica near the river taking in the evening atmosphere and celebrating our final night together before heading back to Pristina. For those wishing to stay out and celebrate can freely do so.
• Overnight stay in Pristina.

Tuesday 27th May – Pristina, Kosovo

• We’ll have a leisurely morning starting the day with breakfast at our hotel.
• Tour concludes. Pioneer Adventure Travel can arrange additional nights in Pristina and airport drop off for a fee. We are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights – or complete your Balkans adventure and continue onwards to our Albania Tour where you’ll discover a beautiful, friendly and welcoming country which were over shadowed by Enver Hoxha totalitarian regime.