The Balkans by Private Train

This morning we’ll transfer to Budapest’s famed Keleti Railway Station and a champagne welcome onto our private train for our first ‘train day’ of this epic adventure. We’ll travel south across the great Hungarian Plain to the ancient city of Pecs in southern Hungary, bolstered by a lavish morning tea in the Lounge Car along the way. Upon arrival, our local guide will take us on a walking tour of the old town and a visit to the famed Zsolnay Museum which houses the largest and finest collection of Zsolnay ceramics in the world.  

Back on our private train, which has special permission to take us all the way to Belgrade, something denied to local travellers who would need to make three train changes, lunch will be served in the Dining Car with complimentary Hungarian wines to keep us relaxed as the countryside rolls by. 

We’ll cross the Serbian border late in the afternoon and after dinner on board, we’ll  roll into the sprawling capital city of Belgrade and transfer directly to our centrally located hotel. 

Overnight: Marriott Courtyard City Centre, Belgrade (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the city, including a visit to the House of Flowers and Tito’s mausoleum, both part of the Museum of the History of Yugoslavia. Built in 1975 as a winter garden for the needs of the then President of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito, it occupies an area of ​​902 square metres. After Tito’s death in 1980, the garden was rearranged to incorporate Tito’s tomb and thus the name of the House of Flowers came into being.

We’ll have a light lunch at the entrance to Belgrade Fortress before a guided exploration, after which your afternoon and evening is free to explore more of what the city has to offer. You may like to have dinner in one of the excellent restaurants in the city’s famed ‘Bohemian Quarter’ just a few minutes walk from our hotel.

Overnight Marriott Courtyard City Centre, Belgrade (B,L)

After breakfast and checkout, we transfer to the railway station for our train journey through rural Serbia to the city of Uzice, enjoying lunch on board on the way. From here, our private coach will meet us for the short transfer down the road to the historically reconstructed village of Mokra Gora, from where we’ll board our private carriage for a journey on one of the most remarkable railways in Europe – the line of the ‘Šargan Eight’. 

The name comes from the profile of the line that twists and turns, creating shapes similar to the number eight.  Originally opened in 1925, the line ran for just under 50 years. It was re-opened in 2003, after a spectacular reconstruction effort, and continues to be a popular tourism destination today. It’s easy to see why – this majestic heritage railway line travels through 22 tunnels, 5 bridges and passes over the Šargan Pass, giving you incredible views over the verdant forests and craggy mountains of the region. We’ll stop at the halfway point for a light refreshment before returning to Mokra Gora and our private coach that will take us to Zlatibor, our home for the evening.

Zlatibor is a popular spa town near the border of Bosnia, and the view from the terrace of our hotel explains why! After checking in, there’ll be some time to freshen up before enjoying dinner and some special local entertainment at our hotel. 

Overnight: Hotel Tornik, Zlatibor (B, L, D)

After breakfast and check out,  we’ll return by coach to Uzice for a closer look at this rural town, not on the tourist map, before rejoining our train. Nestled in a mountainous region and known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural vibrancy, Uzice is located along the Đetinja River, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, and serves as a gateway to the Tara National Park. It’s also an underrated gem for fans of Brutalist architecture, thanks to its unique development during Yugoslavia’s socialist era. Much of the city’s striking built environment reflects the ambitions of post-WWII modernization, with large, concrete structures that embody the bold, expressive qualities of Brutalism.

On our walking tour, we’ll visit the Old Hydro Power Plant, one of Europe’s first hydroelectric power plants, still functional and part of the Nikola Tesla legacy; drop into the vibrant market square (make sure you have cash – no credit cards here!); and have a guided tour of the Partisan Museum (Museum of the Republic of Užice). Užice was briefly the centre of the “Republic of Užice” during WWII—a short-lived liberated zone run by Yugoslav Partisans in 1941.

Once back on the train, we’ll enjoy lunch in the Dining Car as we commence our journey into Montenegro. After leaving Uzice, the line dips into Bosnia, then back into Serbia and ultimately into Montenegro, reminding you that the railway was built in the 1950s as a unifying transport project in the heady days of Marshall Tito and his rambling Yugoslav Republic. After passing Beilo Polje, the line rises to its highest point at over 1000 metres near Kolasin, originally a fortress settlement first mentioned in the Sultan’s Decree in 1565. We then drop down to one of the world’s smallest capital cities – the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica – crossing the highest railway bridge in the world while enjoying dinner and drinks in the Dining Car. 

Upon arrival at Podgorica station, our private coach will transfer us to our centrally located hotel. 

Overnight Hilton Hotel, Podgorica (B, L, D)

After breakfast and check out, we’ll journey by private coach to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Kotor. Founded in 5th century BC, renowned for its stunning location on the Bay of Kotor, one of the Adriatic Sea’s most beautiful inlets and surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, Kotor is steeped in history and charm, with its well-preserved mediaeval old town, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and historic buildings. After a guided tour, you’ll have plenty of free time to wander and explore the maze of alleyways, shops, churches, and museums that make up this extraordinary town, and for those who may feel energetic, you can walk up to the fortress for stunning views around the region. 

We’ll then take the scenic journey around the Bay of Kotor to the village of Perast and enjoy lunch on the terrace by the sea before taking a boat trip to Perast’s small island, the home of the tiny 15th century ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’ church. 

It’s then an easy coastal drive to Dubrovnik Srebreno and our resort-style waterfront hotel, the Sheraton Riviera. 

Dinner tonight will be in the hotel.

Overnight: Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera, Dubrovnik (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll head off on our private launch from the hotel to explore Dubrovnik. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, this breathtaking coastal city is renowned for its stunning mediaeval architecture and azure waters. Encircled by massive stone walls, the UNESCO-listed Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and picturesque squares. 

You’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik’s magnificently intact Old Town. Entrance to the Dubrovnik City Walls and the Franciscan Monastery and Cathedral is all included in your package, giving you a great chance to have a good look around before we all gather for a lazy waterside lunch.

The rest of the day is yours at leisure – you might like to return to the hotel and spend the afternoon lying around the pool or you may like to stay in the Old Town a bit longer and transfer back to the resort when you’re ready on one of the launch boats that regularly goes between the hotel and the old town.

Overnight: Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera, Dubrovnik (B, L)

Today is a complete day at leisure in and around Srebreno and Dubrovnik. Past travellers have enjoyed museum and gallery visits, the Game of Thrones tour, and the Cable Car for amazing breathtaking views of the Old Town and Elaphiti Islands.

Alternatively, you can stay and relax at the hotel, enjoy the available water-based activities (including a kayak adventure), have a massage or lie around the pool or on the beach with a book.  

Overnight: Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera, Dubrovnik (B)

We check out of our resort idyll after breakfast this morning and take our private coach up the coast, across the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina to the ancient city of Mostar, named after the bridge keepers (mostari) who in mediaeval times guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge) over the Neretva. Built in the 16th century by the Ottomans, the bridge was famously completely destroyed in November 1993 during the Croat–Bosniak War. It was subsequently faithfully reconstructed using money donated by companies, governments and individuals from across the world, and re-opened in July 2004.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, our guide will illuminate the sometimes-tragic history of this great town on a walking tour across the famous arched bridge into the old town. You may even be lucky enough to watch the daredevils diving off the bridge to the delight of tourists, while enjoying lunch at leisure.

After lunch, we’re reunited with our special train for the scenic journey to Sarajevo on one of the most scenic rail routes in Europe, offering breathtaking views of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stunning landscapes. The route passes through numerous tunnels and over impressive viaducts, showcasing the engineering marvels of the railway. As the train ascends towards Sarajevo, the scenery transforms into rolling hills and dense forests, and includes the famous ‘horseshoe railway’. On board you’ll enjoy afternoon tea and of course anything from the bar.  

We’ll arrive in Sarajevo late in the afternoon and transfer directly to our very centrally located hotel and check in. There’ll be time to relax and orient yourself to your surroundings before we meet for the short walk to our dinner restaurant.

Overnight: Hotel President, Sarajevo (B, L, D)

Today we’ll explore Sarajevo in the company of our wonderful local guide. An incredibly multicultural city, Sarajevo is the only European capital to have a mosque, two churches of different denominations, and a synagogue, all within close range of each other. Founded in 1461, this magic city has been part of a number of empires, leaving the city with a wonderful array of architecture, history, and culture. Our walking tour will take in the vibrant Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s mediaeval bazaar area, the Latin Bridge that stretches over the river Milijacka, built in the time of the Ottoman empire in the 16th century, and the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which famously sparked WWI, and the city’s magnificent City Hall. 

Our private coach will then take us to the moving Tunnel of Life Museum, (also known as the Sarajevo Tunnel, or Tunnel of Hope), a vital underground passage built during the Siege of Sarajevo in 1992–199), one of the longest and most devastating sieges in modern warfare. It connected the besieged city of Sarajevo with the outside world, literally becoming the city’s lifeline. Sarajevo was completely surrounded by Bosnian Serb forces, who shelled the city daily and cut off food, medicine, fuel, and electricity. The city’s airport was controlled by the UN, but crossing it was extremely dangerous due to sniper fire. Dug manually using shovels and pickaxes in secrecy and under intense conditions, the tunnel allowed essential supplies, military equipment, and even people to move in and out safely, and stands as a symbol of the city’s incredible resilience and defiance.

Lunch will be at the serene spring of Vrelo Bosne, an idyllic landmark within the buzzing hubbub of Sarajevo. 

Your evening is at leisure – try out a local water pipe bar, do some shopping, bargain in the bazaar, visit one of the numerous museums within walking distance of the hotel, or have dinner in a restaurant of your choice –  or do it all!

Overnight: Hotel President, Sarajevo (B, L)

After breakfast we transfer to the railway station and settle ourselves into our comfortable home on wheels for an epic 500-kilometre rail journey on a local branch line heading north west across the Balkans to wonderful Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. It’s special because this cross country line is very much a local branch line, linking small communities on mostly single track.

There are many scenic sections on this line, and you’ll get to enjoy it all from the comfort of your first class seat and picture window, while indulging in our Chef’s magnificent offerings – morning and afternoon tea, lunch and dinner will all be served on board as we roll along through this wild and rugged landscape.  As we enjoy dinner on the last leg of the day, we’ll cross the grand Sava River and continue across the wide fertile plains of Croatia to the grand old capital city of Zagreb. Upon arrival, our luggage will be whisked away by porters and we’ll walk the short distance from the station to the magnificent Esplanade Hotel and check in.

Overnight: Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb (B, L, D)

Zagreb seamlessly blends historic charm with modern dynamism. Nestled along the slopes of the Medvednica mountain and bisected by the Sava River, it’s characterised by its Austro-Hungarian architecture, bustling squares, and verdant parks. The city is divided into the mediaeval Upper Town, with its narrow streets, the iconic St. Mark’s Church, and panoramic views, and the more modern Lower Town, known for its wide boulevards, museums, and vibrant cultural scene. 

After a sumptuous breakfast in the hotel we’ll spend the morning exploring this marvellous city. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure.

Overnight: Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb (B)

After breakfast and check out, we’ll wander to the railway station for the last part of our epic train trip heading east back to Budapest, enjoying a sumptuous lunch on board.  

Upon arrival in Budapest, we’ll transfer directly to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Clark Hotel, Budapest (B, L)

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a vibrant city straddling the Danube River, where historic grandeur meets dynamic modern life. Formed from the unification of Buda and Pest in 1873, the city is renowned for its dramatic skyline featuring the Gothic-style Parliament, Buda Castle, and the iconic Chain Bridge, which you can clearly see from your hotel. With its blend of elegance, resilience, and creativity, Budapest offers a compelling mix of the old and new in the heart of Central Europe.

This morning after breakfast we’ll embark on a guided walking tour that will reveal the history of this great twin city as we roam the hearts of both Buda and Pest. Lunch and the afternoon will be yours at leisure to lose yourself in what has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

We will regroup in the evening for a celebratory farewell dinner.

Overnight: Clark Hotel, Budapest (B, D)

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Your private car will transfer you to your departure point, either the airport or station. If you’d like to have a couple of days in Budapest after the tour ends, please contact our office on 1300 800 977 for assistance in organising this.

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