The Balkans by Private Train

This morning we’ll transfer to Budapest’s famed Keleti Railway Station to board 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, where our local guide will take us on a walking tour and a visit to the famed Zsolnay Museum. Back on our private train, 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 hotel.

Overnight: HIlton Hotel, Belgrade (B, L, D)

This morning, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the city, including the historic old town of Beograd, and, among other things, 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.

Your afternoon and evening is free to explore more of what the city has to offer.

Overnight Hilton Hotel, Belgrade (B )

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.  Our private coach will meet us at Uzice for the transfer down the road to the historically reconstructed village of Mokra Gora, from where we’ll embark on a specially chartered private 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. As we’re a private charter there’ll be a coffee stop at Yatare station, numerous opportunities for photo stops and perhaps even a run past.

After disembarking, our coach will take us on to Zlatibor, a popular spa town near the border of Bosnia, where we’ll check in and enjoy dinner and some local entertainment at our hotel.

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

After breakfast and check out,  we’ll transfer by coach to the tiny village of Branesci to rejoin our private train for the spectacular journey to Bar via Bielo Polje. There has been a huge investment to repair this character-filled line after years of neglect and war, and today it’s  considered one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe.

After leaving Branesci the line dips into Bosnia, then back into Serbia and ultimately into Montenegro, reminding you that the railway was built in the 1950’s 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 the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica, crossing the highest railway bridge in the world while enjoying lunch in the Dining car. The last part of our train journey today hugs the spectacular Adriatic coast, rolling into the lakeside town of Virpazar in the late afternoon.

Here, we’ll enjoy a boat trip on Lake Skadar, which lies on the border of Albania and Montenegro, and is the largest lake in Southern Europe. It’s then on to our final stop for the day – Podgorica, one of the world’s smallest capital cities, where we’ll check into our centrally located hotel and quickly freshen up before we head out to enjoy a genuinely local experience for dinner.

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

After breakfast and check out, we’ll journey by private coach over the hills on the iconic old Austro-Hungarian serpentine road 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. 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, where we’ll enjoy lunch 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 (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll head off 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. We’ll begin with a 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 our package, giving us a great chance to have a good look around before 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 (B, L)

Today is a complete day at leisure in and around 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 (B)

We check out of our resort idyll after breakfast this morning and take our 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 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, before having lunch together at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we’re reunited with our special train for the scenic journey to Sarajevo, 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 brilliant local guide. An incredibly multicultural city, it’s 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, Sarajevo has been part of a number of empires, leaving the city with a wonderful array of architecture, history, and culture. We’ll visit 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. We’ll also visit the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, dedicated to the maze of tunnels constructed under the city during the 1993 Siege of Sarajevo. 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, 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 station and settle ourselves into our home on wheels for a very special epic 500-kilometre rail journey north west across the Balkans to wonderful Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. It’s special because there’s no regular train running on this link anymore and the Croatian railways have made special provision for us to travel between these two nations on our private charter.

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.

Dinner this evening is at leisure.

Overnight: The Marriott, Budapest (B, L)

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: The Marriott, Budapest (B, D)

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Your private car will transfer you to your departure point. 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.