Serbia, Hungary & Croatia Tour

This ten-day Escorted Tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore three distinct European nations: Serbia, Hungary, and Croatia. For many Irish travellers, this region represents a part of Europe that remains refreshingly authentic and affordable, providing a stark contrast to the busier western destinations. This Serbia Hungary Croatia tour begins in the elegant city of Budapest, often called the ‘Queen of the Danube,’ before heading south to the historic city of Novi Sad in Serbia.

The journey starts with a two-night stay in Budapest. Here, you will be based in a central four-star hotel, allowing easy access to the city’s impressive sights. Our guided tour will introduce you to the contrasting sides of the city: Buda, with its medieval streets and historic castle, and Pest, which is home to the largest parliament building in Europe. You will have plenty of time to walk along the riverside promenade or browse the local antique shops and bookstores.

The next part of our adventure takes us across the border into Serbia for a seven-night stay in Novi Sad. This city is a true highlight of the itinerary. Situated on the banks of the Danube and backed by the Fruska Gora mountains, Novi Sad is a medieval treasure that remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. The city is dominated by the massive Petrovaradin Fortress, which stands 125 metres above the river. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and cultural diversity, Novi Sad was the first non-EU city to be named a European Capital of Culture.

Throughout the week, we have organised several day trips to show you the best of the region. We visit Belgrade, the energetic capital of Serbia, which sits at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. We also spend a day exploring the Fruska Gora National Park, often described as the ‘Pearl of Serbia,’ where we visit the 12th-century town of Sremski Karlovci and the important Novo Hopovo monastery. Our travels also take us into Croatia to visit the town of Ilok. Known as the ‘Dubrovnik of the Danube’ due to its strategic location, this town is famous for its fortress and its high-quality wine cellars.

One of the most appealing aspects of this holiday is the exceptional value for money. The cost of living in Serbia is significantly lower than in Ireland, meaning your holiday budget goes much further when dining out or shopping. We have included several meals in the programme, such as lunch at a traditional Serbian farmhouse and another overlooking the river in Croatia, alongside a traditional Serbian buffet dinner with local entertainment. This tour is designed for those who appreciate a well-organised, factual itinerary that provides a genuine insight into the culture and history of the Balkans.