Why I went on this trip? Cos I sold it to myself 😏 The places we visit here are also places I’ve always wanted to visit but never have. So, why not hit all birds with one stone and jump on a Topdeck trip with a group of awesome strangers?
From a trip style POV, I’m the type of person who enjoys a lil me time and a lil social time, so Play & Pause is the vibe for me. You’ll vibe with it too if you enjoy:
- 🏨 Hotel living
- ⚖️ Balanced time – especially to recharge the social battery
- 🦋 Smaller groups
- 🏺 Museums, local food and relaxing in the sun
Already invested? See the itinerary 👉 https://www.topdeck.travel/tours/europe/play-pause-southeastern-europe-highlights
Slovenia – Lake Bled & Ljubljana
The adventure begins! Technically we met up in Venice, but the first full day started with out-of-this-world scenery in Slovenia. Like a fairytale – including a castle on top of the hill. Lake Bled’s water was so calm and breathtaking that I almost had to pinch myself to make sure it was real.
Onwards to a city of dragons. No, it’s not a GOT reference – we’ll get to Croatia later. Ljubljana has a fire-breathing legend behind it. Find out what it is when you go on the trip 😏. This place was a beaut surprise – mainly cos I had zero expectations. Topdeck tip: don’t research every place you’re going to in detail – it’s always good to be surprised 😍
Croatia – Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar & Dubrovnik
First up in Croatia: Plitvice Lakes National Park 🏞️ Turquoise water that gave Mermaid Lagoon a run for its money. Waterfalls that could be the door to a secret world of magic. And lots of wooden slats. Lots of them. Trip Leader (aka legend), Alan, suggested route E. He’s the expert – on allll things Topdeck Travel. Always there to sort us out. Answered allll our questions. His mini history lessons about each place? I-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e. Without notes, too.
🌅 The most beaut sunset of the trip? Zadar. Also the place we jumped into the ocean cos why the hell not?! We’re on a Topdeck trip 🌊🏊
Next stop: the place of GOT dreams. I’m not a huge fan (don’t smite me), but I could still appreciate the fact those actors walked these streets. The entire group headed for Mexican (thanks for organising Alan!) where we had incred food, drinks and a cheeky shot of tequila each. After: Bucket Bar. Yep, drinks in buckets. Vibes. Thennn, a dance at the club in the old walls aka Revelin. Spenny, but one for the bucket list 🍻
Bosnia & Herzegovina – Mostar & Sarajevo
Mostar was a busy little slice of heaven – I’d love to spend more time scavenging the stores filled with trinkets, bags, postcards, dresses, tea sets. You name it. They had it. Plus, the lake there was straight out of a storybook. And the baclava 👀🤤💯
Sarajevo was a cultural phenomenon. The history? Mind-blowing. Fully recommend booking Your Option Fall of Yugoslavia and Sarajevo Siege Tour. Our guide was a survivor of the 1990s Bosnian war – he recounted his memories with sincerity and had a positive outlook on life.
Montenegro – Bay of Kotor
BOAT DAY BEST DAY 🚤🌊🎶👙⛪
My favourite day of the entire tour was the free day in Montenegro. Almost the entire group was there. Vibes, ✨immaculate✨.
We hired 3 speedboats for all of us and let me tell you, sitting at the front of that speedboat as it glided, hopped and swayed through the glittering blue sea was a moment I will NEVER forget.
What to expect from Your Option, Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks speedboat tour: swim spots, (fun) rollercoaster feels and a man-made island.
Albania – Tirana & Ksamil
Albaniaaaaa 💃🏻
Albania hit me with its striking contrasts. The city of Tirana is filled with so much history and monuments from past tragedies whilst the riviera is a beachy haven filled with parasols and cocktails.
We had an included orientation walk of Tirana with a local guide who was super happy, positive and funny. He led us around the city, showcasing iconic sites with stories of the past. It’s incredible to think what happened here just thirty years ago. That evening, we also had an included group meal with an *interesting* dessert 🍮
Snoozing (with a slight headache 👀) at the beach under a parasol was the highlight of my time here.
Greece – Meteora & Athens
Opaaa to Greece! 🍻🧿🏛️
If you love a bit of ancient history, Greece is THE place to be. It’s got monasteries. It’s got temples. It’s got original roads. And it’s got statues.
We wrapped up our trip with a final group dinner and cocktails at the hotel rooftop bar. Hugs all round 💛
If you want in on this awesome trip, tap the link >> https://www.topdeck.travel/tours/europe/play-pause-southeastern-europe-highlights
