Our wonderful holiday begins with an evening flight from Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane) through to Dubai and onto Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Overnight: In-Flight

2 NIGHTS

Flights from Australia all arrive in Dubai at approximately the same time which makes this an ideal meeting point for our CFT Group (keep an eye out for the orange CFT Backpacks).

We fly on to Sarajevo, the capital city and cultural centre of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to our hotel. We enjoy our first Group Dinner and the opportunity to get to know our fellow passengers.

Overnight: Sarajevo

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Sarajevo, a beautiful city with a unique cultural heritage and rich religious diversity. Often called the “Jerusalem of Europe” it is a place where Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, and Jewish communities coexisted for centuries with churches, mosques and synagogues all built within the same neighbourhood.

Wander through historic Baščaršija, the bustling old bazaar with Ottoman-era architecture, cobblestone alleys, and artisans at work, before exploring Sarajevo’s religious centre. Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral, built in the neo-Gothic style it is the largest Catholic church in the country. Nearby Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque, one of the most important Islamic structures in the Balkans, is a testament to Sarajevo’s religious harmony. See the Ottoman-built Sahat Kula (Clock Tower) which keeps time according to lunar cycles for daily prayer; at 30-metre-high it is the tallest of the 21 clock towers erected throughout the country.

Sarajevo has endured a turbulent history, including the Balkan’s War that was triggered by the breakup of the multi-ethnic Republic of Yugoslavia. During the 1990s Sarajevo was under siege for 1,425 days, the longest siege of a capital city in modern warfare, and we visit the War Tunnel Museum, a poignant symbol of survival from this time. We pause at the historic Latin Bridge, where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered World War I.

Overnight: Sarajevo

Bosnian countryside to the beautiful city of Mostar the place where East met West in Europe. Four hundred years as part of the Ottoman Empire left a legacy of a multi-ethnic population, a layered history, and breathtaking architecture. The iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) straddles the Neretva River, an extraordinary technological construction for the mid-16th century and is UNESCO World Heritage listed. Reconstructed after the Balkans War, this magnificent single-arch stone structure is now a symbol of unity and reconciliation. The surrounding Old City area is full of historic houses buildings dating from the Ottoman era and narrow alleys full of shops and market stalls. On our guided walking tour we visit the Turkish House and experience how religious and domestic life once intertwined.

Within the Catholic Quarter the Franciscan Church of Saints Peter and Paul was constructed during Ottoman rule; rebuilt after being destroyed in 1992 it is now both a symbol of Christian endurance and religious toleration and healing. We overnight in Mostar, where the sound of church bells mixes with the call to prayer, a reflection of Mostar’s religious diversity.

Overnight: Mostar

2 NIGHTS

Today we travel to Međugorje, a small town made world-famous by Marian apparitions reported by six local children in 1981. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery this is a peaceful place for spiritual reflection, regardless of your religious denomination and people come from around the globe to pray and seek solace.

We visit Apparition Hill (Podbrdo), a place of quiet reverence, before travelling on to Dubrovnik in Croatia, a historic port city known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Overnight: Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a World Heritage site, founded in the 7th century by Roman refugees fleeing invasion. Strategically located between East and West. the city grew into a maritime power, variously ruled by the Byzantine Empire, the Republic of Venice, and was later part of the Croatian-Hungarian state.

Dubrovnik is famed for its distinctive Old Town; encircled by massive stone walls completed in the 16th century it is known to many as the fictional “Kings Landing” from TV’s “Game of Thrones”. Our guided walking tour takes us along the polished limestone of Stradun Street, passing ancient palaces and churches that speak to the city’s rich Christian heritage.

We visit the Franciscan Monastery, home to Europe’s oldest functioning pharmacy and a serene cloister perfect for quiet meditation. See the grand Baroque Dubrovnik Cathedral where St. Blaise, the city’s patron saint, is buried and the Church of St. Ignatius, dramatically perched above cascading stairways inspired by the Spanish Steps in Rome.

Your afternoon is at leisure, and you are free to explore or rest and relax. On tour we employ the Buddy System, so you are never alone unless you wish to be – choose to strike out on your own, pair up with another passenger or stay with the Tour Leader. Enjoy a group dinner at our hotel where we can exchange tales of our afternoon’s adventures.

Overnight: Dubrovnik

7 NIGHTS

Enjoy a day excursion to the beautiful Balkan country of Montenegro, where dramatic fjord-like bays meet sacred Christian sites. In the peaceful coastal village of Perast, we take a short boat ride to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Legend tells of sailors who placed a rock in the bay after each safe voyage, creating a man-made islet and spiritual sanctuary upon which a church was built. A guided walking tour takes us to World Heritage listed Kotor, a well-preserved medieval city overlooked by the ruins of the San Giovanni Fortress. We wander through the Old Town’s maze of cobbled streets, squares, and historic buildings, to discover the hidden gem of St. Tryphon Cathedral, built in 1166.

We return to Dubrovnik to board our cruise ship “Dream” – meet the crew, enjoy dinner aboard and toast to the next phase of our unique journey.

Overnight: Cruise

Mljet National Park is a tranquil island paradise of salt lakes and forests, the perfect place to spend a Sunday. On a nearby islet is St Mary’s Church and Benedictine Monastery; dating from 1151 it is one of the oldest church complexes in the Adriatic. Worship as the “Church of the Travelling Saints” in this wonderfully peaceful place, surrounded by God’s glorious creation.

We cruise the island of Korčula, a beautiful medieval walled city that is often referred to as a “miniature Dubrovnik”. This is the perfect place for travellers interested in the heritage and culture of Croatia – enjoy wandering this historic town, the birthplace of the intrepid explorer, Marco Polo!

Overnight: Cruise

We cruise on to the remote island of Vis, a peaceful retreat that is sure to steal your heart. Keep an eye out for locations from the ABBA film “Mamma Mia” – this beautiful island may soon have us singing “Vis, how can we resist you?” Stroll through the charming Old Town, explore the Roman ruins or visit the Archaeological Museum to learn more about Vis’ ancient past.

Overnight: Cruise

We sail to the tiny island of Bisevo and, weather permitting to witness the awe-inspiring Blue Cave, where sunlight transforms the sea into glowing blue.

We then sail to Hvar, an island beloved for its sunshine and lavender fields. We overnight in Hvar’s lively harbour for the opportunity to further explore this historic port town. Hvar offers lots to see including Europe’s oldest public theatre, 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress and the beautiful Renaissance cathedral of St Stephens.

Overnight: Cruise

This morning, we cruise to the island of Brač and stop at Bol to visit the famed Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach, a natural phenomenon shaped by wind and tides. We continue to Makarska, a coastal town that is home to many historic churches and a lovely palm-fringed promenade where cafes, bars and boutiques overlook the harbour.

Overnight: Cruise

The island of Brač is renowned for its white limestone which has been used in many world-famous buildings, from Diocletian’s Palace in Split to the lobby of the United Nations building in New York. We sail north to Pučišća, considered one of the prettiest villages in Europe with white stone houses, Renaissance palaces and Baroque buildings.

Overnight: Cruise

We arrive in beautiful Split, Croatia’s second-largest city renowned for its rich Roman history. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian’s Palace, a remarkable 1,700-year-old Roman imperial residence which now forms the heart of the Old Town. Our guided walking tour brings history to life as we wander the maze of the Old Town’s ancient streets. Tonight, we will enjoy a special Captain’s Dinner on board, a festive evening of fun and fellowship, local cuisine and camaraderie.

Overnight: Cruise

We farewell our “Dream” crew as we disembark in Split and travel up to Klis Fortress for a glimpse into the area’s medieval past as well as panoramic views across the city. We then head inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place where God’s creation can be seen in all its glory with cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and verdant forest trails. Enjoy the serenity of this beautiful paradise on a gentle walk and a scenic boat ride.

Overnight: Plitvice

This morning, we travel to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital and its largest city. Join an English-speaking service at a local church to share Sunday worship and fellowship with other Christians. Zagreb is a city distinguished by its 18th/19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture, yet the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) still radiates medieval charm. Our walking tour takes us through cobblestone streets and a network of squares to the impressive Zagreb Cathedral, a towering Gothic structure that has dominated the skyline since the 1200s. We visit the Stone Gate, one of the few remaining parts of Zagreb’s old city walls, which is now a significant religious site where visitors often pray, light candles, and leaves messages of gratitude.

A stroll through the Upper Town brings us to 13th century St. Mark’s Church, famed for its multi-coloured roof tiles bearing the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia.

We celebrate our final evening in Croatia with a special Group Dinner featuring Croatian cuisine and traditional music and dance. What a way to spend a Sunday!

Overnight: Zagreb

2 NIGHTS

After breakfast, you transfer to Zagreb Airport and bid “Doviđenja” to Croatia as we fly to Dubai, the modern oasis with the U.A.E.

Overnight: Dubai

Today is a full day of leisure in Dubai. You might like to go up the Dubai Frame for a great view of the city, visit the famous Dubai Mall, explore the Gold and Spice Souks. Choose your own adventure or simply relax by the resort pool! Tonight, we will celebrate our final group dinner and reflect on our favourite memories of this very special faith journey.

Overnight: Dubai

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for our final flight home to Australia.

Overnight: In-Flight

We arrive home this morning with memories of our delightful Balkan holiday, the wonderful new friends we have made and the experiences we have shared.