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Six cities, three countries, one journey – Saga’s great value 14-night tour of the Balkans unravels a rich tapestry of history and culture with eight included tours – topped by a relaxing stay on the Makarska Rivieria.

The tour features Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina, travelling along spectacular coastlines and through dense forests to breathtaking mountains.

Guest’s hotel stays are on a half-board basis, starting with four nights in Hotel President Split (4Q). Once settled in, an included city walking tour takes in the vast Diocletian’s Palace, plus there are optional trips available to explore Trogir, Krka National Park and Sibenik.

The tour moves from Split to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, pausing at the medieval town of Pocitelj en route. Sarajevo, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914 and sparked World War I, is now a multicultural haven and Saga guests stay Hotel Hollywood (4Q). After a tour of the city there’s an option to join an excursion to the Sarajevo Tunnel for an insight into the Bosnian War.

Mostar is next on the itinerary, and Hotel Mostar (4Q) is a base to discover this fairy-tale city with an included tour which features the UNESCO-listed bridge that spans the River Neretva.

The holiday continues to the seaside town of Budva, in Montenegro, known for its Venetian stone walls and stunning sandy beaches. Guests spend two nights at Hotel Avala (4Q) for a tour of the city and the chance to join an optional excursion to the enchanting Roman city of Kotor.

On return to Croatia, two nights are spent in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, and a walking tour around the walled city helps visitors familiarise themselves with the historic sights, ready for independent discovery. During the two-night stay at Hotel Petka (3Q) guests can also take an optional boat trip to Korcula, the island where it is believed the explorer Marco Polo was born.

At the end of this holiday, a relaxing three nights are spent at Hotel Medora (4Q), in Makarska, on Croatia’s Adriatic coast. The hotel, flanked by the glorious Biokovo mountains, is close to the beach but for those who still want to explore there are optional trips to Omis or the Imotski crater lakes.

For details call free on 0800 092 0803 or visit saga.co.uk/six-cities

14 nights from £1249 departing London Gatwick, April 16, 2018. Further departures available on May 14, 28, June 11 and 25, September 3, 10, 24 and October 1, 2018. Price includes return flights, airport taxes, half-board accommodation, porterage, tour manager, welcome reception drink, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if passenger has own insurance.

Editors: Saga has created four new ‘Time to’ holiday styles: Go for it, Stay & Explore, Discover and Unwind. Each style helps guests decide on a holiday that feels right for them. A Tale of Six Cities is Discover (Pace 2).

Saga is a specialist in the provision of products and services for life after 50. The Saga brand is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and its high quality, award winning products and services including cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and publishing. Visit saga.co.uk