Full Balkan Experience: 10 Day Tour
Item Code: 17-97
1650.00€
Overview
This tour stands out because it gives travelers the opportunity to see how the Eastern European culture and history has developed in 6 different countries in a time efficent 10 day tour. Travelers will witness how Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Slavic culture, and the Ottoman Empire have shaped society over the centuries. This journey will explore the major sites that highlight the rich history of each country.
Details
Day 1: Berat, The City of 1001 Windows & Wine Tasting
- Your journey commences in Tirana. In Belsh town you’ll pause for a brief coffee beside the largest of the towns 84 lakes.
- Ascend the castle hill for a visit to the castle itself. On the walking tour of the castle we will learn the history of this ancient city while visiting several sites.
- Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch while taking in the finest view of the old town.
- Descend to the city center and explore the renowned Mangalemi neighborhood.
- Explore significant landmarks such as: The city gate and former Pasha’s residence, The Sultan’s Mosque, Berat’s bustling boulevard, and more.
- Pass by the famous Gorica Bridge and explore the old Gorica neighborhood.
- Take some time to relax in the hotel to prepare for an exceptional Wine Tasting Tour at one of the local wineries in Berat.
Hotel: (free time in the evening)
Day 2: Enter North Macedonia
- Depart Berat for Ohrid, North Macedonia. After a 3-hour travel, drive along the lake perimeter to arrive in Saint Naum.
- Visit the 1000-year-old monastery build by Saint Naum. Enjoy the stunning lake views.
- Head towards the picturesque Ohrid, exploring Tsar Samuel’s Fortress, the Ancient Theatre, and the awe-inspiring frescoes in the Church of St. Sophia.
- Immerse yourself in the lively Old Bazaar, shopping for souvenirs and visiting local mosques. Enjoy an overnight stay in Ohrid
Hotel: (free time in the evening)
Day 3: The Capital City: Skopje
- Start your journey towards Skopje. A merely 16km before Skopje we will stop in one of the most famous nature attractions of North Macedonia, Matka Canyons.
- Take a boat tour by the canyon and explore the cave and the secret lake of Matka Canyon.
- Visit Skopje. Situated in the northwestern part of North Macedonia, along the Vardar River, Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia.
- Uncover Skopje’s neoclassical charm, wandering through Macedonia Square, the Art Bridge, and the Old Bazaar.
Hotel: (free time in the evening)
Day 4: Enter Kosovo: Prishtina and Prizren
- Continue your journey towards Prishtina, Kosovo’s capital, for a captivating walking tour of the city center.
- Visit the famous Gazimestan monument, commemorating the Battle of Kosovo 1389.
- Depart Prishtina for Prizren, Kosovo. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, exploring landmarks like Kalaja Fortress, the Albanian League of Prizren House, Carshia e Vjeter, Sinan Hoxha Mosque, and St. George’s Orthodox Cathedral.
- Enjoy a relaxing evening in the peaceful city of Prizren.
Hotel: (free time in the evening)
Day 5: Prizren - Shkodra
- Re-enter Albania and continue towards the ancient city of Shkodra. Pass by Kukes and enjoy the sight of the old communist structures of this old fashioned city.
- You will first visit the castle of Rozafa, where the 2000 year old history of the city is hidden in the walls of the castle.
- Enjoy a traditional lunch in Shiroka neighborhood by the lake of Shkodra.
- Explore the cities boulevard and enjoy the free time in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Shkodra.
Hotel: (free time in the evening)
Day 6: Shala River and Komani Lake Boat Tour
- Embark on a 90 minutes breathtaking boat tour through the Albanian Fjords via Shala River.
- Explore the wild nature of the area in Zgiboze, referred also as the Thailand of Albania.
- Enjoy 5 hours exploring the wilderness of the region.
- Return to Shkoder
Hotel: (free time in the evening)
Day 7: Enter Montenegro: Budva & Kotor
- Continue your journey along the beautiful Adriatic Sea shore. While on the journey, take a brief detour to the island of Sveti Stefan. Revel in its breathtaking views and scenic beauty.
- Arrival in Budva. Explore the old town of the city and other historical landmarks like: Budva Citadel, The Church of Sveti Ivan, the grave of Stefan Mitrov Ljubisa, Roman Villas remains, Santa Maria’s church and much more.
- Stop for lunch in by the hillside overlooking the city and seaside.
- Continue your journey to Kotor, just 30 minutes from Budva.
- Take part in a walking tour to delve into the majestic old town of Kotor. Visit all the historical land marks of the town.
- Embark on a climb to the fortress of Kotor, ascending the hill to experience one of the most unique fortresses in Europe. Revel in the panoramic views and historical charm that this elevated vantage point offers, providing a truly memorable and distinctive perspective of the surrounding landscape. Overnight stay in Kotor
Hotel: (free time in the evening)
Day 8: Enter Croatia: Dubrovnik
- Depart from Kotor towards Dubrivnik. During the journey briefly visit the city of Trebinj. Explore its historic landmarks and enjoy the unique public pool in the cities center.
- After arriving in Dubrovnik, start your exploration with the St. Lawrence Fortress. It stands as a testament to Dubrovnik’s rich history and remains a must-visit landmark for tourists exploring the stunning Dalmatian coast.
- Uncover Dubrovnik’s Old Town, visiting several sites like: Rector’s Palace, Spozna Palace, Onofrio’s fountain, Old Port, Cathedral, Orlando’s Column, Church of St. Blaise, Old Pharmacy, Luza Square and much more.
- Take a ride on Dubrovnik’s Cable Car. Ascend to the top of Mount Srdj and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the historic Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands
Hotel: (free time in the evening)
Day 9: Enter Bosnia & Herzegovina: Mostar
- Head north towards the Bosnian city of Mostar. A mere 40 km from the city you will visit the breathtaking Kravica Waterfall. Take a swim at the pool located at the base of the waterfall.
- Visit the city of Mostar. Explore the Mostar Old Town, a captivating and historically rich district located in the heart of the city.
- Steeped in Ottoman-era charm, this area offers a unique blend of cultural, architectural, and scenic attractions like: Mostar Old Bridge, The Old Bazaar, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, Cobblestone streest and Alleys and much more…
- Enjoy your free afternoon in the city and an overnight stay.
Hotel: (free time in the evening)
Day 10: The Capital: Sarajevo
- Embark towards the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the capital city Sarajevo. Explore this fascinating and historically rich destination that has played a significant role in the cultural and political landscape of Southeastern Europe.
- Visit several important landmarks like: Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Morica Han, Sebilj Brunnen (Fountain), Kazandziluk, Sarajevo City Hall, Emperor’s Mosque, Katedrala Sarajevo, Gazi-Husrev Beg’s Bezistan, Serbian Orthodox Cathedral and much more…
- Visit the Latin Bridge, the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated on June 28, 1914, triggering the events that led to the outbreak of World War I.
- Enjoy a free afternoon and an overnight stay in Sarajevo.
Included
- Accommodation + breakfast (9 nights)
- Private English Tour Leader
- Comfortable transportation
- Car WIFI
- Entrance fees (Saint Sophia Church Ohrid, Saint Clement Church Ohrid, Tsar Samoil Fortress Ohrid, League of Prizren, Fortress of Prizren, Rozafa Castle Shkoder, Saint Tryphon's Cathedral Kotor, 2 churches in Dubrovnik, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque Mostar, Orthodox Cathedral Sarajevo)
- Boat tour to Shala River
- Boat Tour Matka Canyons
- Wine Tasting in Berat
- Dubrovnik Cable Car
Tour Essentials: What to Bring
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Lightweight backpack
- Protection from sun
- PASSPORT