Southern Balkan Discovery - 14 day tour

Welcome to Serbia! Upon arrival in Belgrade, our driver will greet you at the Nikola Tesla airport and take you to your hotel. As you travel by coach, you can relax and take in the sights of New Belgrade, featuring Socialist architecture and modern business centers like the Usce Tower. Your driver will also point out landmarks such as the Western Gate of Belgrade, Belgrade Arena, and Palace of Serbia. After checking in at your hotel, you will have free time to rest and prepare for the tour.

During a brief meeting with our guide at 7pm, you will be introduced to the tour and provided with all necessary information.
Overnight: Belgrade

Belgrade - Sremski Karlovci - Novi Sad - Belgrade. This morning we embark on a tour of Vojvodina, a province in the north of Serbia. Our journey will take us through picturesque scenery and Serbia's renowned wine region to the 'Serbian Holy Land' which is home to 17 functioning Serbian Orthodox monasteries. Our first stop is the well-preserved monastery Krusedol, where you can purchase wine and rakija made by the monks.

Next, we visit the town of Sremski Karlovci. The town's Baroque center, the Patriarchal Court, the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, and the first Serbian secondary school are all significant landmarks. Sremski Karlovci is also well-known for its wine production and we enjoy wine tasting at one of the region's top wineries and have time for lunch along the banks of the Danube River.

Continuing, we explore Novi Sad, the 2021 European Capital of Culture. Located on the border of the former Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires, Novi Sad showcases a blend of architectural influences. A sightseeing tour will take us through the city's pedestrian zone, past key landmarks such as the City Hall, a Catholic church, the old city center, Mileva Einstein's former residence, the cultural foundation Matica Srpska, and a synagogue. The tour will also include a visit to Petrovaradin, known as the 'Danube's Gibraltar', where we can enjoy panoramic views of the river and the city. We return to Belgrade for the night.
Overnight: Belgrade  |  Breakfast

Today we tour Belgrade, the Serbian capital city. First, we visit the Museum of Yugoslav History, a memorial complex dedicated to Josip Broz Tito, the former Yugoslav political leader. We see the stadium of Serbia's most successful football team, FC Red Star, before heading to the Temple of Saint Sava, the patron saint of Belgrade.

After a brief stop at the Temple's plateau, we continue to key landmarks such as Slavija Square, Saint Mark's Church, the Serbian National Parliament, White Palace, and Republic Square. Surrounded by cultural institutions like the National Theater and National Museum, Republic Square is the heart of Belgrade. Our tour will proceed along Knez Mihailo Street, the city's main pedestrian and shopping thoroughfare, before pausing at the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, located near the Building of Patriarchate. Then it's on to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. Situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, this historic complex is a significant cultural site in Belgrade. After our tour, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Belgrade  |  Breakfast

Belgrade - Zlatibor. Leaving Belgrade, we drive west towards the picturesque Ovcar-Kablar Gorge. We continue to Tara National Park, where we ride the authentic 'Nostalgia' train that runs along the narrow-gauge heritage railway, Sargan Eight. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery as we pass through tunnels and viaducts. Originally part of the railway from Belgrade to Sarajevo in the early 20th century, the railway offers a nostalgic trip back in time.

Next, we visit the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden Town), built by prominent movie director Emir Kusturica. The village is constructed mainly from natural materials such as wood. Hosting the annual Kustendorf Film and Music Festival since 2008, Drvengrad has attracted celebrities like Johnny Depp, Monica Belucci, and Jim Jarmusch.

Our next stop is Zlatibor Mountain, the location of Serbia's first royal resort. Here, we enjoy a leisurely stroll around the charming town center of this picturesque air spa. In the evening, a delightful dinner featuring traditional Serbian cuisine is included.
Overnight: Zlatibor  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Zlatibor - Visegrad (Bosnia) - Sarajevo. We depart Serbia today, crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reaching Visegrad, we can see where filmmaker Emir Kusturica built Andricgrad, also known as Stone Town. We stop for lunch at the unique restaurant Zlatna Moruna, adorned with frescoes by artist Bisenija Terescenko.

After lunch we head to the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, visiting key landmarks such as Vijecnica (Sarajevo City Hall), Bascarsija (the old downtown area), the Gazi Husrev-bey mosque, and the Latin Bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, sparking the First World War. We also stop at historic sites like the Orthodox Church, Sahat Tower, and the first public toilet in Europe. The day will end with visits to Bezistan market complex, Ferhadiya pedestrian zone, the Sarajevo Synagogue, and a Catholic cathedral.
Overnight: Sarajevo  |  Breakfast

Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Trebinje. Today begins with a drive to Mostar, one of the most beautiful cities of the Balkan Peninsula. On a walking tour, we see the iconic Old Bridge, a UNESCO protected landmark and one of the most photographed sights in the country. We also visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge, and the old tanner’s quarter Tabhana. There is free time for lunch on the banks of the Neretva River, with a stunning view of the bridge.

Continuing to Blagaj, we can enjoy the view of the monastery built by dervish Sari Satluk, which is located in a picturesque setting, beneath cliffs on the shores of the emerald green river Buna.

Next on the itinerary is Trebinje, a picturesque town with a mix of sights from different cultures. We see the Arslanagića Bridge and take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the old town to 'Poet’s Square', where you can relax under the shade of 115-year-old trees. We spend tonight at a hotel in Trebinje.
Overnight: Trebinje  |  Breakfast

Trebinje - Dubrovnik (Croatia) - Budva (Montenegro). After breakfast and check-out, we drive to Dubrovnik, probably Croatia's most popular and well-known destination. It is one of Europe's best preserved walled cities, dating back to the 7th century. The old town is surrounded by a 2 km long wall, offering a unique opportunity to view the city from above during a leisurely one-hour walk.

In Dubrovnik's historical center, we can stroll along the main street Stradun, see Pile Gate, the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, the walls of the Old Town, the church of Saint Blaise, the cathedral, the Jesuit church, Orlando’s Column, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, the city port, and other hidden gems, many of which you may recognize from Game of Thrones. After exploring Dubrovnik, we drive to Budva, known as the tourist capital of Montenegro.

Our included walking tour of Budva takes in the medieval cobbled streets of the Old Town, which is situated on a small peninsula. Budva Old Town is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, with famous buildings such as the Church of the Holy Trinity and the churches of Saint Ivan, Santa Maria in Punta, and Saint Sava. Our evening is at leisure in Budva.
Overnight: Budva  |  Breakfast

Budva - Kotor - Budva. Today we are exploring the Bay of Kotor, a popular destination for over 500 cruise ships each year due to its unique landscape. Our first stop is Perast, a small baroque-style town. From here, we enjoy a relaxing boat ride to the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rock, known for its church featuring valuable paintings by local artists, silver votive tablets, and a famous votive tapestry.

We then head to Kotor, an ancient Mediterranean town dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries. A guided walking tour will highlight UNESCO sites such as the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and other cultural landmarks. There is also free time to explore the old town or dine in a restaurant on one of the charming squares before we return to Budva for the evening.
Overnight: Budva  |  Breakfast

Budva - Shkoder (Albania) - Tirana. Leaving Budva, we drive past Lake Skadar, the largest lake in Southern Europe on the border between Montenegro and Albania. Once on the Albanian side, we make our way to Shkoder, one of the oldest towns in Europe characterized by narrow streets, stone walls, and ancient houses. Our tour will begin at the Venetian fortress Rozafa, one of the biggest and most famous castles in Albania. We also take in the town center before moving on to Tirana, the capital and largest city of Albania, located on the banks of the Lana River.

During an included sightseeing tour of Tirana, we take in notable landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, as well as architecture from the Mussolini period and key landmarks like the Et'hem Bey Mosque, the National Museum of History, the Clock Tower, and the Presidential Palace.
Overnight: Tirana  |  Breakfast

Tirana - Elbasan - Ohrid (North Macedonia) - Skopje. Before we depart Albania, we make a quick stop in the third largest city, Elbasan. During Ottoman rule, Elbasan was a crucial center for Albanian nationalism and is renowned for its castle district. Spend some time admiring the ancient city walls constructed by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II before we cross into North Macedonia.

Our journey takes us to Ohrid, often regarded as the heart of the Balkans and the birthplace of Slavic literacy. Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of the oldest lakes in the world, surrounded by tall mountains. This former capital of the First Bulgarian Empire is home to more than 300 Orthodox churches and monasteries. After some time to explore, we proceed to the Macedonian capital, Skopje.
Overnight: Skopje  |  Breakfast

Today we are exploring Skopje. Following an earthquake in 1963, it was rebuilt into a modern city with a population of nearly one million. We begin in the old part of the city by exploring the Old Bazaar, the largest preserved bazaar in the Balkans. With the Kale fortress overlooking the area, learn about significant landmarks such as the Sultan Murad Mosque and Daut Pasha Hamam. Walk across the Stone Bridge, near the Archaeological Museum of North Macedonia, towards Macedonia Square where we can admire the fountain with the 'Warrior on a Horse' monument. In the newer part of the city, discover attractions like Porta Macedonia, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, the Art Bridge, and various statues of important North Macedonian figures. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to relax at the hotel or further explore.
Overnight: Skopje  |  Breakfast

Skopje - Rila (Bulgaria) - Sofia. Departing Skopje after breakfast, we say goodbye to North Macedonia and cross the border into Bulgaria. Our first stop is at the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, which was destroyed by fire in the 18th century and rebuilt. Famous for its frescoes, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.

Our destination for this evening is Sofia, the Bulgarian capital and the country's largest city. Located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, Sofia is a contrast of Soviet-era architecture and modern construction. The city has forged itself into a modern European city. During our sightseeing tour, we discover the impressive Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the colorful Russian Church, Church of Saint Sophia, the National Theater and the Parliament building, amongst many other highlights.
Overnight: Sofia  |  Breakfast

Sofia - Nis (Serbia) - Belgrade. Today we drive back into Serbia, exploring the country's east. We visit the city of Nis, birthplace of legendary Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, taking in the archaeological park of Mediana and Skull Tower, made from 952 human skulls. We also visit Nis Fortress, a Turkish military construction located on the banks of the Nisava River. There is free time after our tour for you to explore Tinkers Alley, home to the city's old market. We then complete our journey back to Belgrade, where the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Belgrade  |  Breakfast