Grand Balkan Tour

The Balkans is a land of such great diversity and textures that one gets blown up by the colors, cultures, hospitality, food, and landscape. On our Balkans tours, we trace the scene of medieval Europe with nationalities originating from, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania & Macedonia. Set off on a trip through the heartland of Albania & Macedonia. Enjoy the colorful houses of Tirana and the marbled streets of Dubrovnik.

Day 1- Tirana Airport- Tirana

Depending on the time of arrival in Tirana, we may do a short city tour before or after check-in at the hotel. In the evening, we’ll have dinner at a traditional restaurant and then explore the nightlife of Tirana, walking in the ex-block area known as “the forbidden town” where the villas of the communist’s leaders are still standing next to trendy boutiques, expensive jewelry shops, and active local pubs. Dinner in a Local restaurant in Tirana Overnight in Tirana.

Day 2 TIRANA –  SHKODER – BUDVA                                                               

After breakfast starts a sightseeing tour of Tirana, Visit the newly opened Atonic bunker, the Bunk’art2 museum in Tirana opened to the public describing it as a museum throwing light on political persecution during the Albanian communist era. The museum – called Bunk’Art 2 – is also intended as a memorial to the tens of thousands of people who were imprisoned and executed by the communist regime. the Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Et’hem Bey, the Clock Tower, and the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero; the Palace of Culture, built with Soviet assistance, we will visit the National History Museum, with a mosaic on its facade portraying Albanian history. Departure to Shkoder. Arrive at Shkoder, proceed for a guided walking tour of the old town of Shkoder – visit the Catholic Cathedral, Rozafa Castle. Transfer to Montenegro and the city of Budva. Arrival Budva, ss tour of Budva, Old town Budva, which is inside of the stone walls. Visit the old Entrance, the Square of the poet, the Square of the churches.. Overnight in Budva.

Day 3 BUDVA-KOTOR-DUBROVNIK 

After breakfast, proceed to Kotor. Visit of Kotor, Medieval town on Adriatic coast which is also surrounded by stone walls. Kotor is also one of the largest beys on Adriatic which attracts many cruise ships.  Lunch in the Kotor Old Town (Seafood), proceed to Lepetane for using the Ferry to the other side. Proceed to Dubrovnik. Arrival, check-in hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Dubrovnik.

 Day4DUBROVNIK  
                                                                                                                                
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of this UNESCO protected pearl of the Adriatic and its Cathedral, Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery (included Old Pharmacy), Clock Tower, Orlando’s Columns, Sponze Plaza, Dubrovnik City. Lunch in the old City(Seafood). Free time (optional) Boat ride or/and Cable car for the panoramic view, Dinner, and Overnight at hotel in Dubrovnik 4* Hotel

Day 5 DUBROVNIK – MOSTAR – SARAJEVO                                                  

After Breakfast, Check out the hotel. Transfer to Mostar, on the way, proceed to visit Pocitelj, Medieval Stone made the town. Depart to Blagaj, visit of the oldest Tekki in Bosnia from XVcentury, Lunch in a restaurant on Buna River springs, Proceed to Mostar, city tour – Mostar Old Town visits Mehmet Koski Pasha mosque, The famous Old bridge, listed as UNESCO heritage site. Free time. Continue to drive to Sarajevo via Neretva Canyon and Jablaničko Lake, Shortstop in Jablanica Town to take pictures of the destroyed bridge from World War 2. Arrive in Sarajevo, check-in at the hotel, Dinner, and Overnight in Sarajevo. Overnight in Sarajevo 4* Hotel

 Day 6 SARAJEVO  

After Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for tour to visit Vrelo Bosne – springs of river Bosna, Tunnel museum – which helped the Bosnian citizens survive the siege of Sarajevo. Walking tour of Old Town Bascarsija, Latin bridge, place where the Austro Hungarian Archduke was assassinated, what triggered the 1st World War; Brusa resistant – covered market place; Gazi Husref Bey Mosque- built-in the 1530 year during the Ottoman era – and Gazi Husref Bey Madras; Monica built-in 1551, Tašlihan- remaining’s of the largest Karavansaray in Sarajevo. Vijecnica – town hall for the Austro- Hungarian era. Lunch at the local restaurant. Free time for shopping. Back to hotel, Dinner, and Overnight in Sarajevo..

 Day 7 SARAJEVO – TRAVNIK – JAJCE – BIHAĆ                                               

After Breakfast. Proceed to Travnik. Before Travnik, stop at Ethno Village Čardaci to see the authentic Bosnian architecture and beautiful landscape of lakes pools, and waterfalls. Arrival Travnik, a Travnik-small town with its mosques and fortress that dot the skyline shows the original style of Bosnian architecture that gives this town its charm. See the Plava Voda springs Lunch and   Continue to Jajce, on, visit of Jajce Waterfalls, Stop at Pliva lakes to see the wooden watermills. Drive to Bihac. Check-in the hotel. Dinner and Overnight at hotel in Bihac

 Day 8 BIHAĆ – ZAGREB                                                                                     

After breakfast. A guided city tour of Bihać will uncover the secrets of untouched natural landscapes that are classified in the most preserved natural division of Europe. Proceed to Zagreb ( 155 km ) via Plitvice lakes, a highly nature-protected area that has 16 natural lakes that have origins from tectonic movement on Karst field. Not just the lakes are attractive but also rivers, creeks, and beautiful waterfalls, and endemic flora and fauna. We offer different paths through the area depending on the age of the group. Lunch and proceed to Zagreb, check-in the hotel. Dinner and Overnight at a hotel in Zagreb.

Day 9 ZAGREB-LJUBLJANA                                                                             

After Breakfast at the hotel. Check out the hotel. Proceed to city tour of Zagreb including Kaptol and Gradec Old Towns, Blood bridge, Cathedral which is the tallest building in whole Croatia, Marketplace, Ban Jelacic Square, etc. free time exploring the winding streets of the old town, drive to Ljubljana. Check-in the hotel. Panoramic Ljubljana: at the Baroque Cathedral of St. Nicholas, visit the busy food market, and head to the Dragon Bridge, so-called because of its 4 dragons that protect the city and serve as its trademark. Enjoy a boat ride on the Ljubljanica River and see the city from other perspectives, concluding your tour in a special way. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Ljubljana

Day  10 LJUBLJANA- LJUBJANA AIRPORT                                                 

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out the hotel. Drive to Airport for final departure.

Including: Accommodation in good 3,4 * Hotels BB,  Dinners 3 course  + 1 bottle water in best possible Local restaurants,  Professional English speaking guide throughout the tour for 14 days, Few Local Guides, All the transfers with modern AC tourist-class bus. Museums entry fees. All the Local taxes,