Adriatic Adventure Capitals to Coastlines - 13 Days

Upon arriving in Zagreb, we will transfer you to your hotel. Around midday, our tour guide will join us with the group arriving from Slovenia. In the afternoon, we will set off at approximately 4:00 p.m. for an included panoramic tour led by a local guide. This engaging tour will allow us to appreciate the sights of Zagreb, including its two prominent hills, the picturesque upper town, and the modern districts of Croatia's vibrant capital. Dinner will be provided, giving you the perfect opportunity to relax and savour local flavours. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

We depart early this morning, heading towards Bosnia. Please be aware that border formalities might necessitate some waiting time. As we journey through regions of historical significance, we'll see reminders of the tragic conflicts of the 1990s. Our first destination is Banja Luka, located in the Serb-majority area of Bosnia. Here, you'll have some free time to explore the capital of the autonomous Republika Srpska, Bosnia's second-largest city after Sarajevo. Known for its fortress and Orthodox cathedral, Banja Luka offers a unique cultural experience. There will be an opportunity to enjoy lunch before we head to Jajce, esteemed as one of Bosnia's most picturesque towns. Celebrated for its rich cultural diversity, Jajce features a mosque, fortress, and a striking waterfall, for which admission is included. After taking in the sights, we'll continue our journey to Sarajevo, aiming to arrive by evening. You have the chance to stroll through the historic centre and explore the lively Bazaar, an enchanting old Ottoman marketplace famous for its distinctive architecture, oriental ambience, and traditional shops. Dinner is provided as part of the day�s activities.

On the morning of our third day, we will embark on a guided tour of Sarajevo, a city often referred to as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its vibrant tapestry of faiths. Our exploration will reveal the city's rich multicultural heritage with visits to mosques, churches, and synagogues, highlighting its diverse religious roots. We'll stroll through the old town, where the Ottoman influence remains strong, taking in the sight of a magnificent mosque over 500 years old and a charming fountain.

Following our visit, we will journey through breathtaking landscapes to reach Mostar. Here, in the city famed for its enchanting historic centre, you'll discover the iconic stone bridge that beautifully separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities. You'll have time to enjoy lunch and wander the city�s charming streets.

Continuing to Croatia, be prepared for potential delays at the border. We will arrive in Dubrovnik by evening, where you can marvel at this stunning coastal city. Dinner will be provided.

On the fourth day, we will immerse ourselves in the mesmerising sights of Dubrovnik, widely regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Our day begins with a panoramic tour led by a local guide, who will highlight the city's remarkable features. Nestled on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea and encircled by imposing city walls, Dubrovnik boasts an intact historic centre that is a true gem of world architectural heritage.

As part of our tour, we will visit the Franciscan Monastery, which houses the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the impressive Assumption Cathedral. From a scenic vantage point along the road, we'll be treated to breathtaking views of the city. We will then embark on a short boat trip to the nearby island of Lokrum, known for its ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery and familiar to many as a filming location for the series Game of Thrones.

Later, you'll have free time to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace before we return to the hotel in the late afternoon. As the day wraps up, we'll gather for a delicious dinner. Please note that occasionally, accommodation may be in the coastal town of Cavtat, near Dubrovnik. Additionally, from November to March, the boat service to Lokrum is unavailable, so the island visit will not take place during these months.

We'll depart early for Montenegro, taking in the breathtaking coastal vistas as we navigate the Bay of Kotor. A ferry will carry us across the bay to Kotor, a stunning walled town imbued with strong Venetian influences. Here, you'll have ample time to discover its historical charm. Our journey continues to Budva, a delightful walled village embraced by the sea, where we'll pause for lunch. Following this, we'll proceed to Albania. Once we've cleared customs, we'll head to Tirana, the capital city, where you'll have some leisure time to explore its unique offerings. Dinner will be included.

Today, we begin with a panoramic tour of Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania. We'll explore its mosques, see the iconic Clock Tower, and pass by key governmental buildings. Around midday, we head inland, where lush mountainous landscapes and quaint villages provide a scenic backdrop as we travel. Our journey will take us to the picturesque Lake Ohrid, which straddles the border with North Macedonia. After completing border formalities, we'll stop for lunch in Struga, a charming town on the lake's shores. Moving on, we'll arrive at Ohrid, a city renowned for its significant Ottoman influence and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Plaosnik Monastery, which houses an ancient university founded in the ninth century. Dinner will be included.

Our journey today begins as we travel from Ohrid through Macedonia into Greece. Our first stop is in Bitola, a city steeped in history and renowned for its blend of Ottoman and neoclassical architecture. Here, you'll have the chance to wander along �irok Sokak, a vibrant area filled with caf�s, restaurants, and shops. After sorting out border formalities, we enter Greece, where the northern region is marked by a rich tapestry of Slavic and Ottoman influences amidst rugged landscapes. We continue our journey to the Meteora region, stopping just outside Kalambaka in the picturesque village of Kastraki. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch here and take in the stunning panoramic views of the valley. We then make our way through the Meteora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its awe-inspiring cliffside monasteries. We'll include a visit to one of these renowned monasteries, allowing you to soak in the incredible sight. The day concludes with our arrival in Kalambaka, where dinner is included.

As we travel through the mountainous landscapes of northern Greece, our day begins with a journey towards the Aegean Sea. Our first destination is Thessaloniki, Greece�s second-largest city. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore and savour the local cuisine during lunch. Following this, we continue our journey into Bulgaria, crossing the border into the region known as Bulgarian Macedonia. Our next stop is the idyllic town of Melnik, renowned for its striking scenery and excellent wine production�perfect for a leisurely exploration. We conclude the day's travels in Sandanski, a delightful spa town famous as the birthplace of Spartacus, where we will spend the night. Dinner will be provided.

Today, we will explore the remarkable Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its imposing, fortress-like architecture and serene forest surroundings. Our journey will then take us to Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, where we aim to arrive by late morning. Following lunch, we'll embark on a guided tour of this vibrant city, providing a glimpse of its cultural and historical landmarks, including the magnificent St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the striking Russian Church, the Mosque, and its expansive squares and avenues, which reflect the distinct Stalinist architectural style. Afterwards, you'll have some free time to discover Sofia at your own pace.

We start our day with a visit to Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria's second most significant religious site, dating back to the eleventh century. The monastery, with its trio of churches, offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere that invites reflection and peace. Following our visit, we continue to the historic city of Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Here, we will enjoy an included lunch. Afterward, we embark on a guided tour of Plovdiv, where we will explore the city's rich tapestry of history. Our exploration includes visiting the Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive relic of the ancient world, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House. Each of these sites unveils layers of the city's diverse past and architectural heritage.

Today, we venture through the breathtaking landscapes of the Balkan Mountains. Our first stop is Kazanlak, nestled in the picturesque Rose Valley. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit a replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which provides insight into the region's ancient history. In addition, you'll learn about the local tradition of producing rose-based products, a hallmark of the area.

Our journey continues to the Shipka Memorial Church, an emblematic site commemorating the Russo-Turkish War, set amidst the mountainous backdrop. We then proceed to the quaint village of Etar, known for its open-air ethnographic museum showcasing Bulgarian crafts and traditions.

After an included lunch, we head to Arbanasi, an ancient trading city distinguished by its fortress-like houses. Here, we will visit the Nativity Church, adorned with exquisite frescoes (admission included). Our day concludes in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's former capital, celebrated for its charming medieval centre nestled alongside a canyon. Please note that on some occasions, the visit to Arbanasi may be scheduled for Sunday morning.

Today, we'll journey into Romania, with a fascinating stop at Basarbovski Monastery, a unique pilgrimage site hewn into the rocky landscape. After exploring the serene and historic surroundings, we'll cross the border and the iconic Danube River, making our way to Bucharest by early afternoon. Once in the city, we'll embark on an engaging panoramic tour, taking in the grand sights of the historic centre and the striking grandeur of the Palace of the Parliament. Afterwards, you'll have some leisure time to delve into Bucharest's vibrant charm at your own pace. Dinner will be provided, allowing us to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

Following breakfast, your journey concludes, leaving you with wonderful memories to cherish.