Balkan Explorer - 16 Days

Welcome to Athens! This morning, join your leader and fellow travellers at the hotel before setting off on an orientation tour of Greece’s vibrant capital. We’ll see iconic landmarks including the Academy, National Library, Greek Parliament, the marble Panathinaikos Stadium, Hadrian's Arch, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore further, or perhaps dive into Greece’s culinary delights on an optional Athens Food Tour, sampling the best of local produce and street food.

Today also presents the chance to visit the magnificent Acropolis. This optional excursion is highly popular, so please book in advance.

In the evening, we’ll gather for an included welcome dinner to savour traditional Greek cuisine.

Today, we journey north across the Greek mainland, stopping first at Delphi, historically known as the "navel" of the earth. Here, we'll explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Treasury of the Athenians, followed by a visit to the Museum of Delphi. Our route then leads us to Meteora, famed for its remarkable rock formations topped with Eastern Orthodox monasteries.

We will visit St. Stephen's Monastery, now a nunnery, originally established by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene in 1400. Marvel at the 18th-century main cathedral and enjoy the sweeping views of Kalambaka. We'll also see the Holy Trinity Monastery, impressively perched on a solitary rock. Afterwards, we proceed to the nearby town of Kalambaka for our overnight stay.

This evening, you can choose to indulge in a memorable night of authentic Greek cuisine and hospitality at the foot of Meteora.

This morning, we'll journey further into North Macedonia to discover the hidden gem of Ohrid. Nestled on the shores of Lake Ohrid, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Europe's oldest settlements, once home to an impressive 365 churches—one for each day of the year.

Join us for a guided tour of the Old Town, where you'll see the Antique Theatre, explore the historic Tsar Samoil Fortress, and admire the stunning Church of St. John at Kaneo, which sits picturesquely atop a cliff overlooking the lake. We'll conclude our day with an included dinner, offering a taste of local flavours.

Depart North Macedonia this morning and head to Albania's vibrant capital, Tirana. Once burdened by its Communist past, Tirana now boasts a lively and colourful atmosphere. We will enjoy a provided lunch before embarking on a walking tour to introduce you to the city.

As we explore, you will see the city's eclectic architecture, influenced by Ottoman, Italian, and Communist eras. Afterwards, you will have free time to discover Tirana at your own pace. In the evening, we journey to Shkodër, known as Albania’s most historic city.

We begin our day by travelling north, leaving Albania to embrace the scenic beauty of Montenegro. Our first stop is Budva, a delightful coastal town noted for its well-preserved medieval walled city. You will have free time here to explore its charming streets and absorb its rich history.

Our journey continues with a guided tour of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its ancient port, Venetian-era fortifications, and dramatic fjord-like cliffs, Kotor offers a glimpse into Montenegro's captivating past amidst a stunning Mediterranean backdrop.

Afterwards, we journey onwards to Croatia, where we reach the remarkable city of Dubrovnik. Spend your evening at your leisure, perhaps taking a stroll through its iconic old town or relaxing by the coast.

This morning, we embark on a guided walking tour of the Old Town, visiting the historic Franciscan Monastery and iconic City Walls. Afterwards, we'll start from the picturesque Amerling Fountain for another insightful walk. The afternoon is yours to explore Dubrovnik's rich history at your own pace.

Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to discover some of Dubrovnik's most enchanting beaches, islands, and caves. Relax on a cruise with stops for swimming at Sunj Beach, Kolocep Island, and the mystical Blue Cave—an excellent way to appreciate the stunning coastal scenery.

Today, we journey into Bosnia and Herzegovina, unveiling the region's rich Balkan history and stunning scenery. En route to Mostar, you'll pass through picturesque landscapes and charming towns before reaching this historic city, celebrated for its post-war transformation. Once there, enjoy your free time to explore the iconic Stari Most Bridge and various religious sites, showcasing both Roman and Ottoman influences.

In the afternoon, we continue to Sarajevo, the capital city. Upon arrival, an expert local guide will lead us on an insightful tour of this captivating city. Tonight, we gather for an included dinner.

Leave Bosnia and Herzegovina this morning as we make our way back to Croatia. We arrive in the charming coastal city of Split for an orientation tour of its picturesque Old Town. Here, we'll admire the Baroque architecture of Fruit Square and explore the ancient Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site originally built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD. Then, take a leisurely stroll along the bustling Split Riva waterfront.

Following the tour, you will have free time to explore Split at your own pace and choose a local spot for lunch. If the weather cooperates, you might even enjoy a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea. Later in the day, we travel to our accommodation in Northern Croatia. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Today's itinerary combines stunning natural beauty with the cultural charm of Slovenia's capital. First, we visit the renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's largest, known for its magnificent cascading waterfalls and spectacular scenery. We'll explore the park's boardwalks, taking in the awe-inspiring landscapes.

Next, we travel to Ljubljana, the quaint capital of Slovenia. Here, you can enjoy a guided walking tour to discover the city's enchanting sights. In the evening, consider joining the optional 'Taste of Ljubljana' excursion, featuring a guided wine tasting at a lively local bar, followed by a delectable Slovenian dinner.

Today, we journey into Hungary, with some fascinating stops along the way. First, we pause in the delightful Slovenian city of Maribor for an orientation tour, allowing you to explore its appealing mixture of history and charm.

Continuing our journey, we visit Lake Balaton, renowned as Central Europe's largest freshwater lake. Its serene landscapes provide a refreshing break before we proceed towards Hungary's captivating capital.

Upon reaching Budapest, celebrated for its stunning beauty, we head out on a driving tour with a local guide. This tour covers significant sites in the Castle District, including the impressive Hungarian Parliament buildings. Situated along the historic Danube River, Budapest is teeming with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, striking architecture, and natural geothermal springs.

We conclude our first day in Budapest with a group dinner, included in your itinerary, providing an excellent opportunity to savour local flavours and reflect on the day's adventures.

Explore Budapest at your own pace today, uncovering its fascinating history and distinctive character. Join us on the 'Buda vs Pest' excursion to see iconic sites such as St. Stephen's Basilica and the Fisherman’s Bastion, which provide insight into the city's rich cultural heritage. Alternatively, you can unwind at one of Budapest's famous thermal baths, cherished since Roman times. The city boasts 123 thermal and 400 mineral springs from 14 different sources.

In the evening, you may opt for a delightful dinner cruise on the Danube, where you'll enjoy stunning views of Budapest's illuminated skyline—a truly unforgettable experience.

We depart Budapest and travel to Belgrade, Serbia, pausing in Novi Sad for a comfort break. Once in Serbia's capital, we embark on a guided walking tour. Discover Belgrade’s key sights, including Republic Square, the Bohemian Quarter known as Skadarlija, Kalemegdan Park, and the historic Belgrade Fortress.

Situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade is rich in history and culture, embodying a unique Balkan spirit. This evening, join us for an included group dinner.

This morning, we delve deeper into Serbia, with our first stop in the historic city of Niš, located in the southeast and once under Turkish rule for centuries. Here, we’ll pause for lunch and explore Tinkers Alley (Kazandžijsko Sokače), where the cobbled streets evoke the city’s Ottoman past.

We then journey onwards to Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria. On arrival, we join a walking tour to acquaint ourselves with Sofia’s main attractions, including the magnificent Sofia Cathedral. This tour serves as an ideal introduction to the city's lively atmosphere.

Our day concludes with a group dinner, included in the itinerary.

After two weeks of uncovering the marvels of the Balkans, today we journey back into Greece. Before leaving Bulgaria, we will visit the Rila Monastery. This ancient Eastern Orthodox site is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich historical artefacts, and magnificent frescoes, nestled within the beautiful Rila Monastery Nature Park.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Thessaloniki, a historic northern port city. We will explore its vibrant historic centre on an orientation tour, ideal for walking. Our tour concludes at the Thessaloniki waterfront, adjacent to the iconic White Tower, and surrounded by an array of dining and entertainment venues.

The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Consider choosing a spot to indulge in authentic Greek cuisine and immerse yourself in the city's lively nightlife.

Prepare for our return journey to Athens as we travel through the picturesque Greek countryside. We'll make a scenic stop in Kamena Vourla, a charming town on the southern coast of the Malian Gulf, to enjoy lunch. This area is renowned for its natural beauty and rejuvenating thermal springs.

Once we arrive in Athens, we'll check into our hotel. In the evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner. It’s the perfect opportunity to reminisce about our remarkable experiences across the Balkans and share a final evening together before the tour concludes tomorrow.

After breakfast, our 16-day Balkan adventure concludes. Say your goodbyes to fellow travellers, and don't forget to exchange contact details to stay in touch. Wishing you safe travels onwards!