Balkan Odyssey Discover Hidden Gems - 10 Days

Upon your arrival in Zagreb, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel. Midday marks our rendezvous with the group arriving from Slovenia, after which we will enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring Croatia's vibrant capital. Around 4 p.m., we will embark on a guided panoramic tour, where a local expert will introduce us to the city's highlights, including Zagreb's two prominent hills, the charming upper town, and its modern districts. The experience promises a delightful glimpse into Zagreb's unique character. To conclude the day, a welcoming dinner is included, allowing you to relax and savour local cuisine. 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.

On the second day, we embark on an early morning departure from Zagreb as we make our way to Bosnia. Be prepared for a brief wait at the border for formalities. As we drive through certain regions, subtle reminders of the 1990s war emerge. Our first destination is Banja Luka, situated in the predominantly Serb area of Bosnia. As the second-largest city after Sarajevo and the capital of the autonomous Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka offers you the chance to discover its fortress and Orthodox cathedral. There will be time for lunch before we proceed to Jajce. Known for its remarkable cultural diversity, Jajce boasts a mosque, a fortress, and an impressive waterfall (with admission included). After exploring, we'll head to Sarajevo, arriving in the evening. Here, you�ll have the option to stroll through the historic centre and visit the enchanting Bazaar. Famous as an old Ottoman market, it is celebrated for its stunning architecture and traditional shops. Dinner is included at the end of our eventful day.

On our third day, we will begin with a guided tour of Sarajevo, a city often referred to as the "Jerusalem of Europe" for its rich tapestry of faiths and cultures. As we explore, we'll encounter an incredible blend of religious architecture, including mosques, churches, and synagogues, set against a backdrop of robust Ottoman influence. Highlights include a mosque that has stood for over five centuries and a charming fountain within the old town. Our journey continues through picturesque landscapes to Mostar, a town renowned for its enchanting historic centre and iconic stone bridge, a symbol of the city's cultural and religious dichotomy between Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities. You'll have some time for lunch and a leisurely stroll around Mostar. Later, we will head toward Dubrovnik, crossing into Croatia�please be advised that border crossings may require some time. We will arrive in Dubrovnik by the evening, where dinner will be provided.

We start our day with a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik alongside a knowledgeable local guide. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, the city rests on a cliff, encircled by ancient walls and embraced by the Adriatic Sea. Its perfectly preserved historic centre is a testament to its architectural heritage. We�ll pause to take in an awe-inspiring view of the city from a scenic point along the way. Our tour includes entry to the Franciscan Monastery, famed for housing Europe's oldest pharmacy, and the Assumption Cathedral. We'll also embark on a short boat trip to Lokrum, a tiny island just a 15-minute ride away, where you can visit the ruins of an 11th-century Benedictine monastery, a notable setting for the Game of Thrones series. Following these experiences, you have some free time to explore the city at your own pace before we return to our hotel by late afternoon. Dinner is part of the day's plan. Please note, accommodation may occasionally be in nearby Cavtat, and the boat service to Lokrum is unavailable from November to March, during which we will not visit the island.

We begin our day with an early departure from Dubrovnik, heading towards the enchanting landscapes of Montenegro. After clearing border procedures, we'll find ourselves amidst the stunning coastal vistas and the breathtaking Bay of Kotor. We'll experience the charm of Kotor as we take a ferry ride across the bay. This beautifully preserved town, encircled by historic walls and bearing a strong Venetian influence, is yours to explore. Following this, we make our way to Budva, a delightful village encased by the sea, where we'll pause for lunch. Our day continues as we cross into Albania�after completing customs formalities�with our final destination being the vibrant capital city of Tirana. Here, you'll have some free time to explore the city at your leisure. Dinner, as always, is included.

Today, we begin with a panoramic tour of Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania. We will explore its significant landmarks, including the mosques, the historic Clock Tower, and the ministerial buildings, capturing the essence of this dynamic city. Around midday, our journey takes us inland, navigating through Albania�s striking mountain landscapes and quaint villages. As we approach Lake Ohrid, forming the border with North Macedonia, you will be delighted by the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Following the border procedures, we will pause for lunch in Struga, a charming town situated along the serene shores of Lake Ohrid. Our journey then continues to Ohrid itself, a city steeped in Ottoman heritage and recognised as a World Heritage Site. Here, you will have the chance to explore historical treasures, such as the Plaosnik Monastery or the ancient university established in the ninth century. Dinner will be provided, rounding off a day filled with captivating sights and cultural insights.

Today, we set off from Ohrid, traversing Macedonia and heading into Greece. Our first stop is Bitola, a city brimming with history and character, renowned for its blend of Ottoman and neoclassical architecture. Here, you'll have the opportunity to amble down �irok Sokak, a vibrant street bustling with caf�s, restaurants, and shops. After completing border formalities, we enter Greece, where the northern region is deeply infused with Slavic and Ottoman influences and boasts striking landscapes. We continue towards the Meteora region, pausing in the charming village of Kastraki, which offers stunning views of the valley. You'll have time to enjoy lunch before we journey through the breathtaking Meteora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This awe-inspiring area is famed for its monasteries perched on towering cliffs, and we'll include a visit to one of the most renowned. Our day concludes in Kalabaka, where dinner is included.

Today, we leave for Delphi as we travel south through the picturesque Thessaly region, where you'll be captivated by the stunning landscapes. Once in Delphi, renowned for its exquisite archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, we'll explore its wonders and enjoy the breathtaking views. There will be time for lunch before we head to the Hosios Loukas Monastery. This World Heritage Site, revered as one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece, is famed for its remarkable 11th-century mosaics. Our journey continues as we head towards Athens, where we are expected to arrive in the evening.

On day nine, we will dive into the heart of Athens with a guided city tour. Our exploration will take us past notable landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion and the illustrious Panathenaic Stadium, the historic site of the first modern Olympic Games. We will continue to the National Library and navigate the city's vibrant central squares. This journey also showcases Athens' modern evolution, as evidenced by the districts developed post-2004 Olympic Games. Our tour will culminate at the iconic Acropolis, although entrance is not included. In the evening, we'll whisk you away to the enchanting neighbourhood of Plaka. Here, you can unwind in traditional Greek tavernas and soak up the local folklore, making for a truly authentic cultural experience.

After a final breakfast in Athens, our journey reaches its conclusion. As you make your departure, you'll carry with you an array of cherished memories from an unforgettable adventure, having explored a tapestry of cultures and landscapes across this remarkable region.