Balkan Treasures Cities, Cultures and Landscapes - 10 Days

Upon arriving in Zagreb, we will ensure your transfer to the hotel is comfortable and seamless. Around midday, we'll be joined by our guide and new companions arriving from Slovenia. At approximately 4:00 p.m. (though timing may vary slightly), we will embark on an included panoramic tour led by a local guide. This excursion offers a delightful introduction to Croatia’s capital, showcasing its blend of old and new. We'll explore the two distinctive hills of the city, soaking in breathtaking vistas of the historic upper town alongside glimpses of Zagreb's modern neighbourhoods. Once the tour concludes, we will gather for an included dinner, a perfect opportunity to savour local flavours and camaraderie as we settle into the vibrant atmosphere of this captivating city. 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 of our journey, we will set off early from Zagreb, heading towards Bosnia. Be prepared for border control formalities, which might take a while. As we travel through regions touched by the conflict of the 1990s, we will make our first stop in Banja Luka, capital of the Republika Srpska autonomous entity. This city, the second largest in Bosnia, is renowned for its historic fortress and impressive Orthodox cathedral. Here, you'll have time to explore and perhaps enjoy lunch.

Our adventure continues to Jajce, a town praised for its cultural richness and landmarks such as its mosque, the ancient fortress, and a stunning waterfall—admission to which is included. After some time to discover Jajce, we will proceed to Sarajevo, arriving by evening. You will have a chance to wander through its historic centre and experience the vibrant Bazaar, an old Ottoman market famous for its distinct architecture and traditional shops. Dinner is included to round off your day.

We will begin our day in Sarajevo with a guided tour of this remarkable city, often referred to as the 'Jerusalem of Europe' for its harmonious blend of religions. You'll have a chance to observe the city's diverse religious architecture, including mosques, churches, and synagogues. We'll explore the old town, deeply influenced by its Ottoman heritage, and visit a striking mosque that's been standing for over 500 years, as well as a charming fountain. After our exploration, we will journey through some breathtaking landscapes on our way to Mostar. Here, the historic centre awaits you, complete with its famous stone bridge that historically and culturally links the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch and a leisurely wander before we set off for Croatia. Be prepared for some waiting at the border as we cross into Croatia, heading towards Dubrovnik. Arriving by the end of the day, we will settle in for dinner, included in your itinerary.

Today, we start our morning by exploring the mesmerising city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking architecture. Nestled against the Adriatic Sea, this beautiful city is encircled by ancient walls. A panoramic tour alongside a local guide will allow us to appreciate its spectacular views from a scenic viewpoint along the road. We’ll visit notable landmarks, including the Franciscan Monastery, the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Assumption Cathedral. Following this, we'll take a short boat trip to Lokrum, a small island just off the coast. Here, you can explore the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery, famously used as a filming location for the series Game of Thrones. After our excursion, you’ll have free time to wander through Dubrovnik’s charming streets at your own pace, before we return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be provided. Please note that from November to March, the boat service to Lokrum is unavailable, so we will not visit the island during these months. Accommodation may occasionally be in Cavtat, a nearby coastal town.

We'll embark on an early journey from Dubrovnik, heading to Montenegro. After completing border procedures, we'll be treated to breathtaking views of the coastline and the majestic Bay of Kotor. A short ferry ride across the bay will lead us to Kotor, a picturesque walled town with a notable Venetian heritage. You'll have the chance to explore its charming streets before we move on to Budva. This delightful fortified town, surrounded by the sea, offers a wonderful spot for a leisurely lunch. Our afternoon journey takes us through more stunning scenery as we proceed to Albania. Once border formalities are done, we'll reach Tirana, the vibrant capital. Here, you'll have some spare time to discover the city's unique charm at your own pace. Dinner will be included after a day of exploration.

We begin our day with a panoramic tour of Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania, where we will explore notable landmarks including its mosques, the historic Clock Tower, and the surrounding governmental buildings. Around midday, we'll depart for the picturesque landscapes of Albania's mountainous interior. As we journey through the countryside, we travel towards Lake Ohrid, a majestic body of water that forms the natural border with Macedonia. After a brief stop for lunch in the charming lakeside town of Struga, we proceed to Ohrid, a city renowned for its rich Ottoman heritage and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you may wish to visit the Plaosnik Monastery or the ancient university established in the ninth century. Dinner is included tonight.

On our seventh day, we travel from Ohrid through Macedonia, pausing to explore Bitola, a city known for its rich blend of Ottoman and neoclassical architecture. Take a leisurely stroll along Širok Sokak, a vibrant street bustling with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Continuing our journey southwards, we cross the border into Greece—a region influenced by both Slavic and Ottoman cultures and renowned for its rugged landscapes. As we approach the Meteora region, we'll stop in Kastraki, a picturesque village offering splendid valley views, perfect for a lunch break. Our adventure continues with a drive through the Meteora Valley, a place of awe-inspiring beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we'll visit one of its famous cliffside monasteries. We conclude our day in Kalabaka, where dinner will be provided.

We depart from Kalambaka, journeying through the scenic northern Greek landscapes towards the Aegean coast. Our first stop is in Thessaloniki, Greece's vibrant second-largest city, where we pause for some exploration and a leisurely lunch. Following this, we head towards Bulgaria, crossing into the picturesque region of Bulgarian Macedonia. Our destination is the charming town of Melnik, famous for its exquisite wines and captivating museum-like atmosphere set against striking natural backdrops. As our day draws to a close, we proceed to Sandanski, a delightful spa town celebrated as the birthplace of Spartacus, where we will enjoy a cosy overnight stay. Dinner is included.

Today, we will visit the awe-inspiring Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its imposing, fortress-like architecture nestled within beautiful forested landscapes. Our journey will then take us to Sofia, where we expect to arrive by late morning. Following lunch, we'll embark on a guided tour of the Bulgarian capital. Here, we will marvel at the striking St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the elegant Russian Church, and the city's significant mosque. As we stroll through Sofia's squares and avenues, we'll encounter impressive examples of Stalinist architecture. After our guided tour concludes, you'll have some free time to further explore the city at your own pace.

Following breakfast, it's time for us to conclude our journey, leaving you with delightful memories to cherish.