Belgrade to Budva (Standard) - 11 Days

Once you have arrived in Belgrade, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. During the drive from Nikola Tesla Airport, you can enjoy the views of New Belgrade with its Socialist era architecture and modern business districts. After you check in, you have free time to relax and prepare for the journey ahead.

In the evening, you can take a gentle walk through one of the oldest quarters to Skadarlija, the bohemian centre of the city. Its nineteenth century cobbled street is lined with traditional taverns where you can try local dishes and enjoy live music.

We begin with a panoramic drive that introduces Belgrade’s mix of Brutalist architecture and new development along the Belgrade Waterfront. Crossing Brankos Bridge, we see New Belgrade with the Palace of Serbia, Belgrade Arena and the Ada Bridge. We continue through Dedinje, noted for the Residence of Milos the Great, embassies, grand villas and the Museum of Yugoslavia.

We pass the monument of Stefan Nemanja and Slavija Square before reaching the Temple of Saint Sava, where we stop to visit this important Orthodox sanctuary known for its mosaics.

Following King Alexander Boulevard past the National Assembly, we arrive at the pedestrian zone for our walking tour through Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street.

We then visit the historic tavern called Question Mark, where we enjoy Serbian coffee and rakija as our guide introduces local customs and the UNESCO recognised tradition of making plum brandy.

We continue through Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, an area with wide views over the Sava and Danube rivers.

To end the day, we enjoy a river cruise on the Sava and Danube, taking in the citys landmarks and the peaceful evening setting.

Belgrade - Nis. After breakfast, we leave Belgrade and travel through the gentle countryside of Central Serbia towards the Manasija Monastery. We see its strong stone walls and towers as we approach, a reminder of its role in the early fifteenth century under Despot Stefan Lazarevic. Inside, the Church of the Holy Trinity contains vivid frescoes and rare mosaics, and our guide explains the work of the Resava School of Transcription, which once flourished here.

We continue to the Resava Cave, one of the oldest protected natural sites in the country. We explore its chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites and striking stone formations, where the cool air reflects the cave's ancient character.

We then make our way to the Lisine Waterfall. This impressive twenty-five metre cascade sits in a peaceful forested area, and you have the option to enjoy lunch beside the clear water.

Our journey then carries on to the historic city of Nis, one of the oldest settlements in Europe. On arrival, we visit the Skull Tower, a unique monument linked to the Serbian struggle against Ottoman rule, before continuing to the Nis Fortress for a short tour that introduces the city's long and varied past. We then head to our hotel where you can relax for the evening.

Nis (Serbia) - Skopje (Macedonia). In the morning, we visit Mediana, the Roman site linked to Constantine the Great who was born in Nis. We explore the remains of villas, granaries and a bath complex, along with the detailed mosaics that show the refinement of Roman life in the fourth century.

We then continue into North Macedonia and stop at a local winery where we enjoy a tasting of wines from the Vardar Valley.

Arriving in Skopje, we begin with the Old Bazaar, a historic quarter of narrow streets watched over by the Kale Fortress. Our walk includes the Sultan Murad Mosque and Daut Pasha Hamam before we cross the Stone Bridge towards Macedonia Square and its striking fountain and monument.

In the modern part of the city, we see the Porta Macedonia, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, the Art Bridge and statues honouring notable North Macedonian figures.

You have free time in the evening to explore Skopje or relax, with plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants near the Vardar River.

Skopje (Macedonia) - Prizren (Kosovo) - Pristina - Gracenica - Skopje (Macedonia). Today, we travel to Prizren, a charming city at the base of the Sar Mountains and a former medieval capital. We walk through its cobbled streets and see the Church of Ljeviska, the Orthodox seminary, the Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Old Stone Bridge and the Prizren Fortress.

We continue to Pristina, where our tour introduces the blend of old and new in the city centre. We see the Cathedral of Blessed Mother Teresa, the National Library, Ottoman-era mosques and modern landmarks such as the Newborn Monument.

Next, we visit Gracanica Monastery, a fourteenth-century masterpiece of Serbian medieval architecture. Its detailed frescoes offer a clear sense of the region's artistic and spiritual heritage.

We then return to Skopje for the evening where you can unwind at your own pace.

Skopje - Ohrid. We leave Skopje and travel to Matka Canyon, known for its cliffs and calm lake. We take a boat ride that allows us to enjoy the striking scenery and the peaceful character of this natural area.

We continue to Ohrid, a place celebrated for its beauty and long cultural tradition. Set beside one of the oldest lakes in the world, the town offers clear water and mountain views. Often described as the cradle of Slavic literacy, Ohrid once hosted the first Slavic university and is known for its many Orthodox churches and monasteries.

After our tour, you check in to your hotel and have free time in the evening to enjoy the lakeside setting at your own pace.

Ohrid - Saint Naum (Macedonia) - Berat (Albania). Today, you check out of your hotel in Ohrid, and we travel to the Saint Naum Monastery on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid. We explore its frescoes and tranquil grounds before taking a scenic boat ride along the Black Drim River, where the clear water and lush surroundings create a peaceful setting.

We then continue into Albania and arrive in Berat, a UNESCO-listed town known for its distinctive Ottoman and Byzantine architecture. As we explore the area, we see landmarks such as the Gorica Bridge, the Church of Saint Michael and the Red Mosque, all of which reflect the town's blend of Eastern and Western influences. Our guide also introduces the local culinary tradition for which Berat is well known.

After the visit, you check in to your hotel and have a relaxed evening to discover the town at your own pace.

Berat - Durres - Tirana. We begin the day by checking out of the hotel in Berat and travelling to Durres, Albania’s historic port on the Adriatic coast. We take a short walk through the lively centre where the coastal atmosphere and long history of the city come together.

We then continue to Tirana, the capital and largest city in the country. Our tour starts in Skanderbeg Square, marked by the statue of Lord Skanderbeg. We see buildings from the Mussolini period and visit key landmarks including the Ethem Bey Mosque, the National Museum of History, the Clock Tower and the Presidential Palace. As we move through the centre, our guide highlights the murals and artworks that give Tirana its reputation as the city of colourful buildings.

After the tour, you settle into your hotel. We recommend visiting the district known as the Block, an area filled with boutiques, cafes, bars and a lively evening scene.

Tirana - Kruje (Albania) - Budva (Montenegro). Today, we leave Tirana and travel north to Kruje, a historic hilltop town closely linked with the national hero Skanderbeg. We explore Kruje Castle, walking through its towers and walls while enjoying broad views of the surrounding valleys.

We then visit a traditional workshop where skilled artisans continue the craft of making Albanian felt hats. We see how the wool is shaped and pressed by hand, and we take part in creating our own hat while learning about the cultural importance of this tradition.

Our day continues with an agrotourism experience that introduces the flavours of the Albanian countryside. We enjoy a tasting menu prepared with organic and seasonal ingredients that reflect local culinary traditions.

We end the day in Budva, the well known coastal town in Montenegro. We explore the medieval streets of the Old Town and see sites such as the Church of the Holy Trinity, Saint Ivan, Santa Maria in Punta and Saint Sava. You then have free time to relax, enjoy the beach or dine at one of the many seaside restaurants, followed by hotel check in.

Budva - Perast - Kotor - Budva. This morning, e travel to the beautiful Boka Bay and make our first stop in Perast, a quiet baroque town set along the water. From here we take a short boat ride to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, where we visit the church and learn about the legends and local traditions connected to this remarkable site.

We continue to Kotor, an old Mediterranean town with centuries of history. Our walking tour introduces the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and other notable monuments that reflect Kotor’s long cultural heritage. After the tour, you have free time to wander through the paved streets or enjoy lunch in one of the town squares.

We then return to Budva where you have more free time to enjoy this lively coastal town at your own pace.

After your final breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and make your way to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!