Pickup in Athens (Greece) – Delphi – Meteora (Kalabaka)
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Athens
After having experienced the capital of Greece and cultural capital of Europe, Athens (by yourself), our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Athens
Duration: 30 minutes
2
Delphi
We will begin this amazing journey by driving towards Delphi, UNESCO world heritage site. This ancient Greek archaeological site is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, including multiple monuments such as the Temple of Apollo, the Castallian Fountain and the Large Sphynx of Naxos. You will be astonished by Treasury of the Athenians, the Theatre, the Stadium and the Museum with the famous statue of Antinoos and the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dated from 475 B.C.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Meteora
After we will drive towards Meteora, also part of UNESCO world heritage dating back in the 14th – 15th century. The monasteries are built on top of the spectacular rock formations, creating a beautiful and impressive sight. Get ready to witness one of the best and stunning sunsets you have ever experienced. As the sun continues to sink, the sky above Meteora is painted with a vivid array of colors. Truly, one in a lifetime experience.
Duration: 2 hours
Meteora – Ioannina – Gjirokaster (Albania)
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Ioannina
Our first destination for today would be Ioannina, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes. As we wander through the cobbled streets of the old town, you'll be transported back in time. The remains of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras are evident in the architecture, with ancient walls and charming houses.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Ioannina Castle
Our next stop will be the imposing Ioannina Castle, which dates back to the Byzantine era. Within the castle walls, we'll find a labyrinthine network of narrow streets and historic buildings.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Ioannina City Hall
As we wander through the vibrant streets, you'll encounter charming cafes, inviting you to savor traditional Greek cuisine and local delicacies. Have some free time to stroll through the old town of Ioannina.
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Gjirokaster
In the afternoon we drive towards the “Stone City”, Gjirokaster.
Duration: 30 minutes
Day tour of Gjirokaster
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Gjirokaster
Today we will visit Gjirokaster, also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage is situated in Southern Albania on the eastern side of mountain “Mali i Gjere”. Gjirokastra resembles a fortified city where every single house is like a small fortress. The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century A.D., and is considered as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years Gjirokastra becomes the capital of the Albanian folklore and traditional music, where passionate folklore ensembles gather in the “stone city” and perform their traditional music, dances and show off their costumes.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed with beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you will be amazed by the wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans and producers.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Skenduli House
We will visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic.
Duration: 60 minutes
Gjirokaster – Berat
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Berat
Our next destination after breakfast is Berat, known as the town of 1001 windows, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand on top of each other.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Berat Castle
The city’s life began in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. Uniquely today, residents still live inside of the castle walls. Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communist era in Albania.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
National Iconographic Museum Onufri
Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour still difficult to imitate.
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Gorica Bridge
We will continue our tour and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood
Duration: 30 minutes
Berat – Drilon – Tushemisht (Albania) – St. Naum (N. Macedonia) – Ohrid
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Driloni National Park
Today we will cross border towards North Macedonia but not before making a stop at the national park of Drilon. Drilon waters springs form a small lake, surrounded by beautiful greenery that makes a unique oasis of beauty and tranquility. The weeping willow trees by the lake's shoreline creates a soothing ambiance, inviting travelers to relax and absorb the beauty of the park.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Tusheti National Park
Next, we will stop in Tushemisht a hidden gem that offers visitors a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Monastery of Saint Naum
Later we will cross border towards North Macedonia and our first stop will be St Naum. The monastery of St. Naum carries the name of a holy place. It is situated right at the source of River Crni Drim, which flows through Lake Ohrid. This monastery complex is part of the National Park Galicica and belongs to one of the strictly protected areas. Crystal clear, spring water reflects both the surrounding greenery and the mountain peaks in the background.
Duration: 60 minutes
Ohrid (N. Macedonia) – Tirana (Albania)
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Ohrid
Today we will visit Ohrid, one of the most seductive destinations in N. Macedonia, indicated as one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. Ohrid city and Ohrid Lake are part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. Ohrid Lake and its surroundings where inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys. The Lake was named by the Romans as “Lyhnidas” (the Light Lake). Our tour continues to the city of Ohrid (UNESCO world heritage) an important center of Orthodoxy. We will continue our tour and visit the famous view point of church of St. John, the church of St. Nicolas and the mosque Halveti Hayati Tekke. Ohrid became an important centre for the Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is famous for its 365 Orthodox churches, said to have one church for each day of the year. During the Ottoman Empire the city grew on the hills and surrounding areas by the lake.
Duration: 3 hours
Day tour of Tirana
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Tirana
Today we will discover Tirana, the capital of Albania. Meet with your local companion, and enjoy a unique experience in the city while learning more about the city's culinary treasures.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Our first stop will be at a small local place that only locals know how to find. Here we will have the opportunity to try Byrek and have breakfast like a local. The famous traditional Albanian food is dough with all kinds of filling such as cheese, meat or spinach. The journey then leads towards Çam bazaar, founded by the Albanian Çam community, who originally came from an area called Çameria in today’s North-Western Greece. Here you can buy all kinds of goods from clothes to kitchen equipment and bargain with the sellers for a cheaper price.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Pazari i Ri
We will visit the so-called Bicycle bazaar, where you can find everything, from second hand clothes to second hand furniture. The next stop of our local adventure takes us to the New Bazaar, where an array of culinary delights awaits us. We will try the traditional Albanian lunch – "Qofte" (meatballs) grilled to perfection and paired with freshly baked bread. Vegetarians can enjoy freshly baked bread with Albanian Gjize (cottage cheese).
To wash it all down, we will also taste some Albanian Raki. As we Albanians say, there is nothing that Raki can’t fix!
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Bunk'Art 2
Our last stop will be BUNKART, one of the most interesting museums in Tirana. Initially designed as a nuclear bunker offering shelter to the Albanian communist supreme leader Enver Hoxha and his close party members during the cold war. The bunker was hidden to the general public until 2014, when the Albanian government decided to initiate an interesting project that converted the nuclear bunker into a museum. BUNKART is video museum exhibition dedicated to the history of the Albanian communist army and to the daily lives of Albanians during the regime. This marks the end of this remarkable adventure through history and culture.
Duration: 1 minutes
Tirane – Kruje – Prizren (Kosovo)
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Kruje
Our first destination for today will be Kruja, a historical city symbol of the Albanian resistance against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire during the XV century. Kruja is situated in central Albania on a rocky mountainous terrain about 560 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Sarisalltik Mountain.
Duration: 30 minutes
2
Pazari i Vjeter
Walking through the narrow streets and the wooden houses of Kruja’s Medieval Old Bazaar (one of the biggest and oldest in Balkans) gives you a sense of a passage through the history. This is the best place to shop for souvenirs in Albania, from typical to more unique and handmade souvenirs such as carpets, jewelries etc.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Kruja Castle
The castle of Kruja (built during the 5th century A.D.) is strategically placed on the top of a rocky hill, making it difficult for the enemies to attack. The tour leader will take you through some hidden paths, used by the locals to leave the castle without being noticed during periods when the enemies surrounded the castle.
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Prizren
We will cross borders towards Prizren, considered as the cultural capital of Kosovo, mixing its rich history, incredible nature, religious tolerance and gastronomic delights. Prizren has played an important role in the region as an Illyrian settlement and a crossroad for the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, contributing to the unique architecture of the city. The river flows through the heart of the old town and under the many bridges that crisscross the city. If you are looking to experience a lively international experience you should visit Prizren during August when the medieval city becomes home to one of the most famous short film festivals in the world named Dokufest. The best way to explore the town is by wandering through the streets passing by elegant medieval houses that fight for your attention. Filigree artisanal techniques for precious metals are Prizren’s joy and pride.
Duration: 60 minutes
5
Sinan Pasha Mosque
If you have to choose just one mosque to visit then visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, rich in arabesque colour and pattern.
Duration: 30 minutes
6
Kalaja Fortress
The view from the fortress on the hill above the town offers a great panorama of this astonishing town. Free afternoon in Prizren.
Duration: 30 minutes
Prizren – Gjakove - Decan – Vineyards near Rahovec – Prizren
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Gjakova
After breakfast we will continue our tour towards Gjakova. The city has the oldest and largest bazaar of Kosovo. Even though, it got destroyed during the first Balkan wars, the second world war and the Kosovo war, the bazaar got rebuilt again to its old state and is a nice place to enjoy a meal or to take a look at the stores that sell traditional handmade crafts from local artisans and producers.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Decan
Our next destination will be the Monastery of Decan. This one stands out for its white colour, but even more remarkable is the fact that Orthodox monks still inhabit the monastery and make fresh organic food there, such as cheeses. The monastery became part of UNESCO in 2004 because of its frescoes, which portray the lives of people during the 14th century as well as the Palaeologan renaissance that changed the way of Byzantine painting.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Rahovec
Before returning back to Prizren we will drive towards Rahovec Valley, known as the capital city of viticulture in Prizren. There is evidence that in this region grapes have been cultivated since Illyrian times, 2000 years ago. Vineyards are positioned in the soft hillocks of Rahovec in altitude from 350 -520 meters above sea level making Rahovec an ideal spot to produce high quality fine wines. A wine festival takes place in Rahovec annually every September.
Duration: 60 minutes
Prizren – Mrizi i Zanave Agro Tourism – Shkoder (Albania)
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Our first destination for today is one of the best slow food Agro-tourism farms in the Balkans. We will take a tour around the farm. In addition, we will learn about the story of this farm and how it created jobs for more than 400 people in the surrounding area. The farm collects, elaborates and preserves regional bio fresh local products. We will also learn how this family business adapted some old communist buildings to serve as storage for local-made bio products. You will have some free time to enjoy a traditional lunch or buy some fresh produce products from the farm.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Shkoder
In the afternoon we will drive towards Shkodra, situated in the north-western part of Albania, giving its name to the biggest lake in the Balkans. It is one of the oldest cities in Albania, with a history of a thousand years of habitation. The oldest wall of the Shkodra castle dates from the 1st millennium BCE. The Roman historian Livy cited the town as the capital of the Illyrian king Gent, who fought the Romans in 168 B.C. We will visit Rozafa castle offering tremendous scenery of the lake and the three rivers melting all together in the Adriatic Sea. The city’s architecture is highly influenced by the Venetian style and if you are lucky enough to join the tour of Shkodra in February you might experience the carnival festival. Most of the guests are surprised to learn that most of the Venetian masks are handmade and produced in Shkodra.
Duration: 2 hours
Shkoder – Sveti Stefan (Montenegro) – Budva – Kotor – Montenegrin Riviera
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Sveti Stefan
Our first destination for today is Budva in Montenegro, before getting there we will make a stop at the view point near Sveti Stefan, historically a fishing town on a small island near the coast. However, nowadays it is not possible to visit the island anymore as it has turned into an exclusive residential resort. Even while standing on the coast, Sveti Stefan is a sight for sore eyes – worth a picture.
Duration: 30 minutes
2
Budva
We will drive towards Budva, a popular tourist destination, famous for its beaches, gorgeous nature and old characteristic buildings. The city is separated between an old and new part. On one hand, in the New Budva, there are many modern buildings, offices, shopping malls, restaurants and bars. On the other hand, in the Old Budva, there is the historical centre and many sights to visit, such as the St. Ivan church, the small church of St. Mary and the medieval splendors of the old town, which we will visit on this tour
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Kotor
Our second destination for today is Kotor, UNESCO world heritage site. The city is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets crisscrossing the old town. The intention was to confuse intruders who came to plunder the town, while nowadays it characterizes the city. Many of the old buildings and churches have small plaques on it with their dates of construction and original use. We will visit the Saint Luke’s church which has a great significance for the locals because it represents unity to them.
Duration: 60 minutes
Montenegrin Riviera – Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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Mostar
From Montenegro, we will cross the border to Bosnia & Herzegovina and head towards the city of Mostar. We will, of course, visit the iconic Old Bridge also known as Stari Most, part of UNESCO world heritage and built in a typical Islamic architectural style in the 16th century.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
We will also wander through the Old Bazaar with its colourful streets and lively atmosphere. The city has stones with “Don’t Forget” all around the town, commemorating the city’s history. Mostar combines the old with the new, which you will notice while wandering through the streets. There are several beautiful old mosques, bustling Turkish bazaars, and a maze of cobbled alleyways.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Blagaj tekija
We will also visit the Blagaj monastery, a little bit outside of the city, on the foot of a cliff, with beautiful blue waters in front of it.
Duration: 30 minutes
Belgrade – Sremski Karlovci – Novi Sad
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Sarajevo
After breakfast we will drive from Mostar to our next destination Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today’s itinerary includes walking on uneven terrain, while visiting some of the ruins during our Sarajevo tour. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. The tour will cover the stories of origins of Sarajevo and the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. We will visit the Ottoman and Austria-Hungarian parts of Sarajevo, which both with its stunning markets, bazaars, mosques, churches and synagogues will reveal the true nature of the real European Jerusalem.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Latin Bridge
We’ll make sure to visit the Latin Bridge and learn the story about how WWI was triggered right here, in the heart of Sarajevo. The bridge received its name because it connected the right bank of the Miljacka with the Catholic quarter of the city, which was informally called "Latinluk" in Ottoman times. Sarajevo is well known for its various delicious meat dishes and desserts.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Sarajevo
You will have some free time to enjoy the traditional dishes and have a cove in the old town
Duration: 60 minutes
Sarajevo – Zvornik – Belgrade (Serbia)
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Zvornik
Our main destination for today is Belgrade in Serbia. Before reaching Belgrade, we will have a stop in Zvornik, situated along the banks of the serene Drina River. Zvornik is a captivating town that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. The town offers a unique experience for both travelers seeking historical insights and those yearning for a tranquil escape. Have some free time to have lunch and try the local dishes or simply walk around the he charming streets of Zvornik.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Belgrade
After we will depart towards Belgrade, where we will visit Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, built on the confluence of two big rivers Sava and the Danube. The view of the city from the Fortress is breathtaking. In the Upper Town of the Belgrade Fortress, you will visit the Pobednik monument with a history dating back to 1913. The park is a huge green area with beautiful trees and peaceful paths. We will walk through Knez Mihailova, the social midpoint of Belgrade locals until we reach Republic square.
Duration: 2 hours
Belgrade – Sremski Karlovci – Novi Sad
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Sremski Karlovci
Today we will depart towards Novi Sad, the region is very famous about the culture of wine production and high quality of fine wines. We will learn more about the region’s tradition on wine production in Sremski Karlovci, the center of Serbian culture in the 18th century and famous for the well-respected wine cellars. Sremski Karlovci is a real gem of Serbian culture and spirituality, which feels like a ‘museum town’ with its Baroque center. It is said that every building, house and street in the city have their own stories to tell. Sremski Karlovci has its own legend which claims that whoever drinks from the Four Lions fountain located in the city center will surely return to Karlovci and get married there. After the tour you will have some free time to taste different wine specialties of the region, by enjoying the spectacular views of the vineyards
Duration: 2 hours
Novi sad – Subotica
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Subotica
Right after breakfast, we will start visiting Novi Sad, considered to be the cultural capital of northern Serbia. Located on the historical border of two former empires – the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman, as a result you will be able to distinguish among the mixture of melting cultures influencing the town through centuries. You will immediately notice the Austro-Hungarian as well as the Ottoman influences. The town has a unique Baroque architecture characterizing some of its most important buildings. Not to be missed is the Petrovaradin Fortress also known as the Gibraltar on the Danube. We will be able to explore the old town walking through the pedestrian streets passing by Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska. Have some free time to enjoy the city on your own. Overnight in Subotica
Duration: 2 hours
Subotica– Budapest (Hungary)
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Subotica
Today we will explore Subotica our last destination in Serbia. Rich cultural heritage assets, intricately decorated buildings, multicultural spirit and European charm – these are the features that make this city distinctive. In Subotica, you will be eye-full of the vibrant colors, and outstanding architecture of the city due to its once importance and wealth during the Austro-Hungarian empire. We will visit the center of Subotica which is not dominated by a cathedral or a church, but by the City Hall. It is surrounded by the park, fountains and a huge square. Subotica is known for its relaxed atmosphere, good food, and quality wines. After a walk through the city center, enjoy time to explore Subotica’s streets and squares and taste the far-known local cuisine. We will visit the Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila and the Synagogue. After the city center visit, you will have the opportunity to explore the town center by yourself and enjoy a coffee in the Austro-Hungarian influenced city.
Duration: 3 hours
2
Budapest
Later this day we will cross border towards Budapest the Capital of Hungary.
Duration: 30 minutes
Day tour of Budapest (Hungary)
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Budapest
Today we will explore the “Queen of the Danube”, Budapest. This scenic city is known for its singular mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture. The capital of Hungary is divided by the Danube into two parts: traditional "Buddha" and cosmopolitan "Pest". Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. We will pass by the Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest with neoclassical style. After we will stroll along the boulevards, the Opera, the Parliament building, Heroes' Square, and the 19th-century Fisherman's Bastion with its spectacular views over the city
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Buda Castle
We will learn more about the historical and cultural significance of the Hungarian capital by visiting the Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of the city.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Budapest
We will cross over bridges and discover the Baroque-style Street. You can't miss Budapest at night when the city dresses up, free evening to explore on your own this amazing city, and take in the atmosphere.
Duration: 60 minutes
Budapest – Győr – Bratislava (Slovakia)
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Gyor
Today we will continue our journey towards the picturesque “City of Rivers”, Győr. The city is filled with a rich history, baroque architecture and tasty Hungarian food. The center of the city is surrounded with multi-color homes and churches.
Duration: 30 minutes
2
Gyor Town Hall
We will wander the historic streets and visit the Györ’s Town Hall where you cannot miss the 59-meter tower and its green top. This Neo-Classical building has been open since 1898. Győr has many churches all around the town, however, do not miss a visit to Cathedral of The Virgin Mary which was built in Roman style in the 11th century
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Gyor
After we will walk towards Györ Synagogue, its colossal grey dome can be spotted from far away. The architecture of this building was used as an inspiration for other synagogues across all central Europe. We will walk along the pedestrian-only street Baross Gabor. The street is filled with numerous cafes, shops, bars, and restaurants. Have some free time to taste the delicious Hungarian food and the famous blueberry beer.
Duration: 60 minutes
Day tour of Bratislava
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Bratislava
After breakfast we will visit Bratislava, a charming city alongside the Danube. Exploring the medieval Old Town Hall, we will learn more about the ancient history of Slovakia. Bratislava's Old Town is known for its many churches and cultural institutions, it is also the location of most of the foreign states embassies and important Slovak institutions.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
We will head to Michael's Gate, the only gate that has been preserved from the medieval fortifications, and it ranks among the oldest of the town's buildings.
Duration: 30 minutes
3
After exploring the old town, we will walk up to the iconic Bratislava Castle, overlooking the city. The castle was built in 9th century and it stands on the hill above Danube River. The view from the castle offers an amazing spot worth a picture of Bratislava. In the afternoon we will return to the city center
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Bratislava Old Town
Bratislava's café culture is legendary, have some free time and try the famous coffee in one of the Bratislav’s traditional coffee shops where the aroma of roasted coffee beans fills the air.
Duration: 60 minutes
Bratislava (Slovakia) – transfer day to Vienna (Austria)
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Vienna
This is the last day of your Balkan to central Europe adventure marking the end of this amazing experience through the rich history and culture of this part of the World. Your tour leader will drop you off at your hotel in Vienna (Austria). We hope this has been a wonderful experience with great memories through the Balkan countries and Central Europe.
Duration: 30 minutes
