Tour of Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia is an 11 days program, including these authentic and undiscovered Balkan destinations. We explore the highlights of each country, including the main cultural, historical and natural sites; combined with degustation of their rich culinary and wines.
Sarajevo – Skopje
Sarajevo, War Tunnels, Beer Tasting, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Herceg Novi, Perast, Kotor , Budva, Shkodra, Tirana, Kruja, Berat, Ohrid, , National Park of Mavrovo, The Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski, Tetovo, Matka Valley, Skopje
11 Days
All year
Arrival Sarajevo
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free evening and overnight in Sarajevo.
Sarajevo Tour – War Tunnels – Beer Tasting
In the morning we take the Sarajevo Walking Tour. We reach the old town of Sarajevo where our first stop is Baščaršija square and its most interesting symbol; the fountain Sebilj. We continue further to the Kazandžiluk street and learn about the story of origins of copper and tin industry in Sarajevo.Continuing further through the old town, we stop in Bravadžiluk street; an area where the main restaurants and food shops are located. We use this opportunity to try some local foods, like burek or pita.We visit one of the oldest mosques in Sarajevo, Imperial mosque. Then continue to Gazihusref-beys – a covered market-bazaar built in early 16th century for trading reasons still today serves the original purposeJust bridge further down the Mijacka river, we shall arrive to Atmejdan park, Latin bridge and assassination point of Franz Ferdinand where we learn the origins of the WW1.We then continue to Sarajevo city centre where we see the Cathedral of Sacred Jesus Hearth, The Eternal flame, Clock tower, and the farmers market. Time for lunch before our transfer to the War Tunnels. Tunnel of Hope, which in period of 1993-1995 was the major “blood line” for heavily besieged and destroyed city.At the Tunnel we will see a short movie about the War in Sarajevo and Tunnel, followed by going through the Tunnel itself. At the exhibition part of the museum we have the opportunity to see many interesting exhibits directly connected with Siege of Sarajevo. In the afternoon return to the city, and stop at Sarajevo Brewery which was founded on May 24th, 1864, and historians consider it the oldest industrial plant in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Relaxing evening with beer tasting. Overnight in Sarajevo.
Sarajevo – Mostar
We leave Sarajevo and drive to the old town of Mostar; to visit the city. We see famous Old Bridge of Mostar built in 1566, Kriva Ćuprija, the oldest arch bridge in Mostar, The Hamam – Turkish bath, the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the second biggest mosque in Mostar, whose original color and wall decorations have been preserved. Visitors are allowed to climb the minaret, which offers a panoramic view of the city and The Old Bridge. We also pass through Kujundžiluk – Old Bazzar, which winds along a small, pretty, cobbled street, dating back to the middle of the 16th century, where characteristic crafts shops and traditional restaurants are found. Dinner with traditional menu and Overnight in Mostar.
Mostar – Dubrovnik – Herceg Novi
This morning we transfer towards Croatia. After border crossing we enjoy a guided tour of Dubrovnik old town. As we step through the gates of old city, we will be taking a step back in time, losing our self in the grandeur and beauty of this culturally influential city. We will walk by Dubrovnik’s most significant historical landmarks such as the Pile Gate, Cove of Kolorina, Onofrio’s Fountains, Orlando’s Column, Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Stradun (the main street), The Cathedral, Church of St. Blaise, The Wide Street, Square of Ivan Gundulić, some locations were recent popular movies were filmed, like the Game of Thrones and much more. Free time for lunch in Dubrovnik, or to explore the city further on your own. Afternoon in the coastal town of Hercegnovi, located in Montenegro borders with Croatia.
Hercegnovi – Perast – Kotor UNESCO – Budva
Morning transfer towards the small town of Perast, Visit the town and enjoy a boat ride towards the artificial Island located in front of the town. In the island we visit the church “Our Lady of the Rock”. The Island treasures paintings of the most talented local artists, more than 2,000 silver votive plaques and many other interesting gifts donated by local sailors.
Continue further to the Old City of Kotor, a well preserved urbanization typical of the Middle Ages, built between the 12th and 14th century. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor a UNESCO listed “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site”. The entrance of the city is in 3 different old gates. We visit the town and the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon.
In the evening we reach another coastal town, Budva. The biggest resort town in Montenegro. It is called the ‘Montenegrin Miami’ because of its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Budva has 17 incredible beaches, and its coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
We take a walking tour of the old town. The tour starts from the streets of old Budva – a place that is more than 2500 years old. The center of attraction for tourists is the Old City, called Civitas Antiqua. It contains artifacts and buildings, objects that belong to different epochs. There were also Roman and Illyrian periods in a very huge history of the city.
Dinner by the seaside and overnight in Budva.
Budva – Shkodra – Tirana (Albania)
This morning we continue to Shkoder, in North Albania, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans which was once a capital of the Illyrian state. We visit its old bazaar, before reaching Rozafa castle for spectacular views of the city, lake and the surrounding mountains – from the top of the hill. Time for lunch in Shkodra. In the afternoon we reach Tirana, where we spend a free evening and overnight.
Tirana – Historical town of Kruja – Colorful Capital Tirana
After breakfast we proceed to Kruja, the historical city which lays on a panoramic view on the top of a hill, 600 km above sea level. With a combination of nature, history, archeology, traditional food and lifestyle, Kruja is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Albania. Kruja is notable from its stony streets and traditional buildings. The tour begins with the visit in the Castle, the citadel of the National hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg. It is build 548 m above sea level and gives a spectacular view of the surroundings placed in a characteristic urban building of 1764 you can also visit the Ethnographic Museum of Kruja. After the visits it’s time to get closer to Albanian traditions and lifestyle, by visiting the bazaar. It is a one street of shops, with wooden buildings and a mixture of cafés and small souvenir and antique shops. In the afternoon we drive towards Tirana. Guided tour of the colorful capital of Albania, Tirana. Tirana has a never-ending movement and energy. This metropolis city is worth to discover by day and night. Founded in the 1614, Tirana is now a developed city which combines culture, history, contemporary architecture and lots of hospitality shown towards tourists. As you take a walk in Tirana you will enjoy the look of the colorful buildings, fancy coffees and green parks. Walk by the main boulevard, the Pyramid, The opera House and National Library, Governmental buildings, the new bazaar and the pedestrian area. Entrance to the National Historical Museum. Dinner and overnight in Tirana.
Tirana – Berat *UNESCO – Ohrid *UNESCO (Macedonia)
Morning transfer and tour of Berat; the pride of Albanian antiquity and architecture. The architecture of the old houses, with large windows that overlook the town, is the first think that impresses the visitors. We visit the Citadel, which overlooks the city. We visit The iconographic museum Onufri, with painting from the 16 the century, from the famous orthodox painter of that period, Onufri. Lunch with traditional menu in a local restaurant in Berat old town.
In the afternoon we transfer to the UNESCO town of Ohrid, located in North Macedonia. Relaxing afternoon by the lake Ohrid and Overnight.
Ohrid – National Park of Mavrovo – The Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski – The painted mosque in Tetovo – Skopje
Morning guided tour of Ohrid old town, In it’s narrow alleys lies history dating back over 3.000 years. Both the city and the lake are inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage list. We walk through the streets of Ohrid to reach the highest point – Samuil’s Fortress, which offers wonderful landscapes of the city and Lake. We will visit the cathedral Church of St. Sofia, the Ancient theatre, and from the medieval church St. John the Evangelist.
Further we transfer towards Skopje. First we pass through the panoramic mountain road in Mavrovo National Park.While in Mavrovo we visit the Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski. Hidden away on the side of a mountain just off the main road between Debar and Gostivar and dedicated to John the Baptist, it’s said that the history of this masterpiece of a monastery dates back 1,000 years. Destroyed by the Ottomans in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1743 with further expansions taking place the following century, the complex was seriously damaged by fire in 2009 and much of what you see today is a modern imitation. Thankfully however most of the important artefacts, including some outstanding gold-encrusted icons, one of which is said to date from the 11th century, and the church’s gorgeous carved wooden iconostasis, survive. Further, we stop at the small town of Tetovo for a short sightseeing and entrance to the mosque, called Šarena Džamija- meaning the decorated mosque. Afternoon arrival in Skopje and overnight.
Skopje City tour and Matka Valley
After breakfast we depart toward Matka Valley, A gorge in which a rich complex of mediaeval building survives, including churches, monasteries and remnants of a fortress (the mediaeval town of Matka). There are dozens of caves and large number of endemic plants and animals. The Canyon covers an area of around 5.000ha and is located 15km south-west of Skopje. By its morphogenetic characteristic, it is a breakthrough gorge. Here we have the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip in the lake, and further lunch with traditional menu in the local restaurant. In the afternoon return to Skopje, where we start the city tour, inhabited since at least 4000 BC We visit the city center, the old bazaar, Kale Fortress, and the memorial house of Mother Tereza.
Skopje – Return flight
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Skopje Airport for the return flight.