Day 2 – Sarajevo
After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of the old town Sarajevo, the capital of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been influenced by a number of cultures and civilizations over its long history. On your city tour, visit the Turkish Bazaar Baščaršija Gazi Husrev beg Mosque, the Olympic Stadium and Gavrilo Princip Museum. Your afternoon and evening are free. (B)
Day 3 – Mostar and Počitelj
Mostar is a city with a rich history that has shaped and formed it since ancient times. This city is also known as the “melting pot of cultures” and it is a perfect choice if you are looking for a one of a kind experience. Is there anything more exciting than exploring the cobbled stone streets of a city where the Neretva River divides cultures and religions? The differences and contrasts here can be seen not only through architecture. The story of Mostar could definitely be named after “The tale of two cities”. The city has two sides the left and the right bank of the river are connected by one of the wonders of the modern world, the spectacular Mostar Bridge. Your first stop of the day on the Dubrovnik to Mostar tour will be the small hillside town of Počitelj. This is a historic location on the banks of the Neretva River and a very popular tourist stop on the way from Dubrovnik to Mostar. This fortified town contains only a few scattered homes and cafés, an unusual mosque, a tower and a citadel, all surrounded by the remains of the city walls. The main construction dates from two different periods medieval and Ottoman. We end this day by driving to Dubrovnik. (B)
Day 4 – Dubrovnik
After breakfast, continue to explore one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea also known as the Pearl of the Adriatic which attracts visitors with its unique architecture and world famous Walls that surround the city core. On a walk tour of Old Dubrovnik explore the beauty and the harmony of the old town with a professional local guide who will give you some great insider’s tips and reveal all the secrets to you. Visit the Rector’s palace and see the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, Sponza palace, the Dominican monastery, and Franciscan monastery with its pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. Enjoy wandering through the streets and exploring the town gastronomy. Enjoy wandering through the stone streets of this amazing town discovering all the secrets that it has to offer. Make sure to taste local food, visit local beaches and relax in the unique ambient. (B)
Day 5 – Ston
Wine and taste Croatia day starts in Ston. Today you’ll visit the world famous China like Walls of Ston. After that, you’ll continue to Mali Ston where you will have a unique opportunity to enjoy a special boat trip with oyster tasting program. Learn all about the oyster farming activities directly from experts and enjoy tasting these delicacies. Day continues with visit to local winery on Pelješac where you’ll enjoy an exquisite wine tasting program with light finger food served along. This amazing day we will finish by returning to Dubrovnik in late afternnon. (B)
Day 6 – Kotor
Leave Dubrovnik behind and drive to Kotor on the Montenegrin coast (approximately 3 hours). This 5th century World Heritage listed city is set on a secluded bay, with towering peaks surrounding a rocky coastline dotted with pretty waterside towns. In its crooked alleyways, get lost and mingle with the locals. When you arrive, why not check out the 12th century Cathedral, South Gates and Armoury Square Later, perhaps take a cruise on the Kotor Fjord the longest fjord south of Scandinavia and visit an island with a church that’s almost as big as the island itself! In the evening the city walls are prettily lit up to provide a unique night time perspective. (B)
Day 7 – Budva to Tirana
After breakfast starts the walking tour of Budva Budva is rich in historical monuments Old Town lies on a small peninsula and represents a treasure chest of cultural heritage. Crossed with narrow streets and squares are famous buildings, Holy Trinity church, grave of writer Stjepan Mitrov Ljubisa churches of St Ivan, Santa Maria in Punta and St Sava. The rest of the morning is free to explore the town. Drive across the border into Albania. In the rugged north the Alps are so fierce they’re deemed while the south enjoys one of Europe’s least known and most beautiful coastlines. Our first stop is the city of Shkoder. Here you will have time to explore Rozafa Castle. The site originated as a fortress since Illyrian times, however most of what can be seen today is of Venetian origin. Depending on road conditions and volume of traffic, it will be another 2 hours to Tirana where is our base for next day. (B)
Day 8 – Tirana
A unique mixture of cultures and customs, Tirana is filled with craziness, from its traffic to the nightlife, but on its doorstep are mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture, and a stunning dose of the medieval Balkans. On arrival, take an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city. Tirana is the capital of Albania and its biggest city, but it’s still small and compact, with architectural influences from Italy and Turkey. Recently many buildings have been painted to alleviate the Soviet bloc feeling that prevailed. Many upgrades have been made all over town, such as new parks and wide pavements, a process that’s still on going. (B)
Day 9 – Kurja
Today, take a half day trip to the mountain village and former Albanian capital of Kruja. Kruja was the last stronghold of Skanderbeg’s (the national hero of Albania) army until the Ottomans took over the entire country. There is plenty of time to explore the citadel and the famous bazaar area. Perhaps pay a visit to the excellent ethnographical museum housed inside the fortress. You’ll then return to Tirana after lunch. Tirana is dotted with many museums. The main sight in Tirana is the Et’hem Bey Mosque, which sits right on the city’s main square. Closed under communist rule, the mosque resumed as a place of worship in 199.1 Ten thousand people attended the reopening and the event was considered a milestone in the rebirth of religious freedom in Albania. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 10 – Kastorija
Travel to the border with Greece and then continue to Kastoria. This medieval town sits on the western shore of Lake Orestiada in a valley surrounded by limestone mountains. Kastoria is full of interesting Byzantine churches and Ottoman style architecture, including old distinctive villas from the skin and fur trade times. Once you arrive, you’ll take an orientation walk along the labyrinthine lanes, with time to walk along the lakeside, where boats bob, Dalmatian pelicans and ducks make iridescent ripples on the water, and coniferous trees and mountains surround in the distance. Later, consider visiting the unspoilt Spilia tou Drakou or Dragon Cave, one of the most impressive caves in Greece, and see stalactites and underground lakes in this mysterious natural wonder once believed to be a gold mine guarded by a sleepless dragon. (B)
Day 11 – Litochoro
After breakfast transfer to the town of Litochoro at the base of Mt Olympus. Upon arrival head out on a short orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the surroundings Mount Olympus, Greece’s first national park, is the highest mountain in Greece and the second highest in the Balkans, with a height of 2918 m. The mountain is famous in Greek mythology as it is the dwelling of the twelve Olympian gods, headed by Zeus. Mytikas peak was the gods’ meeting place, and Stefani peak was the Throne of Zeus from where he was said to have displayed his mighty power by throwing thunderbolts. Head out early today for a hike along a lush trail within the national park to a beautiful waterfall. Return to your hotel for dinner. Drive to Athens on the end of the day. (B)
Day 12 – Athens
After breakfast start your Athens adventure. The beating heart of Greece and the center of the ancient world. At the capital of Greece, vibrant and refreshed following the 2004 Olympics, yet still retaining so much visible history. Named after the goddess of wisdom, Athens has a weighty history that spills out over the modern city, represented most dramatically by the ancient Acropolis, where you can enter the Pantheon and enjoy fabulous views over the city. The birthplace of Western civilization, Athens has an amazing array of historic sites to explore, including the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the original Olympic Stadium. Another highlight is the renowned changing of the guard at Syntagma Square. (B)
Day 13 – Athens
After breakfast enjoy your free day in Athens
Optional activities/ideas for sightseeing
- Numismatic Museum
- National Archaeological Museum
- Lycabettus
- Hill Acropolis (pass for 5 sites)
- Dora Stratou
Day 14 – Farewell Journey
After breakfast, the magic tour of Balkans ends. Fly safe home and dream on where would you like to spend your next magical holiday. (B)
