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16-Day Grand Balkan Tour

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Overview

If you want to go on a trip where beauty and sights of historical and cultural importance are guaranteed then this 16-day Balkans itinerary is the trip for you.

The Balkan Peninsula has always been the territory of great movements throughout various empires, that resulted in the remaining great monuments, cultural paths and historical objects on these lands.

Passing through about exploring five beautiful countries each with its own captivating culture, you'll fall in love with the diversity that the Balkan Peninsula offers.

From beautiful nature, mountains, rivers, and lakes, to fantastic food that is still organic almost everywhere, the unique spirit of the cities and villages throughout the Balkans will lure you in and promise an unforgettable adventure.
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Outdoors & Nature

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Belgrade

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Welcome to Belgrade

Upon arrival in Belgrade, your guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Belgrade city centre. In the afternoon, depending on your arrival, you'll have some free time to explore this wonderfully vibrant and extremely historic city by yourself ahead of your city tour tomorrow. There are many fantastic sights to see and wonderful streets to wander to get yourself acquainted with the city. Your guide will also be able to point you in the direction of great restaurants.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Courtyard by Marriott Belgrade City Centre4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in BelgradeOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport to Courtyard by Marriott Belgrade City Center

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Belgrade

Day 2

Explore Belgrade

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Explore Belgrade

After breakfast, you'll venture out on your sightseeing tour of the capital city of Serbia, which lies at the confluence of two major rivers, the Danube and Sava. During this tour, you'll visit the mighty Belgrade Fortress which towers over the city and also visit the Yugoslav History Museum which is dedicated to the former Yugoslavian political leader, Josip Broz Tito. In the afternoon, you are free to explore Belgrade as you wish which may include a visit to the Temple of Saint Sava.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Courtyard by Marriott Belgrade City Centre4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Belgrade

    Belgrade Fortress

    Museum of Yugoslavia

    Temple of Saint SavaOptional Activity

    Slavija SquareOptional Activity

    House of FlowersOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Belgrade

Day 3

Travel to Skopje via Nis

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Travel to Skopje via Nis

From Belgrade, you'll drive to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. En route, you'll visit the historical city of Niš, also the largest city in southern Serbia. There you will see the Memorial to Constantine, in commemoration to the Roman emperor, Constantine the Great, who was born in this city and you'll also visit the Skull Tower, a monument to the Serbian revolutionaries who died between 1804 and 1813. You'll arrive in Skopje in the late afternoon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Alexander II4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Niš

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Belgrade to Skopje

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Belgrade

    Niš

    Skopje

Day 4

Skopje to Ohrid

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Skopje to Ohrid

In the morning, you'll embark on a city tour of Skopje, visiting the Stone Bridge, Old Bazaar, old railway station, Mustafa-Pasha Mosque, Daut Pasha Hamam, and the monument of Mother Theresa followed by free time to enjoy a traditional lunch. From Skopje, you'll head to Ohrid, beautiful ancient city by the Ohrid Lake which is the deepest and one of the largest lakes in the Balkan Peninsula. Upon arrival, you'll have some free time to explore the area and take in the scenery.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel City Palace4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Skopje

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Skopje to Ohrid

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Skopje

    Ohrid

Day 5

Explore Ohrid

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Explore Ohrid

Today’s morning will be taken up with sightseeing and a walking tour of the old town of Ohrid. In the afternoon, you'll take a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Ohrid to visit the Monastery of Saint Naum and the springs of Lake Ohrid. Built during the 10th century by a monk of the same name, the coffin inside the monastery is said to echo the monk's heartbeat when you press your ear to the stone.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel City Palace4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ohrid

    Saint Naum Monastery

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ohrid

    Municipality of Ohrid

Day 6

Ohrid to Tirana

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Ohrid to Tirana

After breakfast, you'll continue your Grand Balkan Tour by entering nearby Albania. You'll drive via Elbasan to Tirana, the capital city of the country. Once you have arrived in Tirana and checked into your hotel you'll venture out on an orientation tour of the city. You'll visit the famous Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, and the National Museum which represents the flow of Albanian history throughout many centuries and houses the finds from archaeological sites across the country.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Tirana International Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tirana

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Ohrid to Tirana

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ohrid

    Tirana

Day 7

Onwards to Montenegro

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Onwards to Montenegro

Today, you'll leave Albania and drive to Montenegro where you'll arrive in the beautiful historic city of Budva. Shortly before crossing the border into Montenegro, you'll stop in Shkoder, a historic city which is now a major cultural centre of Albania. After the short visit, you'll continue to Budva, the famous seaside resort with a beautifully picturesque Old Town. Budva is renowned for its stunning beaches, bustling nightlife and for being rich in natural beauty and historical monuments.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Moskva4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Shkodër

    Budva

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Tirana to Budva

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tirana

    Shkodër

    Budva

Day 8

Explore Montenegro

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Explore Montenegro

After breakfast, you'll head to Kotor, a city in the Bay of Kotor, described as the Mediterranean’s only fjord, between the mountains and the blue sea. Here you'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of the dramatic town, surrounded by walls, protecting the marbled cobbled streets with churches, shops, bars and restaurants on hidden squares. You'll then continue along the winding panoramic road to Cetinje, the former Montenegrin royal city, once the smallest European capital, before returning to Budva.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Moskva4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Bay of Kotor

    Kotor

    Cetinje

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Budva to Kotor

    Private Driver from Kotor to Cetinje

    Private Driver from Cetinje to Budva

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Budva

    Kotor

    Cetinje

Day 9

Discover Dubrovnik

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Discover Dubrovnik

Today, you'll leave Montenegro behind and continue your Balkans itinerary to Croatia. You'll arrive in Dubrovnik, a world-famous Dalmatian city also called the Pearl of Adriatic. Here, you'll explore the city with its rich and interesting history, which is seen on every step from the city gates, forts, city walls with a coat of arms of the patron Saint Blasius, to the military warehouse. In the afternoon and evening, you'll be able to further enjoy the lively streets of Dubrovnik.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Lero3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Dubrovnik

    Dubrovnik CathedralOptional Activity

    Dubrovnik City WallsOptional Activity

    Dubrovnik Cable CarOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Budva to Dubrovnik

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Budva

    Dubrovnik

Day 10

Explore Mostar & Sarajevo

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Explore Mostar & Sarajevo

Today, you'll travel to Mostar via the pretty Kravica Waterfalls. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you will get to know the picturesque Mostar which owes its name to the famous bridge over the Neretva River. Whilst in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, you’ll visit its historic Old Bridge, the colourful Old Bazaar with traditional handicrafts and its well-preserved traditional Turkish houses. You'll then continue your Grand Balkan tour to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Europe5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Kravica Waterfall

    Mostar

    Stari Most

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Dubrovnik to Mostar

    Private Driver from Mostar to Sarajevo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dubrovnik

    Studenci

    Mostar

    Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Sarajevo

Day 11

Explore Sarajevo

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Explore Sarajevo

In the morning, you'll join a tour of Sarajevo, visiting the main sights such as the Sarajevo Cathedral and later visit the famous oriental old town ‘Baščaršija’ to try some local food and shop for colourful handicrafts. In the afternoon, you'll visit the popular natural local resort, Vrelo Bosne, one of the countries most popular natural monuments. In the evening, you'll have some more free time to spend in the old town enjoying the bars and traditional restaurants.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Europe5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Sarajevo

    Sarajevo Cathedral

    Vrelo Bosne

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sarajevo to Vrelo Bosne

    Private Driver from Vrelo Bosne to Sarajevo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sarajevo

    Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Day 12

Sarajevo to Zagreb

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Sarajevo to Zagreb

After breakfast, you'll head towards Travnik, once the capital of the Ottoman vizier from the 1690s to 1850s, followed by another stop in Jajce, the ‘birthplace’ of former Yugoslavia. Continuing your journey to Zagreb, you'll then stop in Banja Luka, the sec­ond largest city in Bosnia and Herze­gov­i and cul­tural, eco­nomic and admin­is­tra­tive cen­tre of the Repub­lika Srp­ska entity and is filled with stunning Ottoman architecture. You'll then continue to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Dubrovnik4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Travnik

    Jajce

    Banja Luka

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sarajevo to Zagreb

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sarajevo

    Travnik

    Jajce

    Banja Luka

    Zagreb

Day 13

Explore Zagreb

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Explore Zagreb

This morning, you'll enjoy a guided tour of Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, which will reveal its most important cultural and architectural attractions. You'll visit the Cathedral, the main Ban Jelačič square, the open market, and the lively Tkalčič street. After that, you'll have some free time to further explore the city and sample some local food. In the afternoon, you'll continue your journey to Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Lev4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Zagreb

    Zagreb Cathedral

    Ban Jelacic Square

    Free Time in ZagrebOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Zagreb to Ljubljana

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Zagreb

    Ljubljana

Day 14

Explore Ljubljana & Lake Bled

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Explore Ljubljana & Lake Bled

Today, you'll venture out on a tour around the capital city of Slovenia. You will find out why Ljubljana is the city of dragons, a city of bridges, and often called the small Prague. In the afternoon, you'll continue to Bled, Slovenia’s most popular tourist resort. Here you'll take a ride around the lake and enjoy this picturesque Slovenian treasure with its emerald-green lake, picture-postcard church on an islet and a medieval castle clinging to a rocky 139-metre-high cliff.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Lev4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ljubljana City Tour

    Dragon Bridge

    Ljubljana Castle

    Ljubljana Central Market

    Lake Bled

    Bled Castle

    Bled

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Ljubljana to Bled

    Private Driver from Lake Bled to Ljubljana

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ljubljana

    Bled

Day 15

Postjana Caves, Lipica Stud Farm & Piran

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Postjana Caves, Lipica Stud Farm & Piran

This morning you'll visit the famous Postjana Cave, one of the largest in the world and among Slovenia’s most popular attractions - its stalagmite and stalactite formations are unequalled anywhere. After you'll continue towards Lipica, the famous stud farm that lives for its snow-white Lipizzaner horses, which were first bred here for the Spanish Riding School in Vienna in the late 16th century. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Piran, everybody’s favourite Slovenian coastal city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Piran4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Postojna Cave

    Lipica Stud Farm

    Piran

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Ljubljana to Postojna Cave

    Private Driver from Ljubljana to Lipica

    Private Driver from Postojna Cave to Lipica

    Private Driver from Lipica to Piran

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ljubljana

    Postojna

    Lipica

    Piran

Day 16

Goodbye Balkans!

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Goodbye Balkans!

You've reached the end of your grand Balkans itinerary! After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule. The journey to the airport will take around three hours and once there your guide will wish you a safe and pleasant onward journey.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Piran to Venice Marco Polo Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Piran

Included in Price

  • 15 nights accommodation
  • 34 activities
  • 15 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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