Semi-Private Balkans Tour; Split to Athens or Corfu in 14 Days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Pick up in Split (Croatia) – Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
5 stops
1
Split
After having experienced the unique medieval town of Split (by yourself) be ready to get soaked up into your Balkan adventure. At 07:30 am you will be picked up from your hotel in Split by our local representative (driver) who will shuttle you to the border where you will meet your tour leader
Admission ticket free
2
Mostar Old Bridge
After crossing the border to Bosnia & Herzegovina we 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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
3
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
4
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. Blagaj is a small Ottoman medieval town in Herzegovina with its stunning nature and imposing spring of river Buna.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
5
Mostar
In the afternoon you will have some free time to explore and wander around Mostar, this splendid UNESCO site
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Mostar – Sarajevo – Mostar
3 stops
6
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
7
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
8
Sarajevo
You will have some free time to enjoy the traditional dishes and have a cove in the old town.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Mostar – Kotor (Montenegro) – Montenegrin Riviera
1 stop
9
Kotor
Our tour continues towards Kotor (Montenegro), a UNESCO world heritage site. We will wander through the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets crisscrossing the old town. This street plan seems quite chaotic, but it was created this way on purpose. 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. You will have the afternoon to your selves to explore this magnificent UNESCO world heritage site. Overnight near Montenegrin Riviera.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Montenegrin Riviera – Budva – Sveti Stefan – Shkoder (Albania)
4 stops
10
Budva
Our first destination for today is Budva in Montenegro, 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 center 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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
11
Sveti Stefan
On our way to Albania we will make a stop near view point of 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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
12
Rozafa Castle
We will visit Rozafa castle offering tremendous scenery of the lake and the three rivers melting all together in the Adriatic Sea.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
13
Shkoder
The city is 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 Shkoder. The city’s favorable geographic position has always been an important trading mark through the centuries, making it possible for different civilizations to encounter.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Shkoder – Mrizi i Zanave Agrotourism – Prizren (Kosovo)
4 stops
14
Mrizi i Zanave - Restorant Agroturizëm
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
1 hour • Admission ticket free
15
Prizren
In the afternoon we will continue our tour 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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
16
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
17
Prizren
The view from the fortress on the hill above the town offers a great panorama of this astonishing town.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Prizren – Gjakove - Decan – Vineyards near Rahovec – Prizren
3 stops
18
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
19
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
20
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 of the sea level making Rahovec an ideal spot to produce high quality fine wines. A wine festival takes place in Rahovec annually every September.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Prizren – Kruje (Albania) – Tirana
3 stops
21
Kruje
Our main 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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
22
Kruja Castle
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 souvenir in Albania, from typical to more unique and handmade souvenirs such as carpets, jewelers etc.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
23
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Day tour of Tirana
5 stops
24
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
25
Tregu Çam
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.
1 minute • Admission ticket free
26
Tirana
With your local companion by your side, you’ll skip past the tourist traps and discover the city’s culinary highlights in some of our favorite local neighborhoods, where you'll have the opportunity to savor a traditional dessert at an authentic pastry. We will have an insight into the hidden alleyways and bustling street markets of Tirana, where dozens of street hawkers sell fresh vegetables and fruits. After walking through the busy streets, we'll introduce you to the country's rich coffee culture. We will join locals at a cozy café and taste traditional "Albanian coffee". The tour will continue through the charming neighborhoods of Tirana; observe the daily lives of the city's residents, admire colorful buildings, and get a feel for the authentic atmosphere.
1 minute • Admission ticket free
27
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!
1 hour • Admission ticket free
28
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.
1 minute • Admission ticket included
Day 9
Tirana – Struga (N. Macedonia) – Ohrid
2 stops
29
Struga
Today we will depart towards North Macedonia. Struga will be our first stop. We will have a quick drink by the beautiful source of Drini River, one of the longest in Western Balkans.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
30
Ohrid
After a short visit in Struga we will drive towards Ohrid. The town of Ohrid is 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 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 center 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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Ohrid – St.Naum – Tushemisht (Albania) – Drilon – Berat
3 stops
31
Monastery of Saint Naum
Our first stop for today 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
1 hour • Admission ticket included
32
Tushemisht
As we cross border towards Albania we will stop in Tushemisht a hidden gem that offers visitors a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
33
Driloni National Park
. Before heading to Berat we will also visit 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
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 11
Berat – Gjirokaster
4 stops
34
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. 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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
35
Berat Castle
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
1 hour • Admission ticket included
36
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
1 hour • Admission ticket included
37
Gorica Bridge
We will continue our tour and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Day Tour of Gjirokastra
3 stops
38
Gjirokaster
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
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
39
Gjirokaster Castle
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
40
Gjirokastra Bazaar
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. We will visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 13
Gjirokaster – Ioannina (Greece) – Meteora (Kalbaka)
2 stops
41
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. 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. As we wander through the vibrant streets, you'll encounter charming cafes, inviting you to savor traditional Greek cuisine and local delicacies.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
42
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 14
Meteora – Transfer Day to Athens or Corfu
2 stops
43
Athens
This is the last day of your Balkan adventure marking the end of this amazing experience through the rich history and culture of this part of the World. You will be transferred towards Athens. We hope this has been a wonderful experience with great memories of these 7 West Balkan Countries to cherish for a lifetime
Admission ticket free
44
Corfu
This is the last day of your Balkan adventure marking the end of this amazing experience through the rich history and culture of this part of the World. You will be transferred towards at Igoumentisa Port where you will take the ferry (tickets included) to Corfu port. We hope this has been a wonderful experience with great memories of these 7 West Balkan Countries to cherish for a lifetime
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance.
• Tour’s schedule or itinerary may be affected/adopted due to; weather, Acts of God, labour strikes, bank holidays, site temporary closure/renovation or other external forces outside the Company’s contro
• Please note that prices are calculated on double/twin/triple/quadruple room occupancy in a 3 stars hotel accommodation.
• Tips are not a must in the Balkans, however, our recommendation is to tip the tour leader/driver as an international practice to tip good service.

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