Athens to Dubrovnik; Semi – Private Tour with Tour Leader & Car

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Athens (Greece) – Delphi
3 stops
1
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
1 hour • Admission ticket free
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Meteora – Ioannina – Gjirokaster (Albania)
2 stops
4
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. Have some free time to stroll through the old town of Ioannina.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Gjirokaster
In the afternoon we drive towards the “Stone City”, Gjirokaster
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Day tour of Gjirokaster – Gjirokaster
3 stops
6
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. 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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
7
Skenduli House
We will visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
8
A short drive from Gjirokaster brings us to one of the region’s most enchanting vineyards. At The Barrels, a family-run vineyard and restaurant set among rolling hills and greenery, you can soak in the scenery before enjoying some free time for a meal, a glass of wine, or a leisurely stroll.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Gjirokaster – Berat
4 stops
9
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
1 hour • Admission ticket free
10
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
11
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
12
Gorica Bridge
We will continue our tour and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Berat – Drilon – Tushemisht (Albania) – St. Naum (N. Macedonia) – Ohrid
3 stops
13
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
1 hour • Admission ticket included
14
Tushemisht
Next, we will stop in Tushemisht, a hidden gem that offers visitors a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. You will have the chance to meet local street vendors who sell their homemade and handcrafted products, from local preserves, honey, and herbs to beautiful handmade souvenirs. It is a wonderful opportunity to interact with the locals, learn about their traditions, and perhaps pick up a few authentic treats or crafts to take home.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
15
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
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Ohrid (N. Macedonia) – Tirana (Albania)
3 stops
16
Ohrid
Today we will visit Ohrid, indicated as one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. Ohrid city and the Lake are part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. The Lake was named by the Romans as “Lyhnidas” (the Light Lake), it’s surroundings where inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys. We will visit the famous view point of Church of St. John at Kaneo. 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 houses were built with a very specific architecture that created narrowed streets, tunnels and tiny yards on the hilly terrain, making it possible for every house to have a good view of the lake.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
17
National Workshop For Handmade Paper Ljupcho Panevski
We will also stop at the Paper Museum, one of Ohrid’s most fascinating small museums. Here, you will learn about the ancient art of handmade paper production, crafted using techniques that date back to the time of Gutenberg. You will even have the opportunity to purchase a piece of handmade paper as a unique souvenir, a lasting reminder of your visit.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
18
Tirana
After we will drive towards Tirana
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Day tour of Tirana
3 stops
19
Tirana
Today we will discover Tirana, the capital of Albania. Meet with your local companion to offer you a unique experience across the city, while passionately sharing our culinary treasures. Make sure to come with an empty stomach and get ready for a delicious adventure.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
20
Tregu Çam
Our first stop will be at a small local place that only locals know how to find. Here we will have the chance to try Byrek, a classic Albanian specialty made of thin layers of dough filled with cheese, meat, spinach, or other ingredients. The journey then leads towards Çam bazaar, here you can buy all kinds of goods from clothes to kitchen equipment and bargain with the sellers for a cheaper price. With your local companion by your side, you will have an insight into the hidden alleyways and bustling street markets of Tirana. Here you will have the possibility to try fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other local flavours, while experiencing daily life up close.
1 minute • Admission ticket free
21
Pazari i Ri
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. We will visit a lively market, known for second-hand goods of all kinds. Don’t be shy, explore the market and hunt for any pre-loved item that catches your interest. The next stop of our local adventure takes us to the New Bazaar, where an array of culinary delights awaits us. We will sit down for a traditional Albanian meal prepared with regional specialties. To wash it all down, we will also taste the famous Albanian Grape Raki. As we Albanians say, there is nothing that Raki can’t fix! Now that you have seen Tirana from a local’s perspective, enjoy some free time to explore the vibrant capital on your own.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Tirane – Kruje – Prizren (Kosovo)
6 stops
22
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
23
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
24
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
25
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
1 hour • Admission ticket free
26
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
27
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 9
Prizren – Gjakove - Decan – Vineyards near Rahovec – Prizren
3 stops
28
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. Don’t hesitate to explore the artisan workshops, where you can watch traditional crafts being made using techniques passed down for centuries.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
29
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
30
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Prizren – Mrizi i Zanave Agro Tourism Farm – Shkoder (Albania)
3 stops
31
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
32
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. We will visit Rozafa castle offering tremendous scenery of the lake and the three rivers melting all together towards the Adriatic Sea. Shkodra’s architecture is a fusion of Illyrian foundations, Ottoman tradition and Venetian elegance. Most of the guests are surprised to learn that the majority of the Venetian masks are handmade and produced in Shkodra.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
33
Venice Art Mask Factory
During our visit, we will stop at the city’s unique Venetian Mask Factory, one of the most fascinating artistic workshops in Albania. Inspired by Venetian traditions, this small factory handcrafts exquisite papier-mâché masks, each one painted and decorated entirely by hand. The vibrant studio is filled with color and creativity, where every mask tells a story, from classic Venetian carnival styles to imaginative modern creations
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 11
Shkoder – Sveti Stefan (Montenegro) – Budva – Montenegrin Riviera
2 stops
34
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
35
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 splendours of the old town, which we will visit on this tour.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Montenegrin Riviera – Kotor – Blagaj – Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
4 stops
36
Kotor
Today we will head towards 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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
37
Blagaj
From Montenegro, we will cross the border to Bosnia & Herzegovina and we will visit Blagaj, a little bit outside of Mostar. On the foot of a cliff, with beautiful blue waters in front of it, Blagaj is a small Ottoman medieval town with its stunning nature and imposing spring of river Buna.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
38
Mostar
Later head towards the city of Mostar. Our first stop will be 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. 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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
39
Biscevica Kuca (Biscevic House)
We will also visit the Bišćevića Kuća, one of the finest examples of Ottoman residential architecture in the region. Built in the 17th century and beautifully preserved, this riverside house offers an intimate glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy Ottoman family.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 13
Mostar – Sarajevo – Mostar
3 stops
40
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
41
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 free
42
Sarajevo
We will finish the tour at Caffe Divan to enjoy the famous Turkish coffee or tea, offered to you as a complimentary treat from us. It is an ideal moment to unwind and take in the local atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a leisure stroll through the charming streets of the city. You can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants offering local dishes
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 14
Transfer Day to Dubrovnik or Split (Croatia)
2 stops
43
Dubrovnik
This is the last day of this adventure marking the end of this amazing experience through the rich history and culture of this part of the World. Right after breakfast our local representative / driver will shuttle you to the nearest point of your hotel within Dubrovnik Town (Please note that cars may not enter some parts of Dubrovnik Town). We hope this has been a wonderful experience with great memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Admission ticket free
44
Split
This is the last day of this adventure marking the end of this amazing experience through the rich history and culture of this part of the World. Right after breakfast our local representative / driver will shuttle you to the nearest point of your hotel within Split We hope this has been a wonderful experience with great memories 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 control.
• Please note that prices are calculated on double/twin/triple/quadruple room occupancy in a 3 stars hotel accommodation.
• *If you have enjoyed your experience, tipping is a wonderful way to show gratitude for your tour leader / driver efforts and dedication

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