Venice to Tirana; Semi-Private Tour of Central Europe & Balkans

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Venice – Trieste – Ljubljana (Slovenia)
2 stops
1
Trieste
After having experienced the wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas, Venice (by yourself), our tour leader will come and pick you up at the meeting point Piazzale Roma at 10:00 am. This incredible journey begins by driving towards Trieste, a charming city located in northeastern Italy. Trieste has a unique cultural identity due to its historical position at the crossroads of Italian, Slavic, and Germanic influences. This is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Our first stop will be Piazza Unità d'Italia, the main square.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Ljubljana
We will continue our journey towards Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. This enchanting city is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. We will visit the old town center where we will admire the bridges, parks, and squares designed by the famous Slovene architect, Joze Plecnik. In the city's center, atop a hill, we can admire the medieval Ljubljana Castle, which boasts architectural accents from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance period. We will continue our journey towards Tromostovje, the iconic trio of bridges which symbolize unity between the historical, medieval, and modern parts of the city
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Ljubljana – Lake Bled – Villach (Austria) – Graz
3 stops
3
Lake Bled
After breakfast we enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Bled, a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by mountains. Lake Bled is often mentioned as the pearl of the Slovenian Alpine region due to its emerald-green waters, picture-perfect postcard church on the island, medieval castle on the rocky cliff, and some of the highest peaks of the Slovenian Alps as the background. Take a short walk along the lakeshore as the beauty of the surrounding mountains reflects off the lake surface.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
4
After exploring the natural wander of Lake bled, we will drive towards Villach (Austria) a lovely small Austrian town with roots back in Roman times. It’s old town center, Altstadt is one of the most picturesque in southern Austria. Have some free time to stroll through the old town and visit local shops, bars and restaurants.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Graz
We drive towards Graz which is our final destination for today.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Graz – Vienna
2 stops
6
Graz
After breakfast, get ready to explore the charming city of Graz, one of the best-preserved historical cities in Europe. Graz is often referred to as ‘Vienna’s little sister’, known for its charming Old Town, cultural attractions, and vibrant atmosphere. It is one of only two European cities to hold two UNESCO titles. The Old Town and Eggenberg Palace have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2011 Graz was also awarded UNESCO City of Design. The Main Square (Hauptplatz) is the beating heart of the city, where locals and visitors gather and hang out. Feel the lively atmosphere of the old Market Square and admire Rathaus while learning about the history of Graz. Have some free time before driving to the capital of Austria.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
7
Vienna
Our first stop in Vienna will be Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, where we will visit Sisi’s Gardens. We will take a leisurely stroll through the Parterre, the Orangery Garden, and the Neptune Fountain. Admire the flowerbeds, sculptures, and the overall serene atmosphere. Later we will head to Belvedere Palace gardens, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, impressive art collections, and beautifully landscape. Belvedere is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The formal French-style gardens feature geometric patterns, sculptures, fountains, and flowerbeds. Have some free time to relax and enjoy the beautiful views.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Walking tour of Vienna
2 stops
8
Vienna
Today we will explore Vienna’s rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural treasures. The city has been chosen as the most livable city in the world 10 year in a row. Our journey begins at the iconic Vienna State Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper). Designed in neo-Renaissance style, the Opera House has hosted countless legendary performances since it opened in 1869. You can admire the impressive architecture, with its grand entrance and decorative sculptures. A short stroll will take us to the Austrian National Library, famous for its Baroque architecture. This library is one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe, housing millions of books and manuscripts
1 hour • Admission ticket free
9
Vienna
Next, we will head to Heldenplatz, one of Vienna's grandest squares, located at the heart of the Hofburg Palace. On our way to Michaelerplatz, we will pass by Sisi Museum. The museum is dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi. After we will reach Michaelerplatz, a lovely square located near the Hofburg Palace. This square feature a mix of architectural styles, from Baroque to modern, and is surrounded by impressive buildings. We will finish our walking tour at Stephansdom, Vienna’s iconic Gothic cathedral. Located in the heart of the city, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Vienna. After this unique adventure have some free time for lunch. At aroudn midday we will visit Kunsthistorisches Museum, located in Vienna’s grand Maria-Theresien-Platz. The museum houses over 4,000 years of art history, from ancient Egypt to the Baroque period and beyond. The evening will be yours to wander around Vienna city center on your own.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Vienna (Austria) – Rust – Bratislava (Slovakia)
2 stops
10
After breakfast we will continue our journey by driving towards our first destination for today, Rust in the region Burgenland, known as a wine region of Austria. While we drive through the hilly vineyards, you can enjoy a magnificent view over the Lake Neusiedl, part of UNESCO world heritage. We will walk through the picturesque old town with colorful houses decorated with flower boxes, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Do not miss the possibility to visit one of the small shops, where you can get creative souvenirs and decorations made of natural materials such as tartar or wood form the wine barrel. Have some free time to visit the vineyards overlooking the lake where you can enjoy your meal and sample some of the region's best wines
2 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Bratislava
After our visit to Rust we will drive by the lake and head towards Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Day tour of Bratislava
1 stop
12
Bratislava
After breakfast we will visit Bratislava, a charming city alongside the Danube. Exploring the medieval Old Town Hall, we will learn more about the ancient history of Slovakia. Bratislava's Old Town is known for its many churches and cultural institutions, it is also the location of most of the foreign states embassies and important Slovak institutions. We will head to Michael's Gate, the only gate that has been preserved from the medieval fortifications, and it ranks among the oldest of the town's buildings. After exploring the old town, we will walk up to the iconic Bratislava Castle, overlooking the city. The view from the castle offers an amazing spot worth a picture of Bratislava. In the afternoon we will return to the city center. Bratislava's café culture is legendary, have some free time and try the famous coffee in one of the Bratislav’s traditional coffee shops where the aroma of roasted coffee beans fills the air.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Bratislava – Győr (Hungary) – Budapest
2 stops
13
Gyor
Our journey continues towards Hungary. Our first stop will be the picturesque “City of Rivers”, Győr. The city is filled with a rich history, baroque architecture and tasty Hungarian food. The center of the city is surrounded with multi-color homes and churches. We will wander the historic streets and visit the Györ’s Town Hall where you cannot miss the 59-meter tower and its green top. This Neo-Classical building has been open since 1898. Győr has many churches all around the town, however, do not miss a visit to Cathedral of The Virgin Mary which was built in Roman style in the 11th century. After we will walk towards Györ Synagogue, its colossal grey dome can be spotted from far away.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
14
Budapest
Later we will drive towards Budapest.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Day tour of Budapest
1 stop
15
Budapest
Today we will explore the “Queen of the Danube”, Budapest. This scenic city is known for its singular mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture. The capital of Hungary is divided by the Danube into two parts: traditional "Buddha" and cosmopolitan "Pest". Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. We will pass by the Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest with neoclassical style. After we will stroll along the boulevards, the Opera, the Parliament building, Heroes' Square, and the 19th-century Fisherman's Bastion with its spectacular views over the city. We will learn more about the historical and cultural significance of the Hungarian capital by visiting the Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of the city. We will cross over bridges and discover the Baroque-style Street.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Budapest – Subotica (Serbia)) – Novi Sad
1 stop
16
Subotica
Our destination for today will be Subotica in Serbia, rich cultural heritage assets, intricately our destination for today will be Subotica decorated buildings, multicultural spirit and European charm – these are the features that make this city distinctive. In Subotica, you will be eye-full of the vibrant colors, and outstanding architecture of the city due to its once importance and wealth during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. We will visit the center of Subotica which is not dominated by a cathedral or a church, but by the City Hall. It is surrounded by the park, fountains and a huge square. Subotica is known for its relaxed atmosphere, good food, and quality wines. After a walk through the city center, enjoy time to explore Subotica’s streets and squares and taste the far-known local cuisine. We will visit the Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila and the Synagogue. We will explore the town center by yourself and enjoy a coffee in the Austro-Hungarian influenced city.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Walking tour of Novi Sad
1 stop
17
Novi Sad
Right after breakfast, we will start with a city tour of Novi Sad, considered to be the cultural capital of northern Serbia. Located on the historical border of two former empires – the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman, as a result you will be able to distinguish among the mixture of melting cultures influencing the town through centuries. You will immediately notice the Austro-Hungarian as well as the Ottoman influences. The town has a unique Baroque architecture characterizing some of its most important buildings. Not to be missed is the Petrovaradin Fortress also known as the Gibraltar on the Danube. We will be able to explore the old town walking through the pedestrian streets passing by Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska. Have some free time to enjoy the city on your own. Overnight in Novi Sad.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Novi Sad – Sremski Karlovci – Belgrade
1 stop
18
Sremski Karlovci
Novi Sad region is also very famous about the culture of wine production and high quality of fine wines. We will learn more about the region’s tradition on wine production in Sremski Karlovci, the center of Serbian culture in the 18th century and famous for the well-respected wine cellars. Sremski Karlovci is a real gem of Serbian culture and spirituality, which feels like a ‘museum town’ with its Baroque center
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Belgarde (Serbia) – Zvornik (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – Sarajevo
2 stops
19
Belgrade
After breakfast we will visit Belgrade. Our first stop will be Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, built on the confluence of two big rivers Sava and the Danube. The view of the city from the Fortress is breathtaking. In the Upper Town of the Belgrade Fortress, you will visit the Pobednik monument with a history dating back to 1913. The park is a huge green area with beautiful trees and peaceful paths. We will walk through Knez Mihailova, the social midpoint of Belgrade locals until we reach Republic square
3 hours • Admission ticket free
20
Zvornik
After we will drive towards Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zvornik is a captivating town that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Situated along the banks of the serene Drina River, Zvornik offers a unique experience for both travelers seeking historical insights and those yearning for a tranquil escape. Have some free time to have lunch and try the local dishes or simply walk around the charming streets of Zvornik
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Sarajevo – Mostar
2 stops
21
Sarajevo
Today we will visit 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. 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.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
22
Mostar
Our tour continue 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. 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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 14
Mostar – Kotor (Montenegro) – Montenegrin Riviera
1 stop
23
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 magnific UNESCO world heritage site.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 15
Montenegrin Riviera – Budva – Sveti Stefan – Shkoder (Albania)
4 stops
24
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 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
25
Sveti Stefan
On our way to Albania we will make a stop 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
26
Shkoder
From Montenegro, we will cross the border to Shkoder, Albania. 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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
27
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
Day 16
Shkoder – Mrizi i Zanave Agro tourism – Prizren (Kosovo)
4 stops
28
Mrizi i Zanave - Restorant Agroturizëm
Our first destination for today will be 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
29
Prizren
n 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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
30
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
31
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
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 17
Prizren – Gjakove - Decan – Vineyards near Rahovec – Prizren
3 stops
32
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
33
ur 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 included
34
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 18
Prizren – Kruje (Albania) – Tirana
4 stops
35
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
36
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 souvenir in Albania, from typical to more unique and handmade souvenirs such as carpets, jewelers etc.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
37
Kruja Castle
he 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. You will have some free time to enjoy a tasty traditional lunch, do some souvenir shopping or admire the city.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
38
Tirana
After the tour we will drive towards Tirana
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 19
Local food and day tour of Tirana
4 stops
39
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
40
ur 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. 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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
41
Pazari i Ri
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. 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).
1 hour • Admission ticket free
42
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 20
Tirana – Struga (N. Macedonia) – Ohrid
2 stops
43
Struga
oday we will depart towards North Macedonia. Struga (N. Macedonia) 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
44
Ohrid
fter 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 centre 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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 21
Ohrid – St.Naum – Tushemisht (Albania) – Drilon – Tirana
4 stops
45
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
46
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
47
Driloni National Park
Before heading back to Berat we will also visit the national park of Drilon. Drilon waters 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 park.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
48
Tirana
In the afternoon we will drop you off at your hotel in Tirana. This will remark the end of this 21st days adventure. We hope this has been a wonderful experience with great memories of these central European and West Balkan Countries to cherish for a lifetime.
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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