Tour Itinerary:
* Slovenia
Day 1: Arrival Ljubljana, Slovenia. Transfer to Lake Bled. Includes: (D).
Day 2: Tour of Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. Tour of Lake Bled. Visit the castle on the cliff above town and the church on the island in the middle of the lake. Drive to Lake Bohinj. Includes: (B).
Day 3: Ljubljana-Portoroz/ Piran. Walking tour of Ljubljana: Drive to Postojna Caves visit the caves by electric train. Visit Lipica Stud Farm. Drive to the coast. Unlike Portoroz which is a modern coastal resort (looks like Nice), Piran is a medieval pirate town with typical atmosphere of stony buildings and narrow streets. You can walk between the two. Includes: (B).
* Croatia
Day 4: Porec (Croatia) - Rovinj - Pula - Opatija. The drive today crosses Istra Peninsula to Opatija. Along the way we visit local villages (Buje, Groznjan, Motovun and Visnjan) all located on the top of the hills (like in Provence, France); a few are turned into artist colonies with lots of galleries and small craft shops. Returning to the coast we visit Porec, Rovinj, Pula and Opatija, which is still one of the most popular Croatian resort towns. Includes: (B).
Day 5: Opatija to Plitvice Lakes (UNESCO). Drive to Plitvice Lakes. We will pass through Rijeka, one of the busiest town, harbor and shipyard on the Croatian coast, then we go around Kvarner Bay - the biggest bay in Croatia, before leaving the coast to turn into the country side by going over the mountain range of Velebit. We reach the Plitvice Lakes, where sixteen lakes, each at different levels, join each other in a series of cascading waterfalls. Surrounded by dense woods, the region (on UNESCO's List of World Natural Heritage sites) is a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. We will take a walk through the National Park of Plitvice Lakes. Wooded paths follow the succession of lakes and waterfalls where streams burst out of rocks creating a unique place. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 6: Drive Plitvice - Zadar - Sibenik - Trogir/ Split. We start with a drive to Zadar the ancient capital of Dalmatia and a typical Venetian old town. While in Zadar we visit the Archaeological Museum and we will also see the Roman Forum from the 2nd century BC, the 9th century pre-Romanesque church of St Donatus, as well as St Elias church. Next is Šibenik located in an area of several hundred inlets which are spread out to the open blue sea, forming many channels, bays and droves of rare beauty. In the town itself, located on the shore stand its pride - the Cathedral of St. Jacob, which for its beauty made its way to UNESCO Heritage List. Our last visit today will be to the medieval town of Trogir, a suburb of Split which has changed little over the years, and is today one of the most beautiful towns on this coast. We will see the Venetian Cathedral of St Lovro, (UNESCO) built from the 13th to 15th centuries on the Place of Ivana Pavla, one of the finest architectural works in Croatia. Includes: (B).
Day 7: Split. Morning, a guided walk around the old part of Split, a very vibrant city of shouting stall owners, in-transit travelers, and white-suited sailors who give it a noisy, night-on-the-town feel. We will see its famous Theater house, visit the local market and walk around brand new sea front “Riva.” At the heart of all of this, hemmed in by sprawling estates and a modern harbor, lies Diocesan’ Palace, one of the most outstanding samples of classical architecture in the world. Afternoon is free for you to enjoy Split independently. Includes: (B).
Day 8: Full day Excursion to Hvar. This morning we take the ferry for a ride to the Island of Hvar. Upon arrival we will have a walking tour of the town of Hvar. We will first go through the narrow streets to the 15th Century Franciscan Monastery followed by the visit to the Renaissance Cloister. We then visit the St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Arsenal, a thick walled fortress overlooking the harbor, where Europe’s oldest community-theater has been opened in 1612. Afternoon will be free. Evening return by ferry back to Split. Includes: (B).
* Bosnis and Herzegovina
Day 9: Split - Medjugorje - Mostar - Sarajevo. In the morning we enjoy a breathtaking drive first along the central Dalmatian coast and then though the bare-stone mountains of Herzegovina. Arrive in Medjugorje, a small village and a pilgrimage site for the past 24 years. Continue to Mostar. Mostar has long been known for its old Turkish houses and Old Bridge, Stari Most, after which it is named. In the 1990 conflict, however, most of the historic town and the Old Bridge were destroyed. The Old Bridge was recently rebuilt and many of the edifices in the Old Town have been restored or rebuilt with the contribution of an international scientific committee established by UNESCO. A walking tour of Mostar will include a visit to the ancient city dating to the 16th/17th centuries, a visit inside a traditional house dating to this period, a visit to the recently rebuilt Mostar Bridge, the emblem of the city. Then drive along the canyon of the river Neretva and through the Bosnian Mountains to Sarajevo - capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Includes: (B).
Day 10: Sarajevo. This morning a walking city tour of the old part of the town. Here we visit beautiful Ottoman mosques, old quarters and the authentic Turkish “carsija” where we can watch different craftsman making their product sitting in from of their shop, we can try typical local deserts in its oriental sweets shops, cafes and traditional Bosnian food in many “cevapdzinica” all around old bazaar. Sarajevo is also a town in which for more then 400 years mosques, orthodox churches, roman-catholic churches and synagogues have been standing together, we will visit the oldest mosque, and the main Catholic and main Orthodox churches. We will also see the place where Austro-Hungarian prince Franc Josef was assassinated (believed to be the cause of WWI). Afternoon independent. Includes: (B).
* Croatia
Day 11: Sarajevo - Pocitelj - Dubrovnik. We drive down the river Neretva to the coast and then to Dubrovnik. Morning drive through the canyon and then delta of River Neretva. Our first stop will be the picturesque village of Pocitelj, a UNESCO heritage site, perched on a hillside above the river. Besides its stunning oriental architecture and Ottoman feel, Pocitelj hosts the longest operating art colony in southeast Europe. We visit: the Fort, moscue of Sisman Ibrahim-Pasha, Medresa (Muslim religious high school), Hamam (Turkish baths), Sahat-Kula (clock tower). Arrival in Dubrovnik by lunch time. Rest of day independent. Includes: (B).
Day 12: Dubrovnik. Morning walking tour of the old walled heart of Dubrovnik. All motor vehicles are banned from the center and our bus drops us outside the Pile Gate. We will visit the Franciscan Monastery, housing one of the world's oldest pharmacies, the old harbor, St Laurence Fortress, the Sponza and Rector's Palaces and other points of interest in this best preserved European walled city. Afternoon free, you may wish to cross to one of the local islands. Includes: (B).
* Montenegro
Day 13: Dubrovnik - Kotor. We continue along the Adriatic coast to Montenegro and to the town of Kotor, enjoying a marvelous drive around beautiful Boka Kotorska Bay, passing by many old fishing villages, churches, monasteries, marinas and beaches. Walking tour of Kotor UNESCO site. We will see the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, St. Luka Church, St. Mihail Church, and many more. A large number of the monuments (including four Romanesque churches and the town walls) were seriously damaged by the 1979 earthquake but the town has been restored, largely with UNESCO's help. Includes: (B).
Day 14: Kotor- Njegusi - Cetinje (the old capital )-Budva. Morning, we drive to the old Njegusi village in the mountains, birth place of Njegoš, ruler of the country in the second half of the 19th century. Continue drive to Cetinje, once the capital of Montenegro, passing by Mount of Lovcen, where we can spot the impressive Mausoleum of Peter II Petrović - Njegoš. In Cetinje we will visit the royal palace of King Nikola II, the last King of Montenegro. In the afternoon we return to the coast driving to Budva. Budva is one of the oldest inhabited places in the area, known since Illyrian times. The town of Budva we see now is medieval and is definitely the most attractive place on the Riviera. Includes: (B).
Day 15: Budva - Shkodra- Tirana. Morning drive along Adriatic coast passing Montenegro resorts of Becici, Petrovac, Milocer, Sv. Stefan before crossing the border into Albania, just south from the Lake Skadar. We stop at one for photos and cafe break on one of the lovely patios overlooking the sea. Drive to Shkodra, sitting on Albanian shores . Shkodra, is the most important town of northern Albania and the Illyrian capital in the 3rd century BC. Lunch stop is in Shkodra by the lake of Shkodra, the largest in the Balkans. Afterwards, we visit the Marubi Museum (a master photographer at the end of the 19th century). Next, we visit the Mesi Bridge, an old bridge built in the mid 18th century that has beautiful mountain scenery as a backdrop. Continue drive to Tirania. Includes: (B).
Day 16 Depart Tirana, if ending your travels here.
* Albania
Day 15: Arrival in Tirana. Transfer to Theranda Hotel.
Day 16: Tirana - Theranda Hotel. Morning half day tour of the capital, including Ethem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower and the National Historic Museum. We visit two old houses where two master artists live. A free afternoon for more exploration on your own. Dinner with a performance by the National Ensemble of Albania. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 17: Tirana - Kruja - Durres. After breakfast, travel to Kruja, a small town perched high on the face of a hill. Visit the fortress of Kruja, the Scanderbeg Museum, Ethnographic Museum, and the old bazaar full of local handicrafts. Arrive in Durres in the early afternoon in time to visit the Amphitheater and Archaeological Museum. Dinner in a traditional restaurant with live music. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 18: Durres - Elbasan - Pogradec-Tushemisht. Morning departure for Elbasan, visit Elbasan Castle. Continue on to Pogradec, on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Lunch is at Villa Art, which used to be the old fishing villa of the dictator. After lunch we proceed to the small village of Tushemisht to explore the traditional village life in this picturesque area of the country. A short drive to the other side of the lake reveals the mosaics and archaeological sites on the top of a hill around the lake in Lin village. Traditional Koran Fish dinner at Hotel Sirena by the lake. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 19: Pogradec - Korca - Voskopoja - Korca. After breakfast, we depart for Korca where we visit the Museum of Medieval Arts and the Mosque of Mirahori, one of the oldest in the country, built in 1469. Afterwards we depart for Voskopoja, one of the most important towns in the European part of the Ottoman empire during the beginning of the 18th century. We visit a number of monuments and churches with frescoes that have been restored. Lunch in Voskopoja. Afterwards, we return to Korca, where you are left at leisure to explore this important town of southern Albania. Overnight in Korca. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 20: Korca - Gjirokastra. After an early breakfast, we depart for Gjirokastra.We drive through breathtaking scenery in the mountainous areas of Leskovik and Kolonja, stopping in Permet for an early lunch. We visit the pre-Ottoman citadel which houses a weapons museum and ex-political prison. Afterwards, free to stroll around town, where many of the buildings retain their original wood and stone work. Overnight in one of the characteristic houses of Gjirokastra, a restored, small family-run guest house called Kalemi. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 21: Gjirokastra - Saranda - Butrint - Saranda. After breakfast we drive to Saranda. On the way, there will be a quick visit to the Blue Eye, a fresh water spring in the shape of an eye, hidden among dense vegetation. We stop at the Mesopotam Church where carvings of mythological creatures can be viewed. In the afternoon, we visit the World Heritage site of Butrint, Albania’s most important archaeological site and one of the most important sites in the Mediterranean as it provides proof of continuous inhabitation for thousands of years, forming layers upon layers of civilizations. We have dinner at the Lekursi Castle, where the Island of Corfu and the Bay of Saranda can be admired. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 22: Saranda. A free day in Saranda to relax on the beautiful Ksamil beach, you can take a boat trip or independently take a day trip to Corfu. The Ksamil Islands are beautiful and the beaches unspoiled. In the town center, the ancient ruins are thought to be one of the earliest Jewish Synagogues in Albania, approximately dating to the 4th century AD. Overnight in Saranda. Includes: (B).
Day 23: Saranda - Vlora (Total drive time 5 hours). Hotel Pavarsia
A morning departure takes us north along the Albanian Riviera towards the coastal town of Vlora, where important events in the struggles for freedom and independence have taken place. We will make a stop for refreshments at the coastal town of Himara and several other small coastal villages. We will likely stop to visit a village house or possibly a school at the village of Bosh. In Vlora, we visit the Independence Museum, situated in the original house that was the seed of the first independent Albanian government. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 24: Vlora - Apollonia - Berat. We depart early from Vlora towards the ancient city of Apollonia, founded in 558 BC by settlers from Corfu and Corinth. We will have a tour of the library of this Roman site and view the beautiful Odeon, along with a visit to the Old Monastery nearby, which serves as an Archaeological Museum. Next we proceed to the beautiful museum town of Berat, sometimes called “the city of a thousand windows.” After lunch, we go sightseeing in Berat: the Fortress, Onufri Museum (an old Orthodox church which displays many of the iconic paintings by Onufri and his followers) and several churches and mosques. In the downtown area, we visit the Leaden Mosque, the King's Mosque, the Bachelor's Mosque and the Alveti Tekke. We will then visit an Albanian Winery to taste one of the best local Albanian wines. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 25: Berat - Tirana Transfer to airport for flight home. Includes: (B).
* Macedonia
Day 25: Berat to Ohrid on the Lake Ohrid (Macedonia). Drive to Ohrid , passing Elbasan and then around Lake Ohrid from the north side, crossing the border into Macedonia very close to the town of Struga, a town located at the mouth of the river Black Drim into Lake Ohrid. Afternoon free. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 26: Ohrid. Situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the town of Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe, built mainly between the 7th and 19th centuries. Morning walking tour around the old town-museum of Ohrid. Out of endless number of monuments and churches – Ohrid is also known as “City of 365 churches“, we will visit the most important ones such as Tsar Smuili fortress from 10th century, St. Kliment from 13th century St. Sophia from 11th, and St. Panteleimon from 9th. We will also visit one of the most valuable museums of icons in the world. Afternoon tour to Sv. Naum Monastery by boat. Includes: (B).
Day 27: Ohrid – St. Jovan Bigorski - Skopje. Drive from Ohrid north, through the mountains and villages, following Albanian border. Beautiful mountain road will take us to Monastery of Sv. Jovan Bigorski. St. Jovan Kaneo - a church dating from the 13th century situated on a small promontory which juts out into the lake at the western end of the Old Town, poetry engraved on a rock. Next, we will pass through the National Park of Mavrovo - made famous by its lake, river, gorges and waterfalls. Arrival in Skopje. Your exploration of this historic city starts with a walking tour the old part of the town "Charshi" where the Stone Bridge - a symbol of Skopje built by Turks in 15th C, is located. Here you visit some of the marvels which include the Church St. Spas, the Old Bazaar, Fortress Kale, Mustapha Pasha Mosque & Daut Pasa. We will walk through the old part of the town “Charshi,” where there is Stone Bridge. We will visit the church of St. Spas, with its marvelous iconostas first from 17th century, Old Bazaar, Fortress Kale whose first walls date to the 6th century, Mustapha Pasha Mosque – one of the most beautiful objects of Ottoman architecture erected in 1492 with the earliest wall paintings, Daut Pasha Bath, a masterpiece of Islamic civil architecture from the second half of 15th century. Includes: (B).
* Kosovo
Day 28: Drive Skopje - Prizren- Monastery Gracania - Pristina (Kosovo)-Skopje. Morning we drive north crossing the border to Prizren. Prizren is a true open air museum, one of the most beautiful towns of Kosova. It is situated on the slopes of the Sharr Mountains and on the banks of the river Bistrica. Continue onwards to Pristina. Enroute visit the Monastery of Gracania (UNESCO) with its monastery church devoted to Annunciation. Next visit the 1389 Kosovo Battlefield and Sultan Murat’s grave. Stroll along the streets and the main square of Pristina. Return to Skopje for overnight. Includes: (B), (D).
* Serbia
Day 29: Skopje - Pec - Visoki Decani - Kopaonik (Serbia). Morning drive to the north side of Kosovo and exit into Serbia. The monasteries of the region of Kosovo and Metohija are of exceptional value. First stop will be the Patriarchate of Pec, UNESCO listed in 2006. Then we drive to Monastery Visoki Decani, UNESCO listed in 2006. Later, we cross the border into Serbia and a scenic drive down along the valley of the River Ibar, to the top of the mountain to Kopaonik. Old town, very Turkish. Located here is one of the best monasteries in Serbia, Sopocani, the first one of all Serbian Monasteries listed on UNESCO list built by first Serbian medieval dynasty of Nemanjici. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 30: Monastery Studenica - Sirogojno (Serbia). Our first visit will be Monastery Studenica (UNESCO site), founded by Stefan Nemanja. Continuing our journey we will ascend to Mount Zlatibor, a National Park of golden pines. A short drive will take us into an area where the vegetation will change its look, giving you the impression that you're in a jungle. We visit the unique and very charming ethno village of Sirogojno. Dinner – typical local food and overnight in Sirogojno village on the mountain of Zlatibor. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 31: Belgrade. This morning, we will take a nostalgic journey by the old steam engine “Šarganska Osmica”, crossing breathtaking scenery. During the ride, the train makes a few stops, one of which lasts 20 minutes to let you take photographs, enjoy the views, or have a refreshment in the cafe of a tiny and charming railway station. Afternoon drive through central Serbia, to Belgrade, the capital. Includes: (B).
Day 32: Belgrade. Morning a city tour of Belgrade. We will start our tour by walking from the elegant Republic Square. We will stroll along Knez Mihajlova Street in order to see a few other masterpieces of Belgrade's architecture, such as the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts. We will then visit the oldest quarters of the 19th century, including the 'Question mark sign' Inn, Princess Ljubica's Residence, as well as the Patriarchy and the Orthodox Cathedral. Walking through the streets of the old part of town we will arrive to the fortress of Kalemegdan. Enjoy dinner in the atmosphere of the local bohemian quarters of Skadarlija, with typical food and music. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 33: Home Transfer to the airport for flight home.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation as listed or similar,
- Meals as indicated,
- Arrival/departure transfers,
- Accompanying escort (different one for each country),
- Transport by ac mini van,
- Monument entrance fees.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Slovenia
Croatia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Sightseeing
Cultural Journey
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
