The Balkans is a peninsula in Southeastern Europe, situated between east and west, said literally and metaphorically. Since it has an amazing strategic position, it has always been a place of clash of the most influential empires. As a result, the Balkans has enormous cultural and historical heritage and rich history.
This journey will be the enriching experience, 15 days of travelling in time following the traces of Greeks, Romans, Slavs, Ottomans, Venetians, Austro-Hungarians. Listening about the history in each place and visiting the most prominent monuments, you will be able to understand the wide diversity of the region and how the region’s history affected the culture and development.
Before you is an impressive trip by bus through six countries and eleven towns that will kindly meet you and share its history with you! Prepare your passports for marks of North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia!
Prepare yourself for visiting Skoplje – the capital of Macedonia and town that was inhabited 300 years before Christ; Ohrid – the UNESCO protected town of 365 churches on the shores of the oldest lake in Europe; Tirana – the bustling and modern capital of Albania; Skadar – one of the most ancient sites on Balkans; Budva – the metropole of tourism in Montenegro; Bay of Kotor – the southernmost fjord in Europe with the stunning old town protected by UNESCO; Dubrovnik – one of the most prominent seaports and amazing UNESCO site; Mostar – the town of bridges; Sarajevo – the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a place where east meets west; Belgrade – the second-largest urban complex on Balkans, at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava rivers.
Airport Skopje & Airport Belgrade, or by arrangement (Google Map)
According to the itinerary
During the journey, you will encounter traces of Greeks, Romans, Ottoman, Slavs, Venetians and Austro-Hungarians. You will visit the historical and cultural sites such as fortresses, old towns, archaeological sites, palaces, museums as well as monuments of the three dominant religions in the Balkans – the mosques as the endowments of the Ottoman rulers and the churches, monasteries and cathedrals as a place of worship for the Orthodox and Catholic people.
Also, you will have the opportunity to visit places of outstanding beauty: canyon Matka with one of the deepest underwater caves, Mavrovo National Park, Tara River Canyon – the second deepest canyon in the world, Skadar lake – the largest lake in the Balkans, Mokra Gora – a typical village in Serbia and you can swim in the crystal clear water of the Adriatic sea.
Highlights of the tour:
The first day of this amazing travel in time through the Balkans is a simple arrival in the first country of our tour – North Macedonia and it’s capital town – Skopje, without any organized activities. Transfer from the airport and check-in at the hotel.
Skopje is the town founded 300 years before Christ by Illyrians. By the time, it was conquered by Romans, then Byzantines. Also, for one period it was the capital of Serbia, developed as a cultural, enlightening and educational centre of this area. Many schools have been opened there. During the Ottoman invasions, the town changed its appearance. A lot of mosques, caravanserai, bridges, bazaars delighted many popular travel writers and respectable people of that time.
Skoplje is the town founded 300 years before Christ by Illyrians. By the time, it was conquered by Romans, then Byzantines. Also, for one period it was the capital of Serbia, developed as a cultural, enlightening and educational centre of this area. Many schools have been opened there. During the Ottoman invasions, the town changed its appearance. A lot of mosques, caravan-saraies, bridges, bazaars delighted many popular travel writers and respectable people of that time.
Nowadays, Skoplje is the country’s political, cultural, economic, and academic centre. Thanks to the long history, the tourists have many places to visit. Don’t forget to walk over the bridges, among which stands out Stone bridge, built under the Roman emperor Justinian I and rebuilt under the Ottomans. Kale fortress has been protecting the town since the 6th century. The memorial house of Mother Teresa, whose hometown was Skoplje, is also worth visiting. You will see the photos, memorabilia, and documents following Mother Teresa’s life and religious work. The old bazaar is the second largest in the Balkans, just after the one in Istanbul. Also, you will see active mosques /the most popular is Mustafa – pasha mosque with a clock tower from 16th century/, türbes (mausoleum tombs), converted hammams (bathhouses), churches /the most popular is the church of Saint Clement of Ohrid/, the Museum of Macedonia, the Museum of Modern Art, and several inns, the square of Pela, the Fountains etc.
All in all, you can explore Skopje on your own or we can book a walking city tour with a licensed guide. On you is to decide how to spend the day in this amazing town!
Free time. Overnight.
Included activities:
Welcome meeting with Tour Leader
Transfer to the hotel
Optional activities:
Skopje – Walking Tour – individual tour 50€ per person (the larger group, the lower price)
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Skopje
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Dinner at the hotel. (Drink NOT INCLUDED)
This day is planned as a free day, so you can spend it as you want. We can book you some interesting tours depending on your interests.
We heartfully recommend taking the Vodno Mountain and Matka Canyon Tour.
Skoplje is the town of cultural and historical monuments, but also breathtaking nature. So, the first part of this tour is visiting the Millenium Cross, located on the top of the mountain Vodno. It can be reached by cable car which offers an amazing ride with a super panoramic view of the city! The journey continues to the village Gorno Neziri where is situated small Byzantine church from the 12th century, dedicated to Saint Panteleimon. The church is famous for the colouring, dramatic compositions and purity in the expression of the frescoes, representing the outstanding examples of Macedonian medieval monumental painting in the late 12th century.
The last stop is in Matka Canyon, which is a perfect escape from traffic jams and everyday life. The unspoilt nature of the lake and its surrounding impresses all visitors. If you are much more nature than a city lover, this canyon will be the perfect ending of the tour. You can take a boat ride or visit Vrelo cave (one of the deepest underwater caves), rent a kayak or hike to the monastery of St Nicholas.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Without planned activities for this day.
Optional activities:
Vodno Mountain and Matka Canyon Tour – 33€ p/p
Skopje – Walking Tour – 50€ p/p (the larger group, the lower price)
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Skopje
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
After breakfast, we leave the hotel for a visit to one more town in the Republic of Macedonia.
Ohrid is a small town in the southwestern Republic of Macedonia, on the shore of the oldest lake in Europe – Ohrid lake. On the way to Ohrid, you will have a short break in one of three national parks in Macedonia.
Mavrovo National park enchants every visitor by the lake carved in between the mountain, a half-submerged church of Saint Nicholas and the eternal peace spreading all over this place. During the summer, this area is perfect for walking, hiking, mountain biking while in the winter, it is a popular ski centre.
In the afternoon, you will arrive in the town that once had 365 churches after which it popularly called “Jerusalem of the Balkans”. Situated between Ohrid lake and the mountain with an elevation of 2800m a.s.l. Ohrid represents the splendid gem of nature, culture and history under the protection of UNESCO since 1979.
After check-in at the hotel, you will have free time for a rest or exploring the town on your own. Also, we can book a city tour for you.
Walking through the old quarter will be definitely the best way to feel the spirit of this place. The ancient city of Ohrid was built in the form of an amphitheatre, with many traditional buildings and houses overlooking the beautiful Lake Ohrid. In the past, these interesting houses were built in an authentic Balkan – oriental style of construction, with beautiful balconies and higher floors, more spacious than the ground floor.
In the old part of Ohrid are a picturesque old bazaar with a market, Hamam, fountain and numerous workshops of old crafts and handicrafts shops and shops of Ohrid pearls, woodcarving workshops, workshops for painting Byzantine icons, workshops for the production of leather items, old Macedonian instruments and the famous Macedonian embroidery.
Also, you can see the oldest tree in the country – the chinar tree, which was planted by Saint Clement, according to the legend.
So, on you is to choose the way of exploring this charming town, on your own or with the licensed guide.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Mavrovo National Park
Optional activities:
Ohrid – Walking Tour – 40€ p/p
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Ohrid
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
As we said earlier, Ohrid lake is the oldest lake in Europe. With clear and turquoise water, it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Balkans. It has versatile flora and fauna that can be compared only to Lake Victoria in Africa and Lake Baikal in Siberia. In Ohrid, you find a unique variety of trout (Ohridska pastrmka) that does not exist anywhere else in the world. It is prepared as a traditional dish in many city restaurants. Also, as we said previously, the lake is the habitat of an endemic sort of shell, whose nacre is used for producing the world-famous Ohrid pearl.
This day is reserved for boat cruising on Ohrid lake, visiting the monastery Saint Naum and the famous Bay of bones. So after breakfast, you are ready for a new adventure!
The Saint Naum Monastery is located 29km south of the town of Ohrid. It is named after its founder, Saint Naum who was the first Slavic monk. For life, he was translating Christian books, teaching people about Christianity, helping them in every situation. Nowadays, he is known as a miracle worker, the saint who cures people with various ailments, especially mental illness. If you really believe, when you put your ear to his grave, you will hear his heartbeat.
The bay of bones is another interesting site to visit. It is an archaeological site, where about 6,000 wooden rods of various sizes and shapes were found in the lake at depths between 3 and 5m. The settlement itself is a replica of the prehistoric cottages, made of mud and reeds located at that place because at that time the lake was of much lower water levels. The objects, that were found in the water, are exposed, too. Each cottage is furnished similarly but in some way differently, so visiting every cottage and taking pictures in them is unavoidable.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Ohrid lake – boat tour (Ohrid – St Naum – Bay of Bones – Ohrid)
Optional activities:
Ohrid – walking tour – 40 €
Tandem Paragliding – from 55 €
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Ohrid
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to this warm and charming town of Ohrid and the Republic of Macedonia and to continue our journey to the second country of our tour- Albania and its capital – Tirana.
Tirana is the economic, industrial, commercial and cultural centre of Albania. The city is also the administrative centre of the Tirana area. The area of Tirana was inhabited by several Illyrian tribes but had no importance within Illyria. Indeed, it was annexed by Rome and became an integral part of the Roman Empire following the Illyrian Wars. The heritage of that period is still evident and represented by the Mosaics of Tirana. It can be said that the city Tirana was founded by the Ottomans in 1614, as a town of Tehran. For the past 400 years, the city has combined Turkish, Italian and Russian architecture and can offer tourists plenty of historical value as well as vibrant nightlife.
Since its founding, the city has developed rapidly thanks to its convenient location on the important caravan roads. The city has always been a place of the clash between Albanians and Ottomans. During World War II, Tirana was under Italian occupation until 1944 when it was taken over by German troops. After the liberation of Tirana in 1946, the democratic government moved here and proclaimed the People’s Republic of Albania. In the following decades, many industrial and cultural institutions were built with the assistance and support of the Soviet Union.
So, after the check-in at the accommodation in Tirana, you can go on the Tirana walking tour or visit the ancient site Kruje.
You will take a walk along the famous Skanderbeg Square, built in the style of classicism. The statue of the national hero Skanderbeg is dominant on the plaza, made in 1968 on the 500th anniversary of his death. Many important buildings including Tirana The City Hall, the Parliament, the Government, Bank of Albania are all located on the square.
Considering that Muslims are the majority people, The Hadji Et’hem Bey Mosque is also a significant Islamic monument, constructed at the beginning of the 19th century. Closed under communist rule, the mosque reopened as a house of worship in 1991. Arabesque outside and in the portico depict trees, waterfalls and bridges – motifs rarely seen in Islamic art. Next to the mosque was built the clock tower in 1822. Initially, it was not high, but the residents of Tirana decided to raise it and now the height is 35 m and it houses the German clock.
The cathedral of St Paul is also one of the stops on the walking tour. It is the largest Catholic cathedral in Albania, built-in 2001 in a postmodern style. It doesn’t look like traditional Catholic churches at all.
You will pass the Pyramid, Prime Minister building, Palace of congresses, Mother Teresa Square, Archaeological Museum (there are presented many archaeological discoveries since the Stone Age up to the Medieval), Presidential palace, Ex-Blloku (which used to be the most beautiful and protected zone were the ex-communist leader’s families lived) and visit the Cold War corner (one Bunker, part of famous Spac Political Prison, and a piece from Berlin Wall). You can visit the National History Museum, where you can explore the ancient hall, the hall of iconography, the hall of Albanian anti-fascism, the hall of Albanian Renaissance, the Albanian independence hall and the ethnographic hall. (optional)
All of that accompanied by the licensed tour guide.
As an optional activity, we recommend visiting Kruje, a town 31 km away from Tirana and a place rich in history. It is famous as a place that has been populated since the 3rd century BC, as a home to the eponymous Alban tribe and the previously mentioned national hero of Albania – Skanderbeg.
Kruje Castle and the relatively new Skanderbeg National Museum hosted inside is definitely the most attractive part of the town. In the past, it was the headquarters of Skanderbeg, the “Dragon of Albania,” an Albanian nobleman and a prominent fighter against the Ottomans. It contains artefacts dating back to the 15th century, with exhibits arranged to honour Skanderberg and his military feats. Items on display include paintings, armour, maps and stone and wood engravings. The highlight of the collection is a replica of Skanderberg’s famous helmet topped with a goat head. The ethnographic museum is considered one of the best-organized museums in Albania. Visitors can walk through a handful of the 15 rooms, including the living room, children’s room and kitchen. Exhibits include olive oil processing tools, pottery and both Catholic and Muslim clothing. It also offers scenic views of the surrounding area.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Tirana – walking tour – from 40 €
Optional activities:
Kruje Castle and Skanderbeg National Museum – from 52 €
National History museum – 200 lek – 10€
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Tirana
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
After breakfast, the journey continues to the third country of your tour – Montenegro. On the way to the metropole of tourism in Montenegro – Budva, you will have two stops in two amazing historical towns!
The first one is located in Albania, near the border with Montenegro. Located on the bank of Skadar lake within 20 km from the Adriatic coast and 120 km from the capital Tirana, Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in Albania,
Shkoder was the capital of Illyria in 3 th BC. Then it was conquered by the Romans, later on, became a part of the medieval Principality of Serbia until it was gained by the Ottomans in 1479. It became a part of the young state –Albania – in 1912 after the first Balkan war. The most popular sightseeing place in Shkoder is the castle of Rozafa. It rises imposingly on a rocky hill, 130 metres above sea level, surrounded by the Buna and Drini rivers. The legend about the castle’s erection will not leave you indifferent. The wall of the castle offers a beautiful view of Skadar Lake and the city of Shkoder.
The other one is the Old town Bar, located in the southeast of Montenegro. Located on Londša hill, at the foot of Mount Rumija, The Old Town Bar is the largest urban agglomeration in the ruins of Montenegro. Its streets are guides through the ages, from the Greek colonies to the Middle Ages, the rule of the Venetians, the Turkish period and all the way to the new era. You will have time to explore the remains of the Venetian palaces, Turkish bath and clock tower, as well as aqueduct, the orthodox and catholic churches. You can climb up to the Citadel, from where opens a great view of the valley with olive trees and Rumija Mountain behind the town. The narrow cobbled streets, lined with souvenirs and funky eateries enchant every visitor.
2 km from the old town grows Stara Maslina, the oldest olive tree in Europe with a circumference of 10m. You can visit it and listen to the history of 2243 years old olive tree that still gives fruits and interesting legends related to it! (optional activity)
In the late afternoon, you arrive at the accommodation in Budva.
Check-in and dinner at the hotel. Free time to relax or to explore Budva. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Castle of Rozafa – walking tour
Old town Bar – walking tour
Optional activities:
Old olive tree entrance fee – 1 €
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Budva
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
For this day there are no planned activities. On you is to decide how to spend the day. You can go swimming in the warm Adriatic sea, visit the island Sveti Nikola or explore the old town Budva on your own. Also, we can book for you some of the many optional activities.
Budva is the metropole of tourism in Montenegro, with the 2000 years old town settlement. According to the legend, it was founded by the son of the Phoenician king – Kadmo and his wife Harmonia. For about 5 centuries, it was under the influence of Venetians and that is the reason why Budva Old town looks like the old town of Kotor and Dubrovnik, which you’re going to visit in next two days. During its long history, it was under the control of Illyrians, Romans, Slavs, Venetians, Austro-Hungarians, Italians and after 1944 it was annexed to Montenegro. You will see the Church of John Baptist, the Church of St Sabbah Appointed and the church of Holy Trinity, walk over the square of poets and the square of salt. Then the oldest part of the town – Citadela, with a fantastic panoramic view of the Adriatic sea, Saint Nikola Island and a new part of the town.
Nearby the old town is the famous statue of Ballerina. If you don’t take pictures with it, it is like you haven’t been to Budva.
If you are an adrenaline lover, we can book for you paragliding above Budva; sea kayaking to the largest island in Montenegro – Sveti Nikola; rafting on the second deepest canyon in the world and extreme zip line over the canyon, canyoning in the last conquered canyon in Europe.
Also, we can book some sightseeing tours such as:
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
No planned activities for this day.
Optional activities:
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Budva
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
Montenegro is a country with a huge cultural and natural heritage. So, this day is a great opportunity to visit the most popular places or to go on adrenaline tours. On you is to make your day!
We recommend Daytrip with Canyons & Rafting on Tara River.
Go on a trip to Tara Canyon to enjoy exhilarating and scenic rafting on the Tara River, one of the cleanest and most pristine rivers in Europe. Tara Canyon is one of the main reasons people come to explore Montenegro. The “Tear of Europe” takes pride in being Europe´s deepest canyon and the second deepest in the world after Grand Canyon in the USA. Rafting for 10 km of impressive rapids will surely trigger your adrenaline rush!
Following a delicious lunch after rafting adventure, you can enjoy a 1050m-long extreme zip-line across the world’s second deepest canyon at speeds that range up to 120 km/h! (optional activity, price: 25 €). This zipline is classed as one of the fastest in the world and represents a real treat for the greatest lovers of extreme adventures and wild nature.
This tour ends with a short walking over the impressive Djurdjevica Tara bridge, an architectural masterpiece and one of the most beautiful bridges in the world, in the opinion of the portal “Bright side”. Back to Budva.
Free time. Overnight.
Included activities:
No planned activities for this day.
Optional activities:
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Budva
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
After breakfast, the journey continues to the two UNESCO sites – one in Montenegro – Kotor and another one in Croatia – Dubrovnik.
Kotor is known as one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic coast. Because of cultural and historical heritage, built under the influence of Romans, Byzantines, Serbian and Bosnian king, Venetians, Austro-Hungarians, French and Russians, it is under the protection of UNESCO since 1978. The triangle-shaped town will impress you with its 20-centuries long and rich history.
Walking through the numerous squares connected by narrow stone streets, the palaces of noble families will ensure tourists how powerful and influential Kotor was in the past. The most noticeable building and the symbol of Kotor is definitely the cathedral of Saint Tryphon, which impresses all visitors with its history and timeless beauty of more than 1000 years. Visiting the Maritime Museum guests will be introduced to 10 centuries-long maritime histories while the Museum of cats will be the perfect spot for cat lovers.
You will walk over the square of arms, flour square, piazza Greka and you will be delighted by the oldest church in the town dedicated to Saint Luka, the clock tower from the 17th century and the orthodox church of Saint Nicholas, patron of seamen. The tour guide will tell you legends about Karampana well, the only source of water in the past as well as the story about the pillar of shame.
On the way to Dubrovnik, you will have one more stop, in the small baroque town – Perast. In the past, people from Perast were prominent nautical experts. Marko Martinovic opened one of the first nautical schools in the world! in addition to numerous noble palaces, the church of St. Nicholas stands out for its beauty. It was built of famous stones from Korcula, with a beautiful Renaissance frontage. Its treasury, which is today a museum, holds many valuable gifts. The church was the centre of a seafarer fraternity. Next to the church is a 55-m high bell tower dating from 1691, which is according to art historians, the most beautiful example of a broken type of bell tower with a pyramidal end on the Adriatic coast.
In front of this town are located two picturesque islands – Our Lady of the Rocks and Saint Djordje. Our Lady of the rocks is an artificial, boat-shaped island with the church and the museum opened for visitors. The church contains 68 paintings by Tripo Kokolja, a famous baroque artist from Perast. The church also houses a collection of silver votive tablets and a famous votive tapestry made by Jacinta Kunic – Mijovic, a woman from Perast. She has been embroidering it for 25 years, waiting for her beloved to return from the ship until she became blind.
After visiting two breathtaking towns with an impressive history, drive along the scenic road through Boka bay. Arrival in the fourth country of our tour – Croatia and town Dubrovnik in the late afternoon and check-in the hotel.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Kotor – walking tour
Perast – walking tour
Optional activities:
Maritime museum Kotor – 4€
Cathedral of Saint Tryphon – 2.5€
Fortress of Saint Ivan – 10€
Lady of the rocks – return boat ticket – 5€
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Dubrovnik
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
The day in Dubrovnik is planned to be partly free. You will have an organized a city walking tour with the guide and then free time for exploring the town yourself!
Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a cultural and economic hub, a city where modern meets ancient times, a city that will enlighten, intrigue and leave you asking questions and a desire to stay longer.
The walking tour route takes you around the Old Town via Onofrio’s Fountain and up Prijeko Street to the Old Port – the key to Dubrovnik’s trading and maritime success. Along the way, you will pass by the grandiose Franciscan and Dominican church Saint Savior and see wine-producing vines believed to be more than 100 years old. Ships from Dubrovnik were renowned throughout the Mediterranean and galleons from the Republic could be found in navies across Europe and beyond. These ships were built and loaded in the legendary Arsenal, which is another stop on the tour. Once in the “Old Port”, your guide will relate the intriguing stories of the famous Quarantine and the nearby fortresses of St. Luke and St. John as well as fascinating legends about the Church of St Blaise, the Cathedral, the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and Orlando’s Column.
We recommend walking the 2 km long city wall that surrounds the old town. If you are a Game of Thrones lover, then visiting Dubrovnik will be the favourite part of this tour since one part of The Game of Thrones was filmed there. You can also take a cable car to the top of Mount Srdj to catch amazing breathtaking views of the Old Town and Elaphiti Islands.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Old town walking tour
Optional activities:
Sea kayaking Dubrovnik – from 45 €
Game of Thrones Walking Tour Dubrovnik – from 45 €
Tour with Dubrovnik Segway – from 39 €
Sunset Walk to Fort Imperial incl Cable car – from 39 €
Sea kayaking Cavtat – from 45 €
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Dubrovnik
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
After breakfast, the journey continues in the fifth country of this tour. It is Bosnia and Herzegovina, where you will visit two amazing towns. One is the town of the bridges under the protection of UNESCO – Mostar and another one is Sarajevo, where east and west meet in an admirable way!
After 2.5-3h drive (depends on the time of completing border formalities), you will arrive in Mostar, the fifth-largest city in the country that lies on the Neretva River. The historic town of Mostar developed in the 15th and 16th centuries as an Ottoman frontier town and during the short Austro-Hungarian period in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was named after the bridge keepers (mostari) who in medieval times guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge) over the Neretva. The Old Bridge, built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most visited landmarks and is considered an exemplary piece of Islamic architecture in the Balkans.
Architecture is a real symbol of tolerance: a shared life of Muslims, Christians and Jews. Mosques, churches, and synagogues existed side-by-side indicating that in this region, the Roman Catholic Croats with their Western European culture, the Eastern Orthodox Serbs with their elements of Byzantine culture, and the Sephardic Jews continued to live together with the Bosniaks – Muslims for more than four centuries.
You will have free time to explore the town yourself, to visit the famous bazaar and to try traditional coffee. The waiter brings the prepared coffee in the cezve (a small long-handled pot with a pouring lip designed specifically to make Turkish coffee) and you pour the traditional cup called “fildzan” yourself. It is a special feeling and you have to try it.
The trip continues to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina – Sarajevo, where you will check in at the hotel.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Mostar – walking tour to the Old Bridge
Optional activities:
Mostar – full walking tour – 20€
Sarajevo walking tour – 20€
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Sarajevo
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
Sarajevo is the political, financial, educational, social and cultural centre of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a prominent centre of culture in the Balkans, with region-wide influence in entertainment, media, fashion and the arts. It lies in the narrow valley of the Miljacka River at the foot of Mount Trebević. It is one of only a few major European cities to have a mosque, Catholic church, Orthodox church and synagogue within the same neighbourhood. Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, which was the largest and most interesting sport event ever held in former Yugoslavia.
After having a delicious traditional breakfast, you will go out for a city walking tour.
With the local tour guide, you will visit all the significant spots of this town. The first stop on this tour will be in front of the Catholic cathedral of Jesus’s Sacred Heart, you will listen to the history and culture of the town.
On the way to the famous and the largest mosque in Sarajevo – Gazi – Husrev Bey’s Mosque – the guide will talk about the Jews in the town while passing by the Museum of the Jews of Bosnia and Herzegovina. You will be introduced to Morića Han also known as Caravan-Saraj representing a well-preserved hotel that was built during the Ottoman Empire. Even though it is now turned into a small bazaar with coffee shops, this is a unique ambience worth visiting.
Visit Sarajevo and not take a walk over the Bascarsija – not drink water from the famous Sebilj fountain, not wander around the narrow streets with a lot of coffee and craft shops – it is like you haven’t been in Sarajevo! It is the main square and the striking symbol of the town.
Nearby is located the City Hall which will amaze you by its architectural style. Also, you will see the Latin bridge whose northern end was the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by Gavrilo Princip in 1914, which became casus belli of World War I.
Since Sarajevo was under the control of the Ottomans for more than 400 years, on every corner you can see some building from that time. Tašlihan was the third built Caravan-Saray, whose remains preserved to this day. You will see the famous Hotel Europe, Gazi-Husrev Beys Bezistan – Bazaar and be amazed by their stories. One more stop will be in front of the Statue of Multicultural Man, located in the Square of Alija Izetbegović (First president of the country), right near one of the biggest Orthodox Churches in the Balkans. Besides church and the sculpture, the square is also specific because of chess players, mostly retired people. The last point of this walking tour is a visit to Eternal flame – a memorial to the military and civilian victims of the Second World War in Sarajevo. The flames never stop burning which makes this monument a unique piece of art, idea and dedication.
After a walking tour, free time for exploring the town on your own. If you are a real history lover, we can book for you another tour in Sarajevo – Sarajevo Under Siege War Tour
** Explore Sarajevo’s key sites including Sniper alley and War Tunnel Museum – the history of ” the biggest concentration camp” in the world. Panoramic view from the highest point of Trebevic Mountain and walking down 1984 Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track will provide a unique experience. See one of the kind Jewish cemeteries which are second by the size in Europe. Experience Sarajevo from Yellow bastion and pay tribute to fallen soldiers and the first Bosnian president buried at Martyr Cemetery. **
We believe that Avaz Twist Tower is worth visiting. It is the tallest skyscraper in the former Yugoslavia, famous for its twisted façade. If you are a shopping lover, do not miss Sarajevo City Center.
When it comes time to eat, choose a traditional cevapi (grilled dish of minced meat) as a meal and traditional coffee.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Sarajevo – walking tour
Optional activities:
Sarajevo Under Siege War Tour – 25€
Brusa Bezistan Museum – 3KM
Gazi Husrev Bey Museum – 2KM
Panoramic Trebovic cable car – return ticket price – 20KM
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Sarajevo
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
After breakfast, the road up to the sixth and last country of this tour. You will travel to the last country on our tour – Serbia and its capital town – Belgrade. Drive along the road with dramatic scenery.
The halfway between Sarajevo and Belgrade is Drvengrad, an ethnic village located on Mećavnik hill in Mokra Gora nature park, the meeting point of two beautiful Serbian mountains Tara and Zlatibor. This will be a perfect way to feel the rural spirit of Serbia.
** Drvengrad is an ethnic village and a product of film director Emir Kusturica’s imagination, built for the production of his film “Life is a miracle”. Every year it hosts the Kustendorf festival, an event visited by some of the world’s top film stars. It is a rectangular ethno village with a lot of wooden traditional Serbian houses and the main street leading from the entrance gate on one end to a small wooden Christian-orthodox church on the other. The church was built in the tradition of Russian log cabin churches and is dedicated to St. Sava, the founder of the Serbian autocephalous Christian orthodox church.
The streets in the village are named after some famous people. The main street bears the name of a Nobel prize winner, writer Ivo Andrić. There are also streets named after Cuban revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara, Argentine football player Diego Armando Maradona, Serbian actor Miodrag Petrović Čkalja and famous film directors Federico Fellini and Ingmar Bergman. One street is named after Novak Djoković, one of the best tennis players in the world. Drvengrad
Drvengrad has an art gallery, a library, a cinema called “Underground” after one of Kusturica’s most famous movies, a cake shop with homemade sweets, a restaurant with traditional Serbian cuisine, a souvenir shop etc. Tasting a local acholic drink “rakija” is a must. **
Drive continues along with the different areas of Serbia, that captivates with beauty. Arrive in Belgrade in the late afternoon. Check-in at the hotel.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Drvengrad – walking tour
Optional activities:
Dinner at Skadarlija
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Belgrade
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
Belgrade is the largest city in Serbia and its capital, but the “white city” has taken many forms since the beginnings of its settlement between 50,000 and 20,000 years ago. Thanks to its strategic location at the confluence of the Saba and Danube rivers, on the crossroads of the Pannonian Plain and the Balkan Peninsula and the intersection of Western and Oriental Europe, Belgrade has been fought over in 115 wars and razed to the ground 44 times, including by Attila the Hun, who had his way with the area in A.D. 442. In 1521 Belgrade was conquered by the Ottomans, and there followed a period of a tug-of-war between the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires, who took turns destroying the city, each leaving behind a cosmopolitan legacy. Belgrade was the capital of Yugoslavia from its creation in 1918 to its dissolution in 2006.
Now, Belgrade is the administrative, political, financial, educational, social and cultural centre of Serbia which attracts more and more tourist every year.
After breakfast, you will have a walking tour with a local tour guide.
The tour starts from the National Parliament, the monumental building built at the beginning of the 20th century, witnessing the turbulent history of Serbia. Across it is located the Old and New palaces, former seats of royal dynasties Obrenovic and Karadjordjevic, nowadays residency of the President and the City Parliament.
The walk continues to Terazije Square – one of Belgrade’s central meeting spots since the end of the 19th century. Here you will have a chance to hear how hotel Moskva hosted famous scientists, artists, state officials, and even two camels accompanying a high appreciated guest from Africa. Afterwards, you arrive in the epicentre of the city, Republic Square, surrounded by the National Theatre and National Museum and crowned with the Prince Mihailo monument at the centre.
Walking through the always lively Knez Mihailo Street you will reach the capital church of Belgrade where the tombs of some of the most relevant people from Serbian history are located. Across the church is the oldest bar in the city, known for its unusual name “Question Mark -?”, as well as the Mansion of Princess Ljubica, the former home of Serbia’s first lady. The tour will end at the Belgrade fortress, the most important cultural-historic complex of the city.
The high walls of the fortification raise proudly over the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube and simultaneously witness the history of this ancient city, but also the great love stories of today. The walk begins with the abundant nature of Kalemegdan park and finishes on the outermost part of the fortress where you can admire the monument dedicated to Victor, the symbol of the city.
After a walking tour, you will have free time for exploring this vibrant city on your own. You can visit Belgrade zoo, take a walk and have a cup of coffee in the oldest part of Belgrade – Skadarlija or rent and ride a bike along Sava Promenade – the most popular 1.8km long promenade with many amenities, including the Belgrade Water Gallery, bars, an amphitheatre under Branko’s Bridge etc. There are many museums such as the Museum of illusions, National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Nikola Tesla Museum etc. If you are a shopping lover, the Usce Shopping centre will be a perfect shot for you!
Also, Belgrade is very well known for its nightlife and is a major drawcard for Europeans looking for a party. There are a large number of nightclubs, bars, and cafés that stay lively into the wee hours of the night, many of which are located on river barges.
Free time. Dinner. Overnight.
Included activities:
Belgrade Center walking tour
Optional activities:
Avala tour – from 50 €
National Museum Belgrade – 200RSD
Museum of illusions – 600RSD
Ethnographic museum Belgrade – 150RSD
Nikola Tesla Museum – 500RS
Belgrade zoo – 400RSD
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Belgrade
Accommodation on HB basis in 1/2 rooms in Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel included. (Drinks NOT included)
For this day there are no planned activities because it is the day of departure. Transfer to the airport.
We hope you had an amazing 15 days with us! You are always welcome to come back.
Have a nice trip! Goodbye! Do vidjenja!
Included activities:
Transfer to the airport
Optional activities:
Without activities, today is a departure day. If you depart in the late afternoon or in the evening you get time to relax, see some of the sights you might want to add to your tour or we can book you some activity or tour from our optional activities to this day. (Only on request)
Accommodation & Meals:
Accommodation: Without accommodation today
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel or Lunch Box if you leave the hotel early before breakfast (Optional). (Drinks NOT included)
