Our Balkan Explorer a very special tour designed by one of our senior Tour Leaders. We will visit seven Balkan countries in this 19-day adventure: Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Countries elsewhere on the continent may be too expensive, too crowded and too commercialized. Today, the Western Balkans are authentic and accessible regions, where sidewalk cafes line cobblestone alleys and mediaeval castles loom over historic town centres.
An ethnically complex corner of the world where Catholic churches, Orthodox monasteries and Ottoman mosques share territory, the Balkans offer a true adventure to one of the less-travelled parts of the world.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Your Travel and Accommodation Arranged For You
Tips Included for Driver, Restaurant Staff, Local Guides
Authentic Local Experiences With Lots Of Inclusions.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
$1000 PER PERSON DEPOSIT REQUIRED
Optional Single Supplement: $1180 USD (number of singles limited).
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Day 1 Arrive in Belgrade
Today we arrive in Belgrade, Serbia.
Our adventure through the Balkans starts at the heart of the region, Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia since 1403. Here we find a beautiful medieval city competing amongst the most charming cities in Eastern Europe.
Overnight in Belgrade.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Belgrade: City Tour
The Balkans comprise a remarkably complex region, as well as fascinating, diverse and, of course, incredibly beautiful. Often referred to as Southeastern Europe, the Balkans take their name from a Turkish word meaning "a chain of wooded mountains".
We will start our day with a panoramic drive around this city in order to see some of the main points of interest. Two of the many important buildings and monuments that we will see include the St. Sava Church and the Belgrade Palace. Upon our return to the city center we will continue to explore this city on foot. The walking portion of our tour will start near the Republic Square. This is the main city square which features both the National Theatre and the National Museum. This popular meeting point for Belgraders was once the location of the infamous Stambol Gate, which was the main entrance to the Belgrade fortress. Nearby is Skadarlija Skadarska Street, a vintage street dating from the late 19th century. Once a Gypsy Quarter, today this steep cobbled area has quite a bohemian feel.
A wander along Knez Mihailova, the main promenade and pedestrian area in the city give us a real look at this famous shopping street, adorned with buildings and mansions erected in the late 19th century.
We will see the historic 19th century Princess Ljubica's Residence (now housing a permanent exhibition of original furniture), and will stroll down nearby cobbled Kosancicec Venac Street, which conjures up the spirit of Old Belgrade. Of course no tour of Belgrade is complete without a visit to the Belgrade fortress and Kalemegdan Park area, located on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Sava River and the Danube. The Romans were the first to build a fort on this site. Here we will see the well-preserved fortress ramparts, gateways, and towers of the Upper Town. The Lower Town on the banks of the Danube was the main city center in the Middle Ages, surrounded by walls and providing access to the port.
Overnight in Belgrade.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 3 Belgrade - Novi Pazar
Today we travel from Belgrade to Novi Pazar. The terrain of Serbia is extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountains and hills.
The journey south to Kraljevo brings us to the Raska region. This part of Serbia has a significant population of Muslims -- they are Slavs rather than Albanians, in contrast to neighboring Kosovo. The appearance of minarets on the skyline is the most immediately visible difference compared to the rest of Serbia. This route takes use through the lovely Ibar Valley.
This afternoon we pay a visit to Studenica Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered to be the crowning achievement of medieval culture and art in Serbia. This is the largest and richest of Serbia's Orthodox monasteries. Its two principal monuments, the Church of the Virgin (1183-1196) and the Church of the King enshrine priceless collections of 13th and 14th century Byzantine painting.
Our tour then continues in the afternoon to the Sopocani Monastery (also a UNESCO site), dating from the 13th century. The frescoes of Sopocani have been known as priceless art works of old Serbian painting and represent the highest quality of Byzantine painting. From here we continue to Novi Pazar.
Novi Pazar is the largest town in the region, and the oldest and most interesting buildings here are in the old bazaar area south of the Raska River. The Altum Alem Mosque has somehow survived since the 16h century. The town's name means "new market", and its trading tradition continues in a large open-air market to the north of the river. The outskirts of Novi Pazar reveal a pleasant landscape of green fields and orchards.
Overnight in Kopaonik.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Novi Pazar, Serbia - Pristina, Kosovo
Today we experience a beautifully scenic drive as we cross from Serbia into Kosovo. Our drive will take us past Kosovska Mitrovica, a symbol of Kosovo's ethnic divisions, before reaching the capital city of Pristina.
Kosovo became a nation when its parliament declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. The United States and many European countries have recognized Kosovo's independence, while Serbia and some of its allies, most notably Russia, have denounced the declaration as illegal.
Cultures and religions have been clashing here for centuries, ever since the joint Serbian and Albanian force was defeated by the Ottomans in the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. But, between times of great unrest, this landlocked country has seen long periods of peaceful coexistence and mutual cultural enrichment. While the predominantly Muslim Albanians dominate the population, and Serbs, mostly Orthodox Christians, come second, there is a plethora of other smaller groups displaying unique cultures and ways of life.
In the 1990s poor economic policies, international sanctions, limited access to trade and finance, and ethnic conflict severely damaged Kosovo's economy, and it now has one of the poorest economies in Europe.
Pristina is located at the northeast edge of the Kosovo plain in the centre of Kosovo. It is on the route between the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Serbia proper. This is the economic, cultural, political, and administrative centre of Kosovo.
This afternoon we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Pristina, and will stroll along its streets and the main square located right in the heart of the town. One of Pristina's liveliest areas is without a doubt the large bazaar. With the bustling atmosphere typical of all Balkan markets, one can find all varieties of goods here for sale. We will see the 19th century Ottoman clock tower nearby to the bazaar. Opposite the clock tower is the Fatih or Imperial Mosque, built in 1461 under Turkish Sultan Mehmet II Fatih ('the conqueror'). The Carshia Mosque (Xhamia e Carshise) or 'market mosque' is Pristina's oldest building, constructed in the 15th century.
We will take some time to enjoy the Ethnographic Museum. Located in a lovely traditional 18th century house, this is one of the only original buildings left in the old bazaar area.
A short drive into the countryside just a few kilometers south of Pristina will bring us to the town of Gracanica, home to the Gracanica Monastery, perhaps Kosovo's greatest religious monument. Completed in 1321 and built by the legendary king of Serbia, Milutin Nemanjic, the Serbian Orthodox monastery church represents the height of Serbian Byzantine tradition. (If time does not allow for this visit today then your tour leader may opt to move this sightseeing to tomorrow morning).
Overnight in Pristina.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Pristina - Prizren, Kosovo - Skopje, North Macedonia
This morning we will travel south to the historical city of Prizren.
Prizren is a true open-air museum and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful towns of Kosovo. Situated on the slopes of the Sharr Mountains and on the banks of the river Bistrica, this town is known for its wonderfully preserved architectural heritage. One can see lovely dwelling quarters, houses with balconies facing gardens full of foliage, and narrow, winding streets cutting through the town.
The large Sinan Pasha Mosque dating from 1561 dominates the small city center. As we wander around the town we will see many examples of 18th and 19th century Ottoman houses; which have nearly all disappeared in Pristina. The small cobbled Shadervan Square is home to several cafés. Upstream is the attractive arched 15th century Ottoman bridge. Behind the mosque, the road climbs up past a neighborhood of destroyed Serb houses, and the small, preserved 14th century Saint Saviour church. At the top of the road is the 11th century Kaljaja Fortress with its upper and lower town.
Back in town and on the other side of the river is the beautiful 15th century Gazi Mehmed Pasha Hamam. This is a wellpreserved 15th century bathhouse complex (closed for visitors). Across the road stands the lone minaret of the Arasta Mosque that was destroyed in 1963. A short walk north of the hamam stands the 12th century Orthodox Cathedral Church of the Virgin of Leviša, placed on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger in 2006, and home to many beautiful medieval frescoes. We'll visit the Albanian League of Prizren Museum, a good chance to see national historic costumes and artwork.
Later in the day we enjoy a stunning drive as we cross from Kosovo to the historical country of North Macedonia and drive to the capital city, Skopje. The landlocked and mostly mountainous country of North Macedonia, in southeastern Europe, proclaimed independence from Yugoslavia in September 1991. North Macedonia's mountainous landscape is right at the heart of the Balkans, sprinkled with beautiful valleys and lakes, with a rich Hellenic heritage. Its churches and mosques contain many fine examples of art and architecture from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Overnight in Skopje.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Skopje: City Tour
The city of Skopje was once located at the far north reaches of the Byzantine Empire, and the name of the city itself reflects its geographic location and role within the empire, as the word Skopia translates to watch-tower / lookout / observation point.
Skopje is not only the capital but also the largest city in North Macedonia. Located in a valley on both sides of River Vardar, Skopje traces its ancient history back over 2000 years to when it was known as Skupi. This region has been ruled at various times by ancient Rome, Byzantium, the First Bulgarion Empire and the Ottoman Turks. The Skopje Old Bazaar emerged and developed in an area between the Stone Bridge and the Bazaar, and between the Kale fortress and the Serava River. As early as in late middle age, all economic activity of the town took place here. In the period between the 16th and 17th century, the Old Bazaar reached its urban and economic zenith, developing into one of the largest and most significant oriental old bazaars in the Balkans. Today the Old Bazaar abounds in cultural and historic monuments. During our walk we will be sure to visit the Archeology Museum.
A walk through the old part of the town allows us to explore this historical city. We will see the Stone Bridge -- a symbol of Skopje built by Turks in 15th century. This is a landmark of the city and an important link between the bazaar area and the modern part of town. The Kale Fortress, with walls dating back from the 6th century, is where a town was first started. This was the great town of Justinia Prima, founded by emperor Justinian, and later used as military barracks by the Ottomans from the 14th to 20th centuries.
Other notable Ottoman monuments we will see today include the Mustapha Pasha Mosque, a marvel of Ottoman architecture towering above the old bazaar area, and the Daut Pasha Hamam (bath) considered a masterpiece of 15th century Islamic civil architecture.
Overnight in Skopje.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Skopje - Lake Ohrid
Today we travel to Lake Ohrid. Our route will take us past Lake Matka where we stop for a walk along the lake and Tetovo. We'll also cross the National Park of Mavrovo with its majestic lake, river, gorges and waterfalls. In Tetovo we will stop to visit the Painted Mosque located by the Pena River. The ‘Painted Mosque’ was constructed in 1459 on the foundation of an older edifice. An example of early Constantinople style, this mosque is adorned with an elaborate painted facade and interior, making it unique in North Macedonia. In the turbe next to the mosque is the body of the two women who provided money for the mosque to be built in 1459.
Ohrid is a beautiful little town on the Balkan Peninsula and is the pride of North Macedonia. With its historic town centre and stunning Lake vistas, this place really is a gem. For Orthodox Macedonians it is the spiritual heart of their country and a focus of nationalistic pride. It was here that Sts Clement and Naum in the 9th century founded the first Slavic university.
The charming town of Ohrid is one of the oldest towns in Europe. This UNESCO Heritage Site was originally known as Lychnicdos back in 353 B.C.E but was renamed to Ohrid in 879 C.E. Here one can find many monuments, churches, as well as many buildings built in traditional 'Ohrid' architecture.
Overnight in Ohrid.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Ohrid: Area Tour
Today we have a walking tour around the old 'town-museum' of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old part of the town was known in ancient times as Lychnidos, the City of Lights. Slavs gave it the name of Arida in the 10th century, and it became a major center of culture and art for this area. It is the cradle of Slavic written language and literature, from where the alphabet called Cyrillic was created by the two brothers Cyril and Methody.
Ohrid is also known as the "City of 365 Churches" and we visit a few of the most important ones. St. Panteleimon Monastery from the 9th century is the oldest Slav monastery in the world. Ohrid abounds with ancient archaeological sites, including an amphitheatre and fortress. During our tour of Ohrid we will also walk through the local bazaar. While in Ohrid we'll also visit the Roman Amphitheater.
This afternoon we embark on a boat tour on the lake. Our journey will take us along the eastern shores of the lake and down to the southern tip. We will disembark for a tour of the 10th century Monastery of Saint Naum before returning to the town of Ohrid on the northern shores.
Overnight in Ohrid.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Ohrid, North Macedonia - Berat, Albania
This morning we will drive around Like Ohrid and continue into Albania.
Albania, situated between West and East Europe, is a land of fascinating Ottoman cities, Roman ruins, magnificent mountain scenery and charming villages. Remnants of ancient civilizations are spread throughout the country, revealing the complex history.
Once infamous for its isolation, Albania is one of the smallest as well as the poorest countries of Europe. Today this is a country that is slowly making the transition to open-market economy and moving on the road to progress. In the heart of the Mediterranean, on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is soon to become one of Europe's most interesting getaways. Still relatively unspoiled by globalization, you will notice an inspiring mixture of civilizations and cultures, making this country truly unique.
Our destination for today is Berat, known as a "city of one thousand windows", and has been declared a "museum city" and UNESCO protected site. A highlight of any trip to Albania, Berat is one of the country's most beautiful towns.
The old name of the city was Antipatrea, built on the slopes of mountain Timori, with a castle dominating over the city. Within the city walls there are houses, where we see paintings by this outstanding painter from the 16th century, as well as paintings from his son Nikolla.
We will spend most of our time touring in the old part of the town. This is perhaps one of the best-preserved Ottoman cities in the Balkans, with a lively lower town and a beautiful medieval citadel district on top of the hill. One of Berat's highlights is a visit to the inhabited citadel. Once inside the walls, we can visit ruined mosques and several medieval Orthodox churches, all intact and with restored frescoes and icons. The famous Onufri Museum is housed in a wonderful church and holds the best collection of Albanian icons. In the lower town we will see the Leaded Mosque, so named for the roofing material, the Bachelor's Mosque, the Sultan's Mosque and the Ottoman han (inn).
Overnight in Berat.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Berat - Apollonia - Durres - Tirana
Today we will drive from Berat to the impressive ancient town of Apollonia. It’s the largest archaeological site in Albania and seems to have been one of the most important towns in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It’s a romantic, pleasant and interesting place to visit and offers a very elegant collection of objects, all presented inside a beautiful Orthodox monastery built before the 12th century AD.
Next we travel to Durres (formerly Durrazzo), Albania's second largest city and one of its oldest towns. Legend has it that Durrazzo was founded by the Illyrian King, Epidamnos, who called it by his own name and named the port after his grandson, Dyrrah. It was for centuries the largest port on the Adriatic and got back into world highlights when in 1939, the Italian troops met brief but fierce resistance, and those killed defending it are now regarded as the first martyrs of the War of National Liberation.
Our visit to Durres will include the archaeological museum and the Roman amphitheatre, the largest in the Balkans. This 1st century construction is currently under consideration for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will also walk from the amphitheatre over to the ruins of the Roman Baths located behind the Aleksander Moisiu Theatre on the central square. We then continue our day by driving on to the capital city of Tirana.
Overnight in Tirana.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 Tirana: City Tour
This capital city enjoys a beautiful setting between the Dajti mountain range on one side and the coastal plains on the other one. A relatively new city, Tirana was founded in 1614 by the feudal lord Sulejmen Pashe Bargjini. In 1920 the city was proclaimed the capital. However, the area has been inhabited as early back as the Neolithic period.
Our sightseeing visit here will include a drive and walk along the Boulevard of the Martyrs as most of Tirana's most significant buildings are concentrated along this thoroughfare. The Skanderbeg Square in the centre of the town, named in honor of the national hero responsible for defeating the Ottomans. We will also see the old Mosque of Et'hem Bey dating from 1794. This is one of the best sights in Tirana, sitting right on the main square. Another nearby central landmark is the Clock Tower dating from 1822.
We will follow this tour by visiting the former Nuclear BunkArt bunker converted into an art and history exhibition. On this tour you will have the chance to visit the Dajti Mountain and use the cable car while enjoying amazing landscape sightseeing.
Overnight in Tirana.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Tirana - Kruja - Shkodra, Albania - Podgorica, Montenegro - Budva
Our journey today will first bring us to the charming little town of Kruja, perched high on the face of a hill. Kruja was the centre of the 15th century Albanian resistance under Skanderbeg against Ottoman Turks. Here we will visit the museum named after him. The street leading up to the castle is built in the style of a Turkish bazaar. After our time here we will continue to Shkodra, in Illyrian times known as Scodra, one of the oldest cities in Europe and the traditional centre of the Gheg cultural. Shkodra is rich with historical monuments, including the old Illyrian Rozafa Castle.
After crossing the border to Montenegro, we will continue on towards the Montenegan coast. Montenegro packs a lot of scenery into its tiny territory, and our journey will take us alongside the scenic Lake Skadar to the Montenegrin coast to Budva. Budva is a medieval town and is definitely the most attractive tourist location on the Riviera. The old part of the town is fortified with typical architecture of narrow streets and stone buildings placed around the main cathedral.
Overnight in Budva.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 Budva - Kotor, Montenegro - Dubrovnik, Croatia
We will start our day with a short walking tour through the small and picturesque old town of Budva. Much of the architecture in the Old Town is of Venetian origin. Doors, hinges, windows, balconies and many other small but noticeable things seem to hold the Roman style of the Republic of Venice.
From here we start a scenic drive that will bring us to one of the true highlights of the Adriatic coast -- the Bay of Kotor. The bare mountains plunging into the dark water have caused it to be compared with a Norwegian fjord. At the head of the bay is the walled town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor -- a town museum and cultural treasure which was inhabited from the times of the Illyrians and the Romans. This town is neatly tucked away in one of Southeast Europe's largest fjords, and our walk through the city takes us back to medieval times. Kotor's 4.5km long fortification walls, its many churches and palaces are the main reasons why in 1979 Kotor was included on UNESCO's list of world's natural and cultural heritage sites. Today, most of the monuments that we will observe are from the 14th to 18th century.
Our walking tour here will include visits to the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, St. Luka Church, and the St. Mihail Church. Our tour will take us through some of Kotor's spacious squares, lined with beautiful palaces, various impressive religious buildings and the fortifications, for a glimpse of the city from above.
Departing from the ancient seafaring town of Perast, we will enjoy a short boat ride on the Bay of Kotor. The views of the towering cliffs of the Dinaric Alps from the boat are truly impressive, giving us a different perspective of the Montenegrin coastline. Out in the bay two churches sit on islands so small that the buildings appear poised to float away on the tide. On the natural island of St George is a monastery sheltered by cypress trees. It is here that an artificial island supports the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rocks that we will visit. We then return to Perast by boat. As we continue on our route we will notice that the panorama of Perast is dominated by the 17th century church of St Nikola, protected by a Venetian fortress and surrounded by beautiful palaces and gardens once built by the famous sea captains of the Adriatic.
Later in the afternoon we will continue on the spectacular drive to Dubrovnik. Along this route we will witness the beautiful Boka Kotorska Bay and many old fishing villages, churches, monasteries, marinas and beaches. We will cross the border into Croatia before arriving Dubrovnik.
Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14 Dubrovnik: City Tour
Dubrovnik has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and this morning we will start our day with a walking tour of Dubrovnik's historic center. Often called "Croatian Athens" and the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" Dubrovnik is known for its astounding beauty, sophisticated history and culture, and prosperity. Over the course of it's tumultuous history, the city had to be extensively reconstructed; the earthquake of 1667 destroyed much of the city; and in recent memory, the town was bombarded by over 2000 shells in 1991-2. After great international efforts, the city has been restored to its former glory, with its towering fortifications, magnificent medieval architecture, red tiled roofs, winding paved streets and picturesque harbours. Every corner of this town could tell a story.
We begin our walking tour just outside the Pile Gate, as all motorized vehicles are banned within the city walls. 'Stradun' is the unofficial name for the main street - Placa - that joins the two main entrances to the Old Town at Ploce in the east and Pile in the west. With its shining limestone and uniform baroque buildings that line it, it itself is one of the best known sights of Dubrovnik.
We will visit the Franciscan Monastery, an absolute delight famous for Europe's first pharmacy and the remnants of old frescoes. The Rector's Palace is one of the loveliest buildings in the city and is now a museum. The graceful dome of the Cathedral dominates the skyline no matter where you look. Along our walk we will see many famous landmarks including: Onofrio's fountain, the Clock Tower, Orlando's Column and the Gundulic Square. Of course no walking tour of Dubrovnik would be complete without a visit to the city harbour and old port as Dubrovnik owes its very existence to shipping and trade.
As part of our sightseeing we will also walk along a section of the walls of Dubrovnik, considered by many to be a highlight. The total circuit is nearly 2km/1.25 mi, and from the bastions you will have magnificent views of the city's monuments, walls and harbours. The walls as they exist in their present form date back to the 15th century. As you walk the ramparts, you will have a postcard perfect view of the various monuments and bastions of the city.
Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15 Dubrovnik , Croatia - Pocitelj - Kravica Waterfall - Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Today we drive inland up the mountains where we cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina. This area is rich with history that dates back to the Middle Ages.
We continue with a breathtaking drive through the Bosnian Mountains before arriving at Pocitelj. This quaint and unique oriental style town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site with its stunning oriental architecture and Ottoman feel. Here one will find the longest operating art colony in southeast Europe. The most striking object in Pocitelj is the Sahat Kula, a silo-shaped fort that towers on the top of the hill above the town. It used to house watchmen and military guarding against possible invasion from the Neretva Valley.
We visit the Domano Winery located on the the Dubrava Plateau. The winery is best-known for its sparkling Žilavka wine, the first and only wine of this type in the country. We also enjoy Kravica Waterfall, a stunning natural wonder located in Bosnia & Herzegovina. The waterfall cascades down a 25-meter cliff face into a large, inviting pool.
No visit of Bosnia & Herzegovina is complete without a visit to Mostar, a picturesque town more than 5 centuries old. This location was made famous by the old Turkish bridge that once was the only means uniting the city over the emerald waters of the Neretva River. The bridge always played a central role in lives of its inhabitants. The original bridge was wooden, built at the beginning of the 15th century, and it was a very important link of the two parts of Herzegovina, not only strategically but also in respect of trade linking the sea to the interior.
Overnight in Mostar.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 16 Mostar: Walking Tour & Blagaj
Today we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Mostar.
Mostar began as a small hamlet at a strategic crossing of the Neretva River. Its hinterlands consisted of a broad agricultural plain on the west bank and steep terraces on the east bank surrounded by barren mountains. A multi-ethnic and multi-cultural settlement, the city has possessed an independent political identity since the 12th century. This city will stun you with its beauty. The architecture is a precious combination of Turkish ingenuity plus Herzegovinian and Dalmatian workmanship. We will spend our time exploring Mostar, a warm and bustling place with a fascinating history.
Our tour will include the historic oriental old town. The historic town of Mostar, spanning a deep valley of the Neretva Rive, developed in the 15th and 16th centuries as an Ottoman frontier town. Mostar has long been known for its old Turkish houses and the Old Bridge, Stari Most, after which it is named. Today, the reconstructed Old Bridge and Old City of Mostar are considered by some to be a symbol of reconciliation, international cooperation and the coexistence of diverse communities. In 2005 the Old Bridge Area of the Old City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Just north of the old bridge we will find the Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque dating from 1618. Kriva Cuprija (the Crooked Bridge) crosses the Rabobolja creek and is a small stone one-arch bridge that closely resembles the Stari Most. We will walk down the busy old market bazaar street Kujundziluk with lots of tourist craft, art shops and street merchants. Karadzozbegova Mosque is the city’s most famous mosque dating from 1577. Turkish House or Biscevica corner, dating from 1635, is one of the most beautiful preserved residential structures from the Turkish period.
This afternoon we journey to the nearby village of Blagaj. Blagaj's highlights are the Buna Spring and the adjacent Ottoman house/monastery. The spring here is amazing. It flows out of a 200m cliff wall and single-handedly creates the Buna River. Unsurprisingly, the Ottoman sultan was impressed, and ordered a Tekija to be built right next to it. This 16th century house/monastery was built for the Dervish cults and is still one of the most mystical places in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Blagaj's Old Town is worth taking a walk through. This lazy Herzegovinan town moves at a slow pace and many of its old structures are reminiscent of Ottoman days. We will enjoy a walk around the town, starting at the Tekija Dervish House and visiting the 17th century Velagic house, a beautiful example of Ottoman stone masonry. In the vicinity are also old flourmills that the strong Buna River used to power.
Overnight in Mostar.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 17 Mostar - Sarajevo: City Tour
This morning we will travel to Sarajevo, our final destination on this tour. The drive between Mostar and Sarajevo provides us with some of the finest scenery on the entire tour. Snow-capped mountains, small farms, the gorgeous Neretva River, and giant haystacks. We then arrive in Sarajevo! This magical city with all its charm takes us instantly back to the Ottoman day as we visit beautiful Ottoman mosques, old quarters and the authentic Turkish "carsija", with its oriental sweets shops, cafes and traditional Bosnian food. 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 continue to the Neretva Train Bridge in Jablanica, a historic railway bridge that has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, most notably during World War II as part of the Battle of the Neretva. Today, the ruins of the bridge stand as a poignant reminder of the war's devastation. The bridge's strategic importance and its dramatic destruction have made it a significant historical site.
We see Tito's Bunker in Konjic, also known as the Command Bunker, a massive underground complex built during the Cold War as a nuclear fallout shelter and command center for the former Yugoslav leader, Josip Broz Tito. The bunker is a fascinating piece of Cold War history, offering a glimpse into the paranoia and preparations of the era. Visitors can explore the bunker's labyrinthine tunnels, command rooms, and living quarters, gaining a unique perspective on the Cold War and the life of a historical figure.
On our way into town to see Sarajevo from above, as well as pay a visit to the famous Sarajevo War Tunnel. The tunnel provided the citizens of Sarajevo with a lifeline during Sarajevo's 1,400 days of isolation and was the only reliable way of supplying goods and electricity into Sarajevo.
Overnight in Sarjevo.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 18 Sarajevo: City Tour
Sarajevo spent over 300 years under Turkish governorship until the Austro-Hungarians arrived in the late nineteenth century. Fifty years later, the empire collapsed when Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated here, hastening the outbreak of the First World War. The late twentieth century saw Sarajevo host the Winter Olympics in 1984, and the long siege of the city during the recent conflict.
Our tour of the major historical, cultural and war sites in the city will help you to piece together its complex and fascinating history. Sites that we will visit include: the old town, where we discover Sarajevo's medieval beginnings. Bascarsija (Old Sarajevo) is the heart and soul of Sarajevo today, and was once the center of trade and commerce during the Ottoman's lengthy rule. Walking through Bascarsija offers a glimpse into Ottoman Sarajevo. The building of this area started in 1462 and reached its culmination by the middle of 16th century. Bascarsija streets still bear the names dedicated to over 80 trades that operated here at its height.
We will visit the Svrzo House (Svrzina Kuca), built in the 18th century and representing one of the most authentic examples of the way of life during Ottoman Sarajevo. This is probably one of the most beautifully preserved examples of unique and traditional Bosnian architecture. The Ghazi Husref-Bey Mosque is considered today to be one of the most important Islamic buildings in Bosnia.
A 'must see' is the Latin Bridge, dating from 1798 and location of Archduke Ferdinand's assassination on June 28, 914. Other sights that we will see today include: the City Hall (Vijecnica) dating from 1896, and the Old Orthodox Church dating from the 16th century. The City Hall is a well-known symbol of Sarajevo and the most beautiful example of pseudo-Moorish architecture in the city.
Overnight in Sarjevo.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 19 Depart
Departure from Sarajevo.
BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Full-time Tour leadder and local guide support.
Breakfast and dinner daily (mostly local restaurants).
All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.
Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving/departing on tour dates.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.
Lunches, Tour Leader gratuities, drinks, personal items, air taxes (if applicable), and excursions referenced as 'optional'.
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Seasonality and Weather
This tour is offered in spring and the fall when temperatures are mild. The region has a mild Mediterranean climate with autumns that are bright and warm into late October. Spring is warm and green.
Transport and Travel Conditions
days, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops and beautiful scenery along the way. Roads are generally in good condition, though a little winding and slow on mountain roads (especially Albania).
This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip. These walks will mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobblestone, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common. If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours" which heavily rely on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
Accommodation
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels (3 & 4-star). Some hotels are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. Some Albanian hotels are of a simpler standard. Al hotels have en suite bath, though some may have shower only. Porter service is usually available (see 'inclusions') though you should be independent with your luggage.
Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, driver (s), local step-on guides in various locales.
Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader
Regions visited: Central And Eastern Europe
Countries visited: Serbia; Kosovo; North Macedonia; Albania; Montenegro; Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
... right in the middle of downtown’s walking zone, Hotel Majestic is surrounded by countless restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and many sightseeing attractions such as the National Theater, and the Kalemegdan Fortress. Hotel Majestic sits atop of the famous Obilićev Venac street, a tree-lined street with countless bars and restaurants. Adjacent to the hotel, is Knez Mihailova main street, the biggest pedestrian street in Belgrade.
360 View The hotel is just a short, pleasant walk from the old town where one can discover the ancient monuments, exciting nightlife, breath taking lake view particularly at sunset, surrounded by natural and cultural beauties all around and nothing but the blue sky and sparkling waters of the Lake Ohrid for as far as the eye can see.
