Deep into the Balkans
DAY 1 | BELGRADE
Airport transfer at the arrival time of the flight to be confirmed
12h30 – 14h30 Free time for lunch
14h30 – 17h30 Walking tour of downtown Belgrade
The word that best describes Belgrade is "surprising". Not many people know this city, but it enchants everyone with its history, its gastronomy, the beauty of the meeting of the Sava and Danube rivers seen from the medieval fortress of Belgrade, and mostly with its positive energy and the hospitality of the people who inhabit it. The former capital and largest city of the former Yugoslavia, the current capital of Serbia is one of the oldest cities in Europe and holds a series of secrets that can only be revealed by those who visit it. Come and get ready for one of the most authentic trips of your life!
On this tour we visit the main attractions of the center of Belgrade: the Republic Square, the pedestrian street Knez Mihailova and the fortress of Belgrade.
18h00 Hotel check in and free time.
DAY 2 | BELGRADE
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel
09h00 – 13h00 Belgrade panorama tour in vintage Yugoslavian cars with visit to craft brewery
We will guide you trough Yugoslavia in what is considered to be a relic of the past - vintage Yugoslavian cars! The fleet has Yugos, Yugo Cabrios (very rare!), Zastava 750s and Zastava 101s. Some of them are up to 40+ years old but none of them look their age. The nostalgia game is very strong with these cars and we will tell you about their history and why people are so attached to these guys even today. This is an experience you will definitely remember!
13h00 – 15h00 Lunch
15h00 – 17h00 Visit the Museum of Yugoslavia
The Museum of Yugoslavia, situated in Belgrade, serves as a poignant reminder of the rich and complex history of the former Yugoslav federation. Established in 1962 by Josip Broz Tito, the museum is housed in the vibrant grounds of the former Yugoslav leader's residence, now known as the House of Flowers. Its exhibits offer a comprehensive journey through Yugoslavia's tumultuous past, featuring artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays that chronicle the country's socialist era, Tito's leadership, and the eventual dissolution of the federation. Visitors can explore Tito's mausoleum, where he rests alongside his wife, Jovanka Broz, amid beautifully landscaped gardens. The Museum of Yugoslavia stands as a symbol of remembrance, fostering understanding and reflection on the diverse and interconnected histories of the Yugoslav peoples.
17h00 – 17h30 Transfer back to hotel and free time.
DAY 3 | NOVI SAD
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel;
09h00 – 10h15 Transfer to Novi Sad;
10h15 – 11h30 Explore the Novi Sad city center;
Novi Sad, often dubbed the "Athens of Serbia," is a vibrant city nestled on the banks of the Danube River. Its rich history is palpable in the charming blend of architecture spanning from Austro-Hungarian buildings to Ottoman influences. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Petrovaradin Fortress, a formidable structure that overlooks the city and hosts the renowned EXIT music festival. Novi Sad's cultural scene thrives with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums, including the Museum of Vojvodina, showcasing artifacts from the region's diverse past. The city's relaxed atmosphere invites leisurely strolls along the picturesque streets lined with cafes, where visitors can savor local delicacies and enjoy the warm hospitality of its residents. With its blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, Novi Sad captivates all who venture into its embrace.
11h30 – 12h00 Transfer to the Petrovaradin Fortress;
12h00 – 13h30 Visit the Petrovaradin Fortress including the underground galleries
The Petrovaradin Fortress, perched majestically atop the banks of the Danube River in Novi Sad, Serbia, is a monumental testament to centuries of history and architectural prowess. Its formidable walls have withstood the test of time since the 17th century, guarding the city and its inhabitants. Beyond its impressive exterior, the fortress harbors a hidden gem: its labyrinthine underground galleries. These mysterious passages, constructed during the Austrian rule, served various purposes throughout history, from providing shelter during wartime to functioning as storage spaces. Today, visitors can explore this subterranean network, marveling at the intricate architecture and imagining the lives of those who once traversed these dark corridors. The underground galleries of Petrovaradin Fortress offer a fascinating glimpse into Novi Sad's past, adding depth and intrigue to this iconic landmark.
13h30 – 14h00 Transfer to Fruška Gora;
14h00 – 16h00 Lunch with wine pairing at Kovačević Winery
Kovačević Winery, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Serbia's Fruška Gora wine region, stands as a beacon of excellence in the country's viticultural scene. Founded by the Kovačević family, the winery boasts a tradition spanning generations, rooted in a deep appreciation for the land and a commitment to quality. With meticulous care and attention to detail, they cultivate indigenous grape varieties such as Srem Muscat, Tamjanika, and Prokupac, crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Visitors to Kovačević Winery are welcomed with warm hospitality, invited to tour the vineyards, cellar, and tasting rooms, where they can sample a diverse selection of award-winning wines. From crisp whites to robust reds, each bottle tells a story of passion, craftsmanship, and a dedication to preserving Serbia's winemaking heritage. Kovačević Winery embodies the essence of Serbian wine culture, inviting enthusiasts to savor the fruits of their labor amidst breathtaking surroundings.
16h00 – 17h30 Travel back to Belgrade and free time.
DAY 4 | ZLATIBOR
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel;
09h00 – 12h30 Transfer to Zlatibor
Zlatibor is the most visited mountain in Serbia and the gateway to the incredible nature of the western region of the country. Located in a "wind rose", Zlatibor is a natural spa with its special microclimate. It is no wonder that on this mountain there are several hospitals that treat lung diseases. Tourism here began to develop in 1893, when Serbian king Aleksandar Obrenović spent a few days on the mountain and erected a fountain. Today, Zlatibor offers visitors a range of attractions and activities ranging from horseback riding, visits to caves and museums to skiing in one of Serbia's best ski centers!
12h30 – 15h00 Visit and lunch in Sirogojno
At the heart of the Zlatibor mountain, surrounded by pine trees and hills, away from the crowds, lies Sirogojno - an authentic mountain village in Serbia, where visitors can see, feel and taste the past. In its open-air museum, we can enter original mountain houses dating from the 19th century. In the restaurant, mountain specialties are prepared following ancient recipes
15h00 – 15h45 Travel to the center of Zlatibor
15h45 Hotel check in and free time. Guide and driver at the client’s disposal for dinner transfer.
DAY 5 | BUDVA
07h00 – 08h00 Breakfast at the hotel and check out
08h00 – 13h00 Travel to Budva
Budva, a jewel on Montenegro's Adriatic coast, enchants visitors with its blend of ancient history and modern charm. The city's origins date back over 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Sea. Its well-preserved Old Town, enclosed by sturdy medieval walls, exudes a captivating atmosphere with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively cafes. Beyond its rich history, Budva boasts stunning beaches that stretch along the coastline, offering azure waters and golden sands that beckon sunseekers and swimmers alike. The city pulses with energy day and night, with vibrant nightlife, cultural festivals, and a myriad of dining options showcasing Montenegro's culinary delights. Budva's allure lies not only in its beauty but also in its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a taste of the Adriatic's timeless charm.
13h00 – 15h00 Lunch
15h00 – 17h00 Visit Sveti Stefan
A major attraction on the Riviera of Budva is Sveti Stefan. The former fishing village on a peninsula became a hotel city 50 years ago and this is how a wonderful place emerged, where even famous people like Claudia Shiffer and Sylvester Stallone like to spend time.
A fortification was built in 1442 on the island of Sveti Stefan and in that period people settled there. A wall was built around the fortification, in order to protect families from the surrounding places before the Turkish and pirate invasion.
17h00 - 17h30 Transfer to the hotel, check in and free time.
DAY 6 | KOTOR
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel;
09h00 – 09h30 Travel to Kotor
09h30 – 11h30 Guided tour by a local guide in Kotor
Located along one of the most beautiful bays in the world is Kotor, a city of famous merchants and sailors, with many stories to tell. The Old Town of Kotor is a well-preserved urbanization typical of the Middle Ages, built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Medieval architecture and countless cultural heritage monuments have made Kotor a UNESCO "World Heritage and Historical Site". Across the entire city, buildings are crossed by narrow streets and squares. In one of these squares is the Cathedral of San Trifone (Sveti Trifun), a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
11h30 – 13h00 Free time to explore Kotor
13h00 – 14h30 Private boat tour on the Bay of Kotor
On this comfortable boat ride, you will enjoy panoramic views from the Bay of Kotor to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, one of the most important places in the bay. It is an artificial island made in the 15th century as a monument to Perast's sailors. Beneath it are 196 shipwrecks sunk by people from Perast while defending Kotor from the Venetian and Ottoman Empire. With its incredible history and spectacular views, we are sure that this is one of the points that you will remember for a long time.
14h30 – 16h00 Lunch
16h00 – 16h30 Return to Budva and free time.
DAY 7 | KRUJA
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel and check out;
09h00 – 13h00 Travel to Kruja
13h00 – 14h30 Lunch
14h30 – 16h30 Explore Kruja
Kruja, a historic town nestled in the scenic hills of central Albania, is a testament to the country's rich heritage and resilience. Its crowning jewel is the magnificent Krujë Castle, perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the surrounding landscape. This formidable fortress, once the stronghold of Albanian hero Skanderbeg, stands as a symbol of resistance against Ottoman rule during the 15th century. Today, visitors can wander through its ancient walls, exploring the castle grounds and enjoying panoramic views of the rugged mountains and verdant valleys below. Below the castle lies the charming Old Bazaar, a bustling marketplace where artisans showcase their traditional crafts, from intricate carpets to handcrafted souvenirs. Kruja's allure lies not only in its storied past but also in its vibrant present, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a glimpse into Albania's fascinating legacy.
16h30 – 17h30 Travel to Tirana
17h30 Check in at the hotel and free time.
DAY 8 | TIRANA
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel
09h00 – 11h30 Guided tour by a local guide in Tirana
Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania, captivates visitors with its eclectic blend of history, culture, and modernity. Nestled between the Dajti Mountain and the Lana River, Tirana boasts a dynamic atmosphere infused with energy and creativity. Its colorful streets are adorned with striking murals and communist-era buildings juxtaposed with contemporary architecture, reflecting the city's evolving identity. The heart of Tirana is Skanderbeg Square, named after the national hero, where the monumental Skanderbeg Statue stands proudly amidst bustling cafes and shops. The city's cultural scene thrives with museums, galleries, and theaters, offering insight into Albania's rich heritage and artistic expression. Tirana's culinary landscape is equally diverse, with a plethora of restaurants serving traditional Albanian delicacies alongside international cuisines. From exploring historic landmarks to savoring the local cuisine, Tirana invites visitors to immerse themselves in its vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors.
11h30 – 13h30 Visit the Bunk Art museum
This fantastic transformation - from a huge Cold War bunker on the outskirts of Tirana to a museum of history and contemporary art - in Albania's most sensational new attraction and easily a highlight of Tirana. With nearly 3,000 square meters of underground space spread over several floors, the bunker was built for Albania's political elite in the 1970s and remained a secret for much of its existence. It now hosts exhibitions that combine the modern history of Albania with pieces of contemporary art.
13h30 – 15h00 Lunch
15h30 Free time.
DAY 9 | OHRID
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel and check-out;
09h00 – 12h30 Travel to Ohrid
12h30 – 15h30 Time to explore Ohrid and have lunch
Ohrid, nestled on the shores of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia, is a place of enchanting beauty and historical significance. Known as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans" due to its abundance of churches and religious sites, Ohrid boasts a rich cultural heritage dating back over 2,000 years. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval churches, Byzantine-style frescoes, and traditional Macedonian houses. The city's crown jewel is the imposing Ohrid Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Lake Ohrid itself is a shimmering gem, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and endemic species, earning it the title of one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. Whether wandering through the ancient streets, cruising on the tranquil waters of the lake, or simply basking in the natural beauty of its surroundings, Ohrid is a destination that promises a blend of history, culture, and scenic splendor unlike any other.
15h30 – 18h00 Travel to Skopje
18h00 Check in at the hotel and free time.
DAY 10 | SKOPJE
09h00 – 10h00 Breakfast at the hotel
10h00 – 13h00 Skopje city tour with local guide
Skopje, the vibrant capital of North Macedonia, is a city where history meets modernity in a captivating blend. Nestled along the banks of the Vardar River, Skopje boasts a rich tapestry of cultural influences reflected in its diverse architecture, ranging from Ottoman-era mosques and Byzantine churches to neoclassical buildings and modernist structures. At the heart of the city lies the bustling Old Bazaar, a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets brimming with lively markets, artisan shops, and traditional eateries serving mouthwatering Macedonian cuisine. The city's skyline is dominated by the imposing Millennium Cross, perched atop Vodno Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Skopje and its surroundings. From exploring historic landmarks such as the Kale Fortress to strolling along the newly renovated riverside promenade, Skopje invites visitors to immerse themselves in its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
13h00 – 15h00 Lunch
15h00 Rest of the day at leisure
DAY 11 | RILA MONASTERY
07h00 – 08h00 Breakfast at the hotel
09h00 – 13h00 Travel to Rila
13h00 – 16h00 Time to visit the Rila Monastery and have lunch
The monastery of St. Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the mountains southwest of Rila, 117 km south of the capital, Sofia, in the deep valley of the Rilska River, at an altitude of 1,147 m above sea level, within the Natural Park of the Rila Monastery. The monastery was named after its founder, the hermit Ivan de Rila (876 - 946 AD), and today houses about 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila monastery is considered one of Bulgaria's main cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is an important tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and southern Europe. In 2008 alone, it attracted 900 thousand visitors. The monastery is pictured on the back of the 1 lev banknote, issued in 1999.
16h00 – 18h00 Travel to Sofia
18h00 Arrival in Sofia, check-in at the hotel, and the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 12 | SOFIA AND PLOVDIV
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel
09h00 – 11h30 Guided tour with a local guide in Sofia
Sofia is the capital and largest city in Bulgaria. 1.26 million people live in the city and 1.68 million people live in its metropolitan region. The city is at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, in the western part of the country. Being in the center of the Balkan peninsula, it is halfway between the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea, while the Aegean Sea is the closest. Sofia has been an area of human habitation since at least 7000 BC. As the primary city in Bulgaria, Sofia is home to many of the main local universities, cultural institutions, and commercial companies. Sofia is one of the 10 best places for start-ups in the world, especially in the area of information technology.
11h30 – 13h00 Travel to Plovdiv
13h00 – 17h00 Time to explore Plovdiv and have lunch
Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, with a population of 341,567 inhabitants. It is an important economic, transport, cultural and educational center. Plovdiv has evidence of housing since the 6th millennium BC when the first Neolithic settlements were established. It is said to be one of the oldest cities in Europe. Plovdiv was known in the West for most of its history by the name of Philippopolis ("City of Philip") because Philip II of Macedonia conquered it in the fourth century BC. The city was originally a Thracian settlement, later being invaded by Persians, Greeks, Celts, Romans, Goths, Huns, Bulgarians, Slavic-Vikings, Crusaders, and Turks. On January 4, 1878, Plovdiv was released from the Ottoman government by the Russian army. It remained within Bulgaria's borders until July of the same year when it became the capital of the Ottoman autonomous region of Eastern Rumelia. In 1885, Plovdiv joined Bulgaria.
17h00 – 18h30 Travel back to Sofia
18h30 Arrival in Sofia and the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 13 | VELIKO TARNOVO
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
09h00 – 13h00 Travel to Veliko Tarnovo
13h00 – 16h00 Time to have lunch and explore Veliko Tarnovo
Often referred to as the "City of Tsars", Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is known as the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. The old part of the city is located on the three hills: Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora, which rise amid the meanders of the Yantra. In Tsarevets are the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors and the Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Cathedral, as well as a series of administrative and residential buildings surrounded by thick walls. Trapezitsa is known for its many churches and as the former main residence of the nobility. During the Middle Ages, the city was one of the main centers of European culture and gave its name to the architecture of the Artistic School of Tarnovo, to the painting of the Artistic School of Tarnovo and to literature. Veliko Tarnovo is an important administrative, economic, educational, and cultural center in northern Bulgaria.
16h00 – 19h00 Travel to Bucharest
19h00 Arrival in Bucharest, check in at the hotel, and the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 14 | BUCHAREST
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel
09h00 – 11h30 Bucharest tour with local guide
Located on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, Bucharest is the capital and largest city in Romania. According to 2011 estimates, Bucharest had a population of 1,883,425, making it the sixth-largest city in the European Union by population within city limits.
By European standards, Bucharest is not an ancient city, as its existence was first mentioned by scholars in 1459. Since then, it has undergone a wide variety of changes, becoming Romania's state capital in 1862 and consolidating steadily its position as the center of Romanian mass communication, culture, and art. Its eclectic architecture is a mixture of historical, interwar, communist, and modern eras. In the period between the two World Wars, the elegant architecture and sophistication of its elite gave Bucharest the nickname "Paris of the East" or "Little Paris".
11h30 – 14h30 Free time to explore Bucharest and have lunch
15h00 – 16h00 Guided tour of the Palace of Parliament
The Palace of the Parliament is a building with multiple functions where both chambers of the Romanian Parliament are installed. With 350,000 m², it is the largest palace in the world and the second-largest building after the Pentagon. The palace was originally commissioned and designed in the late 1970s by the communist regime of dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu to be the seat of all political and administrative power in Romania. Its chief architect was Anca Petreşcu. Construction began in 1980 and lasted until 1989 when Ceauşescu was overthrown. Until then, less than 80% of the building had been built, but the work was interrupted because it was too expensive for Romanian public coffers. Nicolae Ceauşescu called it the House of the Republic, but many Romanians called it the People's House. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the palace is the largest civilian administrative building in the world (The Pentagon is the largest in absolute terms), the most expensive administrative building, and the heaviest building.
16h00 Rest of the day at leisure. Guide and driver at the client’s disposal for dinner transfer.
DAY 15 | BRAN CASTLE
AND BRASOV
07h00 – 08h00 Breakfast at the hotel
08h00 – 11h00 Travel to Dracula's castle (Bran)
11h00 – 15h00 Time to explore the castle and have lunch
Bran Castle, located in the vicinity of the city of Brasov, is a national monument and historical landmark of Romania. The fortress is located on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia, nestled in the forest at the foot of the Carpathians. Known as the "Dracula's Castle", it is promoted as the residence of the character who gives title to Dracula by Bram Stoker. Currently, the castle houses a museum open to the public, displaying pieces of art and furniture collected by Queen Maria. At the bottom of the hill is a small open-air museum park, which displays traditional peasant structures from Romania, such as huts and barns, representing the whole country.
15h00 – 15h45 Transfer to Brasov
15h45 – 18h00 Explore Brasov
The center of Brasov was founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 in an ancient Dacian site and inhabited by the Saxons as one of the seven walled citadels. Brasov exudes a distinctly medieval atmosphere and has been used as a backdrop in many films of the recent period. The city's location at the intersection of the trade routes connecting the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe, together with certain tax breaks, allowed Saxon traders to obtain considerable wealth and exercise strong political influence in the region. This was reflected in the German name of the city, Kronstadt, as well as in its brass name, Corona, which means Crown City (hence, the coat of arms of the city which is a crown with oak roots). Fortifications were built around the city and continuously expanded, with several towers maintained by different artisanal guilds, according to medieval custom.
18h00 Hotel check in and the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 16 | SIBIU
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel
09h00 – 12h00 Travel to Sibiu
12h00 – 16h00 Time to explore Sibiu and have lunch
Sibiu was the largest and richest of the seven walled citadels built in the 12th century by German colonists known as the Transylvanian Saxons. The wealth accumulated by their alliances paid for the construction of impressive buildings and the necessary fortifications to protect them.
The Old Town of Sibiu retains the grandeur of its earlier days when the rich and powerful dominated regional commerce. Like Sighisoara and Brasov, it has a clearly Germanic feeling. The sections of the medieval wall still guard the historic area, where the narrow streets pass through 17th-century buildings with steep roofs before opening into vast squares dominated by the church.
16h00 – 19h00 Travel back to Brasov and the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 17 | SINAIA
08h00 – 09h00 Breakfast at the hotel
09h00 – 10h00 Travel to Sinaia
10h00 – 14h00 Time to explore Peles Castle and have lunch
Over 40 years ago, dozens of builders, artists, and wooden sculptors built Peles Castle. The neo-Renaissance masterpiece was commissioned by Romania's first king, Carol I, and its first stone laid in 1875. Today, this former royal summer residence is a very popular tourist attraction. Visits are made by a mandatory 40-minute guided tour. Inside, every corner is filled with silk rugs, Murano glass, carved walnut, or polished marble.
14h00 – 16h00 Travel to Bucharest
16h00 Check in at the hotel, and the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 18 | DEPARTURE
FROM BUCHAREST
Transfer to Bucharest airport at a time to be arranged.
End of our services.