Southern Balkan Discovery

Welcome to Serbia! Upon arrival in Belgrade, our driver will greet you at the Nikola Tesla airport and take you to your hotel. As you travel by coach, you can relax and take in the sights of New Belgrade, featuring Socialist architecture and modern business centres like the Usce Tower. Your driver will also point out landmarks such as the Western Gate of Belgrade, Belgrade Arena, and Palace of Serbia. After checking in at your hotel, you will have free time to rest and prepare for the tour.

On our first day in Serbia, we embark on a combined walking and driving tour of Belgrade, beginning on bustling Knez Mihailova Street.

We'll start with a taste of the local morning routine at "?," Belgrade’s oldest tavern, where we sample traditional Serbian coffee and rakija. We then head to the historic Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park for sweeping views over the Sava and Danube rivers. Crossing Branko’s Bridge into New Belgrade, we explore bold Brutalist architecture and the evolving Belgrade Waterfront, symbols of the city’s modern transformation. Our panoramic drive traces Serbia’s history from its 19th-century independence movement to the complexities of the 1990s, featuring stops at the Ada Bridge, the upscale Dedinje district, and the Museum of Yugoslavia. We’ll also visit the impressive Temple of Saint Sava, a city icon and the fourth-largest Orthodox temple globally, adorned with intricate mosaics.

The tour concludes at Republic Square, the vibrant heart of Belgrade. As evening falls, set off on a scenic sundown river cruise, taking in Belgrade’s skyline and riverside landmarks along the Sava and Danube, capturing a final view of this remarkable city.

Belgrade - Zlatibor. After a morning check-out, we depart Belgrade and head south into the heart of Serbia to explore Oplenac, a site of royal history. Here, we visit the grand royal mausoleum and a notable winery that embodies Serbia’s regal heritage.

In the Sumadija region, known as the "Serbian Tuscany," we’ll dive into a royal wine experience at one of Serbia’s premier century-old wineries. Sample three wines crafted with traditional recipes, learn about the Royal Karadjordjevic dynasty, and visit the prestigious wine cellar, witnessing the artisanal craftsmanship behind each bottle.

A short drive brings us to Zlatibor Mountain, where we check into our hotel. Enjoy a stroll through the quaint town centre, renowned as Serbia's first royal resort. Later, a dinner featuring traditional Serbian cuisine will be served.

At a classic Zlatibor kafana, savour authentic Serbian flavours: ajvar, creamy kajmak, artisan-cured meats, traditional pies, and mains like veal or fresh fish, all enjoyed with Zlatibor’s scenic mountain backdrop.

Zlatibor - Drvengrad - Visegrad (Bosnia) - Sarajevo. After check-out, we continue to Drvengrad (Wooden Town), an ethno village crafted by acclaimed film director Emir Kusturica. Constructed primarily from wood, the village features the Mecavnik Hotel, houses, galleries, shops, a cinema, and a church. Since 2008, Drvengrad has hosted the annual Kustendorf Film and Music Festival, attracting celebrities like Johnny Depp, Monica Bellucci, and Jim Jarmusch.

Next, we’ll board the "Nostalgia" train along the historic Sargan Eight Railway, a narrow-gauge route named for its unique figure-eight layout. As we wind through tunnels and over viaducts, this journey offers stunning mountain views and a glimpse into early 20th-century travel on the original Belgrade-to-Sarajevo line.

The day continues in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a short drive to Visegrad, where Kusturica's Andricgrad (Stone Town) lies on the banks of the Drina River. Inspired by Nobel laureate Ivo Andric’s novel The Bridge on the Drina, this cultural centre includes a variety of buildings near the UNESCO-protected bridge featured in Andric’s work.

After lunch, we proceed to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where we’ll check into our hotel.

Our Sarajevo exploration begins at Vjecna Vatra (Eternal Flame), a WWII memorial honouring the city’s liberators. From here, we start with a local favourite, the savoury burek pastry, before heading through the lively Ferhadija pedestrian zone to visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral and a 16th-century Orthodox Church. Here, we’ll see how Orthodox, Catholic, and Islamic influences shape Sarajevo’s traditions. Moving into the heart of the old town, Bascarsija, we’ll try the famed Balkan dish cevapi, followed by a traditional coffee experience—a daily ritual in Sarajevo. Highlights include iconic spots like the Vjecna Vjecna (City Hall), Latin Bridge, the Bezistan market, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, and Sahat Tower. Our tour concludes with a taste of baklava.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Sarajevo at your own pace.

Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Trebinje. Today, we depart Sarajevo for the beautiful city of Mostar. Our walking tour covers the UNESCO-listed Old Bridge, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge, and Tabhana.

Next, we’ll visit a copper workshop to explore Mostar’s 500-year-old coppersmithing tradition, with a chance to craft your own piece.

Enjoy free time for lunch by the Neretva River before we continue to Blagaj, home to a serene monastery by the emerald Buna River. Finally, we reach Trebinje to visit the historic Arslanagica Bridge and Poet’s Square before checking in to our hotel.

Trebinje - Dubrovnik (Croatia) - Budva (Montenegro). After breakfast and check-out, we start the day at Trebinje’s local market, where you can sample fresh cheese, dried meats, and local fruits, capturing the essence of traditional life.

Then, we head to Dubrovnik in Croatia, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." We’ll visit Stradun, Placa Square, Pile Gate, the Rector's Palace, the City Walls, and the port, exploring both historic landmarks and filming sites from Game of Thrones. Learn about the Republic of Ragusa and the city’s captivating heritage.

We conclude the day in Budva, Montenegro’s tourist gem. Stroll through the medieval Old Town, relax on the beach, and enjoy free time to savour seafood and local wines before checking in at our hotel.

Budva - Kotor - Budva. Today we are exploring the Bay of Kotor, a popular destination for over 500 cruise ships each year due to its unique landscape. Our first stop is Perast, a small baroque-style town. From here, we enjoy a relaxing boat ride to the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rock, known for its church featuring valuable paintings by local artists, silver votive tablets, and a famous votive tapestry.

We then head to Kotor, an ancient Mediterranean town dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries. A guided walking tour will highlight UNESCO sites such as the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and other cultural landmarks. There is also free time to explore the old town or dine in a restaurant on one of the charming squares before we return to Budva for the evening.

Budva - Tirana (Albania). After check-out from Budva, we continue along the Adriatic coast to Old Bar, nestled at the foot of Mount Rumija. Here, we’ll stroll through centuries-old stone walls and cobbled streets, discovering historic landmarks and enjoying panoramic views. You may wish to savour a coffee or a traditional dessert at a local café.

We then cross into Albania, starting with an Albanian agrotourism experience, where we will enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring organic products and traditional dishes, showcasing the vibrant culinary traditions of the region.

Next, we drive to Tirana, Albania's capital, located on the banks of the Lana River. We'll explore Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city, dominated by a statue of the national hero. Our sightseeing tour will highlight Mussolini-era architecture and significant landmarks such as the Et'hem Bey Mosque, the National Museum of History, the Clock Tower, and the Presidential Palace. As we wander the city centre, admire the colourful murals that contribute to Tirana's charm.

Next, we visit Bunk'Art 2, an underground museum that reveals the dark history of Albania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and the communist regime, dedicated to the victims of this turbulent period. Finally, we check in to our hotel for a well-deserved rest before continuing our Balkan journey.

Tirana - Berat - Durres - Tirana. We begin our day in Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its stunning architecture. As we explore this charming town, we’ll see iconic landmarks like the arched Gorica Bridge, the Byzantine Church of Saint Michael, and the Red Mosque. Berat is also known for its delicious traditional dishes, offering a taste of local cuisine in authentic restaurants.

Next, we head to Durres, where we stroll through this lively coastal city. We’ll experience its ancient roots and modern vibrancy, enhanced by the sea breeze and bustling promenades.

We then return to our hotel in Tirana. You can spend your evening exploring the lively Blloku area, known for its eclectic restaurants, stylish bars, and local shops.

Tirana - Ohrid (North Macedonia) - Skopje. Check out and bid farewell to Tirana as we head towards North Macedonia. Our first stop is Ohrid, known as the cradle of Slavic literacy. Recognised as both a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Ohrid boasts the clear waters of one of the world's oldest lakes, reflected in its picturesque mountainous surroundings. This former capital of the First Bulgarian Empire is home to over 300 Orthodox churches and monasteries, including the site of the first Slavic university.

We will then continue to Skopje, where you’ll check in to your hotel and have the evening free to explore the vibrant capital. As the sun sets, the city buzzes with life. Enjoy a drink along the Vardar River and don’t miss the chance to sample traditional Macedonian cuisine at a cosy restaurant—try dishes like tavce gravce and sip a glass of mastika for an authentic experience.

Begin your sightseeing tour in Skopje’s Old Bazaar, the largest preserved bazaar in the Balkans. With the 1500-year-old Kale Fortress above, hear stories about the Sultan Murad Mosque and Daut Pasha Hamam. Cross the Stone Bridge near the Archaeological Museum of North Macedonia to reach Macedonia Square, home to the impressive ''Warrior on a Horse'' fountain. In the modern part of the city, see Porta Macedonia, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, the Art Bridge, and various statues of prominent figures. Next, we visit Matka Canyon, known for its stunning lake surrounded by cliffs and forests. Enjoy a boat ride on the clear turquoise waters for breathtaking views.

We also invite you to a wine tasting featuring the finest wines from the Vardar River Valley, showcasing North Macedonia's rich winemaking heritage. Afterward, we return to Skopje, giving you the evening to relax or explore at your own pace.

Skopje - Sofia (Bulgaria). Check-out and bid farewell to North Macedonia as we continue our journey to Bulgaria, the final country of our Balkans tour.

High in the Rila Mountains, we visit the renowned Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's largest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled beneath Musala, the country's highest peak, this serene monastery offers breathtaking natural beauty and a glimpse into Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage.

Our final stop is Sofia, Bulgaria's vibrant capital, where we discover a unique blend of onion-domed churches, communist architecture, and Ottoman influences. We will visit key landmarks such as the impressive Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the colourful Church of Saint Nicholas the Miracle-Maker, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the Church of Saint George, the Banya Bashi Mosque, the Sofia Synagogue, and the National Palace of Culture. After exploring, we check into our hotel in Sofia for a well-deserved rest.

Our tour concludes today after breakfast and hotel check out.