Croatia & Balkans

Famous for its outstanding natural beauty and charismatic vibe, Mostar is situated on the Neretva river and is the fifth-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The city is particularly famous for its beautiful single span bridge, Stari Most, which collapsed into the river during the Yugoslav War in 1993. Built in 1556 by the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Great, Stari Most had been a globally recognised landmark and a national symbol for Bosnia-Herzegovina. It had survived centuries of conflict including both world wars and proved that, whatever happened, the mainly Christian west bank and mainly Muslim east remained united. The destruction of the bridge was a devastating event to the local people, but in 2004 the bridge was rebuilt as a replica of the original using pieces of masonry salvaged from the riverbed. Its reopening represented the hope that Muslims, Croats and Serbs could once again live side by side and that Mostar would be healed after a decade of ethnic division.

Wonder the bazaar, stroll along the river and admire the quintessential Ottoman architecture, or take a short taxi drive to the beautiful Blagaj Tekke Monastery. End your evening in a quaint local restaurant overlooking the river. With influence from the Ottomans and Mediterranean, Bosnian cuisine is said to be some of the best in Eastern Europe.

Approximate Travel Times: 2.5 hours in a private vehicle.

Optional Excursions

Memorial Museum of Herzegovina – 1.5 BAM • Blagaj Tekke – 6 BAM • Koski Mehmed Pasha's Mosque – 4 BAM • War Photo Exhibition – 6 BAM • Turkish House – 4 BAM

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Motel Kriva Cuprija I or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

On the way to Croatia, we stop off at the Kravice waterfalls, located on the Trebiat river in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A popular spot for nature lovers, swimmers and photography buffs alike, you will have time to enjoy the area before heading to Hvar Island. Boasting more sunshine hours than any of the other sun-soaked Dalmatian islands, Hvar Island offers fairytale Venetian architecture, a waterfront promenade fringed by palm trees and centuries old walls. Arriving late afternoon, you will have the full day tomorrow to enjoy the various optional excursions available.

Built by the Venetian Doges in the 13th century, Hvar Town is a maze of cobblestone streets and sunny squares bordered by al fresco cafes and restaurants. The most important sights such as St Stephen's Cathedral, Clock Tower and the Arsenal flank the main square, while a picturesque expanse of terracotta-roofed houses and tiny streets cover the hill behind.

With all of this and an historic fortress overlooking it all, it's no wonder picturesque Hvar Town is considered a chic destination for the rich and famous, and you may be lucky enough to see one or two familiar faces here.

Please note: Breakfast is not included in Hvar since we will be using local apartments and homestays. This is the best way to ensure the local community benefits from tourism to the island. Your tour leader will assist in pointing out the best spots for breakfast!

Approximate Travel Times: 1 hour to Kravice Waterfalls, then a further 4 hours to Hvar by private vehicle (including ferry to the island)

Included Excursions

Entry to Kravice Waterfall

Optional Excursions

Half Day Boat Tour to Pakleni Islands - 250 HRK • Full Day Boat Tour to Green Cave, Blue Cave and Vis Island - 430 HRK • 4x4 Hvar Island Tour - 600 HRK • Hike to Španjola Fortress - 30 HRK • Franciscan Monastery Museum - 25 HRK • Municipal Theatre and Art Gallery - 20 HRK • Old Town guided tour - from 400 HRK per guide • Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking - from 100 HRK

Accommodation

1 night(s) in a guesthouse

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Today you are free to enjoy the stunning island of Hvar. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to the glistening blue cave near the island of Vis. The stunning play of sunlight reflects on the white bottom of the cave, creating a glimmering blue light which lights up the cave and water.

One of the simplest pleasures on the island is to take part in the evening stroll around the town and take in the views - don't forget to buy an ice cream from a local slasticarna, the Croatian equivalent of the Italian gelateria. You will have time to explore smaller villages of Stari Grad, Jelsa, taking in lavender fields, Vrboska and Brusje, wineries, eco villages and experiencing the local culture.

Optional Excursions

Half Day Boat Tour to Pakleni Islands - 250 HRK • Full Day Boat Tour to Green Cave, Blue Cave and Vis Island - 430 HRK • 4x4 Hvar Island Tour - 600 HRK • Hike to Španjola Fortress - 30 HRK • Franciscan Monastery Museum - 25 HRK • Municipal Theatre and Art Gallery - 20 HRK • Old Town guided tour - from 400 HRK per guide • Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking - from 100 HRK

Accommodation

1 night(s) in a guesthouse

Leaving the crystal blue waters of Hvar behind, we then take the ferry and arrive late morning at the coastal city of Split, built around the remains of the Diocletian Palace which dates back to the Roman era. Wander inside and admire Peristil Square where you can see an original Egyptian sphinx which was brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian. Another sphinx can be found near St John's Church, which was originally a Roman temple. We take an included tour of the Diocletian Palace and climb the campanile bell tower next to the palace's mausoleum for spectacular views from the top.

If you want to relax there are plenty of al fresco bars and restaurants to choose from along the seafront, as well as gelati bars and pizzerias off the main roads. End your day with some relaxation down at Bacvice beach, a popular spot with the locals.

Approximate Travel Times: 1 hour by ferry.

Included Excursions

Guided Tour of Diocletian's Palace

Optional Excursions

The City Museum of Split - 20 HRK • St. Domnius Cathedral - 35 HRK • National Art Gallery - 20 HRK • Meštrović Gallery - 40 HRK • Hike around Marjan Hill - Free

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Dujam or similar

Continuing our diverse journey through Croatia, our next stop is to explore Plitvice National Park, a beautiful reserve featuring 16 spectacular blue lakes surrounded by forest and a highlight of any holiday to Croatia!

The lakes are linked by natural dams which create beautiful low level waterfalls joining one lake to another. Due to the varying mixtures of minerals in the water, each lake has a distinctive colour ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. The surrounding forest features a mix of beech, spruce, and fir trees and is home to 126 species of birds and a number of rare animals including European brown bears, wolves, eagles, wild cats and eagles. Due to its natural beauty and significance, the park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979. The entire park can be seen in about 4 hours and you can get beautiful views from almost any vantage point. Don't miss the Veliki Slap, 50 metre wide waterfall surrounded by boulders - a great place for photos.

Approximate Travel Times: 4.5 hours by bus.

Included Excursions

Entrance to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Bellevue or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

You will have this morning to continue taking in the beauty of the Plitvice Lakes, so we highly recommend getting up when the park opens to beat the crowds! After lunch we will then make our way to the next destination of Zagreb where you will have a free afternoon to explore the sights.

Zagreb is a vibrant cultural centre with a long history, located on the crossroads of important routes between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe. Originally established as two fortresses on two neighbouring hills in medieval times, the city has withstood numerous invasions, earthquakes and political upheaval to grow into a prosperous centre of industry. In your free time you can explore Ban Jelacic Square surrounded by grand buildings or visit the Zagreb Cathedral with its fountain of Madonna surrounded by golden angels. You can visit colourful open-air markets such as Dolac Market and discover the historic Upper Town with its palaces, monasteries and churches from the 17th and 18th centuries. There are also dozens of museums, theatres, galleries and art collections to visit, or take a tram to the medieval fortress of Medvedgrad on the southern side of nearby Mount Medvednica for beautiful views over the city including Museum Mimara. Another interesting museum to see is the City of Zagreb Museum covering every facet of its long history. You could take a picnic to Maksimir Park about 3 kilometres from the city centre.

Approximate Travel Times: 2.5 hours bus.

Optional Excursions

City of Zagreb Museum - 30 HRK • Ethnographical Museum - 15 HRK • Archaeological Museum - 30 HRK • Walking Tour - Free • St Marks Church - Free • Museum of Broken Relationships - 30 HRK • Zagreb Cathedral – Free

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Central or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

Crossing into Slovenia, we stay in Bled, a magical little town about an hour and a half from Ljubljana, set near an emerald green lake. Perched on a cliff high above the lake is the Bled Castle, dramatically framed by the snowcapped peaks of the Julian Alps. Dating back to the 11th century, Bled Castle is the epitome of a medieval fortress and has a fairytale appeal, with towers, ramparts, moats and a terrace offering magnificent views. Part of the castle houses a museum with an interesting collection of armour and weapons, carvings, jewellery, tapestries and paintings which trace the history of the castle from the Bronze Age to the 19th century.

Approximate Travel Times: 4 hours by train.

Optional Excursions

Bled Castle – 11 EUR • Church of the Assumption – 6 EUR • Bike Hire – 20 EUR • Tourist Train – 5 EUR • Vintgar Gorge – From 7 EUR • Emerald River Adventure – 79 EUR • Soca River Experience – 59 EUR • Stand up Paddle Boarding – 29 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Jadran or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

A walk around Lake Bled (about 6 kilometres) shouldn't take more than an hour or two, including a short climb to a viewing point. The most romantic way to enjoy it is to hire a boat and row over to the island in the middle of the lake or for the non-rowers of the group you can take a Pletna boat and be taken across. On the island you can visit a small 17th century Baroque church called Church of the Assumption, complete with a wishing bell which you can ring to ask a favour. If time permits, you can also visit Vintgar Gorge, a raised timber walkway that tracks the gorges river for 1.6 kilometres to a beautiful waterfall.

You could also kayak or paddleboard on the lake, enjoying some of the best views in Europe!

Optional Excursions

Bled Castle – 11 EUR • Church of the Assumption – 6 EUR • Bike Hire – 20 EUR • Tourist Train – 5 EUR • Vintgar Gorge – From 7 EUR • Emerald River Adventure – 79 EUR • Soca River Experience – 59 EUR • Stand up Paddle Boarding – 29 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Jadran or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Next we visit the capital Ljubljana. Arriving late morning, we will drop our luggage at the hotel and then head out on a guided city tour. Learn about the history, architecture and legends of Slovenia, as you admire the highlights such as Robba Fountain, Congress Square, Butchers Bridge, Dragon Bridge and the Town Square. After the tour you will be free to check into the hotel and enjoy your free afternoon.

Ljubljana is the capital and largest city in Slovenia. As well as being the cultural, educational, economic and political centre since Slovenia gained independence in 1991, it is also a charming city with a whole host of activities. The cobbled streets are made for casual walks and the architecture quite intriguing.

Approximate Travel Times: 1 hour by bus.

Included Excursions

Guided walking tour of Ljubljana

Optional Excursions

Postojna Cave – From 27 EUR • Slovenian Ethnographic Museum – 6 EUR • Ljubljana Castle and Funicular – 15 EUR • Metelkova Neighbourhood – Free • City Museum - 6 EUR • Museum of Illusions – 9.50 EUR • City Art Gallery – Free • Museum of Contemporary History – 4.50 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Emonec or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

In your free time you may enjoy a visit to the botanical gardens, Dragon bridge, Tivoli Park, Ljubljana city museum, Ljubljana castle (Ljubljanski Grad) on Castle Hill and the viewing tower in the castle courtyard for views across the Old Town. When you need to relax, sit down at one of the many outdoor riverside cafes in the Old Town, check out the Habsburg and Baroque architecture and enjoy the young fun vibe of Ljubljana's large student population.

You could also visit Metelkova Mesto, an autonomous cultural centre located in the old army barracks. Home to some fascinating street art as well as galleries and cafes, the area is bursting with culture and is one of the best known areas of the city.

Optional Excursions

Postojna Cave – From 27 EUR • Slovenian Ethnographic Museum – 6 EUR • Ljubljana Castle and Funicular – 15 EUR • Metelkova Neighbourhood – Free • City Museum - 6 EUR • Museum of Illusions – 9.50 EUR • City Art Gallery – Free • Museum of Contemporary History – 4.50 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Emonec or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Taking the train through eastern Slovenia into Hungary, you can admire the countryside and watch the world go by. We will arrive into Budapest in the early evening. Hungary's stylish capital is known as the 'City of Spas' for its abundance of natural thermal springs. With a host of historical sights, buzzing nightlife and unique attractions, Budapest is a favourite for many travellers visiting the region.

Straddling the Danube River, the city is comprised of two very different historic cities, Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank. Highlights here include Castle Hill, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, the Liberation Monument, the fabulous St Stephen's Basilica and the much photographed Parliament Building. An evening river cruise is an excellent way to see the parliament lit up at night.

The Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and features stunning decorations. You can also wander around Central Market Hall and enjoy the intoxicating sights and smells of'Budapest's pantry' and get an idea of Hungary's food culture - you can even buy chocolates by the kilo!

The perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing is in a traditional bath. The Szechenyi Medicinal Baths are one of the city's more famous Neo Baroque-style baths with indoor and outdoor pools, thermal pools, saunas and massages in a beautiful setting. After a nice soak you can visit numerous restaurants and bars to visit on Liszt Ferenc for an enjoyable evening's entertainment.

Approximate Travel Times: 7.5 hours by train.

Optional Excursions

Budapest Parliament Tour – 5200 HUF • Szechenyi Thermal Baths – 6000 HUF • House of Terror – 3000 HUF • Great Synagogue – 4000 HUF • Danube Cruise – 4200 HUF • Hungarian National Museum – 1600 HUF • Memento Park – 1500 HUF • Buda Castle – Free • Fisherman's Bastion – 1000 HUF • Walking Tour – Free • Hop on Hop off Bus – from 6000 HUF

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Flamenco or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

The Terror House, Heroes Square, The Opera House, The Chain Bridge, Central Market Hall, The Great Synagogue. Budapest is home to an abundance of sites and attractions for every taste! Today is free to tick off as many as you wish. A hop on hop off bus tour is the perfect way to see as much as possible, allowing you to spend as little or as much time at each landmark.

Or if you need a day to relax and recharge then spend the entire day in one of the aforementioned thermal baths!

Optional Excursions

Budapest Parliament Tour – 5200 HUF • Szechenyi Thermal Baths – 6000 HUF • House of Terror – 3000 HUF • Great Synagogue – 4000 HUF • Danube Cruise – 4200 HUF • Hungarian National Museum – 1600 HUF • Memento Park – 1500 HUF • Buda Castle – Free • Fisherman's Bastion – 1000 HUF • Walking Tour – Free • Hop on Hop off Bus – from 6000 HUF

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Flamenco or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Serbia's cultural centre, Novi Sad, is overlooked by the magnificent Petrovaradin Fortress. Built during the 18th century, the fortress was repeatedly attacked but never taken by an enemy. These days Novi Sad is a quaint and welcoming city and travellers are blown away by its small world charm. Arriving early evening, you will have time tomorrow to enjoy some of the optional excursions listed.

Novi Sad is also known for its international music festivals, with EXIT festival being by far the most popular which attracts thousands of music lovers from all over the world.

Approximate Travel Times: 7 hours by train.

Optional Excursions

Museum of Vojvodina – 200 RSD • City of Novi Sad Museum – 300 RSD • Foreign Art Gallery – 100 RSD • The Name of Mary Church – Free

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Restoran Fontana or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

This morning you will have a guided tour of the Petrovaradin Fortress. Explore the hidden alleys, old rooms and viewpoints, and learn all about the military history of Serbia. After lunch we will board a local bus and have a short journey to our next destination, Belgrade.

Located at the crossing point of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade is the capital and most populous city in Serbia, as well as one of the oldest cities in Europe. In the course of its long history, Belgrade has been captured 60 times, burned down around 40 times, and has risen like a phoenix from the ashes every time.

Upon arrival we will take an orientation walk of the local area before you have free time to start exploring.

Approximate Travel Times: 1 hour by bus.

Included Excursions

Novi Sad Petrovaradin Fortress Guided Tunnel Tour

Optional Excursions

National Museum – 300 RSD • Kalemegdan Citadel – Free • Military Museum – 200 RSD • Ethnographic Museum – 200 RSD • Tito's Mausoleum (House of Flowers) – 400 RSD • Walking Tour – Free • Church of Saint Sava – Free • Nikola Tesla Museum – 300 RSD • Underground Secrets of Belgrade Tour – 10 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Villa Forever or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Today is free to enjoy Belgrade. Explore the fortress and grounds, wander the flower filled cobbled streets of Skadarlija and check out the Church of St Sava; the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans. Don't forget to pop into a local bar for a taste of the famous Rakia, a fruit brandy popular in the region.

When you're ready for a break, you can relax on the beach at 'Belgrade Hawaii', Ada Ciganlija, an island in the middle of the Sava River. During the summer the island attracts hundreds of people looking for a place to cool down.

Belgrade is very well known for its nightlife and is a major draw card for Europeans looking for a party. There are countless nightclubs, bars, and cafes that stay lively into the wee hours of the night, many of which are located on river barges.

Optional Excursions

National Museum – 300 RSD • Kalemegdan Citadel – Free • Military Museum – 200 RSD • Ethnographic Museum – 200 RSD • Tito's Mausoleum (House of Flowers) – 400 RSD • Walking Tour – Free • Church of Saint Sava – Free • Nikola Tesla Museum – 300 RSD • Underground Secrets of Belgrade Tour – 10 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Villa Forever or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

Today we will move onto one of the newest countries in the world; the small yet fascinating country of Kosovo. En route, we will stop in the unique Serbian town of Djavolja Varos. More commonly known as Devil's Town, this natural phenomenon got its name from the strange formation of soil pyramids. Wonder amongst the stone-capped pillars and be sure to ask your tour leader about the folklore and tales from the town!

We then continue our journey to Pristina. Europe's youngest capital, it has a buzzing energy and a small but fascinating number of attractions to see. Visit the Ethnographic Museum for exhibits on life in Kosovo between the 15th and 20th century and marvel at the iconic design of the National Library. Wander down Bill Clinton Boulevard and wave back at the 3m-tall bronze statue of the former president, before stopping for one of Pristina's famous coffees in any one of the numbers of cafes found here.

Approximate Travel Times: 6 hours on private transport including a stop in Devil's Town.

Included Excursions

Visit Devil's Town

Optional Excursions

Ethnographic Museum – Donation • Museum of Kosovo – 2 EUR • Germia Park – Free • Tomb of Sultan Murad I – Donation

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Begolli or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

With a full free day in Pristina why not head out of the city and visit the charming town of Prizren? Considered Kosovo's best kept secret, Prizren has a stunning location along the river with a mountainous backdrop. The city is easy to explore on foot and a short hike up to the castle ruins rewards you with incredible views of the area and Sharr mountain range. Don't forget to sample some of the delicious local food!

Optional Excursions

Day trip to Prizren – 8 EUR return bus • Ethnographic Museum – Donation • Museum of Kosovo – 2 EUR • Germia Park – Free • Tomb of Sultan Murad I – Donation – 8 EUR return bus • Ethnographic Museum – Donation • Museum of Kosovo – 2 EUR • Germia Park – Free • Tomb of Sultan Murad I – Donation

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Begolli or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

Before heading to Skopje we enjoy a visit to Matka Canyon. Cruise down the river admiring the large rock walls towering beside the water. Keep an eye out for the fascinating caves that are found within the canyon.

In Skopje, Macedonia's capital, you can enjoy 2,000 years of history spanning Oriental and Western cultures, neatly divided by the Vardar River through the centre of the city. Skopje has many historical monuments including the Kale Fortress dating back to the 6th century and the Daud Pasha Amam, a 15th century bathhouse now converted into the city art gallery. You can also see the Mustafa-pasha's mosque, the 16th century Clock Tower and the Kamen Most (Stone Bridge) over the Vardar River.

Approximate Travel Times: 3 hours by private vehicle.

Included Excursions

Matka Canyon Visit including Boat Ride

Optional Excursions

Kale Fortress - Free • Local Winery Tour and Tasting - 13 EUR • Museum of Macedonian Struggle - 300 MKD • Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross - 120 MKD • City Museum - Free • Walking Tour - Free • Mother Teresa Memorial Room - Free

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Ambasador or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

With a full free day to enjoy Skopje your options are endless. You could wander the old bazaar, the largest outside of Turkey, picking up local souvenirs and sampling the delicious food. Or perhaps take a local walking tour to learn all about Skopje's unique history and the reason the city is home to hundreds of statues!

Optional Excursions

Kale Fortress - Free • Local Winery Tour and Tasting - 13 EUR • Museum of Macedonian Struggle - 300 MKD • Mount Vodno Cable Car to Millennium Cross - 120 MKD • City Museum - Free • Walking Tour - Free • Mother Teresa Memorial Room - Free

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Ambasador or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Today we travel on to the gorgeous lake side town of Ohrid, perched on the border of Macedonia and Albania. This unassuming, picturesque settlement has been the setting of thousands of years of human history and the ancient churches, fortress walls, bazaars and old quarters are testimony to its past.

Lake Ohrid itself is Europe's oldest lake having formed over three millions years ago. Wander the streets and squares of its compact centre before hiking up to the ancient walled fortress that overlooks the day to day life of the city and explore the famous old churches, monasteries and basilicas.

Approximate Travel Times: 3.5 hours by private vehicle.

Optional Excursions

Lake Ohrid Boat Ride - from 300MKD • Tsar Samuil's Fortress - 30 MKD • St. Jovan Kaneo Church - Free • St. Naum Monastery Boat Ride - from 600MKD • National Museum of Ohrid - 100 MKD • St. Pantelejmon Church - Free • Bay of Bones Museum - 5 EUR • Bike Hire - From 5 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in apartments at Luccia Apartments or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Make the most of this escape from the cities and hop on a boat and sail 29km to the beautiful Monastery of Saint Naum, an orthodox church which dates back to the year 905. It is said that St Naum himself is buried in the church. The surrounding lakeside area is well worth a stroll, with restaurants and lush gardens it makes for a wonderfully tranquil afternoon away.

Other options to fill your day including hiring a bike to cycle along the lake, visiting the Bay of Bones museum perched on the water, or simply strolling through the picturesque town and enjoying the views.

Optional Excursions

Lake Ohrid Boat Ride - from 300MKD • Tsar Samuil's Fortress - 30 MKD • St. Jovan Kaneo Church - Free • St. Naum Monastery Boat Ride - from 600MKD • National Museum of Ohrid - 100 MKD • St. Pantelejmon Church - Free • Bay of Bones Museum - 5 EUR • Bike Hire - From 5 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in apartments at Luccia Apartments or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

Today we head to Tirana, the trendy capital and largest city of Albania, which has transformed from a grey, dismal ex-communist city, isolated by the regime until the 1990s, to a colourful capital buzzing with life.

While the city has a long history, you can enjoy its modern outlook, with fashionable bars, clubs and boutiques. Wander boulevards lined with relics of the city's Ottoman, Italian and communist past.

Tirana's massive main square, Skanderbeg Square, is bordered by the National History Museum, the Palace of Culture, the National Bank, the Et'hem Bey Mosque and Skanderbeg's statue. A short bus ride from the centre city, the Martyr's Cemetery offers marvellous panoramic views over the city. End your evening in the skybar, which offers excellent panoramic views over the city.

Approximate Travel Times: 4 hours by private vehicle.

Optional Excursions

Walking Tour - Free • National Art Gallery - 200 ALL • National History Museum - 200 ALL • Dajti Mountain Cable Car - 800 ALL • Sky Bar Tower - Free • Bunk'Art - 700 ALL

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Idea or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

On the way to Kotor we stop off at the small town of Kruja. Built on a mountainside, you can discover the old town and explore Kruja Castle where we include entry to the Skanderbeg Museum located inside. Skanderbeg was a war hero of Albania, helping defeat the Ottomans, and this museum focuses on his bravery and importance to Albania.

After spending the morning exploring Kruja, our group will move onward to our next destination - the picturesque town of Kotor in Montenegro. Kotor is a walled city nestled at the bottom of Europe’s deepest fjord. Experience Stari Grad, the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with it’s tricky labyrinth of cobbled alleys, squares and ancient churches, including St Tryphon's Cathedral built in 1166.

Approximate Travel Times: 1 hour to Kruja, followed by 4.5 hours to Kotor in a private vehicle.

Included Excursions

Visit to Kruja (Entry to City Walls and Skanderbeg Museum)

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Marija II or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

This morning you will have a guided tour of Kotor Old Town around mid morning. Learn about the local history and beautiful architecture that fills the town. Before the tour, we suggest you get up early and climb the fortress walls for some of the most amazing views of the bay! Getting up there nice and early means you can avoid the larger crowds that arrive in the afternoon.

If you don't feel like walking up, you can admire the views from the waterfront, where the steep mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. You could also spend the day drinking espresso in the shade of the medieval walls watching people go by.

If you fancy exploring another destination, take a day trip to Budva, spending the day at the beach or wandering the charming old town.

Included Excursions

Guided Tour of Kotor Old Town

Optional Excursions

Hike to Kotor Fortress - 8 EUR • Maritime Museum - 4 EUR • St Tryphon's Cathedral 2.50 EUR • Day Trip to Budva - 6 EUR Return • Hop on Hop Off Bus - 20 EUR

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Marija II or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

We enjoy a beautiful drive through the fjords to reach our final destination of Dubrovnik, stopping on the way at a charming winery in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here you will enjoy a local wine tasting and have the chance to pick up some delicious, well priced wines to take with you! The family owned establishment is in a gorgeous setting and offers a lovely wine tasting experience.

With a paved town centre enclosed in fortress-like 13th century stone walls, the city is easy to explore on foot and is full of character. A highlight of Dubrovnik is the old city walls. Stretching almost 2 kilometres around the old town, the walls offer stunning rooftop and city views out to the turquoise blue Adriatic Sea.

We highly recommend booking an extra day in Dubrovnik so that you can enjoy all the city has to offer. If you do wish to explore the city walls, we recommend getting up early in the morning and entering them as they open to avoid the large crowds that appear later in the day.

Included Excursions

Visit Trebinje for wine tour and tasting,24 hour Dubrovnik city card including City Walls and transport pass

Optional Excursions

Dominican Monastery – 30 HRK • Cable Car to view point – 150 HRK • Lokrum Island Boat Trip – From 80 HRK • Rector’s Palace – 130 HRK • Synagogue and Jewish Museum – 50 HRK • Kayaking Half Day – From 250 HRK

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Dubrovnik or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)