Hidden Balkan with Greece

Today, you’ll uncover the history of Belgrade at the Museum of Yugoslav History and the magnificent Temple of Saint Sava. You’ll explore Slavija Square, Saint Mark’s Church, and the Serbian National Parliament, as well as the famed Knez Mihailo Street, and the awe-inspiring Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. The rest of the day is free for you to further explore the city.

In the morning, you’ll say goodbye to Belgrade and head south to Oplenac, the final resting place of the Karađorđević royal family. You’ll listen to Serbia’s fascinating history with a glass of wine in your hands as this region is often referred to as “Serbia’s Tuscany”. Visiting the mesmerizing wineries, you’ll get an authentic taste of Serbian wine-making heritage. After you’ve soaked up the history (and delicious wine), you’ll make your way on to Zlatibor Mountain for a leisurely stroll through the charming town center. Prepare a delightful dinner featuring Serbian cuisine at a traditional kafana and settle in for the night.

Today, the journey will take you across the border to Bosnia, to the ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden-Town), a village constructed from natural materials by a film director Emir Kusturica and has hosted celebrities such as Monica Bellucci and Johnny Depp. Moving on, you’ll visit another one of his creations: Andrićgrad (Stone-Town), a town named after a Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić. Today’s exploration will conclude in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

After a delicious burek for breakfast, you’ll head on to explore Bosnia’s capital. From the Vječna Vatra (Eternal Flame) memorial commemorating WWII liberation to Catholic, Orthodox and Islamic cultural influences depicted across the city, you will get to the heart of this diverse country. Not to mention the culinary delights you’ll encounter in Baščaršija, home to the world-renowned ćevapi! The day’s adventures will culminate in a delicious baklava for dessert, and after that you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city and its vibrant coffee culture at your own pace.

It’s time to say goodbye to Sarajevo and head to Mostar. One of the most picturesque destinations in the Balkans, the town’s UNESCO-protected Old Bridge will undoubtedly take your breath away and provide the perfect backdrop to a delicious lunch. You’ll get to test your copper modeling skills before continuing to Blagaj, a fairytale town on the shores of Buna river, before ending the day in Trebinje, where you’ll visit the Arslanagića Bridge and Poet’s Square before settling in for the night.

After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Dubrovnik. Best known for being a shooting location for the iconic Game of Thrones series, this “Pearl of the Adriatic” has many hidden streets for you to explore. You’ll get to explore its narrow alleys and head to the City Walls to marvel at Dubrovnik from above. Once you’ve wandered through this picturesque city, you’ll head on to Budva, Montenegro’s tourist hub for the ultimate seafood experience. You’ll visit its iconic churches, savor local wines and recharge your batteries before settling in for the night.

This morning, you’ll head out to the incredible Bay of Kotor. One of Montenegro’s fiest destinations and a hotspot for cruisers, this shimmering bay is a haven for nature lovers. You’ll visit the baroque-style town of Perast before a leisurely boat ride to Our Lady of the Rock Island, hosting a church with local artwork and a famed votive tapestry. In the UNESCO-listed Kotor, you’ll find several incredible churches and have plenty of time to explore at your own pace before returning to Budva for the night.

Leaving Budva behind, it’s time to head towards Albania. Your first stop on the way will be Old Bar, a historic open-air museum full of panoramic views, cobbled streets, delicious coffee and traditional desserts. After an authentic regional lunch, you will head onwards to Tirana, Albania’s capital, where the architecture of the Mussolini period and vibrant murals will make you understand why Tirana is known as the “city of colorful buildings”.

Today will be marked with visits to Albania’s biggest charms. From Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as “town of a thousand windows” with its Byzantine Churches and the Red Mosque, you’ll get to dive deeper into the diversity of the civilizations that once thrived here. After a gourmet lunch, you’ll move on to the lively coastal city of Durrës, a testament to the blend of history and modernity that flows through Albania. In the evening, you’ll return to Tirana with plenty of time to scour the Blloku area for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

It’s time for another border cross! This time, you’ll be heading to North Macedonia, with your first stop being Ohrid, the cradle of Slavic literacy and a UNESCO Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site. With its mesmerizing lake and over 300 Orthodox churches, Ohrid is justifiably labeled the epicenter of culture and incredible natural beauty. As you’ve taken in the atmosphere of this national center of North Macedonia, you’ll make your way to Skopje, a beautiful riverside town on the banks of the Vadar River. After sampling traditional Macedonian cuisine, you’ll settle in for the night.

An exploration of North Macedonia’s capital is on the schedule today, from the 1500-year-old Kale Fortress to the stories of sultans and the Memorial House of Mother Teresa. Behind every corner you can find a monument dedicated to prominent North Macedonian heroes, such as the famed “Warrior on a Horse” statue, preaching to the country’s unrelenting pride. To top it all off, you’ll stop by the Matka Canyon and its shimmering lake, as well as taste the incredible wines from the Vardar River Valley before heading back to Skopje with plenty of time for you to explore the city at your own pace.

Moving on to Greece after breakfast, your first stop will be the famed Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city. On a city tour, you’ll explore numerous landmarks dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods, including the Roman Arch of Galerius, the Church of Saint Demetrius, and the medieval castle, Heptapyrgion. If you’re lucky you can see as far as Mount Olympus! But the highlight of the day is undoubtedly the UNESCO-listed Church of Hagia Sophia, based on its world-famous namesake standing in Istanbul. In the evening, find a local restaurant overlooking the Bay of Thessaloniki, and savor Mediterranean specialties and exquisite Greek wine.

Named after the Greek word for levitating stones, Meteora is one of the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site kept alive thanks to the resilience of monks and locals that dedicate their lives to keeping traditions alive. Perched atop colossal rock spires, this complex of Orthodox monasteries is a true architectural marvel. As you’ve taken in the views, you will continue to your final destination – Athens. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore this legendary capital.

Home to the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the birthplace of democracy, Athens is the ultimate historic capital. You will have all day to explore its gems – from Erechtheion, to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the world-famous Odeon of Herodes Atticus, every turn will be a journey through time. The Royal Palace at Syntagma Square and the architectural wonders of Omonoia Square will give you new insight into this beautiful city, and the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were hosted will take your breath away. You’ll stroll through the historic district of Plaka, known as the ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’ before enjoying the afternoon to yourself to explore more hidden alleys and traditional taverns throughout the city.

It’s time to bid farewell to Athens as your Balkan Adventure has come to an end. Depending on your departure time, you can take one last stroll through the city’s historic streets, re-visit some of your favorite sites or grab a gyros before returning home.