{"id":23634,"date":"2023-07-07T06:58:17","date_gmt":"2023-07-07T06:58:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebalkantours.com\/?post_type=holidays&p=23634"},"modified":"2025-01-13T11:59:54","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T11:59:54","slug":"hidden-balkan-with-greece","status":"publish","type":"holidays","link":"https:\/\/thebalkantours.com\/fi\/lomat\/hidden-balkan-with-greece\/","title":{"rendered":"Piilotettu Balkan ja Kreikka"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":9,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true},"class_list":["post-23634","holidays","type-holidays","status-publish","hentry","holidays_category-small-group-tours"],"acf":{"main_site_title":"","tagline":"Dive into the Balkans from Serbia to Greece through Montenegro's beauty, Albania's hidden gems, Bosnia's culinary delights and North Macedonia's rich history.","cover_image":23894,"has_page":true,"pay_in_installments":false,"custom_product_link":"","custom_product_pop_up":"","custom_text_badge":"","youtube_video":"","product_gallery":[23886,23929,23925,23902,23898,23994],"product_description":"Are you ready for a journey through Balkan\u2019s layered past?\r\n\r\nA melting pot of cultural influences\u00a0<\/strong>accumulated over centuries are what make this region of the Balkans particularly awe-inspiring.\r\n\r\nHere, ethno villages,\u00a0UNESCO sites<\/strong>, and culinary delights weave the cultural fabric of each destination. The journey flows seamlessly into\u00a0Serbia\u2019s scenic towns,<\/strong>\u00a0offering tastes of its famed wines and stories of royal legacies. Bosnia follows, where\u00a0Sarajevo\u2019s soulful mix of cultures<\/strong>\u00a0and Mostar\u2019s iconic Old Bridge captivate you with their charm.\r\n\r\nVisits to Montenegro\u2019s\u00a0Budva and Kotor\u00a0<\/strong>reveal spectacular Adriatic vistas paired with medieval wonders, while Albania\u2019s vibrant Tirana and its agrotourism bring\u00a0unique local experiences<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nThe journey crescendos in\u00a0Greece<\/strong>, where Thessaloniki\u2019s\u00a0ancient arches\u00a0<\/strong>and Meteora\u2019s surreal monasteries leave lasting impressions before culminating in\u00a0the grandeur of Athens,<\/strong>\u00a0the cradle of democracy and timeless history.\r\n\r\nThis unique blend of countries, each with their own\u00a0hidden gems<\/strong>\u00a0rarely explored by crowds of tourists, make for a\u00a0once-in-a-lifetime experience<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nTo ensure you can make the most of your time in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia and Greece,\u00a0we take care of everything<\/strong>. From booking accommodations to figuring out the logistics and providing support during your explorations, we pride ourselves on ensuring you have a\u00a0hassle-free<\/strong>\u00a0experience.\r\n\r\nSo pack your bags and witness the\u00a0unparalleled richness of the Balkans and Greece<\/strong>!","price":"2,720\u20ac","hide_price":false,"highlights_new":"Walk through UNESCO wonders, from Mostar\u2019s Old Bridge to Meteora\u2019s monasteries\r\n\r\nDelight in the scenic beauty of Montenegro\u2019s Kotor Bay and medieval Budva\r\n\r\nSavor the authentic flavors of Serbia\u2019s wines and traditional Balkan cuisine\r\n\r\nVisit Greece\u2019s majestic sites, including Thessaloniki and the legendary Acropolis\r\n\r\nDiscover historic Belgrade and explore its vibrant cultural heart\r\n\r\nMarvel at Ohrid\u2019s stunning lakes in North Macedonia","included_new":"English-speaking tour leader*\r\n\r\nComfortable transportation*\r\n\r\n15 nights 4* accommodation with breakfast\r\n\r\nAll entrance fees and activities as specified in the itinerary","included_guided":[{"add_included_guided":"Airport arrival transfer"},{"add_included_guided":" Confortable transportation as per the itinerary"},{"add_included_guided":"15 nights 3*\/4* accommodation with breakfast "},{"add_included_guided":"Professional English-speaking tour guide"},{"add_included_guided":"Accommodation taxes and city taxes"},{"add_included_guided":"Entrance Tickets and Experiences as per itinerary "},{"add_included_guided":"Tour logistics and organization"},{"add_included_guided":"VAT"}],"not_included_guided":null,"included_self_guided":null,"not_included_self_guided":null,"included_footnote":"","not_included_new":"Single room supplement","faq":null,"itinerary_name_primary":"guided","itinerary":[{"day_headline":"Day 1: Arrival in Belgrade","day_description":"Upon arrival in Belgrade,\u00a0transfer to your hotel in New Belgrade<\/strong>. After check-in, take some time to rest and prepare for your trip. In the evening, you will meet your guide for an introduction to the journey. Head out to\u00a0explore the historic quarter of Skadarlija<\/strong>, known for its traditional eateries and charming ambiance and prepare for your night in Belgrade.","itinnerary_gallery":[23869,17437,17139],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 2: Belgrade Sightseeing","day_description":"Today, you\u2019ll uncover the history of Belgrade at the\u00a0Museum of Yugoslav History\u00a0<\/strong>and the magnificent Temple of Saint Sava. You\u2019ll explore\u00a0Slavija Square, Saint Mark's Church<\/strong>, and the\u00a0Serbian National Parliament<\/strong>, as well as the famed Knez Mihailo Street, and the awe-inspiring\u00a0Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress<\/strong>. The rest of the day is free for you to further explore the city.","itinnerary_gallery":[17135,17136,17137],"included":"Visit to the city\u2019s oldest tavern & traditional breakfast drinks\r\n\r\nSunset river cruise","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 3: Serbian Royalty Heritage","day_description":"In the morning, you\u2019ll say goodbye to Belgrade and head south to\u00a0Oplenac<\/strong>, the final resting place of the\u00a0Kara\u0111or\u0111evi\u0107 royal family<\/strong>. You\u2019ll listen to Serbia's fascinating history with a\u00a0glass of wine\u00a0<\/strong>in your hands as this region is often referred to as \u201cSerbia\u2019s Tuscany\u201d. Visiting the mesmerizing wineries, you\u2019ll get an authentic taste of Serbian wine-making heritage. After you\u2019ve soaked up the history (and delicious wine), you\u2019ll make your way on to\u00a0Zlatibor Mountain<\/strong>\u00a0for a leisurely stroll through the charming town center. Prepare a delightful dinner featuring Serbian cuisine at a traditional\u00a0kafana<\/strong>\u00a0and settle in for the night.","itinnerary_gallery":[30079,17601,23912],"included":"\u0160umarija Royal Wines Experience\r\n\r\nZlatibor Gourmet Dinner","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 4: Wooden-Town and Stone-Town","day_description":"Today, the journey will take you across the border to Bosnia, to the ethno village\u00a0Drvengrad<\/strong>\u00a0(Wooden-Town), a village constructed from natural materials by a film director Emir Kusturica and has hosted celebrities such as\u00a0Monica Bellucci and Johnny Depp<\/strong>. Moving on, you\u2019ll visit another one of his creations:\u00a0Andri\u0107grad<\/strong>\u00a0(Stone-Town), a town named after a Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andri\u0107. Today\u2019s exploration will conclude in\u00a0Sarajevo<\/strong>, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.","itinnerary_gallery":[23916,23914,23913],"included":"\u201cNostalgia\u201d train ride on a heritage railway","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 5: The Soul of Sarajevo","day_description":"After a delicious\u00a0burek<\/em>\u00a0for breakfast, you\u2019ll head on to explore Bosnia\u2019s capital. From the\u00a0Vje\u010dna Vatra<\/strong>\u00a0(Eternal Flame) memorial commemorating WWII liberation to\u00a0Catholic, Orthodox and Islamic<\/strong>\u00a0cultural influences depicted across the city, you will get to the heart of this diverse country. Not to mention the culinary delights you\u2019ll encounter in\u00a0Ba\u0161\u010dar\u0161ija<\/strong>, home to the world-renowned\u00a0\u0107evapi<\/strong>! The day\u2019s adventures will culminate in a delicious\u00a0baklava<\/strong>\u00a0for 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.","itinnerary_gallery":[17429,17613,17612],"included":"Culinary tour of Sarajevo","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 6: Mostar, Blagaj, and Trebinje Exploration","day_description":"It\u2019s time to say goodbye to Sarajevo and head to Mostar. One of the\u00a0most picturesque<\/strong>\u00a0destinations in the Balkans, the town\u2019s\u00a0UNESCO-protected<\/strong>\u00a0Old Bridge<\/strong>\u00a0will undoubtedly take your breath away and provide the perfect backdrop to a delicious lunch. You\u2019ll get to test your copper modeling skills before continuing to\u00a0Blagaj<\/strong>, a fairytale town on the shores of Buna river, before ending the day in\u00a0Trebinje<\/strong>, where you\u2019ll visit the\u00a0Arslanagi\u0107a Bridge<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Poet's Square\u00a0<\/strong>before settling in for the night.","itinnerary_gallery":[17325,23874,23924],"included":"Copper modeling workshop<\/span>","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 7: Dubrovnik\u2019s Stone Walls and Budva\u2019s Bustling Streets","day_description":"After breakfast, you\u2019ll make your way to\u00a0Dubrovnik<\/strong>. Best known for being a shooting location for the iconic\u00a0Game of Thrones<\/strong>\u00a0series, this \u201cPearl of the Adriatic<\/strong>\u201d has many hidden streets for you to explore. You\u2019ll get to explore its narrow alleys and head to the\u00a0City Walls\u00a0<\/strong>to marvel at Dubrovnik from above. Once you\u2019ve wandered through this picturesque city, you\u2019ll head on to\u00a0Budva<\/strong>, Montenegro\u2019s tourist hub for the ultimate seafood experience. You\u2019ll visit its iconic churches, savor local wines and recharge your batteries before settling in for the night.","itinnerary_gallery":[17193,17223,23892],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 8: Beautiful Bay of Kotor","day_description":"This morning, you\u2019ll head out to the incredible\u00a0Bay of Kotor.<\/strong>\u00a0One of Montenegro\u2019s fiest destinations and a hotspot for cruisers, this shimmering bay is a haven for nature lovers. You\u2019ll visit the baroque-style town of\u00a0Perast<\/strong>\u00a0before a leisurely boat ride to\u00a0Our Lady of the Rock Island<\/strong>, hosting a church with local artwork and a famed votive tapestry. In the\u00a0UNESCO-listed Kotor<\/strong>, you\u2019ll find several incredible churches and have plenty of time to explore at your own pace before returning to Budva for the night.","itinnerary_gallery":[23891,23996,23993],"included":"Visit to Our Lady of the Rocks","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 9: Adriatic Coast","day_description":"Leaving Budva behind, it\u2019s time to head towards\u00a0Albania<\/strong>. Your first stop on the way will be\u00a0Old Bar<\/strong>, a historic\u00a0open-air museum\u00a0<\/strong>full of panoramic views, cobbled streets, delicious\u00a0coffee<\/strong>\u00a0and traditional\u00a0desserts<\/strong>. After an authentic regional lunch, you will head onwards to\u00a0Tirana<\/strong>, Albania\u2019s capital, where the architecture of the Mussolini period and vibrant murals will make you understand why Tirana is known as the \u201ccity of colorful buildings<\/strong>\u201d.","itinnerary_gallery":[17615,23901,17509],"included":"Albanian agrotourism lunch\r\n\r\nUnderground museum Bunk\u2019Art 2","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 10: Albanian Adventure","day_description":"Today will be marked with visits to Albania\u2019s biggest charms. From\u00a0Berat<\/strong>, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as \u201ctown of a thousand windows<\/strong>\u201d with its Byzantine Churches and the Red Mosque, you\u2019ll get to dive deeper into the diversity of the civilizations that once thrived here. After a gourmet lunch, you\u2019ll move on to the lively\u00a0coastal city of<\/strong>\u00a0Durr\u00ebs<\/strong>, a testament to the blend of history and modernity that flows through Albania. In the evening, you\u2019ll return to\u00a0Tirana<\/strong>\u00a0with plenty of time to scour the\u00a0Blloku<\/strong>\u00a0area for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.","itinnerary_gallery":[30105,30104,23898],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 11: North Macedonia","day_description":"It\u2019s time for another border cross! This time, you\u2019ll be heading to North Macedonia, with your first stop being\u00a0Ohrid<\/strong>, the cradle of Slavic literacy and a\u00a0UNESCO Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site<\/strong>. With its mesmerizing lake and over\u00a0300 Orthodox churches<\/strong>, Ohrid is justifiably labeled the epicenter of culture and incredible natural beauty. As you\u2019ve taken in the atmosphere of this national center of North Macedonia, you\u2019ll make your way to\u00a0Skopje<\/strong>, a beautiful riverside town on the banks of the Vadar River. After sampling traditional Macedonian cuisine, you\u2019ll settle in for the night.","itinnerary_gallery":[23903,17626,17619],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 12: Soul of Skopje","day_description":"An exploration of North Macedonia\u2019s\u00a0capital<\/strong>\u00a0is on the schedule today, from the 1500-year-old\u00a0Kale Fortress<\/strong>\u00a0to the stories of sultans and the\u00a0Memorial House of Mother Teresa<\/strong>. Behind every corner you can find a monument dedicated to prominent North Macedonian heroes, such as the famed \u201cWarrior on a Horse<\/strong>\u201d statue, preaching to the country\u2019s unrelenting pride. To top it all off, you\u2019ll stop by the\u00a0Matka Canyon<\/strong>\u00a0and its shimmering lake, as well as taste the incredible\u00a0wines<\/strong>\u00a0from the\u00a0Vardar River Valley<\/strong>\u00a0before heading back to Skopje with plenty of time for you to explore the city at your own pace.","itinnerary_gallery":[23908,23907,17453],"included":"Vardar Valley wine tasting","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 13: Grecian Adventure","day_description":"Moving on to\u00a0Greece<\/strong>\u00a0after breakfast, your first stop will be the famed\u00a0Thessaloniki<\/strong>, Greece's second-largest city. On a city tour, you\u2019ll explore numerous landmarks dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods, including the\u00a0Roman Arch of Galerius<\/strong>, the Church of Saint Demetrius, and\u00a0the medieval castle, Heptapyrgion<\/strong>. If you\u2019re lucky you can see as far as Mount Olympus! But the highlight of the day is undoubtedly the UNESCO-listed\u00a0Church of Hagia Sophia<\/strong>, 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\u00a0exquisite Greek wine.<\/strong>","itinnerary_gallery":[23888,23884,23883],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 14: Meteora Marvels","day_description":"Named after the Greek word for\u00a0levitating stones<\/strong>, Meteora is one of the incredible\u00a0UNESCO World Heritage Site\u00a0<\/strong>kept alive thanks to the resilience of monks and locals that dedicate their lives to keeping traditions alive.\u00a0Perched atop colossal rock spires<\/strong>, this complex of Orthodox monasteries is a true architectural marvel. As you\u2019ve taken in the views, you will continue to your final destination \u2013\u00a0Athens<\/strong>. Upon arrival, you\u2019ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore this legendary capital.","itinnerary_gallery":[23925,23895,23894],"included":"Exploration of Meteora","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 15: Cradle of Democracy","day_description":"Home to the\u00a0Acropolis<\/strong>, the\u00a0Parthenon<\/strong>\u00a0and the birthplace of democracy, Athens is the\u00a0ultimate historic capital<\/strong>. You will have all day to explore its gems \u2013 from\u00a0Erechtheion,\u00a0<\/strong>to the\u00a0Temple of Olympian Zeus,\u00a0<\/strong>and the world-famous\u00a0Odeon of Herodes Atticus<\/strong>, 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\u00a0Panathenaic Stadium<\/strong>, where the\u00a0first modern Olympic Games were hosted\u00a0<\/strong>will take your breath away. You\u2019ll stroll through the historic district of\u00a0Plaka<\/strong>, known as the\u00a0'Neighbourhood of the Gods'\u00a0<\/strong>before enjoying the afternoon to yourself to explore more hidden alleys and traditional taverns throughout the city.","itinnerary_gallery":[26046,26047,26048],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 16: Departure from Athens","day_description":"It\u2019s time to\u00a0bid farewell\u00a0<\/strong>to Athens as your Balkan Adventure has come to an end. Depending on your departure time, you can take\u00a0one last stroll\u00a0<\/strong>through the city\u2019s historic streets, re-visit some of your favorite sites or grab a\u00a0gyros<\/strong>\u00a0before returning home.","itinnerary_gallery":[30107,26046,30106],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","select_accommodations_posts":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""}],"product_map":"","starting_point":"Belgrade","finish_point":"Athens","duration":"16 days \/ 15 nights","duration_groupe":{"duration_value_field":"16","type_duration_dropdown":"days"},"difficulty":"leisurely_to_oderate","product_dates_NEW":[{"start_date_new":"20250428","end_date_new":"20250513","status_new":"None","date_price_new":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"3219","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"product_dates_type":["Join a group"]},{"start_date_new":"20250519","end_date_new":"20250603","status_new":"None","date_price_new":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"3219","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"product_dates_type":["Join a group"]},{"start_date_new":"20250609","end_date_new":"20250624","status_new":"None","date_price_new":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"3219","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"product_dates_type":["Join a group"]},{"start_date_new":"20250714","end_date_new":"20250729","status_new":"None","date_price_new":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"3219","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"product_dates_type":["Join a group"]},{"start_date_new":"20250804","end_date_new":"20250819","status_new":"None","date_price_new":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"3219","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"product_dates_type":["Join a group"]},{"start_date_new":"20250825","end_date_new":"20250909","status_new":"None","date_price_new":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"3219","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"product_dates_type":["Join a group"]},{"start_date_new":"20250915","end_date_new":"20250930","status_new":"None","date_price_new":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"3219","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"product_dates_type":["Join a group"]},{"start_date_new":"20250929","end_date_new":"20251014","status_new":"None","date_price_new":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"3219","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"product_dates_type":["Join a group"]},{"start_date_new":"20251013","end_date_new":"20251028","status_new":"None","date_price_new":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"3219","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"product_dates_type":["Join a group"]}],"group_price_NEW":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"3219","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"private_guided_solo_price_NEW":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"private_guided_group_price_NEW":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"private_guided_custom_price":"","self_guided_price_NEW":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"google_map_iframe":"