Belgrade – 2021 European Capital of Culture NoviSad– Petrovaradin Fortess – Rural Lunch in an ethno village – Wine Tasting in Sremski Karlovci – Belgrade
This morning we transfer towards Vojvodina region, one of the most panoramic sites of Serbia, to visit 2 of the most beautiful cities of the region: Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci. Along the way we stop in the Krušedol Monastery. Further we reach Novi Sad, the 2021 European Capital of Culture, where we enjoy the walking tour in the city center, passing through The City Hall, The Cathedral, Assembly of Vojvodina, shopping zone with restaurants and coffee-shops.We continue to visit the Fortress of Petrovaradin, the so-called ‘Danube’s Gibraltar’, where the fortress is located. At the fortress, we will see the clock tower, old fortress walls, and have great views over the Danube, including the many bridges spanning the river. We stop for lunch in an ethno village, with authentic farm houses still in use today, who offer traditional menus in a traditional setting. In the afternoon we start our return transfer towards Belgrade. Along the way we stop for a visit of Sremski Karlovci, a city of vineyards, rich in culture and history. Sremski Karlovci feels like a ‘museum town’ with its Baroque centre, the Patriarchal Court, the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas and the first Serbian secondary school (gymnasium). It is also famous for wine production and the town’s annual Wineball festival. We visit a local winery and enjoy degustation of wines. Dinner and overnight in Belgrade.

Belgrade City Tour – Zlatibore
Morning guided tour of Belgrade, to explore the capital city of Serbia – one of the oldest cities in Europe, After breakfast we transfer to the Vračar plateau, where we’ll see one of the most important sights of Belgrade – Saint Sava Temple, one of the biggest orthodox temples on the Balkans. In the vicinity is located the National Serbian Library. Continue further to the city center and Slavija Square, St. Mark Church and the Serbian Parliament Building, Republic Square, the National Theatre and National Museum. A walk through the always lively Knez Mihailo Street, main walking and shopping zone, on our way to Kalemegdan, we will visit the Congregational Church.The tour will end at Kalemegdan, the most important cultural-historic complex of the city. In the Kalemegdan Park, on the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube, the Belgrade Fortress raises proudly, and is the witness of the tumultuous history of this ancient city.
Lunch time in Belgrade, before our transfer to the mountain area of Zlatibor. Relaxing evening at our hotel in the mountains. For dinner we can try some local prosciutto made in Zlatibor.
Grand Balkan tour

Zlatibore – Retro Train Journey through the mountains – Ethno villages – Sarajevo (Bosnia)
Today we transfer to Bosnja.
Before crossing we start a unique trip in an old retro train called Šargan Eight. The train travels on the bottom of Šargan mount, on a way shaped in the form of number eight; this is why it is called “Šargan eight”. This Journey will take us back in time, while we enjoy the unspoiled mountain sceneries. The train journey lasts 1 hour and stops us in Mokra Gora Village.
We visit the villages of Drvengrad And Mokra Gora, picturesque mountainous villages hidden between Zlatibor and Tara. The ethno village Drvengrad (Wooden Town) is built by prominent movie director Emir Kusturica. The village, which includes the Mećavnik Hotel, houses, galleries, shops, a cinema and a church, is made of natural materials, mostly wood. Since 2008, the village plays host to the annual Küstendorf Film and Music Festival and Drvengrad has been visited by the likes of Johnny Depp, Monica Belucci, Jim Jarmusch and many others.
After border crossing, stop in the small town of Visegrad. Walking tour of Visegrad town, where we hear some details about Bosnia’s history and culture. From there, the bus transfers us to the capital city of Bosnia, Sarajevo.

Sarajevo City tour – Mostar
In the morning we take the Sarajevo Walking Tour.We reach the old town of Sarajevo where our first stop is Baščaršija square and its most interesting symbol; the fountain Sebilj. We continue further to the Kazandžiluk street and learn about the story of origins of copper and tin industry in Sarajevo.Continuing further through the old town, we stop in Bravadžiluk street; an area where the main restaurants and food shops are located. We use this opportunity to try some local foods, like burek or pita.We visit one of the oldest mosques in Sarajevo, Imperial mosque. Then continue to Gazihusref-beys – a covered market-bazaar built in early 16th century for trading reasons still today serves the original purposeJust bridge further down the Mijacka river, we shall arrive to Atmejdan park, Latin bridge and assassination point of Franz Ferdinand where we learn the origins of the WW1.We then continue to Sarajevo city centre where we see the Cathedral of Sacred Jesus Hearth, The Eternal flame, Clock tower, and the farmers market. Time for lunch in Sarajevo, before our transfer to Mostar. Free afternoon and overnight in Mostar.

Grand Balkan tour

Mostar – Medugorje – Hutovo Blato Park – Neum
Morning guided tour of Mostar. We see famous Old Bridge of Mostar built in 1566, Kriva Ćuprija, the oldest arch bridge in Mostar, The Hamam – Turkish bath, the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the second biggest mosque in Mostar, whose original color and wall decorations have been preserved. Visitors are allowed to climb the minaret, which offers a panoramic view of the city and The Old Bridge. We also pass through Kujundžiluk – Old Bazzar, which winds along a small, pretty, cobbled street, dating back to the middle of the 16th century, where characteristic crafts shops and traditional restaurants are found.
Further we visit Međugorje, one of the most spiritual and peaceful places on earth. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites for Catholics in the world and has turned into Europe’s third most important apparition site. The St. James’s Church is the central place of worship in Medjugorje and the Apparition Hill, site of the first apparitions, is climbed by most pilgrims visiting the shrine. Along the path, a wooden cross marks the site where the Virgin made the first call to peace.
In the afternoon continue to the coastal town of Neum where we will spend the overnight. Along the way we stop in Hutovo, a nature and bird reserve which is home to 163 species of migratory birds and dozens that make their permanent home in the sub-Mediterranean wetlands surrounding Deransko Lake. The water surfaces of Hutovo Blato are mostly covered with lilies and water lilies, which make it a nice panoramic stop. Evening in Neum, where we can enjoy the time by the seaside.

Neum – City tour of Dubrovnik *UNESCO (Croatia) – Hercegnovi (Montenegro)
This morning we transfer towards Croatia. After border crossing we enjoy a guided tour of Dubrovnik old town. As we step through the gates of old city, we will be taking a step back in time, losing our self in the grandeur and beauty of this culturally influential city. We will walk by Dubrovnik’s most significant historical landmarks such as the Pile Gate, Cove of Kolorina, Onofrio’s Fountains, Orlando’s Column, Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, Stradun (the main street), The Cathedral, Church of St. Blaise, The Wide Street, Square of Ivan Gundulić, some locations were recent popular movies were filmed, like the Game of Thrones and much more. Free time for lunch in Dubrovnik, or to explore the city further on your own. Afternoon in the coastal town of Hercegnovi, located in Montenegro borders with Croatia.
Grand Balkan tour

Hercegnovi – Perast – Kotor UNESCO – Budva
Morning transfer towards the small town of Perast, Visit the town and enjoy a boat ride towards the artificial Island located in front of the town. In the island we visit the church “Our Lady of the Rock”. The Island treasures paintings of the most talented local artists, more than 2,000 silver votive plaques and many other interesting gifts donated by local sailors.
Continue further to the Old City of Kotor, a well preserved urbanization typical of the Middle Ages, built between the 12th and 14th century. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor an UNESCO listed “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site”. The entrance of the city is in 3 different old gates. We visit the town and the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
In the evening we reach another coastal town, Budva. The biggest resort town in Montenegro. It is called the ‘Montenegrin Miami’ because of its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Budva has 17 incredible beaches, and its coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
We take a walking tour of the old town. The tour starts from the streets of old Budva – a place that is more than 2500 years old. The center of attraction for tourists is the Old City, called Civitas Antiqua. It contains artifacts and buildings, objects that belong to different epochs. There were also Roman and Illyrian periods in a very huge history of the city.
Dinner by the seaside and overnight in Budva.

Budva – Shkodra – Tirana (Albania)
This morning we continue to Shkoder, in North Albania, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans which was once a capital of the Illyrian state. We visit its old bazaar, before reaching Rozafa castle for spectacular views of the city, lake and the surrounding mountains – from the top of the hill. Time for lunch in Shkodra. In the afternoon we reach Tirana, where we spend a free evening and overnight.

Tirana – Historical town of Kruja – Colorful Capital Tirana
After breakfast we proceed to Kruja, the historical city which lays on a panoramic view on the top of a hill, 600 km above sea level. With a combination of nature, history, archeology, traditional food and lifestyle, Kruja is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Albania. Kruja is notable from its stony streets and traditional buildings. The tour begins with the visit in the Castle, the citadel of the National hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg. It is build 548 m above sea level and gives a spectacular view of the surroundings placed in a characteristic urban building of 1764 you can also visit the Ethnographic Museum of Kruja. After the visits it’s time to get closer to Albanian traditions and lifestyle, by visiting the bazaar. It is a one street of shops, with wooden buildings and a mixture of cafés and small souvenir and antique shops. In the afternoon we drive towards Tirana. Guided tour of the colorful capital of Albania, Tirana. Tirana has a never-ending movement and energy. This metropolis city is worth to discover by day and night. Founded in the 1614, Tirana is now a developed city which combines culture, history, contemporary architecture and lots of hospitality shown towards tourists. As you take a walk in Tirana you will enjoy the look of the colorful buildings, fancy coffees and green parks. Walk by the main boulevard, the Pyramid, The opera House and National Library, Governmental buildings, the new bazaar and the pedestrian area. Entrance to the National Historical Museum. Dinner and overnight in Tirana.

Grand Balkan tour

Tirana – Berat *UNESCO – Ohrid *UNESCO (Macedonia)
Morning transfer and tour of Berat; the pride of Albanian antiquity and architecture. The architecture of the old houses, with large windows that overlook the town, is the first think that impresses the visitors. We visit the Citadel, which overlooks the river and the modern city as well as the old Christian quarter across the river. We visit The iconographic museum Onufri, with painting from the 16 the century, from the famous orthodox painter of that period, Onufri. Lunch with traditional menu in a local restaurant in Berat old town.
In the afternoon we transfer to the UNESCO town of Ohrid, located in North Macedonia. Relaxing afternoon by the lake Ohrid and Overnight.

Ohrid – National Park of Mavrovo – The Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski – The painted mosque in Tetovo – Skopje (3.5 hrs)
Morning guided tour of Ohrid old town, In it’s narrow alleys lies history dating back over 3.000 years. Both the city and the lake are inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage list. We walk through the streets of Ohrid to reach the highest point – Samuil’s Fortress, which offers wonderful landscapes of the city and Lake. We will visit the cathedral Church of St. Sofia, the Ancient theatre, and from the medieval church St. John the Evangelist.
Further we transfer towards Skopje. First we pass through the panoramic mountain road in Mavrovo National Park.While in Mavrovo we visit the Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski. Hidden away on the side of a mountain just off the main road between Debar and Gostivar and dedicated to John the Baptist, it’s said that the history of this masterpiece of a monastery dates back 1,000 years. Destroyed by the Ottomans in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1743 with further expansions taking place the following century, the complex was seriously damaged by fire in 2009 and much of what you see today is a modern imitation. Thankfully however most of the important artefacts, including some outstanding gold-encrusted icons, one of which is said to date from the 11th century, and the church’s gorgeous carved wooden iconostasis, survive. Further, we stop at the small town of Tetovo for a short sightseeing and entrance to the mosque, called Šarena Džamija- meaning the decorated mosque. Afternoon arrival in Skopje and overnight.
Grand Balkan tour

Skopje city tour – Nis – Belgrade (Serbia)
Morning city tour of Skopje, before our return transfer to Serbia. Skopje is an old town inhabited since at least 4000 BC. During the city tour we visit the city center, the old bazaar, Kale Fortress, and the memorial house of Mother Tereza.
Transfer towards Belgrade, with a refreshments stop in the city of Nis; where we can have some free time. Late afternoon arrival to Belgrade, free evening and overnight.

Belgrade – Airport
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Belgrade until airport transfer for the return flight.