South Balkan Gems 2023

Welcome to the “Pearl of the Adriatic”! Meet with your Tour Director to get all the information about the tour.

Dubrovnik is a unique jewel of the Adriatic Coast and is one of the most iconic cities in the world. The city-state of Dubrovnik was one of the most important merchant towns in the entire Adriatic region. Walk along the medieval wall that surrounds the old town centre and discover its ancient secrets. Passing Pile Gate, Franciscan Monastery, visiting Rectors’ Palace, and discovering magnificent walls will amaze you. The afternoon will be free for exploring the city on your own or you can join an optional tour to the Island of Lokrum, famous for its Fort Royale, Botanical Gardens and monastery. (B)

This morning we are off to Montenegro. First stop will be the small town of Perast. The town has experienced the biggest boom in the 18th century and most of the monuments originate from that time: the building of ship owners and sea captains, a baroque palace Bujovića which is now County Museum, Maritime School building. Our next point will be Kotor, which is located along one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After walking tour, continue to the best-known beach resort in Montenegro, Budva. In the late afternoon we will arrive to the capital Podgorica for overnight. (B, L)

Morning will start with insightful tour of Podgorica, passing through Skaline (stairway), one of the most historic and picturesque sites in the town, Starodoganjska Mosque, Republic Square, Millennium Bridge, Vysotsky Monument, Cathedral of Resurrection of Christ, King Nikola’s Castle and tower clock from the 17th century. Continue to the next stop and admire Lake Skadar, the last habitat of pelicans and the largest bird preserve in Europe. Once in Albania, you will visit the historical town of Kruje with Kruje Fortress, Old Bazaar and museum of national hero Skanderbeg. Accommodation in Tirana in the late afternoon/evening. (B, L)

Join your tour guide and explore the Albanian capital Tirana, also Albania’s largest city. It is blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate and a number of beautiful churches and lush parks. You will visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture and the monument to ‘Mother Albania’. Day will continue with exploring the Albanian tradition and history by paying a visit to Berat, also known as “The City of 1,000 Windows”. Visit the Onufri Iconographic Museum, the Ethnographic Museum and Castle of Berat. Return to Tirana for overnight. (B, L)

Check out from the hotel and travel to North Macedonia, where you will spend the day by magnificent Lake Ohrid. The town of Ohrid was also known as the town of 365 churches (one for each day of the year) and was considered as second Jerusalem. Even with only 70 churches left, UNESCO listed it under its World Heritage sites as one of the oldest and most complete architectural ensembles in the south-eastern part of Europe. After the sightseeing tour, you will have some free time to explore it on your own or enjoy the sun on the lakeshore. Overnight in Ohrid. (B)

Time for the North Macedonian capital Skopje. Upon arrival, your guide will take you around the city for sightseeing, visiting the stone bridge, the Church of St Spas, the Kale Fortress, a mosque and others. Accommodation and free afternoon for a walk through Stara Čaršija (Old Bazaar), evoking the city’s past with its winding lanes filled with teahouses, mosques, crafts shops, and even good nightlife. (B)

From North Macedonia, the journey will take you on to the Serbian capital Belgrade. On your way you will stop in Niš, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and Europe that has from ancient times been considered a gateway between the East and West. After turbulent history, Niš became one of the most important industrial centres in Serbia, a centre for electronics and mechanical engineering, textile and tobacco industry. Longer drive ahead with arrival to Belgrade in the late afternoon. Check in at the hotel and free time for first impressions of Belgrade, known for its very exciting and vivid nightlife.
(B, L)

Discover the Serbian capital with a sightseeing tour in the morning. The tour will guide you through elite city district Dedinje. You will take the road through the famous markets such as the Republic Square with the Parliament, Terazije and Slavija, along the main streets of Belgrade, Kneza Mihaila and finish on the Kalemegdan Fortress, from where you can admire wonderful views of the city and the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Free time in Belgrade in the afternoon. In the evening join your group for a Farewell Dinner where you will talk about most memorable moments of the tour and plan for new ones. (B, D)

Optional: Cruise on Danube River

Breakfast at the hotel and free time until departure transfer to Belgrade Airport. (B)