Balkan Tour: 17-Day Grand Balkan Cultural Tour

Start your day with breakfast, then dive into Bucharest’s rich history. Begin at the Palace of the Parliament, a massive architectural wonder. Visit Saint Anthony Church, the city’s oldest, and explore Manuc’s Inn, a charming historic spot.

Stroll through the Cărturești Carusel Bookstore, a modern cultural gem, and admire the 17th-century frescoes at Lady’s Church. Stop by Revolution Square, a significant site of the 1989 Revolution, and enjoy the grandeur of the Romanian Athenaeum.

Discover local art at the Theodor Aman Museum and the Museum of Art Collections. Conclude with a relaxing walk through Grădina Cișmigiu, Bucharest’s oldest public park, for a serene break surrounded by nature.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a scenic drive to Peleș Castle. This stunning German Renaissance masterpiece, once the summer residence of Romanian royalty, invites you to explore its intricate rooms and remarkable woodwork.

•Continue to Cantacuzino Castle, a Neo-Romanian architectural gem from 1911, before arriving at Bran Castle. Known for its association with the Dracula legend, this medieval fortress now houses a museum showcasing Queen Marie’s art and furnishings.

•Arrive in Brașov for lunch, followed by a city tour. Visit the Black Church, Romania’s largest Gothic church, stroll around Council Square with its charming baroque buildings, and explore Rope Street, one of Europe’s narrowest streets.

•Conclude the day with a relaxing drive back to your hotel, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Begin your day with breakfast and check out from the hotel.

•Travel to Veliko Tarnovo, a 3-hour drive. Upon arrival, enjoy a coffee break and capture memorable photos of the medieval castle, the Monument to the Assen Dynasty, and explore the bustling Samovodska Charshia Market.

•Continue to Plovdiv for another 3-hour journey. Check into your hotel and take some time to relax before the evening’s activities.

Plovdiv City Tour

•Begin your tour at the Singing Fountains and Tsar Simeon Garden Park, then explore Central Square with Trimontium.

•Discover the Roman Forum of Philippopolis, view the Municipality building, and admire the Statue of Milyo. Stop by a special building to see the Roman stadium below, and enjoy the Kamenica water cascade.

•Additional highlights include the Djumaya Mosque, Sveta Bogoroditsa Church, Ancient Theater of Philippopolis, Dervish Monastery, Hippocrates Pharmacy, Zlatyu Boyadzhiev House, Gate Hisar Kapia, Puldin Fortress, Balabanov House, Hindlyan House, and the artistic Kapana District, concluding at the Roman Stadium.

•After the tour, enjoy dinner in the city before returning to your hotel to unwind.

Start your morning with breakfast and check out from your hotel.

•Travel to Sofia, a scenic 2-hour drive. Upon arrival, check in early if possible and take some time to rest before the afternoon tour.

Sofia City Tour

•Begin your tour with a visit to the National Palace of Culture and a stroll along Vitosha Boulevard.

•Explore St. Nedelya Church and the ancient Serdika ruins, then visit the Tsum shopping center and The Mosque.

•Discover the Saint George Rotunda and Independence Square, followed by the Council of Ministers and National Assembly.

•Continue with the National Archaeological Museum and National Art Gallery, then admire the Saint Nicholas Church and the National Theatre.

•See the Monument of Tsar Samuil and Monument to the Unknown Warrior, along with Saint Sophia Church and the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

•Conclude your tour at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the Old National Assembly, and the Monument to Tsar Liberator.

•Enjoy dinner before heading back to your hotel to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Start your day with breakfast and check out from the hotel.

•Depart for Skopje, North Macedonia. After a scenic 4-hour drive, arrive at Matka Canyon and enjoy a relaxing 2-hour boat cruise to the stunning Vrelo Cave.

•Continue to your hotel in Skopje, where you can check in and take some time to unwind before the evening tour.

Skopje City Tour Highlights

•Begin with Skopje Fortress (Skopsko Kale), offering panoramic views from its historic hilltop location.

•Visit the Church of Saint Saviour (Crkva Sveti Spas), the city’s oldest church with roots tracing back to the 16th century.

•Walk across the Stone Bridge (Kameni Most) to Macedonia Square (Trg Makedonija), iconic symbols of Skopje’s vibrant cityscape.

•Stop by the Mother Teresa Memorial House, dedicated to Skopje’s most beloved humanitarian figure.

•Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant known for excellent cuisine and a lively atmosphere, accompanied by live music, before returning to your hotel to relax.

Begin with breakfast at the hotel before departing for Ohrid. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive, including a short break along the way.

•Upon arrival, embark on a 3-hour catamaran cruise on the tranquil lake. Visit the unique Museum on Water and continue to the serene St. Naum Monastery, a peaceful retreat steeped in history.

•Return to Ohrid, check into your hotel, and take some time to relax and freshen up.

Ohrid City Tour

•In the evening, explore the charming streets of Ohrid on a guided city tour. Delve into the town’s rich history, remarkable architecture, and enjoy panoramic views over the lake.

•Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you can immerse yourself in the lively sounds of Macedonian traditional music before returning to your hotel to unwind.

Start your day with breakfast and check out from the hotel.

•Depart for Tirana, enjoying a scenic 3-hour drive with a brief stop along the way.

•Upon arrival, begin your city tour with visits to Tirana Castle, Skanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Saint Paul Cathedral, the Pyramid of Tirana, and the vibrant Blloku area.

•Take a break for coffee and lunch before continuing your exploration.

•In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Secret Surveillance (House of Leaves), then admire the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral. Afterward, check into your hotel and take some time to rest.

•Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine accompanied by local music before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Begin your day with breakfast and check out from the hotel.

•Set off for Kruja, a captivating 1-hour drive away. Upon arrival, explore the museum within Kruja Castle, choosing between ethnographic or historical exhibits. Afterward, enjoy some leisure time for souvenir shopping or a coffee in the Old Bazaar.

•Continue to Mrizi i Zanave Agrotourism, an eco-friendly venue emphasizing sustainable practices. Take a tour of the area and indulge in a locally-sourced, authentic Albanian lunch.

•Head to Skadar for a visit to Rozafa Castle and a relaxing walk along Shkodra’s lakeshore in the Shiroke area, enjoying scenic views and exploring the surroundings.

•Conclude the day with a drive to Podgorica. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and settle in for a restful evening.

Start the day with breakfast and check out from the hotel before embarking on a Podgorica City Tour, featuring a visit to the Orthodox Temple of Christ’s Resurrection.

•Set off for St. Stefan, enjoying a scenic drive along Skadar Lake with a photo stop at the iconic St. Stefan viewpoint. Continue to Budva, where you’ll explore the charming Old Town and its medieval walls.

•Travel to Kotor for a guided tour of this UNESCO-listed town, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Enjoy some free time to wander the picturesque streets.

•Journey to Perast, where a short boat ride takes you to the enchanting islet of Our Lady of the Rocks and its beautiful church.

•Conclude the day with a drive to Dubrovnik, arriving in the evening. Check into your hotel and settle in for a restful night.

Start your morning with breakfast and check out from the hotel before embarking on the Dubrovnik Old Town Tour. Begin at Pile Gate and stroll down the historic Stradun, visiting landmarks like the Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio’s Fountain, Orlando’s Column, and The Rector’s Palace. Enjoy 30 minutes of free time to explore on your own.

•Depart for the scenic Kravica Waterfall. After a 2.5-hour drive, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the falls for about an hour. Then, continue to Medjugorje, a site renowned for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, where you’ll have an hour to explore.

•Travel onwards to Blagaj, with a brief stop in the UNESCO heritage site of Počitelj. In Blagaj, enjoy some free time and perhaps a coffee by the tranquil Buna springs, home to the historic Dervish monastery.

•Conclude the day with an arrival in Mostar, where you’ll check into your hotel. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Mostar Old Town.

Begin with breakfast and check out from your hotel.

•Embark on the Mostar City Tour, a 2-hour exploration of the city’s historic and cultural landmarks.

•Depart for Sarajevo, with stops along the way in Jablanica to visit the museum dedicated to the Battle of Neretva and in Konjic to admire the Old Bridge, a beautiful piece of architectural heritage.

•Upon arrival in Sarajevo, visit the Bosnia Spring Park, enjoying the serene environment for an hour.

•Check into your hotel and take some time to rest and freshen up before the evening city tour.

Sarajevo City Tour

•Begin your Sarajevo City Tour by exploring the Old Town. Visit historical sites such as the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, the Eternal Flame, Baščaršija market, and the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.

•Conclude the day with a traditional dinner, savoring Sarajevo’s famous ćevapi before returning to your hotel to relax.

Start with breakfast and check out from your hotel.

•Depart for Drvengrad, a traditional wooden village created by filmmaker Emir Kusturica, nestled in the picturesque Mokra Gora region. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive with a stop at the Dobrun Monastery, a serene 14th-century sanctuary adorned with beautiful medieval frescoes.

•Continue your journey to Belgrade, about 3 hours away. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and freshen up for the evening.

Belgrade City Tour

•Begin your 3-hour Belgrade City Tour with a visit to Kuća Cveća, the resting place of Josip Broz Tito. Marvel at the grand St. Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches globally, and end your tour with a stroll through Kalemegdan, the historic fortress offering panoramic views of the Sava and Danube rivers’ confluence.

•After the tour, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Belgrade before returning to your hotel for a restful evening.

Start your morning with breakfast and check out from the hotel.

•Set off on a scenic 5.5-hour drive to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Take a quick break along the way at Mövenpick Marché for a salad snack and coffee.

Ljubljana City Tour

•Upon arrival, embark on a Ljubljana City Tour. Explore Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge, Plečnik Colonnade, Butchers Bridge, and the iconic Dragons Bridge. Visit the Central Market and take a funicular ride up to Ljubljana Castle for sweeping city views.

•Continue to Saint Nicholas’ Cathedral, admire Robba’s Fountain, and stroll through City Hall to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

•Enjoy some free time to relax or explore further on your own.

•Later, take a walk to a local restaurant for a delightful dinner featuring a Slovenian folklore show with live music, singing, and dancing—an unforgettable cultural experience to cap off the day.

Begin your day with breakfast and check out from the hotel.

•Transfer to the enchanting Lake Bled, famous for its turquoise waters and the medieval Bled Castle perched high on a cliff. Start with a visit to Bled Castle, enjoying panoramic views of the lake and learning about its rich history.

•Head to Mlino village and board a traditional Pletna boat to Bled Island. Visit St. Mary’s Church, known for its legendary wishing bell. Conclude your Lake Bled experience with an authentic Slovenian lunch.

•Depart for Postojna, a 1-hour journey, to explore the remarkable Postojna Cave. Enjoy a 1.5-hour tour through one of Europe’s largest and most famous cave systems, marveling at the incredible formations.

Journey to Zagreb

•After the cave tour, transfer to Zagreb, the vibrant capital of Croatia. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll sample Štrukli, a traditional Croatian specialty, for a delightful end to the day’s adventures.

Zagreb City Tour

•After breakfast, prepare for a guided Zagreb City Tour. Start at the Ban Jelačić Monument and explore the historic Stone Gate. Visit St. Mark’s Square to admire the iconic roof of St. Mark’s Church, then continue to Catherine Square.

•See the Lotrščak Tower, famous for its noonday cannon, and learn about the history of the Bloody Bridge. Stroll down Tkalčićeva Street, a lively area filled with cafés and shops, and conclude the tour at the majestic Zagreb Cathedral.

Journey to Plitvice Lakes National Park

•Prepare for a scenic drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. Spend approximately 3.5 hours exploring the park’s natural beauty, walking along the trails, and soaking in the serene surroundings.

Return to Zagreb

•Head back to Zagreb in the evening, where you can enjoy a relaxing night walk through the city, taking in its charm and atmosphere under the evening lights.

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel and check out, taking a moment to reflect on your incredible journey.

•Depart for Zagreb Airport, where your Grand Balkan adventure concludes.

We hope this journey through the Balkans’ rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes has left you with cherished memories. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back someday!