Balkan treasures grand tour

Central Greece and Meteora monasteries. Pick up from your hotel in Athens and drive north to Meteora monasteries with stop at Delphi. The archaeological site of Delphi is at 1 km distance from the present settlement of Delphi. The modern road divides and delimitates the two ancient sanctuaries, namely the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia to the south and the Sanctuary of Apollo to the north. The sanctuary of Athena Pronaia comprises the Tholos, the temples of Athena and two (at least) treasuries, whereas next to it the impressive gymnasium is situated. Individual visit to the site. Afternoon drive towards Kalambaka and evening at leisure in this small town, situated right below Meteora monasteries. Possibility to have a romantic dinner at some of many restaurants overlooking Meteora monasteries. Overnight in Kalambaka.

Greek mountains - from Kalambaka to Ioannina. Morning drive on the scenic road to visit Meteora monasteries area with panoramic view of the valley. The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance after the Holly Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. Photo stop at several places during the drive. Individual visit to two monasteries - we recommend visit to the monastery of Great Meteora. The "Great Meteoron Holy" also know as "the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour", is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery which remains “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the cliff formation of a gigantic rock on top of which it was built. The Great Meteoro Monastery or “Megalo Meteoron” was founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite. If you prefer a little hiking, you will have a chance to visit this monastery, reachable only by uphill/downhill stairs. Later on drive on the mountain area of north Greece with short break at Metsovo, a small picturesque town in Epirus, in the mountains of Pindus. As the the largest center of Aromanian (Vlach) life in Greece, Metsovo is a regional hub for several small villages and settlements in the Pindus region, and it features many shops, schools, offices, services, museums, and galleries. The economy of Metsovo is dominated by agriculture and tourism, the latter of which flourishes in winter. Ioannina is the next town for today. It is the capital and largest city of Epirus region, an administrative region in north-western Greece. Ioannina castle is located at the south-eastern edge of the town, on a rocky peninsula of Lake Pamvotis, the castle was the administrative heart of the Despotate of Epirus, and the Ottoman vilayet. The castle was in constant use until the late Ottoman period and the fortifications underwent several modifications throughout the centuries. Ioannina lake is another attraction at this city. We recommend a boat trip to the island at your free afternoon in this city. Overnight at boutique hotel in Ioannina

Welcome to Albania. Morning drive to Albanian border passing Igoumenitsa, the important port city of the Ioninan sea. After border formalities drive and arrival at Butrinti ancient site. Butrinti was an ancient Greek and later Roman city and bishopric in Epirus. Perhaps inhabited since prehistoric times, Buthrotum was a city of the Epirote tribe of the Chaonians, later a Roman colony and a bishopric. Today the remains of this city are one of several UNESCO sites in Albania. Guided visit inside. in the afternoon arrival in Saranda, a tourist resort in southern Albania. Sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and hills of olive groves, the town is on a horseshoe-shaped bay, edged by beaches and a promenade. In the center are the archaeological remains of a 5th-century synagogue, later an early Christian basilica. Intricate floor mosaics are still evident. The 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle is on a hilltop above the town. Evening at leisure and overnight in Saranda.

The Albanian coastline. Leaving Saranda after breakfast and drive on the picturesque mountain road along the Ionian sea and Albanian coast line. Photo stop by Porto Palermo and nearby small lagoon used as a military base during the communist times. Passing Llogara National Park, centered on the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera in Southwestern Albania, spanning an surface area of 1,010 ha. The park's terrain includes large alpine meadows, vertical rock faces, precipices and dense forests. Afternoon arrival at Durres, the biggest port city in Albania. Durres is located west of the capital, Tirana and it’s known for its huge Roman amphitheater. Nearby is a 9th-century church with mosaic-covered walls and so called Venetian tower. Coffee break near the port and city center and free time to explore the city. Arrival in Tirana late afternoon. Accommodation and overnight in Tirana

Tirana city tour and welcome to Macedonia. In a morning guided Tirana walking tour. Tirana is the capital of Albania and the biggest city in the country. This morning you will have a walking tour with our local guide in the city center with visit to the National museum. Tirana is located in the center of Albania enclosed by mountains and hills with Mount Dajt elevating on the east and a slight valley on the northwest overlooking the Adriatic Sea in the distance. Due to its location at the Plain of Tirana and the close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the city is particularly influenced by a Mediterranean seasonal climate. It is among the wettest and sunniest cities in Europe, with 2,544 hours of sun per year. Afternoon drive towards Macedonian border with drive along the Albanian side of Ohrid lake. Arrival at St.Naum monastery. The Monastery of St. Naum is a magnificently massive complex, located 29 kilometers south of Ohrid, on a plateau close to the Albanian border. It is, without any doubt, one of the most attractive Macedonian tourist destinations. With a wonderful surrounding area, the St. Naum Monastery is a popular day trip where you can enjoy both nature and religious heritage. Monastery which is founded by St. Naum at 9thCentury is visited by pilgrims and travelers alike, this eastern orthodox monastery is one of the few with locational and architectural splendor. Overlooking Ohrid lake, the walls provide breathtaking panoramic views of the entire bay area. Near the monastery, you can enjoy a boat ride above the springs of the river Black Drim which flows into Ohrid lake (with supplement, to be paid on the spot). Drive along the lake to the city of Ohrid. Overnight in Ohrid.

Ohrid and Ohrid lake - UNESCO sites. In a morning guided walking tour in Ohrid old town. Because of its religious importance Ohrid is also known as "Jerusalem on the Balkans". Its old town and plenty of churches and other sites are just part of the walking tour. Ohrid is known for once having 365 churches, one for each day of the year. The city is rich in picturesque houses and monuments, and tourism is predominant. In 1979 and in 1980 respectively, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid were accepted as Cultural and Natural World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Ohrid is one of only 28 sites that are part of UNESCO's World Heritage that are Cultural as well as Natural sites. The Holly area of Plaosnik is the place where the first Slavic university was established by St Clement at 9th century. The area is home of the remain of an early Christian basilica and now days the new St. Clement's church is built on remains of the old church from 9th century. Remains of the Ancient theatre could be found in the heart of Ohrid old town. The Ancient theatre of Ohrid was built in 200 BC and is the only Hellenistic-type theatre in the country, as the other three in Scupi, Stobi and Heraklea Lynkestis are from Roman times. It is unclear how many people the original theater used to seat, as only the lower section still exists. The open theater has a perfect location: the two hills that surround it keep it protected from winds that could interfere with acoustics during performances. Situated on a small cliff right above the lake, this unique church is landmark of Ohrid. Saint John the Theologian, Kaneo or simply Saint John at Kaneo is a Macedonian Orthodox church overlooking Lake Ohrid. The church is dedicated to John of Patmos, the writer of Revelation, who has been by some considered to be the same person as John the Apostle. The construction date of the church remains unknown but documents detailing the church property suggest that it was built before the year 1447. Archaeologists believe that the church was constructed some time before the rise of the Ottoman Empire very likely in the 13th century. The Ohrid fortress is known as "Samuilova tvrdina" or The fortress of Tsar Samuil. it is on the highest part of the hill where Ohrid is situated. According to recent excavations by Macedonian archaeologists, it was contended that this fortress was built on the place of an earlier fortification, dated to the 4th century BC, which was probably built by King Philip II of Macedonia. Afternoon at leisure in Ohrid. Overnight in Ohrid

West Macedonia and Skopje. Departure towards Mavrovo NP and drive along the lakes made by Black Drim river and Radika river canyon. The National park Mavrovo is located at western part of Macedonia, occupies an area of 73,088 hectares and it is the largest among the three national parks in Macedonia, Pelister and Galicica. Within the limits of the park are the mountains: Korab, Desat, southwestern branches of Shar Mountain, and most of Bistra mountain. The central part of the national park Mavrovo covers the valley and the river basin of Radika. The Mavrovo artificial lake is also within the national park. Several stops for photo. Arrival in Skopje in the afternoon and city tour by walking in the old and new part. Skopje is the capital and largest city in Macedonia. It is the country's political, cultural, economic, and academic center. The territory of Skopje has been inhabited since at least 4000 BC; remains of Neolithic settlements have been found within the old Kale Fortress that overlooks the modern city center. River Vardar, the longest Macedonian river is dividing the city into the old part, located on the left bank of the river and the modern part of Skopje, located on the right bank. Overnight in Skopje

Welcome to Bulgaria. Drive from Skopje and border crossing to Bulgaria. Arrival in Rila monastery and visit. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the southwestern Rila Mountains 117 km south of the capital Sofia in the deep valley of the Rilska River ("Rila River") at an elevation of 1,147 m bove sea level, inside of Rila Monastery Nature Park. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 - 946 AD), and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe. Arrival in Sofia, the Bulgarian capital in the afternoon. Overnight in Sofia.

From Sofia to Belgrade. Departure from Sofia towards the Serbian border and arrival at the city of Nis. Niš is the third largest city in Serbia and the administrative center of the Nišava District. According to the 2011 census, the city proper has a population of 183,164, while its administrative area has a population of 260,237 inhabitants. Visit to the unique "Chele Kula" (Skull tower) site and free time for independent lunch. Arrival in Belgrade in the afternoon. Accommodation and overnight in Belgrade.

Belgrade walking tour. Full day guided tour. Morning visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia. The Museum of Yugoslavia is a public history museum in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. It chronicles the period of Kingdom of Yugoslavia and Socialist Yugoslavia as well as the life of Josip Broz Tito. Tito's grave is located in one of the museum buildings called "The House of Flowers". In the afternoon walking tour in the city center with visit to the most important sites. The Kalemegdan Park, or simply Kalemegdan is the largest park and the most important historical monument in Belgrade. It is located on a 125-metre-high cliff, at the junction of the River Sava and the Danube. The Belgrade fortress on Kalemegdan comprises of Upper and Lower Town and the vast field in front the very fortress that Turks named “Kalemegdan”, joining the words “kale”, which means city, fortress and “megdan”, the Turkish word for field. The most beautiful and most spacious park in nation’s capital once used to be a field where battles were fought with enemies. Time at leisure in the city center. Overnight in Belgrade

From Belgrade to Sarajevo. Long distance drive from Belgrade to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with border crossing. Bosnia and Herzegovina, a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical wonders. Spectacular landscapes, ancient landmarks and vibrant cultural scenes. Every corner of our country offers a unique story and an unforgettable experience. It is bordered by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, and has a narrow stretch of land along the Adriatic Sea. Arrival in Sarajevo late afternoon. Overnight in Sarajevo

Sarajevo and Mostar. After breakfast a guided city tour of Sarajevo visiting the most important Sarajevo sights. Baščaršija is Sarajevo's old bazaar and the historical and cultural center of the city. Baščaršija was built in the 15th century when Isa-Beg Isaković founded the city. Baščaršija is located on the north bank of the river Miljacka, in the municipality of Stari Grad. On Baščaršija there are several important historic buildings, such as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and sahat-kula. Today Baščaršija is the major tourist attraction of Sarajevo. Afternoon drive towards Mostar along the canyon of Neretva river. Mostar is a city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, straddling the Neretva River. It’s known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a reconstructed medieval arched bridge. The nearby alleys are full of shops and market stalls, and the Old Bridge Museum explores the bridge’s long history. A narrow staircase leads up to the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque’s minaret for panoramic city views. Mostar Old Bridge crosses the river Neretva and connects the two parts of the city. The Old Bridge stood for 427 years, until it was destroyed on 9 November 1993 by Croat paramilitary forces during the Croat–Bosniak War. The bridge is considered an exemplary piece of Balkan Islamic architecture and was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557. It was designed by Mimar Hayruddin, a student and apprentice of architect Mimar Sinan who built many of the Sultan's key buildings in Istanbul and around the empire. Overnight in Mostar

Welcome to Montenegro. After breakfast visit to Blagaj site near Mostar. The architectural ensemble of the Blagaj Tekke stands by the source of the river Buna, not far from the centre of Blagaj. The musafirhana and turbe are tucked into the natural surroundings, constituting a single entity with the cliffs, source of the Buna and mills. The musafirhana of the Blagaj tekke and the turbe have been preserved to this day. The musafirhana was built before 1664, and rebuilt in 1851; its original appearance is not known. The building was subsequently repaired on several occasions. The ensemble of the Blagaj Tekke was presumably built very soon after Ottoman rule was established in Herzegovina, around 1520 at the latest. Drive towards Montenegro border with coffee stop at the city of Trebinje. In the afternoon arrival to the Bay of Kotor and accommodation at the hotel in the area.

Kotor bay and Lovchen NP. Morning drive along the coast line with coffee stop at Budva, the biggest coastal city in Montenegro. Budva and Budva Riviera are known for sandy beaches and nightlife. Stone walls built by the Venetians surround the narrow streets of the medieval old town (Stari Grad). This historic district is home to a seaside citadel and religious sites such as the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, established in the 9th century. Continue to Cetinje and walking tour in the city upon arrival. Cetinje is the former royal capital of Montenegro and is the location of several national institutions, including the official residence of the president of Montenegro and the former seat of Montenegrian kings. Cetinje was founded in the 15th century and became a cradle of the culture of Montenegro and a Serbian Orthodox religious center. Its status as the honorary capital of Montenegro is due to its heritage as a long-serving former capital of Montenegro. Recommended to visit is the National and Relief museums. Drive on Lovchen NP and on the narrow scenic towards Kotor bay, with magnificent panoramic views of the bay. Kotor and its old town located in so called Gulf of Kotor and it is on our way driving along the unique Bay of Kotor, one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea. Some have called it the southernmost fjord in Europe, but it is a ria, a submerged river canyon. The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period. Together with the nearly overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovćen, Kotor and its surrounding area form an impressive landscape. Stop by and possibility for individual visit to the old town. Guided visit to the old town and free time. Back to the hotel for overnight.

Transfer to Dubrovnik. Border crossing to Croatia and drop off in your hotel in Dubrovnik. End of the program.

Day 8 (16) as an option - Additional night in Skopje with day tour to Kosovo. We offer as optional choice a day tour to Kosovo, another Balkan country, while in Skopje (day 8). This option have to be required and booked in advance. Full day tour to Kosovo, the youngest European country. Officially the Republic of Kosovo, is a partially-recognized state in Southeastern Europe. On 17 February 2008, Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia. It has since gained diplomatic recognition as a sovereign state around 100 UN member states. Geographically defined in an area of 10,887 km2, Kosovo is landlocked in the center of the Balkans and bordered by the uncontested territory of Serbia to the north and east, Macedonia to the southeast, Albania to the southwest and Montenegro to the west. Grachanica monastery is unique Serbian Orthodox monastery located in the small village of Gracanica. It was built by the Serbian king Stefan Milutin in 1321 on the ruins of a 6th-century basilica. The monastery was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1990, and on 13 July 2006 it was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name of Medieval Monuments in Kosovo. As the Kosovo capital and the biggest city, Pristina is the seat of the eponymous municipality and district. You will have a chance to walk in the main pedestrian zone and feel the vibrant life of this city. Picturesque town of Prizren is located on the south-eastern part of the country and it is designated as the historical capital of Kosovo. A lot of Christian and Muslim monuments make this town unique. Prizren is one of the oldest settlements in Kosovo and the western Balkans. Prizren has been traditionally identified with the settlement of Theranda in Roman Dardania. The Sinan Pasha Mosque is an Ottoman mosque and one of remarks of Prizren. It was built in 1615 by Sofi Sinan Pasha, bey of Budim. The mosque overlooks the main street of Prizren and is a dominant feature in the town's skyline. Drive back to Skopje for overnight