The Balkans Real Food Adventure

Welcome to Dubrovnik, a stunning stone town encircled by ancient fortifications. Despite the devastation it faced in the early 1990s, the restored Old Town remains as charming as ever. With the Adriatic Sea as a backdrop, Dubrovnik is picturesque and full of character. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:30 pm. If you arrive early, take a stroll inside the city walls. After the meeting, enjoy dinner and get to know your fellow travelers. Croatian cuisine varies by region, but charcuterie is a favorite. Try the specially prepared meats if you get the chance. Accommodation: Hotel (or similar).

After breakfast, cross into Montenegro and visit Njegusi, renowned for its smoke-dried hams and cheeses. Stop at a smokehouse to learn about their centuries-old production process and enjoy a tasting. Next, visit an olive farm in Tici, near Kotor, to discover the art of olive pressing and taste organic olive oil. Back in Kotor, explore the town's crooked walkways or climb the hills to see the ruined fortification walls. Enjoy a free night with an optional dinner at a Kotor wine bar. Accommodation: Hotel (or similar).

Bid farewell to Montenegro and head to Kosovo. Your first stop is Rozafa Fortress in Albania, a significant historical site from the 15th century. In the afternoon, arrive in Prizren, Kosovo's second-largest city, known for its cultural and ethnic diversity. Spend the rest of the day exploring Prizren at your own pace, taking in the orange rooftops and impressive mosques and churches. For dinner, ask your leader for local restaurant recommendations. Accommodation: Hotel (or similar).

Begin with a guided tour of Prizren, passing through the vibrant bazaar. Continue to Pristina, Kosovo's capital, for another guided tour. Enjoy a special Kosovo-Serb barbecue prepared by local hosts. Explore the Gracanica settlement and monastery before heading to North Macedonia. Visit the St Jovan Bigorski Monastery, known for its spiritual significance, then drive to Ohrid for the evening. Accommodation: Hotel (or similar).

Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest lakes and human settlements, offers a wealth of historic sites and religious monuments. Explore the town's streets and churches, or join an optional day trip to Ohrid Lake and the mystical Sveti Naum Monastery. Visit Tzar Samoil’s Fortress and the ancient Roman theatre. The Sveti Jovana Kaneo Church, perched on a rocky outcrop, is a must-see. In the evening, head to Kuratica for local hospitality and a home-cooked meal, including homemade rakija. Accommodation: Hotel (or similar).

After breakfast at the green market, drive to Lake Prespa, a popular spot for Macedonian holidaymakers. Visit a local apple farm to taste fresh produce, then head to Dolno Dupeni for a cooking demonstration and lunch in a local home. Continue to Bitola, where you can relax in cafes or explore the Old Bazaar. Accommodation: Hotel (or similar).

Visit Dihovo, a village at the foothills of Mt Pelister, to learn about beekeeping and enjoy a honey tasting. Have a home-cooked meal in a traditional villa, with ingredients sourced from the family's private gardens. Return to Bitola in the afternoon, where you can opt for a guided tour of Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient town founded by Philip II of Macedonia. Accommodation: Hotel (or similar).

Start the day with a visit to the Stobi archaeological site, once the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia Salutaris. Continue to the Tikves wine district for a tasting of local wines paired with cheeses and cured meats. Arrive in Skopje in the late afternoon for a guided walking tour of the city center, sampling traditional Macedonian sweets along the way. Enjoy a final dinner in Debar Maalo, Skopje's bohemian heart. Accommodation: Hotel (or similar).

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. If you wish to spend more time in Skopje or explore the fascinating Matka Canyon, speak to your booking agent.