Athens to Vienna; Grand Tour of the Balkans & Central Europe

Kick off your journey in Athens, the cultural capital of Europe, before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi. Marvel at the ancient Greek archaeological site, including the Temple of Apollo and the Large Sphynx of Naxos. Continue to Meteora, another UNESCO site, where monasteries perch atop spectacular rock formations. Witness a stunning sunset before retiring for the night in Kalabaka.

Begin your day with a drive to Ioannina, a city known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. Explore the Byzantine-era Ioannina Castle and the charming old town. In the afternoon, head to the 'Stone City' of Gjirokaster in Albania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Overnight in Gjirokaster.

Spend the day exploring Gjirokaster, also known as 'The Stone City'. Visit the ancient Gjirokastra Castle and the medieval bazaar, and discover the city's rich folklore and traditional music. Wander through the narrow stone streets and admire the handmade crafts from local artisans. Overnight in Gjirokaster.

Travel to Berat, known as the town of 1001 windows and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the narrow stone streets and marvel at the medieval old houses. Discover the city's ancient Illyrian settlement and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood. Overnight in Berat.

Start your day with a visit to the Drilon National Park, a tranquil oasis of beauty. Continue to the hidden gem of Tushemisht before crossing the border into North Macedonia. Visit the St. Naum Monastery, part of the National Park Galicica, and enjoy the crystal clear spring waters. Overnight in Ohrid.

Explore Ohrid, one of the oldest human settlements in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Church of St. John, the Halveti Hayati Tekke Mosque, and enjoy the stunning views of Ohrid Lake. In the afternoon, drive to Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania. Overnight in Tirana.

Spend the day discovering the culinary treasures of Tirana. Start with a traditional breakfast at a local eatery, then explore the Çam Bazaar, a bustling market where you can buy a variety of goods. Visit BUNKART, a unique museum housed in a former nuclear bunker. Enjoy traditional Albanian coffee at a cozy café and savor a traditional lunch at the New Bazaar. Overnight in Tirana.

Travel to Kruja, a historical city known for its resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Explore the city's medieval Old Bazaar and the Kruja Castle. Later, cross the border to Kosovo and visit Prizren, a city known for its cultural heritage and beautiful architecture. Overnight in Prizren.

Start your day with a visit to Gjakova, known for its old bazaar. Continue to the Monastery of Decan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning frescoes. In the afternoon, explore the Rahovec Valley, known for its fine wines. Overnight in Prizren.

Visit one of the best slow food Agro-tourism farms in the Balkans. Learn about the farm's history and its impact on the local community. In the afternoon, drive to Shkodra, one of the oldest cities in Albania, known for its beautiful lake and ancient castle. Overnight in Shkodra.

Travel to Budva in Montenegro, known for its beautiful beaches and old town. Visit the iconic Sveti Stefan before exploring the city's historical center. Continue to Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the city's maze of cobblestone streets. Overnight near the Montenegrin Riviera.

Cross the border into Bosnia & Herzegovina and head to Mostar. Visit the iconic Old Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the colorful Old Bazaar. Visit the Blagaj Monastery, nestled at the foot of a cliff. Overnight in Mostar.

Travel to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Explore the city's rich history, from its origins to its role in the Yugoslav War. Visit the Latin Bridge, where WWI was triggered, and enjoy the city's vibrant café culture. Overnight in Sarajevo.

Travel to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Visit the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Explore the city's vibrant streets and visit the Pobednik monument. Overnight in Belgrade.

Travel to Győr, the 'City of Rivers' in Hungary. Explore the city's rich history, baroque architecture, and delicious Hungarian food. Continue to Budapest, the 'Queen of the Danube', known for its mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture. Overnight in Budapest.

Spend the day exploring Budapest, visiting the Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the 19th-century Fisherman's Bastion. Wander through the city's vibrant streets, enjoy the local café culture, and savor traditional Hungarian cuisine. Overnight in Budapest.

Travel to Subotica, a city in Serbia known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant architecture. Explore the city's medieval Old Bazaar and the Subotica Synagogue. In the afternoon, return to Budapest and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife. Overnight in Budapest.

Travel to Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia. Explore the city's medieval Old Town Hall and visit the iconic Bratislava Castle, overlooking the city. Enjoy the city's café culture and savor traditional Slovak cuisine. Overnight in Bratislava.

Travel to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture, Vienna is a city that captivates at every turn. Explore the city's historical sites, enjoy its vibrant café culture, and savor traditional Austrian cuisine. Overnight in Vienna.

Spend the day exploring Vienna at your own pace. Visit the city's historical sites, museums, and gardens. Enjoy the city's vibrant café culture, savor traditional Austrian cuisine, and take in the city's vibrant nightlife. Overnight in Vienna.

This marks the end of your Balkan to Central Europe adventure. Reflect on the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes you've experienced over the past 21 days. Your tour leader will drop you off at your hotel in Vienna, marking the end of this unforgettable journey.