Small Group Tour: 7 Balkan Countries from Athens to Dubrovnik or Split

Kick off your Balkan adventure in Athens, the cultural capital of Europe. Our tour leader will pick you up from your hotel and drive you towards Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient Greek archaeological wonders. Marvel at the Temple of Apollo, the Castallian Fountain, and the Large Sphynx of Naxos. Next, we'll head to Meteora, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where monasteries perch atop spectacular rock formations. Witness a stunning sunset that paints the sky in vivid colors before retiring for the night in Kalabaka.

Our first stop today is Ioannina, a city steeped in history and cultural heritage. Wander through the cobbled streets of the old town, where Byzantine and Ottoman influences are evident in the architecture. Visit the imposing Ioannina Castle and enjoy some free time to explore and savor traditional Greek cuisine. In the afternoon, we'll drive to Gjirokaster, known as the 'Stone City', where you'll spend the night.

Spend the day exploring Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as 'The Stone City'. This fortified city is home to a beautifully preserved medieval town and the Castle of Gjirokastra, dating back to the 4th century A.D. Wander through the atmospheric old town, admire the wide variety of handmade crafts, and visit one of the best-preserved houses in Gjirokaster. Overnight in Gjirokaster.

After breakfast, we'll head to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the 'town of 1001 windows'. Wander through the narrow stone streets and admire the medieval old houses. Learn about the city's history, which dates back to the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Visit the Gorica Neighbourhood and spend the night in Berat.

Today, we'll cross the border into North Macedonia. But first, we'll stop at Drilon National Park, a tranquil oasis of beauty. Next, we'll visit Tushemisht, a hidden gem that offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Our first stop in North Macedonia will be the St. Naum Monastery, part of the National Park Galicica and one of the strictly protected areas. Spend the night in Ohrid.

Today, we'll explore Ohrid, one of the oldest human settlements in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the city's famous viewpoint at the Church of St. John, the Church of St. Nicolas, and the Halveti Hayati Tekke mosque. After a day spent by Lake Ohrid, we'll drive to Tirana, the capital of Albania, where you'll spend the night.

Discover the culinary treasures of Tirana with your local companion. Start your day with a traditional Albanian breakfast of Byrek at a local eatery. Visit the Çam bazaar, where you can buy a variety of goods and bargain with the sellers. Savor a traditional dessert at an authentic pastry shop and enjoy a cup of traditional 'Albanian coffee' at a cozy café. Visit the Bicycle bazaar and the New Bazaar, where you can try the traditional Albanian lunch of 'Qofte' (meatballs). End your day with a visit to BUNKART, a unique museum housed in a former nuclear bunker. Overnight in Tirana.

Our first stop today is one of the best slow food Agro-tourism farms in the Balkans. Learn about the farm's story and how it created jobs for over 400 people in the surrounding area. In the afternoon, we'll drive to Shkodra, one of the oldest cities in Albania, where you'll spend the night.

Today, we'll cross the border into Montenegro. Our first stop is Budva, a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and old characteristic buildings. We'll also stop at the viewpoint near Sveti Stefan, a small island turned exclusive residential resort. Our next destination is Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll spend the night.

From Montenegro, we'll cross the border into Bosnia & Herzegovina and head to Mostar. Visit the iconic Old Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through the Old Bazaar. We'll also visit the Blagaj Monastery, located at the foot of a cliff with beautiful blue waters. Spend the night in Mostar.

After breakfast, we'll drive to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Explore the city's rich history, from its origins to the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. Visit the Latin Bridge, where WWI was triggered, and enjoy some free time to explore and have a meal in the old town. Overnight in Sarajevo.