Balkan Experience – seven countries in two weeks - SMALL GROUP

After breakfast, we embark on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Belgrade. We'll start at the imposing Belgrade Fortress, explore the modern architecture of New Belgrade, and visit the charming area of Zemun. We'll also visit the Saint Sava Temple, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. After the tour, you'll have the afternoon to explore on your own. In the evening, consider visiting the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, known for its vibrant nightlife and traditional Serbian cuisine. Overnight in Belgrade (or similar).

Today, we journey to the city of Novi Sad, stopping en route at the cultural hub of Sremski Karlovci. Here, we'll visit the first Serbian High School and the Old Patriarch's Court. We'll also sample the region's famous Bermet wine. Next, we explore the Petrovaradin Fortress, one of the most strategic points in the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires' perpetual war. We then continue to Novi Sad, known as the 'Serbian Athens', where we'll stroll through the historic Zmaj Jovina pedestrian zone. After a day of sightseeing, we return to Belgrade for the night. Overnight in Belgrade (or similar).

Today, we leave Macedonia and head to Albania. We'll stop at Elbasan, the third-largest city in the country, where we'll visit the Castle of Elbasan and other historical sites. After a short refreshment, we continue to Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital. Upon arrival, we embark on a city tour, visiting the Mosque of Et'hem Bey and other landmarks. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Overnight in Tirana (or similar).

Today, we journey to Montenegro, stopping en route at the charming town of Shkoder in Albania. We'll visit the Rozafa Fortress, the largest in Albania, and explore the town's main sights. After a short refreshment, we continue our drive along the beautiful Adriatic coast until we reach Budva, Montenegro's tourist capital. After checking into our hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Budva (or similar).

After breakfast, we head to the stunning Bay of Kotor, the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. We'll stop at the charming coastal town of Perast and take a boat ride to the 15th-century 'Our Lady of the Rocks' Church. Next, we visit Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we'll explore the city's medieval architecture and cultural monuments. After a day of sightseeing, we return to Budva for the night. Overnight in Budva (or similar).

Today, we leave Montenegro and head to Croatia. We'll visit the medieval city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we'll explore the city's Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, and palaces. After a day of sightseeing, we continue to Trebinje in Bosnia & Herzegovina, a charming town with a mix of Mediterranean, Central European, and Ottoman influences. Overnight in Trebinje (or similar).

Today, we journey to Sarajevo, stopping en route at Blagaj, a beautiful representation of Ottoman architecture, and Mostar, a medieval town famous for its Old Bridge. We'll explore the cobbled streets of Mostar, cross the reconstructed Old Bridge, and visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. After a day of sightseeing, we continue to Sarajevo, a city with a complicated history. Overnight in Sarajevo (or similar).

After breakfast, we explore Sarajevo, visiting the Turkish Bazaar (Bascarsija), the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, and other landmarks. We then proceed to Višegrad, where we'll see the famous Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, a UNESCO site. After a lunch break, we continue to Zlatibor, a popular tourist region in Serbia known for its healthy air, folk architecture, and balmy climate. Overnight in Zlatibor (or similar).

Today, we visit the famous Sargan Eight railroad, a unique narrow-gauge railway that offers stunning views over Mokra Gora. We'll also visit the Wooden City, a unique settlement created by director Emir Kusturica. After a lunch break, we continue to the 'House on Drina River', an isolated house made of logs on a river stone. We then proceed to Belgrade, where you'll have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. Overnight in Belgrade (or similar).