Balkan tour BiH, Montenegro, N.Macedonia, Grecce & Albania 12d/11n

Balkan tour BiH, Montenegro, N.Macedonia, Grecce & Albania 12d/11n

FROM ONLY3500 

Overview

This Balkan tour is all around a bit less known destinations. It covers quite a few completely off the bitten tracks places, specially in Montenegro and Albania. Not many tour operators would take you to Kolašin in Montenegro, but after we have seen it, we just couldn´t help ourselves. We think it deserves all the attention. Same with some places in Albania. Some have probably never heard of Butrint and Berat, but we think is better to visit places before everybody else gets there. Iconic Sarajevo, the start point of this tour is only one out of seven UNESCO´s World Heritage Sites on this tour. This tour covers some 1.700 kilometers through mountainous and coastal scenic areas of western Balkans, visiting 5 countries, must see destinations like Sarajevo, Tirana, Meteora and many more you may never heard off, but will impress you and remain in your memories for good.

PRICE: based on the number of people in your group

  • 6000 euro per person when two traveling
  • 4700 euro per person when four traveling
  • 4000 euro per person when six traveling
  • 3500 euro per person when eight traveling
  • Single room supplement 1000 euro

TOUR DATES: on request

All departures between Nov 1st and March 31st  are 10% discounted.

Itinerary

DAY 1 SARAJEVO AIRPORT – SARAJEVO

Your Balkan tour starts in iconic town of Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Hercegovina. Upon arrival to its international airport meet your guide for the transfer to your centrally located Hotel President 4* or similar for two nights. In the afternoon join your guide for an orientation walk of City center, its main attraction Old bazar Bascarsija, historic and cultural center of the town. Enjoy a welcome drink and fabulous welcome dinner. (D)

DAY 2  SARAJEVO

visit sarajevoStart your day with the in depth tour of Sarajevo with the local guide. Beside all of the main atractions in town, that will include Catolic Cathedral, Orthodox church and the Mosque, located practicaly on the same block, you´ll be taken also to the sad but famous Tunnel of Hope, used by citizens of Sarajevo as a supply and escape route in and out of the city during the siege of Sarajevo in the nineties. You´ll also stand on the spot, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by a Serbian anarchist Gavrilo Princip.

Your afternoon and evening is free to explore and shop in this unique town. (B)

DAY 3  SARAJEVO – KONJIC – MOSTAR – KOTOR

We travel south today, our final destination being Kotor in Montenegro. But, we are going to visit two sites in Bosnia and Hercegovina on the way.

Our first stop is s little country town of Konjic, where Tito, former Yugoslavian dictator had his nuclear shelter build. It was designed to host 350 people to be used as military command center and shelter. Built between 1953 and 1979 inside the hill, over 4 billion US$ spent, is now in use as an exhibition room for modern art.

Our second stop today is Mostar. Its beautiful bridge over the Neretva river, the fine example of Islamic architecture in the Balkans, built in 16th century was destroyed during the war in the nineties. Rebuild in 2004 now looks exactly as when made; a lot of original stones have been used to rebuild it. The Mostar Old Bridge is now on the UNESCO´s World Heritage Sight list.

After spare time for lunch in Mostar we´ll continue south through the magnificent mountain scenery into Montenegro to reach Adriatic coast in the historic city of Kotor. We´ll check in for one night in Hotel Catarro 4* or similar and enjoy a good dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

DAY 4 KOTOR – NJEGOŠI – LOVČEN – KOLAŠIN

visit montenegroAfter breakfast you are free to explore this unique coastal town on your own. It belonged to Venetian Republic for over 300 years, many fortifications and other buildings are still there, the main reason Kotor is on UNESCO´s World Heritage sight list.

Montenegro was an independent principality and then a kingdom between 1696 and 1918. The village where its ruling dynasty is coming from, and Mount Lovčen, where the mausoleum of Petar Petrovič Njegoš, the most famous Montenegro prince and poet is buried, is our next adventure. Later, we are going to enjoy some more scenic drive into Durmitor mountains, to the mountain resort town of Kolašin Hotel Bjanca 4* or similar.(B,L,D)

DAY 5 KOLAŠIN

visit montenegroWe will start the full day excursion to the heart of Montenegro’s mountains to reach the canyon of river Tara, second only to the Grand Canyon in the USA. We will enjoy the famous view on the bridge over the river and have the opportunity to try out one of the most spectacular zip lines in Europe. Next, we will continue towards Durmitor Mountain and visit the famous Black Lake by the town of Žabjak. Return to the hotel in evening hours. Leisure time in Kolašin. (B,D)

DAY 6 KOLAŠIN – SHKODER – TIRANA

visit albaniaWe have about 230 kilometers to cover today. We are going south,bypassing the Montenegro capital city, Podgorica, then crossing the border into Albania, for long time completely isolated country under severe communist regime. Now its a vibrant and lively country, quickly rising out of years of oppression. Our first stop is going to be Shkoder, the historical town on the lake of the same name. We´ll spend some time to explore it, have some lunch, then continue to Tirana, the capital city for one overnight. Your Hotel International 5* or similar is centrally located.(B)

DAY 7 TIRANA – OHRID

visit albaniaFrom our hotel in the very center of Tirana, we will start our walking tour with the local guide covering the historical center of the city including the famous Skenderbeu Square and Archeological Museum. From there we will continue to the Mother Theresa Square passing by the Parliament and the Presidential Residency of Albania.

After some free time for lunch we will leave and drive across the countryside with magnificent views of the mountains which reveal the meaning behind the name “Land of the Eagles”, as the Albanians call their land. After reaching the city of Elbasan which is famous for its medieval castle we will continue our drive towards the border of the Republic of Macedonia. Reaching the border, we will enjoy the wonderful views of another jewel of the Balkans, the marvelous Lake Ohrid. After the border crossing, we will reach the town of Ohrid. Our lodging for two nights is the waterfront Hotel Royal View 4* or similar. (B)

DAY 8 OHRID

balkan tourAfter breakfast we meet our local expert guide in Ohrid and visit the Roman Amphitheater built for the gladiator fights and visit some of the 365 churches of Ohrid. Ohrid was the place where the disciples of the Saints Cyril and Methodius founded the first Slavic university in the world. Finish your tour with a lunch in the waterfront restaurant and a private boat ride to return to hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore on your own.(B,L)

DAY 9  OHRID – BITOLA – METEORA

visit grecceEarly departure from Ohrid to drive on a scenic road towards historic town of Bitola where we stop for a short visit. Just out town there´s a most important archeological site of present Northern Macedonia the ancient town of Heraklea Lyncestis,founded by Philip the Macedon in 4th century B.C. The centuries of presence of different civilizations, from Greek to Roman and Bizantine are seen in layers.

After crossing the border we will continue to the scenic town of Meteora and check into our Hotel Dellas Boutique 4* or similar for one night. Afternoon is reserved for a visit of one of most famous “hanging” monasteries on the sandstone rocks above Meteora called Varalaam. This place is notorious also for appearing in a James Bond movie. Dinner in a local restaurant.(B,D)

DAY 10  METEORA – BUTRINT – GJIROKASTER

visit albaniaWe are going to enjoy the magnificent Balkans mountainous scenery on our way towards Adriatic coast. Then, we´ll follow it north in order to cross into Albania again. We´ll stop at the Archeological site of Butrint, since 1992 on the UNESCO´s World Heritage Site list. Many famous man from antiquity have stayed or visited this place, Emperor Hadrian among them.

After a visit with a local guide, well continue north and inlands to a UNESCO heritage town of Gjirokaster for one overnight. Your Hotel Argjiro 4* or similar is centrally located. (B)

DAY 11 GJIROKASTER – BERAT – TIRANA

visit albaniaAfter a morning orientational walk in Gjirokaster we´ll continue north through Albanian hills, to reach Berat, a well preserved town from the Otoman times. Local guide will take us for a tour of the town, there will be time to shop for last Albanian souvenirs.

After lunch we´ll continue to Tirana for our last evening together and lively farewell dinner.(B,D)

DAY 12 TIRANA-TIRANA AIRPORT

Your guide/driver will take you to the Tirana airport at your desired time.(B)

Towns and places

  • Sarajevo
  • Tunnel of Hope
  • Konjic Nuclear Bunker
  • Mostar, Kotor
  • Njegoši village
  • Lovčen Mountain
  • Kolašin
  • Durmitor National Park
  • Tara river Canyon
  • Shoder Lake
  • Tirana
  • Ohrid
  • Iraklion
  • Meteroa
  • Gjirokastra
  • Berat

What's included?

  • Transportation in luxury passenger mini-van with extra leg room
  • Transfer to Sarajevo hotel from Sarajevo airport (other airports available for extra cost)
  • Tirana transfer out on Day 12
  • 11 nights hotel accomodation based on double/twin bed occupancy in a 4 or 5 star hotels
  • Full time professional English speaking driver/guide while on the tour
  • Local Guides in Sarajevo, Konjic Nuclear Bunker, Kolašin, Tirana, Ohrid, Meteora, Berat, Butrint and Gjirokaster.
  • Orientational guided walk of Mostar, Kotor, Njegoši, Lovčen,Iraklion,...
  • All breakfasts, 6 dinners with drinks, 2 lunches with drinks,..
  • Entrance fees to Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo, Konjic Nuclear Bunker, Lovčen Njegoš mausoleum, Tirana Archeological Museum, Ohrid St.Sofia Church, Boat ride on Ohrid Lake, Meteora monastery, Butrint Archeological site and Gjirokastra Fortress.
  • Organization, basic insurance and VAT.

Highlights

  • Shop at Sarajevo Old Bazzar Baščaršija
  • Tunnel of Hope visit
  • Walk across Mostar Old bridge
  • Konjic Nuclear Bunker tour
  • Kotor bay scenic ride
  • Lovčen Mountain Njegoš Mausoleum view point
  • Durmitor Mountain and Tara Canyon tour
  • Shoder lake photo stop
  • Tirana Archeological Museum tour
  • Ohrid UNESCO Old town tour and boat ride
  • Iraklion Ancient ruins photo stop
  • Meteora Monastery visit
  • Butrint UNESCO tour with local guide
  • Gjirokastra UNESCO town Otoman arhitecture
  • Berat UNESCO town of windows

Map

Getting there

Balkan Tour begins: Sarajevo, Bosnia&Hercegovina

Transfer from Sarajevo airport on Day 1

Other airports on request.

 

Balkan Tour ends: Tirana, Albania

Transfer to Tirana airport on Day 12

Other airports on request.

Why travel with us?

Private travel –  gives you a highly personalized and unforgettable experience that you won’t find on a large group tour. Traveling on a private tour is extremely suitable in this unprecedented times.

Unique itineraries– Our carefully designed itineraries are a wonderful blend of the major sites and delightful places that we’ve discovered off the beaten paths, where you’ll find fewer tourists.

All included – no optional hidden cost excursions.

Best value – our lower prices and high quality make us a great choice for an escorted private tour.

The best historic hotels, most are 4 star or 5 star, dating from previous centuries, located inside historic districts to maximize your free time on tour.

The best small restaurants where local eat and great wines – all included, as much as you like. No pre-fixed group menu’s, you dine alla cart.

Exceptional native tour guides and local guides – experienced, informative, attentive and fun! Essential to an authentic experience!

Leisurely pace – your average day on tour begins at 9am and there is ample free time for your own explorations daily.

Airport transfer– Choose your arrival airport. Flexibility is one of our motos, so we´ll be glad to pick you up from nearby airports and bring you to/from your hotel.

Driving time-we want you to experience your destinations on foot, not from the highway. On average we spend two-three hours a day or less traveling, along scenic roads wherever possible. Our vehicles are modern luxury passenger mini-vans with extra leg room and extremly comfortabile when traveling even longer distances.

Pictures

visit albaniavisit albaniavisit albaniavisit grecce
visit ohridvisit ohridvisit ohridvisit montenegro
visit montenegrovisit montenegrovisit sarajevovisit sarajevo

Testimonials

BALKAN TOUR OCTOBER 20195 stars review
We had two private tours with Andrej and could not commend his professionalism, knowledge, expertise, persona and caring manner more!  [...]
BALKAN TOUR OCTOBER 20195 stars review
We had two private tours with Andrej and could not commend his professionalism, knowledge, expertise, persona and caring manner more!  Top service from a top guy!!   Merry Christmas dear Andrej to you and yours. Aufweidersein. Every good wish for another successful year!!  ??? Barbara Abe & Julie Penny, AUSTRALIA
BALKAN DELIGHT OCTOBER 20195 stars review
Dear Andrej, Katie and I returned home late last night after relatively uneventful flights from Athens to Istanbul, Istanbul to San [...]
BALKAN DELIGHT OCTOBER 20195 stars review
Dear Andrej, Katie and I returned home late last night after relatively uneventful flights from Athens to Istanbul, Istanbul to San Francisco and San Francisco home. We Had an absolutely fabulous time on our Balkan Delights trip. It was everything that I expected and more. Although there was a lot of time riding in the van I felt there was a good balance between the days with lots of activity and sightseeing from the van. Four passengers was definitely the right number for optimum comfort, I would not have liked six. Our hotels were mostly good to great with Athens definitely the best. Blaž was an exceptionally good driver, very knowledgeable about everywhere we visited and it was fun having Mandy along too. Your selection of local guides was exceptional and added greatly to our understanding and enjoyment. It was good seeing you again and meeting your wife and son and our last dinner and evening together was very special. I hope to see you again on a future trip. Thank you for all that you did for us. Best regards, Janet King, USA
BALKAN DELIGHT OCTOBER 20185 stars review
I know you know Blaz is a great tour guide but we want you to know that we think he is a top notch. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and [...]
BALKAN DELIGHT OCTOBER 20185 stars review
I know you know Blaz is a great tour guide but we want you to know that we think he is a top notch. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and time with them. Thanks again. Robinson, USA