Belgrade

Welcome to Serbia. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the capital of the former Yugoslavia at your leisure.

Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a panoramic tour of this vibrant city located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. On this tour, you’ll admire the bustling city center, the impressive parliament building, and visit the historic Kalemegdan Fortress.

Belgrade – Fruska Gora – Sremski Karlovci – Novi Sad

Total distance covered: 130 km.

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Fruska Gora, a stunning natural park renowned for its landscapes and beautiful Orthodox monasteries, some of which date back to the 12th century. We’ll visit the Monasteries of Krusedol and Novo Hopovo, founded by the influential Brankovic family. We’ll continue to Sremski Karlovci, one of the oldest cities in the country, dating back to 1308 when it was known as Karom. Its beautifully preserved historic center features neoclassical architecture. We’ll visit the Museum of Beekeeping and Winery Živanović, where lunch and a wine tasting will be included. We’ll then proceed to Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia, located along the banks of the Danube, known for its diverse architecture that reflects its rich history. A highlight is the Petrovaradin Fortress, considered one of the largest in Europe and a masterpiece of 18th-century European military architecture, often referred to as "The Gibraltar of the Danube."

Novi Sad – Viminacium – Manasija – Nis

Total distance covered: 422 km.

We’ll journey south through Serbia, stopping first at the archaeological site of the Roman city of Viminacium (admission included). At its peak, the city was home to 40,000 inhabitants. Here, we’ll admire the Roman roads, as well as the remnants of ancient temples, streets, plazas, amphitheaters, palaces, hippodromes, and thermal baths. Our next stop will be the Manasija Monastery, one of the most important monuments of medieval Serbian culture. Surrounded by towering walls, the monastery’s church still preserves its 15th-century frescoes. We’ll continue to Nis, the third-largest city in Serbia, with a rich Roman heritage. This is where Constantine the Great was born. Overnight accommodation will be here.

Nis - Zica - Studenica - Kraljevo

Total distance covered: 266 km.

We’ll visit the Zica Orthodox Monastery, dating back to the early 13th century, also known as the Coronation Church, as seven Serbian kings were crowned here. We’ll then continue to the Studenica Monastery, the largest in Serbia, nestled in the mountains. Founded in 1190, it boasts a stunning ensemble of wood and plaster buildings, with its interior walls adorned with Byzantine frescoes. Lunch will be included. Afterward, we’ll head to Kraljevo, a charming town in central Serbia, surrounded by mountains and rich in history and culture. The town is known for its beautiful main square, dominated by a monument to Serbian warriors and its medieval fortress.

Kraljevo – Ravanica – Oplenac – Belgrade

Total distance covered: 192 km.

We’ll depart for Ravanica, home to a monastery and an impressive five-domed church. Afterward, we’ll continue to the village of Topola to discover its fascinating history. On Oplenac Hill, we’ll see St. George´s Church, founded by King Peter I of Yugoslavia. This church serves as the mausoleum of the Serbian and Yugoslav royal house and later Yugoslavia until 1945. We’ll then return to Belgrade for accommodation.

Belgrade – Sremska Mitrovica – Republic of Srpska – Monastery – Sarajevo

Distance traveled: 295 km
Scenery: forests, mountains, rushing rivers, and small towns. Strong contrasts mark our journey through Bosnia.

Note: Keep your passport close to you, as we will cross the border into Bosnia.

08:00 a.m. – Belgrade. Departure. We begin our beautiful journey traveling to the region of Vojvodina.

09:15 a.m. – Sremska Mitrovica. Arrival in this city with a pleasant historic center on the banks of the Sava River. Once one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire, it served as the capital of the province of Pannonia. Entrance to the Imperial Palace of Sirmium is included, offering insights into this period.

10:30 a.m. – Departure from Sremska Mitrovica. We continue toward Bosnia, traveling through beautiful landscapes along the Drina River. Border crossing (delays are possible). Stop en route for lunch. The road continues across the Republic of Srpska—the Serbian Republic of Bosnia—passing through small villages, forests, and hills.

5:30 p.m. – Sarajevo. Arrival in the late afternoon. Time to explore the historic center, where you can stroll through the enchanting bazaar, the old Ottoman market known for its architecture, oriental atmosphere, and traditional shops. Dinner included.

Sarajevo - Mostar - Dubrovnik Cavtat

Total distance: 280 km

Scenery: Spectacular landscapes with mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and picturesque villages. Arrival in Dubrovnik features stunning coastal views.

Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be crossing into Croatia.In the morning, we’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Sarajevo, a captivating city known as the “Jerusalem of Europe” for its coexistence of multiple religions. Mosques, churches, and synagogues showcase its rich diversity. We’ll explore the old town’s strong Ottoman influence, highlighted by a magnificent 500-year-old mosque and a beautiful fountain.

11:15 a.m. – Sarajevo. Departure. We travel through breathtaking mountain and valley landscapes.

01:45 p.m. – Mostar. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming city, with its enchanting historic center and iconic stone bridge that unites and separates the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities.

4:30 p.m. – Mostar. Departure. We continue our journey across the rocky and mountainous landscapes of the historic region of Herzegovina toward Croatia.

7:30 p.m. – Dubrovnik/Cavtat. Arrival. Dinner included.

Note: Depending on the date, accommodation may be in Dubrovnik or in Cavtat, a coastal town nearby.

Dubrovnik - Cavtat

09:00 a.m. - We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik with a local guide in the morning. We will undoubtedly be in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, perched on a cliff, surrounded by walls and kissed by the Adriatic Sea. Its intact historic center is a jewel of world architectural heritage. We’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning view of the city from a scenic viewpoint along the road. The tour includes tickets to the Franciscan Monastery, home to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the Assumption Cathedral. We’ll also take a boat trip to Lokrum, a small island just 15 minutes away that is home to the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery, a popular setting for the series Game of Thrones. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be included.

Note: On some occasions, accommodation may be in Cavtat, a coastal town near Dubrovnik. From November to March, there is no boat service to Lokrum, so we will not visit the island during these months.

Dubrovnik - Kotor - Budva - Tirana

Distance traveled: 295 km
Scenery: Stunning views along the Adriatic coast. The Bay of Kotor offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. Picturesque villages along the route. Later, Albania reveals a more rural character with its own strong identity.

Note: Keep your passport close to you. We will cross the borders into Montenegro and Albania.

7:30 a.m. – Dubrovnik. Departure. Early morning drive toward Montenegro. Border formalities (sometimes lengthy). We take a ferry across the stunning Bay of Kotor.

10:30 a.m. – Kotor. Arrival (time may vary depending on border procedures). Free time to stroll in this beautiful walled city with strong Venetian influence, set in a magnificent natural setting.

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Kotor. We continue along the scenic coastal route.

1:00 p.m. – Budva. A beautiful walled enclave surrounding the medieval city. Time to walk along its sandy beaches, take photos, and enjoy lunch.

2:30 p.m. – Departure from Budva. We continue along the coast toward Albania. Arrival at the border and border formalities (which may be lengthy). Time at the border for coffee and currency exchange. We then continue on smaller roads before reaching Albania’s capital.

8:00 p.m. – Tirana. Arrival. Dinner and accommodation.

Note: The road linking Montenegro with Tirana has very heavy traffic, especially during the tourist season, which can sometimes cause significant delays.

Tirana - Struga - Ohrid

Total distance covered: 160 km.

Scenery: Mountain roads in Albania offer interesting views throughout the journey. The area around Lake Ohrid is particularly beautiful, with its crystal-clear waters.

Note: Please have your passport with you. We will be crossing the border into Macedonia. Ensure you do not need a visa to enter.

After breakfast, we’ll take a city tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, featuring its mosques, Clock Tower, and ministries. Our local guide will share insights about this small country. Enjoy some free time before we continue our journey. (This tour may alternatively take place in the evening upon arrival in Tirana, depending on daylight and the guide’s decision.)

11:15 a.m. - Departure from Tirana. We’ll travel through mountain scenery, arriving at Lake Ohrid, which forms the border with Macedonia and offers picturesque landscapes. We’ll cross the border (there may sometimes be delays) and enter Macedonia.
02:30 p.m. - Struga. This picturesque town on the lake shore offers time for a stroll and lunch.

03:30 p.m. - Departure from Struga.
04:15 p.m. - Ohrid. This town, with its strong Ottoman influence, is a World Heritage Site. Enjoy time to explore the town center, after which we’ll head to the hotel by the lake on the outskirts of town. Dinner will be included.

Ohrid - Bitola - Kalabaka

Total distance covered: 283 km.

Scenery: Beautiful Balkan and northern Greek landscapes, with stunning mountain views in Greece and breathtaking scenery around the Meteora area.

Notes: Keep your passport handy as we’ll be entering Greece (Schengen zone). We’ll visit the Meteora Valley, stopping at the most important Orthodox monasteries and touring one of them. Please wear appropriate clothing (skirts will be provided for women upon arrival at the monastery) and comfortable shoes for the climb.

07:45 a.m. – Departure from Ohrid. We’ll travel through pleasant agricultural plains towards the border.
09:15 a.m. - Bitola. You’ll get to know this charming city with its rich historical heritage, known for its Ottoman and neoclassical architecture, and have time to take a stroll down Širok Sokak, a pedestrian area lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

10:15 a.m. – Departure from Bitola. We’ll head towards the border, where we’ll complete formalities to enter Greece. Northern Greece, with its rugged geography, shows a strong Slavic and Ottoman influence. We’ll continue towards the Meteora region.
03:30 p.m. (02.30 p.m. in Macedonia) - Kalabaka. Just outside the city, in Kastraki, we’ll stop at a picturesque village offering beautiful valley views. We´ll explore the awe-inspiring Meteora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll tour the valley and include entry to one of the most famous monasteries, perched high on the rocks. Arrival in Kalabaka, with dinner included.

Kalabaka - Thessaloniki - Melnik - Sandanski

Total distance: 395 km.

Scenery: Beautiful landscapes of northern Greece and on the way to Bulgaria, featuring mountains, secluded areas, and lush forests.

Note: Remember to have your passport ready; you´ll need it to enter Bulgaria.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kalabaka. We’ll travel through northern Greece, enjoying pleasant landscapes, including agricultural regions and high mountain areas.
11:15 a.m. - Thessaloniki. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch in Greece’s second-largest city.

02:00 p.m. – Departure from Thessaloniki. We’ll make our way towards the Pirin Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site historically contested by regions influenced by Greek, Slavic, and Turkish cultures. We’ll then cross the border into Bulgaria. Please note that this part of the journey may experience delays due to border procedures.
04:45 p.m. - Melnik. We’ll visit this picturesque museum-town, set in a beautiful wine-producing region. We’ll explore the traditional Balkan way of life.

05:45 p.m. – Departure from Melnik.
06:15 p.m. - Sandanski - Arrival in this charming spa town, known as the birthplace of Spartacus. Dinner and accommodation will be provided.

Sandanski - Rila - Sofia

Total distance covered: 225 km.

Scenery: Mountains and forests as we approach Rila.

Note: Wear appropriate clothing for visiting the Rila Monastery.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Sandanski.
10:30 a.m. - Rila Monastery – You’ll have time to visit this beautiful walled Orthodox monastery nestled among forests and mountains within a National Park.

11:45 a.m. – Departure from Rila Monastery.
03:00 p.m. - Sofia. After lunch, we’ll include a city tour of Bulgaria´s capital, featuring St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city´s squares and avenues showcasing Stalinist architecture. Free time follows.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.