Exploring Balkans Tour

This morning, enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, Parliament, and the Government Palace. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets of the old town or join us for an optional excursion to see the countryside. (B)

After breakfast, head towards Ljubljana – the capital of Slovenia. Take a walking tour to see the most significant sights of the old city center. Highlights include the picturesque open-air Central Market, the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, and Robba’s Fountain. Then, continue to Bled. (B, D)

Bled, an Alpine Lake surrounded by high peaks, was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19th century. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the lakeshore and charming town, and visit the imposing Bled Castle – perched on a cliff high above the lake. The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring. Browse through the shops and boutiques, or simply relax in the enchanting scenery. Join us for an optional excursion to the small island in the middle of the lake. (B)

Continue to Postojna – home to one of the largest caves in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterward, continue to the coast and have a stop in Opatija. Enjoy a walking tour of this fashionable resort from the 19th century, dotted with Habsburg-era villas. After some free time, continue towards Plitvice Lakes. (B, D)

After breakfast, have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around the lower lakes. The breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder includes sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. After the tour, head to Split. Overnight in Split. (B, D)

In the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Then see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. The rest of the day is yours to stroll through the beautiful streets of Split, enjoy the beach, or join us on an Optional Excursion to the Jet Set spot of the rich and famous – the island of Hvar. (B)

After breakfast, travel to Dubrovnik. The rest of the day is yours to explore. (B, D)

After breakfast, take a walking tour of Old Dubrovnik. Visit Rector’s Palace and see the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and the Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy – one of the oldest in the world. The rest of the day is free to continue exploring Dubrovnik. Otherwise, join an Optional Excursion to a home-hosted dinner in Dubelj. (B)

After breakfast, our journey takes us to Montenegro, with a view of Kotor Bay – the only South European fiord. Take a tour of the old town of Kotor, a UNESCO heritage Site. Continue to Tivat, Montenegro for the night. (B, D)

After breakfast, drive through Budva and Bar towards the town of Shkodra – a major Albanian cultural center. Shkodra was the center of the Illyrian tribe Labeat and was taken by the Romans in 168 B.C. View the Rozafa Castle, magnificently situated on a rocky outcrop of limestone high above the city. Continue the drive to Tirana, Albania. (B, D)

On a morning sightseeing tour, see Sheshi Skenderbej (Skanderbeg Square), the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, and the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg – Albania’s national hero. Visit the Palace of Culture, built with Soviet assistance, and the National History Museum with a mosaic on its facade portraying Albanian history. Your afternoon is free to continue exploring. Visit local shops, and restaurants, or simply relax. (B)

Drive to the lakeside resort of Ohrid, Macedonia – an important cultural and spiritual center classified  as UNESCO’s World Heritage site. Enjoy a sightseeing tour through the cobblestone streets of the old town. Visit the Cathedral of St.  Sofia, containing some magnificent frescoes from the 10th century. (B, D)

After breakfast, admire the   fantastic   landscapes of Meteora – known as the rocks that fell from the sky, where monks built their rock-top monasteries far away from civilization. Out of the 13 large and 20 small monasteries and hermit’s cells, only four are now active. We will visit either Roussanou or the Great Meteoro*. Continue to Kalambaka, Greece for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D)

Your first stop is Delphi – where the famous Oracle once foretold the destiny of men. Visit the temple of Apollo which was built in the 6th century. Visit the Sacred Way, the Stadium, and the Castalian Fountain – where pilgrims cleansed themselves in preparation for consulting the Oracle.  Visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, which contains an impressive collection of  finds  from the  site,  including  the  beautiful  Bronze  Charioteer. Continue our journey to Athens. (B)

Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the highlights of Athens, Greece. Visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon – said to be the most perfectly proportioned building of all time. Next, visit the Erectheion with the Porch of the Maidens, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Wingless Victory. Below the Acropolis lies the Ancient Agora and the Theaters of Dionysus and Herodus Atticus. The rest of the day is free to continue exploring on your own. In the evening, join us for a Farewell Taverna Dinner in the Plaka – located beside the Acropolis. (B, D)”

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Bucharest airport for your departure. (B)

Note: Because of the narrow and cobbled streets, walking is the primary way of getting around. Please make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes.