Overview
This ambitious 8-day expedition is a whirlwind tour through the heart of the Balkans, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty across five distinct nations: Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Croatia. The journey begins in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, where you’ll be immediately immersed in a landscape of historic Ottoman architecture, including the second largest Turkish bazaar on the Balkan, and grand modern monuments. From there, the path leads to the serene shores of Lake Ohrid, with a stop in Tetovo to witness the unique 15th-century Painted Mosque. The adventure then crosses into Albania, exploring the vibrant capital of Tirana before moving on to the historic city of Shkoder and its formidable Rozafa Castle.
The tour then traces the stunning Adriatic coastline, entering Montenegro to visit the old Venetian port of Budva and the breathtaking, UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor. The coastal exploration continues in Croatia with a visit to the famed city of Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” where you’ll walk its iconic city walls. Venturing inland into Bosnia & Herzegovina, you’ll witness the powerful history of Mostar and its rebuilt UNESCO World Heritage Old Bridge, followed by a visit to the resilient and culturally rich capital, Sarajevo. The grand finale of this Balkan odyssey takes place in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, with a tour of its historic landmarks before your final departure.
Highlights
- Skopje, Macedonia: Explore the city from the Citadel, visit a 15th-century Mustafa Pasha mosque, the second largest Turkish bazaar on the Balkan, and see the Alexander the Great fountain.
- Tetovo's Painted Mosque: Visit the unique Painted Mosque from the 15th century on the way to Ohrid.
- Tirana, Albania: See the capital's most important attractions, including Skanderbeg Square, the Skanderbeg Statue, and the Et'hem Bey Mosque.
- Bay of Kotor, Montenegro: Visit the UNESCO-protected Natural and Culturo-Historical Region, one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia: Tour the Old Town and its world-renowned City Walls, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic".
- Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina: Visit the historic city and its iconic Old Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as Bey's Mosque and the Oriental Bazar.
- Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina: See the Kravice waterfalls, visit the Tunnel Museum, Vrelo Bosne Natural Park, and the historic Bascarsija old town with the Latin Bridge.
- Zagreb, Croatia: Tour the capital city's highlights, including Dolac Bazaar, St. Mark Church, and Ban Jelacic Square.
