Balkans Encompassed - 22 days

Welcome to Serbia! Upon arrival in Belgrade, our driver will greet you at the Nikola Tesla airport and take you to the hotel. After checking in at your hotel, you will have free time to rest and prepare for the tour.

On your first full day in Serbia, we embark on a walking and driving tour of Belgrade, starting at Knez Mihailova Street, the bustling pedestrian zone filled with shops, cafés, and historic buildings.

To kick off our day like a local, we’ll visit the city’s oldest tavern, known as “?” (Question Mark), where we’ll savour traditional Serbian drinks - coffee and rakija. Our guide will share fascinating stories about local customs and the UNESCO-protected art of making sljivovica, Serbia’s famous plum brandy.

We’ll stroll through the historic Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, enjoying stunning views of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the old city meets modernity.

Crossing Branko's Bridge into New Belgrade, our panoramic tour showcases bold Brutalist architecture and the emerging Belgrade Waterfront, a symbol of the city’s transformation. We’ll learn about Serbia's history, from its 19th-century fight for independence to the turbulent 1990s. Highlights include the iconic Ada Bridge, the upscale Dedinje residential area, and the Museum of Yugoslavia. We’ll visit the impressive Temple of Saint Sava, the fourth-largest Orthodox temple in the world, adorned with beautiful mosaics. Our tour concludes in Republic Square.

The day isn’t over yet! Get ready for a unique perspective of the city on a delightful sundown cruise along the Sava and Danube Rivers. As we sail, we’ll enjoy stunning views of Belgrade’s skyline, bridges, and landmarks.

Belgrade - Fruska Gora NP - Sremski Karlovci - Novi Sad - Belgrade. Today, we explore the captivating sights of Vojvodina, a province in northern Serbia. Our journey takes us through picturesque landscapes and Serbia's renowned wine region towards Fruska Gora National Park, known as the "Serbian Holy Land," home to 17 active Serbian Orthodox monasteries. We will visit the well-preserved Krusedol Monastery.

Next, we’ll head to Sremski Karlovci, a cultural gem featuring a stunning Baroque centre, before heading to the Fruska Gora wine region, famed for its centuries-old winemaking heritage. At a local winery, we’ll sample a selection of wines that highlight the region’s craftsmanship, including the internationally acclaimed Bermet.

Our final stop is Novi Sad, the vibrant capital of Vojvodina and the 2021 European Capital of Culture. Here, we’ll stroll through the lively pedestrian zone, seeing landmarks like City Hall and the historic synagogue, before visiting the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress for stunning views of the Danube River and the cityscape. It's back to Belgrade for the night.

Belgrade - Timisoara (Romania) - Sibiu. Departing Serbia, we cross into Romania and drive to Timisoara, the largest city in western Romania. Known as ‘Little Vienna’, the city boasts distinctive architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. Timisoara was the first European city to have electric street lighting, highlighting its historical significance.

Our tour begins at Unirii Square, with its medieval buildings and the Catholic Cathedral of Saint George, before exploring Liberty Square and Victory Square, home to the Romanian National Opera and National Theatre.

As we journey through Transylvania, enjoy the picturesque landscapes, with the stunning Carpathian Mountains providing a magical backdrop.

The day ends with a tour of Sibiu, once the wealthiest of the fortified towns established by German settlers in the 12th century. Sibiu is rich in history, boasting Romania's first hospital and pharmacy. The old town is encircled by medieval walls, featuring narrow streets that lead to landmarks like the Large Square, the Brukenthal Museum (Romania's oldest), the Small Square, the Council Tower, the Bridge of Lies, the Stairs Passage, and the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, inspired by Hagia Sophia.

Sibiu - Sinaia. After check-out, we enjoy a leisurely morning with coffee on the charming cobbled streets of Sibiu before continuing our journey through Transylvania, known for its feudal castles and fortified medieval churches.

Just a few minutes from Sibiu, we explore traditional villages at the Astra National Museum Complex, one of Europe’s largest open-air museums. It showcases rural life through traditional houses and wooden churches. Next, we wind through the Carpathian Mountains along the Transfagarasan, renowned for its breathtaking views and thrilling drive. This 90 km route, built for military purposes in the 1970s, highlights Romania's natural beauty and engineering marvels. We also take a cable car ride to the stunning glacial Balea Lake, nestled among the peaks.

Finally, we continue to Sinaia, the "Pearl of the Carpathians." This charming town is home to the famous Peles Castle.

Sinaia - Peles Castle - Brasov - Bran Castle - Sinaia. Our day begins with a visit to Peles Castle, where King Carol I of Romania was enchanted by the stunning Carpathian Mountain scenery. This magnificent Neo-Renaissance masterpiece became the royal family's summer residence, and features exquisite turrets and hand-painted stained glass windows.

We continue to Brasov, founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. The city is dotted with medieval towers and baroque buildings, with relaxed cafes lining the main square, Piata Sfatului. Our tour includes a walk down one of the narrowest streets in the world toward the Gothic-style Biserica Neagra, known as the Black Church.

Our adventure continues at Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula's Castle. This 13th-century gothic fortress, perched atop a 60-metre cliff, offers a captivating glimpse into the Middle Ages and inspired Bram Stoker's "Dracula." In the evening, we return to our Sinaia hotel.

Sinaia - Bucharest. After check-out from our hotel in Sinaia, our Romanian adventure takes an exciting turn as we enjoy a wine-tasting experience at a prestigious winery in the Dealu Mare wine region, travelling through expansive vineyards to reach a charming estate surrounded by lush fields.

Our day concludes in Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania. After checking into our hotel, you’ll have some free time to explore this vibrant city.

Bucharest, known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and stunning Belle Epoque architecture, earned the nickname "The Little Paris" in the early 1900s thanks to its vibrant social scene. On today's tour, we'll visit the city's key sights, starting at the colossal Palace of the Parliament. Next, we’ll continue to the medieval Old Town, one of Bucharest's oldest settlements, where we'll see the Old Princely Court, Stavropoleos Monastery, Lipscani Street, and the National Museum of Romanian History.

At Revolution Square, we’ll delve into Romania’s communist past and discover how this historic square earned its name, pausing for photos in front of important landmarks that reflect the city’s tumultuous history.

This evening, there is an optional Art Nouveau dinner experience. With our expert guide, you can enjoy a meal at a restaurant that captures the essence of Bucharest's 19th-century charm. Alternatively, head out on your own to further explore the Romanian capital.

Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria) - Arbanasi. Leaving Bucharest and Romania, we journey to the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo. Here we can walk the cobblestone streets that reveal the rich history of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Discover how the resilient population thrived under Turkish rule, creating magnificent architectural masterpieces and a strong craftsmen's guild.

Next, we’ll visit the nearby village of Arbanasi, where we’ll explore an open-air museum showcasing 80 houses, some featuring original Ottoman decor. We can also visit one of its five churches, which together house over 3,600 frescoes. Our day concludes with check-in at Arbanashki Han, nestled within an ethno complex that captures the spirit of a 17th-century han (Turkish for a motel), offering an exceptional glimpse into Oriental architectural tradition.

Arbanasi - Plovdiv. We're heading for the Open Air Ethnographic Museum Etar, where we can explore historic water-powered installations, artisans' workshops, and authentic Bulgarian National Revival architecture.

We’ll also have the opportunity to engage in traditional crafts at Etar Ethno Village, where we can learn to create our own handmade soap or soothing calendula ointment using age-old herbal recipes.

Continuing south, we’ll visit the Damascena Complex in the stunning Valley of Roses, home to Bulgaria's first private rose factory. Here, we’ll discover why roses are a cherished symbol of Bulgaria, enjoy an exclusive factory tour.

Finally, we’ll explore Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities, where ancient Roman, Ottoman, and Bulgarian influences blend. As we stroll along the banks of the Maritsa River and through the Old Town, we'll admire beautifully preserved Revival-era houses, visit the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis and end our day in Kapana, Plovdiv's vibrant creative hub filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Plovdiv - Sofia. There is some free time in Plovdiv this morning before we make our way to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. The city blends onion-domed churches, communist-style architecture, and Ottoman influences. We’ll discover some of Bulgaria's finest museums, galleries, and restaurants, visiting key landmarks such as the impressive Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the colourful Church of Saint Nicholas the Miracle-Maker, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, and the historic Church of Saint George. We’ll also see the Banya Bashi Mosque, the Sofia Synagogue, the National Palace of Culture, and Largo, a prime example of Socialist Classicism architecture. We're staying in Sofia for the night.

Sofia - Nis (Serbia) - Belgrade. Today we return to Serbia, arriving in the city of Nis, which is known as the birthplace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. During our short tour, we explore the historic Nis Fortress, Serbia's largest and best-preserved Turkish military fortress. After the tour, we stroll along the cobbled Tinkers Alley, the only remaining part of Nis’s old carsija (market), now home to numerous cafes and restaurants. For an authentic taste of southern Serbian cuisine, we savour local specialities like cevapi, grilled minced meat kebabs, sarma, and other regional delights.

After exploring Nis, we travel northeast to the Resava Valley and continue to the medieval Manasija Monastery, an enchanting complex originally built as a military fortification with towers and walls to protect the Church of the Holy Trinity from the Ottomans. Arriving in Belgrade, the evening is at leisure.

Belgrade - Zlatibor. We head south to Oplenac, where we visit the majestic royal mausoleum and one of Serbia's beautiful wineries. We embark on a royal wine journey through the enchanting Sumadija region, often called the "Serbian Tuscany." At one of Serbia's leading century-old wineries, we taste three types of wine crafted using traditional recipes.

After our exquisite wine experience, we enjoy a short drive to the famous Zlatibor Mountain, home to Serbia's first royal resort. We check in to the mountain hotel and have the opportunity for a relaxing walk around the charming town centre. Later, you can indulge in Serbian cuisine at one of Zlatibor Mountain's finest traditional kafanas. We start with rich ajvar and creamy kajmak, paired with artisan-cured meats, followed by hearty traditional pies or proja, the beloved Serbian cornbread. For the main course, we enjoy succulent veal or freshly caught fish, expertly prepared to highlight local flavours.

Zlatibor - Drvengrad - Visegrad (Bosnia) - Sarajevo. After check-out, we continue to the ethno village of Drvengrad (Wooden Town), built by renowned film director Emir Kusturica. Constructed from natural materials, primarily wood, the village features the Mecavnik Hotel, houses, galleries, shops, a cinema, and a church. Since 2008, Drvengrad has hosted the annual Küstendorf Film and Music Festival, attracting celebrities like Johnny Depp and Monica Bellucci.

Next, we ride the retro "Nostalgia" train along the Sargan Eight, a narrow-gauge heritage railway that offers stunning mountain scenery, tunnels, and viaducts.

Next, we visit Visegrad, on the banks of the emerald Drina River. This area features numerous buildings and facilities near the famous UNESCO-protected bridge, referenced in Ivo Andric's novel "The Bridge on the Drina." After lunch, we continue our journey to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where we check in at the hotel.

Our Sarajevo sightseeing tour commences at Vjecna Vatra (Eternal Flame), a memorial dedicated to the city's WWII liberators. Our tour starts with a taste of the city's culinary crown jewel: the famous burek, enjoyed at a local bakery. As we stroll through the vibrant Ferhadiya pedestrian zone, we'll visit the stunning Sacred Heart Cathedral and a 16th-century Orthodox Church, discovering how Sarajevo's diverse Orthodox, Catholic, and Islamic cultures influence its rich traditions. Our journey continues to Bascarsija, the heart of the old town, where we’ll sample some of the best cevapi, a beloved minced meat dish.

Experience the local coffee culture, an integral part of daily life, and visit iconic sites like the Vjecnica (City Hall), Latin Bridge, the 16th-century Bezistan market complex, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, and the Sahat Tower. We’ll conclude with a taste of heavenly baklava, before the afternoon is at leisure for you to continue exploring Sarajevo at your own pace.

Sarajevo - Mostar - Blagaj - Trebinje. Today begins with a drive to Mostar, one of the most beautiful cities of the Balkan Peninsula. On a walking tour, we see the iconic Old Bridge, a UNESCO protected landmark and one of the most photographed sights in the country. We also visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge, and the old tanner’s quarter Tabhana.

In Mostar, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a copper workshop, where you can learn the ancient art of coppersmithing. Guided by a master artisan, you’ll create your own jewellery pieces or intricate reliefs, uncovering the rich history and techniques of this cherished craft. After the workshop, there is free time for lunch on the banks of the Neretva River, with a stunning view of the bridge.

Next, we’ll journey to Trebinje, starting with a visit to Hercegovačka Gračanica, a Serbian Orthodox temple modeled after the famous Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo. Perched on a hill overlooking the town, it offers breathtaking views, exquisite frescoes, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect place to experience Herzegovina’s spiritual heritage.

We will also see the Arslanagica Bridge, which transports us 400 years back in time. Finally, we’ll gather at Poet's Square, where the century-old plane trees add to the town's charm, before checking in to our hotel.

Trebinje - Kotor (Montenegro) - Dubrovnik (Croatia). This morning, we head to the local market in Trebinje, where we can sample creamy cheese, flavourful dried meats, and sun-ripened fruits from small local producers.

Crossing into Montenegro, our first stop is Perast, a charming baroque-style settlement nestled in Boka Bay. From Perast, we take a boat trip to the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rocks. This manmade island is home to a church adorned with valuable paintings, silver votive tablets, and a famous sacred tapestry.

Our day continues with a visit to Kotor, an ancient Mediterranean town dating back to the 12th century. During our walking tour of this UNESCO site, we’ll visit the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and other cultural highlights. You’ll then have free time to wander the old town or enjoy lunch in one of its romantic squares.

Our final destination for the day is Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s best-preserved walled cities.

Enjoy a guided city tour of the Dubrovnik Old Town, celebrated as the "Pearl of the Adriatic". Highlights of our tour include Stradun, the main street, Placa Square, Pile Gate, and the Rector's Palace. See the City Walls and picturesque city port, uncovering hidden gems along the way. Spot filming locations from "Game of Thrones" and dive into intriguing stories about the Republic of Ragusa.

After the city tour, make the most of your free time by enjoying lunch at a restaurant atop the city walls, where breathtaking views await. Alternatively, consider taking a cable car to Srd Hill for stunning panoramas of the Old Town and the Adriatic coast, or explore the 2km stretch of City Walls for a unique perspective from above.

In the evening, you could opt to set sail on a sunset cruise aboard the Karaka, a replica of a traditional 16th-century wooden galleon, and admire breathtaking views of the Old Town and its centuries-old impregnable walls from the sea.

Dubrovnik - Split. Leaving Dubrovnik, we’ll drive along the picturesque Dalmatian coast to Ston, where we can savour its famous oysters and capture a photo of the iconic Ston Walls.

As we continue to the Peljesac Peninsula, we’ll visit a local winery to sample the robust Plavac Mali, the region's signature red wine, and learn about the centuries-old traditions of vine cultivation in rocky terrain.

The day concludes in Split, the largest city in Dalmatia, with 1,700 years of preserved history. Entering through the Golden Gate, we’ll wander narrow cobblestone streets filled with bustling markets, charming cafés, and hidden courtyards within Diocletian's Palace. Highlights include the former Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the oldest Catholic cathedral still in its original structure. We’ll stroll along the lively Riva promenade, soaking up the Mediterranean sun and vibrant atmosphere. We're staying in Split tonight.

Split - Hvar - Split. Today we enjoy a day trip to the sunny island of Hvar. We’ll take a short drive to the ferry port and board a high-speed catamaran to the island, renowned for its beautiful Venetian architecture and traffic-free cobbled streets lined with delightful restaurants and bars. During our walking tour, we’ll explore the harbour, Renaissance Cathedral, Benedictine Convent, Franciscan Monastery, and the Church of Our Lady of Mercy.

You will also have ample free time to explore at your own pace. You could take a boat excursion to the enchanting Pakleni Islands, relax on one of the island's beaches, or enjoy a Mediterranean lunch at a local restaurant. we return to Split in the late afternoon.

Split - Plitvice Lakes - Zagreb. Today, we bid farewell to the stunning Dalmatian coast. After check-out, we head inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park, home to 16 interconnected cascading lakes, once referred to as "Devil's Garden". We enjoy a 3-hour guided tour at this UNESCO World Heritage site, taking in the upper and lower lakes.

The day concludes in Zagreb, Croatia's capital. the evening is free to head out and explore.

After hotel check-out, we conclude our Balkan tour with a sightseeing tour of Zagreb. We’ll explore the city's main attractions, starting in Kaptol, the medieval part of Zagreb, where we visit the Franciscan monastery and its 13th-century Church of Saint Francis. Next, we’ll stroll around Dolac, Zagreb's renowned farmers' market, and admire the baroque architecture of the 18th-century Church of Saint Mary. Our tour will conclude at Ban Josip Jelacic's monument in the square named after him.

Our tour arrangements come to an end after our Zagreb sightseeing tour.