A Taste of the Balkans

Set off for an adventure to the Balkans, a region where rocky coastlines and towering mountains meet a complex history and medieval cities. On your journey, generations of traditions come to life through local experiences amid stunning backdrops.
Hotel Name: Le Premier Boutique Hotel

Arrive in Croatia’s fascinating capital city, Zagreb. Get ready to discover this modern metropolis with its Old Town, medieval settlements, open squares, museums, and cobbled streets meant for strolling. Your day is free until tonight, when you gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Baranjska Kuca Hotel and Etno Restaurant

Visit Area: Zagreb
Located in the northwest of the country, Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. Zagreb is a city with a rich history dating from the Roman times to the present day. Zagreb is the most important transport hub in Croatia. The city is known for its diverse economy, high quality of living, museums, sporting and entertainment events.

This morning, join a local guide on a walking tour of Zagreb’s highlights, from the main square to Upper Town. Enjoy some free time to explore and have lunch on your own before the journey continues to the northeast corner of Croatia. Travel off the beaten path toward the rural village of Karanac, nestled at the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers. Tonight, meet your local hosts for a delightful dinner accompanied by folk entertainment.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Karanac Farm Stay

Immerse yourself in country life this morning, perhaps joining your hosts in preparing breakfast. Then join your local guide in the nearby city of Osijek, learning about its Roman and Ottoman history. Take free time to have lunch and explore the city center on your own, marveling at the architecture, museums, historic buildings, city parks, and monuments. This afternoon, find out how wine is made in this region – while enjoying a glass. Then, roll up your sleeves alongside locals to prepare traditional dishes and bread for dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Colors Inn

Visit Area: Osijek

This morning, continue to Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city, where East meets West, and your home for the next two nights. Reminiscent of a European Jerusalem, experience a city shaped by its rich history and the coexistence of various religious sects. Perhaps you’ll join a guided stroll this evening to get acquainted with the area.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: Cooking Class

With a local expert, uncover the history of Sarajevo, the starting point of the First World War. Meander the storied roadways and take in its blend of religions and architectural styles. Free time means independent exploration of this historic city. During an Impact Moment, meet with a local siege survivor, who will uncover more of Sarajevo’s past. Spend time in the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, the site of the “Tunnel of Hope” that connected the besieged city to the outside world. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Sarajevo on your own. Tonight, locals welcome you to their home for dinner. Enjoy regional favorites such as klepe (meat dumplings) and burek (flaky filled pastries). Sip Bosnian coffee as a soundtrack of traditional folk music sets the tone for a truly memorable evening.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Royal Ariston Hotel

Visit Area: Sarajevo

This morning, on your way to Croatia, spend time in Mostar, home to the iconic arched Stari Most Bridge (UNESCO). Explore Mostar on a guided walk before lunching on your own in the historic part of the city. This afternoon, be greeted by views of the Adriatic Sea when you arrive in Dubrovnik.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Impact Moment
Experience an Impact Moment when you learn how the local women are keeping the community alive through their traditions and crafts.

Dubrovnik’s ancient streets share their history and timeless appeal during a tour of the city. Then, let the city continue to reveal itself to you because it’s your choice! Take a harbor cruise for magnificent views of Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls and visit Lokrum Island -OR- get a bird’s-eye view of the city by cable car, riding up to Srd Hill, a breathtaking vantage point to look over the Old Town below and the Adriatic Sea. With the remainder of your day free, you do you – Croatia-style.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Cattaro

Visit Area: Mostar

It’s “Dovidenja” to Croatia as you head to Montenegro. Set sail on a private boat* for the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Visit the church before coasting through the breathtaking Kotor Bay towards the Old Town of Kotor (UNESCO). Complete your visit to Kotor with a locally guided tour before you settle in your hotel located within the historic walls of Kotor town.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Dubrovnik
A group of refugees from Epidaurum (today’s Cavtat) founded Dubrovnik in the first half of the 7th century. The city was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire through the 12th century. From 1205-1358, Dubrovnik fell under the sovereignty of Venice. Dubrovnik ruled itself as a free state between the 14th century and 1808 as the Republic of Dubrovnik. It flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and became the chief shipping rival to Venice. A devastating earthquake in 1667 killed over 5,000 citizens and marked the beginning of the decline for the Republic. The Republic officially met its final demise in 1808 after Napoleon’s armies conquered it and Marshal Marmont abolished the Republic and integrated it into the Illyrian provinces. Since 1808, Dubrovnik has fallen under attack, been occupied and annexed several times, most recently as part of the second Yugoslavia (1945-1991); however, it continues to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities on the entire Adriatic. With its medieval walls that surround the old city, and the ancient buildings contained within, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site unlike any other.

Today, have fun exploring Kotor your way. Perhaps you’ll go on an optional excursion to Njeguši, a quiet and peaceful village located on the slope of Mount Lovcen about 900 meters above sea level. Soak in the views from a cable car and get a tasty local lesson on the traditions of prosciutto and homemade cheeses famously produced here – and, of course, sample these specialties. Learn more about Montenegrin history while visiting the royal town of Cetinje. Upon return, the remainder of the day is yours to explore the hidden corners of Kotor.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Rogner

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Lokrum Island or Dubrovnik Cable Car

Cross another border today and arrive in Albania! Get to know Shkodër, one of the most historic cities in the country. Admire mosques and churches on a guided stroll along the main pedestrian street and try some of the local cuisine. Continue your travel day on your way to Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Explore its history and architecture on a locally guided tour while learning more about Albania’s intriguing past. Visit a former top-secret nuclear bunker, now a museum dedicated to the victims of one of most controlling communist regimes in Europe.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Our Lady of the Rocks

Today, explore Tirana as you wish. Perhaps you’ll decide to join an optional excursion to the coastal ancient city of Durrës, where the Roman Amphitheater of Emperor Hadrian stands as the city’s most prominent attraction. Join a local guide to see the historic city’s ruins, and later, get an introduction to the viticulture in the region while enjoying a wine tasting paired with local specialties at a prominent winery. No matter how you fill your day, experience the best of the local cuisine and a show of rich folk traditions during dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Divani Meteora Hotel

Admittance: Boka Bay Scenic Sailing

Soak in the beauty of the countryside with its winding roads and stretches of green on your way to Gjirokastra in southern Albania. Perhaps one of the steepest cities in the world, explore its unique architecture and glorious history. After having some free time in this fascinating town join your local guide on a tour of Gjirokastra’s dominant castle on the hill. Cross into Greece, your last border on this travel journey. Arrive in Kalambaka** in the late afternoon in time to freshen up for dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: NYX Esperia Palace Hotel

Visit Area: Kotor

This morning, explore Metéora. Visit one of the remote monasteries*** situated in a unique landscape, where limestone rock “towers” extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks built their monastic community perched atop these rocks. Later, learn how Byzantine icons are created by visiting an icon-painting workshop in Kalambaka. Watch some of the process at this atelier, where icons are made using traditional methods. Spend some time on your own in this enchanting town before continuing your journey to Athens.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Shkodër

Later this morning explore the sights of Athens on a locally-guided walking tour. From Syntagma Square and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, wander through the streets, soaking in the essence of this iconic city and savoring its charm and energy. Visit the new Acropolis Museum, considered one of the most important museums in the world, to trace the story of the ancient city. Located within a short walking distance of the Acropolis, the museum houses archeological treasures from the Acropolis and offers wonderful views on the ancient site. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Athens on your own before joining your fellow travelers for dinner and to toast to the end of your journey.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Tirana

Your tour ends today.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Gjirokastra