Tour Balkan Mosaic | Visit Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Meals

27 Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner)

Others

Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary 24/7 Local emergency contact

Transport

All sightseeing and transfers by private transportation

Accommodation

Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes

Guide

Services of local English speaking guides cum drivers

Not included:

Others

International airfares Insurance/visas Tips/gratuities

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

International flights are not included.

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Day 1 Arrive Belgrade (Serbia)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrive Belgrade (Serbia)

Welcome to charming Belgrade, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and the capital of Serbia since 1403. Originally home to one of the most important prehistoric cultures of Europe, the Vinča, this region has been ruled by the Romans, the Slavs, the Byzantine Empire and the Bulgarian Empire throughout the centuries. Upon arrival, we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Our afternoon is free to explore this romantic city.

Overnight: Hotel Moskva, Belgrade (2 nights)
Day 2 Belgrade
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Belgrade

Our in-depth journey exploring the Balkans starts with a drive through New Belgrade, which is located on the bank of the River Sava. After reaching the old town, we stop at the Memorial Complex of Josip Broz Tito, the legendary president of Yugoslavia. On our way to the center of the city, we will see the new Saint Sava Church, which is the third largest Orthodox Church in Europe, the Former Federal Assembly Building of Yugoslavia, the Church of Saint Marko, the Royal Palaces of the Serbian dynasties until WWII, and Terazije Square. In the afternoon, we walk from elegant Republic Square, which is surrounded by the National Theatre and the National Museum. We stroll along Knez Mihajlova Street, the main shopping and meeting place of the city. We then visit the old quarter, walking by the ’Question mark sign’ Inn and Princess Ljubica’s Residence, as well as the Patriarchy and the Orthodox Cathedral. Next, we explore at Kalemegdan Fortress, a symbol of Belgrade that has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the course of its 16 centuries. We start in the Upper Fortress area, then explore the Eastern Ward, the Nebojsa Tower, the Baroque Gate of Karl VI, and the remains of the medieval metropolitan palace. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner at the local Bohemian quarters of Skadarlija with Serbian cuisine and music. (B, D)
Day 3 Belgrade/Visegrad (Bosnia & Herzegovina)/Zlatibor (Serbia) (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Belgrade/Visegrad (Bosnia & Herzegovina)/Zlatibor (Serbia) (Drive)

Today is a treat for rail buffs, photographers and nature lovers. We start with a ride on the Sarganska Osmica, a narrow-gauge heritage steam train, which traverses beautiful landscapes through 20 tunnels and across 10 bridges. Afterwards, we cross the Drina River into the Republika Srpska in Bosnia & Herzegovina to visit the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge of Višegrad*. Built at the end of the 16th century, the bridge has 11 masonry arches and is a representative masterpiece of Sinan, one of the greatest architects and engineers of the classical Ottoman period. We then ascend Mount Zlatibor National Park and visit an open-air museum displaying traditional architecture and handicrafts, as well as world famous hand-knitted clothes. We walk through the village before checking into our hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Staro Selo or Hotel Mecavnik, Zlatibor (1 night) (B, D)
Day 4 Zlatibor/Novi Pazar (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Zlatibor/Novi Pazar (Drive)

We visit the Monastery Studenica*, founded in 1190 and best known for its collection of 13th and 14th century Byzantine-style fresco paintings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the churches of the Virgin, Saints Joachim and Anne, and Saint Nicholas. We then head to Novi Pazar and take an evening walking tour of the town. Predominantly Muslim, Novi Pazar’s story began in the 1400s when the Ottoman governor of the region built a fort, mosque, market and baths here.

Overnight: Hotel Emrovic Raj, Novi Pazar (1 night) (B, D)
Day 5 Novi Pazar/Pec (Kosovo) (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Novi Pazar/Pec (Kosovo) (Drive)

A short drive brings us to one of the most treasured sacral buildings of the Nemanjić era, the Monastery Sopoćani*, featuring magnificent medieval murals. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was thought to have been built around 1260. After our exploration of the monastery, we continue to Kosovo, Europe’s newest country. The Medieval Monuments in Kosovo* are world renowned for their beauty. These four churches and monasteries were built in the 13th and 14th centuries, and are famous for their distinctive style of wall painting, developed in the Balkans from the 13th to 17th centuries.

Overnight: Hotel Dukagjini, Pec (1 night) (B, D)
Day 6 Pec/Pristina/Skopje (North Macedonia)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Pec/Pristina/Skopje (North Macedonia)

Today, explore Dečani Monastery and the Patriarchate of Peć. Dečani Church boasts some of the richest and most well preserved Romanesque-Gothic sculptures in the region. At the Patriarchate of Peć, we visit the monastery’s oldest church, built in the 13th century. Next, we journey to Kosovo’s capital city of Pristina, with the opportunity to stroll along its streets and enjoy its main square. We visit the 14th century Monastery of Gracanica, which represents the culmination of Serbian buildings that followed the Byzantine tradition. We then head into North Macedonia, offering a unique mix of Greek, Roman and Ottoman heritage. Our destination is the country’s charming capital of Skopje.

Overnight: Hotel Alexandar II, Skopje (1 night) (B, D)
Day 7 Skopje/Ohrid (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Skopje/Ohrid (Drive)

With the earliest evidence of settlement dating to 4000 BC, Skopje offers a long and fascinating history spanning through Roman times and beyond. In the morning, we walk through the old town “Charshi”, visiting the Stone Bridge built by the Ottomans and the Church of Saint Spas. We then explore the Old Bazaar, largest bazaar in the Balkans and trade centre of Skopje since the 12th century, and Fortress Kale, where the city’s oldest artifacts were found. Our explorations conclude with visits to Mustapha Pasha Mosque, dating from 1492, and the Daut Pasa Baths (only from the outside). Afterwards, we head to Ohrid.

Overnight: City Hotel, Ohrid (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 8 Ohrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ohrid

A delightful experience ahead today as we discover Ohrid*, providing a postcard-perfect picture with its setting on the lake of the same name. The old part of Ohrid was known in ancient times as Lychnidos, or the City of Lights. It was here as well where the Cyrillic alphabet was created by brothers Cyril and Methody in the 9th century. Start with a walking tour around the museum-like old town. Ohrid is also known as the City of 365 Churches, and we visit the churches of Saint Kliment, Saint Sophia and Saint Panteleimon. We also explore the Tsar Smuili Fortress, which served as capital of the First Bulgarian Empire during the Middle Ages. Our stroll culminates at the local bazaar. Afternoon is free to explore Ohrid’s picturesque streets and attractions. (B, D)
Day 9 Ohrid/Berat (Albania)/Tirana (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ohrid/Berat (Albania)/Tirana (Drive)

We drive around Lake Ohrid and enter Albania. Closed to ousiders for much of the 20th century, this country offers a unique mix of majestic mountains, Greek, Roman and Ottoman monuments, and cultural quirks. Today, we visit Berat*. Due to its many buildings scenically stacked on the slopes of a hill, Berat is known as the City of 1001 Windows. Sitting on the hilltop is the city’s crown jewel, Berat Castle. During our explorations today, we see paintings by Onufri, an outstanding painter from the 16th century, as well as paintings from his son Nikolla. We visit several Byzantine churches in the old town before continueing to Tirana.

Overnight: Hotel Rogner, Tirana (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 10 Tirana/Durres/Tirana (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tirana/Durres/Tirana (Drive)

Enjoy a scenic drive to Durres (formerly Durrazzo), Albania’s second largest city and one of its oldest towns, dating back to 7th century BC. For hundeds of years, it was the largest port on the Adriatic. The highlight of our visit here is the Roman amphitheatre, one of the ten most beautiful Roman amphitheatres in the world. Afterwards, we return to Tirana to discover this colourful city. Here, we visit Skanderbeg Square in the centre of the town, the Mosque of Et’hem Bey, dating to 1789, the Clock Tower, dating to 1830, and the Palace of Culture housing the Opera (view from the outside only). Evening is at leisure to further explore Tirana’s cosmopolitan charms. (B, D)
Day 11 Tirana/Kruja/Shkoder/Budva (Drive) (Montenegro)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tirana/Kruja/Shkoder/Budva (Drive) (Montenegro)

Experience the scenic town of Kruja, perched high on the face of a hill. In the 15th century, Kruja was the centre of the Albanian resistance in the rebellion against the Ottomans, led by the now legendary Skanderbeg. We explore the museum here that commemorates Albania’s national hero before crossing the border into Montenegro. We spend the night in Budva, one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Coast.

Overnight: Hotel Budva or Hotel Kotor, Budva (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 12 Budva/Cetinje/Kotor/Budva
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Budva/Cetinje/Kotor/Budva

We explore Budva, a well-preserved medieval town offering enchantingly narrow streets lined with shops and taverns. Afterwards, a scenic drive gets us to Cetinje, capital of Montenegro during the Njegoš era, where we visit the royal palace of King Nikola II, last King of Montenegro. Next, we travel to Kotor*, a town inhabited since Illyrian and Roman times. Our walk through the city takes us back to the Middle Ages, when Kotor was an important artistic and commercial centre. The city walls of Kotor were originally built by the Republic of Venice in the 16th and 17th centuries to protect its trading interests, and it’s a part of the Venetian Works of Defence* World Heritage Site. We also visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon before our return to Budva. (B, D)
Day 13 Budva/Trebinje (Bosnia And Herzegovina) /Medjugorje/Mostar (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Budva/Trebinje (Bosnia And Herzegovina) /Medjugorje/Mostar (Drive)

We drive along picturesque Boka Bay before heading inland through beautiful mountain scenery. We soon cross the border into Bosnia & Herzegovina and come to the village of Medjugorje, a major Roman Catholic pilgrimage centre. It is reputed that in 1981, several local children received messages from the Virgin Mary. We then travel to Mostar* to see the famous Ottoman bridge, built in 1557 during the times of Suleiman the Magnificent to unify the communities residing along the Neretva River.

Overnight: Hotel Eden, Mostar (1 night) (B, D)
Day 14 Mostar/Sarajevo (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mostar/Sarajevo (Drive)

A lovely journey ahead today as we drive along Neretva River and the Bosnian Mountains to enchanting Sarajevo, said to be a miniature version of Istanbul. Our walking tour of Sarajevo takes us instantly back to the Ottoman days as we visit the beautiful old quarters and authentic Turkish carsija (city centre), with its oriental sweet shops, cafes and traditional Bosnian food. Evening is free to further explore Sarajevo’s multicultural flavours. A walk around the alleys and gulleys of Sarajevo’s Old Town, especially at sunset, is something that one we can ever forget. It will take you to the era of the Arabian Nights, 1001 Nights, Alibaba, Alladin and more.

Overnight: Hotel Europe, Sarajevo (1 night) (B, D)
Day 15 Sarajevo/Departure (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sarajevo/Departure (Drive)

For more than 400 years, Ottoman mosques, Orthodox churches, Roman-Catholic cathedrals and Jewish synagogues have all called Sarajevo home—in fact, Sarajevo is said to be one of the most multicultural cities in Europe! We will explore the history of this unique place, meet local folks at the bazaar and also visit the site where, on June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie were assassinated, an event that triggered World War I.

Afternoon, we are transferred to the airport for our depature flight or, better still, join us on a private extension tour to the other Balkan states of Croatia & Slovenia. Please see details. (B)
Day 16 Day 16: Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Dubrovnik

Enjoy a walking tour through the old walled heart of Dubrovnik. Here all motor vehicles are banned. Our vehicle drops us outside the Pile Gate where we visit the old walled town, where we will be viewing from the outside many of the sites including Franciscan Monastery, housing one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, the Old Harbour, St. Laurence Fortress, the Sponza and Rector’s Palace and other points of interest. Dubrovnik is the best-preserved walled city in Europe. Afternoon is free to explore on your own allowing to explore the many sites on your own. (B)
Day 17 Day 17: Dubrovnik/Split Or Trogir (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Dubrovnik/Split Or Trogir (Drive)

After a leisurely day on the beautiful Adriatic Coast, we drive to Split. A picturesque drive takes through coastal villages and we make a brief stop at the town of Makarska before reaching the old town of Split or Trogir.

Overnight: Hotel President or Hotel Globo, Split or Hotel Pasike, Trogir (2 nights) (B)
Day 18 Day 18: Split
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Split

Split is a vibrant city, with Diocletian’s Palace* at its heart. The old town features some of the most outstanding classical architecture in the world. It was in 295 AD that the Roman emperor Diocletian started to build his palace on the Dalmatian Coast. After his abdication in 305, the retired emperor left Nicomedia and settled in the palace, intending to spend the rest of his life there. We visit the impressive cellars of the palace to get an idea of the original structure, the Baptistery of St. John and the Cathedral of St. Domnius. Afternoon is free to enjoy the traditional markets of Split. (B)
Day 19 Day 19: Split Or Trogir/Opatija (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Split Or Trogir/Opatija (Drive)

Another interesting day ahead as we visit the medieval town of Trogir*, which has changed little over the years. Life here revolves around Narodni Trg, a creamy-white square flanked by the Cathedral, Communal Palace and Loggia. We visit the 13th Century Venetian Cathedral of St. Lovro, located on Ivana Pavla Square.

Our next stop is at the Cathedral of St James in Šibenik*. We continue to in Zadar, the ancient capital of Dalmatia. The town offers a variety of architectural styles, with Corinthian columns standing alongside Romanesque churches. We conclude our scenic drive along the Adriatic Sea to Opatija.

Overnight: Hotel Cristal, Opatija (1 night) (B)
Day 20 Day 20: Opatija/Pula/Rovinji/Porec (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Opatija/Pula/Rovinji/Porec (Drive)

We starts our tour with Pula, featuring an impressive 1st Century Roman Amphitheatre overlooking the harbour.

We drive to Rovinj to enjoy a walking tour of this mostly Italian speaking town, where shops line the narrow streets of the old town selling local wines, grappa, the region’s tasty olive oil and truffles. Above the old town stands the Gothic church, the Basilica of Santa Euphemia, dating back to the Oratory of St Maur, a secret place of worship from the time when Christianity was banned.

Overnight: Hotel Palazzo, Porec (2 nights) (B)
Day 21 Day 21: Porec
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Porec

Today we get to explore the town of Porec, the ancient Decumanus still runs straight through the center and the Roman forum. We visit the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč*. Later we visit the picturesque old villages of Groznjan and Motovun. (B)
Day 22 Day 22: Porec/Postojna/Ljubljana (Slovenia) (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Porec/Postojna/Ljubljana (Slovenia) (Drive)

We take a scenic coastal drive along the coast then cross into Slovenia. We then visit Lipica Stud Farm, and head to the Postojna Caves, an exceptional system of limestone caves and is one of the most famous area in the world for the study of karstic phenomena. The system is a series of caverns, halls and passages some 27 km long hollowed out by the Pivka River, which enters a subterranean tunnel near the entrance.

Overnight: Hotel Union or Hotel City, Ljubljana (1 night) (B)
Day 23 Day 23: Ljubljana/Bled (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Ljubljana/Bled (Drive)

We start the day with a tour of "Bela Ljubjana." A drive through the streets of this sunny city reminds us of the buildings of both Vienna and Prague. The difference, however, is that the Slovene capital is tiny by comparison, small enough to be easily visited on foot. We go up to the city’s highest point to visit the 16th century castle, then descend to the lower city to see Trg Naradnih Herojev, the square housing one of the world’s newest parliaments. We continue on foot to visit the old town with its large university, philharmonic hall, the square of the three bridges and explore the open air and indoor city markets. Next we travel to Lake Bled. Reflecting the high peaks of the Julian Alps, the lake has always been considered sacred to the locals. We start with a visit of the castle perched on a cliff overlooking the town. Offering stunning views of the lake, the castle is also home to a small historical museum with artefacts dating back to the time of the Romans. At the shores of Lake Bled we embark on a boat ride to Slovenia’s only island, home to a Baroque church dedicated to Our Lady of the Lake.

Overnight: Hotel Park, Bled (1 night) (B)
Day 24 Day 24: Bled/Plitvice Lakes (Croatia) (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Bled/Plitvice Lakes (Croatia) (Drive)

Another interesting day as we leave Slovenia and cross back into Croatia and conclude our scenic drive in the enchanting Plitvice Lakes area.

Overnight: Hotel Jezero, Plitvice Lakes (1 night) (B)
Day 25 Day 25: Plitvice Lakes/Zagreb (Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: Plitvice Lakes/Zagreb (Drive)

Today we walk through the Plitvice Lakes*, sixteen lakes join the other in a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by dense woods. Wooded paths follow the succession of lakes and waterfalls where streams burst out of rocks creating a unique place. In the afternoon we explore Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, visiting the Zagreb Cathedral, the Dolac Market, St. Mark’s Church and the Lotrscak Tower.

Overnight: Hotel Palace or Hotel Dubrovnik, Zagreb (1 night) (B)
Day 26 Day 26: Depart Zagreb
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Depart Zagreb

Completing our remarkable journey through the history in the Balkans, we are transferred to Zagreb airport for our onward flight. (B)

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15 days tour

Balkan Mosaic

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Itinerary of your trip Balkan Mosaic

Arrive Belgrade (Serbia)

Belgrade

Belgrade/Visegrad (Bosnia & Herzegovina)/Zlatibor (Serbia) (Drive)

Zlatibor/Novi Pazar (Drive)

Novi Pazar/Pec (Kosovo) (Drive)

Pec/Pristina/Skopje (North Macedonia)

Skopje/Ohrid (Drive)

Ohrid

Ohrid/Berat (Albania)/Tirana (Drive)

Tirana/Durres/Tirana (Drive)

Tirana/Kruja/Shkoder/Budva (Drive) (Montenegro)

Budva/Cetinje/Kotor/Budva

Budva/Trebinje (Bosnia And Herzegovina) /Medjugorje/Mostar (Drive)

Mostar/Sarajevo (Drive)

Sarajevo/Departure (Drive)

Day 16: Dubrovnik

Day 17: Dubrovnik/Split Or Trogir (Drive)

Day 18: Split

Day 19: Split Or Trogir/Opatija (Drive)

Day 20: Opatija/Pula/Rovinji/Porec (Drive)

Day 21: Porec

Day 22: Porec/Postojna/Ljubljana (Slovenia) (Drive)

Day 23: Ljubljana/Bled (Drive)

Day 24: Bled/Plitvice Lakes (Croatia) (Drive)

Day 25: Plitvice Lakes/Zagreb (Drive)

Day 26: Depart Zagreb

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