Explore the Balkans with a private guide/driver! The tour covers 7 countries – 6 of them known as ex-Yugoslavia (Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia & Slovenia) a country existing between 1918 – 2003 and their neighbor, Albania. The region that went through turbulent times is waiting for you to be discovered! What have now been formed are beautiful, welcoming tourist destinations with an abundance of hospitable locals. We’d like to shatter any preconceptions you have about this region and take you on a cultural journey visiting some fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historical cities.
You can learn more about the history and collapse of Yugoslavia, swim in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and travel through some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe. Each nation offers a different culture, cuisine and tradition and are now emerging as independent countries, packed with places that for years were off limits to most travelers. Definitely a tour not to miss!
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 (Fri, 2 Aug) Zagreb arrival
Everyone arrives at various times on this day. Meet and greet with the guide at Zagreb Airport and transfer to accommodation in Zagreb.
DAY 2 (Sat, 3 Aug) Zagreb – Jajce – Sarajevo
After breakfast we continue to Bosnia & Herzegovina. Our first stop is Jajce which used to be the capital of medieval Bosnian state. We go and see one of the world's most beautiful waterfalls, the famous Pliva Waterfalls. Next, we visit Jajce Citadel (Fortress), the Mithraic Temple, Medvjed Kula, the Tower of St. Luke, the famous Catacombs - underground church and Mosque of Esma Sultanija. In the evening we drive to Sarajevo for our overnight stay.
DAY 3, (Sun, 4 Aug) Sarajevo – Belgrade
In the morning we explore the old streets of Sarajevo. Due to its long and rich history of religious and cultural variety, Sarajevo was sometimes called the "Jerusalem of Europe". Visit to Bascarsija district where East meets West and drive in the suburbs to visit "Tunnel of life" that saved the city during the siege in 1990s. In the evening we continue to Belgrade for our overnight stay.
DAY 4 (Mon, 5 Aug) Belgrade & Novi Sad
We start the day with a tour of Belgrade. Visit old fortress - Kalemegdan, Knez Mihajlova street, the Cathedral and drive to one of the largest churches in the world, St. Sava. Continue to Dedinje to visit the tomb of Yugoslav president Tito. In the afternoon we visit another Serbian town, Novi Sad, renowned 'cultural capital' of Northern Serbia, melting pot of various ethnic groups and cultures. Enjoy the best views of the Danube from Petrovaradin Fortress. In the evening we return to Belgrade for our overnight stay.
DAY 5 (Tue, 6 Aug) Belgrade – Skopje
From Belgrade we continue to Skopje. Sightseeing of the old town with famous stone bridge, fort Kale and Railway clock. Overnight in Skopje.
DAY 6 (Wed, 7 Aug) Skopje – Ohrid
In the morning we continue to lake Ohrid which is half Albanian, half Macedonian. There used to be 365 churches around Ohrid in the past. Stop at St. Naum, just across the border to admire the beautiful monastery. Overnight in Ohrid.
DAY 7 (Thu, 8 Aug) Ohrid – Tirana
After breakfast we head towards Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Upon arrival, sightseeing of the town and some free time. Overnight in Tirana.
DAY 8 (Fri, 9 Aug) Tirana – Kruje – Budva
We leave Tirana and continue to Kruje, a small town perched high on a mountain facing the Adriatic Sea and the western plain of Albania. Walk through the bazaar and visit the Skenderbegs fort, National museum of Albania. Later we continue to Budva, the most famous coastal site in Montenegro. Overnight in Budva.
Day 9 (Sat, 10 Aug) Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik
From Budva we drive to Kotor to visit the beautiful bay of Kotor and old town that goes by the same name. In the evening we continue to the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik.
DAY 10 (Sun, 11 Aug) Dubrovnik
Full day to explore the most famous Croatian town of Dubrovnik with its mighty defensive walls along the coast. On the tour you will walk through the old town on Stradun street (Pjaca) along Onofrio`s fountain, Franciscan monastery and towards the old harbour, past St. Blaise church, Rectors palace and cathedral. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
DAY 11 (Mon, 12 Aug) Dubrovnik – Mostar – Split
After breakfast we continue to Mostar with its Turkish style old town and famous bridge. Walk on alleys that form a bazaar and are full of shops and market stalls and the Old Bridge Museum. A narrow staircase leads to the terrace of Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque's for panoramic city views and in a Turkish house you can see the typical architecture of medieval Bosnia & Herzegovina. In the evening we drive to Split for our overnight stay.
DAY 12 (Tue, 13 Aug) Split – Zadar – Plitvice Lakes
In the morning we experience the "Roman way of life" with impressive Diocletian's Palace in Split. Then we continue our tour and make a stop in Zadar. Drive towards the Plitvice Lakes for our overnight stay.
DAY 13 (Wed, 14 Aug) Plitvice – Postojna – Ljubljana
After breakfast we visit a UNESCO site, Plitvice lakes, visited by more than a million tourists each year. We continue to Slovenia and drive to Postojna to visit the no. 1 attraction in Slovenia, the 21km long Postojna cave system. Overnight in Ljubljana.
DAY 14 (Thu, 15 Aug) Ljubljana – Bled – Bohinj – Ljubljana
In the morning drive towards Bled, the pearl of Julian Alps. Sightseeing of the castle and the island and free time to relax in its unique beauty. Continue to another Alpine lake, Bohinj. In the evening return to Ljubljana for our overnight stay.
DAY 15 (Fri, 16 Aug) Ljubljana – Zagreb
Ljubljana to Zagreb sightseeing and end of tour (the guide who was with you would leave after Zagreb sightseeing and your check-in to the hotel). Overnight in Zagreb.
DAY 16 (Sat, 17 Aug) Zagreb departure
Transfer to Zagreb airport and end of our services.
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TRIP COST:
EUR 2,500 per person on twin share basis (sharing basis will depend on availability) if group of 8 pax.
EUR 2,900 per person on twin share basis (sharing basis will depend on availability) if group of 6 pax.
PRICE INCLUDES
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
VISA & PASSPORT
Please note that the only country in Schengen union is Slovenia but the other countries recognize the Schengen visa. Therefore if you already have a multiple entry Schengen visa, you can enter all countries on this tour with only this visa. Otherwise some countries might need separate visa applications. Please ensure you have at least 6 months validity on your passport on the day of travel.
SUGGESTED FLIGHTS
Depart Friday 2nd August 2019 - Return Saturday 17th August 2019
Fly Dubai flight no. FZ1793 from DXB (depart 10:00) and arrive ZAG (13:15)
Fly Dubai flight no. FZ1794 from ZAG (depart 14:30) and arrive DXB (23:00)
NOTES
Age: Minimum 12 years / No upper age limit
Tour Pace & Style: Moderate / Adventure
This tour is suitable for people who are able to travel in a minibus for quite long periods on winding, mountainous roads; are able to walk continuously up to a distance of 3km, sometimes up steep hills; want the convenience of being privately driven but knowing that most of the main sights and attractions will be reached on foot from the hotel.
Group Size: 6-8 people
BOOKING & DEPOSIT PAYMENT DEADLINE: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
August is peak season in the Balkans and the tour company needs to secure the group’s accommodation.
PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR INTEREST ASAP by contacting Jennifer (mob. 050 246 9780) on guinevere33@hotmail.com with the following information:
We look forward to seeing you on the trip!
| Ticket Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Field Trip: Grand Balkan Tour | AED0.00 | Sale Ended |
Saadiyat Island, Abū Ȥaby [Abu Dhabi], (Public Bus No. 192), United Arab Emirates
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