Balkan Odyssey – 19 Days

WHAT TO EXPECT

Embark on the ultimate Balkan adventure with our legendary 19-day Grand Circle tour. This comprehensive journey takes you through eight captivating countries: Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Greece. Experience the complete tapestry of Balkan culture, history, and natural beauty.

From the vibrant streets of Belgrade to the ancient monasteries of Bulgaria, from the stunning Adriatic coastline to the majestic peaks of the Balkans, this tour covers it all. Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, taste authentic regional cuisines, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality that defines this remarkable region.

This is more than a tour—it's a transformative journey through time, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of the Balkans that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Belgrade

Welcome to Serbia! Arrive in Belgrade and transfer to your hotel. Evening welcome dinner and orientation meeting with your tour guide. Optional evening walk through the historic city center.

Day 2: Discover the Jewels of Belgrade

Full day exploring Belgrade. Visit Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park, Temple of Saint Sava, and the bohemian Skadarlija quarter. Enjoy a traditional Serbian lunch and afternoon cruise on the Sava and Danube rivers.

Day 3: Serbia: where old is synonymous

Journey through central Serbia visiting ancient monasteries and traditional villages. Stop at Oplenac Royal Complex and continue to the scenic mountain region of Zlatibor. Evening arrival and dinner.

Day 4: Here, in western Serbia

Explore Western Serbia's natural beauty. Ride the historic Šargan Eight heritage railway, visit Drvengrad (Wooden Town), and experience authentic mountain hospitality with wine tasting at a local winery.

Day 5: Unveiled Mistiracles of Herzegovina

Cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit the stunning Blagaj Tekke and the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar. Explore the old bazaar, watch bridge divers, and enjoy traditional Bosnian coffee.

Day 6: The captivated old town Sarajevo

Full day in Sarajevo. Walk through Baščaršija (old bazaar), visit Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Latin Bridge, and learn about the city's complex history. Free afternoon to explore and experience Sarajevo's unique café culture.

Day 7: If the 1st time, it strikes you

Travel through stunning landscapes to Montenegro. Visit Trebinje Market, continue to the breathtaking Bay of Kotor, and explore Kotor's medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 8: Reveal a glimpse of the Balkans

Boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks island. Drive along the stunning coastal road to Budva, explore the old town, and continue to Albania. Evening arrival in Tirana or coastal Albania.

Day 9: I want Albania into the EU already

Discover Albania's treasures. Visit Berat, the "City of a Thousand Windows," a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic castle, old quarters, and experience authentic Albanian hospitality.

Day 10: North Macedonia is definitely undervisited

Cross into North Macedonia. Visit Ohrid, the "Jerusalem of the Balkans," with its stunning lake, ancient churches, and charming old town. Boat ride on Lake Ohrid and visit to Samuel's Fortress.

Day 11: End Skopje is one of the crazer

Travel to Skopje, Macedonia's vibrant capital. Explore the eclectic mix of Ottoman and modern architecture, visit the Old Bazaar, Mother Teresa Memorial House, and the iconic Stone Bridge.

Day 12: The Rise of Mighty 2nd Bulgarian

Enter Bulgaria. Visit the ancient capital Veliko Tarnovo with its impressive Tsarevets Fortress. Continue to the Rose Valley region, famous for rose oil production. Evening in a traditional Bulgarian guesthouse.

Day 13: Bulgarian Soft Coffee

Explore Bulgaria's cultural heart. Visit Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities, with its beautifully preserved Roman theater and charming old town. Wine tasting in a local winery in the Thracian wine region.

Day 14: Sofia's the Buoyant of the SE Balkans

Visit Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's most famous monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site, set in stunning mountain scenery. Continue to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, for evening exploration.

Day 15: The built-city on solid-rock that

Cross into Greece. Visit the breathtaking Meteora monasteries, perched atop towering rock formations. Explore these UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enjoy spectacular sunset views.

Day 16: The land of the Gods/Fortis

Journey through Greece visiting Delphi, the ancient sanctuary and oracle. Explore the archaeological site and museum. Continue towards the coast with stunning mountain and sea views.

Day 17: The one & only Conglomerate

Travel along the scenic coastal route back towards Croatia. Stop at picturesque villages and enjoy views of the Ionian Sea. Evening arrival on the Dalmatian coast.

Day 18: Pearl-neck like in old times

Full day in Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Walk the famous city walls, explore the marble-paved Stradun, visit the Rector's Palace, Franciscan Monastery, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Srđ.

Day 19: Farewell to Dubrovnik

Final morning in Dubrovnik. Free time for last-minute exploration, shopping, or relaxation. Farewell breakfast with your group. Transfer to airport for departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Balkans.

General Inclusions

Valid both for Standard and Superior package

Transportation :

Airport arrival transfer
Transportation as per the itinerary with modern, comfortable vehicles tailored to your group size.

Entrances and tickets :

Temple of Saint Sava, Krušedol Monastery, "Astra" National Museum Complex, Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, Damascena Complex with rose water and rakija tasting, Oplenac Royal Complex, Wooden-Town, Blagaj Tekke, Kotor Old Town

Experiences :

Coffee & rakija in a Belgrade tavern (Serbian Daily Routine); Sava and Danube Rivers Cruise (Belgrade Sundown Cruise); Wine tasting in a local winery in Northern Serbia (Wines of Fruška Gora); Cable car ride in the Carpathian Mountains in Romania (Transfăgărășan Scenic Road); Wine tasting in a local winery in Dealu Mare region of Romania (Carpathian Wines); Visit to the ethno village in Bulgaria (Rural Roots of Bulgaria); Natural and handmade herbal cosmetics making experience in an open-air ethnographic museum in Bulgaria (Etar Traditional Crafts); Wine tasting in a local winery in Central Serbia (Šumadija Royal Wines); Dinner in a traditional Western Serbian restaurant (Zlatibor Gourmet Session); Train ride tickets on a heritage railway (Šargan Eight Railroad); Traditional Bosnian street food tasting (A Taste of History); Copper modeling workshop (Mostar Copper Artistry); Visit to the local market in Herzegovina (Trebinje Market Delights); Boat ride to the island and entry ticket to the church (Our Lady of the Rocks)

*Optional experience: Dinner in an Art Noveau restaurant in Bucharest (not included in the price)

Meals :

18 x breakfast
Additional meals included in our experiences

Additional:

Professional English-speaking tour guidance throughout the tour
VAT, accommodation taxes and city taxes
Tour logistics and organization with dedicated service and care
1 bottle of water (0.5l) daily for each passenger

Accommodation

Standard package:

4 BB in Belgrade in Royal Inn 4* / Mercure Excelsior 4* / Central Point 4* or similar
1 BB in Sibiu in Continental Forum Sibiu 4* / Golden Tulip Ana Tower 4* / Art 4* or similar
2 BB in Sinaia in Sinaia 4* / Anda 4* / Vila Economat 4* or similar
2 BB in Bucharest in Capitol 4* / Leonardo Bucharest City Center 4* / Mercure Bucharest City Center 4* or similar
1 BB in Arbanasi / Veliko Tarnovo in Arbanaski Han 4* / Yantra Grand 4* or similar
1 BB in Plovdiv in Grand Plovdiv 4*/ Holiday Inn 4* / Best Western Premier Plovdiv Hills 4* or similar
1 BB in Sofia in Central Sofia 4* / Coop 4* / Abrazo Sofia 4* or similar
1 BB in Zlatibor in Palisad standard 4*/ Mona Plaza Zlatibor 4* / Buket 4* or similar
2 BB in Sarajevo in Old Town 4* / Colors Inn 4* / Mövenpick 4* (Novotel) or similar
1 BB in Trebinje in Central Park 4* / Sesto Senso 4* / Platani 4* or similar
2 BB in Dubrovnik in Lapad 4* / Lero 4* / Valamar Tirena 4* or similar

Superior package:

4 BB in Belgrade in Envoy 4* / Museum 4* / Moskva 4* or similar
1 BB in Sibiu in Art 4* / Hilton Sibiu 5* or similar
2 BB in Sinaia in International 4* / Vila Economat / Boutique Vila La Kastel 4* or similar
2 BB in Bucharest in Grand Continental 5* / Novotel Bucharest City Center 4* / Mercure Bucharest City Center 4* or similar
1 BB in Arbanasi / Veliko Tarnovo in Arbanaski Han 4* / Yantra Grand 4* or similar
1 BB in Plovdiv in Double Tree by Hilton 4* / Radisson Hotel Plovdiv 4* / Este Park 4*
1 BB in Sofia in Grand Sofia 5* / Sense Sofia 5* / Crystal Palace Boutique Sofia 4* or similar
1 BB in Zlatibor in Palisad superior 4* / Bor by Karisma 5* / Zlatibor Residence 4* or similar
2 BB in Sarajevo in Courtyard by Marriott 4* / Europe 5* / Baškuća 4* or similar
1 BB in Trebinje in Central Park 4* / Nar 4* / Integra 4* or similar
2 BB in Dubrovnik in Royal Neptun 4* / Kompas 4* / More 5* or similar

IMPORTANT

* All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance.
* Please ensure you bring your passport or travel document with you during the trip.
* Kindly note that visa requirements are the responsibility of each traveler and CapeTravel cannot advise on different requirements or restrictions.