Balkan Extended

Upon arrival in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, you will be welcomed by your driver and escorted to your hotel. On the short coach ride from the Nikola Tesla airport, sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights of New Belgrade with its prominent “blocks” – a classic example of Socialist architecture, built after World War II – and modern business centers, including the importing Ušće Tower. Along the way, your driver will show you and tell some stories about the Western Gate of Belgrade, the famous Belgrade Arena, and the monumental Palace of Serbia. Check-in at your hotel. Use your free time to rest. At 7 p.m. in the hotel reception, you will be greeted by your guide who will introduce himself and provide you with detailed information about the entire trip.

After breakfast, you will embark on a tour (driving and walking) around Belgrade, a capital city well known for its various architectural styles, dynamic history, and fantastic views of one of the biggest river confluences in all of Europe. Start the tour by visiting the Museum of Yugoslav History, a memorial complex devoted to the life and deeds of Josip Broz Tito, the political leader of Yugoslavia. Next, you will pass by the stadium of FC Red Star – the former European and World Cup champions, and proceed to the Temple of Saint Sava, Belgrade’s patron saint. Very much a symbol of the city, this impressive building can be seen from any part of the capital. After a short break at the Temple’s plateau, the panoramic tour will then take you from Slavija Square, to Saint Mark’s Church, the Serbian National Parliament, and White Palace, and on to Republic Square. This most central point of Belgrade is surrounded by cultural institutions such as the National Theatre and the National Museum. The tour will then head along the lively Knez Mihailo Street, the main pedestrian and shopping zone, before stopping for a visit to the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, which is located just across from the Building of Patriarchate. Your guide will tell you about the tavern around the corner, the oldest in the city and intriguingly know as “?”, before continuing to Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, the most important cultural-historic complex of the city, situated on the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube.

Breakfast. Today you will explore the most interesting sights of Vojvodina, a province in the north of Serbia. You will be driven through picturesque scenery and Serbia’s famous wine region towards the “Serbian Holy Land”, home to 17 functioning Serbian Orthodox monasteries. You will visit the well-preserved monastery Krušedol, where you will have the opportunity to buy wine and rakija made by the monks. The tour continues to the town of Sremski Karlovci. A real gem of Serbian culture and spirituality, Sremski Karlovci feels likes a “museum town” with its Baroque center, the Patriarchal Court, the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas and the first Serbian secondary school (gymnasium). It is also famous for wine production and the town’s annual Wineball festival. You will end your tour of this charming town with a visit and wine tasting at one of the region’s most prominent wineries. As Sremski Karlovci lies on the banks of the Danube, you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch on the shore of Central Europe’s longest river. Further on the tour, you will visit the 2021 European Capital of Culture, Novi Sad. Located on the historical border of two former empires – the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman – as a result, the capital of Vojvodina is a multi-cultural city with an interesting mix of architectural influences. On a sightseeing tour around the city, you will walk around the city’s pedestrian zone, past the City Hall, a Catholic church, the old city center, the former house of Albert Einstein’s wife Mileva, the cultural foundation Matica Srpska, and a synagogue. You will then follow the right bank of the Danube and visit Petrovaradin, or the so-called “Danube’s Gibraltar”, where the fortress is located. Enjoy wonderful views of the Danube and the entire city, you can also end this day with dinner in a wonderful ambiance before heading back to Belgrade.

Breakfast at the hotel. The tour continues to the Croatian capital of Zagreb. This small gem of European culture and civilization is located in the heart of the continent. Sightseeing around Zagreb, touring the city’s main attractions: Kapitol (the medieval part of Zagreb), the Franciscan monastery and the 13th century Church of Saint Francis. You will also get the chance to walk around Dolac, Zagreb’s best known farmers’ market, and admire the baroque architecture of the 18th century Church of Saint Mary. The tour will end in the heart of Zagreb, at Ban Josip Jelačić’s monument in the square named after him. After the lunch break, you will be driven to Slovenia, the world’s first green destination. On your way, you will make a stop at Otočec Castle. A jewel rising above the misty Krka River, this landmark is the only water castle in Slovenia and the surrounding area, and the short break here will refresh you. Afterwards, you will continue to Ljubljana. Check-in at the hotel and take your time to rest for the next days of this amazing trip.

Breakfast and check-out. Start your guided tour around Ljubljana, the magical capital of Slovenia that boasts of real charm and a great cultural scene. You will be led along the riverfront to the city’s beautiful cultural landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, the medieval town square “Mestni Trg” and Robba’s Fountain, as well as the picturesque central open-air market and the Triple Bridge. After the tour, you will have free time to have lunch on the banks of the romantic Ljubljana River. The afternoon is reserved for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – a visit to the spectacular limestone Postojna Cave. Inside you will see incredible stalactites, stalagmites, limestone pools, subterranean gorges, and underground waterfalls. The most popular Slovenian tourist attraction, the cave is a definite must-see on your trip through Slovenia. After the cave, the next stop is Piran, one of the most beautiful towns of Slovenia Istria. The town is a large museum with its medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. Narrow streets and cramped houses give the town a special charm. After exploring the small yet delightful Tartini Square, climbing the Cathedral of Saint George and the wonderful view from the top of the hill will further add to your feeling that Piran is a special place. Your final stop of the day is Portorož, which has been a tourist destination for as far back as the 13th century, when people were treated with seawater. It reached its golden age at the beginning of the 20th century when the majestic Hotel Palace opened its doors and Portorož hosted almost 7000 guests early, becoming internationally renowned. Check-in at the hotel in Portorož.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Istria, an amazing part of the Croatian coast and the perfect place to enjoy first-class gourmet food, Malvasia wine, gorgeous beaches, and Venetian history. Your first stop will be Pula, a beautiful town possessing a wealth of historical sites and examples of Roman architecture. The star of the show is the remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater, the 6th biggest Roman coliseum in the world. The Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of Sergius, the Twin Gates and other sites of the old town will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. After Pula, you will proceed to Rovinj, the pearl of the Adriatic. Wander the cobbled streets of this historic town and let your guide show you why this town is called an Istrian gem. With beautiful architecture that dates to the 1700s, the narrow streets lead you up to the top of the peninsula, where, on the plateau of the Church of Saint Euphemia you can enjoy the view of the old town, surrounded by amazing Istrian nature. Walking back down, past a cute row of seafood restaurants, you can visit the old neighborhood of Grisia, famous for its small shops and art galleries. At the bottom, you will come across a typical Istrian market where you can get a real feel for the flavors of the region. After the tour, you will have free time to relax and enjoy yourself on the shore of the Adriatic Sea or continue exploring along Rovinj’s coast. The evening will be spent soaking up the relaxing atmosphere of one of the many great hotels in Istria.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Opatija, an aristocratic town that is just 80 km away yet so different in its history, architecture, and atmosphere compared to other towns on the Istrian Peninsula. With its picturesque surroundings, Opatija’s rich history is visible in the buildings built in different architectural styles, including Renaissance, Venetian, Secession and Baroque. Enjoy the sights and feel the pulse of Opatija as you walk along the famous Lungomare promenade, complete with panoramic views of the sea. Free time for lunch in one of the restaurants by the sea. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the famous Plitvice National Park. In the refreshing atmosphere, you can relax and enjoy dinner either in the hotel restaurant or local restaurant nearby.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, a beautiful park that contains 16 interconnected cascading lakes. On old maps, it was called “Devil’s Garden”, and it is the first site in the Balkans to get UNESCO World Heritage status. You will enjoy a 3-hour guided tour that includes a visit to the upper and lower lakes. While swimming is forbidden, you will find the best places for relaxing and contemplating the untouched beauty of this lush paradise. In the afternoon, you will drive along the Dalmatian coast to Šibenik, a medieval Venetian town famous for its narrow streets, stone-made houses, stairs, and remains of the city walls. It is home to many significant landmarks, among which the Cathedral of Saint James (on the UNESCO World Heritage List), constructed by locals for hundreds of years, has a special place. Spend your free time strolling through the charming streets and enjoying lunch in a square surrounded by Venetian architecture. Drive to Split and check-in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the sightseeing tour of Split, the largest Dalmatian city, founded 1700 years ago, with a well-preserved, enormously rich history. Your guide will lead you through the narrow streets of Diocletian’s Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), built in the 4th century for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and show you former Templer Jupiter in the central square of the imperial complex. Today, the temple is now the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral that remains in use in its original structure. You will also pass through the Golden and Silver Gates and walk around lively markets and Riva, the city’s shopping zone. The afternoon will be devoted to the beautiful town of Trogir, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are a lover of photography, this is the perfect spot for you. Located on a tiny island, it boasts beautiful architecture, stunning sea views and palm trees that spread along its pleasant waterfront promenade. Watch out, or you will find yourself lost in medieval times. Walking its charming streets, you will find yourself immersed in the blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Look out for the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, the Clock Tower, the Loggia, the Land Gate, Kamerlengo Castle and Saint Mark’s Tower. Return to Split. In the evening, relax in the charming Mediterranean atmosphere and while your free time enjoy dinner in a restaurant by the sea.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive along the beautiful Makarska coast – with wonderful views of Croatian islands, wine and olive plantations and stone-made villages towards Mostar. On the way, you will stop for a visit to the famous pilgrimage site of Međugorje. Since 1981, alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary have been reported in the town and it has become a must-see destination for many travelers to the Balkans. In Međugorje, you will visit the Church of Saint James with the outer altar and statue of Christ. Continue to Mostar. Your walking tour around Mostar starts with a visit to the symbol of this city and the most photographed sight in the country – the Old Bridge (a UNESCO protected landmark). You will then proceed to Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, the Crooked Bridge and the old tanner’s quarter Tabhana. Free time in Mostar for lunch on the banks of the Neretva River, with an amazing view of the bridge that rises above you. The next destination of the day is Trebinje, a picturesque town with a wonderful mix of sights originating from a mix of different cultures. The tour starts with a visit to Arslanagića Bridge, a dream for artists and photographers alike; this stone bridge with its peaceful atmosphere will take you 400 years back in time. During the leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the old town, you will see the most important sights of Trebinje as you make your way to the so called “Poet’s Square” where you can sit under the 115-year-old trees, which are the symbol of the town. In this beautiful town, Emir Kusturica, the world-famous movie director, made one of his last movies, with Monica Bellucci in the leading role. Overnight at your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and then check out. This day is devoted to the Republic of Montenegro, a country that boasts of rich heritage and immense natural beauty. The Bay of Kotor with its unique landscape is a must-see location for more than 500 cruisers per year. On the way to the marvelous Kotor, you will make a stop at the town of Perast, a little baroque style settlement. From Perast you will start a relaxing boat ride along the Bay of Kotor to the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rocks. This manmade island is home to a church with valuable paintings by local artists, silver votive tablets, and a famous votive tapestry. After the boat ride, you will arrive in Kotor, an old Mediterranean town that dates to the 12th and 14th centuries. A walking tour will allow you to explore this UNESCO site, including the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and other cultural monuments. You will have free time to continue wandering around the old, paved town, or have lunch in a restaurant on one of the romantic squares. Drive to Dubrovnik. Check-in at your hotel and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your walking tour around Dubrovnik, one of the most significant monuments in the world and one of Europe’s best preserved walled cities, known since the 7th century. The old town is surrounded by a 2 km long wall that gives a great opportunity to see old Dubrovnik form above during a one-hour relaxing walk; the city’s churches, fortifications and monuments are real must-sees. Dubrovnik has enchanted a lot of famous people to devote their pieces of art to the city, thus in this city of marble and light-colored stone you will find numerous art galleries and unique shops. In the historical center of Dubrovnik, you will visit the main street Stradun, the main square Placa, Pile Gate, the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, the walls of the Old Town, the church of Saint Blaise, the cathedral, the Jesuit church, Orlando’s Column, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, the city port, and other hidden gems.

Breakfast and hotel check out. End of services.