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. As arrival times may vary, there are no scheduled activities today. Spend time as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Dinner Included

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 the rest of the day on your own in the city. Perhaps you’ll wander through the old town’s two medieval settlements, stroll the many open squares and parks, browse the stalls at the Dolac Market, or savor the flavors of Zagreb’s exciting culinary scene.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: The Lyra Hotel Plitvice, Licko Petrovo Selo

Admittance: Plitvice Lakes National Park
The largest national park in Croatia is characterized by its 16 turquoise colored lakes inter-connected by a series of waterfalls. Its multiple trails in the woodland setting, which include steps, inclines, and wooden planks, also allows visitors to spot wildlife. The park is considered the country's top tourist attraction. Visitors unable to walk have an option of a shorter tour via shuttle.

This morning, travel to Plitvice Lakes, one of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful national parks in Croatia. Inspiring scenery abounds at this designated UNESCO World Heritage site as you enjoy a short cruise into the heart of this natural wonder. Tonight, stay at a hotel in the small village near the national park.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Colors Inn

Visit Area: Sarajevo

This morning, continue to Sarajevo - Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city, where East meets West, and your home for the next two nights. With its centuries-old multiculturality, 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

Visit Area: Mostar

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 before enjoying some free time to independently explore the 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: Hotel Adriatik

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.

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. As the day comes to an end, perhaps you’ll join in an evening stroll.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Our Lady of the Rocks

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

Admittance: Boka Bay Scenic Sailing

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: Kotor

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: Albanian Farm Experience

Cross another border today and arrive in Albania! A unique blend of traditional Albanian hospitality and cultural experiences awaits in the picturesque rural setting of one of Albania’s best-regarded agritourism destinations, located in the village of Fishtë. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch of authentic dishes made from organic, locally sourced ingredients, and take a stroll through the farm and learn about traditional Albanian agriculture. 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
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Tirana

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

Visit Area: Gjirokastra

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: Kalambaka
Kalambaka is one of the most ancient cities of Thessaly. In Kalambaka is the cave of Theopetras where human imprints dating back to 45000 BC were found. It is a place that is said to have a wonderful view of natural beauty where walking and hiking are encouraged. It is also a place of serenity and spiritual sense.

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. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers to savor a delicious Greek dinner and celebrate all you’ve experienced.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Metéora
Meteora, located in Thessaly and Kalampaka, is a city under the rock of towers. The most famous attraction is the monasteries on the top of the rock towers. Today, the Orthodoxy has been continually practiced uninterrupted for over 600 years by the monasteries on top of the Meteora rocks: Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoro, the Varlaam Monastery, the Saint Stephen Monastery, the Holy Trinity Monastery, the Saint Nicolas Anapafsas Monastery, and the Roussano Monastery.

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 to toast to the end of your journey.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Athens
A place where democracy was born and the birthplace of the Olympics; happens to be the largest city located in one of the most historic countries and is also the capital of Greece. Located in Athens is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, Acropolis of Athens, the Holy Rock which dates back to 5 BC. Athens is recognized as a global city for its strategic location and its modernistic views in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, culture, education, and tourism.

Your tour ends today.

Breakfast Included