Arrive in Belgrade in the morning, welcomed by the vibrant Serbian capital, where the Danube and Sava rivers meet.

In the afternoon, set out on a guided city tour. Begin at Belgrade Fortress, perched above the confluence of the rivers, offering sweeping views and a glimpse into centuries of history. Walk through Republic Square, the cultural heart of the city, framed by the National Theatre and the National Museum. Stroll along Knez Mihailova, a lively pedestrian boulevard lined with cafés, shops, and elegant architecture. Along the way, your guide will also introduce Belgrade’s role as the former capital of Yugoslavia—a city where the legacies of empires and the socialist era still shape its unique atmosphere today.

As evening falls, enjoy time at leisure to relax or continue exploring Belgrade’s lively streets on your own. Overnight in Belgrade.

Highlights of the Day:

• Belgrade Fortress: Panoramic views and centuries of history overlooking the Danube and Sava Rivers
• Republic Square: The cultural and architectural heart of the capital
• The Yugoslav legacy: Discover Belgrade’s role as the capital of the former federation
• Knez Mihailova Street: A lively promenade of cafés, shops, and elegant façades

Travel Details: Morning arrival in Belgrade. Guided city tour: ~3h (afternoon). Overnight stay at a hotel in Belgrade. (-/-/-)

This morning, travel west across Serbia and into Bosnia and Herzegovina—a journey through rolling landscapes and river valleys that once connected the heartlands of Yugoslavia. By afternoon, you will arrive in Sarajevo, a city often called the “Jerusalem of Europe” for its extraordinary mix of cultures and faiths.

On a guided city tour, explore the cobblestone streets of Baščaršija, the Ottoman-era bazaar alive with cafés, mosques, and craft shops. Visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Latin Bridge, where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand ignited World War I. Learn about Sarajevo’s more recent history as you pass sites from the 1990s siege, a powerful reminder of the city’s resilience.

The evening is yours to soak up the atmosphere—whether wandering the lantern-lit alleys of the Old Town or enjoying the lively riverside cafés. Overnight in Sarajevo.

Highlights of the Day:

• Baščaršija Bazaar: Experience the heart of Sarajevo’s Ottoman heritage
• Latin Bridge: Step into the place where history was changed in 1914.
• Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture
• Sarajevo’s modern history: Insights into the city’s role during the siege of the 1990s

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~295 km; Time: ~5 h by road. Guided city tour in Sarajevo: ~3 h (afternoon). Overnight stay at a hotel in Sarajevo. (B/-/-)

Spend a full day in Sarajevo, with time to explore at your own pace or join an optional guided excursion that sheds light on the city’s turbulent recent history.

Take the cable car up Trebević Mountain, once the site of the 1984 Winter Olympics, and walk along the abandoned bobsleigh track, now overgrown with graffiti and nature. Visit the Sarajevo Tunnel of Life, a vital lifeline for the city during the siege of the 1990s, where you can step into the underground passage that helped sustain its people. For those seeking deeper understanding, an excursion to Srebrenica offers a poignant insight into one of the darkest chapters of the Bosnian War.

The evening is free to continue exploring Sarajevo’s cafés and cultural life, or simply to reflect on the powerful stories the city has to tell. Overnight in Sarajevo.

Highlights of the Day:

• Trebević Mountain cable car & bobsleigh track: From Olympic glory to a symbol of resilience
• Tunnel of Life Museum: Step inside Sarajevo’s wartime lifeline
• Optional excursion to Srebrenica: A moving visit to the memorial site of the 1995 genocide
• Evening at leisure in Sarajevo: Enjoy cafés, culture, and reflection in the city’s heart

Travel Details: Free day in Sarajevo with optional guided tours. Cable car ride: ~15 min. Travel distances vary depending on optional excursions (Sarajevo–Srebrenica: ~160 km one way, ~3 h). Overnight stay at a hotel in Sarajevo. (B/-/-)

Depart Sarajevo this morning and journey south into Herzegovina, a region where dramatic landscapes and layered history meet. Your first stop is Mostar, famed for its elegant Ottoman bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site symbolizing both connection and resilience. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, with its lively bazaars, mosques, and riverside cafés.

Continue to Blagaj, where a 16th-century Dervish tekke clings to the cliffs beside the emerald spring of the Buna River—a serene setting that feels like a step back in time. Next, visit Stolac and the remarkable Radimlja necropolis, home to medieval stećci tombstones inscribed with unique carvings, now recognized by UNESCO.

By evening, arrive in Trebinje, a picturesque town near the border with Montenegro, renowned for its stone bridges, monasteries, and relaxed charm. Overnight in Trebinje.

Highlights of the Day:

• Mostar’s Stari Most: Discover the world-famous Ottoman bridge and Old Town
• Blagaj Tekke: Visit the riverside Dervish monastery located at the source of the Buna River.
• Stolac’s Radimlja Necropolis, home to UNESCO-listed medieval stećci tombstones.
• Trebinje: Experience a charming Herzegovinian town nestled among mountains and vineyards.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~250 km; Time: ~7 h including sightseeing. Overnight stay at a hotel in Trebinje. (B/-/-)

Leave Trebinje this morning and cross into Croatia to visit Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Enjoy free time to walk its marble streets, explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, or stroll along the mighty city walls that overlook the glittering sea.

Continue along the Adriatic coast into Montenegro, where you’ll stop in the charming town of Perast. Here, take a short boat trip across the Bay of Kotor to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island church rich in legend and tradition.

Arrive in Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by fjord-like mountains. On a guided city tour, explore its medieval walls, winding alleys, and Romanesque cathedral. End the day in Budva, a vibrant coastal town known for its blend of ancient stone streets and modern seaside energy. Overnight in Budva.

Highlights of the Day:

• Dubrovnik Old Town: Free time to explore Croatia’s iconic walled city
• Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks: Boat trip to a legendary island church in the Bay of Kotor
• Kotor’s Old Town: A guided tour of a medieval city nestled between mountains and the sea
• Budva: Stay in a vibrant Montenegrin resort town with a historic core

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~150 km; Time: ~8 h including sightseeing. Overnight stay at a hotel in Budva. (B/-/-)

Depart Budva in the morning and travel toward the Montenegrin–Albanian border. En route, stop at Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans and a protected national park. Enjoy a scenic boat trip across its shimmering waters, an area famed for its diverse ecosystems—including wetlands, water lilies, and over 260 species of birds—making it one of Europe’s richest habitats.

After crossing into Albania, begin your exploration at Rozafa Fortress, dramatically set on a hilltop where three rivers meet. Steeped in legend and offering panoramic views of the plains and city, the fortress embodies Shkodër’s deep and layered history.

Continue with a walking tour of Shkodër itself, one of Albania’s oldest and most colorful cities. As you stroll through Shkodër’s center, admire the Venetian-style facades and elegant townhouses that blend harmoniously with Ottoman-era mosques and Catholic cathedrals, creating a truly unique cultural mosaic

The evening is free to enjoy Shkodër’s relaxed atmosphere and vibrant cafés. Overnight in Shkodër.

Highlights of the Day:

• Lake Skadar: Boat trip through one of Europe’s richest ecosystems, home to diverse birdlife and wetlands.
• Rozafa Fortress: A legendary stronghold offering sweeping views at the confluence of rivers
• Shkodër Old Town: Explore one of Albania’s most historic and colorful cities

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~150 km; Time: ~4–5 h with stops and border crossing. Overnight stay at a hotel in Shkodër. (B/-/-)

Depart Shkodër in the morning and travel south to Tirana, Albania’s dynamic capital. Upon arrival, begin a guided city tour that introduces the contrasting layers of Tirana’s history and modern life. At the heart of the city lies Skanderbeg Square, framed by Ottoman, Italian, and communist-era landmarks. Visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque, a rare architectural gem whose delicate frescoes survived Albania’s atheist period, then continue to the National History Museum, which chronicles the nation’s long and complex past. The tour also includes the Blloku district, once an exclusive enclave of the political elite and now transformed into a vibrant neighborhood filled with cafés, boutiques, and striking street art. Strolling along Tirana’s boulevards, you will witness a city reinventing itself with color, creativity, and youthful energy. The evening is free to explore Tirana at your own pace.

Highlights of the Day:

• Skanderbeg Square: The central hub showcasing Tirana’s diverse architectural influences
• Et’hem Bey Mosque & National History Museum: Treasures of faith and history
• Blloku District: A vibrant, modern neighborhood known for its cafés, nightlife, and street art.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~100 km; Time: ~2 h. Overnight stay at a hotel in Tirana. (B/-/-)

Depart Tirana in the morning and travel northeast toward Kosovo, crossing scenic mountain landscapes before reaching the historic town of Prizren. Nestled at the foot of the Sharr Mountains, Prizren is one of the most picturesque and culturally diverse cities in the Balkans. Begin a guided walking tour through its charming old town, where cobblestone streets wind between Ottoman-era mosques, Orthodox churches, and elegant stone bridges spanning the Bistrica River. Visit landmarks such as the Sinan Pasha Mosque, the League of Prizren building, and the iconic Stone Bridge, each reflecting the city’s role as a crossroads of civilizations. For panoramic views, ascend to the Prizren Fortress, which offers a stunning outlook over the red-tiled rooftops and surrounding mountains. The remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy Prizren’s lively cafés and riverside atmosphere. Overnight in Prizren.

Highlights of the Day:

• Prizren Old Town: Stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with mosques, churches, and bridges.
• Sinan Pasha Mosque & League of Prizren: Icons of cultural and historical heritage
• Prizren Fortress: Panoramic views across the city and Sharr Mountains

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~180 km; Time: ~3 h with border crossing. Overnight stay at a hotel in Prizren. (B/-/-)

Depart from Prizren in the morning and drive to Gjakova, a lively town best known for its Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest in Kosovo. Stroll through its bustling lanes filled with shops and workshops, see the traditional Turkish Bathhouse, and visit the 16th-century Hadum Aga Mosque, which anchors the old town.

Continue to the Monastery of Visoki Dečani, located in a peaceful valley at the foot of the mountains. This impressive medieval complex is the largest of its kind in the Balkans and is admired for its serene setting and beautifully painted interiors, which have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From here, a short drive takes us to Peja, where the Patriarchate of Peć awaits. Nestled among trees at the entrance to Rugova Gorge, this significant monastery complex is made up of several small churches decorated with colorful frescoes.

Return to Prizren in the late afternoon, with free time to enjoy the town’s vibrant cafés and charming riverside. Overnight in Prizren.

Highlights of the Day:

• Gjakova Grand Bazaar: Stroll through the vibrant market streets and visit the Hadum Aga Mosque.
• Visoki Dečani Monastery: A peaceful UNESCO-listed landmark in a mountain valley
• Patriarchate of Peć: A Monastic Complex at the Gateway to Rugova Gorge

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~150 km; Time: ~5–6 h with sightseeing. Overnight stay at a hotel in Prizren. (B/-/-)

Depart from Prizren in the morning and cross the border into North Macedonia. Our journey takes us to the spectacular Matka Canyon, a narrow gorge carved by the Treska River just outside Skopje. Here, we enjoy a boat ride along the emerald waters, passing dramatic cliffs and hidden monasteries. For those interested, there is an option to visit Vrelo Cave, one of the deepest underwater caves in Europe, filled with striking stalactites and underground chambers.

In the afternoon, continue to Skopje, the vibrant capital of North Macedonia. A guided city tour introduces us to its blend of ancient heritage and modern ambition. Walk through the Old Bazaar, alive with Ottoman-era mosques, caravanserais, and artisan shops, before crossing the famous Stone Bridge into the neoclassical heart of the city. We also see landmarks such as the Mother Teresa Memorial House and Macedonia Square, where monuments and fountains reflect the city’s new identity. The evening is free to explore Skopje’s lively cafés and riverside promenades.

Highlights of the Day:

• Matka Canyon boat ride: Scenic journey through dramatic cliffs and emerald waters
• Vrelo Cave (optional): Explore one of Europe’s deepest underwater caves.
• Skopje city tour: Old Bazaar, Stone Bridge, Macedonia Square, and Mother Teresa Memorial House

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~200 km; Time: ~5–6 h with sightseeing. Overnight stay at a hotel in Skopje. (B/-/-)

Depart Skopje in the morning and cross into Bulgaria, traveling through the scenic mountain landscapes of the Balkans. Our route leads us to the magnificent Rila Monastery, the spiritual heart of Bulgaria and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 10th century, the monastery is nestled high in the Rila Mountains, surrounded by forests and peaks. Inside its stone walls, discover richly painted frescoes, finely carved wooden details, and striking architecture that has made it a symbol of Bulgarian culture and faith.

In the afternoon, continue your journey toward Sofia, Bulgaria’s vibrant capital. Arrive in the evening and settle into the hotel, with free time to relax or enjoy a first stroll through the city at leisure. Overnight in Sofia.

Highlights of the Day:

• Rila Monastery: Bulgaria’s most iconic religious and cultural landmark (UNESCO)
• Arrival in Sofia: Evening at leisure to relax in the capital city.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~340 km; Time: ~6–7 h with border crossing and sightseeing. Overnight stay at a hotel in Sofia. (B/-/-)

Begin the day with a walking tour of Sofia, a city where the past and present intertwine at every corner. Admire the golden domes of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, and step back in time at the Rotunda of St. George, a red-brick Roman church that has stood for more than sixteen centuries. Wander through the Serdica archaeological complex, where ancient Roman streets and early Christian ruins reveal Sofia’s deep roots, and take in the mix of Ottoman mosques, Orthodox churches, and elegant 19th-century boulevards that define the city’s unique character. After some time to enjoy a leisurely lunch or a final stroll along Vitosha Boulevard, the tour comes to a close.

As our journey across the Balkans draws to an end, you leave with more than just memories of landscapes and landmarks. From shimmering lakes and mountain monasteries to lively bazaars and timeless old towns, this adventure has revealed a region where cultures meet, histories intertwine, and traditions live on. May the spirit of the Balkans—its warmth, diversity, and resilience — travel with you, inspiring new horizons and journeys yet to come.

Highlights of the Day:

• Sofia walking tour: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. George Rotunda, and Serdica ruins
• Blend of cultures: Ottoman mosques, Orthodox churches, and modern boulevards

Travel Details: Walking city tour in Sofia. End of tour (B/-/-)