ITINERARY

Belgrade is our starting and ending point. Our 10-day tour will take you from North to South and from East to West, with all the transfers, entrance fees, accommodation and guidance included. For meals and additional services, kindly check the inclusions and exclusions below.

INTRODUCTION

Discover the beauty of Balkans and Southeast Europe through our immersive tour. Explore fantastic history, discover the extraordinary cultural heritage, feel magnificent nature and enjoy in delicious Balkan cuisine. Get on board of our exclusive tour!

DAY 1 LJUBLJANA

Our drivers will meet and welcome you in the Arrivals Hall of Ljubljana International Airport, and will take you to the designated hotel. Check-in and refresh before you meet your guide. After the official welcome and the introduction, we will depart and explore Slovenian capital. See the most iconic sites of Ljubljana including Prešern Square, Ljubljanica river and Three Bridges, National Library, Ljubljana Castle, explore beautiful Medieval streets and feel the spirit of Ljubljana. Finish at the hotel for some rest.

DAY 2 LJUBLJANA –LAKE BLED – TRIGLAV PARK – LJUBLJANA

Breakfast. Explore Slovenia’s pearls of nature on this Alpine day trip departing from Ljubljana and set off for the Alps, Lake Bled and Triglav National Park. Visit Lake Bled, surrounded by fantastic alpine scenery. Take a stroll through the town and board an apletna (a Slovenian wooden boat) for a ride to the tiny island in the center of the lake—Slovenia’s only island. Explore the island and get to know its history. Short drive to the Vintgar Gorge, a must see on our way to Triglav. With 100 meters high walls this stunning canyon hides one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Slovenia – Šum. Visit Lake Bohinj, the largest glacial lake in Slovenia and optionally enjoy a canoe ride. Finally, we will visit the town of Škofja Loka, which has a fairytale castle and the oldest bridge in Central Europe. Take some time to explore the quaint town and take some photos as the sun begins to set and return to Ljubljana for overnight.

DAY 3 LJUBLJANA – POSTOJNA CAVE – ZAGREB

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Today you will get the chance to experience two of Slovenia’s most alluring destinations. Traverse the countryside to the Predjama Castle nestled under a natural cliff archway and learn of its legends as you explore the bizarre staircases and chambers. Stop in various halls and chambers and see antique furnishings and historical armaments. Discover the legend of Erazem Predjama, owner of the castle in the 15th century, who used a secret tunnel to collect supplies, mostly cherries, while the castle was being endlessly attacked. Next, journey to Postojna Cave, home of unusual yet immaculate stalactites and stalagmites. A mini-train ride will take you into its network of caves and caverns which makes up the largest karst cave in the country. Delve into the fascinating flora & fauna of the cave, with 100 different spiecies. Hear about the famous „human fish“, an indigenous species of salamander which is to be found in the cave. Continue towards Croatia and its capital, Zagreb. Explore Zagreb’s two historic settlements – Kaptol and Gradec, from which Zagreb, as a capital city, developed. On Kaptol you will not only visit the biggest Cathedral in Croatia and Croatian Catholic Church but you will also get a chance to discover our picturesque farmer’s market Dolac. After crossing the border between the two hills, today the loveliest walking street in Zagreb, you will climb up to Gradec - Zagreb’s Upper Town and enter through the medieval Stone Gate. See the seat of Croatian administration, the Parliament and the Government, as well as the St. Mark's Church with the famous coloured roof, The baroque church of St. Catherine's and the medieval Lotrščak tower. Take a ride on Zagreb's Funicular, originally built in 1890, also known as the shortest funicular in Europe. and reach the final point of the tour, Zagreb’s main square – Ban Jelačić Square. Finish at the hotel for rest and overnight.

DAY 4 ZAGREB – VARAZDIN – ZAGREB

Breakfast. Visit the Baroque city of Varazdin and take in Trakoscan Castle on a full-day tour that explores Croatia’s history, architecture, and art including the Varazdin Cemetery, where gorgeous tombstones and quiet paths are overshadowed by tall, leafy trees. Follow back streets to architectural gems, and find some of the city's elegant villas—at one time, Varazdin was Croatia's wealthiest city. Next, continue to Trakoscan Castle, 25 miles (40 km.) west of Varazdin, with a fairytale setting high on a hill. Walk the fortifications with views down to a forested valley, and get a glimpse of Croatia’s tumultuous past in the castle’s displays of weapons and armor. After exploring the castle, walk to the nearby lake, and meet back up with the driver for the return trip to Zagreb.

DAY 5 ZAGREB – PLITVICE LAKES – ZADAR

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Enjoy the panoramic ride through Croatia as we reach one of the most beautiful sites of Southeast Europe. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its stunning natural scenery, including 16 lakes, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Visit the National Park and enjoy the sheer natural beauty of lakes, cascades and waterfalls before we continue our trip to Zadar. Afternoon arrival and check-in. Afterwards we will take a walking tour through the city. Hear the magnificent stories and legends as we stroll down the cobbled Mediterranean streets. Visit one of the most beautiful chirches in the region, 11th century Church of St. Lawrence. Finish at the hotel for rest and overnight.

DAY 6 ZADAR – SIBENIK – KRKA NATIONAL PARK – SPLIT

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Depart towards town of Šibenik, learn about the city’s rich history as you explore the cobbled streets and see key landmarks including the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral. Take a walk through its narrow streets leading to attractive squares where you'll find architecture of centuries gone by. Exploring on foot, you will pass the St Francis church with monastery, Theater house, Baroque Orthodox Church, City Hall and you will see cave dedicated to Holy Mary of Lourdes. . . A visit will be made inside the town's most important monument, the Cathedral of St Jacob. Continue towards Krka National Park. Krka National Park is located within the territory of Sibenik-Knin County along the Krka River. Once in the Park, you may enjoy last set of falls, before the river meets the sea. The Skradinski Buk Falls is a form a spectacular multi level cascade over travertine cliffs. The whole area is rich with flora and fauna. Due to strict new preservation laws, this extraordinary area has been kept in its original state. Finish in Split for check-in and overnight.

DAY 7 SPLIT – STON – DUBROVNIK

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Before we continue to the very south of Croatia, we will pay a visit to the center of Dalmation region. Discover Split’s highlights, including the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, the Gregory of Nin statue, and Riva promenade, with illuminating insights provided by a local guide. Gain an intimate perspective of the city as you explore by foot the ancient history of this magnificent city. Visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius, former Roman Imperial mausoleum; See the magical Temple of Jupiter and admire the beauty of the peristile of Diocletian’s Palace. Continue southwards to the Pelješac peninsula, the second largest peninsula in Croatia and a land mass crammed with history, culture and plenty of wine and food. Stop in the bay-side town of Ston, famous for its oysters, to see an old salt factory and to gawk at the town's miles of medieval walls that once formed the border of the Republic of Ragusa (i.e. Dubrovnik). Visit some family-run wineries for a taste of fantastic Croatian wines. Continue towards Dubrovnik for check-in and rest.

DAY 8 DUBROVNIK – CAVTAT – BOKA BAY – BUDVA

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Spend a morning discovering Dubrovnik’s crowing jewels — its medieval walls and UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Town — on this 3-hour walking tour. Stroll along the Stradun, the Old Town’s main promenade, topped and tailed by Orlando’s Column and Onofrio's Fountain. Take in ancient landmarks such as the Franciscan Monastery and the Church of St Blaise before deviating down side streets lined with shops, restaurants and further architectural delights. Then, cap your tour with a walk along the city walls for sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Continue towards the Montenegrin border and make a stop-by at Cavtat, the southernmost town of Croatia. Take a short stroll through its magnificent streets and fantastic panorama over the Konavle region before we continue to Montenegro. Arrival to Budva, check-in at the hotel, followed by a walking tour on Budva Old Town. Old town of Budva is a inspiration for everybody, from the photographers,artist,painters, explorers to the ultra rich guys from all over the world. With Local LICENSED Tour Guide you are going to one adventure trough ancient walls of this Adriatic gem. All small streets, picturesque coastal homes and medieval churches are waiting to be seen. Finish at the hotel for overnight.

DAY 9 BUDVA – SKADAR LAKE – MT LOVCEN - BUDVA

Breakfast. Our today’s destinations are magnificent natural beauties of Montenegro. Lake Skadar has been a protected National Park since 1983, and in 2011 was formally nominated for UNESCO heritage status... You will fall in love with nature and amazing landscapes of Skadar Lake as we take a boat tour. Visit the old Rijeka Crnojevića town for a history class which will introduce us to our next destination – glorious Mt Lovćen. This symbol of Montenegrin freedom and heroism, with quite a few viewpoints of the sea, lake Skadar, and high mountains.The highlight of this tour is the trip to the mausoleum of Petar Petrović Njegoš, a well-known Montenegrin Bishop, poet, and philosopher. As we continue our adventure, we eventually reach Cetinje, the historical capital of Montenegro, which is also known as the Valley of Gods. Return to Budva for rest and overnight

DAY 10 BUDVA – PERAST – RISAN – OSTROG MONASTERY – ZABLJAK

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Enjoy in splendid panoramic views of the Kotor bay. On the way we will pass near some recognizable landmarks like St. Mateus church and Temple of Our Lady. After about 20 min ride we will reach OUR LADY OF THE ROCK - an artificial island made in XV century by local sailors in honor of Our Lady for safe return from their trips. Present Church was built by Venetians in 1630 and it houses numerous works of art. Our next stop is at UNESCO protected Old town Perast famous for its Clock Tower built in 1713, which was when built the tallest one in Europe. You can enjoy strolling down the narrow streets and admiring beautiful Baroque Palaces or relax and enjoy in a view from one of local restaurant terraces. Continue towards continental part of Montenegro and visit one of the most respected Christian sanctuaries – magnificent Ostrog Monastery. Visit unique structures that range from one built in a rockface to one of the most visited monasteries in the Balkan region. Place which is believed to be the one where miracles really happen! It is carved in steep rocks; on unbelievable 900m above sea level Monastery Ostrog is situated. This monastery is overloaded with religious people of all religions, because of healing and spiritual changes it wakes in visitors. Our final destination for the day is the pearl of Montenegrin highlands, magnificent Mt Durmitor National Park. Enjoy in sheer beauty of alpine Montenegro and magnificent glacier lakes before we settle in nearby Žabljak town for overnight.

DAY 11 ZABLJAK – ZLATIBOR

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Depart northeast towards Serbia. Enjoy in magnificent alpine scenery as we approach the magnificent Mileševa monastery, one of Serbian Medieval cultural centers. Take a chance to see the famous fresco of White Angel, which is considered to be the masterpiece of European Medieval arts. Continue towards Mt Zlatibor, a natural aerial spa and one of the most renowned alpine resorts of Southeast Europe. Visit the hiddeng gems of West Serbia: one of Europe’s most beautiful caves – Stopića Cave, rich in cave jewelry; and magnificent Gostilje Waterfall complex. Check-in at the hotel for rest and overnight.

DAY 12 ZLATIBOR – MT TARA – BELGRADE

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Our today’s destination is the „Queen of Mountains“, lovely Mt. Tara. Sheer beauty of the rawest nature is one of the most beautiful National Parks of Europe. We will have the chance to enjoy in surreal natural wealth this mountain has to offer. Admire magnificent bellevues with panoramas over the West Serbia region. Embark on a unique train experience as we take the famous „Šargan Eight“ rail over the slopes of Mt. Tara. This will give us a whole new perspective of the mountain. Finish at Drvengrad Ethno Complex, the largest one in Southeast Europe and already famous for the elite Film Festival „Kustendorf“. Continue towards Belgrade for check-in and rest at the hotel.

DAY 13 BELGRADE

Enjoy the panoramic tour as we drive through Belgrade’s quarters. You will hear fantastic stories and legends about the White City and discover beautiful sites. Visit magnificent Temple of St. Sava, one of the largest Christian shrines in the world; dedicated the founder of Serbian Orthodox Church. Continue towards the City Core where we will continue on foot. Discover the Republic Square, surrounded by National Theatre and National Museum before we proceed to Knez Mihailova pedestrian street, the beating artery of Belgrade. Take a break at the oldest tavern in Belgrade, famous „Question Mark“ inn. Pass between the Patriarchate and Orthodox Cathedral to the very heart of the city – Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park. Our stories will take you thousands of years back as we discover layer by layer of Belgrade’s rich history. Pass through magnificent gates, walk on the ramparts for a fantastic view over Danube and Sava rivers, hear the extraordinary legends of people and events that changed Belgrade’s history through the centuries. Free afternoon at leisure.

DAY 14 BELGRADE – NOVI SAD – SREMSKI KARLOVCI - BELGRADE

Breakfast. Set the course towards the North as we depart to Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia and the heart of Serbian culture in XVIII and XIX centuries. Explore the beautiful diversity of the city where Central Europe meets Balkans. Visit the Liberty Square , surrounded by beautiful Serbian National Theatre, City Hall and Catholic church. Stroll along Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska pedestrian streets to feel the spirit of Serbian Athens. Take a break at picturesque Dunavski Park before we cross over Danube river to magnificent Petrovaradin Fortress, the very last bastion between two great empires – Austrian and Ottoman. Hear the stories about legendary battles between the two empires as we walk along the bastions of Petrovaradin fortress. Take a break for lunch at Danube river, enjoy in the local specialties in beautiful atmosphere of „Aqua Doria“ restaurant. Reach the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci, the very soul of Serbian culture during XVIII century. Walk along the cobbled streets and among beautiful palaces of Patriarchate, Cathedrals and the First Serbian Lyceum as we guide you through magnificent stories from the past. Finally, visit to Sremski Karlovci wouldn’t be complete without the visit to the local wine cellars, home of the famous „Bermet“ dessert wine; the most prestigious wine on European courts. Return to Belgrade for overnight.

DAY 15 DEPARTURE

After the breakfast and check-out from the hotel we will escort you to „Nikola Tesla“ International Airport for a farewell.