Grand Balkan Journey - (Private Group min 10 PAX)

Grand Balkan Journey: 12 Days of Culture, History & UNESCO Heritage

Private Group Program on Request

Discover the cultural richness, historical depth and scenic beauty of the Balkans on this 12-day journey through Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro.

This itinerary connects some of the region’s most iconic cities, UNESCO heritage sites, medieval old towns, religious monuments, scenic landscapes and vibrant cultural crossroads. From Tirana and Berat to Ohrid, Skopje, Prizren, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Budva and Shkodra, the program offers a complete introduction to the diverse spirit of the Balkans.

Designed for private groups, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking a well-balanced experience of culture, history, architecture, local traditions and unforgettable landscapes.

Day 1 | Arrival in Tirana

Upon arrival in Tirana, meet your local representative and transfer to the hotel.

Depending on arrival time, enjoy free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Accommodation in Tirana.

Day 2 | Tirana – Berat – Tirana

After breakfast, departure towards Berat, one of Albania’s most beautiful historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

Known as the “City of Windows One Above the Other”, Berat is admired for its distinctive Ottoman architecture and remarkable hillside setting. The city is composed of three main quarters: Gorica, located across the river; Mangalem, situated on the fortress side; and Kalaja, the residential quarter within the ancient castle walls.

During the walking tour, explore the ancient castle, main gates, towers, Orthodox churches and traditional residential architecture. The old town also features several religious monuments, including mosques and Byzantine churches, reflecting Berat’s long and diverse history.

Lunch in Berat.

In the afternoon, transfer back to Tirana.

Accommodation in Tirana.

Day 3 | Tirana – Ohrid

After breakfast, departure towards North Macedonia to visit Ohrid, one of the most treasured destinations in the Balkans and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in Ohrid.

In the afternoon, begin a walking tour of Ohrid, beautifully located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Often called the “Jerusalem of the Balkans”, Ohrid is one of the oldest settlements in Europe and was once an important center of religion and Slavic culture.

Lake Ohrid, estimated to be around three million years old, is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. Its exceptional natural and cultural value gives Ohrid the distinction of being recognized by UNESCO as both a cultural and natural World Heritage Site.

During the tour, visit the Old Town, St. Bogorodica Perivlepta Church and St. Sophia Church.

Free evening to enjoy the city.

Accommodation in Ohrid.

Day 4 | Ohrid – Tetovo – Skopje

After breakfast, departure towards Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, with a stop in Tetovo to visit the famous Šarena Džamija, also known as the Painted Mosque.

Continue to Skopje and enjoy lunch upon arrival.

In the afternoon, discover Skopje, birthplace of Mother Teresa, home to the fortress and the largest city in North Macedonia. Skopje is a city where ancient and contemporary influences meet, shaped by different cultures and traditions throughout history.

The Vardar River flows through the heart of the city, with historic buildings on one side and modern architecture on the other. The Stone Bridge, originally built in the 15th century, connects these two sides of the city center.

The panoramic tour includes the Mother Teresa Memorial House, the Stone Bridge, Daut Pasha Amam from the outside, and a short walking tour through the old town and its bazaar.

Free time in Skopje.

Accommodation in Skopje.

Day 5 | Skopje – Prizren – Gračanica – Skopje

After breakfast, departure to Kosovo to visit Prizren and Gračanica Monastery.

In Prizren, enjoy a city tour focused on the cultural and historical monuments of this important Balkan town. The visit introduces the city’s rich history, shaped by different occupations, cultures and periods of resistance over time.

Discover mosques dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, century-old Orthodox churches, a 19th-century Catholic cathedral, the old city center, the stone bridge, fountains and the beautiful fortress, offering a spectacular view over the skyline of Prizren.

The town is also known for its rich culinary tradition. Enjoy lunch with homemade products and traditional dishes.

Later, visit Gračanica Monastery near Pristina. This Serbian Orthodox monastery was built by King Stefan Milutin in 1321. It was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1990 and, in 2006, was placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as part of the Medieval Monuments in Kosovo.

Return to Skopje.

Accommodation in Skopje.

Day 6 | Skopje – Niš – Belgrade

After breakfast, departure towards Serbia.

Visit Niš, birthplace of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The city still reflects a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western influences and has historically served as an important gateway between Europe and the East.

Today, Niš is a modern tourist center with museums and historical sites, and it remains one of Serbia’s important cultural and historical cities. Its strategic location has connected routes between Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Sofia and Istanbul for centuries.

Suggested entrance visit: Skull Tower in Niš.

Lunch break in Niš.

In the afternoon, continue towards Belgrade.

Accommodation in Belgrade.

Day 7 | Belgrade – Šargan Eight – Sarajevo

After breakfast, depart towards Sarajevo, with a special experience on the Šargan Eight train in Mokra Gora.

The Šargan Eight is a scenic heritage railway in western Serbia, famous for its unique figure-eight track that climbs through the mountains. Starting in Mokra Gora, the vintage train passes through tunnels and over bridges, offering beautiful views of forests and valleys near Tara National Park.

This nostalgic railway journey is one of Serbia’s most charming attractions, combining history, nature and memorable mountain scenery.

Continue towards Sarajevo.

Free evening in Sarajevo.

Accommodation in Sarajevo.

Day 8 | Sarajevo – Mostar

After breakfast, begin a walking tour of Sarajevo, one of the most fascinating cultural crossroads in the Balkans.

Sarajevo is a rare city where East and West meet in a very visible way. The visit starts at Baščaršija, the old bazaar and one of the city’s most symbolic areas. Here, you will see Brusa Bezistan, traditional shops, and the famous Sebilj fountain, a landmark of the Ottoman period.

Continue to the Latin Bridge, known as the place connected to the beginning of the First World War. The tour also explores the transition between the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian parts of the city, where the architecture changes from oriental influences to a more Central European style.

The visit ends at the Eternal Flame, a symbol of the liberation of Sarajevo from German occupation, along with the Clock Tower and the Bridge of Festina Lente, a modern architectural concept. Sarajevo is also known for its famous Film Festival, held every August.

Lunch in Sarajevo.

On the way to Mostar, visit the Tunnel of Hope, one of the most important sites related to the recent history of Sarajevo.

Continue to Mostar.

Accommodation in Mostar.

Day 9 | Mostar – Dubrovnik

After breakfast, transfer towards Dubrovnik.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in Dubrovnik.

In the afternoon, start the city tour of Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. This magnificent walled city is one of the most iconic destinations on the Adriatic coast and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The walking tour includes the Old Harbor, Franciscan Monastery, St. Lawrence Fortress, Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, Bell Tower Clock and Orlando’s Column.

Enjoy free time to explore the charming streets, squares and corners of this extraordinary historic city.

Free evening in Dubrovnik.

Accommodation in Dubrovnik.

Day 10 | Dubrovnik – Kotor – Budva

After breakfast, transfer to Kotor.

Enjoy a walking tour of Kotor Old Town, one of the best-preserved medieval urban centers in the region. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, Kotor is known for its medieval architecture, narrow streets, atmospheric squares and important cultural monuments.

The town is listed by UNESCO as a World Natural and Historical Heritage Site. One of its main landmarks is the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, one of the most recognizable symbols of the city and an important monument of Roman culture.

Lunch in Kotor.

Free time to enjoy the old town before continuing to Budva.

Accommodation in Budva.

Day 11 | Budva – Shkodra – Tirana

After breakfast, departure towards Albania, with a panoramic stop to enjoy the view of Sveti Stefan Island.

Continue to Shkodra, known as an important center of Albanian Catholicism, culture and religious harmony. The city has a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere and a rich cultural identity.

Take a walk along Kole Idromeno pedestrian street, located in the old center of Shkodra. This charming area passes through historic streets, churches, mosques and traditional architecture.

Visit the Venice Art Mask Factory Museum, where visitors can discover the craftsmanship behind the famous Venetian-style masks.

Lunch in Shkodra.

Continue to Tirana.

Accommodation in Tirana.

Day 12 | Tirana Departure

After breakfast, begin a walking tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania.

The tour explores the historical and architectural evolution of the city, from a small rural and trading center in the 17th century to Albania’s main capital and cultural hub. Tirana features traces of Ottoman, Italian, communist and modern influences, all visible in its urban landscape.

The walking tour starts at Skanderbeg Square and includes Tirana City Hall, the Statue of Skanderbeg, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, the National Library, the Opera House and the mosaic “Albanians” above the entrance of the National Historical Museum.

Continue towards the main Italian boulevard, with views of the Art Gallery and distinguished Italian-style buildings.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Tirana Airport.

End of services.