Europe Explorer Grand Tour "Dalmatia to Karpaten Route"

After breakfast Tirana City tour. Located on a plain on the site of a Byzantine fortress and has been the capital since 1920 (visits to the Skanderbeg Square, Mosque of Et’hem Bey (built on 1824), the Clock Tower (built on 1822), the National Museum (the huge mosaic on front represent the Albanian history development, and the stages of this development are presented on respective pavilions),  National Art Gallery, Archeological Museum (there are presented many archeological discoveries since the Stone Age up to the Medieval), the National Heroes Cemetery, Grand Park and government buildings). Then, we head to Shkoder. Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and was once the capital of Illyria before it was conquered by Rome (year 168 BC). It is also considered the “Florence of the Balkans” due to its cultural inheritance and richness. We visit its old bazaar, cathedral and mosque before heading to Rozafa castle for spectacular views of the city, lake and the surrounding mountains. Continue to Montenegro’s capital Podgorica, where we visit the Old Town and show you the most important historical monuments and buildings in town: Doganjska Mosque from 15th century, Skaline (“the stairs”) is probably one of the most historic and picturesque site of Podgorica. It is a place perfectly described as peaceful, quiet and in the middle of the city, Republic Square, St.George church form 11th of century, Millenium Bridge, Russian Bridge, Vladimir Vysotsky Monument, Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ (Orthodox Church), Roman Square, King Nikola's Castle from 19th century and Clock Tower (Sahat Kula) from 17th century. Then continue to Niksic. There are many places worth seeing in the center of Niksic: the Central Square of Liberty, the Royal Palace of King Nikola I Petrović Njegos containing the museum, the Church of St. Basil of Ostrog, who was built in the 19th century in Montenegrin heroes, who gave their lives for the freedom of the country. Near the center there is an old Turkish city wall and Hadji-Smajil's mosque.

Accomodation to hotel (Garni Atrium 3*, or similar) and overnight.

Departure to Niksic. In the west of Montenegro, at the field of Niksic, is the city of Niksic. Built in the 4th century BC castle ruins, form Illyrians, its original name was Onogost. Remains of this old city are today a cultural and historic monument. In the vicinity of Niksic, from the direction of Podgorica, high in the cliffs, is the greatest spiritual centre of Montenegro, the Monastery of Ostrog. Founded in the12th century by Metropolitan Vasilije, it was later proclaimed Saint and miracle worker.  In the city itself is the monumental Saborna Church, dedicated to Saint Vasilije and surrounded by a beautiful park. Niksic is flanked by three lakes: Krupac, Slano and Liverovici Lake. During the summer months these lakes are the main places for day trippers and holiday makers. Niksic is also well known for its production of the famous Niksicko beer.

Cross the border to Bosnia-Herzegovina and travel to Mostar, where we explore on a walking tour through the old town. Mostar is situated on the River Neretva and the center of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Federation. Old Bridge, which is the oldest single arch stone bridge, was built in the 16th century and it was one of the biggest monuments of Ottoman Architecture in the Balkans. In the 90's the bridge was hit and destroyed. And in 2004, the reconstruction of the Old Bridge was finished and there was a grand opening which was held in Mostar. Nowadays, all people who come to the Balkans never leave the Balkans without visiting Mostar, especially Old Bridge. At the Old Bazaar of Mostar, souvenirs and a lot of different symbols about Mostar can be found, and enjoying your drink while watching Old Bridge and the lovely flowing Neretva River are extremely recommended.

Overnight in Hotel Hana 3*, or similar.

After breakfast, we will continue to Sarajevo. Proceed for tour to visit Vrelo Bosne – spring of river Bosnia, Tunnel Museum – the only means of going in and out during the siege of Sarajevo in last war - Walking tour of old town Bascarsija, Latin Bridge, place where the Austro Hungarian Archduke was assassinated, what triggered the 1st World War; Brusa Bezistan – covered market place; Gazi Husref Bey's Mosque- built in 1530 year during the Ottoman era – and Gazi Husref Bey Madras; Morica Han built in 1551 ; Vijecnica – town hall for the Austro-Hungarian era - Lunch at the local restaurant.
Overnight in Astra Hotel 3*, or similar.

Then proceed to Travnik. Travniks’ fortress, tombstones and burial Macula are the legacy of the medieval period in Travnik. The fortress is very well preserved and it is located between two creeks, Hendek and Šumeće, access is provided from the north sida over a stone bridge. Worth visiting is the Museum Travnik, which contains a large number of photographs, a library, a collection of paintings, artifacts and ethnological very rich numismatic fund. As the Travnik was the birthplace of Nobel prize winner writer Ivo Andric (1892.-1975.), His house is now a memorial museum which is exposed to a constant setting - the birth room, Travnik Chronicle, library and art collection. Continue to Bihac. We will have a guided city tour of Bihać to uncover the secrets of untouch natural landscapes that are classified in the most preserved natural division of Europe.
Overnight in Rekic Hotel 3*, or similar.

After breakfast, continue to Plitvicka. Plitviče Lakes National Park is a 295-sq.-km forest reserve in central Croatia. It's known for a chain of 16 terraced lakes, joined by waterfalls, that extend into a limestone canyon. Walkways and hiking trails wind around and across the water, and an electric boat links the 12 upper and 4 lower lakes. Plitvice lakes has been a national park since 1949 and in 1979 it was added to the UNESCO list of world natural heritage. Continue to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. After the arrival walking tour, where you will see all the highlights of the city including the Green Horseshoe of Zagreb, the Cathedral, the historical Upper Town and the Museum of Broken Relationships. In addition to hearing about history and the hidden gems of the city, you can also enjoy a snack and a cup of coffee at Zagreb 360° Observation Deck.
Overnight in Emonec Hotel 3*, or similar.

 After breakfast, continue to Ljubljana. Slovenia’s capital. Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia is one of its top 3 attractions, and it is a perfect base to enjoy any day trips in Slovenia. Explore its medieval old town and the old Roman ruins, admire the river banks and bridges of the Ljubljanica river, and take the funicular up to Ljubljana castle for great views of the city and the Alps. Relax in Tivoli park and in the numerous restaurants and cafés where people of all ages meet. Marvel in the architectural beauties, marked by influences of neighbouring Italian and Viennese styles of the previous centuries.

Overnight in Emonec Hotel 3*, or similar.

After breakfast, continue to Bled. Where you will have a tour of the majestic Bled Castle , which is located on a steep 139 m high cliff overlooking the lake and offers a heavenly view of Lake Bled, as well as the surrounding alpine mountaintops and valleys. Bled Castle, first mentioned in 1011, is one of the oldest Slovenian castles. You can admire the old wooden Gutenberg printing press and the castle’s smithy, while Bled Castle is also famous for being one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Europe. Then continue to Postojna cave, the largest and arguably the most beautiful cave of the classical Karst. Close by are the Skocjan Caves, which though less visited actually constitute a more spectacular site and indeed have been classed a UNESCO.
Then continue to Rijeka in Croatia. Rijeka where you will visit the fortress of Trsat, built on the turn of the 12th and 13th century. You will learn about the long and interesting history of the castle which oversees the entire city of Rijeka, the administrative and cultural center of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar county and the third largest city in Croatia by number of inhabitants.

Accomodation in hotel (Continental 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, we wiil continue to Opatija. Opatija is a beautiful Croatian city located on the Istrian Peninsula. Among its many attractions are the Villa Angiolina, Saint James's Church, the Juraj Sporer Arts Pavillion, and many picturesque parks.
Then we continue to Zadar via coastline road and by enjoying the fascinating Dalmatian Riviera scenery. After arrival in Zadar we will have a city tour. Walking along Zadar`s streets to show you the entire spectrum of monuments and hidden corners, taking you into the past more than 3000 years. By retelling the stories and legends you will feel the pulse of the town from the past and today's everyday living to enjoy this city considered one of “the Pearls of the Adriatic”.

Accomodation in hotel (Marinko 3*, or similar) and overnight.

Then continue to Sibenik. Sibenik is a historical town located in the picturesque bay where the Krka River flows into the Adriatic Sea, in Central Dalmatia. We have a walking tour in Sibenik's narrow winding streets, stony houses, many staircases and the remains of the city walls give it a romantic Mediterranean atmosphere. St. Jacob's Cathedral is the most famous building in Sibenik. It was constructed over a period of a century, and is testimony to the determination, sacrifice and belief of the generations of inhabitants of Sibenik.

We will continue our journey through history towards Trogir, a small, well preserved town sandwiched between Croatia’s mainland and the island of Čiovo. It is hard to find another town on the Mediterranean as small as Trogir and as rich in respect of the cultural heritage. This fact was noticed by UNESCO back in 1997 when Trogir was included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. This small town is a mosaic of monuments that date from the ancient Greek period to the Middle Ages and further on to the present. Stroll through the streets of this charming little town; admire an undeniable masterpiece of the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and the famous Romanesque Portal of Radovan, 15th century’s palaces of noble families, the Town hall and 11th century’s Benedictine monastery.

Accomodation in hotel (Trogir 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast continue to Split. Split, a town on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, is known for its beaches and the fortresslike complex at its center, Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Once home to thousands, its sprawling remains include more than 200 buildings. Within its white stone walls and under its courtyards are a cathedral and numerous shops, bars, cafes, hotels and houses. Split walking tour includes the Roman part of town (Diocletian palace) and the old part of town (City hall, promenade, Fishmarket..) The ruins of the Palace can be found throughout the city. The cathedral locally known as St. Duje church was built in the Middle Ages, reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum. Twelfth- and 13th-century Romanesque churches, medieval fortifications, 15th-century Gothic palaces and other palaces in Renaissance and Baroque style make up the rest of the protected area.

Accomodation in hotel  (As Hotel 3*, or similar) and overnight.

Then continue to Dubrovnik. The walking route takes you around the Old Town via Onofrio's Fountain and up Prijeko Street to the Old Port - the key to Dubrovnik's trading and maritime success. Along the way you will pay a visit to St. Saviour's, the grandiose Franciscan and Dominican church, and see wine-producing vines believed to be more than 100 years old.

Accomodation in hotel  (Petka 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast we will drive to Kotor via Perast. We visit the Old Town and show you the most important historical monuments and buildings in town: Square of Arms, Byzanti Palace, Beskuca Palace, Pima Palace, St Tryphon Cathedral, Maritime Museum, St Nicholas Church, Blessed Ozana Church as well as the North gate, and the biggest attraction the city ramparts thanks to which Kotor became a part of UNESCO World Heritage.

Accomodation in hotel Marija 3*, or similar) and overnight.

Then departure to Budva (UNESCO). We will visit the capital of Montenegro tourism to enjoy the amazing combination of the wonderful beaches with the history of the ancient, cultural and religious monuments. Visit in the Old City, Sveti Trojica Church, Stanjevici Monastery. Then continue to Ulqin. Ulcinj an Albanian majority ethnic enclave part of the "south coast" region of Montenegro and is a popular tourist destination. Although still undiscovered by many travelers from larger countries, repeat tourists and an increasing number of first time visitors make Ulcinj a hot spot for vacationers. Visit to the Castle of Ulcinj, its old town is a very well preserved castle-looking community that is left over from medieval times. The old town sits atop a mountain overlooking the shore and is a tourist attraction on its own. Visit to Museum of Local History in Ulcinj or simply the Museum of Ulcinj is a local museum located in Kalaja, part of Ulcinj, Montenegro. Through exhibits from the archaeological, ethnographic and artistic collection, in the Museum of Local History you can learn about life in Ulcinj from the 5th century BC to the Turkish period.
Accomodation in hotel  (Vila e Balshajve 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, we will depart for Albania,  where we will stop in Lezha. In the ancient period was called Lis (one of the most important Illyrian city states founded more than 1000 years BC, where according to a latest thesis it could possible be the famous Troyan city of Ilion (as everything is in synchrony with the Iliad poem description of battle field and participants)). Visit to the Mausoleum of Skanderbeg (Albanian National Hero). Then we will continue to Tirana, Albania’s capital. We will visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites. Overnight in your hotel.

Overnight in Tirana.

 We will travel to Elbasan. Elbasan was a very important ancient Illyrian city called Skampa, later on, during Roman empire time, it was famous for its “Via Egnatia” that used to connect Rome-Naples-Bari-Durres-Elbasan-Ohrid-Thessaloniki-Istanbul. City tour to visit: Elbasan Castle (dating back to 4rth Century BC), The Clock, The ethnographic Museum, Church, The Old Mosque. Then we continue the beautiful city of Ohrid, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit the Sveti Naum Monastery, a beautiful site with impressive views of Lake Ohrid across to Albania. Explore its mixture of western and oriental architecture including the Orthodox Cathedral, the 11th century church of St Sofia as well as the Roman theater. Overnight in Ohrid (Hotel Vila Maria 3*, or similar).

After breakfast we will continue to Tetova. Tetovo is a city in the northwestern part of Macedonia, built on the foothills of Šar Mountain and divided by the Pena River. home of multiple ethnic Albanian political parties and a population in which Albanians form a majority, Tetovo has become the unofficial capital and centre of a predominantly Albanian region which extends in an arc from Tetovo to Struga. Visit to the Mosque of Tetovo. This brightly painted Mosque is located on the right bank of the river Pena (Artat) in the old part of town.

Then we head to its capital Skopje. Upon arrival we will visit some of the most important parts of the town, including the old Albanian part of the city (Ottoman time market), the ancient Kale Fortress which dates back to Illyrian and Roman times, and mosques. The structure stands on a plateau above the old bazaar, built in 1492 by Mustafa Pasha, vizier on the court of Sultan Selim 1st. The mosque is largely intact from its original state, and no additions have been made through the years. The body of the daughter of Mustafa Pasha is buried in the türbe next to the mosque. The mosque has a rose garden. A five-year renovation of the mosque, funded by the Turkish government, was completed in August 2011. Overnight in Skopje (Hotel De Koka 3*, or similar).

In the morning after breakfast, continue to Sofia in Bulgaria. Panoramic tour around the Bulgarian capital – an 8500-years old city called “My Rome” by the emperor Constantine The Great. Visit the most fascinating places of interest: the forum of Ancient Serdica (the old name of the city) with the newest archeological discoveries from Roman time, which are exhibited next to the Bulgarian presidency. Next is the St. Nedelya square, where 4 worship buildings of the main religions in Bulgaria are located next to each other. These are the Orthodox Church St. Nedelya, the Catholic church, the Synagogue and the Mosque. They form a quadrangle, symbolizing the peace between different religions in Bulgaria. Our tour continues with the “Alexander I” square where the Royal Palace and the National Theatre are located, “Tzar Osvoboditel” boulevard, the Parliament, the Church of ”St. Sofia” (the name means wisdom), which had given the name of the city, the Sofia University and the “Alexander Nevski” Cathedral (the biggest Orthodox church on the Balkan peninsula). Overnight in Maxim Hotel 3*, or similar.

After breakfast, continue to the village of Arbanassi (meaning Albania). The village is famous for its ancient, richly decorated churches and magnificent architecture. It used to be a residence of the Bulgarian kings. Continue to the old capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo. Visit to the historical hill Tsarevets with the Fortress, the Wax museum, the Patriarchal church and the Emperor Baldwin’s Tower. You will walk along the old Trade Street – “Samovodska charshia”.  Accomodation in hotel (Villa Arbanashki Han 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, continue to the Romanian capital, Bucharest. Visit the patriarchal church, the seat of the Romanian Orthodox Patriarch, the village museum with its houses from all parts of Romania, and stop at the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The wide boulevards of Bucharest, monuments like the triumphal arch and wide places explain why Bucharest is known as "small Paris of the East". Accomodation in hotel (Hotel SS Residence Unirii 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast,  continue to Constanta in Romania, where we visit Constanta,  a coastal Black Sea town, founded as a colony almost 2600 years ago. It’s the oldest attested city in Romania, the biggest port at the Black Sea (third largest in Europe) and also the fourth largest city in Romania with its 400,000 inhabitants. Visit the Old Casino, The statue of Ovid. In the afternoon return to Bucharest for Overnight.

In the morning drive to Predeal. Then visit Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family. In 1866, the first king of the Hohenzollern family came to Romania and decided to build a castle in Sinaia on the banks of the Peles brook in the German Renaissance, so that it would remind him of his home country. Continue to Brasov, where we have a city tour. Brasov, located at the foot of Transylvania's Carpathian Mountains. Founded by Teutonic Knights in 1211, Brasov is a perfect example of a settlement of the Middle Ages. Today, it is one of the best preserved cities in Europe and home to some of Europe's narrowest streets. Afterward, continue to Prejmer, where we visit the Prejmer Fortified Church. Now a UNESCO Heritage Site, Prejmer Fortified Church was conquered only once, but went through 50 sieges during its hundreds of years of existence. Then continue to Harman where we have a visit to the fortified church. Return to Brasov overnight.

Overnight at Hotel Belfort 3* or similar.

Afterward, we continue to Bran (Dracula Castle). It was built in the 14th century and served the inhabitants of nearby Brasov as part of its protective belt against the Ottomans. The romantic castle, in the interwar residence of the Romanian Queen Maria, is now a museum. Piteşti. Piteşti is a pleasant, medium-sized city with a pretty, pedestrianised centre lined with cafes, bars, etc. Pitești is a city in Romania, located on the Argeș River. The capital and largest city of Argeș County, it is an important commercial and industrial center, as well as the home of two universities.

Overnight at Hotel Arges Pitesti 3* or similar.

Then continue to Craiova. It is situated near the east bank of the river Jiu in central Oltenia. It is a longstanding political center, and is located at approximately equal distances from the Southern Carpathians and the River Danube. We will start our tour visiting Downtown, Art Museum,Ethnographic museum " Casa Baniei" , House of Culture "Traian Demetrescu" , Romanescu Park ( Zoo, the bridge, The Castle) and Botanic Park. Then continue to Drobeta-Turnu Severin. Drobeta-Turnu Severin, colloquially Severin, is a city in Mehedinți County, Oltenia, Romania, on the northern bank of the Danube, close to the Iron Gates, where we visit the city center and the wanderful water castle from Drobeta Turnu Severin, which is a historical monument located on the territory of Drobeta Turnu Severin. Overnight at Hotel Clipai 3* or similar.

After breakfast, continue to Nis. Nis is the third largest city in Serbia and it is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and Europe, and from ancient times has been considered a gateway between the East and the West. It was named Navissos by the Scordisci in 279 BC, after an invasion of the Balkans. The city was among several taken in the Roman conquest in 75 BC. The Romans built the Via Militaris in the 1st century, with Naissus being one of its key towns; it is also the birthplace of Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor and the founder of Constantinople, and Constantius III and Justin I. It is home to one of the oldest churches in Serbia, dating to the 4th century, located in the suburb of Mediana. Upon our arrival in Nis we will first visit the famous Cele Kula (Skull Tower NIS) where you will learn about the atrocities of the Turks against the Serbs and you will see a unique in the world monument for the sacrifice of Serbian revolutionaries.  Accomodation in hotel  (Garni Eter 3*, or similar) and overnight.

Afterward, drive to Pristina where we stop first to visit the ruins of Ulpiana, an ancient Dardanian-Illyrian city dating back to Roman invasion period of the 1st century that was once one of the most powerful in the Balkans.

Later we will visit the spectacular Gracanica Monastery, one of Kosovo’s most beautiful sites and containing some impressive frescoes.

Proceed to Pristina Kosova’s capital. Where we have a walking tour to explore the city visiting its main sites such as the Orthodox Church and the Carshi Mosque, dating back to the early 15th century. Accomodation in hotel  (Hotel Begolli 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, we will depart for Peja city.  Peja lies at the foot of the gigantic Damned Mountains (Bjeshk't e Nemuna), on the river Bistrica and the entrance of the Rugova Gorge. Peja is the main economic and cultural center of northern Dukagjin and one of the best known tourist resorts of the region. Afterward, continue to Gjakova. Visit the Gjakova Clock Tower, which marks the center of the Old Bazaar, the grain market and see the handicrafts of quilt-workers, saddler makers, silversmiths and embroiderers. We then will visit the 16th century Mosque of “Hadum Aga,” a traditional house for a tea break. We also will visit the 16th century inn of “Hani i Haraçisë,” the old bazaar shopping area, and the Ethnographic Museum.

We continue to Prizren. This city, probably is the most attractive town in Kosovo with superbly preserved buildings from the Ottoman era. We visit the castle which is one of the oldest in the Balkans (almost 3 millenniums), built to protect the city from attacks, the ornate Bajrakli Mosque and the old Turkish Hammam among other sights. Prizren is an absolute highlight of any visit to Kosovo and to see the old houses of the old town in low light as the sun sets is a delight.

Accomodation in hotel  (Hotel Prizren 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, continue the tour by enjoying the wonderful panorama of Black Drini River Valley and Firza Lake to arrive in Kukes. This city became famous and later was a Nobel Candidate city for the hospitality shown for about 1 million refugees from the Kosovo War in 1999. Then continue to Rubik via Has and Kukes in Drini River valley and the Rruga e Kombit Hiwayay. Visit in Info Kulla Rubik, where you will be introduced to the history of Mirdita which is the most authentic region in Albania, because it was never fully occupied fully in the last two millenniums by the various invaders starting from Hellenic, Roman, Byzantines, and the Ottomans. Introduction to Kanuni i Maleve, or known as “The Illyrian Code, Or Code of Lek Dukagjini”, where a similar one is found in Hittite civilization dating back 3500 year ago. Visit to the Shelbuemi Church of Rubik (dated in 1162), built over an ancient Illyrian Temple/Castle over the hill
ock in the strategic control of Fani River Valley. Overnight Hotel Marubi or similar.

After breakfast, we will depart for Kruje. We will visit the medieval city of Kruja (visit the castle and the impressive Skanderbeg Museum, Ethnographical Museum and shopping in Old Bazaar, mosques from the time of the ottomans time. Drive to Tirana for our final night where you will enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional food.

Overnight in your hotel in Tirana.