Balkan Explorer

Welcome to Athens! This morning, meet up with your leader and tour group at the hotel. Then, embark on an orientation tour of Greece’s capital city, witnessing iconic sights such as the Academy, National Library, Greek parliament, Panathinaikos marble stadium, Hadrian’s Arch, and the temple of Olympian Zeus. After, enjoy free time to explore on your own or join the delicious Athens Food Tour to get your first taste of Greece’s renowned local produce and street food. Today also offers the incredible opportunity to tour the spectacular Acropolis! Please note that this optional excursion is very popular and must be booked prior to the start of the tour. Tonight, enjoy an included welcome dinner and indulge in traditional Greek cuisine!

• Explore Athens; Greece’s ancient capital city

• Enjoy a welcome dinner in Athens

Journey north through the Greek mainland, with a stop in Delphi which was once deemed the “omphalos” (navel) of the earth. Upon arrival, marvel at the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Treasury of the Athenians, and visit the Museum of Delphi. Then, continue to Meteora, home to striking rock formations housing Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Explore St. Stephen's Monastery, now a nunnery, founded by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene in 1400. Admire the 18th-century main cathedral and take in Kalambaka's vistas. Witness the Holy Trinity Monastery perched on a single rock before continuing to the nearby town of Kalambaka, where tonight’s accommodation awaits.

• Explore the ancient ruins of Delphi

• Visit Meteora; see the formation of Eastern Orthodox monasteries

Travel onwards to North Macedonia and the hidden gem of Ohrid this morning. A UNESCO World Heritage Site on Lake Ohrid, it's among Europe's oldest settlements and is famous for once having 365 churches, each for a day of the year. Explore the Old Town on a guided tour, marvelling at landmarks like the Antique theatre, Tsar Samoil Fortress, and the Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched on a cliff above Lake Ohrid. End the day with an included dinner this evening.

• Embark on a guided tour of Ohrid

Leave North Macedonia this morning and journey to Albania, reaching its capital, Tirana. Like many cities in this region, Tirana has undergone a significant transformation, shedding its oppressive Communist past for a lively, colourful atmosphere. Enjoy an included lunch, before setting off on an introductory walking tour. Admire the city's vibrant buildings and diverse architecture, reflecting its Ottoman, Italian, and Communist influences. This evening, join the optional Evening in Tirana excursion for a museum visit and dinner at a local restaurant to delve deeper into the history and culture of Albania.

• Enjoy a walking tour of Tirana, capital of Albania

Travelling north, leave Albania behind, and journey through Montenegro. Today’s first stop is the charming coastal town of Budva, famous for its well-preserved medieval walled city. Enjoy free time to explore before continuing the journey. Next, make a comfort stop at the UNESCO-listed town of Kotor, known for its ancient port surrounded by Venetian fortifications and stunning fjord-like cliffs. Enjoy the picturesque Mediterranean landscape before continuing onwards to Croatia. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, your tour leader will guide you to the Old Town entrance. Spend the evening at your leisure exploring Dubrovnik.

• Explore Budva and Kotor in Montenegro

Join a guided walking tour of the Old Town this morning to explore the Franciscan Monastery and City Walls. Then, set out on a walking tour from the stunning Amerling Fountain. The remainder of the day is yours to delve into Dubrovnik's captivating history at leisure. Join the optional excursion for an in-depth exploration of some of Dubrovnik’s most mesmerising beaches, islands and caves! Explore Sunj Beach, Kolocep Island and the otherworldly blue cave on a relaxing cruise with swim stops. This is the best way to take in Dubrovnik’s coastal scenery!

• Discover Dubrovnik on a walking tour

Venture into Bosnia and Herzegovina and discover a treasure trove of Balkan history and beauty today! Enjoy the scenic landscapes and beautiful towns en route before arriving in Mostar, a historic town renowned for its revival after the Bosnian War. Enjoy free time to explore the city’s iconic Stari Most Bridge and diverse religious sites that reflect Roman and Ottoman influences. This afternoon, travel to the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo! Arrive and join an expert local guide on a tour of this fascinating city. Enjoy an included dinner tonight and look forward to tasting authentic Bosnian cuisine.

• Visit Mostar; a medieval Balkan town

• Take a walking tour of Sarajevo

Depart Bosnia and Herzegovina this morning and head back to Croatia. Arrive in the idyllic coastal city of Split and enjoy an orientation tour of the picturesque Old Town. Admire the Baroque architecture of Fruit Square, see the ancient Diocletian's Palace and wander along the bustling Split Riva waterfront before enjoying ample free time to explore on your own and to find a local spot for lunch. You could even enjoy a dip in the ocean if the weather allows! Later, travel to tonight’s accommodation in Northern Croatia. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.

• Explore Split, an idyllic coastal city

Today's journey offers a blend of breathtaking landscapes and the charming Slovenian capital. Begin with a stop at one of Europe’s most picturesque natural landscapes. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is famed internationally for its cascading waterfalls and stunning scenery. Take a tour of the reserve and wander the boardwalks, admiring the incredible natural beauty of Croatia's largest national park. Next, head to Ljubljana, Slovenia's quaint capital. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this enchanting city. Later, join the optional Slovenian evening excursion for a fun night of live music, singing, and dancing, with a delightful three-course meal!

• Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Embark on a guided walking tour of Ljubljana

Journey into Hungary today. Before crossing the border, stop in the charming city of Maribor and enjoy an orientation tour. Then, en route to Hungary’s captivating capital, enjoy a visit to Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe! Later, its on to Budapest which is renowned as one of Europe's most beautiful cities! Situated on the historic Danube River, Budapest is rich in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, remarkable architecture, and natural geothermal springs. Upon arrival, embark on a driving tour with a local guide, witnessing iconic landmarks in the Castle District like the Hungarian Parliament buildings. End the day with an included group dinner, celebrating your first night in Budapest!

• Visit Maribor, a charming city in Slovenia

• Admire Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake

• Discover Budapest on a locally-guided driving tour

Budapest awaits! Enjoy a free day delving into the city's intriguing past and discovering unique details scattered throughout the city. Join the Budapest+ excursion for a comprehensive tour of iconic landmarks like St. Stephen's Basilica and the Central Market Hall. Alternatively, relax in the thermal waters of Budapest Baths, renowned since Roman times, with 123 thermal and 400 mineral springs from 14 different sources! Tonight, consider a memorable optional dinner cruise on the Danube, offering breathtaking views of Budapest's skyline for an unforgettable evening!

Bid farewell to Budapest as the journey heads to Belgrade in Serbia. Pause in Novi Sad for a comfort stop before reaching Serbia's capital for a guided walking tour. Explore Belgrade’s highlights such as the Republic Square, the Bohemian Quarter (Skadarlija), Kalemegdan Park, and Belgrade Fortress. Positioned at the heart of the Balkans, at the meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade pulsates with history, culture, grit, and character. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group.

• Visit Novi Sad in Serbia

• Explore Belgrade, capital of Serbia

Explore more of Serbia this morning, starting with the first destination, Niš! Enjoy a lunch stop in this historic city in southeastern Serbia, previously ruled by the Turks for centuries. Wander the charming cobbled streets of Tinkers Alley (Kazandžijsko Sokače), a nostalgic reminder of the Ottoman era. Then, continue to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital. Familiarise yourself with the city's main sights, including the spellbinding Sofia Cathedral, on a walking tour. This is the perfect introduction to this bustling capital city. End the day with an included group dinner.

• Visit Tinkers Alley and enjoy a lunch stop in Niš

• Enjoy a guided tour of Sofia

After two weeks of exploring the wonders of the Balkans, the tour returns to Greece today! Before departing Bulgaria, enjoy a visit to Rila Monastery. This ancient Eastern Orthodox monastery boasts remarkable architecture, historical relics, and exquisite frescoes, all set amidst the breathtaking Rila Monastery Nature Park. This afternoon, reach the northern port city of Thessaloniki and set off on an orientation tour of its historic centre. With its compact size, Thessaloniki is perfect for exploring on foot! The tour ends at the Thessaloniki waterfront, near the iconic White Tower, surrounded by numerous dining and entertainment options. The evening is free to spend as you wish so why not pick a spot to savour delicious Greek cuisine and experience the lively nightlife after?

• Explore the majestic Rila Monastery

• Discover Thessaloniki; a Greek port city

Get ready for another journey through the Greek countryside as the tour heads south back to Athens. Enjoy a scenic stop in Kamena Vourla on the south coast of the Malian Gulf for lunch. Then, continue the journey towards Athens. Upon arrival, check into the hotel before gathering for a farewell group dinner. It's the final night of the tour which means it's the perfect chance to reflect on the unforgettable experiences in the Balkans and create a few more lasting memories before the tour ends tomorrow!

• Visit Kamena Vourla; a scenic coastal Greek city

• Enjoy a farewell dinner in Athens

After breakfast, this 16-day Balkan adventure comes to an end. It's time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers but be sure to swap contact details before parting ways so you can keep in touch. Safe travels onward!