Dubrovnik
Upon your arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transfer to the hotel in Dubrovnik. Free time to refresh & meet with your guide for a Sunset Panorama Tour of Dubrovnik. Dinner and orientation meeting with your tour manager. (D)
After breakfast morning transfer to the Old town of Dubrovnik (listed as UNESCO World’s heritage since 1979) for a walking tour with a local guide where we will see the magnificent citadel surrounded by well-preserved stone walls which were built to protect the city and its citizen from foreign ¡nvaders. Crossing through the famous street called Stradun.we will see the Franciscan monastery, Sponza palace, Rector’s palace, the Assumption Cathedral, Onofrio’s fountains, Church of Saint Blaise and others. We continue south to Montenegro or Black Mountain, a mystical yet fascinating country, …from rugged mountains to sandy beaches, where turbulent history and diverse ethnic groups entangle. Inky waters of Bay of Kotor, often referred to as the only Mediterranean fjord to the small squares and narrow streets of Budva that marks Old Town Budva, popular summer destination of Montenegro. After busy morning and many new images this day has offered we stop for a late lunch at local restaurant in Budva/Budva area. After lunch some free time to stroll the old town of Budva. We continue to Ulcinj, our place to stay overnight. Dinner at hotel in Ulcinj. (B,L,D)
Just cross border into Albania and our first destination Shkodra, known as the “capital of north Albania” it is one of the oldest cities in the country, founded in the 4th century B.C. as the center of the Labeat tribe of Illyrians. Shkodra’s main tourist attraction is Rozafa Castle. Rising majestically upon a rocky hill west of the city, the outcroppings and battlements paint a blazing picture against the setting sun.
Two hours drive south will take us to Albanian capital of Tirana where we will stay overnight. Overnight Tirana. (B,L,D)
Today we have another culture rich day is ahead of us. Today we visit Ardenica and Apollonia. Ardenica is an Orthodox monastery built in the 13th century. It is thought that it was in this idyllic place that the marriage of the Albanian national hero Scanderbeg was celebrated in the 15th century. After Ardenica we proceed to Apollonia, situated on the famous Via Egnatia. Apollonia was founded at the beginning of the 7th century B.C. by the Greek colonists and in Roman times, it was a large and flourishing city. We will have lunch in Apollonia. After the visit to Apollonia continue to Berat-The city is also known as “the city of thousand Windows”. We continue our tour to the Castle and the Onufri museum. People are still living within the walls of the castle, just like their ancestors did. Onufri was an Albanian Icon master painter of the 16th century who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece. After long day we return to Tirana. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Tirana. (B,L,D)
After breakfast morning tour of Tirana. Begin with a visit to Skanderbeg Square in the city and the CLock Tower. Next to the Tower stands the Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of the few religious monuments that survived communist era régime. It is worth visiting the inside of the mosque.. Our next stop is the National Muséum, located in the heart of Tirana, where we Learn more on the history of this ancient nation. Piramida, our next destination, is built by Enver Hoxha (ALbania’s communist Leader 1945 – 1985) to be a memorial on him. Nowadays is one of the most visited places by tourists in Tirana, although almost ruined. In front of Piramida, next to the Parliament building, we will visit for a while the new Bunker prototype, symbol of Communist Régime in Albania. After Tirana city tour we continue north and vist Kruja where you will expérience a step back in medieval history by visiting the castle and Scanderbeg Muséum. Walk in the Old Bazaar full of old shops that sell traditional handmade items. Lunch in a traditional local restaurant. After lunch our drive will take us north to Montenegran capital of Podgorica. Dinner and overnight in Podgorica. (B,L,D)
Podgorica is also the cultural center of the region. You will see the most outstanding attractions of Podgorica during the tour Stara Varos or the old town, old clock tower and the mosques in the streets are narrow and curvy, King Nikola’s castle, St. George’s church, Hercegovacka busy street lined with shops in the city center, Cathedral Hristovog vaskrsenja, King Nikola Monument, Montenegro’s parliament, Millennium bridge built over the Moraca River. Rising on a cliff 900 m above the Zeta valley, the gleaming white Ostrog Monastery is the most important sight in Montenegro for Orthodox Christians attracting up to a million visitors per year. Our journey towards Bosnia and Sarajevo take us through Piva Canyon and the Piva River which are undoubtedly some of the most extraordinary natural attractions of this stunning country. In case you didn’t know, the Piva River nows through the western parts of Montenegro, which are dotted with soaring mountains and magnificent forests that form breathtaking panoramas. The Piva Canyon is approximately 3,280 feet deep and is probably one of the most picturesque sites in Montenegro. We will surprise you by having todays lunch in this stunning beautiful setting. Crossing into Bosnia and arrive Sarajevo-capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dinner and overnight Sarajevo. (B,L,D)
Visit the Capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, city known for diverse cultural and religious atmospphere. This is where Roman and Orthodox Catholic Church along with the Islam meet and influence each other. Ottoman era architecture copes along the Austro Hapsburg one. Our local guide will show us the sights of the Old town including the Latin bridg where the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austro-Hungary Empire and his wife were assassinated; the old bazar Bascarsija, the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque museum, the cathedral, the Brusa Bezistan complex among other important monuments After our tour we will endulge in some Bosnian food and deserts. Afteroon free to explore Sarajevo on your own. Dinner and overnight Sarajevo. (B,L,D)
Moming departure to Mostar, the cultural capital of Hercegovina. Upon arrival, lalking tour of the Old town, a place influenced by the Ottoman Era. Our local guide will take us to the most remarkable symbol of the city, the Old Bridge over Neretva River – single arch storie bridge which is a monument under UNESCOs protection. We will also see the Cejvan Cehaj Mosque (the oldest mosque in Mostar). The Old Bazaar named Kujundžiluk, among other main monuments. After city tour of Mostar and some free time we will take scenic country drive through untouristed Herzegovina on our way to First we will make a stop in Medjugorje, one of the worldwide pilgrimage sights. Marian shrines of Europe. Following we will visit hidden waterfalls and have lunch in this charming setting. Driving further south -west we are crossing border back to Croatia. Our place of residence for the next two nights is a charming little town of Baska Voda and our hotel right at the waterfront. Dinner at Hotel in Baska Voda. (B,L,D)
After breakfast departure towards Split. After sampling local sweet donuts “Fritule” we will start walking tour of Split with a local guide where we will visit its most notable monuments: Diocletian palace, The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the Peristyle and Jupiters temple among other interesting attractions. Then you will have free to explore the old town or walk around Riva (waterfront promenade). We continue towards Trogir. Lunch at local restaurant in Trogir. Upon arrival walking tour of the Old city town which is located on a small island connected to mainland. We will see the Cathedral of St Lawrence, the tower dock, the city hall, remains of the Old walls and other sights. Some free time and return to Baska Voda. (B,L,D)
Free day on Leisure.
Or Optional Tour to islands of Brac & Hvar. (B,D)
Breakfast. Trip to Dubrovnik airport or Dubrovnik depends on your departure from Dubrovnik airport.
