Balkans escorted small group tour

After making your own way to the hotel we meet in the evening for a welcome dinner and program orientation with the group leader.

This morning, we travel into Bosnia, stopping on the way in Mostar, where we view the famous bridge. We take a guided, educational walk through the Ottoman and also take in the medieval quarter of the town. We then continue on to Sarajevo.

After breakfast, we take an extensive tour of Sarajevo, taking in the main sights of the city, including the spot where the Archduke Franz Ferdinand was shot, which that led to the start of the First World War. We also see the tunnel connecting the resistance under the city during the war of 1992-1995.

We then head north to see two most unusual sights: our first stop is Stone Ball park, an area where there are many very large stone balls – some believe these to have been man-made, others say they are natural. Afterwards, we visit the valley of the pyramids. Again, some believe that under three of the large hills here are hidden man-made pyramids, while others believe that they are natural – this is still a matter of debate.

Before crossing into Serbia, we stop to view the pretty UNESCO-listed Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic bridge. The first stop in Serbia is the Drven Grad village, which was created by a local movie director for one of his films. This site is now an interesting stop, sine it displays the old-style wooden buildings. We then take the scenic train ride known as the Sargan 8, it loops around and through the mountains in a figure of eight to cope with the elevation change on this section of the track.

Morning city tour in Belgrade visiting the large fortress parts of which date back to the early Roman period. Visit to the Royal palace (so long as this day is a Saturday or Sunday), the palace is still occupied by the current royal family so closed on weekdays. Visit to the Residence of Princess Ljubica built in the 19^th century, but now a museum with artefacts to show what it was like to live in at the time it was built – for the nobility.

Afternoon free to take in the market and old parts of the city.

This morning we head south, making a stop at the memorial dedicated to those who died in the Balkan wars and WWI. We then continue south to Topola, where we visit the Temple of Saint George and the mausoleum of the Karadjordjevic dynasty built in the early-19^th century. This mausoleum has an absolutely stunning interior that must be seen to be believed.

The next stop is a very different site, a fortified monastery, Mansija, built in the 15^th century and in a wonderful location.

After breakfast, we experience a picturesque drive through the hills and valleys to the pretty and architecturally significant Kalenic monastery. Here, we learn about the history of religion in the area and take a walking tour of the monastery ground. Our second stop of the day is the Dvorac Belimarkovica manor house, which has been transformed into a vibrant museum.

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Nis, taking in its fortress as well as the city’s unusual tower of skulls, which was built by a Turkish general in 1809 using the skulls of the defeated Serbs. Later on, we drive to one of the most important Roman sites in the region, Felix Romuliana in Gamzigrad. It is of an unusual design for the Romans, but you can still many of the original floor mosaics in-situ.

On our return leg, we make a brief stop to see the Roman remains at Medijana, the birthplace of Emperor Constantine, who was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.

This morning we visit two important sites in Nis: the Nazi concentration camp and the memorial at Bubanj to those that died. Today we also take a short trip to view the unusual Devil’s Towers rock formations at Kursumlija.

Today we head south again to visit another Roman ruin that features an overgrown mosaic grass floor. We stop for lunch in Vranje, where there is an opportunity to find a local meal of your choosing. This town features a noticeable change in architectural style from previous locations,

We then cross into Macedonia and visit the pre-historic archaeological site of Kokino, set high up in the mountains. A local guide gives us an extensive tour, with a particular emphasis on local history. Our time here takes in spectacular views, but some say that Kokino is orientated in such a way as to show the equinoxes. On our way to Skopje, we also stop to see the magnificent aqueduct on the outskirts of the city.

After breakfast, we take a walking tour of Skopje, a city under transformation that is an unusual site in itself. We also stop to see the Ottoman Daud Pasha Baths, now named the National Gallery, and the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, which is unusual in that it has hardly been modified since it was built in the 15^th century. Here, we visit the old bazaar area as well as the Memorial house built to honor Mother Teresa, who was born on the site.

In the afternoon, we explore two local vineyards, and enjoy a delicious seasonal-produce-based lunch together.

Today we leave Skopje and head to Tetovo, where we visit the Arabati Baba Bektasi Teke with a local guide. Here, we learn about the fascinating history of this place, which was originally used by the Dervishes but was later taken forcibly by the Islamic community. It has since been returned to the Dervishes.

Heading south, we travel on winding, picturesque roads through the mountains and forests to the huge complex of the St John Bigorski monastery, which also claims to hold the forearm of John the Baptist.

Today is primarily a rest day, with a short tour in Ohrid that takes in the museum with displays of the archaeology of the region. We also stop off at the Sveta Sophia church, which has wall paintings dating from the 11^th century, some of the oldest in the world.

In the afternoon, we take a leisurely cruise across the lake to the monastery of Naum. We take in spectacular scenery along the way, passing by the Bay of Bones, a replica of a stick pile village built in the lake.

Today is set aside as a free day to explore this pretty town to relax at your own pace, or else simply enjoy soaking up the scenery and local atmosphere. You might also like to visit the Roman amphitheater, walk through the old town, or take in the promenade beside the lake.

Today we leave Ohrid and followthe route of the ancient Roman road, Via Egnata, passing into Albania and travelling up over the mountains. We make a key stop in Mirake to see the ancient bridge, which is possibly Roman. While on the Via Egnata, we see remnants of the old Roman road here too.

We also stop in Elbasan, a staging post on the Via Egnata, to see the castle and eat lunch within the grounds.

After arriving in Berat, we take a guided walking tour of the citadel.

Today we drive to the coast, taking very small and slow roads to reach the pretty Roman port town of Apollonia. On the road leading to the town are many of the old communist era fortifications – including an extensive concrete tunnel network built for defence – that are unique to Albania.

We have allowed for some free time in Tirana upon arrival, where we will be free to explore this lively and cultural town.

Today we explore Tirana, a strange and intriguing city. We take in many of the important sights, from the Pyramid built originally as Hoxha’s tomb, but now left empty, to the Ottoman era buildings. Across the day we see a complete contrast in architectural styles.

In the afternoon, we drive to Kotor, in Montenegro, with a short stop to view the Shkoder castle.

After breakfast, we enjoy a brief walking tour in Kotor to learn about the history of the town, followed by an excursion to Lovcen national park. The road up the side of the fjord is an experience in itself, with lots of hairpin bends as it climbs the steep gradient, taking in phenomenal views. We then venture into the park and up to the top of the mountain to see the mausoleum to Prince Njegos, who was buried here, then had his remains moved to Cetinje and moved back again. The views over the fjord and bay of Kotor are truly breathtaking.

We then take the longer route back via Cetinje, the old capital of Montenegro, with a short stop and walking tour to see some of the older houses. After, we head down the mountain to the seaside town of Budva. We stop enroute to take in the views over the sea and the small island of Sveti Stefan, a private resort.

Later on, we enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel.

After breakfast, we take a group transfer to the airport. After saying our farewells, the tour draws to a close.