Day 1, arrive in Tirana, Sunday

Welcome to Tirana! You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The day is at leisure until you gather with your fellow travelers and your tour director in the evening for an orientation of your tour, and a welcome reception. (WR)

Day 2, in Tirana, Monday

On a morning sightseeing tour, see the Skanderbeg Square with the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Et’hem Bey, the Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture, built in Socialist-Realist style; and the National History Museum. Your afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own, shop, or just relax. (B)

Optional tour: Visit of Archeological museum in Dures and Skanderberg distillery with cognac and wine tasting

Day 3, in Tirana: Excursion to Lake Ohrid, Tuesday

We travel to Macedonia and visit the lakeside resort of Ohrid. It is an important cultural and spiritual center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our sightseeing tour starts with a walk through the cobblestone streets of the old town. Afterward, we visit the magnificent Monastery of Saint Naum. In the early afternoon, we return to our hotel. The evening is at leisure. (B)

Day 4, to Dubrovnik, Wednesday

After breakfast, we leave Albania and travel to Montenegro where we visit Kotor’s Old Town. There is time for lunch on your own. Later, we continue to beautiful Dubrovnik in Croatia. Dinner is on us tonight. (B, D)

Day 5, in Dubrovnik, Thursday

We start our discovery of Dubrovnik with a walking tour of “Old Dubrovnik”; the Rector’s Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column and the Sponza Palace are all on our itinerary, as are the Dominican- and Franciscan Monasteries. The Pharmacy of the Franciscan Monastery is one of the oldest in the world. Later, we meet a local artisan to learn about the traditional craftsmanship that still thrives in Dubrovnik today. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Optional tour: Home-hosted dinner

Day 6, to Sarajevo, Friday

We drive through the gorge of the Neretva River to Mostar. Here, we see the remains of the Turkish quarter and the 16th-century stone bridge. Afterward, we continue our journey to Sarajevo, the capital of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a city influenced by several cultures and civilizations over its long history. (B)

Day 7, in Sarajevo, Saturday

In the morning, we visit a local coffee shop where the owner will explain how Bosnian coffee, part of the national identity, is made. Afterward, coffee will be served for you to enjoy. On our city tour, we will see the Turkish Bazaar Bas Carsija, visit the Husref Bay’s Mosque, the Olympic Stadium, and the Gavrilo Princip Museum. A little bit later, we stop for a light traditional Cevapi lunch (a national dish with grilled minced meat, onion and bread). (B, L)

Optional tour: A horse-drawn carriage ride along Velika Aleja to Vrelo Bosne and a traditional Bosnian meal

Day 8, to Belgrade, Sunday

We continue our journey to Visegrad with its Bridge on the Drina River. The bridge was built in oriental style in the 16th century and is a masterpiece of civil engineering. Our next stop is in Drvengrad (translated as “Timber Town”), where famous director Emir Kusturica built the beautiful Ethno Village. Our final stop is in Uzice and we end our journey today in Belgrade. (B)

Day 9, in Belgrade, Monday

With a history dating back more than 7,000 years, Belgrade is a fascinating city to visit. Our morning sightseeing tour includes the city’s main attractions: the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically situated at the joining of the Sava and Danube Rivers; Republic Square,Knez Mihajlova Street; Saint Sava Church, the largest Orthodox Church in Serbia; and Tito’s Memorial. The afternoon is free. Tonight, join your fellow travelers and your tour director for dinner with live music. (B, D)

Optional tour: Cruise on the Danube River

Day 10, to Zagreb, Tuesday

We travel to Zagreb today, the capital of Croatia. Upon arrival, your time is at leisure. (B)

Optional tour: Gastronomy tour

Day 11, in Zagreb, Wednesday

This morning we enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, the Parliament, and the Government Palace. The rest of the day is free to explore the winding streets of the Old Town. (B)

Optional tour: Kumrovec with dinner

Day 12, to Ljubljana, Thursday

We motor on to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. In the afternoon we visit the most significant sights of the old city center, the picturesque open-air Central Market, the Three Bridges, the Baroque Town Hall, and Robba’s Fountain. The evening is at leisure. (B)

Optional tour: Wine tasting

Day 13, in Ljubljana: Excursion to lake Bled, Friday

We travel to Bled for a sightseeing tour which includes the charming town, the lakeshore and a visit of the imposing Bled Castle which is perched on a cliff high above the lake. Later, we return to Ljubljana and you have free time. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and your tour director for our farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 14, depart Ljubljana, Saturday

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Ljubljana airport for your departure flight. (B)