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Tour from Dubrovnik to Athens: Seven countries in 14 days

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Duration

14 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

___

Overview

Visit the UNESCO world heritage sites (Mostar, Kotor, Decan Monastery,  Ohrid, Berat, Gjirokaster, Meteora,), be amazed by the amazing mountain formations in Kalabaka, and walk through the narrowed streets in the Stone city Gjirokaster. This small group tour explores some of the most important destinations in each of the seven Balkan countries. You will be captured by the unique experience and lively Mediterranean vibe.  

* All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance.

* Single Supplement: To guarantee tour departure even for one participant we require a single supplement of 2151 Euros. If other participants join this tour, you will be refunded 50% of the single supplement amount and your room occupancy will still be private. We organize small groups up to 8 pax. Please contact us if you are a larger group of participants for a quotation.

* Please note that prices are calculated on double/twin/triple/quadruple room occupancy in a 3 stars hotel accommodation.

* Single room occupancy is possible on 35 Euros extra charge per night per person in a 3 stars hotel accommodation.

* Hotel upgrade is possible on extra charge.

* Private tour is possible  on 280 Euros/person extra charge.

* Children pricing: Age 0 – 1.99 Free of charge; Age 2+ full fare.

* Choose Balkans reserves the rights to add other participants in and during the tour program. If you are interested in a private tour, please contact us for a quotation.

* Tour’s schedule or itinerary may be affected/adopted due to; weather, Acts of God, labour strikes, bank holidays, site temporary closure/renovation or other external forces outside the Company’s control.

* On request this tour may also depart from other cities of Croatia or neighbouring countries such as Albania Kosovo, Montenegro or N. Macedonia. Please contact us for more information on the extra costs.

* Please note that Choose Balkans needs to receive the net (full) quoted amount. Transaction and payment fees are on the sender (you in this case). We will notify you with a print screen of the amount received at our account as soon as we receive your down payment.

* Please note that Credit/Debit card payments are possible at our office in Tirana and apply a 5% bank commission.

*If you confirm to book this tour or any other service offered by Choose Balkans, via email/Facebook/WhatsApp/phone call or any other form of communication it means that you have read and agreed to the terms & conditions.

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • Old Bazaar of Mostar
  • Stari Most bridge
  • Blagaj monastery
  • Sarajevo old town
  • Latin Bridge in Sarajevo
  • Saint Luke’s church in Kotor
  • Old Town of Kotor
  • Viewpoint of Sveti Stefan
  • Old historical center of Budva
  • St. Ivan church in Budva
  • The small church of St. Mary in Budva
  • The fortress (Kalaja e Rozafes)
  • The Great Mosque in Shkoder
  • The pedestrian street (Pedonale) Shkoder
  • The Catholic Cathedral Shkoder
  • Sinan Pasha Mosque in Prizren
  • The Archeological Museum and its tower in Prizren
  • The castle in Prizren
  • The bazaar in Prizren
  • The Old Town in Prizren
  • Old Bazaar in Gjakova
  • Monastery of Decan
  • Rahovec Valley and vineyards
  • Ohrid Town
  • Ohrid bazaar and shopping area
  • ST Naum Monastery
  • Skanderbeg square in Tirana
  • Bunk’Art in Tirana
  • Toptani Castel in Tirana
  • Blloku Neigborhood
  • The Etnographic Museum OR Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja
  • Dollmës Tekke in Kruja
  • Kruja castle
  • Fortress of Berat
  • Mangalem neighbourhood
  • Gorica neighbourhood in Berat
  • “Ura e Gorrices” – Gorrica Bridge in Berat
  • Xhamia e Beqarit – Bachelor’s Mosque in Berat
  • The Onufri Museum OR Ethnographic Museum in Berat
  • The fortress (Kalaja e Gjirokastres)
  • The old city Gjirokaster
  • Zekate or Skenduli preserved house.
  • Medieval bazaar in Gjirokaster
  • The polyphonic festival stage inside the castle in Gjirokaster
  • Meteora in Kalabaka
  • Monasteries of Meteora

Itinerary

Day 1 Pick up in Dubrovnik (Croatia) – Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
Day 1 Pick up in Dubrovnik (Croatia) – Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

After having experienced the unique medieval town of Dubrovnik (by yourself) be ready to get soaked up into your Balkan adventure. At 09:00 am you will be picked up from your hotel in Dubrovnik by our local representative (driver) who will shuttle you to the border where you will meet your tour leader for this tour. We will cross the border to Bosnia & Herzegovina and head towards the city of Mostar. We will, of course, visit the iconic Old Bridge also known as Stari Most, part of UNESCO world heritage and built in a typical Islamic architectural style in the 16th century. We will also wander through the Old Bazaar with its colourful streets and lively atmosphere. The city has stones with “Don’t Forget” all around the town, commemorating the city’s history. Mostar combines the old with the new, which you will notice while wandering through the streets. There are several beautiful old mosques, bustling Turkish bazaars, and a maze of cobbled alleyways. We will also visit the Blagaj monastery, a little bit outside of the city, on the foot of a cliff, with beautiful blue waters in front of it. Blagaj is a small Ottoman medieval town in Herzegovina with its stunning nature and imposing spring of river Buna. In the afternoon you will have some free time to explore and wander around Mostar, this splendid UNESCO site. Overnight in Mostar

Day 2 Mostar – Sarajevo – Mostar
Day 2 Mostar – Sarajevo – Mostar

After breakfast we will drive from Mostar to our next destination Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today’s itinerary includes walking on uneven terrain, while visiting some of the ruins during our Sarajevo tour. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. The tour will cover the stories of origins of Sarajevo and the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. We will visit the Ottoman and Austria-Hungarian parts of Sarajevo, which both with its stunning markets, bazaars, mosques, churches and synagogues will reveal the true nature of the real European Jerusalem. We’ll make sure to visit the Latin Bridge and learn the story about how WWI was triggered right here, in the heart of Sarajevo. The bridge received its name because it connected the right bank of the Miljacka with the Catholic quarter of the city, which was informally called "Latinluk" in Ottoman times. Sarajevo is well known for its various delicious meat dishes and desserts. You will have some free time to enjoy the traditional dishes and have a cove in the old town. Overnight in Mostar.

Day 3Mostar – Kotor (Montenegro) – Montenegrin Riviera
Day 3Mostar – Kotor (Montenegro) – Montenegrin Riviera

Our tour continues towards Kotor (Montenegro), a UNESCO world heritage site. We will wander through the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets crisscrossing the old town. This street plan seems quite chaotic, but it was created this way on purpose. The intention was to confuse intruders who came to plunder the town, while nowadays it characterizes the city. Many of the old buildings and churches have small plaques on it with their dates of construction and original use. We will visit the Saint Luke’s church which has a great significance for the locals because it represents unity to them. You will have the afternoon to your selves to explore this magnific UNESCO world heritage site. Overnight near Montenegrin Riviera

Day 4 Montenegrin Riviera – Budva – Sveti Stefan – Shkoder (Albania)
Day 4 Montenegrin Riviera – Budva – Sveti Stefan – Shkoder (Albania)

Our first destination for today is Budva in Montenegro, a popular tourist destination, famous for its beaches, gorgeous nature and old characteristic buildings. The city is separated between an old and new part. On one hand, in the New Budva, there are many modern buildings, offices, shopping malls, restaurants and bars. On the other hand, in the Old Budva, there is the historical centre and many sights to visit, such as the St. Ivan church, the small church of St. Mary and the medieval splendours of the old town, which we will visit on this tour. On our way to Albania we will make a stop near Sveti Stefan, historically a fishing town on a small island near the coast. However, nowadays it is not possible to visit the island anymore as it has turned into an exclusive residential resort. Even while standing on the coast, Sveti Stefan is a sight for sore eyes – worth a picture From Montenegro, we will cross the border to Shkoder, Albania. The city is situated in the north-western part of Albania, giving its name to the biggest lake in the Balkans. It is one of the oldest cities in Albania, with a history of a thousand years of habitation. The oldest wall of the Shkodra castle dates from the 1st millennium BCE. The Roman historian Livy cited the town as the capital of the Illyrian king Gent, who fought the Romans in 168 B.C. We will visit Rozafa castle offering tremendous scenery of the lake and the three rivers melting all together in the Adriatic Sea. The city’s architecture is highly influenced by the Venetian style and if you are lucky enough to join the tour of Shkodra in February you might experience the carnival festival. Most of the guests are surprised to learn that most of the Venetian masks are handmade and produced in Shkodra. The city’s favourable geographic position has always been an important trading mark through the centuries, making it possible for different civilisations to encounter. Overnight in Shkoder.

Day 5 Shkoder – Prizren (Kosovo)
Day 5 Shkoder – Prizren (Kosovo)

We will continue our tour towards Prizren, considered as the cultural capital of Kosovo, mixing its rich history, incredible nature, religious tolerance and gastronomic delights. Prizren has played an important role in the region as an Illyrian settlement and a crossroad for the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, contributing to the unique architecture of the city. The river flows through the heart of the old town and under the many bridges that crisscross the city. If you are looking to experience a lively international experience you should visit Prizren during August when the medieval city becomes home to one of the most famous short film festivals in the world named Dokufest. The best way to explore the town is by wandering through the streets passing by elegant medieval houses that fight for your attention. Filigree artisanal techniques for precious metals are Prizren’s joy and pride. Don’t miss the unique experience of shopping in one of the many filigree shops of the town, where you are welcomed to also see the metalsmithing magic happen. If you have to choose just one mosque to visit then visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, rich in arabesque colour and pattern. The view from the fortress on the hill above the town offers a great panorama of this astonishing town. Free afternoon in Prizren. Overnight in Prizren.

Day 6 Prizren – Gjakove - Decan – Vineyards near Rahovec – Prizren
Day 6 Prizren – Gjakove - Decan – Vineyards near Rahovec – Prizren

After breakfast we will continue our tour towards Gjakova. The city has the oldest and largest bazaar of Kosovo. Even though, it got destroyed during the first Balkan wars, the second world war and the Kosovo war, the bazaar got rebuilt again to its old state and is a nice place to enjoy a meal or to take a look at the stores that sell traditional handmade crafts from local artisans and producers. Our next destination will be the Monastery of Decan. This one stands out for its white colour, but even more remarkable is the fact that Orthodox monks still inhabit the monastery and make fresh organic food there, such as cheeses. The monastery became part of UNESCO in 2004 because of its frescoes, which portray the lives of people during the 14th century as well as the Palaeologan renaissance that changed the way of Byzantine painting. Before returning back to Prizren we will drive towards Rahovec Valley, known as the capital city of viticulture in Prizren. There is evidence that in this region grapes have been cultivated since Illyrian times, 2000 years ago. Vineyards are positioned in the soft hillocks of Rahovec in altitude from 350 -520 meters of the sea level making Rahovec an ideal spot to produce high quality fine wines. A wine festival takes place in Rahovec annually every September. Overnight in Prizren.

Day 7 Prizren – Pristina – Skopje (N. Macedonia) – Ohrid
Day 7 Prizren – Pristina – Skopje (N. Macedonia) – Ohrid

Before heading towards N. Macedonia, we will visit the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. We will visit the Newborn monument, symbol of the independence and being a young new country. We will walk towards the main boulevard in the capital. Sheshi Nena Tereza is a nice street to stroll through and enjoy a coffee at one of the bars. Here we will also pass the Skanderberg square with the statue of Skanderberg himself, the national Albanian hero. Our tour continues towards Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. The city has European, Ottoman and even Asian influences. The Stone Bridge connects the new part to the old part of the city. Impossible to miss in Skopje is the Alexander the Great Statue in the center. Another bridge that stands out is the Art Bridge that leads to the Archaeological Museum. The bridge is lined with flamboyant street lanterns and statues of Macedonian artists and musicians. We will wander through the Old Bazaar of Skopje, the biggest one in the Balkans, that combines the modern way of living with centuries of history. The cross on top of the mountain can be seen kilometres away from Skopje and has become a symbol of the city. Overnight in Ohrid.

Day 8 Ohrid – ST. Naum - Ohrid
Day 8 Ohrid – ST. Naum - Ohrid

Ohrid is one of the most seductive destinations in N. Macedonia human settlements in all of Europe. Ohrid city and Ohrid Lake are part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. Ohrid Lake and its surroundings where inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys. The Lake was named by the Romans as “Lyhnidas” (the Light Lake). Our next destination will be St. Naum. From May to September we will reach St. Naum by Boat, being able to enjoy this amazing experience and the beautiful surroundings from the boat. The monastery of St. Naum carries the name of a holy place. It is situated right at the source of River Crni Drim, which flows through Lake Ohrid. This monastery complex is part of the National Park Galicica and belongs to one of the strictly protected areas. Crystal clear, spring water reflects both the surrounding greenery and the mountain peaks in the background. You can have lunch in one of the restaurants there, or simply enjoy some time on the beach. In the afternoon we will return back to Ohrid. Overnight in Ohrid.

Day 9 Ohrid - Tirana (Albania)
Day 9 Ohrid - Tirana (Albania)

We will start our adventure by discovering Tirana, the capital of Albania. Tirana offers a great combination of very interesting museums, historic sites, national parks, mountains. Ottoman, Italian and communist style architecture all clashing with each other, but offering a great pleasure to wander through. We will walk towards Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu. The main square is surrounded by the National Museum, the Bank of Albania, the Opera house, Skanderbeg Statue, Ethem Beu Mosque and fancy bars. After strolling around the bustling streets of Tirana, we will visit BUNKART, one of the most interesting museums in Tirana. Initially designed as a nuclear bunker offering shelter to the Albanian communist supreme leader Enver Hoxha and his close party members during the cold war. The bunker was kept strictly secret to the general public until 2016, when the Albanian government decided to initiate an interesting project that converted the nuclear bunker into a museum. BUNKART is a video museum exhibition dedicated to the history of the Albanian communist army and to the daily lives of Albanians during the regime. Our tour continues towards Tirana Castle, found in the city center. The castle is now a pedestrian street where modern and tradition perfectly merge creating one of the fanciest areas of modern Tirana. Our last attraction for this tour will be the colorful, lively and vibrant Blloku Neighborhood. Not to be missed is Tirana’s delicious food varieties, from the tasty and cheap street food to the finest gourmet options. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 10 Tirana – Kruja - Tirana
Day 10 Tirana – Kruja - Tirana

Today we will head towards Kruja, a historical city symbol of the Albanian resistance against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire during the XV century. Kruja is situated in central Albania on a rocky mountainous terrain about 560 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Sarisalltik Mountain. Walking through the narrow streets and the wooden houses of Kruja’s Medieval Old Bazaar (one of the biggest and oldest in Balkans) gives you a sense of a passage through the history. This is the best place to shop for souvenir in Albania, from typical to more unique and handmade souvenirs such as carpets, jewelleries etc. The castle of Kruja (built during the 5th century A.D.) is strategically placed on the top of a rocky hill, making it difficult for the enemies to attack. The tour leader will take you through some hidden paths, used by the locals to leave the castle without being noticed during periods when the enemies surrounded the castle. You will have some free time to enjoy a tasty traditional lunch, do some souvenir shopping or admire the city. Overnight in Tirana.

Day 11 Tirana– Berat – Gjirokaster
Day 11 Tirana– Berat – Gjirokaster

Our next destination after breakfast is Berat, known as the town of 1001 windows, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand on top of each other. The city’s life began in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. Uniquely today, residents still live inside of the castle walls. Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communist era in Albania. Berat is also known as the birthplace of Onufri, the famous painter of churches all-over the Balkans, distinguished for creating a specific reddish colour still difficult to imitate. We will continue our tour and visit the Gorica Neighbourhood. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

Day 12 Day Tour of Gjirokastra
Day 12 Day Tour of Gjirokastra

Gjirokaster, also known as “The Stone City”, part of UNESCO World heritage is situated in Southern Albania on the eastern side of mountain “Mali i Gjere”. Gjirokastra resembles a fortified city where every single house is like a small fortress. The origin of the city starts with the castle of Gjirokastra, built in IV century A.D., and is considered as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Every five years Gjirokastra becomes the capital of the Albanian folklore and traditional music, where passionate folklore ensembles gather in the “stone city” and perform their traditional music, dances and show off their costumes. Right before entering the castle of Gjirokastra you would have to pass by the medieval bazar. The atmospheric old town cascading down in graceful hill crammed with beautiful narrowed stone decorated streets, where you will be amazed by the wide variety of handmade crafts from local artisans and producers. We will visit one of the best-preserved houses of Gjirokastra, where everything is totally original and authentic. Overnight in Gjirokastra.

Day 13 Gjirokaster – Kalbaka (Greece)
Day 13 Gjirokaster – Kalbaka (Greece)

From Gjirokastra, we will cross the border towards Greece, more specifically the town of Kalabaka. Here we will bring a visit to Meteora, also part of UNESCO world heritage and constructed in the 14th – 15th century. The monasteries are built on top of the spectacular rock formations, creating a beautiful and impressive sight. The surrounding rocks are oddly shaped, which makes it a landscape that cannot be found anywhere else. The town also has lots to offer. Walking through the cobblestone lanes, surrounded by two of Meteora’s rock formations, is an experience in itself. We will visit the Church of Assumptions, dating back to the 11th century. Some marble stones in the church used to be part of an Ancient Greek temple. The local food is also delicious, with mushrooms as the main ingredient but also yoghurt, cheese and honey on the menu. Overnight in Kalabaka.

Day 14 Kalabaka – Athens
Day 14 Kalabaka – Athens

This is the last day of your Balkan adventure marking the end of this amazing experience through the rich history and culture of this part of the World. Your tour leader will drop you off at your hotel in Athens. We hope this has been a wonderful experience with great memories of these 7 West Balkan Countries to cherish for a lifetime.

Included/Excluded

  • BB (Accommodation and Breakfast) for all overnights in 3 star hotels
  • Private transport provided by the company
  • Professional tour leader
  • Hotel pick up in Dubrovnik
  • Hotel drop off in Athens
  • Entry tickets for the ‘’will be visited’’ sites
  • Tourist taxes
  • International car insurance
  • Road taxes
  • Petrol
  • Lunches, Dinners, Drinks & Snacks
  • Souvenirs
  • Personal spending
  • Everything that is not mentioned in the included
  • * Tips are not a must in Albania or the Balkans, however, our recommendation is to tip the tour leader/driver as an international practice to tip good service.

Epic journeys

BB for all overnights
Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off
Local Transport
Personal Tour Guide
Road taxes
Tourists taxes

Tour's Location

from 2,390.00€

Inquiry

Organized by

Choose Balkans

Member Since 2020

Information Contact

Email

[email protected]

Phone

+355684400400

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