From Tirana to Bucharest

After breakfast we will drive to Shkodra but first we will stop to Kruja. Kruja is the centre of Albanian resistance against the Ottomans under our National Hero, Scanderbeg. He kept the Ottoman armies from crossing into Western Europe for 25 years, thus earning the title “Athleta Christi” awarded by the Pope of the time. We will visit the Skanderbeg Museum and a rich Ethnographic Museum with almost all items being original from the end of the 18th century. Finally we make our way through Kruja’s famous Bazaar full of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. We spend some free time on our own before heading to Shkodra. Shkodra is the most important city of north Albania, set in a beautiful plateau in front of the largest lake in the Balkans named after the town itself, and with the Albanian Alps as a backdrop. We will take a walking tour in “Gjuhadol” a newly renovated pedestrian area of Italian and Austrian architectural influences, testimony to this city’s historic links with both these countries. Shkodra is the only mentioned Illyrian capital in the 3rd-2nd centuries B.C. Visiting Rozafa castle we will not only experience the supremacy the Illyrians would have feel over their enemies standing in such an imposing Castle, but will also admire breathtaking views 360 degrees. Overnight in Shkodra.

After breakfast we will drive to Kotor but first we will visit Budva. Be prepared for a long but amazing day. Our first destination for today is Budva in Montenegro, before getting there 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. We will drive towards Budva, 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 the 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. Our second destination for today is Kotor, UNESCO world heritage site. The city is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets crisscrossing the old town. 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. Overnight in Kotor.

After breakfast we will drive to Zlatibor, Serbia. Zlatibor is one of those places whose beauty will make you say – wow – many times. Its attractions and activities, such as horse riding, ranches, beautiful mountains, and charming villages are well worth visiting in this fairy-tale-like place. Zlatibor is a place with a favorable climate and clean mountain air. Here you will find beautiful nature with excellent conditions for recreationists. In Zlatibor, active tourism is as much popular as slow tourism. Overnight in Zlatibor.

After breakfast we drive to the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. Discover Serbian history through the city's biggest landmarks and highlights. Discover the modern and ancient architecture, with views of the Belgrade Fortress, St. Sava Temple, and much more. Starting from Leopold's Gate, pass by the remains of the Roman castrum, Singidunum, and the medieval walls built upon it, Zindan Gate, Despot's Gate, and Jaksica tower, all dating back to the 15th century. Enjoy a visit to the two Orthodox churches placed in this part of the fortress, the Capel of St. Petka and Rizica Church. Continue the walk through the Upper town: the Victor monument, the Roman Well, the King's gate, Sava promenade, the Damat Ali Pasha Tomb, the Clock Gate, and the Clock Tower. Leaving the fortress behind, enter the Kalemegdan park gain and hop into the car to continue the tour. Now explore New Belgrade's impressive modern architecture. Built as a new part of the town, after WWII and during the socialist regime, it has many remarkable buildings. See prominent locations such as the Ex-Central Committee of the Communist Party, Federal Executive Council, also known as Palace of Federation, Genex Tower or Western Gate of Belgrade, and the Sava Center, one of the biggest congress halls in this part of Europe. Cross the Gazela Bridge, head for Dedinje, Belgrade's most luxurious residential area. Here, admire some of the most beautiful mansions in the city, perfectly nestled in the greenery and serenity of Topčider Hill. After, find the country's biggest soccer stadium, the home of Red Star Belgrade. Next up, find yourself in the Vračar area, where one of Belgrade's most prominent landmarks, The Church of St. Sava (also known as St. Sava Temple), stands as one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. After the temple, drive through Slavija Square and enter Nemanjina Street, with almost all state governmental institutions, which are beautiful examples of Belgrade's pre-war architecture. After that, ride through Kralja Milana Street, the city's artery where some significant buildings are situated, such as the Old and New Royal Palaces. Stop in front of the Parliament Building for a short picture break. Overnight in Belgrade.

After breakfast we will drive to Romania, Timisoara. This tour will start with a brief introduction about the country’s situation today, so you get a feel for Romania and a basic understanding of the story of Timisoara. During the tour, hear about the years of the Turkish occupation and see where the Turkish public bath, the bazaar, or the Central Mosque used to be located in the past. Everything changed when Timisoara was conquered by the Austrian imperial troops at the beginning of the 18th century. The city was completely rebuilt during that time. Timisoara was also the first place in continental Europe, where electric street lights were used. Overnight in Timisoara.

After breakfast we will drive to Sibiu. Sibiu is a pedestrian-friendly city with two easily accessible levels: the Upper town, home to most of Sibiu's historic sights, and the Lower town, lined with colorful houses on cobblestone streets surrounded by imposing city walls and defense towers overlooking the river Cibin. Explore its unique mix of well-preserved architecture, medieval fortifications, monumental churches, of different faiths, boutique shops and narrow romantic streets. Overnight in Sibiu.

After breakfast we will visit the main castles in Romania.  Visit the legend of Vlad the Impaler, inspiration for Count Dracula, on this day. We will discover some of the historic castles of the region, and visit the city of Brasov. Discover Peles Castle situated in picturesque Sinaia, and known as the Pearl of the Carpathians. Travel through the mountain scenery to Bran, where you will visit Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle. Learn the legend of the terrifying fictional Count. Move on to Brasov, located in the heart of Transylvania. Walking tour through the historical center. Encounter sights such as the Gothic church of Biserica Neagră, and the Medieval Catherine's Gate, the last remaining of the city’s defensive walls. Overnight in Brasov.

After breakfast we will tranfer to the capital of Romania, Bucharest. We walk to discover the highlights of Bucharest to exploring popular sights, hidden corners, and historic squares. Make your way from the old city center to the iconic Palace of Parliament. Starting in the old city center, begin by visiting the oldest witnesses of Bucharest’s birth and development: Old Princely Court, Manuc's Inn, and Stravopoleos Church. Free afternoon. Overnight in Bucharest.

After breakfast we will visit the rest of the city. We will visit the most famous boulevard of Bucharest, Calea Victoriei, with its one-of-a-kind architecture and grandiose buildings like the National Military Circle, Telephone Palace, the Royal Palace of Bucharest, the Romanian Atheneum, and more. Take a break from the city sights and get the opportunity to relax and cool down into the lush Cismigiu Gardens, where you’ll also find Bucharest City Hall at the end. The Cismigiu Gardens is the oldest park in Bucharest. Overnight in Bucharest.

Pass into the 20th century and the Communist era by seeing the grandiose Ceausescu's Palace and Union Boulevard, which was designed to be longer and wider than Champs Elysee. End your visit at the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest and the heaviest building in the world.

After this fantastic journey, we accompany you to the airport where our service ends. Hote to see you again.