From Tirana to Budapest
Tour Description and Itinerary
Throughout this 15 days journey from Tirana to Budapest, our expert guides, intimately familiar with each destination, infuse every experience with depth and meaning. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of local life, savor regional flavors, and forge connections that will linger long after your travels conclude.

DISCOVERY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Golden Gate of the Diocletian Palace and marvel at the remains of an ancient palace from the Roman Empire which now forms about half the Old Town of Split
- Walk through the Town Hall, the most extravagant example of Austro-Hungarian architecture.
- Tirana, the trendy capital and largest city of Albania, which has transformed from a grey, dismal ex-communist city
- Vajdahunyad Castle, a complex built in 1896 displaying typical architecture found throughout Hungary.
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Duration 15 Days
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Destination Balkans
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Start/Ends in Tirana / Budapest
Included/Exclude
- Accommodation in 3*/4* hotels on twin sharing basis with daily breakfast
- Sightseeing as per itinerary with English speaking guides
- Transportation by car/coach/minibus
- Airport transfers
- All taxes
- Meals other than that mentioned in itinerary
- Overseas medical insurance
- Entrance fees
- Optional tours
- Anything that is not stated in itinerary
Tour Amenities
Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Albania. We meet the guide at the airport and head to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Free afternoon. Overnight in Tirana.
After breakfast we will visit Tirana. Explore Tirana's rich history and architectural gems during this walkign tour. You'll begin at the Clock Tower in Skanderbeg Square and capture a memorable photo at Skanderbeg's Monument. You'll see the National Museum and be captivated by the massive front mosaic, depicting the development of Albanian history, with each stage showcased in respective pavilions. After, you'll journey onwards to explore a series of significant landmarks, including the Palace of Culture, Opera, National Library, Mosque of Ethem Bey, the iconic Clock Tower, Bunkart 2, National Art Gallery, Tirana Castle, Mother Teresa Square and much more. Then, you'll proceed to explore the tranquil Youth Park, Taiwan, the grand Orthodox Cathedral, and the intriguing House of Leaves Surveillance Museum. You'll conclude your tour at the National Bank, situated in the heart of Skanderbeg Square, where you can reflect on the rich history and cultural significance of your Tirana exploration. Overnight in Tirana
After breakfast we will drive to Kotor, Montenegro but first we will stop to the city of Budva. Tour trough all significant historical places in Budva guided by local certified guide. Basically, this tour is an interesting combination of legends and historical facts. In Budva we will visit, the Old Town, the Necropolis, the Square of Poets, the Old Town Churches, the Walls of the Old Town, the Museum. Then we will drive to Kotor. Situated in a beautiful bay, this town of merchants and sailors has a lot to offer. Kotor Bay is one of the deepest and longest in the Adriatic Sea and is often called the southernmost fjord of Europe. The old Mediterranean archipelago, surrounded by impressive city walls, is very well preserved and included in the UNESCO list of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Step back in time and admire the Venetian influence that stands out in urban architecture. Throughout the city, you'll marvel at the buildings, intertwined with streets and squares, and on one of them there is a Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (XII century), the recognizable symbol of the city, dedicated to the patron of the town. ( Optional) The most impressive attraction are the city walls that surround the city, about 5km long, high to 20m and wide to 10m. Climbing along the walls, you'll arrive at the San Giovanni fortress at about 280m above sea level from which you can see the enchanting panorama. Overnight in Kotor.
After breakfast we will drive to Trebinje, Bosnia&Herzegovina but first we will stop to HercegNovi. We will visit the main points of the Old Town, reveals stories and legends that are unknown even to the locals, and portrays all the beauty that this town holds. With a local guide, you will travel through time down the stairs, for which this inspiring town is widely known. You will peek into all the rooms of the Kanli kula and Forte Mare fortresses, and explore Belavista Square and churches, both orthodox and catholic. Additionally, our guide will reveal a story about the famous Clock Tower and other landmarks. At last, we end the tour by the sea, in front of the captivating main city port Skver. Then we will drive to Trebinje. Trebinje is a city of wine, authentic fresh products, wealthy history and intriguing culture. 2-hour walking tour and discover the city's key gems. Start the journey from the central, bustling square tucked between hundreds of years old trees. Explore local markets and admire local lifestyles that unfold there. Stroll the historic old part of the city and enjoy sightseeing monumental landmarks and hear stories that adorn them. Take amazing photos everywhere you go and end the journey at the historic railway. Also we will visit, Angel's Gate is a stone wall in the Old Town of Trebinje, Ram za slikanje, Stara želježnička stanica. Overnight in Trebinje.
After breakfast we will drive to Sarajevo. Free afternoon in Sarajevo. Overnight in Sarajevo.
After breakfast we will visit Sarajevo full day walking tour. Sarajevo is rightfully considered one of the most interesting and authentic cities. Muslims and Christians called it the sheer, and Jews called it Little Jerusalem and together they formed unique customs and built the city as we know it today. This walking tour will show the old town as well as religious heritage. Walk through the Town Hall, the most extravagant example of Austro-Hungarian architecture. Then, continue to Baščaršija Square, visit the ottoman quarter and the oriental charm of cobbled streets. Next on the agenda will the Jewish quarter, the mosques and churches, The Old Orthodox Church, Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque and the Cathedral of Jesus’ Sacred. Sarajevo really does have something for everyone. This tour will entice your imagination and make you want to explore the city even more. Overnight in Sarajevo.
After breakfast we will drive to Mostar. You'll spend this full-day in the historical city of Mostar. After arrival to Mostar you'll listen as your guide provides an introduction to the history of this beautiful city. Visit the old Bazaar, and admire the picturesque shops and workshops. See the city's main mosque and then enjoy a walk across the famous 16th-century Turkish bridge, after which the town was named. Then we will drive to the village of Blagaj. Tekija was built on a solid rocky soil at the right side of the source of the Buna river, one of the biggest in Europe. A very high cliff stretches above the Tekija for some 240 meters. On top of that cliff lie the remains of Stjepan Vukcic-Kosaca’s fort-town dating back to the Middle Ages. The complex was damaged more than once because of rocks collapsing. The primary purpse of the structure was to serve as a dervish Zikr praise-chanting (praising God and His names) venue, while the musafirhana (guest house) has a profane purpose. The Tekija complex contained the following buildings in the front was a building with the same height as the Tekija today, in the back was another smaller building, after which was a domed mosque. These structures were then followed by present buildings, the turbe of Sari Saltuk and the Acik-basa and the Tekija itself. All five facilities made up the unique architectural complex. Back to Mostar. Overnight in Mostar.
After breakfast we will drive to Split but first we stop to Ston town. Ston is really two towns in one, linked by 3km of hillside-hugging fortifications. Ston, called Veliki (Great) Ston to distinguish it from its smaller sister Mali Ston. The two are connected by one of the largest surviving fortification systems in Europe, with 3km of walls stretching across the hillside between them. They were begun when the Republic of Dubrovnik purchased Ston in 1333, and set about building a system of defences that would protect the salt pans that provided the town with its wealth. In total 7 kilometres of wall were constructed, included three fortresses, 41 towers, 7 bastions and a system of moats at the Ston end of the wall. Much of this can still be seen, and the thoroughly-renovated stretch of wall linking Ston with Mali Ston can be walked in its entirety the effort involved in tackling the steep sections is more than made up for by the views. Then we will drive to Split. Overnight in Split.
After breakfast we will visit the city of Split. Travel back in time on a guided walking tour of Split and explore 1,700 years of the city’s history, from the construction of the Diocletian Palace in 305 CE, to its place as Croatia's second largest city. Uncover sights like the Saint Domnius Cathedral along the way. We will visit the Golden Gate of the Diocletian Palace and marvel at the remains of an ancient palace from the Roman Empire which now forms about half the Old Town of Split. Stop to view its open colonnades in the palace's central Peristyle square. Continue to the impressive Saint Domnius Cathedral, which is thought to be the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original form. Hear about the story of Gregory of Nin by his statue in Giardin Park. Stroll along the Riva promenade to admire views of Marjan Hill and the Adriatic Sea. Finish your tour where it began at the Golden Gate. Free afternoon. Overnight in Split.
After breakfast we will drive to Zagreb, the capital of Croacia but first we will stop to Krka Waterfall. Krka National Park lies about 10km inland from Sibenik in this part of Dalmatia. Named after the Krka River, the Park covers an area of just over 142 square km and includes two-thirds of the river itself. The top attraction of the Park is its magnificent waterfalls, including the famous Skradinski Buk falls which are one of Croatia’s most famous sights. Other highlights include the small island of Visovac and Roski Slap waterfall. A boat trip through the park is a great way of seeing much of the Park. Drive to Zagreb. Free afternoon in Zagreb. Overnight in Zagreb.
After breakfast we will visit the city of Zagreb. We will visit Zagreb Chatedral and old Zagreb Kaptol which is a body within the Zagreb Archdiocese. You will get to know beautiful open air market Dolac and Opatovina from which we will move on to Gradec, an old part of the city of Zagreb on the slope of Medvednica, from which, together with Kaptol, today's Zagreb originated. You will see Kamenita Vrata, port and one of the best preserved monuments of old Zagreb. It is a building shaped like a rectangular tower, from which we will reach Old town Zagreb. Apart from city Council, Parliament and museum of broken relationship you will see an astonishing monuments, churches and historical buildings that are located on St Marks square. Lookout Gradec is next destination, than continuing via Strossmayer walk to Zagreb viewpoint beneath ancient Tower Lotršćak where you can take exclusive photos of Zagreb at night. Following the line of Zagreb funicular we will reach the longest street in Zagreb, Ilica Street, Zagreb Octogone and at the end Flower square where Zagreb youth hangs out at pubs in the night time. Overnight in Zagreb.
After breakfast we will drive to Budapest, Hungary. The journey from Zagreb to Budapest takes around 3.5 hours. It’s a relatively easy drive along the M7 in Croatia, which joins the E71 highway once you cross the border into Hungary. The drive is approximately 350 kilometres long, and you may encounter a few delays at the border. On the way we will stop to the Lake Heviz. The Heviz Lake is Europe's largest thermal lake - a warm water lake situated in a peat-bed. The 4.44 hectares water-surface lake is surrounded by a 60.5 hectares nature conservation area. Springs of different temperatures diffuse in a narrow cave, and become a constant (38,5 °C) temperature stream when entering the lake. Beautiful water lilies, brought to Hungary at the end of the 19th century, dot the lake, supporting the eco-life, with leaves slowing down evaporation, and creepers protecting the medicinal mud on the bottom of the lake. In addition to the outdoor swimming area of the lake, there are indoor swimming pools. It is open all year round and makes a great relaxing place to go swimming and unwind even in the depths of winter. Treatments such as mud packs, relaxation therapy, and underwater massage are available. In winter, it provides a spectacular and unique experience when the condensed steam forms a steam cap on the top of the lake surface. Drive to Budapest. Free afternoon in Budapest. Overnight in Budapest.
After breakfast we will visit Budapest, walling. Your walking tour begins at the Opera House from where you’ll take a short ride on the Millennium metro out to the Heroes' Square and City Park. There you’ll have a great introduction to the rich Hungarian history and culture through the chronological line of kings. Then you’ll walk through the city park to visit the Vajdahunyad Castle (outside only), a complex built in 1896 displaying typical architecture found throughout Hungary. Next, you’ll stop at Széchenyi bath house (with a peek inside when open) to learn about the amazing bath culture this country has to offer. Afterwards, you will take the Millennium metro back towards the city center and stop at the end of Andrassy Boulevard where you’ll hear about the significance the street brought to culture and nobility. After the city park visit you’ll head over to the St. Stephen’s Basilica (outside only) before taking a break in a café for a taste of Hungary’s dessert and a coffee or soft drink (included in the tour). After the refreshment break, you’ll head down to the riverside to see the famous blue Danube. Take in the spectacular view of Gellert Hill and the Citadel, Buda Hills and the Royal Palace as you cross the river via Budapest’s Chain Bridge. For the final, you climb the steps up into the Buda Castle District and then wander through the old cobblestone streets and alleys to the finishing point in front of the Matthias church and Fisherman’s Bastion. Overnight in Budapest.
After breakfast we will drive to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia for about 1,30 min. We will visit the heart of Bratislava, where every step unveils a hidden story waiting to be discovered. Channel your inner hero as you traverse the enchanting Bratislava Castle, the grand St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the vibrant Hviezdoslavovo námestie. Take in the splendour of Maximilian’s fountain and the timeless allure of the Old Town Hall, all while basking in the glory of the legendary Michael’s Gate. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Bratislava, where every cobblestone leads to an exhilarating tale of resilience and triumph. Lunch in Bratislava. Back to Budapest. Overnight in Budapest.
After breakfast, we will accompany you to the airport, where our service ends. Hoping to meet you again and we wish you a safe journey back home.