Tour of Central Europe & Balkans
Tour Description and Itinerary
The Balkans are becoming more and more popular destination for travelers looking for new and untouched destinations for their Euro trip. However, travelling the Balkans is certainly a different for traveleres through the rest of the EU. Our 16 days Balkan and Central Europe Tour includes 7 countries: Albania, Montengro, Kosova, Bosnia&Herzogovina, Croatia, Hungary, Austria and Slovakia.
DISCOVERY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Franciscan Monastery (Landmark monastery built in the 1300s
- Visit Dracula’s castle (Bran castle) and the Peles Castle in Sinaia
- Berat known as a “city of one thousand windows”, and has been declared as a museum city
- Visit the Belgrade fortress “Kalemegdan” (An enduring fortress built in 535 BCE) with a view of the Sava and Danube rivers
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Duration 16 Days
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Destination Balkans / Europe
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Start/Ends in Tirana / Salzburg
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. After meeting our guide we will drive to Tirana, Albania. After a short break in hotel we will visit the “Skanderberg square” (The main square in Tirana) with the Skanderberg Statue; the “Ethem bey” mosque, the “Enver Hoxha” pyramid, the Peace Bell, the Building of the historical museum of Tirana, a Preserved bunker (In one of the bunkers there is a museum about the victims of the Albanian Communist regime) Maria Theresa boulevard, the University of Tirana, the Old government square; The Clock tower (19th Century) Overnight in Tirana.
After breakfast we drive to Shkodra but first we will stop to Kruja. Kruja, 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. Finally we make our way through Kruja’s famous Bazaar full of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. After we will transfer to Shkodra. Shkodra 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 a renovated pedestrian area of Italian and Austrian architectural influences, testimony to this city’s historic links with both these countries. 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 Koman Lake. The boat trip to Lake Koman passes through mountains with magnificent shores that reach a height of 1000-1500 meters, where it is difficult to find any sign of human existence. The wild landscape is somewhat similar to the Norwegian Fjords and offers a view that you cannot find anywhere else in our country. The journey in this segment is fabulous, and throughout the trip, you are left speechless by the magnificent nature, on both sides with the slopes lined with greenery, the fractures, and reflexes of the light that water creates with the sunlight, the water twisting as it enters the rocks that once were slopes of valleys. After 2.30 hours boat trip we will drive to Prizren, Kosova. Thanks to its favorable geographical position, harmonious blending of these cultures throughout history and an enviable number of monuments of all time, Prizren rightly holds the epithet "Museum City", "Museum under the open sky" or even "Dubrovnik of the Balkans”, to be ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in Kosovo. Located at the foot of the Sharr Mountains, (declared "National Park"), on both banks of the Lumbardhi and at the crossroads of important trade routes between east and west, Prizren has historically been known as an important cultural, economic and diplomatic center. Prizren is undoubtedly one of the most important settlements in Kosovo. In Prizren we will Sinan Pasha Mosque, old town, the league of Prizren. Overnight in Prizren.
After breakfast we will drive to Peja but first we will stop to Decan Monastery. Built in the early 14th century by Serbian king Stefan Dečanski, this monastery is in a beautiful spot beneath the mountains and surrounded by pine and chestnut trees. If you think the setting is attractive then you'll gasp in wonder as you push open the wooden doors of the church and first lay eyes on the treasures within. With its floor-to-ceiling, Biblical murals it's like stepping into an enormous medieval paintbox. There can be few more beautiful churches in Europe. You will need to leave your passport or ID card with the soldiers at the entrance gate if you wish to enter the complex. Then we will transfer in Peja, 15 km way from Decan monastery. In Peja we will visit Drini Waterfall, Rugova Canyon, Peja Old Town. Overnight in Peja.
After breakfast we will drive to Kotor, Montenegro. First stop Budva. Budva is a town in Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea. Part of the Budva Riviera, it's known for sandy beaches and nightlife. Stone walls built by the Venetians surround the narrow streets of the medieval old town (Stari Grad). This historic district is home to a seaside citadel and religious sites such as the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, established in the 9th century. Then we will drive to Kotor. We will explore the picturesque streets of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way you’ll visit top spots, discover hidden gems, experience its modern culture. We will visit, the beautiful and historic St Tryphon’s Cathedral, Gothic and Baroque palaces of Kotor’s nobility, Venetian fortifications and architecture. Overnight in Kotor.
After breakfast we will drive to Mostar, Bosnia&Herzegovina.You'll spend this full-day trip in the historical city of Mostar and the religious pilgrimage site of Medjugorje. 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. You'll have free time for shopping and the opportunity to taste authentic Bosnian specialities. Overnight in Mostar
After breakfast we will drive to Sarajevo. 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. 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. Overnight in Sarajevo.
After breakfast we will drive to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. It will be a long journey and on the way we will stop for coffee or drinks. Free afternoon in Zagreb. Overnight in Zagreb.
After breakfast we will visit the famous capital of Croatia, Zagreb, walking tour. Learn how the city emerged from two cities Gradec and Captol and has become one of the most vital cities in Europe. During a sightseeing tour in the historic Upper Town you will visit St. Marks’ church, Ban Jelačić square, the Cathedral, Parliament, Government palace and many others. In the afternoon you will have free time for shopping and exploring the hidden gems of the city on your own. Overnight in Zagreb.
After breakfast we will drive to the capital of Hungary. Enjoy the must-see attractions of this beautiful city. Start your Budapest walking tour from the monumental Saint Stephen's Basilica, and admire its outside splendour. After that your experienced guide will take you across Liberty Square to see the dramatic monuments of the Nazi and Communist oppressions. You'll continue the tour to the magnificent building of the Hungarian Parliament and its surrounding square and statues. Overnight in Budapest.
After breakfast we will drive to Slovakia and we will visit the capitali, Slovakia. We will start our walking tour in Park Inn by Radisson Danube hotel and listen to a short basic introduction about Bratislava. Discover the Opera House and the House of Reduta as you continue to the main square, passing by Old Town Hall. On Franciscan Square, see the oldest building in Bratislava, the Franciscan Church. Head onto Biela Street and Michalska Street to Michael's Gate. Pass by historical buildings and palaces on Venturska Street and Panska Street. Your tour will end at St. Martin's Cathedral. Overnight in Bratislava.
After breakfast we will drive to Vienna, the capital of classic music. In Vienna is included the HOP ON HOP OFF ticket is an App-guided walking tour, which offers GPS-controlled highly interesting information on the cell phone in German and English on a total of 6 city center highlights (State Opera - Heldenplatz - Michaelerplatz - St. Stephen's Cathedral - City Temple - Kursalon). Free afternoon. Overnight in Vienna.
After breakfast we will discover Vienna’s many sights with the Royal ticket, which includes a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour. Vienna has a lot of ground to cover, so hop on board a bus of the four lines (Red, Yellow, Blue and Green) and see what the city has to offer. The many stops at all the important Viennese highlights allow you to create your own program or just to go with the flow. You will see the following sights during the hop-on hop-off bus ride:
- Red Line: Ringstraße boulevard, State Opera, Imperial Palace, Museum of Art History, Parliament and Vienna City Hall, Burgtheater, Augarten park, Schwedenbrücke, Stadtpark and Kursalon.
- Yellow line: State Opera, Schönbrunn Palace, Naschmarkt, Vienna Main Station, Museum of Military History and Belvedere Palace.
- Blue Line: Museum of Applied Arts, Kunsthaus Wien, Hundertwasser Museum, Prater amusement park and the Danube Tower.
- Green Line: Grinzing on the outskirts of Vienna and Kahlenberg, which offers a magnificent view of the city. Please note that the Green Line is not operating in winter and low- seasons. Overnight in Viena.
After breakfast we will drive to Salzburg. You will see the Mirabell Palace, a UNESCO world heritage. Mozart House. Walk on Grain Lane, a shopping street located in the old town of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. At this narrow street, you will see high-townhouses and iron guild emblems. Since 1987, the street has been the theater of a famous lady called "the puppet woman". Admire the Baroque architecture at the Salzburg Cathedral dating back to the 17th century. It was first founded by Saint Rupert in 774 in a Roman town. It was rebuilt after a fire from 1181. It is in this Cathedral at which Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was baptized. Here, you can still observe the baptismal used for his baptism. Get to see Petersfriedhof, also named St. Peter's Cemetery, you will visit one of the most popular attractions in Salzburg. It is the oldest cemetery in Salzburg. which also includes amazing catacombs and two chapels from the 12th and 15th centuries. You will visit one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe. Located on a hill of 506 meters high, the fortress offers a nice view of the city of Salzburg. The Citadel contains the Salzburg Bull, the Golden Hall, and Chamber, but also the Bedchamber of the Prince-Bishop. Finally, you will be astonished by the great architecture at Stift Nonnberg, (or Nonnberg Abbey), which is a Benedictine cloister and the oldest convent in Germany. Also a UNESCO site, Here you will see the wooden Gothic altar made by the sculptor Veit Stoss. Overnight in Salzburg.
After breakfast we will visit Hallstatt, one of the most beautiful villages in the world. Discover one of the most scenic lakeside towns in Austria. Hallstatt is not only one of the oldest towns in Austria but also one of the most scenic lakeside towns in Europe. Experience the magic of the town built on a narrow strip of land between the lake and the mountains. Admire a real-life fairytale place of great natural beauty and awes tricking scenery. Both the city and the lake are included in the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Alpine UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Learn more about the production of salt in the city that dates back to prehistoric times and find out more about an entire culture spawn at the beginning of the Iron Age, known as the Hallstatt culture. Stroll through the streets of Hallstatt and uncover the market village, one of the most attractive places to visit. Finally, admire the 19th-century Evangelical Church of Hallstatt. Back to Salzburg. Overnight in Salzburg.
After breakfast we will drive to the airport and this is the end of our service. We wish save flight back home. Hope to see you again.