Folklore and Tradition in the Balkans

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Belgrade

   Belgrade is an eclectic destination with a big-city feel, friendly locals, tasty cuisine and a very unique history. You’ll find all sorts of interesting architecture here, as well as galleries and museums that will really bring the local culture to life. While it might look a little rough around the edges, that just means there’s a real charm here waiting to be discovered. And discover it you will, from the daytime to the nightlife, as you experience the best this vibrant destination has to offer. While you’re exploring Belgrade, including the military ruins in the center, you’ll want to sample some of the local cuisine, including hearty grilled meats, local cheeses and breads, and vegetables cooked with seasonal herbs. Some of the sites you don’t want to miss include Kalmegdan Fortress, Republic Square and St. Sava Temple. Zemun, a bohemian neighborhood, is particularly rich in restaurants and cafes, and you also have the possibility of taking a food tour that will introduce you to some of the tastiest dishes. You’ll have fun in Belgrade, the perfect place to introduce yourself to this inviting region.

   When you arrive at Belgrade airport a driver will be waiting for you and will take you to your accommodation. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

   

   Traipse the Bohemian Quarter

   For your first night in Belgrade, we suggest taking an easy walk down Knez Mihajlova street and through the Bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, often compared to Paris' Montmartre. These old areas reflect the local lifestyle and culture at its best. Here you'll experience a blend of classical and modern architecture, together with lively cafeterias, street musicians, outdoor artists, interesting galleries, and shopping. In short, this is a great place to spend a few hours.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Belgrade

   

   Serbia on Your Plate Small Group Tour

   This tour is best described as "Serbia on your plate." You'll learn all about Serbian culture while tasting many of the country's traditional dishes. We suggest skipping breakfast because this is one filling food tour, the equivalent of breakfast and lunch! Your enthusiastic young local guide will take you around central Belgrade, to visit 6 authentic venues and a green market, tasting 14 local specialties and 3 drinks along the way. During the tour you will be presented with two souvenirs and a special memory book. It's a tasty day, to say the least!
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Serbia's Traditional Crafts

   Throughout Serbian history, zenith to nadir, there has always been a variety of craftsmen, from blacksmiths to potters to cobblers. The Serbian countryside is still home to artisans keeping old traditions intact. If you'd like to explore this heritage, visit the Ethnographic Museum near Belgrade's center. In addition to everyday objects, and folk costume, you can take in Serbia's diverse, rich culture. We also recommend visiting Stari Zananti Srbije, a shop offering a variety of handmade crafts.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   Belgrade Sunset Cruise Small Group Tour

   This atmospheric cruise is the perfect way to begin your evening in Belgrade. Let the city’s charm and beauty sweep you away as you drift along the water. It’s the most romantic way to see Belgrade by night. Admire stunning sights, floating houses, illuminated bridges, sparkling lights, and historic architecture beneath the evening sky. On the way back, watch the sun set and the city lights come alive.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Belgrade

   

   Žiča and Studenica Medieval Monasteries Private Tour

   Whether you're a religious person looking to experience the mysticism of Orthodox Christianity, or are fond of medieval frescoes and architecture, you'll find much to enjoy on this tour focused on Serbia's two most iconic monasteries. UNESCO-listed Studenica dates back to the 12th century, and features remarkable frescoes. Žiča, with its bright red exterior, is where Serbian kings were traditionally crowned (starting with the first), and the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church for much of its history.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Kotor by Airplane / Arrival in Kotor

   

   Today, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the Belgrade airport for your departing 50 minutes flight to Kotor (Tivat Airport).

   
   

   Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

   The southernmost fjord in all of Europe and the deepest in the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is truly a hidden gem. This is a spectacular, visually stunning destination where steep black mountains edge up against the sea. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, mostly for its perfectly preserved Old Town and its walls, with architecture from the Middle Ages. The combination of picture-perfect natural scenery with incredible ancient architecture is dramatic to say the least, and makes a wonderful setting for a unique holiday. The churches and fortresses are some of the most spectacular structures, but that’s just the beginning of things to do in this city of friendly locals, rich history and delicious cuisine. After touring the city with a local, who will help you make your way through the winding streets to see the most impressive sites, we recommend you take the opportunity to get different points of view on Kotor. For a little exercise, hike up the hills surrounding the city for a breathtaking view over the rooftops to the sea. And speaking of the sea, the seafood here is delicious and incredibly fresh. You can get together with a local mussel farmer on a private pier to learn more about this craft before sitting down to a huge plate of mussels and wine. There are also numerous options for swimming, kayaking and fishing in the beautiful and calms waters of the Bay of Kotor.

   Tivat airport is around 15 minutes away from Kotor, so once you've cleared customs and met your driver in the Arrivals hall, you'll be checking in at your accommodation in no time.

   Kotor's Best Gallery

   As with other cities on the Montenegrin coast, local art is mostly found in small galleries. While Kotor has more than a few, the one closest to our hearts is Art Gallery Vidra, which cooperates with Montenegro's leading artists. For a fee, the gallery owner can arrange a meeting with the renowned painter Momcilo Macanovic, known for his colorful, somewhat surreal take on coastal life.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Kotor

   

   Historic Heritage of Kotor Bay Private Tour

   Kotor Bay is the most scenic part of the Montenegrin coastline. As the Mediterranean's only fjord, the calm bay is protected from the open sea. Naturally, local life has revolved around the sea, and local men who didn't try their luck as long-distance sailors generally became fishermen. On this tour, you'll visit the maritime museums at Kotor and Perast, as well as "Our Lady of the Rocks." Originally an islet where an icon of the Virgin Mary was miraculously discovered by fishermen, thankful locals added a stone whenever they safely returned to the bay, creating the modern-day church-bedecked island over time.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   All about the Mussels

   Since it’s right on the sea, Montenegro is known for its remarkably fresh seafood. Today we recommend getting a taste of this local delicacy, and specifically their incredible mussels. Head to one of the seaside restaurant for the freshest meal, or join a group and learn all about mussels while visiting some of the most important sights around Kotor as well.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

6. Day 6 Traveling to Tirana by Private Transfer / Arrival in Tirana

   

   Today you're off to Albania! To make your journey an interesting one, you'll make a few stops on your way. Cetinje, Njegusi, and Lovcen may not get many visits from tourists, but they remain important parts of Montenegrin history, culture, and customs. Cetinje is the former royal capital, and still home to the presidential palace. Well-preserved Njegusi is famous for its folk architecture. Lovcen is the "Black Mountain," ("Monte Negro" in Venetian) that Montenegro is named for. After your visits, you'll continue to Tirana. The total duration of the trip is about 7.5-8 hours.

   Tirana is a unique destination that combines opposites. It feels both ancient and modern, quaint and cosmopolitan, fast-paced, yet laidback. There are wonderful restaurants here, beautiful nature in the surrounding countryside, and a rich cultural life that will keep you entertained all day and night. The Blloku neighborhood is one of the city’s most vibrant, with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes. The Old Town, meanwhile, has an eclectic mix of historic architecture. This is a lovely destination that still feels untouched, so you’ll really be able to make the city yours. Besides exploring the unique urban atmosphere, there are several fantastic day trips to enjoy. Driving to the city of Berat is always fun, as you can stop at a winery along the way to sample some of the tasty local vintages, then check out an impressive castle. The Albanian Riviera is also relatively close by, and here you can relax along the shore and get in touch with the life of local fishermen. The nearby Dajti Mountain is also an impressive destination, with incredible views over the city and beyond. From outdoor adventures to delectable gastronomy and historic architecture, Tirana really has something for everyone.

   Once in Tirana, your private driver will bring you directly to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Tirana by Night

   Tirana is a lovely city, night and day, as it's filled with countless coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. You can spend time in Grand Park, or experience the busy bars and restaurants of the Blloku area, inside Tirana Castle, or behind the Pyramid situated on the main Boulevard. The city's center also offers many smaller local restaurants, offering popular dishes at good rates.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Tirana

   

   Tirana Like a Local with Craftsman Costume Maker Visit

   The best way to experience rich Albanian heritage is by spending time with locals. On this tour, we are offering a unique experience of meeting with a local costume designer as well as hands-on experience to do something on loom work. But this is only one aspect of the tour. Your day will be filled with diversity while visiting local neighborhoods and spending time with a local expert guide. Albanian turbulent history will inspire you in many ways, but you will also get to learn that hospitality has a whole new level in this unique country.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Tirana

   

   Kruja and Durres Private Day Trip

   Sitting high on the hills, Kruje is the perfect getaway from Tirana, with a lively old bazaar where you can even watch carpets being woven by hand. Inside the castle, you’ll check out an Ottoman-era home turned ethnographic museum and a Bektashi shrine that gives you a peek into how locals lived for centuries. Then it’s off to Durres for a relaxed seaside lunch and a look at one of the biggest Roman amphitheaters around.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Traveling to Gjirokastra by Private Transfer / Arrival in Gjirokastra

   

   Today you're off to the mountains town of Gjirokastra. Your driver will meet you at the accommodations and take you for a scenic ride. On the way, you'll make a stop in the historic town of Berat, where you'll enjoy a walking tour. Afterwards, you'll enjoy some free time before continuing your journal. The total duration of this drive, with the stop, will be eight hours.

   Gjirokastra is one of Albania’s most scenic cities, with an authentic atmosphere that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Here you can revel amid the area's lovely landscape of mountains and plains while taking in the impressive historic architecture. Strolling through the city feels like entering a distant time, with narrow winding streets that will charm you immediately. But the gastronomy here is anything but old fashioned, as you’ll find classic Albanian recipes jazzed up with a few modern twists in Gjirokastra’s many excellent restaurants and cafes. You’ll definitely want to explore the incredible Old Town with the help of a local guide who can show you all the city’s secrets. The distinctive white buildings here are charming, with their terraces, but feature imposing stone walls due to the city's steep hills. A short drive outside the city will impress you a scenic landscape with rewarding vistas. Two other destinations, Butrint and Ksamil, are perfect for day trips. At these UNESCO World Heritage sites you can explore ancient architecture dating all the way back to the 5th century. Gjirokastra is the perfect place to get away from the faster pace of Albania’s larger cities while exploring the unique past this incredible country has to offer.

   After the journey, your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the historic heart of Gjirokastra.

   

   Sunset, Views, and Bazaar

   If you are looking for a great viewpoint for sunset and one of the best photo spots in the city, Gjirokaster Obelisk is a great place to be. Do not miss an opportunity to pay a visit to the almost centrally located Gjirokaster Obelisk around sunset so you can enjoy amazing panoramic (almost 360 degrees) views of the city. After sunset, walk around the alleys of the Old Bazaar, which gets especially lively at night. Once you are ready for your well-deserved dinner, you'll easily find quite a few great places to dine in that area.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 Your First Full Day in Gjirokastra

    

    Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour with a Woodshop Visit

    At first glance, Gjirokastra is a small, harmonious town known unique vernacular architecture that helped bring about the place's UNESCO listing. Once you've spent a night there, though, you'll realize there's much more behind the scenes, thanks to the city's turbulent and rich history. With this extended, five hour walking tour, you will enjoy some of the best views of Gjirokastra, learn about local lifestyles, and will visit one of the area's best woodcarvers. We are sure the whole experience will not only be informative, but enjoyable as well!

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 5 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

11. Day 11 Traveling to Ohrid by Private Car / Arrival in Ohrid

    

    Today you’ll spend a few hours on the road with your private driver, with the stops along the way in Permet, Korca, and Pogradec, as well as the relaxed lakeside city of Ohrid in neighboring Macedonia at the end of the journey. Since you’ll be crossing a border on your way, your journey can take a bit longer, depending on border crossing waiting times. 
    

    Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

    A serene city on a beautiful lake, Ohrid combines ample history, scenery, and outdoor activities, which helped it attain UNESCO World Heritage status. The Old Town is set on a hill with a wealth of sites to explore, from monasteries to an ancient Greek amphitheater, and an imposing fortress. Since the city is right on Lake Ohrid, everywhere you go you’ll have breathtaking views of the water and all the surrounding natural beauty. One of the most incredible things to see is the view of the Old Town jutting out into the lake, especially when lit up at night, an image summing up the lake region's unique charm. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll find a rich cultural atmosphere, with many concerts and outdoor events. The lake gives the region its unique charm and also offers many excellent outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place to take a dip, kick back, and relax at one of the beachfront bars, or even climb aboard a boat. The water is very clean and is consistently warm, since it’s fed by hot springs spread across the lake. One of the activities our guests love best here is a trip to the St. Naum monastery at the other end of the lake. But that’s just one of the boating options that will give you a chance to enjoy the lake from the center of it, and to get a new point of view on the city. Ohrid is reasonably priced, so you can really live it up while you’re here. The city remains relatively untouched, but it does seem poised at the edge of a tourist boom. See it before the crowds do.

    Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in Ohrid.

    

    Trout and Wine

    North Macedonia is a land of warm people, rich cuisine, and red wine. The country's highest quality wines are mainly made from indigenous Vranac grapes, which produce a liquid that is rich, full, and aromatic, yet surprisingly light. Ohrid's most enthusiastic winemaker is the owner of the small boutique Villa and Winery Mal Sveti Kliment, who only produces a few thousand bottles a year. If you wish to enjoy a glass of its wines, we recommend making a reservation in advance. When it comes to local cuisine, Ohrid's specialty is trout, cooked in various ways. The perfect place to try this delicacy, in its various forms, is Kaneo, a lakeside restaurant.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

12. Day 12 Your First Full Day in Ohrid

    

    Ohrid Private City Tour with Traditional Crafts

    Join an experienced local guide on this fascinating tour and discover the art of handmade paper and unique “pearls” crafted from the scales of Lake Ohrid’s endemic fish. Watch a live paper-making demonstration in the national workshop, where everything is printed on one of the world’s last two replica Gutenberg presses (the other is in Slovenia), and pick up original paper products afterward. The tour also includes a visit to a filigree shop, where you’ll see stunning pieces combined with Macedonian ruby.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Trout and Wine

    North Macedonia is a land of warm people, rich cuisine, and red wine. The country's highest quality wines are mainly made from indigenous Vranac grapes, which produce a liquid that is rich, full, and aromatic, yet surprisingly light. Ohrid's most enthusiastic winemaker is the owner of the small boutique Villa and Winery Mal Sveti Kliment, which produces only a few thousand bottles a year. If you'd like to enjoy a glass of its wines, we recommend that you make a reservation in advance. When it comes to local cuisine, Ohrid's specialty is trout, which is cooked in various ways. The perfect place to try this delicacy in its various forms is Kaneo, a lakeside restaurant.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

13. Day 13 Your Second Full Day in Ohrid

    

    Monastery of Saint Naum Private Tour

    Located on a plateau over Ohrid Lake with Galicia mountain in the backdrop, St. Naum is an ideal place to take in the stunning and unique atmosphere of the area. Its most famous landmark is the monastery which is North Macedonia's most important pilgrimage sight and one of the most beautiful buildings in the Balkans, and also houses several notable icons. St. Naum stands on a plateau overlooking Lake Ohrid and the Galicica mountain towering from behind. It's a beautiful destination for an excursion.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 5 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

14. Day 14 Traveling to Skopje by Private Transfer / Arrival in Skopje

    

    Today you'll take the scenic route on your way to Skopje through Mavrovo National Park, a natural paradise of mountains and forests, with a large lake. You can make a stop for lunch in a small town or village to taste local specialties. A must-see along the route is the monastery of St. John Bigorski, an active Macedonian Orthodox monastery dedicated to John the Baptist. It somehow manages to combine a tourist attraction with a place of peace and quiet reflection. The duration of the journey, stops included, is about 6 hours. Please note that this is a non guided transfer with a local English-speaking driver.

    The birthplace of Mother Teresa, Skopje is a city that reveres its past. You’ll find numerous landmarks and tributes to Mother Teresa here. But the statues in Skopje aren’t like those you’ve seen elsewhere. Several years ago, the government built monuments to many local historical figures. As a result, Skopje is like a living museum where the region’s culture and history come alive before your eyes. Skopje's atmosphere is unique, combining a little of the energy of Las Vegas with Eastern European charm. It’s really like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Some of the decorations are a little over the top, but the city is a must for visitors to the region. As you explore the sites you should try the excellent local wine and food, which combines flavors from Balkan and Greek cuisines. Skopje’s Old Town is reserved for pedestrians, so its traditional atmosphere has been preserved. This is the best place to explore the Muslim influence on the region, as the city center features various bazaars and cozy alleyways. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped back into a more traditional age, in contrast to the modern monuments throughout Skopje. But the city isn’t all there is to explore. The fortress on the hill is impressive and well worth the hike. About 20 minutes away you’ll find Matka Canyon, which offers spectacular outdoor activities including boating, kayaking and hiking. For another point of view on Skopje, take the funicular up to the famous cross that overlooks the city. This is an ever-changing and exciting destination that always offers visitors something new and never disappoints.

    Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodation in the center of Skopje.

    

    Bizzare, Bazaar, Skopje

    For a capital city, Skopje is fairly small and walkable. For your first evening, we suggest walking along the Vardar River, passing the charming bridges and impressive buildings lining both banks. The many monuments in the city center may create a bizarre atmosphere, but they're undeniably interesting. Enjoy evening drinks on one of the fake ships built atop the shallow river. The boat offers a charming atmosphere, and the river's fresh breezes are helpful if you're visiting in summer. Finish your day with a dinner in one of the many restaurants offering live music.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

15. Day 15 Departure Day

    Today, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the Skopje airport for your departing flight.