Highlights the Balkans - 5 countries, 7 nights

Upon arrival at Skopje International Airport, and after passport control, you’ll be greeted by our professional tour escort holding a DMC Balkans Travel & Event sign. A warm welcome awaits you, along with a short briefing about your upcoming journey.

Your first day in Macedonia begins with a guided city tour of Skopje, where history and modern life blend seamlessly. Highlights include:

• Stone Bridge – the city’s timeless landmark connecting past and present.
• Macedonia Square – the vibrant heart of the capital, surrounded by striking monuments.
• Daut Pasha Hammam – a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era bathhouse.
• Old Bazaar – one of the largest and most colorful marketplaces in the Balkans.
• Old Railway Station – a historic site that carries stories from a different era.

Enjoy a delicious traditional meal at a local restaurant before having some free time to explore at your own pace.

In the evening, overnight stay in a Standard Room at Hotel Actor 4* (or similar).

Optional Tour: For those who wish to see more, we offer an afternoon excursion to Matka Canyon, where dramatic cliffs and tranquil waters create unforgettable views; a visit to the iconic Millennium Cross towering over the city; and the charming Ethno Village, where Macedonian tradition comes to life.

After breakfast at your hotel, we depart Skopje and journey to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ohrid, nestled on the shores of Europe’s oldest and deepest lake - Lake Ohrid.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk through Ohrid’s charming Old Town:

• Stroll through the vibrant Old Bazaar, alive with shops and local crafts.
• Admire the historic Ali Pasha Mosque and the centuries-old Chinar Tree, a beloved gathering spot.
• Visit a traditional Ohrid pearl shop, where the city’s most famous handicraft comes to life.
• Explore the serene Zeynal Abedin Pasha Tekke, a dervish monastery full of history.
• A delicious lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore or relax.

Overnight in a Standard Room at Hotel Royal View 4* (or similar).

Optional Excursion: For those wishing to venture further, you can join a tour to the Bay of the Bones Museum, an archaeological site on the lake, and the stunning St. Naum Monastery, known for its beautiful frescoes and tranquil setting.

After breakfast at your hotel, we depart Ohrid and travel to Albania’s vibrant capital, Tirana. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour showcasing the highlights of this lively city:

• Stroll through Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana, surrounded by historic and modern landmarks.
• Visit the beautifully decorated Et'hem Bey Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
• Climb the Clock Tower for panoramic views of the city and its surrounding hills

Following the tour, we continue to Shkoder, one of Albania’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. Here, we explore the Lead Mosque, a significant historic site, and take in the charm of Shkoder’s Old Town.

Overnight stay at Hotel Luani Arte 4* (or similar), where you can relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

After breakfast at your hotel, we depart Shkoder and head towards the stunning Adriatic coast, beginning with the historic town of Budva.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of Budva, where history, culture, and seaside charm meet:

• Wander through Budva Old Town, a maze of cobbled streets and ancient walls.
• Explore the impressive Citadela (Budva Citadel), offering panoramic views of the Adriatic.
• Take in the sun and scenery at Mogren Beach, one of Budva’s most beautiful coastal spots.
• Visit St. John’s Church, a gem of Baroque architecture.
• Stroll along the lively Slovenska Plaza Beach, a perfect blend of sand, sea, and vibrant life.

A delicious lunch at a local restaurant will recharge you before continuing to Kotor, a city framed by dramatic fjord-like mountains and rich history. Highlights of your guided Kotor tour include:

• Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site full of winding streets and charming squares.
• The magnificent St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, a symbol of the city’s medieval heritage.
• Walk along the Kotor City Walls, offering breathtaking views of the bay.
• Visit the Clock Tower and Square of Arms, central points in Kotor’s lively Old Town.
• Stop at the Kotor Check Point, included with your ticket, for photos and a deeper glimpse into the city’s fortifications.

In the evening, we continue to Trebinje, for an overnight stay in a Standard Room at Hotel Central Park 4* (or similar).

After breakfast at your hotel, we depart Trebinje and travel to the historic coastal city of Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Enjoy a guided tour of Dubrovnik’s charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with highlights including:

• Orlando’s Column, a symbol of the city’s freedom and history.
• The historic Clock Tower, keeping watch over centuries of city life.
• Franciscan Monastery, home to one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies.
• Rector’s Palace, a stunning example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture and Dubrovnik’s political past.

Following the tour, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing towards Blagaj, a haven of peace and natural beauty. Here, you will visit the Blagaj Tekke (Dervish Monastery), built around 1520 and one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most important Ottoman-era monuments, set beside the emerald waters of the Buna River. This serene site offers an unforgettable experience of spirituality and harmony with nature.

In the evening, we continue to Mostar, followed by an overnight stay in a Standard Room at Hotel HA 4* (or similar).

Day 6: Mostar – Konjic

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a guided city tour of Mostar, a city where history, culture, and stunning architecture meet:

• Walk across the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a symbol of resilience and UNESCO heritage.
• Explore the bustling Old Bazaar (Bazar), filled with local crafts and souvenirs.
• Visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, offering rich history and panoramic views over the Neretva River.

Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Konjic, a picturesque town known for its strategic importance and charming riverside scenery.

Overnight stay in a Standard Room at Hotel Koncep Residence 4* (or similar).

Day 7: Konjic – Sarajevo – Olympic Mountains

After breakfast, start the day with a visit to Vrelo Bosne, the serene source of the Bosna River. This natural landmark offers peaceful lakes teeming with fish and swans, small green islands, and a perfect escape from city life.

Next, explore the War Tunnel (Tunnel of Hope), an 800-meter passage built in 1993 by Bosnian Army soldiers during the siege of Sarajevo. Learn about its crucial role in supplying food, medicine, and munitions to the city during wartime.

Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Igman and Bjelašnica Mountains, iconic sites that played key roles in both the 1984 Winter Olympics and wartime history, offering breathtaking scenery and a glimpse into Sarajevo’s resilient past.

Overnight stay in a Standard Room at Hotel Koncep Residence 4* (or similar).

Day 8: Sarajevo – City Tour & Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a full Sarajevo city tour, exploring the city’s unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern influences:

• Stroll through Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s historic old bazaar, alive with artisans and local life.
• Visit Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, an architectural gem of the Ottoman era.
• Explore Brusa Bezistan, a covered market showcasing traditional crafts.
• See the Latin Bridge, near which the assassination that sparked World War I occurred.
• Admire Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica), an iconic symbol of the city’s cultural heritage.

Enjoy a final lunch at a local restaurant before the end of services, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable Balkan journey.