Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Daily breakfast throughout the tour
- 2 nights accommodation in Belgrade
- 1 night accommodation in Novi Pazar
- 1 night accommodation in Prishtina
- 2 nights accommodation in Skopje
- 1 night accommodation in Ohrid
- 1 night accommodation in Berat
- 1 night accommodation in Sarande
- 2 nights accommodation in Tirana
- Arrival transfer in Belgrade and departure transfer in Tirana
- All transfers, intercity travel, and sightseeing by air-conditioned vehicle as per the program
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout the tour
- Guided city tours and sightseeing in all major destinations as per the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all monuments, museums, monasteries, and archaeological sites mentioned in the program
- Excursions to Novi Sad, Fruska Gora / winery area, Lake Ohrid, Matka Canyon, Krujë, and Butrint as per itinerary
- All road taxes, toll charges, parking fees, and fuel costs during the tour
- Border crossing assistance and local coordination throughout the journey
- Local assistance and on-ground support for smooth tour operations
You'll Love
- Discovering multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites across four countries
- Exploring charming Ottoman old towns like Prizren, Berat & Gjirokaster
- Enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Lake Ohrid and Matka Canyon
- Walking through history in Belgrade, Skopje, and Tirana
- Visiting ancient monasteries, fortresses, and archaeological treasures
- Experiencing the unique Balkan mix of cultures, religions, and cuisines
Overview
Discover the rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes of the Balkans on this immersive 12-day journey through Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania. This carefully crafted tour takes you from the vibrant streets of Belgrade to the medieval towns of Prizren, Berat, and Gjirokaster, and from the serene beauty of Lake Ohrid to the lively capital of Tirana. Along the way, explore numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient monasteries, impressive fortresses, and fascinating museums that reveal the region’s complex past shaped by Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Communist influences. Blending guided city tours, scenic drives, cultural encounters, and historical landmarks, this holiday offers a perfect balance of discovery, comfort, and authentic Balkan experiences—ideal for travellers seeking a deeper and more meaningful exploration of Southeast Europe.
When/Date
Itinerary
Arrive in Belgrade in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Emerging from the isolation of communist Yugoslavia and the ravages of the Balkan War, Belgrade today buzzes with renewed energy, lively streets, and a growing cultural scene. This afternoon, visit the National Museum and the impressive Belgrade Fortress, beautifully located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Later, enjoy a relaxed stroll around Republic Square and along the pedestrian Knez Mihailova Street, the heart of the city’s social life.
Today, enjoy an excursion to Novi Sad, Serbia’s charming second city. Walk among elegant Art Nouveau buildings while soaking in its distinct Austro-Hungarian atmosphere. After lunch, you may choose to visit the Fruska Gora region, known as the “Holy Mount” with its many Orthodox monasteries, or explore a local Serbian winery. On return to Belgrade, visit the House of Flowers, also known as the Tito Memorial, to gain insight into the life and legacy of the former Yugoslav leader.
This morning, drive approximately 238 km (about 3½ hours) to the UNESCO-listed Studenica Monastery, considered the cradle of Serbian civilization and a masterpiece of Eastern Orthodox architecture. After lunch, continue another 64 km (around 1 hour 15 minutes) to Novi Pazar. Here, experience the strong Turkish influence as you wander through lively streets lined with bazaars and mosques, giving the town a distinctly Ottoman character.
Drive about 108 km (around 3 hours), crossing through Montenegro into Peja in Kosovo, where another UNESCO World Heritage Site awaits. Visit the Patriarchate of Pec, regarded as the mother church of Serbian Orthodoxy. Continue for another 84 km (around 1½ hours) to Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo, and enjoy a walking tour introducing you to this young and evolving city with a complex and fascinating history.
Visit two important sites near Prishtina: the UNESCO-listed Gracanica Monastery and Gazimestan, the historic site of the Battle of Kosovo. Then drive about 84 km (around 1¼ hours) to Prizren, a beautifully preserved Ottoman old town full of medieval charm, where you will enjoy a walking tour. In the evening, continue another 99 km (around 1½ hours), crossing the border into North Macedonia and arriving in the capital city, Skopje.
Skopje is famous for having an extraordinary number of statues—hundreds of them decorate its squares and streets, some towering over 15 metres high. Enjoy a guided walking tour to discover this unique city shaped by Greek, Ottoman, Albanian, and Serbian influences. Visit the Archaeological Museum and the Memorial House of Mother Teresa. In the afternoon, take an excursion to Mount Vodno for panoramic views over the city and continue to the beautiful Matka Canyon, a natural gem just outside Skopje.
This morning, drive about 173 km (around 2½ hours) to Lake Ohrid, one of the most enchanting destinations in the Balkans. A guided tour introduces you to the picturesque Church of St. Jovan and the atmospheric old quarter, which cascades down a graceful hillside dotted with beautiful churches and crowned by a medieval fortress overlooking the lake.
Today, cross the border into Albania, once one of the world’s most isolated countries. Learn about the era of dictator Enver Hoxha, whose legacy still influences Albanian life today. Drive about 156 km (around 3½ hours) to Berat, stopping en route at the Cobo Winery to hear fascinating family stories shaped by Albania’s turbulent history. On arrival in Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy a walking tour through the medieval town of stone houses, cobbled streets, charming churches, and a mighty hilltop castle. End the day with a visit to the Onufri Museum.
Depart Berat and drive about 182 km (around 3 hours) to Gjirokaster, another UNESCO-listed town and the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, where his story truly comes alive. After exploring, continue another 55 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes) to Sarande, a popular seaside resort town on the Adriatic coast, perfect for a relaxing evening by the sea.
Devote the morning to visiting Butrint, one of the highlights of the trip. This remarkably well-preserved UNESCO archaeological site reveals layers of Greek, Roman, and Ottoman history. In the afternoon, drive about 282 km (around 4½ hours) to Tirana, the colourful and lively capital of Albania.
Lively and vibrant, Tirana is almost unrecognisable from its grey communist past. Enjoy a full day exploring its history and transformation into a dynamic modern city. Begin with an excursion to Krujë and visit the Skanderbeg Fortress, dedicated to Albania’s national hero. Later, enjoy a walking tour around Skanderbeg Square, the National Museum, and BunkArt, a massive former Cold War bunker converted into a fascinating museum.
Enjoy free time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
