12 days in Central Europe & the Balkans

Arrive at “Ferenc Liszt” Budapest International Airport.
Your drive will meet you in the arrivals hall with your name on the signboard.
In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry. We will monitor your flight, and our guide will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays. After a short ride of 30 minutes, you’ll be in the city’s center. Check-in at the hotel, and take the rest of the day to get more familiar with Budapest by walking around.
 Overnight in Budapest.

After breakfast, set off on a comprehensive 3-hour city tour of Budapest, starting with the view from Gellert Hill.
Enjoy an unbeatable panorama of the city and the Danube River as your guide fills you in on the city’s two halves: Buda, the ancient seat of the Hungarian Kings, and Pest, the heart of the modern city. Start your explorations in Buda with a tour of the medieval castle and follow your guide around Trinity Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matyas church. After snapping photos of the grand Buda Castle from the 13th century, cross the iconic Chain Bridge into Pest to admire the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building on the waterfront.
 Browse the shops along lively Vaci Street, then take a peek inside the opulent St. Stephen’s Basilica, where the star attraction is, somewhat bizarrely, the right hand of its namesake, King Stephen. Next, stroll down the elegant Andrassy Avenue, home to the lavish Hungarian State Opera House, and marvel over the monuments of Heroes Square.
For lunch follow your guide’s recommendations and tuck into some traditional Hungarian cuisine at a local restaurant. Gulyas stew is always a good choice.
Use your free afternoon to soak in one of Budapest’s many famous thermal baths or walk around this magnificent city. In the evening, don’t miss a spectacular Danube cruise under Budapest’s bridges. You will hear many stories and legends while sipping champagne and listening to some famous Ferenc (Franz) Liszt’s pieces. (not included).
 Overnight in Budapest.

Leaving Budapest, the road heads southwest through the Hungarian countryside toward Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, a short stop.
Passing the border our next stop is in Maribor, yes the home to the world’s oldest grapevine.
Maribor sits along the banks of the Drava River and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and
We continue with a visit to the Museum of the Oldest Vine in the World
One sample of the Queen’s Wine from the Štajerska wine-growing region.
Visit to the permanent exhibitions of the Maribor Regional Museum in Maribor Castle.
Lunch in a traditional inn or Mediterranean restaurant.
The journey ends in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, known for its lively old town, riverside cafés, and landmarks such as Ljubljana Castle overlooking the city. Check-in and free time.
Overnight in Ljubljana.

Breakfast at hotel, Proceed to city visit of the highlights after the breakfast, taking a Walk around the historical city center and explore all of its major attractions. Central open-air Market, Baroque Town Hall, Robba's Fountain, the Three Bridges, and Lunch break at Local Restaurant, Continue with a visit to Ljubljana Castle and treat yourself to beautiful views of the city from the castle's ramparts. Ljubljana Castle, standing on a hill above the city for about 900 years, is Ljubljana's main attraction. The castle's Outlook Tower and ramparts offer some of the most beautiful views of the city, while the castle houses a museum exhibition on Slovenian history, a puppet museum, and a number of historical rooms such as the Chapel of St George, the Prison, and a video presentation room called Virtual Castle.
After the castle visit, we shall view the magnificent Bled Lake and will have free time at leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight in Zagreb.

During the way a quick stop in Zagreb, a short tour of 1h to show the top interest spots. Continue to Plitvice, see in person of the 16 crystal - blue lakes cascading into 92 spectacular waterfalls. Walk on the wooden promenades with magnificent views on the waters where every turn leads to a breathtaking scenery and yet another waterfall. Surrounded by dense woods, Plitvice Lake is a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty.
Overnight in Plitvice.

Leaving Plitvice Lakes National Park, the road descends from the forested mountains of central Croatia toward the Adriatic coast. The scenery gradually changes from dense forests and karst landscapes to Mediterranean hills and olive groves.
Arriving in Split, the atmosphere becomes lively and coastal. The city is built around the remarkable Diocletian's Palace, a Roman palace complex that forms the heart of the old town. Narrow stone streets, historic squares, and seaside promenades give the city a vibrant character, with Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site,Cathedral of Saint Domnius, one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world, Riva Promenade, a lively waterfront lined with cafés and palm trees.
Leaving Split, the route heads inland toward Bosnia and Herzegovina. The road crosses dramatic karst landscapes, mountains, and river valleys typical of the western Balkans.
The destination is Mostar, one of the most picturesque cities in the region. The historic center is famous for its Ottoman architecture and stone streets along the Neretva River. The symbol of the city is Stari Most, the iconic 16th-century Ottoman bridge connecting the two sides of the old town. Around it are traditional markets, mosques, and cafés overlooking the river.
Overnight in Mostar.

Leaving Mostar, the route travels through the sunny landscapes of Herzegovina to Međugorje, one of Europe’s most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations, known for St. James Church and the nearby Apparition Hill.
The journey continues to Blagaj, a picturesque village famous for the Blagaj Tekke, a historic Dervish monastery set dramatically beside the spring of the Buna River beneath towering cliffs.
Next is Kravica Waterfall, a beautiful natural amphitheater of cascading falls on the Trebižat River, surrounded by lush greenery and walking paths.
The route ends in Dubrovnik, the historic Adriatic city renowned for the Walls of Dubrovnik and its charming old town along the Croatian coast and overnight there.

Starting tour with ther walled city of Dubrovnik for a city tour. See this UNESCO protected pearl of the Adriatic and its Cathedral, Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Monastery, Clock Tower and Orlando’s Columns.
Stop for lunch and free time.
Swim in the crystal waters or perhaps take a day trip to the Elaphite Islands& Blue Cave, see the city in electric tuk tuk or cable car ride (not included).
Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Departing from Dubrovnik, the route follows the stunning Adriatic coastline south toward Montenegro, offering panoramic sea views and passing charming coastal landscapes. After crossing the border near Herceg Novi, the road continues along the beautiful Bay of Kotor, one of the most scenic bays in Europe.
The journey then passes historic towns such as Kotor, famous for its medieval old town and fortified walls, before arriving in Budva, a lively coastal destination known for Budva Old Town, sandy beaches, and its vibrant Adriatic atmosphere.
Overnight in Budva.

Leaving Budva, the journey continues south along the Adriatic coast before crossing from Montenegro into Albania. The route reaches the historic northern Albanian city of Shkodër, located near the shores of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans.

In Shkodër, visitors stop to explore the unique Venice Art Mask Factory, where traditional handmade Venetian-style masks are produced and displayed. The visit offers insight into the craftsmanship behind these colorful decorative masks. The experience continues with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Skadar, where the calm waters, wetlands, and surrounding mountains create one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the region. After the visit, the journey continues south through the Albanian countryside to Fishte, to enjoy a only seasonal all organic late lunch.
 Procced to Tirana, the lively capital city, check in and at 20.00pm dinner with  live music and overnight.

Departure from Tirana at 07.00am.
Our first stop is in the Albanian town of Struga, where you’ll stroll along the lakefront and the Black Drin River, from the river’s mouth up to the town’s lively bazaar.
You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace.
Next, we head to Ohrid, a city steeped in history and charm.
Here, we’ll visit the Old Town, the vibrant bazaar, and the lake promenade.
Optional: take a short boat ride on Lake Ohrid. We’ll also see St. Sophia Church and other landmarks, with some free time for lunch at a local restaurant.
After Ohrid, we continue to the Bay of Bones (Muzeu mbi Ujë), a unique archaeological site, followed by a visit to the Monastery of St. Naum and its surrounding natural park.
Crossing back into Albania.
Before heading back to Tirana, we’ll visit the Drilon Natural Park, a beautiful green oasis.
Overnight in Tirana.

Depending on your schedule leave for airport. City tour of Tirana and shopping.