Your tour of the incredible ancient treasures of the Balkans begins in Split, with the famous complex of Diocletian’s Palace built in the 4th century AD. Admire the wonders of the walled city Dubrovnik, known as the Jewel of the Adriatic. Discover the UNESCO-listed landscapes of Ohrid and Tirana, each with its own distinct culture. From there you’ll visit the Greek countryside to see ancient Delphi and Kalambaka, as well as the UNESCO-listed clifftop monasteries of Meteora, finishing in the ancient yet bustling city of Athens.
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You can request to book this tour privately, travelling only with people you know.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO SPLIT
On arrival at Split airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Dinner. Meals: D
Accommodation at the Hotel Atrium, Split, or similar
DAY 2: SPLIT SIGHTSEEING
In the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Then see the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. The rest of the day is at leisure to stroll through the beautiful streets of Split, enjoy the beach, or join us on an optional excursion to the Jet Set spot of the rich and famous – Island of Hvar. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hotel Atrium, Split, or similar
DAY 3: SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK
After breakfast travel to Dubrovnik. Day at leisure. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Hotel Lacroma, Dubrovnik, or similar
DAY 4: DUBROVNIK SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Old Dubrovnik visit the Rector's Palace, and see the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. The rest of the day is free or join us for an optional excursion home-hosted Dubelj with dinner. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hotel Lacroma, Dubrovnik, or similar
DAY 5: DUBROVNIK TO TIVAT, MONTENEGRO
After breakfast, continue to Tivat. On the way, you will see Kotor Bay, the only South European fiord. Walking tour of town Kotor. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hotel Palma, Tivat, or similar
DAY 6: TIVAT TO TIRANA, ALBANIA
After breakfast, we leave Tivat and drive via Budva and Bar towards the town of Shkodra, nowadays a major Albanian cultural center. Shkodra was the center of the Illyrian tribe Labeat and was taken by the Romans in the year 168 B.C. We will see the Rozafa Castle, magnificently situated on a rocky outcrop of limestone high above the city. Continue drive to Tirana. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Hotel Colosseo, Tirana, or similar
DAY 7: TIRANA
On a morning sightseeing tour, see Sheshi Skenderbej (Skanderbeg Square) the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, and the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero; the Palace of Culture, built with Soviet assistance, and the National History Museum with a mosaic on its façade portraying Albanian history. Your afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own, shop, or simply just relax. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hotel Colosseo, Tirana, or similar
DAY 8: TIRANA TO OHRID, REPUBLIC of NORTH MACEDONIA
The lakeside resort of Ohrid is an important cultural and spiritual center, classified as UNESCO’s World Heritage site. Enjoy a sightseeing tour will take you strolling through the cobblestone streets of the old town. Visit the Cathedral of St. Sofia, containing some magnificent frescoes from the 10th century. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Hotel Granit, Ohrid, or similar
DAY 9: OHRID TO KALAMBAKA, GREECE
After breakfast, admire the fantastic landscapes of Meteora, known as “the rocks that fell from the sky”, where monks built their rock – top monasteries far away from civilization. Out of the 13 large and 20 small monasteries and hermit’s cells, only four are now active. The most important is Megalo of Great Meteoro, of peculiar architecture with its tall and intricate dome, twelve sides, and fine frescoes. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Grand Meteora, Kalambaka, or similar
DAY 10: KALAMBAKA TO ATHENS
Your first stop is Delphi, where the famous Oracle once foretold the destiny of men. The temple of Apollo in which the Oracle functioned, was built in the 6th century B.C. Also see the Sacred Way, the Stadium, and the Castilian Fountain, where pilgrims cleansed themselves in preparation for consulting the Oracle. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, which contains an impressive collection of finds from the site, including the beautiful “Bronze Charioteer”, before continuing to Athens. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Stanley or Titania, Athens, or similar
DAY 11: ATHENS SIGHTSEEING
See the highlights of Athens this morning on a sightseeing tour. This cosmopolitan and bustling capital city is set amid reminders of a long and glorious past, graceful temples, centuries-old monasteries, and ornate Byzantine churches. Visit the immortal Acropolis, the Parthenon, said to be the most perfectly proportioned building of all time, Also, see the Erectheion with the Porch of the Maidens, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Wingless Victory. Below the Acropolis lies the Ancient Agora and the Theaters of Dionysus and Herodus Atticus. Your afternoon and evening are free. Join us for Farewell Taverna Dinner in the Plaka beside the Acropolis. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Stanley or Titania, Athens, or similar
DAY 12: ATHENS DEPARTURE
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Meals: B