Dubrovnik to Tirana; Semi – Private Tour with Tour Leader & Car

Day 1: Pick-up in Dubrovnik (Croatia) – Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

1. Dubrovnik
   Pass by
   After having experienced the unique medieval town of Dubrovnik (by yourself) get ready for your Balkan adventure. Our local representative / driver will pick you up from the nearest point of your hotel within Dubrovnik Town (Please note that cars may not enter some parts of Dubrovnik Town) who will shuttle you to the border where you will meet your tour leader for this amazing trip
2. Mostar
   2h
   We will cross the border to Bosnia & Herzegovina and head towards the city of Mostar. We will, of course, visit the iconic Old Bridge also known as Stari Most, part of UNESCO world heritage and built in a typical Islamic architectural style in the 16th century. We will also wander through the Old Bazaar with its colorful streets and lively atmosphere. The city has stones with “Don’t Forget” all around the town, commemorating the city’s history. Mostar combines the old with the new, which you will notice while wandering through the streets. There are several beautiful old mosques, bustling Turkish bazaars, and a maze of cobbled alleyways
3. Biscevica Kuca (Biscevic House)
   30m · Admission ticket included
   We will also visit the Bišćevića Kuća, one of the finest examples of Ottoman residential architecture in the region. Built in the 17th century and beautifully preserved, this riverside house offers an intimate glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy Ottoman family.

Day 2: Mostar – Sarajevo – Mostar

1. Sarajevo
   2h
   After breakfast we will drive from Mostar to our next destination Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today’s itinerary includes walking on uneven terrain, while visiting some of the ruins during our Sarajevo tour. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. The tour will cover the stories of origins of Sarajevo and the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. We will visit the Ottoman and Austria-Hungarian parts of Sarajevo, which both with its stunning markets, bazaars, mosques, churches and synagogues will reveal the true nature of the real European Jerusalem.
2. Latin Bridge
   1h · Admission ticket included
   We’ll make sure to visit the Latin Bridge and learn the story about how WWI was triggered right here, in the heart of Sarajevo. The bridge received its name because it connected the right bank of the Miljacka with the Catholic quarter of the city, which was informally called "Latinluk" in Ottoman times.
3. Sarajevo
   1h
   We will not leave Sarajevo without stopping at Caffe Divan to enjoy the famous Turkish coffee or tea, offered to you as a complimentary treat from us. It is an ideal moment to unwind and take in the local atmosphere before we continue our journey.

Day 3: Mostar – Blagaj – Kotor (Montenegro) – Montenegrin Riviera

1. Blagaj
   1h
   After breakfast we will visit Blagaj, a little bit outside of Mostar. On the foot of a cliff, with beautiful blue waters in front of it, Blagaj is a small Ottoman medieval town with its stunning nature and imposing spring of river Buna.
2. Kotor
   2h
   Later we will continues towards Kotor (Montenegro), a UNESCO world heritage site. We will wander through the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets crisscrossing the old town. This street plan seems quite chaotic, but it was created this way on purpose. The intention was to confuse intruders who came to plunder the town, while nowadays it characterizes the city. Many of the old buildings and churches have small plaques on it with their dates of construction and original use. We will visit the Saint Luke’s church which has a great significance for the locals because it represents unity to them. You will have the afternoon to your selves to explore this magnific UNESCO world heritage site.

Day 4: Montenegrin Riviera. – Budva – Sveti Stefan – Shkoder (Albania)

1. Budva
   30m
   Our first destination for today is Budva in Montenegro, a popular tourist destination, famous for its beaches, gorgeous nature and old characteristic buildings. The city is separated between an old and new part. On one hand, in the New Budva, there are many modern buildings, offices, shopping malls, restaurants and bars.
2. Saint Ivan Church
   30m · Admission ticket included
   On the other hand, in the Old Budva, there is the historical centre and many sights to visit, such as the St. Ivan church, the small church of St. Mary and the medieval splendours of the old town, which we will visit on this tour.
3. Sveti Stefan
   30m
   On our way to Albania we will make a stop near Sveti Stefan, historically a fishing town on a small island near the coast. However, nowadays it is not possible to visit the island anymore as it has turned into an exclusive residential resort. Even while standing on the coast, Sveti Stefan is a sight for sore eyes – worth a picture
4. Shkoder
   1h
   From Montenegro, we will cross the border to Shkoder, Albania. The city is situated in the north-western part of Albania, giving its name to the biggest lake in the Balkans. It is one of the oldest cities in Albania, with a history of a thousand years of habitation. We will visit Rozafa castle offering tremendous scenery of the lake and the three rivers melting all together in the Adriatic Sea. The city’s architecture is highly influenced by the Venetian style and if you are lucky enough to join the tour of Shkodra in February you might experience the carnival festival. Most of the guests are surprised to learn that the majority of the Venetian masks are handmade and produced in Shkodra.
5. Venice Art Mask Factory
   1h · Admission ticket included
   During our visit, we will stop at the city’s unique Venetian Mask Factory, one of the most fascinating artistic workshops in Albania. Inspired by Venetian traditions, this small factory handcrafts exquisite papier-mâché masks, each one painted and decorated entirely by hand. The vibrant studio is filled with color and creativity, where every mask tells a story, from classic Venetian carnival styles to imaginative modern creations.

Day 5: Shkoder – Prizren (Kosovo)

1. 2h
   Our first destination for today is one of the best slow food Agro-tourism farms in the Balkans. We will take a tour around the farm. In addition, we will learn about the story of this farm and how it created jobs for more than 400 people in the surrounding area. The farm collects, elaborates and preserves regional bio fresh local products. We will also learn how this family business adapted some old communist buildings to serve as storage for local-made bio products. You will have some free time to enjoy a traditional lunch or buy some fresh produce products from the farm
2. Prizren
   1h
   In the afternoon we will continue our tour towards Prizren, considered as the cultural capital of Kosovo, mixing its rich history, incredible nature, religious tolerance and gastronomic delights. Prizren has played an important role in the region as an Illyrian settlement and a crossroad for the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, contributing to the unique architecture of the city. The river flows through the heart of the old town and under the many bridges that crisscross the city. If you are looking to experience a lively international experience you should visit Prizren during August when the medieval city becomes home to one of the most famous short film festivals in the world named Dokufest. The best way to explore the town is by wandering through the streets passing by elegant medieval houses that fight for your attention. Filigree artisanal techniques for precious metals are Prizren’s joy and pride
3. Sinan Pasha Mosque
   30m · Admission ticket included
   If you have to choose just one mosque to visit then visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, rich in arabesque colour and pattern
4. Kalaja Fortress
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The view from the fortress on the hill above the town offers a great panorama of this astonishing town. Free afternoon in Prizren.

Day 6: Prizren – Gjakove - Decan – Vineyards near Rahovec – Prizren

1. Gjakova
   1h
   After breakfast we will continue our tour towards Gjakova. The city has the oldest and largest bazaar of Kosovo. Even though, it got destroyed during the first Balkan wars, the second world war and the Kosovo war, the bazaar got rebuilt again to its old state and is a nice place to enjoy a meal or to take a look at the stores that sell traditional handmade crafts from local artisans and producers. Don’t hesitate to explore the artisan workshops, where you can watch traditional crafts being made using techniques passed down for centuries.
2. Decan
   1h
   Our next destination will be the Monastery of Decan. This one stands out for its white colour, but even more remarkable is the fact that Orthodox monks still inhabit the monastery and make fresh organic food there, such as cheeses. The monastery became part of UNESCO in 2004 because of its frescoes, which portray the lives of people during the 14th century as well as the Palaeologan renaissance that changed the way of Byzantine painting.
3. Rahovec
   1h
   Before returning back to Prizren we will drive towards Rahovec Valley, known as the capital city of viticulture in Prizren. There is evidence that in this region grapes have been cultivated since Illyrian times, 2000 years ago. Vineyards are positioned in the soft hillocks of Rahovec in altitude from 350 -520 meters of the sea level making Rahovec an ideal spot to produce high quality fine wines. A wine festival takes place in Rahovec annually every September.

Day 7: Prizren – Kruje (Albania) – Tirana

1. Kruje
   30m
   Our main destination for today will be Kruja, a historical city symbol of the Albanian resistance against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire during the XV century. Kruja is situated in central Albania on a rocky mountainous terrain about 560 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Sarisalltik Mountain.
2. Kruja Bazaar
   1h
   Walking through the narrow streets and the wooden houses of Kruja’s Medieval Old Bazaar (one of the biggest and oldest in Balkans) gives you a sense of a passage through the history. This is the best place to shop for souvenir in Albania, from typical to more unique and handmade souvenirs such as carpets, jewelers etc
3. Kruja Castle
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The castle of Kruja (built during the 5th century A.D.) is strategically placed on the top of a rocky hill, making it difficult for the enemies to attack. The tour leader will take you through some hidden paths, used by the locals to leave the castle without being noticed during periods when the enemies surrounded the castle.
4. Kruje
   1h
   You will have some free time to enjoy a tasty traditional lunch, do some souvenir shopping or admire the city.

Day 8: Local Food and Walking of Tirana – End of the tour

1. Tirana
   30m
   Today we will discover Tirana, the capital of Albania. Meet with your local companion to offer you a unique experience across the city, while passionately sharing our culinary treasures. Male sure to come with an empty stomach and get ready for a delicious adventure.
2. 2h
   Our first stop will be at a small local place that only locals know how to find. Here we will have the chance to try Byrek, a classic Albanian specialty made of thin layers of dough filled with cheese, meat, spinach, or other ingredients. The journey then leads towards Çam bazaar, here you can buy all kinds of goods from clothes to kitchen equipment and bargain with the sellers for a cheaper price.
   With your local companion by your side, you will have an insight into the hidden alleyways and bustling street markets of Tirana. Here you will have the possibility to try fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other local flavours, while experiencing daily life up close.
3. Tirana
   1h
   Our first stop will be at a small local place that only locals know how to find. Here we will have the chance to try Byrek, a classic Albanian specialty made of thin layers of dough filled with cheese, meat, spinach, or other ingredients. The journey then leads towards Çam bazaar, here you can buy all kinds of goods from clothes to kitchen equipment and bargain with the sellers for a cheaper price.
   With your local companion by your side, you will have an insight into the hidden alleyways and bustling street markets of Tirana. Here you will have the possibility to try fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other local flavours, while experiencing daily life up close.
4. Pazari i Ri
   2h · Admission ticket included
   The tour will continue through the charming neighborhoods of Tirana; observe the daily lives of the city's residents, admire colorful buildings, and get a feel for the authentic atmosphere. We will visit a lively market, known for second-hand goods of all kinds. Don’t be shy, explore the market and hunt for any pre-loved item that catches your interest
   The next stop of our local adventure takes us to the New Bazaar, where an array of culinary delights awaits us. We will sit down for a traditional Albanian meal prepared with regional specialties.
   To wash it all down, we will also taste the famous Albanian Grape Raki. As we Albanians say, there is nothing that Raki can’t fix! This marks the end of this remarkable adventure through history and culture.

Pickup details

After having experienced the unique medieval town of Dubrovnik (by yourself) be ready to get soaked up into your Balkan adventure. At 07:00 am you will be picked up from your hotel in Dubrovnik by our local representative (driver) who will shuttle you to the border where you will meet your tour leader for this tour

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please note that prices are calculated on double/twin/triple/quadruple room occupancy in a 3 stars hotel accommodation.
• Tour’s schedule or itinerary may be affected/adopted due to; weather, Acts of God, labour strikes, bank holidays, site temporary closure/renovation or other external forces outside the Company’s control.
• *If you have enjoyed your experience, tipping is a wonderful way to show gratitude for your tour leader / driver efforts and dedication