Pearls of the Balkans from / to Dubrovnik; Semi - Private Tour

Day 1: Pickup in Dubrovnik (Croatia) – Kotor (Montenegro) – Budva – Montenegrin Riviera

1. Dubrovnik
   Pass by
   After having experienced the unique medieval town of Dubrovnik (by yourself) be ready to get soaked up into your Balkan adventure. At 07:30 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 amazing trip.
2. Kotor
   2h
   After crossing the border, we will head towards Kotor, which is also 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.
3. Budva
   2h
   Later we drive towards 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. 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.

Day 2: Montenegrin Rivera – Tirana (Albania)

1. Tirana
   3h
   After breakfast we will drive towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. After arriving in Tirana, check in at your accommodation and get ready to enjoy a unique experience in the city while learning more about the city's culinary treasures.
2. Tirana
   1h
   Our first stop will be Postblloku (Checkpoint), a powerful memorial to Albania's communist-era isolation. Located on the main boulevard opposite the government building, this site honors the political prisoners who suffered under the oppressive regime.
   Next, we’ll head towards the colorful and lively Blloku Neighborhood. Once a restricted area for members of the Albanian politburo, Blloku is now one of Tirana’s most vibrant areas, full of cafes, boutiques, and colorful street art. While there, Blloku we will also pass by the residence of Albania’s communist leader Enver Hoxha
3. Tirana
   1h
   We will walk towards Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu. The main square is surrounded by the National Museum, the Bank of Albania, the theatre of Opera, Skanderbeg Statue, Ethem Beu Mosque and fancy bars. Our tour continues towards Tirana Castle, found in the city center. The castle is now a pedestrian street where modern and tradition perfectly merge creating one of the fanciest areas of modern Tirana.
   In 1967, Albania was declared the world’s first atheist state, with all religious practices banned and institutions shut down or repurposed by the regime. We will get to learn more about Albanian’s religious while we pass by Namazgah Mosque (the largest in the Balkans); Orthodox Cathedral and Catholic St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Day 3: Tirana – Berat – Ohrid(N. Macedonia)

1. Berat
   30m
   Today we will visit Berat, known as the town of 1001 windows, part of UNESCO world heritage. Walking through the narrowed stone streets offers a fantastic view of the medieval old houses, with windows that seem to stand on top of each other. The city’s life began in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. Uniquely today, residents still live inside of the castle walls
2. Berat Castle
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Berat has it all; a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a lively lower town consisting of grand old houses draped on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, great museums and remains from the communist era in Albania.
3. Ohrid
   1h
   After the city tour of Berat we will drive towards Ohrid, indicated as one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe. Ohrid city and the Lake are part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1980. The Lake was named by the Romans as “Lyhnidas” (the Light Lake), it’s surroundings where inhabited by the Illyrian Tribe of Enkeleys.
   We will visit the famous view point of Church of St. John at Kaneo. Ohrid became an important centre for the Orthodox believers during the Byzantine Empire and is famous for its 365 Orthodox churches, said to have one church for each day of the year. During the Ottoman Empire the houses were built with a very specific architecture that created narrowed streets, tunnels and tiny yards on the hilly terrain, making it possible for every house to have a good view of the lake.
4. 30m · Admission ticket included
   We will also stop at the Paper Museum, one of Ohrid’s most fascinating small museums. Here, you will learn about the ancient art of handmade paper production, crafted using techniques that date back to the time of Gutenberg. You will even have the opportunity to purchase a piece of handmade paper as a unique souvenir, a lasting reminder of your visit.

Day 4: Ohrid – Skopje – Prizren (Kosovo)

1. Skopje
   30m
   Our tour continues towards Skopje, the capital of N. Macedonia. The city has European, Ottoman and even Asian influences.
2. The Stone Bridge
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The Stone Bridge connects the new part to the old part of the city. Impossible to miss in Skopje is the Alexander the Great Statue in the center. Another bridge that stands out is the Art Bridge that leads to the Archaeological Museum. The bridge is lined with flamboyant street lanterns and statues of Macedonian artists and musicians. We will wander through the Old Bazaar of Skopje, the biggest one in the Balkans, that combines the modern way of living with centuries of history. The cross on top of the mountain can be seen kilometres away from Skopje and has become a symbol of the city.
3. Prizren
   2h
   Later we will drive 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
4. 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.
5. Kalaja Fortress
   1h
   The view from the fortress on the hill above the town offers a great panorama of this astonishing town.

Day 5: Prizren – Mrizi i Zanave Agro Tourism (Albania) – Shkoder

1. 1h
   Our first destination for today is one of the best slow food Agro-tourism 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. Shkoder
   1h
   In the afternoon we will drive towards Shkodra, 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. The oldest wall of the Shkodra castle dates from the 1st millennium BCE. The Roman historian Livy cited the town as the capital of the Illyrian king Gent, who fought the Romans in 168 B.C.
3. Venice Art Mask Factory
   30m · 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 6: Shkoder – Shkodra Lake – Virpazar – Podgorica (Montenegro)

1. Lake Skadar
   1h
   After breakfast we will begin our journey north toward the border with Montenegro. As we cross into Montenegro, you will witness rolling green hills, tranquil villages, and glimpses of the shimmering waters of Shkodra Lake come into view.
   Shkodra Lake is the largest lake in the Balkans and one of the most important natural reserves in the region. It lies between Albania and Montenegro and is home to over 260 species of birds, including pelicans and herons, as well as countless species of fish and unique flora. The area is a protected national park and a true paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking tranquillity away from the cities.
2. Virpazar
   1h
   Later we will arrive in the picturesque lakeside village of Virpazar, often described as the gateway to Shjodra Lake National Park. The village’s stone bridges and traditional houses create an authentic Montenegrin charm. Here, you can take some time to stroll through the small local market or relax with a coffee or a glass of local wine while overlooking the peaceful waters of the lake.
3. Podgorica
   30m
   After we will continue the drive to Podgorica, the modern and lively capital of Montenegro. In the evening, you may explore the city’s main attractions, such as the Millennium Bridge, Old Ribnica River, and Independence Square, or enjoy dinner in one of Podgorica’s many restaurants.

Day 7: Podgorica – Blagaj – Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

1. Blagaj
   1h
   From Montenegro, we will cross the border to Bosnia & Herzegovina and 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. Mostar
   2h
   Later we continue towards the city of Mostar. Our first stop will be 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 colourful 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. 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 8: Mostar – Dubrovnik (Croatia)

1. Dubrovnik
   Pass by
   This is the last day of your Balkan adventure marking the end of this amazing experience through the rich history and culture of this part of the World. Your tour leader will take you to the Croatian border. Upon reaching the border our local representative (driver) will shuttle you to your hotel in Dubrovnik. We hope this has been a wonderful experience with great memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Pickup details

On request (at least 12 hours before tour departure) we can pick you up in Dubrovnik at 9:00 am or on Kotor at 11:00 am free of charge.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance.
• 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.
• Please note that prices are calculated on double/twin/triple/quadruple room occupancy in a 3 stars hotel accommodation.
• Single room occupancy is possible on 50 Euros extra charge per night per person in a 3 stars hotel accommodation
• If you have enjoyed your experience, tipping is a wonderful way to show gratitude for your tour leader / driver efforts and dedication.