17-Day Grand Balkan Odyssey tour – From Romania to Slovenia

After a delightful breakfast, set off on a guided exploration of Bucharest, a city where elegant architecture, royal legacy, and modern life beautifully intertwine.

Begin at the Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest and most striking administrative buildings in the world — a monumental symbol of Romania’s recent history. Continue to Saint Anthony Church, the oldest place of worship in the city, before stepping into the charming courtyard of Manuc’s Inn, a historic trading inn that once welcomed merchants from across Europe.

Stroll through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town and pause at Revolution Square, the powerful landmark of the 1989 uprising that changed Romania’s future. Admire the iconic Romanian Athenaeum, the city’s neoclassical masterpiece and cultural pride.

Make your way to the elegant Cărturești Carusel Bookstore, often called “the most beautiful bookstore in Europe,” blending culture, art, and modern design. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk through Cișmigiu Gardens, Bucharest’s oldest public park — a serene green oasis in the heart of the capital.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, begin your journey into Romania’s fairy-tale landscapes and royal heritage with a scenic drive toward the Carpathian Mountains.

Arrive at the magnificent Peleș Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian royal family. Admire its stunning German Renaissance architecture, lavish interiors, and exquisite woodwork that reflect Europe’s royal elegance at its finest.

Your next stop is the legendary Bran Castle, forever linked to the Dracula myth. Step inside its medieval halls and explore the museum dedicated to Queen Marie, showcasing her personal art, décor, and legacy.

Arrive in the charming town of Brașov for lunch before embarking on a guided city tour. Visit the imposing Black Church, Romania’s largest Gothic place of worship, stroll through the picturesque Council Square, and wander down Rope Street — one of the narrowest streets in Europe.

Conclude the day with a relaxing drive back to your hotel, reflecting on a journey filled with castles, legends, and the magic of Transylvania.

Begin your day with breakfast and check out from the hotel as you leave Romania behind and journey into Bulgaria.

Travel to the medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy a short coffee break before taking in panoramic views of the Tsarevets Fortress — the former stronghold of Bulgarian tsars. Capture memorable photos of the Monument to the Assen Dynasty, then stroll through Samovodska Charshia, a lively artisan street filled with local crafts, workshops, and traditional products.

Continue to Plovdiv with a scenic 3-hour drive and check into your hotel. Enjoy some time to relax before heading out to discover one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

In the evening, begin your Plovdiv City Tour. Start at the Singing Fountains and Tsar Simeon Garden, then walk through Central Square and past Trimontium. Explore the Roman legacy of Philippopolis — including the Roman Forum, Roman Stadium, and the remarkable Ancient Theatre, one of the world’s best-preserved amphitheaters still in use today.

Admire key landmarks such as the Djumaya Mosque, Sveta Bogoroditsa Church, and the historic Hisar Kapia Gate.

After the tour, enjoy dinner in the city before returning to your hotel to unwind.

Start your morning with breakfast and check out from your hotel before driving to Sofia, Bulgaria’s charming capital (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, or leave your luggage at reception, and enjoy some time to refresh before the afternoon tour begins.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided Sofia City Tour, uncovering a city where ancient history and modern culture coexist in perfect harmony.

Begin at the National Palace of Culture and enjoy a pleasant stroll along Vitosha Boulevard, the city’s lively shopping and café-lined promenade. Continue to St. Nedelya Church, then explore the ancient Roman ruins of Serdika, a reminder of Sofia’s 2,000-year-old heritage.

Visit the St. George Rotunda, the city’s oldest preserved building, and walk through Independence Square, home to important government institutions including the Council of Ministers and the National Assembly.

Discover the city’s artistic and cultural side at the National Archaeological Museum and National Art Gallery, before admiring the striking Russian Church of Saint Nicholas and the grand National Theatre “Ivan Vazov”.

Pay your respects at the Monument to the Unknown Warrior, see the historic Saint Sophia Church, and stand in awe before the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world and Sofia’s most photographed landmark.

Enjoy dinner in the city before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Start your day with breakfast and check out from the hotel as you bid farewell to Bulgaria’s capital.

Depart for Skopje, North Macedonia, enjoying a scenic 4-hour drive through mountain landscapes and picturesque countryside. Your first stop is the breathtaking Matka Canyon, one of North Macedonia’s most beautiful natural wonders.

Relax on a 2-hour boat cruise through the emerald waters and visit the enchanting Vrelo Cave, considered one of the deepest underwater caves in Europe.

Continue to Skopje and check in to your hotel. Take some time to unwind before heading out for an evening tour of the city.

In the evening, begin your Skopje City Tour.  Visit the Church of Saint Saviour (Sv. Spas), renowned for its remarkable 19th-century wood-carved iconostasis.

Walk across the iconic Stone Bridge, the symbol of the city, connecting the old and new parts of Skopje, and arrive at lively Macedonia Square, home to impressive monuments and city life. Stop at the Mother Teresa Memorial House, honoring Skopje’s most beloved humanitarian.

Conclude the day with dinner at a traditional local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy delicious Macedonian cuisine accompanied by live music, before returning to your hotel to relax.

Begin your morning with breakfast at the hotel before departing for Ohrid, one of the Balkans’ most treasured UNESCO destinations. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through rolling landscapes, with a short break along the way.

Upon arrival, step aboard a comfortable 3-hour catamaran cruise on the serene waters of Lake Ohrid. Sail across one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes as you visit the remarkable Museum on Water – an open-air archaeological site that recreates life in prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements. Continue to the peaceful St. Naum Monastery, surrounded by springs and lush natural beauty. Take time to explore the monastery grounds and enjoy the calming atmosphere.

Return to Ohrid, check in to your hotel, and relax before the evening program.

Evening in Ohrid

As golden hour sets over the lake, begin a guided walking tour through the charming old town. Wander its cobbled streets, discover centuries-old churches, traditional houses, and enjoy stunning viewpoints overlooking the water.

Start your morning with breakfast and check out from the hotel.

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive to Tirana, with a brief stop along the way before arriving in Albania’s energetic and colorful capital.

Tirana City Tour

Begin your exploration with a guided tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks:

• Tirana Castle – a historic fortress blending old stone walls with modern cafés and artisan shops

• Skanderbeg Square – the heart of Tirana and a tribute to Albania’s national hero

• Clock Tower & Et’hem Bey Mosque – remarkable symbols of the Ottoman era

• Saint Paul Cathedral – a modern spiritual landmark of the city

• The Pyramid of Tirana – one of the capital’s most intriguing architectural sites

• Blloku District – once a restricted Communist zone, now the trendiest area for cafés, boutiques, and social life

Pause for coffee and lunch before continuing your cultural immersion.

In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Secret Surveillance (House of Leaves) for a fascinating look into Albania’s Communist-era intelligence operations. Then admire the grandeur of the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, a symbol of the country’s modern spiritual revival.

Check in to your hotel and take time to refresh.

End the day with a memorable dinner at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Albanian cuisine and live music, before returning to your hotel for a restful evening.

Begin your day with breakfast and check out from the hotel.

• Depart for Kruja, a scenic 1-hour drive to the historic hometown of Albania’s national hero. Visit Kruja Castle and explore its museum (choose between the Historical or Ethnographic Museum to suit your interest). Enjoy free time to browse the Old Bazaar, perfect for traditional crafts, souvenirs, or a coffee with a view.

• Continue to Mrizi i Zanave Agrotourism, a celebrated eco-friendly estate rooted in farm-to-table philosophy. Experience a guided tour of the grounds and enjoy a delicious authentic Albanian lunch made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

• After lunch, travel to Shkodra and pass by the legendary Rozafa Castle, and a short walk in Shkodra.

• Conclude the day with a drive to Podgorica, Montenegro. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and settle in for a restful evening.

Start your morning with breakfast and check out from the hotel, then begin with a short Podgorica City Tour, including a visit to the impressive Orthodox Temple of Christ’s Resurrection.

• Depart for the Adriatic coast, driving along the scenic shores of Skadar Lake. Enjoy a photo stop at the iconic Sveti Stefan viewpoint, one of Montenegro’s most photographed coastal landmarks.

• Continue to Budva to explore the enchanting Old Town, surrounded by medieval walls and filled with narrow lanes, charming squares, and seaside views.

• Travel onward to Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour through its fortified Old Town, rich with Venetian architecture, ancient churches, and vibrant local life. Enjoy some leisure time for coffee, shopping, or exploring hidden corners.

• Head to Perast, a picture-perfect baroque town. Take a short boat ride to the legendary islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, home to a beautiful church and museum overlooking the bay.

• Conclude your day with a scenic drive to Tivat. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and settle in for a relaxing evening.

Start your morning with breakfast and check out from the hotel before traveling to Dubrovnik (approx. 2 hours). Begin your Old Town Walking Tour at Pile Gate, then stroll along the historic Stradun, visiting landmarks such as the Franciscan Monastery, Onofrio’s Fountain, Orlando’s Column, and the Rector’s Palace. Enjoy 30 minutes of free time to wander, shop, or enjoy a coffee inside the medieval walls.

• Continue to the breathtaking Kravica Waterfall (2.5-hour drive). Spend about 1 hour surrounded by the lush nature and cascading waters of this idyllic spot.

• Travel to Medjugorje, a renowned spiritual site linked to the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Spend around 1 hour visiting the church area or reflecting at this peaceful pilgrimage site.

• Conclude your day with arrival in Mostar. Check into your hotel, then enjoy an evening stroll through the magical Old Town, where East meets West, and admire the iconic Stari Most illuminated at night.

Begin your day with breakfast and check out from your hotel.

• Start with a Mostar City Tour (approx. 2 hours), exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the iconic Stari Most, the Old Bazaar (Kujundžiluk), and key cultural and historical landmarks that reflect the city’s Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage.

• Depart for Sarajevo, stopping first in Jablanica to visit the Museum of the Battle of the Neretva, an important WWII site. Continue to Konjic for a short visit to admire its charming Old Stone Bridge and scenic riverfront.

• Check into your hotel and take some time to relax before the evening program.

Sarajevo Evening City Tour

• Explore the historic heart of Sarajevo on a guided walking tour. Visit the Latin Bridge, Baščaršija bazaar, the Eternal Flame, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Ottoman caravanserais, and the Austro-Hungarian quarter — a unique blend of East and West.

• End the day with a delicious traditional Bosnian dinner, featuring Sarajevo’s famous ćevapi, before returning to your hotel to unwind.

Begin your morning with breakfast and check out from your hotel.

• Depart for Drvengrad (Küstendorf), the traditional wooden village created by renowned filmmaker Emir Kusturica, located in the scenic Mokra Gora region. The 3-hour drive includes a stop at the Dobrun Monastery, a peaceful 14th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery decorated with beautifully preserved medieval frescoes.

• Continue your journey to Belgrade (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time to relax and freshen up before the evening city tour.

Belgrade City Tour

• Begin your guided city tour with a visit to Kuća Cveća (House of Flowers), the resting place of Yugoslavia’s former president Josip Broz Tito, offering insight into the legacy of the former Yugoslav era.

• Visit the impressive St. Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, admired for its grand architecture and spiritual significance.

• Conclude the tour with a leisurely walk through Belgrade Fortress, Belgrade’s historical landmark overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, offering sweeping city views and centuries of history.

• After the tour, enjoy Belgrade’s vibrant evening atmosphere at your own pace before returning to your hotel for a restful night.

Begin your morning with breakfast and check out from the hotel.

• Set off on a scenic 4-hour drive to Zagreb, the elegant capital of Croatia. Upon arrival, begin your guided Zagreb City Tour.

Zagreb City Tour

• Start at Ban Jelačić Square, the vibrant heart of the city, then walk towards the Stone Gate, a sacred landmark and the only remaining medieval entrance to the Old Town.

• Continue to St. Mark’s Square, home to the Croatian Parliament and the famous St. Mark’s Church, known for its striking tiled roof depicting historical coats of arms.

• Visit Catherine Square and learn the legend behind the Lotrščak Tower, famous for firing the noonday cannon for centuries.

• Stroll along the charming Tkalčićeva Street, lined with cafés and boutiques, before concluding the tour at the majestic Zagreb Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece and one of Croatia’s most iconic landmarks.

• After the tour, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure in this enchanting European capital.

Begin your day with breakfast and check out from the hotel.

• Transfer to the enchanting Lake Bled (approx. 2.5 hours), famous for its emerald waters and the medieval Bled Castle perched dramatically on a cliff. Visit the castle to enjoy panoramic views over the lake and learn about its rich heritage.

• Continue to Mlino village and board a traditional Pletna boat to Bled Island. Visit St. Mary’s Church, renowned for its legendary wishing bell — ring it and make a wish for good fortune.

• Conclude your Lake Bled experience with an authentic Slovenian lunch by the lakeside.

Ljubljana City Tour

• Head to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital, and begin your guided city tour. Start at Prešeren Square and cross the iconic Triple Bridge, then admire the Plečnik Colonnade and stroll across Butchers Bridge and the legendary Dragon Bridge.

• Visit the Central Market, then enjoy a funicular ride to Ljubljana Castle for sweeping views of the city.

• Continue to St. Nicholas Cathedral, admire Robba’s Fountain, and walk through City Hall, soaking up the old-town charm and lively atmosphere.

• Enjoy some free time to relax, shop, or explore the riverside cafés.

• In the evening, walk to a traditional local restaurant for a delightful dinner before returning to your hotel.

Start your day with breakfast before departing for Postojna, a scenic 1-hour drive from Ljubljana. Begin your adventure with a guided 1.5-hour tour of the remarkable Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s largest and most captivating underground cave systems. Ride the electric cave train and walk through magnificent chambers filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

Continue with a visit to the Predjama Castle, a dramatic Renaissance fortress built into a 123-metre cliff. Discover the legends and secrets of this medieval marvel—famous for its hidden tunnels and the story of the knight Erazem of Predjama.

Return to Ljubljana in the afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure. Stroll along the romantic riverside and unwind with a canal boat ride, taking in the illuminated bridges and charming architecture of Slovenia’s capital.

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel and check out, taking a moment to reflect on the unforgettable moments, new friendships, and remarkable cultures you’ve experienced throughout your journey.

• Transfer to Ljubljana Airport, where your Grand Balkan Adventure comes to an end.

As you head home, we hope you carry with you the warmth of Balkan hospitality, the beauty of its landscapes, and the stories that make this region so unique.

Safe travels — and we look forward to welcoming you again on another Balkland journey!