17-Day Grand Balkan Odyssey tour (Reverse Tour)– From Slovenia to Romania

After breakfast, begin your day with a journey to Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most iconic natural treasures.

Visit the spectacular Bled Castle, perched high on a cliff above the emerald lake, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Next, board a traditional Pletna boat and glide across the calm waters to Bled Island. Climb the stone steps to St. Mary’s Church, where you can ring the famous wishing bell — a tradition said to bring good luck.

Continue your adventure toward the remarkable Postojna Cave. Enjoy a guided underground tour by electric train and foot, exploring its magnificent chambers, stalactites, and stalagmites.

Return to Ljubljana in the afternoon and begin your city exploration.

Visit Prešeren Square, cross the Triple Bridge, and admire Plečnik’s colonnades and architectural masterpieces. Continue to Butchers Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and the lively Central Market.

Ride the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle for stunning views over the city’s red rooftops.

Conclude your day with visits to St. Nicholas Cathedral, Robba’s Fountain, and City Hall.

Spend the evening at leisure — stroll along the romantic riverside or enjoy an optional Ljubljana canal boat ride beneath the city’s softly illuminated bridges.

After breakfast and check-out, depart for Zagreb, Croatia’s elegant capital (approx. 2.5 hours).
Zagreb City Tour:

• Begin at Ban Jelačić Square, then visit the Stone Gate, St. Mark’s Church, and Catherine Square.
• See the Lotrščak Tower, stroll down Tkalčićeva Street, and admire the majestic Zagreb Cathedral.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure in this charming European capital.

After breakfast, depart for Belgrade, Serbia’s dynamic capital (approx. 4 hours). Upon arrival, check in and refresh before your guided Belgrade City Tour.

• Visit Kuća Cveća (House of Flowers) — resting place of Tito.
• Admire the magnificent St. Sava Temple, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.
• Continue to Belgrade Fortress, offering sweeping views over the Sava and Danube Rivers.

Spend the evening enjoying Belgrade’s lively atmosphere at your own pace or over dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic journey through the Mokra Gora region.

• Visit Drvengrad (Küstendorf), the traditional wooden village built by filmmaker Emir Kusturica.

Continue to Sarajevo, Bosnia’s fascinating capital (approx. 3 hours).
• Check in, then explore the city on an evening Sarajevo City Tour — visit Baščaršija bazaar, Latin Bridge, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, and the Eternal Flame.

End your day with a traditional Bosnian dinner featuring Sarajevo’s famous ćevapi.

After breakfast, journey through Bosnia’s scenic heartland.

• Stop in Konjic to admire its Old Stone Bridge, then visit Jablanica and the Museum of the Battle of the Neretva.
• Continue to Mostar, where East meets West.

Mostar City Tour:

Explore the Old Town, Stari Most Bridge, Old Bazaar (Kujundžiluk), and key historical landmarks reflecting Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences.
Check in to your hotel and spend the evening exploring Mostar’s illuminated streets and riverside cafés.

After breakfast, depart for Medjugorje, a world-renowned spiritual site. Spend time at St. James Church for peaceful reflection.

Continue to the stunning Kravica Waterfalls, where you can enjoy an hour surrounded by nature.
Proceed to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Dubrovnik Old Town Tour:
• Walk through Pile Gate, Stradun, Onofrio’s Fountain, Rector’s Palace, and Orlando’s Column.
• Enjoy free time for coffee or shopping within the medieval walls before checking in to your hotel.

After breakfast, travel along the Adriatic coast to Montenegro.

• Visit Perast, then take a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks.
• Continue to Kotor, a UNESCO site, and enjoy a guided Old Town tour.
• Proceed to Budva, known for its walled medieval charm and seaside promenades.
• Stop at the iconic Sveti Stefan viewpoint for breathtaking photos.

End your day in Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital. Check into your hotel and relax.

After breakfast, begin your journey toward Albania.

• Make a short stop in Shkodra, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans, and enjoy a brief visit near Rozafa Castle, overlooking the meeting point of three rivers.

• Continue to Kruja, the historic hometown of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Explore Kruja Castle, the Skanderbeg Historical Museum, and stroll through the charming Old Bazaar, known for its traditional crafts and antiques.

Afterward, travel to Tirana. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and begin your Tirana city tour.

• Visit Skanderbeg Square, the vibrant heart of the city.

• Explore Tirana Castle, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, Saint Paul Cathedral, and the striking Pyramid of Tirana.

• Walk through the lively Blloku District, once restricted to political elites and now a modern hub of cafés, boutiques, and nightlife.

End your day with an evening dinner featuring live music, celebrating the rich spirit and culture of Albania.

After breakfast, depart Tirana for Ohrid (approx. 3 hours).

• Embark on a 3-hour catamaran cruise on Lake Ohrid, visiting the Museum of Water and the serene St. Naum Monastery.
• Check in to your hotel and relax before an evening walking tour of Ohrid Old Town, exploring its cobbled streets, churches, and lakeside views.

After breakfast, depart for Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital (approx. 3 hours).

• Stop at Matka Canyon for a 2-hour boat cruise and a visit to Vrelo Cave, one of Europe’s deepest underwater caves.
• Continue to Skopje and check in to your hotel.
Skopje City Tour (Evening):
• Visit Church of Saint Saviour, cross the Stone Bridge, see Macedonia Square, and stop at the Mother Teresa Memorial House.
• Enjoy dinner at a traditional Macedonian restaurant with live music.

After breakfast, travel to Sofia (approx. 4 hours).

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and prepare for an afternoon Sofia City Tour.
• Visit Vitosha Boulevard, St. Nedelya Church, Roman Serdika ruins, St. George Rotunda, and Independence Square.
• Continue to Russian Church of Saint Nicholas, National Theatre, Saint Sophia Church, and the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

After breakfast, drive to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities.

• Enjoy a Plovdiv City Tour, visiting Tsar Simeon Garden, Roman Forum, Ancient Theatre, Djumaya Mosque, and Hisar Kapia Gate.
• Continue to Veliko Tarnovo. Explore Samovodska Charshia, Monument to the Assen Dynasty, and take photos of Tsarevets Fortress.
Check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

After a delightful breakfast, depart for Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania, located about three hours away.

Upon arrival, begin a guided exploration of the city—an elegant blend of royal heritage, grand boulevards, and modern urban energy.

Start with a visit to Saint Anthony Church, the oldest surviving place of worship in Bucharest. Continue into the charming courtyard of Manuc’s Inn, a historic caravanserai that once welcomed traders and travelers from across Europe and the Middle East.

Wander through the atmospheric streets of Old Town, then pause at Revolution Square, a symbolic landmark where the 1989 uprising reshaped Romania’s destiny. Admire the iconic Romanian Athenaeum, a neoclassical jewel and the city’s foremost cultural symbol.

Proceed to the elegant Cărturești Carusel, often celebrated as one of Europe’s most beautiful bookstores—a stunning blend of architecture, art, and literary culture.

After your tour, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

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.

After a delightful breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest and most impressive administrative buildings in the world — a monumental symbol of Romania’s modern history and architectural ambition.

After exploring this iconic landmark, enjoy a relaxing walk through Cișmigiu Gardens, Bucharest’s oldest public park. Its serene pathways, lakes, and shaded alleys offer a peaceful escape in the heart of the bustling capital.

In the evening, prepare for a special farewell dinner hosted by Balkland, a warm celebration to conclude your unforgettable journey through the Balkans.

Enjoy your final breakfast and reflect on your Balkan journey as it concludes in Bucharest, Romania’s vibrant capital.