12-Day Balkan Discovery (Reverse Route) – From Croatia to North Macedonia

After breakfast, check out and cross into Slovenia to visit the incredible Postojna Cave. Explore its vast underground halls and shimmering stalactites on a guided 1.5-hour tour.
Continue to Lake Bled, Slovenia’s fairytale jewel. Visit Bled Castle, perched above turquoise waters, and ride a Pletna boat to Bled Island, where you can ring the “wishing bell.”
Overnight stay in the scenic lakeside town of Bled.

After breakfast, depart for Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital. Explore Prešeren Square, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and enjoy panoramic views from Ljubljana Castle via funicular.
Continue to Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cascading lakes and waterfalls.
Check into your hotel near the park for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, travel north to Bosnia & Herzegovina. Visit Jajce, famed for its waterfall where the Pliva River meets the Vrbas, and stroll near the historic watermills.
Continue to Travnik, the former Ottoman capital, where you’ll tour the Travnik Fortress for sweeping views.
Arrive in Sarajevo in the evening, check in, and enjoy a delightful dinner in the capital’s vibrant core.

After breakfast and check-out, start with a Sarajevo Old Town Tour, visiting Baščaršija Market, Vijećnica (City Hall), the Eternal Flame, and Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.
Drive south through mountains to Konjic, where you’ll cross its graceful Ottoman Bridge, then stop in Jablanica to see the famous Battle of Neretva Bridge.
Arrive in Mostar to admire the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) and explore the Old Bazaar.
Overnight in Mostar.

After breakfast, travel to Medjugorje, a serene pilgrimage site. Continue to Kravica Waterfalls, where emerald cascades invite relaxation and photos.
Later, head to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Stradun, Orlando’s Column, and Clock Tower before checking into your hotel for the night.

Dubrovnik, Perast, Kotor, Budva
Depart Dubrovnik after breakfast for a scenic drive along the Adriatic. Stop in Perast and take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks island.
Continue to Kotor’s Old Town, a maze of medieval streets surrounded by towering mountains. Explore Budva, Montenegro’s seaside gem of Venetian heritage and lively cafés, before driving inland to Podgorica for overnight.

After breakfast, cross into Albania. Stop in Shkodra, one of the Balkans’ oldest cities, for a short cultural tour. Continue to Mrizi i Zanave Agrotourism, where a traditional farm-to-table lunch awaits.
Travel to Kruja, home of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg, to visit Kruja Castle and browse the Old Bazaar.
Arrive in Tirana for overnight stay.

After breakfast, enjoy a Tirana City Tour including Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the colorful Blloku District.
Then drive toward Ohrid, crossing into North Macedonia. On arrival, explore the lakeside promenade or relax at your hotel overlooking Lake Ohrid.

Ohrid & St. Naum Monastery
Spend the day exploring the UNESCO-listed Ohrid Old Town. Visit Činar Square, the ancient Amphitheater, and the Church of St. Sophia with its medieval frescoes.
Take a serene boat trip to St. Naum Monastery, set amid springs and greenery, a fitting symbol of purity and peace.
Return to Ohrid for overnight stay.

After breakfast, journey north through Macedonia’s landscapes toward the capital, Skopje.
En route, stop at Matka Canyon, famous for its emerald lake and karst cliffs — a perfect photo spot.
Arrive in Skopje, check in, and take a leisurely evening walk through the city center.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided Skopje City Tour — from Macedonia Square and the Stone Bridge to the historic Old Bazaar and Mustafa Pasha Mosque.
See the blend of Ottoman, Balkan, and modern architecture before your airport transfer concludes this remarkable journey through six countries and 23 cities.