The Balkans

Set off for an adventure to the Balkans, a region where rocky coastlines and towering mountains meet a complex history and medieval cities. On your journey, generations of traditions come to life through local experiences amid stunning backdrops.

Arrive in Croatia’s fascinating capital city, Zagreb. As arrival times may vary, there are no scheduled activities today. Spend time as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

This morning, join a local guide on a walking tour of Zagreb’s highlights, from the main square to Upper Town. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own in the city. Perhaps you’ll wander through the old town’s two medieval settlements, stroll the many open squares and parks, browse the stalls at the Dolac Market, or savor the flavors of Zagreb’s exciting culinary scene.

This morning, travel to Plitvice Lakes, one of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful national parks in Croatia. Inspiring scenery abounds at this designated UNESCO World Heritage site as you enjoy a short cruise into the heart of this natural wonder. Tonight, stay at a hotel in the small village near the national park. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

This morning, continue to Sarajevo - Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city, where East meets West, and your home for the next two nights. With its centuries-old multiculturality, experience a city shaped by its rich history and the coexistence of various religious sects. Perhaps you’ll join a guided stroll this evening to get acquainted with the area.

With a local expert, uncover the history of Sarajevo, the starting point of the First World War. Meander the storied roadways and take in its blend of religions and architectural styles before enjoying some free time to independently explore the city. During an Impact Moment, meet with a local siege survivor, who will uncover more of Sarajevo’s past. Spend time in the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, the site of the “Tunnel of Hope” that connected the besieged city to the outside world. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Sarajevo on your own. Tonight, locals welcome you to their home for dinner. Enjoy regional favorites such as klepe (meat dumplings) and burek (flaky filled pastries). Sip Bosnian coffee as a soundtrack of traditional folk music sets the tone for a truly memorable evening.

This morning, on your way to Croatia, spend time in Mostar, home to the iconic arched Stari Most Bridge (UNESCO). Explore Mostar on a guided walk before lunching on your own in the historic part of the city. This afternoon, be greeted by views of the Adriatic Sea when you arrive in Dubrovnik. As the day comes to an end, perhaps you’ll join in an evening stroll.

Dubrovnik’s ancient streets share their history and timeless appeal during a tour of the city. Then, let the city continue to reveal itself to you because it’s your choice! Take a harbor cruise for magnificent views of Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls and visit Lokrum Island -OR- get a bird’s-eye view of the city by cable car, riding up to Srd Hill, a breathtaking vantage point to look over the Old Town below and the Adriatic Sea. With the remainder of your day free, you do you – Croatia-style.

It’s “Dovidenja” to Croatia as you head to Montenegro. Set sail on a private boat* for the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Visit the church before coasting through the breathtaking Kotor Bay towards the Old Town of Kotor (UNESCO). Complete your visit to Kotor with a locally guided tour before you settle in your hotel located within the historic walls of Kotor town.

Today, have fun exploring Kotor your way. Perhaps you’ll go on an optional excursion to Njeguši, a quiet and peaceful village located on the slope of Mount Lovcen about 900 meters above sea level. Soak in the views from a cable car and get a tasty local lesson on the traditions of prosciutto and homemade cheeses famously produced here – and, of course, sample these specialties. Learn more about Montenegrin history while visiting the royal town of Cetinje. Upon return, the remainder of the day is yours to explore the hidden corners of Kotor.

Cross another border today and arrive in Albania! A unique blend of traditional Albanian hospitality and cultural experiences awaits in the picturesque rural setting of one of Albania’s best-regarded agritourism destinations, located in the village of Fishtë. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch of authentic dishes made from organic, locally sourced ingredients, and take a stroll through the farm and learn about traditional Albanian agriculture. Continue your travel day on your way to Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Explore its history and architecture on a locally guided tour while learning more about Albania’s intriguing past. Visit a former top-secret nuclear bunker, now a museum dedicated to the victims of one of most controlling communist regimes in Europe.

Today, explore Tirana as you wish. Perhaps you’ll decide to join an optional excursion to the coastal ancient city of Durrës, where the Roman Amphitheater of Emperor Hadrian stands as the city’s most prominent attraction. Join a local guide to see the historic city’s ruins, and later, get an introduction to the viticulture in the region while enjoying a wine tasting paired with local specialties at a prominent winery. No matter how you fill your day, experience the best of the local cuisine and a show of rich folk traditions during dinner at a local restaurant.

Soak in the beauty of the countryside with its winding roads and stretches of green on your way to Gjirokastra in southern Albania. Perhaps one of the steepest cities in the world, explore its unique architecture and glorious history. After having some free time in this fascinating town join your local guide on a tour of Gjirokastra’s dominant castle on the hill. Cross into Greece, your last border on this travel journey. Arrive in Kalambaka** in the late afternoon in time to freshen up for dinner at the hotel.

**Please be aware of the time difference between Albania and Greece (+1 hour).

This morning, explore Metéora. Visit one of the remote monasteries*** situated in a unique landscape, where limestone rock “towers” extend nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks built their monastic community perched atop these rocks. Later, learn how Byzantine icons are created by visiting an icon-painting workshop in Kalambaka. Watch some of the process at this atelier, where icons are made using traditional methods. Spend some time on your own in this enchanting town before continuing your journey to Athens. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers to savor a delicious Greek dinner and celebrate all you’ve experienced.

***At the monastery, women are required to wear long skirts and have their shoulders covered; men are required to wear long pants.

Later this morning, explore the sights of Athens on a locally guided walking tour. From Syntagma Square and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, wander through the streets, soaking in the essence of this iconic city and savoring its charm and energy. Visit the new Acropolis Museum, considered one of the most important museums in the world, to trace the story of the ancient city. Located within a short walking distance of the Acropolis, the museum houses archeological treasures from the Acropolis and offers wonderful views on the ancient site. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Athens on your own before joining your fellow travelers to toast to the end of your journey.

Your tour ends today.