12 DAYS MOSAICS OF BALKAN

Arrive in Belgrade in the morning, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Emerging from the isolation of communist Yugoslavia and ravages of the Balkan War, Belgrade is filled with renewed energy of vibrant streets, dining scenes and great museums. This afternoon, you will visit the National Museum and the Belgrade Fortress, beautifully situated at the confluence of Sava and Danube. Thereafter, you will stroll down the Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street.

Today, we make an excursion to Novi Sad. Walk along the Art Nouvelles architecture while soaking in its distinct Austro-Hungarian ambience.

After lunch, you have the option to visit Fruska Gora, the Holy Mount with 17 orthodox monasteries or a Serbian winery. Return to Belgrade to visit the House of Flower or Tito Memorial to understand the legacy of this Yugoslavian strongman.

This morning, we drive 238 km or about 3½ hours to the UNESCO-listed Studenica Monastery, the cradle of the Serbian Civilization and an outstanding Eastern Orthodox architecture.

After lunch, we drive another 64 km or about 1h 15m to Novi Pazar. Experience the refreshingly strong Turkish vibes as you wander around the streets lined up with bazaars and mosques.

This morning, we drive 108 km or about 3h, crossing through Montenegro into Peja in Kosov, where another UNESCO World Heritage site awaits. Admire Pec, the mother church of Serbian Orthodoxy.

Continue for another 84 km or about 1½ hour to arrive at Prishtina, capital of the partially-recognized country of Kosovo for a walking tour.

We visit 2 sites at the outskirt of Prishtina, visiting the UNESCO-listed Gracanica and Gazimestan, the site of the Kosovo Battle between Turks & Serbs. Then, drive about 84 km or 1¼ hr to Prizren, an Ottoman Old Town oozing with medieval charm for a walking tour.

At the end of the day, drive 99 km or about 1½ hours back and cross the border into North Macedonian capital of Skopje.

Skopje holds a unique reputation as the city with the most statues in the world. There are literally hundreds of them adorning the public squares and streets, some as high as 15m! Enjoy a walking tour of this charming city which bears Greek, Ottoman, Albanian and Serbian influences. We will also visit the Archaeological Museum and the memorial house of Mother Teresa. In the afternoon, make an excursion to Mt Vodno for a panoramic view of Skopje and enjoy the beautiful Matka Canyon.

This morning, we drive 173 km or about 2½ hours to Lake Ohrid, one of the most alluring destinations in the Balkan. A guided tour leads us to the picturesque Church of St Jovan and soak in the atmospheric old quarter cascading down a graceful hill of beautiful churches and a medieval fortress.

Today, we cross the border into Albania, once one of the world’s most secluded countries. The story of dictator Enver Hoxha makes Kim or Stalin sounds moderate and still permeates in the Albanian lives today.

We drive 156km or about 3½ hours to Berat. En route, stop at Cobo winery, where you will gain insight into interesting family tales through the tumultuous times in Albanian history. 

Berat is another UNESCO highlight not to be missed. Enjoy a walking tour of the medieval town, where stone-walled houses, cobbled streets, lovely churches and a mighty castle is nestled on a riverside mountain. Conclude the day with a visit to the Onufri Museum.

Leaving beautiful Berat, we drive 182 km or about 3 hours to Gjirokaster (UNESCO). As the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha, his story really comes alive here.Thereafter, we drive 55km or 1h 15m to  Sarande, a popular local resort right by the Adriatic sea.

Devote the morning to another highlight of the trip, Burtrint. This very well-preserved UNESCO archaeological site unveils rich traces of Greek, Roman and Ottoman heritages. In the afternoon, drive 282 km or about 4½ hours back to Tirana, the capital of Albania.

Lively and colourful, Tirana is now beyond recognition from its grey days of Enver Hoxha. We enjoy a full day here digging into its history and evolution into a dynamic city. Start the morning with an excursion to Kruze and visit the Skanderbeg Fort, home of Albania’s national hero.

Enjoy a walking tour around Skanderbeg Square, the National Museum and BunkArt, converted from a huge Enver Hoxha Cold War bunker.

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for your flight out.