Classic Balkan

9 days / 8 nights

Trip description

This classic Balkan journey is designed for travelers who want to experience the region’s most iconic cities, cultures, and landscapes in one seamless adventure. Over nine unforgettable days, you’ll explore the highlights of North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia — from historic old towns and UNESCO sites to crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and vibrant capitals.

The tour starts in Skopje and ends in Zagreb, with airport transfers included. The itinerary can be customized if you are arriving from or departing to nearby cities such as Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Kotor, or other regional hubs, making it a flexible and immersive way to discover the heart of the Balkans.

Highlights

  • Kale Fortress & Stone Bridge, Skopje

  • Tetovo Colorful Mosque

  • Ohrid Old Town & Lake Ohrid

  • Skanderbeg Square & Ethem Bey Mosque, Tirana

  • Kotor Old Town (UNESCO Site)

  • Dubrovnik Old Town & City Walls

  • Blagaj Dervish House & Buna River Spring

  • Mostar Old Bridge (UNESCO Site)

  • Kravica Waterfalls

  • Neretva River Canyon

  • Sarajevo Old Bazaar (Baščaršija)

  • Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque & Latin Bridge

  • Tunnel of Hope Museum

  • Travnik Old Town & Fortress

  • Pliva Lakes & Watermills, Jajce

  • Una National Park & Štrbački Buk Waterfall (optional)

  • Plitvice Lakes National Park (UNESCO Site)

  • Zagreb Old Town & Ban Jelačić Square

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Skopje

Welcome to Skopje, the vibrant capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival at Skopje International Airport, you will be met by your tour director and transferred to the city. After a short rest, enjoy a guided city tour introducing you to Skopje’s main landmarks and rich history.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by free time to relax or explore at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Skopje.

Day 2: Skopje – Tetovo – Ohrid

After breakfast, we depart towards the scenic Lake Ohrid. On the way, we stop in Tetovo to visit the famous Colorful Mosque, one of the most unique Ottoman monuments in the Balkans.

Lunch will be served en route before continuing to Ohrid. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Ohrid Old Town, including the Old Bazaar, historic mosques, traditional tekkes, the ancient amphitheatre, and the city square.

An optional boat ride on Lake Ohrid is available. Dinner and overnight in Ohrid.

Day 3: Ohrid – Tirana – Shkoder

After breakfast, we check out and continue towards Tirana, the capital of Albania. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour covering Skanderbeg Square, Ethem Bey Mosque, the Pyramid of Tirana, and the Opera House.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant before continuing north to Shkoder. Dinner and overnight in Shkoder.

Day 4: Shkoder – Kotor – Neum

After breakfast, we proceed towards Montenegro and the stunning Bay of Kotor. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour of Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including St. Tryphon Cathedral, Arms Square, the Clock Tower, and the medieval city walls.

After lunch, we continue to Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s coastal town on the Adriatic Sea. Dinner and overnight in Neum.

Day 5: Neum – Dubrovnik – Mostar

Following breakfast, we depart for Dubrovnik, Croatia’s world-famous “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Enjoy a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town, visiting Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, the historic waterfront, and famous Game of Thrones filming locations.

After the tour, we continue to Mostar. Lunch will be served before visiting Blagaj and the iconic Dervish House at the Buna River spring. Dinner and overnight in Mostar.

Day 6: Mostar – Počitelj – Kravica – Sarajevo

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Mostar Old Town, including the iconic Old Bridge. We then visit the stunning Kravica Waterfalls, followed by a stop in the medieval stone town of Počitelj.

After lunch, we continue to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dinner and overnight in Sarajevo.

Day 7: Sarajevo Grand Tour

After breakfast, we begin a full-day exploration of Sarajevo. First, visit the Springs of the Bosna River, a protected natural park, including a traditional horse carriage ride.

Next, visit the Tunnel of Hope Museum to learn about Sarajevo’s wartime history.

The tour continues with a guided walking tour of Sarajevo Old Town, visiting City Hall, Baščaršija Square, Coppersmith Street, Latin Bridge, Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque, the Cathedral, and other key landmarks that showcase the city’s unique blend of East and West.

Lunch is served in a local restaurant. The evening is free, followed by dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Sarajevo – Travnik – Jajce – Bihać

After breakfast, we depart towards Central Bosnia. Our first stop is Travnik, where we make a photo stop at the Sulejmanija (Colorful) Mosque.
We then continue to Jajce to visit the Pliva Lakes, wooden watermills, and the spectacular Pliva Waterfall located in the heart of the town.

After lunch, guests may optionally visit Una National Park and the magnificent Štrbački Buk Waterfall before continuing to Bihać. Dinner and overnight in Bihać.

Day 9: Bihać – Plitvice – Zagreb Departure

After breakfast, we depart for Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided walking tour through cascading lakes and waterfalls.

After the visit, we continue to Zagreb for a walking tour of the city, including Ban Jelačić Square, Kaptol, Gradec, Dolac Market, and St. Mark’s Church.

Free time follows before transfer to the airport.

 

Tour costs

2150 € per person

What’s Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Accommodation in 4* Hotel Bed and Breakfast
  • Entrance fees according to itinerary
  • Knowledgeable and licensed Tour Guide
  • Small group tour
  • Shared tour (unless otherwise specified)
  • Standard tours are in English (unless specified)
  • Bottled water (0.5l)

Not Included

  • Flight ticket
  • Lunch/Dinner
  • Private expenses
  • Optional Tips: Always Appreciated

Ready to experience the Balkans’ most iconic cities, coastal gems, and natural wonders in one seamless journey?

Fill out the form – our travel experts will confirm availability and help you personalize your trip within 24 hours.

Reach us on WhatsApp or Viber at +387 62 411 140.

You can also send us an email at reservations@eht.ba


Ready to experience the Balkans’ most iconic cities, coastal gems, and natural wonders in one seamless journey?

Fill out the form – our travel experts will confirm availability and help you personalize your trip within 24 hours.

Reach us on WhatsApp or Viber at +387 62 411 140.

You can also send us an email at reservations@eht.ba


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