Classic Balkans: Bosnia & Herzegovina to Albania

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Take an evening orientation walk with your CEO along the river and onto the old town, The view from across the river of the old walled city is very pretty and serves as a great starting point from the hotel, it's also a great place to be introduced to the history and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Continue around the wall to the market square to see where you can go in the morning to get some fresh fruits and food, then walk into the old town via the gate off the market square. See the various squares, the mosque and also one of the archways onto the water. In this area there are plenty of cool cafes to choose from for dinner, or to just have some street food.

Explore the local Green (Organic) Market. Begin with the meat and cheese vendors, sample some options and learn of the local specialties. Wander to the outdoor market and try seasonal fruits and vegetables grown from small scale farmers. Then meet with women who gather wile, medicinal plants and prepare traditional teas to cure various ailments.

Climb aboard a private bus and set off to a local, family run apiary. Meet your guide and learn of the 5 generations of women who've built the farm into what it is today. Suit up in protective gear should you wish, and see how they manage the hives. After, discover the honey and related products, learn more about the family history and enjoy the farm.

Join our guide at a local farm that has specialized in cheese making over more than 5 generations. Today the farm is moving beyond just sustenance farming and joining the slow food movement to build awareness about organic food production. Here you'll visit the farm to witness the cheese production before enjoying lunch with the family, outside overlooking the farm. Cheese and meat made on site, fruits and vegetables grown on the farm, and homemade bread - it doesn't get more farm to table than that.

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Visit the town centre of Stolac and learn about its history before reaching the Necropolis 'stećak' tombstones. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the necropolis consists of hundreds of ornamented tombstones and is part of a large local complex, one of many such sites across Bosnia and Herzegovina which give insights into how people lived in the Middle Ages.

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Take a moment to enjoy the Kravica waterfalls, arguably one of the most beautiful natural sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Surrounded by poplars and figs, this 25 meter high waterfall is a sight to be seen.

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The Koćuša Waterfall sits near the village of Veljaci on the Trebižat River. Enjoy time to visit this spectacular waterfall, a hidden gem with a restaurant on-site.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Explore Pocitelj, an old Ottoman stone town and art colony boasting beautiful views of the surrounding village. Located along the Neretva river, Pocitelj is considered an open-air museum and hold significant architectural and historic value. Artists gather from around the world to be part of the largest operating art colony in southeast Europe.

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Hike for approximately 20 minutes to explore the Blagaj Fortress, once hold to the Ruler of the region prior to the Ottoman conquest. The fortress sits atop the mountain, overlooking the Buna River spring below.

This Ottoman-era building, built in 1520, is located at the base of an enormous cliff, next to a small waterfall from the Buna river. Take in the stunning blue water that's said to contain mystic properties.

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Join a local expert guide and set off on a walking tour of the beautiful city of Mostar and it's historic buildings and landmarks. See the iconic old bridge over the Neretva River and wander the narrow alleys lined with shops and market stalls. Visit a 17th century Turkish house and enjoy a coffee while hearing all about the storied history of the city.

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Explore the Cold War-era nuclear bunker and military command centre built in the 1950s for Josip Broz Tito, esteemed leader of Yugoslavia. Located near Konjic, the top-secret bunker was designed to be an intricate underground complex providing safety and security.

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Immerse yourself in the culture by sampling traditional Bosnian flavours. Learn about the rich history while exploring important landmarks, tiny alleys, local restaurants, and hawker markets with a local expert. Discover the city beyond the tourist attractions and fill your belly; what could be better?

Set out to explore this historic city. Opt to join your CEO on the Funicular up to the Bobsled track or visit the museum of the Assassination of Franz Ferdinand.

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Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen. Characterized by winding streets and squares, its medieval old town has several Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. It's also home to the Maritime Museum, which explores local seafaring history. Sveti Đorđe, one of 2 tiny islands off the ancient town of Perast, features a centuries-old church.

Set off from Kotor’s historic centre for a scenic boat ride past St. Mateus Church and the Temple of Our Lady to the artificial island known as Our Lady of the Rock. Afterwards, spend free time in Perast to admire the old town sights. Visit the 15th-century Our Lady of the Rock at your own pace Sightsee, dine, and shop in Perast’s historic center independently before returning to Kotor.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Kotor to continue exploring.

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Join your CEO for a walk in the old town of Budva: Stone walls built by the Venetians surround the narrow streets of the medieval old town (Stari Grad). This historic district is home to a seaside citadel and religious sites such as the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, established in the 9th century.

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Visit the 17th century Ostrog Monastery and pilgrimage site that was rebuilt in the 1920s and dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog. Strikingly located high up against the cliff face, the views are incredible from the top over the Montenegro countryside towards the mountains.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Set off with the CEO on a walk around Biogradska Gora National Park: Walk around the Beiogradsko lake to discover this pearl of European natural heritage. Today almost the only European rainforest, was for a long time under the protection of rulers of these areas, and the National Park Biogradska Gora people say that not a single tree has been cut in it. Today, this natural reservation preserves dozens of plant and hundreds of animal species, which can only be found in this place in all of Europe. Biogradska Gora was proclaimed National Park in 1952.

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Be immersed in Montenegro's landscapes on a 4x4 excursion into the back-country. Head off-road in 4x4 vehicles to traverse the mountains, rivers and forests while exploring some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Stop at various viewpoints along the way for photos before returning to Kolašin around midday.

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The Old Town of Podgorica was a medieval stronghold. Near Ribnica and the bridge lies the old fortress built by the Turks in the 15th century, originally named Stari Grad, which Marko Miljanov wrote about in his book ” The Examples of Humanity and Bravery”. Although much of the structure has succumbed to time, the ruins offer a poignant reminder of Podgorica’s medieval heritage and the city’s strategic importance throughout the centuries.Throughout history and various upheavals, the fortress has borne many names, such as Ribnica, Birziminijum, Nemanja’s city, and Podgorica fortress. Visitors to Stari Grad can explore the ruins and imagine the fortress in its heyday. Today, it offers a unique backdrop for cultural events and a serene spot for visitors to reflect on the layers of history that define Podgorica.

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Visit Theth National Park with your CEO. Situated at the end of a winding mountain road, Theth is home to just a few houses surrounded by looming mountain peaks and meadows full of wildflowers. Just 45 minutes from Theth village is the beautiful Grunasi Waterfall, a huge 25-meter-high cascade that falls from a dramatic limestone cliff. It’s a 45-minute walk each way that crosses rocky paths and follows along the mountain river before heading up into the woods. As you go, discover wonderful views out across the mountain peaks—this is nature at its finest!

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Take a guided walking tour of the old town of Shkodër. Start with the Rozafa castle and then the Mesi bridge, then go into the old town to explore. The viewpoint from Rozafa castle gives you plenty of photos opportunities, with stunning views of Albania’s "Accursed Mountains". The city’s rich cultural heritage can be seen through its traditional architecture, monuments, and museums which tell stories from different eras of Albanian history. From ancient Illyrian settlements to Ottoman occupations and Italian rule during World War II – each period has left its mark on the cityscape of Shkodër for visitors to explore today.

Sett off and explore Shkodër on your own this afternoon

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Set off on a walking tour of Kruje with your CEO. Krujë is more than just a small mountain village in Albania – it holds historical importance for various reasons. Back in the day, around the Roman era, the area was home to the so-called Albani. This ancient Balkan tribe turned the area into one of the more important cities of that time. Later, during the Middle Ages, it became the first capital of the Albanian state. However, the village is best known as the hometown of national hero Skanderbeg, a military commander who fought off Ottoman forces for 25 whole years before his death in 1468. Check the Old Bazaar and the Castle of Kruja.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Explore Durrës with your CEO, the most ancient city in Albania with almost 3,000 years of history. Its foundation dates back to 627 B.C. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corcyra invaded the Illyrian territory of the Taulants. The Durrës amphitheater is the largest and most important Roman amphitheater in Albania. Built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan, it once held up to 20,000 people for different spectating events, such as gladiator fights and other ancient games. The amphitheater was recently discovered in 1966 and is now one of the best ways to experience the city’s ancient history.

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Set off with your CEO on an orientation tour of Vlorë's Old Town. The Muradie Mosque (or Lead Mosque) is one of the most important structures in Vlorë. Built in 1537 by Ottoman Turkish architect Mimar Sinan and is distinctive for its exceptional brick work. Vlorë looks west over the Adriatic making it a perfect spot for watching the sunset as well.

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Go to the old Tragjas farm of Sofo and Dhurata. Hike a short trail of about 3km with an elevation of approximately 280m to get to the shepherds' outpost where one can enjoy the authentic life of the Albanians, their traditions and life in the mountains, so close to the sea. Enjoy a typical lunch at the farm before hiking back down to the bus to return to Vlorë.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Explore Himarë with your CEO. The Old City of Himarë and its commanding hilltop castle stand as testament to the rich historical legacy of Albania. These ancient structures date back to Illyrian times and are revered as vital historical landmarks in this region. The old town is ingeniously laid out around the ancient castle and the Spilea coastal area, which serves as both a tourist hub and an economic centre for the region. Himarë has a promenade along the seashore lined with numerous Mediterranean-style taverns, creating a perfect atmosphere for leisurely strolls and dining with a view.

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Visit the beautiful and romantic Castle of Vasiliqia. Built in early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the “Mohametan Bonaparte” was made famous in Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo and poet George Gordon Byron’s Child Harold’s Pilgrimage.

Visit the ruins of the city of Butrint, excavated in 1944. This Greek city and UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a stopping point along trading routes but when the Roman Empire began to decline residents started to leave. After the city was flooded during an earthquake Butrint was abandoned and laid untouched for years under the mud and debris from the quake, preserving artifacts and protecting the ruins.

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Set off with your CEO to explore Gjirokastër and it's main attractions. See the old town and the stunning historical landmarks like the Skendulaj House, the Obelisk, and Girokastra Castle with it's Weapon Museum that used to be the castle's prison.

This wine-tasting journey just 15 minutes driving from Gjirokaster, links the rich tradition of Albanian polyphonic singing, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, with the authentic charm of local winemaking. This exclusive experience will be hosted at a local vineyard, passionately run by a family deeply rooted in winemaking, traditional rural cuisine, and hospitality. Tour the vineyard with one of the local on-site experts who will share insights into local grape varieties and the meticulous care that goes into cultivating them. Continue with a tasting of both white and red wines, each paired with regionally sourced accompaniments and fresh farm fruits. To enhance the cultural immersion, the evening will be accompanied by traditional Albanian polyphonic music.

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Take an afternoon tour of Berat, led by your CEO. Tour of the Castle of Berat with its chapels, typical houses, the ancient walls of Antipatrea and the Orthodox Cathedral with its art collection from 16th century iconography artist Onufri. Visit the traditional low neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, (which gave Berat the nickname “Town of a 1001 Windows.“)

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.