Journey through the Western Balkans
Journey through the Western Balkans
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1385 €
Your Package Price
Day 1: Pristina Airport – Pristina, Kosovo (45 minutes’ drive) D
We welcome you at Pristina Airport and transfer to Pristina. Depending on the time of your arrival, in case you arrive at Pristina Airport after 11:00 AM, first you check-in at your hotel, and then we start with a walking tour of Prishtina, by exploring its main attractions in the centre including: Mother Teresa Boulevard, the monument of Scanderbeg (Albanian National Hero), the Clock Tower, Kosovo Government buildings, “New Born” monument which is becoming the symbol of this new state. Kosovo National Library, Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa, of particular interest are the Ottoman period mosques of Pristina with probably the most beautiful, being the Fatih Mosque dating back to 1461 during the golden era of Sultan Mehmet II. Nearby is Pristina's oldest building, the Çarshia Mosque completed in 1389. And Kosovo Museum. Overnight in Pristina, 4-star Hotel. A welcome Dinner will be included.
Day 2: Pristina – Prizren- Rahovec – Monastery of Decan (UNESCO)- Pristina, Kosovo (4.2-hour drive) BL
After breakfast we drive to Prizren which is known for the arts and crafts something which becomes obvious as soon as you approach the centre, with cobble stone streets, beautifully crafted shops, bars and restaurants, built in a typical Ottoman architecture, Stone Bridge and Museum dedicated to the League of Prizren an Albanian political organization founded on January 5, 1877 taking official form on June 18, 1878. The League’s main scope was the protection of the rights of the Albanian nation during the breakup of the Ottoman Empire. It was a crucial step in raising Albanian national awareness, and paving the way to Albania’s Independence in 1912. The Mosque of Sinan Pasha built in 1615 is also a very interesting monument. After this visits drive to Rahovec for a Lunch and wine testing tour. Continue to the Monastery complex of Decan, part of Kosovo’s UNESCO monuments. It is considered the largest medieval church in the Balkans and contains beautifully preserved fresco decorations. After all this visits drive back to Pristina. Dinner in a traditional Kosovo Restaurant. Overnight at your 4-star Hotel in Pristina.
Day 3: Pristina – Gadima Cave - Matka- Skopje, North Macedonia (2.2-hour drive) BD
After breakfast, we drive ahead to Gadime Cave, a karst limestone cave also known as Marble Cave with lots of stalactite and Stalagmite is one of the top caves in Eastern Europe. Than continue to Matka Canyon, which is situated close to the capital Skopje, in one of the oldest artificial lakes in Macedonia and spreads over 5000 hectares making it one of the most popular natural destinations for nature lovers. In the canyon, there are 10 caves. It is also referred to as the Butterfly Canyon. There are 119 species of diurnal and 140 species of nocturnal butterflies, 77 species of Balkan endemic small butterflies and 23 other species which are new to the science. You will visit also the Monastery of St. Andrea. It is located near the canyon of the river Treska. Vrelo Cave Located on the right bank of the Treska River, Vrelo Cave was listed as one of the top 77 natural sites in the world in the New7Wonders of Nature project and made it to the semi-finals. Vrelo Cave has many stalactites and two lakes within it making this a very interesting site. Though the exact depth of the cave is unknown, some speculate that it could be one of the deepest underwater caves in the world. Drive to Skopje which is a modern, political, economic and cultural center. Skopje, and especially the downtown, hides interesting sites that need careful attention: the old station, (a reminder of the earthquake of 1963) the archaeological museum, the memorial house of Mother Teresa (Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, winner of the Nobel peace in 1979, born in Skopje in 1910), Macedonia Square with numerous monuments like the monumental statue of Alexander The Great, the Stone Bridge, the old bazaar, the church of St. Spas with the beautiful wood-carved iconostasis (19th century), the Daut Pasha Hammam, now an art gallery, one of the largest and finest examples of Ottoman architecture in the Balkans urban, Kapan an, (15th century), the Mustafa Pasha Mosque (15th century). Dinner in a traditional Macedonian Restaurant. Overnight at your 4-star Hotel in Skopje.
Day 4: Skopje – Stobi – Ohrid (UNESCO), North Macedonia (3.5-hour drive) BD
After breakfast we drive to Stobi archaeological site, the most important excavation in Macedonia. This crossroad of ancient civilizations has left a rich legacy of antique theatres, palace ruins, brightly-coloured mosaics and religious relics for visitors to enjoy today. The city of Stobi is first mentioned in documents from the 2nd century B.C. However, archaeologists believe that the town had been inhabited at least 400 years earlier. Stobi became a rich and prosperous city due to its location on the crossroads of important trade routes. After this visit we drive to Ohrid proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage area for its cultural and natural legacy. Visits include: Saint Sophia, Plashonik, Saint Painteleimon Church, the Holy Virgin of Peribleptos Church, also a panoramic trip with boat to see the best view of the city of Ohrid and Ohrid Lake after that we visit the old Bazaar. Overnight in Ohrid. 4-star Hotel. Dinner in a Traditional Restaurant close to the Lake.
Day 5: Ohrid (UNESCO) North Macedonia- Elbasan – Berat (UNESCO), Albania (3-hour drive) BD
After breakfast depart to Albania, on the way we drive through rural villages with wonderful countryside landscapes. The first city we will stop is Elbasan for a short break. Afterwards proceed to Berat, one of the most visited and characteristic towns in Albania under the protection of UNESCO as a patronage of humanity for its architectural uniqueness. We visit the Castle and the Onufri Museum and Ethnographic museum. Berat castle is of particular interest as people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, as have their ancestors for centuries. The castle used to have over 40 churches of which 7 still remain including St. Mary’s church turned into Onufri Museum. Onufri was a famous Albanian Icon master painter of the 16th century who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece, using a special red colour technique. Dinner in a traditional Albanian restaurant in the castle of Berat. Overnight in a traditional Albanian Boutique Hotel at the Old quarter of the city.
Day 6: Berat - Apolonia Archaeological Site – Gjirokastra (UNESCO), Albania (2.5-hour drive)
After breakfast drive to the ancient city of Apollonia situated on the famous Via Egnatia - one of the most important cities in Roman times. Due to its fame and importance it was known as Apollonia Prima out of 16 ancient cities built to honour Apollo. Caesar chose to send his nephew Augustus Octavian to study oratory in Apollonia revealing the importance of this ancient city. Afterwards we continue to Gjirokastra a UNESCO site and museum town with beautiful and very distinctive architecture. Visit the medieval Castle which used to be a political prison during the communist dictatorship and the Ethnographic Museum which is also the house the Albanian dictator was born in. Dinner in a traditional Albanian restaurant in the Old quarter of the city. Overnight in a traditional Albanian Boutique Hotel at the Old quarter of the city of Gjirokastra.
Day 7: Gjirokastra (UNESCO) -Tirana, Albania (3.2-hour drive) BD
After breakfast drive to Tirana for overnight, before check in at your hotel we will we will do a panoramic tour with the vehicle, then start a walking tour of the city by exploring the main attraction like: National Historic Museum in Tirana offering an in depth introduction to Albanian history from prehistoric times to the present day. BUNK'ART 2 is the second phase of an historical-cultural project that is focused on the preservation of the collective memory and on telling the story of the communist regime, including the horrors of that regime. Skanderbeg Square, the Hadji Et'hem Bey Mosque, closed under communist rule, the mosque reopened as a house of worship in 1991. Without permission from the authorities, 10,000 people attended and the police did not interfere. Frescoes outside and in the portico depict trees, waterfalls and bridges etc. Dinner in one of the best traditional Albanian restaurant in Tirana. Overnight in Tirana. 4-star hotel.
Day 8: Tirana, Albania – Kotor (UNESCO) - Budva, Montenegro (4.3 hour drive) BD
After breakfast, we drive ahead to Kotor UNESCO, Montenegro, Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovcen. 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 ?or?e, one of 2 tiny islands off the ancient town of Perast, features a centuries-old church. After those visits drive to Budva, by entering the city in those beautiful narrow streets walking on the walls of the Old town and visit some of the main attractions like: Holy Trinity and St. John churches. Inside the Old town, you will come across also the church of Sveti Ivan (St. John). The church was built on the remains of a church that dates from VII century. The appearance, which it has today, dates from XV century. That is a three-story basilica with Gothic details on the facade. The belfry, which the church has, was additionally built-in 1867, and on the south side of this church, the edifice of the bishop’s castle was additionally built. Dinner in a traditional Montenegro restaurant in Budva. Overnight in Budva. 4-star hotel.
Day 9: Budva, Montenegro – Cetinje – Novi Pazar, Serbia (6-hour drive) BD
After an early breakfast drive to Cetinje which was the old royal capital of Montenegro, as well as an important religious center. It was founded in the 15th century and saw major urban development in the 19th century. What we visit in Cetinje is: The National Museum of Montenegro is a collection of five buildings, including the former royal palace. After this visit, we drive in direction of Novi Pazar in Serbia, on our way we will stop for short breaks and take pictures. Dinner in a traditional restaurant in Novi Pazar. Overnight in Novi Pazar. 4-star hotel.
Day 10: Novi Pazar - Sopocani Monastery (UNESCO) - Studenica Monastery (UNESCO) / Serbia – Mitrovica / Kosovo- Battle of Kosovo from 1389- Gracanica Monastery UNESCO- Pristina (5-hour drive) BD
After an early breakfast drive to Sopocani Monastery (UNESCO) an endowment of King Stefan Uros I. Was built between 1259 to 1270, near the source of the Raska River in the region of Ras, of the medieval time. It is a designated World Heritage Site, added in 1979 with Stari Ras. We will continue to another religious monument of special importance as well and visit: The Studenica Monastery was established in the late 12th century by Stefan Nemanja, founder of the medieval Serb state, shortly after his abdication. It is the largest and richest Orthodox monastery in Serbia. Its two principal monuments, the Church of the Virgin and the Church of the King, both built of white marble, enshrine priceless collections of 13th- and 14th-century Byzantine painting. After these, too beautiful Monasteries we will continue to Kosovo, we will make a short stop in the city of Mitrovica to see the divisions between Albanians and Serbs where only the river separates, then continue to visit the Battle of Kosovo Monument dedicated to the battle of 1389 between the forces of the Balkan Alliance led by Prince Lazar against the Ottoman Army led by Sultan Murad I. The battle was fierce and both army leaders were killed. Another very important visit before you check-in at your hotel, we will visit the last and the most beautiful Monastery of Gracanica a magnificent Orthodox Church built in two old structures by Stefan Milutin in 1321, a triumph of Byzantine architecture and part of the UNESCO-protected Medieval Kosovo Monuments. After these visits, we drive to Pristina for dinner and Overnight.
Day 11: Pristina – Pristina International Airport (45 minutes’ drive) B
Free time till your departure, the transfer to Pristina International Airport will be according to your flight Schedule. End of Our Services.
Prices
- 3975 Euro for one person using a double room for single use
- 2665 Euro Per Person in double/twin room for minimum 2 pax
- 1925 Euro Per Person in double/twin room for minimum 3 – 4 pax
- 1650 Euro Per Person in double/twin room for minimum 5 – 6 pax
- 1450 Euro Per Person in double/twin room for minimum 7 - 8 pax
- 1385 Euro Per Person in double/twin room for minimum 9- 10 pax
Single supplement = 240 Euro.
Please note: Single rooms will always be double or twin for single use.
Included:
- Transportation with good condition a/c BUS /vehicle
- Toll road payments
- Boat ticket for the clients at Matka Canyon
- Experienced English speaking tour guide for the whole tour (only for min 6 pax drive and guide are separate people)
- Local guides in North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Serbia, where it is mandatory by law
- Accommodation for 10 nights in very good standard hotels with breakfast 4*
- 9 traditional dinners in different restaurants and different cities according to the tour program D
- 1 lunch with wine tasting at Rahovec L
- All Entrance fees of the visits for: Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania. Montenegro and Serbia
- Bottle of water per person per day on bus
- 24/7 assistance from Balkan Destination
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Flight Tickets
- Boarder taxes between countries. (none exist as of date of completion of this offer)
- Gratuities/Tip to Driver, Guide.
If any of the visitors would like to come one day before or to stay one night extra after the tour is finished, below you have the prices for accommodation and extra transfer.
Pre and Post Tour night prices at 4-star Hotel in Pristina:
Single room: 85 €
Double room: 98 €
Prices for Extra private transfers from Pristina Airport to Pristina Hotel for Pre or post Turing
Pristina Airport - Hotel in Pristina
1- 3 pax - € 40.00 per transfer
Best months for tours
We recommend you booking this tour for one of the months: April, May, September, October or November. However, this tour can be booked also in other months as per your request, we arrange the tour during the 12 months of the year.
This tour is private. For group tours of more than 10 people, please contact us for lower prices.
Cancellation Policy
Payment Conditions for Group Departure dates, for clients that book directly at our website.
1.1. THE CLIENT is required to pay Balkan Destination a deposit of 30% of the total amount at the moment he/she book the tour as per departure dates or Private tour (FIT) at our website.
1.2. The remaining 70% of the total amount must be paid to Balkan Destination LTD, no later than 30 days prior to start date of services of this tour group departure or Private (FIT) tour.
1.3. If you book this tour within 30 days before the tour starts according to the group departure dates or as per your departure date as a private (FIT) tour, we will require from you to pay 100% whole amount before the tour starts.
Cancellation Policy for Group Departure dates and Private Tours
For group tours of 6 people or more, the following cancellation policy will apply:
a. If the reservation is cancelled/amended 45 days or more, prior to the arrival date, then a full refund will be given, minus a bank transaction charges.
b. If the reservation is cancelled/amended 44 to 30 days, prior to the arrival date, a 10 % penalty of the total amount will apply.
c. If the reservation is cancelled/amended 29 to 21 days, prior to the arrival date, a 30 % penalty of the total amount will apply.
d. If the reservation is cancelled/amended 20 to 15 days, prior to the arrival date, a 50 % penalty of the total amount will apply.
e. If the reservation is cancelled/amended 14 to 7 days, prior to the arrival date, a 70 % penalty of the total amount will apply.
f. If the reservation is cancelled/amended less than 7 days prior to the arrival date a non-refund will apply.
g. In case of no shows or early interruption of services a strict non-refund rule will apply.
Cancellation for FIT/Individuals private bookings. FIT tours of 5 participants or less which have been confirmed paid and Invoice settled, can be cancelled without penalty up to 10 days prior to arrival date. Cancellations after this deadline will be charged 100% in full. Bank transfer for refunds will be the recipients’ responsibility.
Balkan Destination reserve the right to cancel any of the published tours on our site only according to fixed dates that are published for groups. When there are not enough participants on the relevant dates, in such cases, we may cancel the departure date by notifying the clients that already booked in a written notice, no later than 30 days prior to the start of the tour departure date. In such cases when we cancel a departure due to insufficient participants on the due date, the clients will be refunded all the money 100 % they have paid to us in total.
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