We meet our guide at our hotel in Dubrovnik before heading to Montenegro. After crossing the border, we will drive all day long on Bay of Kotor, which is often compared to to Italy's Cinque Terre and French Riviera. Our first stop is Herzeg Novi or Castlenuovo (New Castle) in Italian. A history of diverse occupations of the city has created a blend of mixed and picturesque architectural style. On the way to Kotor, we will have a short stop in Perast - rich in Venice style architecture, which includes sixteen Baroque places, seventeen Catholic churches, several important Orthodox structures and a series of nine defensive towers. Continue to Kotor. After check-in into the hotel, we will have a walking tour in Kotor, which includes fortress walls, St. Luka square, Beskuća Palace, St. Trifon’s cathedral. Overnight. B/-/-
Balkan Express - Southbound. Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, N. Macedonia, Bulgaria
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03.10-10.10.25 guaranteed
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17.04-24.04.26 scheduled
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01.05-08.05.26 scheduled
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15.05-22.05.26 scheduled
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31.07-07.08.26 scheduled
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11.09-18.09.26 scheduled
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25.09-02.10.26 scheduled
Itinerary
Discover the Historic Heart of the Balkans: A Journey through UNESCO Treasures and Cultural Crossroads in these six Balkan countries - Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria.
This unique itinerary invites you to explore the rich tapestry of the Western Balkans - a region where East meets West, and ancient heritage stands proudly beside living tradition. Over eight days, you'll travel through vibrant capitals and breathtaking landscapes. From the Adriatic jewel of Dubrovnik and the dramatic Bay of Kotor to the spiritual serenity of Visoki Dečani Monastery and the medieval charm of Ohrid, each destination offers a distinct blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're walking centuries-old streets or taking in sweeping views of lakes and mountains, this journey offers an unforgettable immersion into the soul of the Balkans.
Highlights:
♦ Dubrovnik – the masterpiece of the Adriatic, the sea and commercial rival of Venice, under the auspices of UNESCO
♦ Kotor Bay and the town of Kotor, forming a beautiful ensemble of natural, historic and cultural heritage, under the auspices of UNESCO
♦ Visoki Decani Monastery with the largest medieval church in the Balkans, under the auspices of UNESCO
♦ Tirana – the capital of Albania
♦ Ohrid – a medieval literary center and the last capital of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. Together with the Ohrid Lake the town is under UNESCOs protection
Tour program
Dubrovnik - Herzeg Novi - Kotor (Croatia/Montenegro)
Kotor - Pec (Montenegro/Kosovo)
In the morning we will start with driving up the scenic road above the Kotor Bay, admiring some breathtaking views towards the Adriatic Sea. Then continue to the border with Kosovo. Overnight in the vivid town of Pec. B/-/-
Pec - Prizren (Kosovo)
In the morning we will visit Visoki Decani Monastery - built by Serbian King Stefan Decanski in 14th century, the monastery is often considered to be one of the most endangered European cultural heritage sites. Today it is still guarded by KFOR. Then continue to the town of Prizren, the second largest city in one of the youngest countries in the world - Kosovo. Walking tour in the center of the town - Sinan Pasha Mosque, Our Lady of Ljevis, the Old Stone Bridge. Overnight. B/-/-
Prizren - Tirana (Kosovo/Albania)
Drive to the capital of Albania, or as the ethnic Albanians call it Shqiperi - Land of eagles. Walking tour in the afternoon - Skanderbeg Square, which is the main square of Tirana, where the Albanian national hero's Monument dominates the surroundings. Tanner's bridge and also the residence of Enver Hoxha - the Albanian communist Chief of State, who managed to transform the country from a semi-feudal region of the Ottoman Empire into an industrialized economy with the most tightly controlled society in Europe. Free time. Overnight. B/-/-
Tirana - Ohrid (Albania/Macedonia)
Today we are heading to Macedonia commonly known as FYROM. Our first stop is the monastery of St.Naum of Ohrid, which was established in 10th century A.D. Here we will enjoy the scenic view of Ohrid Lake. After this we are heading to city of Ohrid, which was included in Cultural World Heritage site of Unesco. We will spend the afternoon strolling along the shores of Ohrid Lake and roaming the narrow streets of Ohrid, where we will see Samuil’s fortress, the churches St. John Kaneo and St. Pantaleimon. Overnight. B/-/-
Ohrid - Skopje (Macedonia)
The road will take us about 2 hours, when we are going to reach our first stop on the day itinerary. Admire the natural beauty of Matka Canyon - the oldest artificial lake in the country, also a home of several medieval monasteries. Check-in into the hotel in Skopje. Afternoon walking tour in the capital of Macedonia. Visit the Old Bazaar(the oldest and largest marketplace in the Balkans) and explore the architecture, and the curious and controversial statues around Macedonia Square. B/-/-
Skopje - Sofia (Macedonia/Bulgaria)
Departure to Bulgaria’s capital – Sofia. Free time in the city. (250 km). B/-/-
Departure from Sofia, Bulgaria
Departure
Tour Details
accommodation
accommodation in standard 3* hotels (en-suite rooms)
transport
all transport according to the itinerary in a comfortable tourist A/C minibus
others
international flight tickets
airport transfers
visas (if applicable)
entry fees around 30 EUR (to be paid cash on the spot)
drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
personal expenses
tips (5 EUR/USD per pers./day)
meals
meals according to the itinerary (B-breakfast)
guide
local English-speaking guides during the city tours
English-speaking tour leader from Penguin Travel (at min. 10 people)
Good to know
Currency
Euro
Croatia
Customer reviews
Operator
Faq Tour
Photo gallery
