Whether Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia or Albania - holidays in the Balkans are an insider tip!
A unique combination of breathtaking natural beauties with a historically significant and fascinating cultural heritage, reinforced by the southern temperament of the people. In addition to beautiful nature and numerous cultural heritage, you will meet hospitable people, traditional cuisine and a mixture of different cultures. Every day we encounter different contradictions and contrasts in the individual cities, which are precisely why they are so unique. Discover with us this wonderful region where East and West have come together for centuries.
You just have to experience the Balkans!
PROGRAM SUGGESTION:
DAY 1: Arrival in Maribor
Maribor on the Drava - the old vine in Maribor is the oldest living specimen of the noble grapevine on the planet that still bears fruit. With over 400 years it is registered in the Guiness Book of Records as the oldest grapevine in the world. The old vine symbolizes the rich wine culture of Maribor, Styria and Slovenia. Maribor is the center of Styria and the second largest Slovenian city.
Day 2: Maribor - Sarajevo
During a city tour we get to know the state capital Sarajevo and experience the full beauty of the city devastated in the war. Due to the different faiths lived in Sarajevo, the city is also known as the "Jerusalem of Europe". Orthodox and Catholic churches, mosques and synagogues are only a few steps away from each other and the old town is characterized by an oriental flair. Baščaršija, the heart of the city, reminds every visitor of the past. The Ottomans ruled here for over 400 years before the country became part of Austria-Hungary and later Yugoslavia. Islamic-imperial-Slavic mixture of cultural influences can be found everywhere, also in gastronomy. Narrow streets, coppersmiths and silversmiths who make various works before your eyes, coffee houses where you can enjoy traditional Turkish coffee in a small cup with a sugar cube and Rahat lokum (traditional sweet to go with coffee) - experience all this and much more we on our excursion today in this warm and philanthropic city.
Day 3: Sarajevo - Mostar - Dubrovnik
Mostar - fascinating contrasts
Visit the city of Mostar, because it is here that you will experience the unique influences and contrasts of different cultures and religions. Mostar was one of the trading centers of the Ottoman Empire, as evidenced by features from that period that have been preserved to this day. Here every visitor becomes aware of how strongly the culture in the Balkans has been shaped by the Ottomans to this day - from the architecture to the kitchen and coffee culture. In town we will see the remains of the Old Bridge from 1566. Mostar's old town with its colorful bazaar, Turkish houses and the Old Bridge has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
DAY 4: Dubrovnik - Kotor - Budva
Today we start in a very special way, namely with a visit to one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Croatia, which is also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. Surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean natural landscapes and islands and islets, one of the most enchanting old town complexes in Europe awaits you. The magnificent city walls and fortresses have often been chosen as filming locations. They also served as a location for the well-known series "Game of Thrones". After a detailed city tour, we drive towards Montenegro. It goes into the fjord of Kotor - by the way, the only fjord in southern Europe. After our city tour we continue to Budva.
DAY 5: Budva - Shkoder - Tirana
Today we are crossing the border with Albania. The Albanian Adriatic coast is affectionately known by the inhabitants as the "Albanian Riviera". It lies across from Corfu and stretches from the port city of Saranda to Viora. The crystal clear water, the wonderful beaches and the fascinating culture make Albania an interesting travel destination for young and old. Our route leads us to the northernmost city of Albania, to Shkoder. After visiting the fortress Rozafa, we drive to the capital Tirana. After an extensive tour of the city, move into the hotel.
DAY 6: Tirana - Sveti Naum - Ohrid
We reach one of the most important shrines of the Orthodox churches, the Sveti Naum Monastery. The unique medieval frescoes will fascinate us. It continues with a boat trip on Lake Ohrid. The lake is one of the oldest and deepest in the world. Its age is estimated to be two to five million years. Old fish species such as the Ohrid spotted trout are still available today and taste like char. There are two cities on the shore: Ohrid and Struga. After the boat trip, we explore the UNESCO city of Ohrid on foot ß and see highlights such as the fortress of King Samuel and the Church of Sv. Periblebtos. In the alleys of the old town you can feel the life, old Ottoman houses, blacksmiths who process "Ohrid pearls" into artistic jewelry, small shops and much more. Then we drive to our hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Ohrid - Skopje
After breakfast we will head to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. On our tour today we will see the enchanting old town with its numerous mosques, inns and the large bazaar. The Vardar River flows through the city from west to east. Skopje mixes sights from popular European cities: British double-decker buses, Paris Triumphal Arch, Brandenburg Gate and an old Turkish bazaar. This makes Skopje a diverse and interesting city. After an extensive city tour, we move into our hotel in Skopje.
DAY 8: Skopje - Beograd
The capital of Serbia lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube, between the Panonia plain and the mountainous south. During a city tour you will learn about the turbulent history of the Serbian capital and enjoy the Balkan flair of the old town. The imposing Kalemegdan fortress, which has survived centuries of turbulent times, still guards the old town of Belgrade today. It bears witness to the warlike history and was of great strategic importance due to the good location of the city. Today the Kalemegdan is a beautiful monument and also a park where numerous events, events and festivals take place. The Skadarlija, the bohemian quarter of the city where many artists lived and worked, is the famous cobbled street with the best traditional restaurants in town. The Cathedral of St. Sava - which is the largest church in Southeast Europe and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, the Knez Mihailova - the city's large pedestrian and shopping area, numerous houses and rafts on the Sava: cafes, restaurants, night clubs, ... You will learn all this and much more on our excursion today.
Day 9: Beograd - Marija Bistrica
After breakfast we leave Serbia and drive towards Croatia. Arrived there, expected and a city tour of the Croatian capital - Zagreb. Zagreb lies on the Sava River under the protection of the Medvednica Mountains and is one of the most fascinating metropolises in Europe. Lovers of architecture and art will get their money's worth here. In addition to the magnificent buildings of the k. u. k. Monarchy, beautiful buildings of the baroque and classicism can be admired. Magnificent churches and palaces, winding streets, famous squares and countless cafés characterize the romantic cityscape ... You will learn this and much more about the thousand-year and diverse history on a guided tour through this fascinating city. Close to the city tour and free time, the journey to the hotel follows.
DAY 10: Wellness day in Marija Bistrica
Our hotel is located right in the center of Marija Bistrica, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Croatia.
Today you can relax in the hotel's wellness area or explore the beautiful town of Marija Bistrica on your own.
Our tip - bookable on request: Spend a nice evening not far from the hotel in a typical Croatian restaurant, with very good local cuisine, music and drinks, an atmospheric and beautiful final evening