From Serbia to Albania

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the capital of the former Yugoslavia at your leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a panoramic tour of this vibrant city located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. On this tour, you’ll admire the bustling city center, the impressive parliament building, and visit the historic Kalemegdan Fortress.

We’ll visit the Monasteries of Krusedol and Novo Hopovo, founded by the influential Brankovic family. We’ll continue to Sremski Karlovci, one of the oldest cities in the country, dating back to 1308 when it was known as Karom. Its beautifully preserved historic center features neoclassical architecture. We’ll visit the Museum of Beekeeping and Winery Živanović, where lunch and a wine tasting will be included. We’ll then proceed to Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia, located along the banks of the Danube, known for its diverse architecture that reflects its rich history. A highlight is the Petrovaradin Fortress, considered one of the largest in Europe and a masterpiece of 18th-century European military architecture, often referred to as "The Gibraltar of the Danube."

At its peak, the city was home to 40,000 inhabitants. Here, we’ll admire the Roman roads, as well as the remnants of ancient temples, streets, plazas, amphitheaters, palaces, hippodromes, and thermal baths. Our next stop will be the Manasija Monastery, one of the most important monuments of medieval Serbian culture. Surrounded by towering walls, the monastery’s church still preserves its 15th-century frescoes. We’ll continue to Nis, the third-largest city in Serbia, with a rich Roman heritage. This is where Constantine the Great was born. Overnight accommodation will be here.

We’ll then continue to the Studenica Monastery, the largest in Serbia, nestled in the mountains. Founded in 1190, it boasts a stunning ensemble of wood and plaster buildings, with its interior walls adorned with Byzantine frescoes. Lunch will be included. Afterward, we’ll head to Kraljevo, a charming town in central Serbia, surrounded by mountains and rich in history and culture. The town is known for its beautiful main square, dominated by a monument to Serbian warriors and its medieval fortress.

Afterward, we’ll continue to the village of Topola to discover its fascinating history. On Oplenac Hill, we’ll see St. George´s Church, founded by King Peter I of Yugoslavia. This church serves as the mausoleum of the Serbian and Yugoslav royal house and later Yugoslavia until 1945. We’ll then return to Belgrade for accommodation.

But first, we’ll stop in Elbasan and Belsh. Elbasan was a key stop on the ancient Via Egnatia, the Roman route that connected Durres with Constantinople. Today, Elbasan blends Ottoman ruins with a modern atmosphere. Belsh, located in the center of the country in the Elbasan region, is famous for its unique lake landscape. It is part of the Dumre plateau, home to more than 80 natural lakes formed by karst processes. This area is ideal for ecotourism and relaxation in a peaceful rural setting. Arrival in Berat. Panoramic tour included with a local guide. Ottoman houses clinging to the hillside, the silent fortress, and narrow streets full of history invite us to begin the journey with an open soul. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a local home and enjoy coffee and sweets with a local family. Free time. Traditional dinner included to savor the Albanian heart.

Here we’ll enjoy a light walk, and those who wish may experience the adventure of rafting. We then continue to Gjirokastra, the “stone city” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where time seems to stand still. Dinner included at the hotel.

We continue to the Butrint National Park, where ancient myths and Greco-Roman ruins blend with nature. We’ll visit the archaeological site with a guide and take a gentle walk through the natural park, discovering birds, wetlands, and green tranquility. After the visit, before continuing the route, we’ll make a short technical stop in Butrint to rest. On the way, we’ll make a brief stop at the Brataj Bridge, an Ottoman jewel over the Shushicë River, perfect for photos and a last pause on the route. Arrival in Vlorë, where the Adriatic and the Ionian meet in an endless embrace. Free walk at sunset and an evening to dine to the slow rhythm of the sea. Dinner included.

We then continue to Durrës, a lively Mediterranean city with its Roman amphitheater and bustling streets. Lunch included to savor the coastal flavors. Our last stop is the serene Preza Fortress, where the views bid a gentle farewell to the Albanian landscape. Return to Tirana with hearts full of light, stone, and water. Arrival in Tirana at the end of the afternoon. Accommodation.