Welcome to Sofia!
You have two days to explore the capital and largest city of Bulgaria. There is plenty to see, do and experience. The city is full of historic buildings, churches and palaces. Sofia is at the bottom of Mount Vitosha. The city with its prehistoric excavations as seen at the unusual St. George Rotunda is a delight for admirers of ancient architecture. Remarkable are the green areas in the city. The largest area of this can be found in the city park ‘Borisova Gradina’. City Garden and Vitosha Park are also delightful rest points between the hustle and bustle of urban life. If you want to visit Sofia in the winter, you have to take into account the rather erratic climate of Sofia. This can bring snow and cold to the city. Worse still, winter weather conditions can delay or even cripple air traffic to and from Sofia International Airport in severe winter weather.

Highlights 

National Art Gallery: At least 50,000 pieces of art can be admired in this particularly beautiful former palace of Bulgaria. The Art Gallery of Sofia located on Battenberg Square is abbreviated with SAG Sofia Art Gallery. In addition to the centuries-old paintings, sculptures and drawings, contemporary and photographic art can also be found. www.sghg.bg

National Palace of Culture: Anyone who sees the separately designed building wonders what it is. It is described as a contemporary castle. The design is by various interior and foreign architects who have been managed under the direction of Alexander Barov. On an area of a spacious 120,000 m² you can find eight floors, exhibition spaces, conference rooms and a trade centre. The adjacent square is decorated in style with modern fountains, among other things. When the lights come on in the evening, it’s a picture to see. The whole is considered to be the largest multifunctional complex in south-eastern Europe. www.ndk.bg

Ivan Vazov National Theatre: With its beautiful neoclassical façade, this Ivan Vazov theatre can call itself the most beautiful in Bulgaria. Given the age of this magnificent structure, it may also call itself the oldest theatre in the country. The theatre was designed by Viennese theatre architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. The name Ivan Vazov belongs to a prominent Bulgarian writer.

Eagles Bridge: Symbolized by four eagles, the Eagles Bridge (in Bulgarian Orlov) gives you access to downtown Sofia. Because the bridge is in the middle of the city centre, it is always busy. Each eagle stands proudly high on top of a pillar. Images are made of bronze. They are also called protectors of the city.

St. George Rotunda: This church, which is behind the Sheraton hotel, can rightly be called special. the round, red brick St. George Rotunda (Sveti Georgi) has been named as the oldest building of the city of Sofia. Parts of it were built in Roman times. Inside you can admire a number of frescoes that are in very good condition. www.svgeorgi-rotonda.com

Borisova Gradina: This park named after Tsar Boris III was built and decorated around 1884. There is a large lake to be found and a wooden house by Racho Angelov. The park has a wide area of about 90,000 m² with football pitches, cycling course, tennis courts and lots of nature.

Alexander Nevski Cathedral: The huge Orthodox Cathedral Alexander Nevski should certainly not be missing during a visit to the Bulgarian city of Sofia. Immediately you will be entranced by its imposing appearance. Construction for the creation of this cathedral started in the year 1882. In the evening, the Alexander Nevski Cathedral is beautifully lit. Behind this cathedral is the parliament.

Ss. Cyrillus and Methodius National Library: The library named after the founder of the Cyrillic alphabet is located east of alexander nevski cathedral near the university. In terms of content, the library is one of the largest in Bulgaria. The archives even contain Arabic, Ottoman and Persian documents from history.

National Historical Museum: For a glimpse into Bulgarian history, it is useful to visit this National Historical Museum. With its 650,000 objects, including many archaeological findings, you get a great picture of the country. In addition, costumes and weapons are on display. www.historymuseum.org

Vitosha Boulevard: On this main shopping street in Sofia you can shop fine. All the major brands in fashion are well represented here on Vitosha Boulevard. The many chic shops are interspersed with good restaurants and cosy bars. In addition, you will see here and there beautiful stately buildings such as those of the National Palace of Culture and the home of the famous Bulgarian poet Peyo Yavorov.

Today your are drinving to the Eastside of Serbia and check in at your hotel on the Donau river, Donji Vilanovac.  From its founding, Donji Milanovac was moved twice. Milanovac was founded in the 19th century on its original site on an island on the Danube river. In 1830, due to frequent flooding, Prince Milos ordered the town be moved to the nearest, right bank. It became the first town in Serbia built by architectural planning. After construction of the “Derdap I” hydroelectric power station in 1970, the town was moved again to its present location. Beach area in Donji Milanovac is a popular camping location as, due to the climate, there are no mosquitos. Town is located on European bicycle corridor.

The Donau/Danube forms the border between Romania and Serbia and between these countries the river is at its roughest. The river at the so-called Iron Gates is now only 150 meters wide, was once more than 80 meters deep and is surrounded by cliffs of up to three hundred meters high. Due to the construction of the dam in the river, it has now become calmer and more navigable. Also the water level has risen but the cliffs are still impressive.

On the Serbian side is the Djerdjap National Park along the Danube. This area was already inhabited in ancient times as seen in the prehistoric settlement of Lepenski Vir. The Roman emperor Traian also left his mark in the form of Tabula Traiana on the Danube. The Tabula Traiana is a memorial stone that recalls the Roman road and bridge that the Roman emperor built to reach Ancient Dacia, present-day Romania. The bridge, which was more than a kilometer long, was the longest bridge in existence for a few centuries. The fortress of Golubac, also in the Djerjab Gorge, is a reminder of the medieval past of this gorge

Highlights
Travel to the National Park Derdap, and enjoy the magnificient view on the Donau from to the Derdap Gorge and “The Iron Gates”, the largest and longest water breakthrough in Europe which is the biggest European archaeological open-air museum and also a natural botanical garden.

Golubac Fortress, located 4 km downstream from the modern-day town of Golubac, built in 14th century and stands as a guard on Danube to the entrance of the Iron Gate’s. This fortress with nine impressive towers became the object of many battles during Middle Ages, especially between the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. It changed owners repeatedly, passing between Turks, Bulgarians, Hungarians, Serbs, and Austrians, until 1867, when it was turned over to the Serbian Knez, Mihailo Obrenović III.

After Golubac, drive to Lepenski Vir, an archeological site located in the Derdap Gorge. It is the location of one of the most important prehistoric cultures and archaeological discoveries that have changed our knowledge about the early Stone Age in Europe. There are remains of religious architecture dating from 6500 to 5500 BC that can be seen on the site.

You can enjoy your lunch at Kapetan Mišin Breg farm https://www.kapetanmisinbreg.rs/en/. The Eco-ethno complex, named after a local sailor and philanthropist – who was the second richest man in Serbia in the 19th century, is situated on a knoll 173 meters above sea level and offers a beautiful view of the Danube River and the town below. Visit the onsight gallery called “Man, wood, water,” which is a collection of sculptures made of wood and stone and a wine museum that opened in 2013.

After a substantial breakfast, check out and drive to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. Serbia has been independent from the former Serbia since 2006 and Montenegro.De capital of Serbia is Belgrade (Belgrade). A number of major cities in Serbia are: Kragujevac, Niš, Novi Pazar and Novi Sad. Serbia is known as a cultural country. There are many historic towns, castles, churches and beautiful nature. The landscape of Serbia is about half flat and the other half is mountainous. Serbia has several mountain areas with more than 15 mountains that reach above 2,000 meters. In addition, the country has several National parks and the River Danube. In the south of Serbia lies the autonomous province of Kosovo, known for the many wars that have taken place there.

With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol. Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories.

Highlights 

Splavs (river clubs): Did you know that Belgrade is one of the best party cities in the world? The river clubs, or Splavs, are responsible for this. At the confluence of the two major rivers it is in the summer on the banks full of people. The parties in the Splavs usually start around midnight and last until early in the morning. There is a variety of music for everyone.

Concrete Hala: Concrete Hala is an urban river area near the Branko Bridge. It’s one of the coolest places to hang out. It can be an ideal place to relax after many visits. You’ll also find the better restaurants with international cuisine. Soak up the atmosphere and party with the live music that is played there.

St Sava Temple: St. Sava Temple is the second largest Orthodox church in the world. This temple is named after Sava, a Serbian monk from the 13th century. The Sava Temple stands on the hill Vracar. The construction of the temple began in 1935 and is one of the most striking buildings in the city. Also in the evening this temple is a delight to the eye when it is beautifully lit. Outside the church is a nice park with fountains.

Crkva Ruzica: Crkva Ruzica, or the Rose Church, is located on the Fort Kalemegdan. It is the oldest church in Belgrade. This rose church is dedicated to Mother of God. The Ruzica church was destroyed in 1521 by the invading Ottoman Turks and later used as a gunpowder warehouse. Inside the church you will soon see the chandeliers, made of weapons. They are great examples of war art.

Avala tower:The Avala tower stands on the Avalaberg on the outskirts of Belgrade. At 205 metres, it is the largest tower in Belgrade and the Balkans. The view at the top is breathtaking. On a beautiful, sunny day you have a great view up to 100 km around. It is a new tower since the old one was destroyed by a NATO bombardment in 1999, in this way the radio in Serbia had to be shut down. In 2008 the construction of a new tower began and a year later it was finished.

Nikola Tesla museum: Nikola Tesla is one of the people the Serbs are most proud of. This brilliant Serbian-American inventor, engineer and futurist, was known for developing modern alternating current electricity. In addition, he was also a pioneer in the discovery of X-ray technology, radar, remote control, electric coil and radio. In addition, the world’s most amazing electric car is named after him. The Nikola Tesla Museum contains all kinds of documents, books, drawings and photographs related to Tesla’s work.

Ada Ciganlija: Ada Ciganlija is a wooded river island. This popular place attracts crowds of holidaymakers in the summer. This peninsula is an oasis of numerous sports fields and long beaches. It is famous for its range of sports opportunities such as water sports, golf, rock climbing,… On the way back, be sure to take a picture of the impressive Ada Bridge, one of belgrade’s symbols.

Yugoslav Historical Museum: If you are interested in the fascinating history of Yugoslavia, then this is an absolute must. In the museum of Yugoslav history you will find an extraordinary collection of thousands of objects, historical documents, gifts, photographs, weapons and films from the Communist period. You’ll get a better view of what Yugoslavia was about.

Zemun: After the end of The First World War, Zemun officially became part of Serbia. Previously it was the southernmost city of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. With its narrow streets and well-preserved architecture, Zemun is a treat to explore on foot. The Danube Quay is just around the corner, with lots of nice restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the fresh breeze and the beautiful views.

Knez Mihailova: Do you like shopping? Then you’ll definitely have to go through this. Numerous shops, restaurants and bookshops are tucked away in Knez Mihailova’s stylish 19th-century buildings. Artists also make this street one of the most vibrant in the city.

Skadarlija: Skadarlija is a lively, cobbled street in the heart of Belgrade. There is still a typical Bohemian atmosphere. It was the meeting place for artists and artists. This place is therefore called the ‘Belgrade Montmartre’ for a reason. Nowadays you will find numerous restaurants, galleries, antique and souvenir shops.

Kalemegdan: Kalemegdan is the crown jewel of Belgrade. This most visited part of the city consists of the ancient citadel and the Kalemegdan park. From here you have a beautiful view of the Sava and the Danube. It is and remains the most favorite attraction among both tourists and locals. The citadel and surroundings are a cosy place with markets and restaurants.

Belgrade is never the same. It’s a city that never sleeps. A strong sense of freedom floats through the streets. Generous people are always there ready to help. It’s a city you should have seen.

Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. After the civil war ended in 1995, the country tried to recover slowly. Bosnia and Herzegovina is still trying to get the economy back on its feet. With the receipt of tourists, action is taken immediately on this. The country is far from being known as a tourist destination, but certainly has some captivating sights to show. Especially in terms of nature, there is a lot going on in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The mountainous areas are excellent for hiking and hiking. Villages like Početelj then lend themselves as excellent backdrops for beautiful painting and drawing skills. And Unesco has subsequently listed a number of historical heritage sites. The old bridge ‘Stari Most’ in Mostar is a wonderful example of these special heirlooms from the past.
You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on a walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.

Highlights 

Baščaršija: In the capital Sarajevo, the old Bazaar Baščaršija is one of the city’s top attractions. Baščaršija thus plays the historical and cultural heart of Sarajevo. As early as the fifteenth century this was the place where traders offered their merchandise for sale and where an inn was built. Nowadays, the location is mainly used as a cultural centre. All kinds of performances, concerts and festivals are organised. During the day you can visit various shops, admire old crafts or enjoy a relaxing drink. https://bascarsija.info/en/

Gazi Husrev-Begmosque: Bosnia-Herzegovina’s largest and oldest mosque is located in the capital Sarajevo. This Gazi Husrev-Beg mosque was founded in the sixteenth century by Gazi Husrev-Beg. There are clear characteristics due to the classical Ottoman architecture. The distinctive minaret is about forty-seven meters high and is perched high in the sky in Stari Grad, the old town of Sarajevo.

Sarajevo Tunnel Museum: A tunnel was dug under sarajevo airport during the war in 1993. The tunnel, with a length of almost eight hundred meters, was intended to smuggle unseen weapons and ammunition to Sarajevo. And very exceptionally, the ‘Sarajevski ratni’ tunnel was used to make people flee outside for a fee. The tunnel started in the Dobrinja district and ended up in the basement of a house in the town of Butmir, directly opposite the airport. http://tunelspasa.ba

Sutjeska National Park: This oldest natural park in Bosnia-Herzegovina was named Sutjeska National Park around 1962. Where previously several battles were carried out are now largely only breeding birds, the Skakavac waterfalls, goats, bears, rivers and mountains can be seen. The violence has given way to peace and a thriving nature. In the visitor centre you can book several tours in different disciplines. Two hours to the South from Sarajevo.

Today, you can drive the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar!
As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old čaršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. Overnight in Mostar.

Highlights 

Stari Most: The characteristic piece of architecture Stari Most, is located in the city of Mostar. Stari Most is a stone bridge over the Neretva River. The first bridge on this site was built around the sixteenth century. At the time there was a tower on both sides in which ammunition was stored and as a watchtower. In the twentieth century, the bridge was completely destroyed during the Balkan war. An emergency bridge was temporarily designed and the current bridge was restored under the watchful eye of Unesco and reconstructed in the original specimen. Since then, it has been a symbol of the unity of the country.

Kravica Falls: Kravica’s falls ‘slapovi Kravice’ lie on the Trebižat River near the towns of Ljubuški and Mostar. Especially during the summer months the waterfalls are frequently visited. The area around the Kravica waterfalls lends itself perfectly for a brisk walk followed by a cosy picnic with or not with a refreshing dip in the river. Kravica Falls are certainly among bosnia-herzegovina’s most beautiful natural attractions.

Pliva: The Pliva River is seen as a natural and cultural heritage. The Pliva River and the valley of the same name were long part of the kingdom of Bosnia. This included the waterfalls and the city of Jajce of the same name. The Pliva River is more than thirty kilometres long and eventually ends up at the lakes Veliko Plivsko and Malo Plivsko. The most practiced sport on the River Pliva is fly fishing.

Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge: In the year 1577, grand vizier Sokollu Mehemt Paşa commissioned the construction of a bridge at Višegrad over the Drina River. The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in eastern Bosnia-Herzegovina has eleven arches that together span more than one hundred and seventy-nine meters. The bridge is seen as very valuable classical Ottoman architecture combined with the Italian Renaissance style. The design comes from Mimar Koca Sinan, chief architect of leading sultans from the Ottoman Empire.

Manastir Tvrdoš: This ‘monastery of the Middle Ages’ originally bears the name Manastir Tvrdoš. The monastery is located on the right bank of the River Trebisnjica, near Trebinje. The oldest parts of the monastery are probably from the thirteenth century. Unfortunately, most of it was lost in bombing raids in the Turkish-Venetian war during the seventeenth century. It was only in the twentieth century that it was refurbished and restored. In the Manastir Tvrdoš monastery there are a number of murals by Vicko Lavrov.

Medugorje: (30 mins drive from Mostar) As the largest Catholic pilgrimage site in Europe, the city of Medjugorje has already received many visitors. The place was made famous by the appearance of the Virgin Mary in 1981. After that, several appearances have been mentioned. The place where the appearance took place in 1981 can be found via a decent style path on the Križevac mountain. The climb is rewarded with an insanely beautiful view of the region. Because no evidence has ever been provided for the apparitions, the Pope has never recognized it as an official place of pilgrimage. The local church of Medugorje ‘sveti Yakov’ certainly sails there. Outside, rows of benches have been lined up to accommodate the many pilgrims. www.medjugorje.hr

Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the “King’s Landing”, the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself!

Highlights 
City walls of Dubrovnik:In order to protect the city of Dubrovnik, the first stones of the city walls were laid around the seventh century.
In the later centuries the walls were restored and rebuilt. What we see today comes from between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. Because the medieval city walls have never suffered any serious damage from attacks or other battles, Dubrovnik’s defensive walls and fortresses are among the best preserved fortresses in Europe. From the meters high walls you have a nice view over the city and the sea.

Stradun: The gleaming cobbled main street of the Croatian city of Dubrovnik is Stradun. The street is also known by locals as ‘Placa’. Both during the day and in the evening this part of the city is busy. Stradun runs right through the historic city centre, where it starts at a fountain and ends again at a fountain. The approximately 300-metre-long street runs from Crata od Pila to Vrata od Ploca. On the Stradun you can admire beautiful seventeenth century buildings, in which nowadays several shops are located.

Fort Lovrijenac: Fort Lovrijenac is located in an almost magical spot by the sea. The defensive fort, also known as Dubrovnik Gibraltar, was built at a rapid pace around the eleventh century. After all, rumors circulated that the Venetians had the same idea, in the same place. Today, ‘Tvrdava Lovrijenac’ is a legacy of the past, where various events are regularly organized. However, many visitors will recognize the fortress and its surroundings from scenes from the popular HBO series ‘Games of Thrones’. After climbing the stairs, you can enjoy a wide view of land and sea at the top.

Dubrovnik Cathedral: The current cathedral of the city of Dubrovnik was built around the eighteenth century, according to an idea of Andrea Buffalini. Construction began in 1671 and was completed by the architect Ilija Katicic in 1713. Several archaeological excavations in have shown that there have been several churches on this site. The oldest findings for this date back to the seventh century. In the cathedral ‘Velika Gospa’ valuable and historical religious objects can be admired, including a painting by Raphael.

Lokrum: This predominantly green island in the Adriatic is excellent for a day out. From Dubrovnik, a water taxi takes you to the Croatian island of Lokrum in about fifteen minutes. The island lends itself perfectly to swimming in the sunbathing or visiting the Benedictine monastery from the fifteenth century. Every now and then you hear the cries of the peacocks that reside on this island.

Old Synagogue: For a small fee you can visit a small synagogue in Dubrovnik with accompanying Jewish museum. The synagogue was built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Because there are not many Jews living in Dubrovnik anymore, the synagogue is only used for special holidays and occasions. This synagogue is considered the second oldest synagogue in Europe. The oldest state in the Czech city of Prague.

Gruz: The district of Gruž is characterized by the port ‘Port Ombla’ and its location on the beautiful bay of Gruž. Already during the early centuries this place was a wonderful destination for winterers or as a summer destination. The distance from the port to the city of Dubrovnik is about two kilometers. From the port of Gruž, several excursions depart daily by boat and ferries to the various islands such as Sipan, Kolocep, Lopud and the city of Dubrovnik itself. There is also a daily fish, fruit and vegetable market in Gruž to visit.

Franciscan Monastery: In the historic heart of the city of Dubrovnik at the beginning of the main street Placa, you can visit the ancient monastery of the Franciscans. It was built around 1360 after an idea of Mihoje Brajkov. Like many buildings in Dubrovnik, this monastery ‘Franjevacki Samostan’ suffered during the earthquake in 1667. Fortunately, a lot of damage has been repaired to keep this part of history in tact. The monastery is also home to one of the oldest pharmacists in Europe and a library of very valuable Croatian literature.

Sponza Palace: The very well-preserved palace of the city of Dubrovnik even managed to weather the earthquake of seventeenth century without damage. The design is in the name of the influential architect Paskoje. The palace served for a long time as a customs office where goods were imported. In addition, it was an important meeting place for traders. Nowadays, valuable documents are stored in the archives in the Sponza Palace ‘Palaca Sponza’. The square in front of the palace is often the setting for festivities such as the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

Rectors Palace: Another palace in Dubrovnik is the rectory palace ‘Knežev dvor’ from the fifteenth century. In the original Gothic palace, in the meantime, several Baroque and Renaissance-style adapted parts can be seen. After several damages and a destructive earthquake, several elements have been refurbished and adapted. The last major changes took place around the seventeenth century, led by the well-avowed sailor Miho Pracat. Today, the rector’s palace belongs to the Dubrovnik Museum. In this cultural historical museum you will find mainly old art, furniture, weapons, uniforms and a coin collection.

Next stop Montenegro! Since Montenegro’s break from the former Yugoslavia, the country has developed rapidly in the tourist industry. Cities with a lot of history, such as Budva, Tivat, Cetinje, Kotor, Petrovac and Ulcinj quickly became popular destinations to celebrate holidays. The mix of beach, culture, nature and a wonderful climate are already good ingredients for a successful holiday. Montenegro is also very suitable for sporting holidays. The mountainous landscape with wooded hills, glacial lakes, swirling rivers and a variety of flora and fauna lend themselves perfectly to impressive cycling and hiking. But also rafting, cross-country skiing, skiing and hiking are very popular sports to practice in Montenegro. In terms of winter sports, you’ll be well off near the towns of Savin Kuk, Javorovaca, Turjak, Lokve and Vucje. Young people have also found their way to the still reasonably affordable Montenegro. Fun musical festivities, vast beaches and a lively entertainment centre ensure they don’t fall short in versatile Montenegro.

Highlights 
Kotor: On the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro lies the cosy old port city of Kotor. The town of Kotor on the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), is known as an ancient fortress city with several monumental sights. The medieval centre is now part of Unesco’s World Heritage Site. You can take a look at one of the churches, the old city walls, the harbour and the cathedral of St. Tryphon. The city of Kotor is also frequently visited during annual events such as ‘the night of the Boka’ (Bokeljka noć) and the Kotor Summer Carnival (Kotorski ljetnji karneval). For many centuries, the centre has played an important and cultural role in terms of creative training in art, architecture and even as a goldsmith. An earthquake in 1979 caused considerable damage to much of the old Venetian architecture. But fortunately, the importance of restorations has been recognized and today you can still enjoy a beautiful city with its own charm.

Durmitor and the Tara Gorge: The photogenic Durmitor National Park is located in northwestern Montenegro. With an area of about forty thousand hectometers, the park offers a variety of protected areas with natural beauty. The landscape is over from mountain slopes into green meadows, deep gorges and beautiful lakes such as Crno Jezero (the Black Lake). The water in the lakes is often crystal clear. The area within durmitor national park is often visited by hikers, cyclists and/or nature lovers. During the winter months you can also cross-country ski. The Tara Gorge, which is located near the Tara River, is well worth a visit. The hugely deep gorge certainly attracts a lot of views during the summer months. Often there are many rafters in this area who continue their way across the Tara River. In the visitor centre you can map out different routes that will reveal all the secrets of this park. www.nparkovi.me/sajt/np-durmitor

Cetinje: The Montenegrin town of Cetinje is located at the foot of the impressive Mount Lovćen. Cetinje is the former capital of Montenegro. Around 1946 this honour was awarded to the city of Podgorica. The centre of Cetinje has some nice places that are more than worth a visit. Think of Vlaska church, which is also the oldest building in the city. Or the beautiful Orthodox monastery ‘Cetinjski manastir’ from the beginning of the eighteenth century. Nor should you skip the mausoleum of the Peter II of Montenegro, who died of tuberculosis. Are you looking for something more adventure? Then visit the Lipska pećina cave. You can take this on your own on the hunt for a treasure. www.steden.net/montenegro/cetinje/

Gospa od Škrpjela: The island of Gospa od Škrpjela is located off the coast of Perast in the Bay of Kotor. According to legend, the island was created by returning sailors throwing rocks into the bay at the spot where they saw an image of the Holy Virgin on a rock. Today, rocks and stones are traditionally thrown during the ‘fašinade’ festival in July. By throwing the stones they ensure that the foundation of the church on this small island remains stable. You can visit the church ‘Crkva Gospa od Škrpjela’. Inside are numerous works of art from the previous centuries to admire. But also the Venetian decorations of Trip Kokolja, among others, deserve admiration. The other small island near Gospa od Škrpjela is Sveti Đorđe. On this island stands a Benedictine monastery.

Biogradska Gora National Park: Around 1952, the Biogradska Gora National Park was established as a protected area. The partly unspoilt nature is very popular with hikers and rest seekers. At the main entrance of the park is a visitor centre where maps are for sale with different routes. The Biogradska Gora National Park is an area with glacial lakes like Ursulovačko, more than two thousand plant species, religious monuments, butterflies, birds, wolves and even bears. A very nice route is the walk to the Dolovi Valley. During this five-hour tour you will pass admirable places. Of course, you can also opt for shorter or longer and even longer and even multi-day walks under the guidance of a guide. www.nparkovi.me/sajt/np-biogradska-gora/o-parku

Ostrog Monastery: The partly rock-built Ostrog monastery attracts a lot of visitors every year. The Ostrog Monastery is located in the Bjelopavlici area, near the town of Nikšić. The monastery in Ostroska Mountain was founded by St. Basil Ostroje in the seventeenth century and is now considered a place of pilgrimage. The lower Serbian Orthodox Church also receives a lot of interest. From this place you also have an amazing view of the region. http://manastirostrog.com

The Black Lake: In the Durmitor National Park lies the famous Black Lake (crno jezero) of Montenegro. Especially during the summer months, Black Lake is a favourite destination to cool off. The glacial lake is divided into two lakes, namely ‘Veliko jezero and Malo jezero’, the large and small lake. From the town of Žabljak you can reach the Black Lake while walking. Around the lake are several places where you can relax and enjoy the view.

Budva: The most famous resort of Montenegro is undisputedly the town of Budva. This bustling city with a medieval city centre is right on the Adriatic Sea. Thanks to the fantastic climate, it has been popular with tourists for many years. The location by the sea, the many festivities, beautiful beaches, culture and entertainment venues also contribute to this. The most popular festivals in Budva are Sea Dance Festival, Tjesma Mediterana (music festival) and the annual Budva Carnival. The small island of Sveti Stefan also belongs to the resort of Budva. On this island you will find a number of hotel resorts and other luxury stays. Guests like to stay on the pink beaches, such as Miločer Beach and Queen’s Beach.

Mamula: The island of Mamula in the Adriatic Is a small but special island. Mamula or Lastavica, as it is also called, has a circular shape with a cross section of about two hundred meters. On it is only a fortress from the nineteenth century in which all kinds of atrocities have occurred. During the Second World War, the fort was turned into a notorious concentration camp. Nowadays it’s a lot quieter. The island of Mamula is mainly visited by people who moor there by boat. The island of Mamula is located at the entrance to kotor bay between the Prevlaka and Luštuca peninsulas.

Porto Montenegro: Montenegro’s most luxurious marina is located in the southwest city of Tivat. Porto Montenegro was created in a former naval port known as the Arsenal. The port was bought around 2006 by Canadian businessman Peter Munk and since then we have worked hard to accommodate the most luxurious yachts that surround the Adriatic Sea. You can also enjoy a delicious meal in one of the restaurants, visit the Marine Museum or stroll past the small boutiques on the promenade of Porto Montenegro Village. ww.portomontenegro.com

Hit the road after breakfast, next stop Albania! The capital Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture.

Highlights 
Skanderbeg Square: The stately Skanderbeg Square or ‘Sheshi Skënderbej’ forms the heart of the Albanian city of Tirana. This spacious square is named after the national hero Skanderbeg. As a passionate warrior, this folk hero gathered troops around the fifteenth century and launched the attack in the acquisition of freedom. The first success was against the Ottomans. On Skanderbeg Square you can now admire the equestrian statue of the national hero Skanderbeg, who was actually born as Gjergj Kastrioti. Furthermore, you will find a number of government buildings, the town hall, the cultural palace ‘Pallati i Kulturës’, the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the National Historical Museum ‘Muzeu Historik Kombëtar’.

Bunk Art: The War Museum Bunk Art is located on the Rruga Teki Selenica, north-east of the city of Tirana. The Bunk Art museum paints a clear picture of communist military history in Albania. The bunker allows you to relive a piece of war history, which looks very realistic. Various chapters are highlighted, including the heavy regime, repression, security and politics. In addition, of course, there is also room for liberation and the years after, you can take a look in an officer’s room, a socialist house and the house of the Albanian communist politician Mehmet Shehu. A visit to the room of Commander-in-Chief Enver Hoxha and his wife is also part of the Bunk Art museum. http://bunkart.al/

National Historical Museum: On the façade of the National Historical Museum in Tirana you can see an image of a group of people who briefly symbolize the history, wars and ultimately the freedom of Albania. This beautiful mosaic artwork bears the name ‘The Albanians’. In the National Historical Museum all these episodes from the history of Albania are discussed in detail. And the life of ordinary citizens is also an important part. The museum goes back to prehistoric culture and proceeds in systematic order to the present. www.mhk.gov.al

Et’hem Bey Mosque: Towards the end of the eighteenth century, construction of Et’hem Bey Mosque in Tirana began. The assignment came from Molla Bey, a grandson of Sulejman Pasha. The former General Sulejman Pasha is seen as the founder of Tirana. The Et’hem Bey Mosque is now one of the oldest buildings in Tirana. After Enver Hoxha declared Albania the world’s first atheist state, the doors of the mosque and other religious structures were closed. It was only after 1991 that the doors were reopened and restorations could begin. Visitors can now visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque at Skanderbeg Square as a museum.

The Blloku district: The most popular and popular district of Tirana is located in and around the Blloku district. The history of the city tells that the district of Blloku was usually closed to the citizens. In the stately villas resided mainly high-ranking politician and also here stood the house of the communist leader Enver Hoxha. In the meantime, things are a lot more relaxed here. The Blloku district is now known as an entertainment area and is very popular with both locals and tourists. The many cosy terraces, cafes, restaurants and trendy boutiques create a particularly pleasant atmosphere. Despite the new interpretation of the district, remnants of the past are still visible. Think of the Pyramid of Tirana and the many drab residential complexes Meanwhile, several initiatives have been shown that have given the Blloku district its current popular status. Think of the ubiquitous painted façades that make the city more fun. This initiative comes from Edi Rama, a painter who eventually became the Prime Minister of Albania.

The Pyramid of Tirana: The Pyramid of Tirana on the Rruga Papa Gjon Pali II is a legacy from the past. It was built around 1988 on behalf of Hoxha’s daughter as a museum, in which her father’s legacy could be exhibited. The museum has not existed for long, since the fall of communism took place in 1991. This also marked the end of the museum in the Pyramid of Tirana. Later, the building was used as a NATO base and then it became empty. Despite the fact that several plans have already been put in place, the empty Pyramid of Tirana is mainly a cultural meeting place of the beloved district of Blloku.

National Archaeological Museum: The ‘Muzeu Arkeologjik Kombëtar’ was established around 1948 as an archaeological and ethnographic museum. It was not until 1976 that it was renamed the National Archaeological Museum. In terms of location, the southern square ‘Sheshi Nënë Tereza’ was chosen, where the University of Tirana is also located. The National Archaeological Museum of Tirana offers an excellent collection of objects, art and other materials found there from different eras. The Archaeological Museum of Tirana is divided into several museum halls, each covering an era. The museum is filled with some two thousand exhibits consisting of about seventeen thousand objects. http://qsa.edu.al/site/ma/

Dajti Ekspres: One of tirana’s most famous tourist attractions is the Dajti Ekspres. A cable car near the War Museum BUNK’ART takes you to the top of Dajti Mountain in about fifteen minutes. Meanwhile, enjoy amazing views of the Albanian city of Tirana and its mountainous surroundings. Once upstairs, you’ll find yourself in Dajti Mountain National Park. You can visit the Dajti Tower and Dajti Adventure Park, a bite to eat at the ‘Ballkoni Dajtit’ restaurant, take beautiful walks, cycle, climb or paragliding. There is plenty to see and experience. http://dajtiadventurepark.com

Tanner’s Bridge: The eighteenth century Tanner’s Bridge is a pedestrian bridge near the Tanner’s Mosque. At the time, the bridge over the small River Lanë was an important access road to the commercial centre of Tirana. In this part of the district there were many butchers and leather processing companies. After the restoration around 1990, the bridge is only accessible to pedestrians. Other special attractions are located in the immediate vicinity of Tanner’s Bridge, including the Parku 7 Xhuxhat and Muzeu I Besimit amusement park.

Sky Tower: In the lively Blloku district, you can visit Tirana’s Sky Tower. The tower is part of the Sky Hotel which was built in 2000. In addition to the hotel and restaurant, residential apartments and offices are also located here. In the high-rise revolving restaurant you can enjoy an excellent meal, a nice drink and above all a magnificent view of the city of Tirana. http://skyhotel-al.com.

Your destination of today is the city Ohrid in Macedonia. Ohrid is located on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. Ohrid is the 7th largest city in the country and is very notable by the fact that the city once had 365 churches. The city is rich in picturesque houses and monuments and is more than 2,400 years old. The city shows the cultural history of the Republic of Macedonia in miniature.
Ohrid is located southwest of  Skopje  and west of Resen and  Bitola  and is close to the border with Albania. In 1979 and 1980, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid were added as cultural and natural heritage to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Ohrid is one of 28 sites that make up UNESCO World Heritage in terms of both cultural and natural beauty.

Highlights 
Sveti Bogorodica Perivlept church, is a few minutes walk from the city’s ancient theatre. The Sveti Bogorodica Perivlept or Sveti Kliment church is known for its beautiful murals. These murals are so beautiful and special that art historians from all over the world come to this church. The figures depicted have much more depth and expression than you normally see in these types of paintings.

The St. Clemens Monastery is named after saint Clemens of Ohrid. This Bulgarian saint was an important spiritual writer who set up one of the first universities of this region in the monastery. The official name of the monastery is St. Clemens Monastery of St. Paneleimon. According to tradition, the monastery was built when Saint Clemens arrived in Ohrid. In this monastery, Saint Clemens, together with Saint Naum, simplified the Glaglitic script and converted it into Cyrillic script. This is still used in six countries to this day. The monastery of Saint Clemens is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Fort Samuel: At the highest point of the mountain where Ohrid was built are the remains of the Fort Samuel. This fort is over a thousand years old. It was commissioned by Samuel of Bulgaria at the time of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. Eighteen towers, four towers and a few kilometres of city wall have been preserved from the original fort. A large part of the fort is now open to the public. From the various towers and city walls you have a beautiful view of Ohrid and the surrounding area.

Sveti Jovan Kaneo: The Sveti Jovan Kaneo is dedicated to the Apostle John. This beautiful church is probably in the most beautiful place in Ohrid. It is built on the part of the hill that is the most distant in the lake. As a result, the church is surrounded by water in three places. This creates a wonderful effect. The Sveti Jovan Kaneo is one of ohrid’s most photographed sights. With took the pictures that you can take from a higher point are very nice. It is not known exactly how old this church is. It is believed to date back to the thirteenth century, as he has been mentioned on several documents in the fourteenth century. The walk from Ohrid to this church is definitely a must.

The antique Theatre In the middle of the historic centre of Ohrid, an antique Greek theatre was discovered in the early twentieth century. The theatre was probably built in the second century BC. At the time it accommodated about three thousand people. Which was about a third of the total population of Ohrid. In the 1960s the theatre was excavated in its entirety and since then it has played an important role again. Concerts and events are regularly held in the theatre. The theatre, along with a number of other historical sites, is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Bay of Bones: A few kilometres from Ohrid, the open-air museum is the “Bay of Bones”. This lurid name owes the museum to the discovery of a particularly large amount of animal bones in this bay. The museum consists of a number of stilt houses that have been built in the same way as it probably was done in the tenth century BC when the first people settled in this place. In addition to an open-air museum, the “Bay of Bones” is a popular dive site.

Ohrid Boulevard: Something you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Ohrid is a walk along the city’s boulevard. Especially in the evening and early morning this produces beautiful pictures. However, don’t expect a succession of tourist shops, terraces and hotels along the promenade. These are also located on the promenade but not as massively as in the larger tourist resorts on the Mediterranean sea, for example. During your walk along the promenade you will come across the statues of the founders of Cyrillic writing, the monument of the Dutch writer A. Den Dolaard and a small harbour.

Sveti Sophia: The Church of Saint Sophia or the Sveti Sophia is one of the most important monuments in Ohrid and is one of the most important architectural highlights in Macedonia from the Middle Ages. The church was built during the First Bulgarian Kingdom in the ninth century. The frescoes in the church date from the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth centuries and are still in a particularly good condition. On the outside of the building you can clearly see that the church has been adapted several times over the centuries. This rattoe of different architectural styles gives the church its ultimate character.

Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with  stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where our trip ends and we say goodbye to our new friends. You can explore the shopping streets, highlights and the nightlife as you wish. Meals Included Breakfast Included Activities Skopje City Tour

Skopje is the capital of Macedonia. It is also the largest city in the country and in many ways it is also the most important city in the country. Only as a tourist hotspot does Skopje lose it from ohrid much further south. Nevertheless, Skopje is also becoming an increasingly popular city break. When you see what the city has to offer, it’s not so crazy either. Of course it’s not Paris, Barcelona or Prague, but there are still plenty of sights to be found in Skopje to keep yourself busy for a few days. Especially in the old part of the city there are a lot of sights to be found. The most fun part of the city is the Oriental Bazaar. This part of town is filled with nice little shops restaurants and teahouses. Another must is the Macedonia Square. This square is home to a large number of monuments and statues. It is also the largest square in the country.

Highlights
The Stone Bridge: The Stone Bridge is perhaps the most famous edifice in the entire city. This bridge was originally built in the fifteenth century by order of Sultan Mehmed II. The bridge was originally built in the ottoman style typical of that time. The many renovations had slightly influenced the original character of the bridge but due to a recent refurbishment the appearance of the bridge can be seen again. What is remarkable is that the bridge has survived many attacks and natural disasters over the centuries. Macedonian Museum

Macedonian Museum: Near the old market in the City of Stara Carsia is the Macedonian Museum. This museum is an amalgamation of several smaller museums in Skopje. Thanks to this merger, the museum has an impressive complete collection. The collection consists of the former collections of the archaeological museum, the art history museum, the etdicious museum and the natural history museum of Macedonia. The museum stands at the over of the Vardar and can be reached with its own bridge over this river.

Sveti Spas: The Sveti Spas or the Church of the Ascension of Jesus is probably the most beautiful and famous church of Skopje. The church was built in the nineteenth century. In the centuries that followed, several beautiful murals were made. Some of these paintings were only discovered during the last restoration. On the outside there is very little to see of the many splendour seen inside the church. In addition to the murals, the church is also known for its beautiful carvings. In the courtyard of the church stands the tomb of Gotse Deltsjev one of the leaders of the Ilinden uprising. However, he was killed during a demonstration before the uprising.

Fort Kale: Fort Kale is a beautiful historical fortress also known as Fort Skopje. The current fort dates from the sixth century AD but there is evidence that this place was inhabited more than four thousand years before the era. Over the centuries, the fort has been expanded and renovated several times. Most of these changes were made in the tenth and eleventh centuries at the time of Justianus the First. A major earthquake in 1963 severely damaged the fort. The best ways to get the fort to its original condition are still being explored. Part of the fort can be visited nowadays.

Vardar: The River Vardar has been an important economic factor for Skopje for centuries. The city is built on both overs of the Vardar. The two parts are connected by different bridges. The most famous of these is the old stone bridge. The Vardar rises near the town of Gostivar before flowing through Skopje and Greece to the Aegean Sea. The Vardar is also one of the most important rivers in Greece. The football club of Skopje is named after this river.

Oriental Bazaar: Skopje Oriental Bazaar has long been the economic heart of the city. With the growing influence that Skopje had on the Balkans, the bazaar was even one of the most important of the entire Balkans. Even today, the Oriental Bazaar still plays an important role in daily life in Skopje. In the Bazaar there are plenty of bazaar there are plenty of kebab shops and teahouses to be found. There are also a number of museums, bathhouses, mosques and art galleries in the bazaar. In short, if you have not been to the bazaar during your visit in Skopje, you have not been to Skopje.

Mother Theresa: Mother Theresa is probably the most famous resident of Skopje. She was born in 1910 when the city still belonged to the Ottoman Empire. Soon she went to work for the Our Dear Wife of Loreto. A few years later she was sent to Calcutta where she will spend most of her life. For her work in this city she received the Nobel Peace Prize. A few years after her death, she was beatified by Pope John Paul the Second. In Skopje there are several monuments that remind of this special mother. Mother Theresa’s former birthplace has been recreated in a modern version and is now used as a sanctuary with some relics.

Skopje ZOO: The Skopje ZOO is a medium-sized city zoo where about five hundred animals live spread over about a hundred animal species. The zoo first opened its doors in 1926. In this period it was still a small zoo with only a few animal species. In 1965, the grounds of the zoo were significantly enlarged and grew to its current size. There has been a lot to do about the zoo and especially about the living conditions of the animals. Fortunately, there has been a major financial injection recently and more than 90% of the lofts have now been renewed and replaced. These adaptations gave the animals more space and also made the habitat better adapted to the needs of the zoo. Partly due to the recent renovation, the Skopje Zoo is one of the most important attractions of the city.

Macedonia Square: The Macedonia Square is the main square of the Macedonian capital Skopje. The square exudes a special allure. This is mainly due to the beautiful image of a rider on horseback standing in the middle of the square. The Macedonia Square is the largest square in the country with a total area of about 18,500 meters. Virtually all the main streets and the Stone Bridge end up on this square. In the square, next to the statue of a horseman on horseback, there are many other monuments, fountains and statues in the square. The most famous of these are the Pavilion, the King Samuel statue, the Dame Gruev statue and the monument to the barge of Thessaloníki

Holocaust Memorial Center: The Holocaust Memorial Center opened in 2011 to commemorate the more than 7,000 Jews murdered in Skopje and Macedonia during the Holocaust. It is a modern designed center where the latest technological gadgets have been applied to tell the terrible story of the Jews in Macedonia. The center is intended as a memorial to the Holocaust and to ensure that the horrors animal happened are not forgotten. A visit to the Holocaust memorial Center is a special experience.

Today you drive back to Sofia to finalize your tour. Drop off your rental car at the airport before departure of your flight!

We hope that you can look back on an unforgettable and relaxed journey along the highlights of these seven untouched Balkan countries. Our aim is that travellers take the most out of their road trip with the use of our travel app on the smartphone. With our day to day itinerary in the palm of your hand, we make sure you won’t miss out on anything!

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