Depart the USA on overnight flight to Bucharest, Romania.
Upon Arrival in Bucharest, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Bucharest.
In the morning we will have a panoramic tour of the Romanian capital city, which includes: the Parliament Palace- the world's largest civilian administrative building, Romanian Athenaeum, the Royal Palace, Arch of Triumph and Victoriei Square. Then we will proceed to Peles Castle- the former summer residence of King Carol I of Romania, dating from 1875-83 and built in neo-renaissance German style. In the evening we will arrive in Sinaia- the old summer residence of the kings of Romania. Overnight in Sinaia.
Today we will leave for Brasov- the most visited city in Transylvania. It is located almost in the center of the country and surrounded with the Carpathian Mountains. We will visit the Black Church, first Romanian school, Schei neighborhood and St. Nicholas church. Later we will head to explore Bran Castle, also called Dracula's Castle. Overnight in Sibiu.
This day will be dedicated to Sibiu- one of the most important cultural centers of Romania, designated as European Capital of Culture for 2007. The old city of Sibiu was ranked as Europe's 8th most idyllic place to live by Forbes. Here we will visit the upper and lower town, the churches square, Liars' Bridge, the fortifications. Later we will proceed to the town of Deva. Overnight in Deva.
In the morning we will depart to Serbia. Upon arrival, after checking in at the hotel, we will start afternoon city tour of Belgrade, which is at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Exploration of the town will include the Kalemegdan archaeological and historical park, as well as the heart of this ancient city. You will admire the architectural diversity of the old town and stroll through the bohemian Skadarlija quarter. Overnight in Belgrade.
Today we will drive north via 16th century Krusedol Monastery to picturesque Sremski Karlovci with its Baroque Four Lions Fountain, fine Cathedral and wine cellars, on to massive Petrovaradin Fortress- often referred to as the ‘Gibraltar on the Danube’ with its huge defenses, clock tower and subterranean galleries and then to Novi Sad, which is termed as the ‘most westerly city in eastern Europe’ and ‘the most easterly city in western Europe’ such is its diverse mix of peoples. Overnight in Belgrade.
In the morning we will leave for Sarajevo – the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, famous for its traditional religious diversity, due to which it has often been called the "Jerusalem of Europe". When we arrive we will explore the city, including Bascarsija, Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque and Tunnel War Museum. Overnight in Sarajevo.
Today we will drive into another new country Croatia with a stop en route in Banja Luka – the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, popular for its nature and spas. Upon arrival in Zagreb we will take you to the hotel, and you will have free evening at leisure. Overnight in Zagreb.
Before departing to Slovenia we will have a morning walking-tour of Zagreb with local guide, which includes: the fortified Upper Town, the city’s historical center and the market, St. Mark’s Church with its multicolored tiled roof, the Cathedral, the Croatian National Theatre and the University.
Then we will proceed to Ljubljana - the small picturesque capital city of Slovenia, and tour to see the Town Square, St. Nicolas Cathedral, the Dragons' bridge and Ljubljana Castle. Overnight in Ljubljana.
We will have a morning visit to Lipica Stud Farm, founded in the 15th century; it is the cradle of the Lipizzaner horse. It is regarded as a jewel among the cultural and historical monuments of the Republic of Slovenia. Later we will head to Bled, known for the glacial Lake Bled – romantic spot surrounded by snow-tipped mountains. Perched on a rock overlooking the lake is the iconic Bled Castle. Overnight in Bled.
Today we will visit one of the major visitors' attractions in southwestern Slovenia - the Postojna Cave - 5.3 km of the caves are open to the public, the longest publicly accessible depth of any cave system in the world. We will also visit the picturesque Predjama Castle, dating from the 16th century and built in the mouth of another Karst cave. Then proceed towards the Croatian Adriatic coast to get to Rijeka. Overnight in Rijeka.
On the way to Split we will have a dramatic drive along the Adriatic coast with stops en route to enjoy wonderful picturesque coastline of small islands, peninsulas and fishermen settlements. We will possibly have some free time in Rijeka to stroll along the pedestrianized Korzo, the city's main shopping area, the real landmark here is the City Tower or in Zadar. Overnight in Split.
Morning tour of Split will take us to the Diocletian’s Palace which is on the UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage Sites, with the Peristyle, the Jupiter’s Temple and the Cathedral. Later we will continue driving along the Adriatic coast to Dubrovnik. Upon Arrival we will check in at the hotel and you will have free evening at leisure. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
We will have a morning sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, which is included in UNESCO’s List of World Cultural Heritage Sites. We will visit the Franciscan Monastery with Europe’s third oldest pharmacy, the Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. You will have free afternoon for own discoveries. Overnight in Dubrovnik.
Our first stop this morning will be at Kotor UNESCO site - the town has its original appearance from the 14th century. Here we will see the St. Tryphon Cathedral, the Church of St. Nikola, the Kotor fortifications, the medieval architecture. Then we will head to Budva - the heart of the Montenegrin Riviera. On the way we will see the most beautiful part of the Montenegrin coast - Boka Bay.
Before leaving Montenegro for Albania we will visit Podgorica – the capital city of Montenegro with mixture of architectural styles, reflecting its turbulent history. The city is located just 15 km from the largest lake on the Balkans – Skadar, which is declared National Park in Montenegro. If interested – pass by Durres before arrival in Tirana. The city is important port in Albania and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Overnight in Tirana.
In the morning we will have a sightseeing tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, including Skanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower and the Mosque of Ethem Bey. Then trip to Kruja, a medieval town near Tirana, on the slope of a mountain. We will make a visit to the castle of the city, housing the Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic museum. In the late afternoon we will depart for Ohrid, driving via Elbasan. Overnight in Ohrid.
We will have a full day in the lakeside resort of Ohrid, classified as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage site, have a visit to Tsar Samoil's Fortress in the Old town, Church of St. Sofia (11th century), the most eminent medieval monument in Macedonia with magnificent Byzantine frescoes and Church of St. John at Kaneo, high above the lake. In the afternoon we will have a short drive to St. Naum Monastery, built on the shores of Ohrid Lake in 900 AD. Overnight in Ohrid.
Today we will proceed north for a short stop at Skopje – the capital city of Macedonia and then we continue to Prishtina the capital of Kosovo. In the evening we will arrive in Bulgaria and stay at a family-run hotel in Rila Mountain national park, near Rila Monastery. Overnight at a family-run hotel.
In the morning we will visit Rila Monastery - UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest monastery in Bulgaria, then proceed to Plovdiv – the second largest Bulgarian city, once the capital of Philip II of Macedonia – the father of Alexander the Great. We will also visit the Old Plovdiv architectural reserve with the Roman amphitheatre, the Ethnographic Museum or Hindlian House, St. Konstantin and Elena Church. Dinner at a 5* restaurant, built on the remains of Roman fortification walls and famous as the only Dervish centre on the Balkans from the period of the Ottoman Empire. Overnight in Plovdiv.
Today we will visit Kazanluk – the centre of the Valley of Roses, where once 75% of the world rose attar was produced. We will also sightsee some Thracian heritage sites from the 5th-3rd century BC, and then proceed via Shipka memorial peak, crossing the highest part of the Balkan mountains to Veliko Turnovo – the Medieval capital city of Bulgaria, picturesquely located on 4 hills above Yantra river. Once we are there we will go to Tsarevets Royal Hill with Baldwin tower ( the leader of the 4th Crusade ), Samovodska Charshia street of crafts. Evening walk in Arbanassi museum village. Overnight in Veliko Turnovo.
Today we will depart to Sofia – the capital city of Bulgaria. Upon arrival, we will check in at the hotel first, and then have a city tour of Sofia, which Constantine the Great once called 'My Rome'. Sightseeing includes: Alexander Nevski Cathedral, VI century St. Sofia basilica, the Parliament square, IV century St. George rotunda, the Presidency and the ruins of Ancient Serdica. Overnight in Sofia.
Departure for the USA.
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