Itinerary
- Day 1
Vienna to Rust to Bratislava
Your tour leader picks you up at your Vienna hotel and drives through Burgenland's wine region with views over Lake Neusiedl. You'll walk through Rust's old town with its colorful historic architecture, stop at local shops for souvenirs, and have time to check out vineyards and try regional wines. After that, you head to Bratislava for your first night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Burgenland vineyards with Lake Neusiedl views
- Walking tour of Rust's historic old town
Optional Activities
- Shop at local craft shops in Rust for natural material souvenirs
- Visit vineyards overlooking the lake and sample wines
Landmarks/POIs Lake Neusiedl Rust Old Town - Day 2
Bratislava
After breakfast, you explore Bratislava's medieval Old Town and learn about Slovakia's history at the Old Town Hall. Michael's Gate, the only preserved gate from the medieval fortifications, comes next, then you walk up to Bratislava Castle for views over the city and the Danube. Back in the city center, you'll have free time to relax in one of the traditional coffee shops the city is known for.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Bratislava Old Town Hall
- Explore Michael's Gate
- Walk to Bratislava Castle with city views
- City center exploration
Optional Activities
- Visit traditional coffee shops and sample famous Bratislava coffee
Landmarks/POIs Bratislava Old Town Hall Michael's Gate Bratislava Castle - Day 3
Bratislava to Győr to Budapest
You head towards Hungary with a stop in Győr, the 'City of Rivers'. Walking through historic streets, you see the Town Hall with its distinctive 59-meter tower, the Cathedral of The Virgin Mary, and the Győr Synagogue. Later, you walk along Baross Gabor pedestrian street with its cafes and shops, then drive to Budapest for your overnight stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Győr's historic center
- Visit Győr Town Hall
- Visit Cathedral of The Virgin Mary
- Visit Győr Synagogue
Optional Activities
- Taste Hungarian food and blueberry beer along Baross Gabor street
Landmarks/POIs Győr Town Hall Cathedral of The Virgin Mary Győr Synagogue Baross Gabor Street - Day 4
Budapest
Budapest's architecture and famous landmarks are on the agenda. You pass by Saint Stephen's Basilica, stroll along elegant boulevards past the Opera House, Parliament building, and Heroes' Square. Walking through Fisherman's Bastion gives you great city views, then you visit Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your evening is free to explore the city's nightlife and atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Pass by Saint Stephen's Basilica
- Boulevard stroll past Opera House and Parliament building
- Visit Heroes' Square
- Visit Fisherman's Bastion
- Visit Buda Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Optional Activities
- Free evening exploration of Budapest's nightlife
Landmarks/POIs Saint Stephen's Basilica Hungarian Parliament Building Heroes' Square Fisherman's Bastion Buda Castle Danube River - Day 5
Budapest to Subotica
You travel to Subotica in Serbia, a city known for its vibrant colors and Austro-Hungarian architecture. The city center's impressive City Hall is surrounded by parks, fountains, and a huge square. You explore the Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila and the Synagogue, then have free time to wander charming streets and squares, sample local cuisine, and relax with coffee.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Subotica city center and City Hall
- Visit Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila
- Visit Subotica Synagogue
Optional Activities
- Explore Subotica's streets and squares
- Taste local cuisine and wine
- Coffee in Austro-Hungarian style cafes
Landmarks/POIs Subotica City Hall Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila Subotica Synagogue - Day 6
Novi Sad
After breakfast, you explore Novi Sad, the cultural capital of northern Serbia. You see the unique blend of Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman influences in the city's Baroque architecture. Petrovaradin Fortress, also known as 'Gibraltar on the Danube', offers impressive views. Walking through pedestrian streets like Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska gives you a feel for the city before you have free time to explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- City tour of Novi Sad
- Visit Petrovaradin Fortress
Optional Activities
- Walk through pedestrian streets and explore on your own
Landmarks/POIs Petrovaradin Fortress Zmaj Jovina Street Dunavska Street - Day 7
Novi Sad to Sremski Karlovci to Belgrade
You visit Sremski Karlovci, the center of Serbian wine culture and spiritual heart of the region. Learning about wine production traditions at respected cellars happens first, then you explore the Baroque center where every building has its own story. The famous Four Lions fountain and its legend about returning and getting married is worth seeing. Free time lets you taste regional wines with vineyard views before driving to Belgrade.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tour of Sremski Karlovci
- Learn about wine production traditions
Optional Activities
- Taste regional wine specialties with vineyard views
Landmarks/POIs Four Lions Fountain Sremski Karlovci Baroque Center - Day 8
Belgrade to Zvornik to Sarajevo
After breakfast, you visit Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers for city views. You see the Pobednik monument dating back to 1913, then walk through the city center along Knez Mihailova to Republic Square. Later you drive into Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping in Zvornik along the Drina River for lunch and exploration before continuing to Sarajevo.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Belgrade Fortress
- Visit Kalemegdan Park
- Visit Pobednik monument
- Walk through Knez Mihailova and Republic Square
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Zvornik and explore charming streets
Landmarks/POIs Belgrade Fortress Kalemegdan Park Pobednik Monument Knez Mihailova Street Republic Square Zvornik - Day 9
Sarajevo to Mostar
Walking tours of Sarajevo cover the city's origins and medieval Bosnian Kingdom. You visit Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian sections with their markets, bazaars, mosques, churches, and synagogues. The historic Latin Bridge where WWI was triggered comes next. Then you drive to Mostar to visit the iconic Stari Most bridge built in the 16th century in Islamic style, and explore the colorful Old Bazaar. Your afternoon is free to wander this UNESCO site.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Sarajevo's historic sections
- Visit Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian parts of Sarajevo
- Visit Latin Bridge
- Visit Stari Most bridge in Mostar
- Explore Mostar Old Bazaar
Optional Activities
- Explore Sarajevo's markets and bazaars
- Free afternoon exploration of Mostar
Landmarks/POIs Latin Bridge Stari Most Mostar Old Bazaar - Day 10
Mostar to Kotor
You travel to Kotor in Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wandering through narrow cobblestone streets in the old town, laid out chaotically on purpose, you notice old buildings and churches have small plaques showing their construction dates and original uses. You visit Saint Luke's Church, significant to locals as a symbol of unity. Your afternoon is yours to explore this UNESCO site.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Kotor's old town narrow streets
- Visit Saint Luke's Church
Optional Activities
- Free afternoon exploration of Kotor
Landmarks/POIs Kotor Old Town Saint Luke's Church - Day 11
Kotor to Budva to Shkoder
You visit Budva in Montenegro, famous for its beaches and old characteristic buildings. Old Budva with its St. Ivan and St. Mary churches and medieval splendors is explored first. You stop at picturesque Sveti Stefan, a former fishing village on a small island now an exclusive resort worth photographing. Crossing into Albania, you head to Shkoder, one of the oldest Balkan cities. Rozafa Castle offers tremendous views of the lake and three rivers, and you discover the city's Venetian-influenced architecture and handmade Venetian masks.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Old Budva
- Visit St. Ivan and St. Mary churches in Budva
- Visit Rozafa Castle
Optional Activities
- View Sveti Stefan from the coast
- Explore Shkoder's Venetian-influenced architecture
- Learn about handmade Venetian mask production
Landmarks/POIs Old Budva St. Ivan Church St. Mary Church Sveti Stefan Rozafa Castle - Day 12
Shkoder to Farm to Prizren
You visit one of the Balkans' best agro-tourism farms. The tour covers the farm's story of creating jobs for over 400 people and how it collects and preserves regional products using adapted old buildings for storage. Free time allows traditional lunch or shopping for fresh produce. In the afternoon, you continue to Prizren, Kosovo's cultural capital. This medieval city blends history, nature, religious tolerance, and food. You explore filigree metalsmithing shops and visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque, then see the fortress on the hill for panoramic views.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Agro-tourism farm tour and demonstration
Optional Activities
- Traditional lunch at the farm
- Shop fresh local bio products at farm
- Explore Prizren's medieval houses and streets
- Shop at filigree metalsmithing shops
- Visit Sinan Pasha Mosque
- Visit fortress on the hill
- Free afternoon exploration of Prizren
Landmarks/POIs Sinan Pasha Mosque Prizren Fortress - Day 13
Prizren to Gjakova to Monastery of Decan to Prizren
After breakfast, you travel to Gjakova to visit Kosovo's oldest and largest bazaar, rebuilt to its original state. You explore traditional handmade crafts from local artisans and enjoy meals there. The UNESCO-listed Monastery of Decan, where Orthodox monks still live producing fresh organic food including cheeses, comes next with its remarkable 14th-century frescoes. Driving through Rahovec Valley, the capital of viticulture where grapes have been cultivated for 2000 years, you eventually return to Prizren.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Gjakova bazaar
- Visit Monastery of Decan
Optional Activities
- Explore traditional handmade crafts in Gjakova bazaar
- Meal in Gjakova bazaar
- Drive through Rahovec Valley vineyards
- Learn about 2000-year history of viticulture in Rahovec
Landmarks/POIs Gjakova Bazaar Monastery of Decan Rahovec Valley - Day 14
Prizren to Kruja to Tiarna
You travel to Kruja, a historical symbol of Albanian resistance against Ottoman expansion in the 15th century. Located on rocky terrain about 560 meters above sea level, the Medieval Old Bazaar is one of the Balkans' biggest and oldest markets. Walking through narrow streets with wooden houses, you visit Kruja Castle built in the 5th century on a strategic hilltop. Your tour leader shows hidden paths locals used to escape during sieges. Free time lets you have traditional lunch, shop for souvenirs, or admire the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Kruja Medieval Old Bazaar
- Visit Kruja Castle
Optional Activities
- Traditional lunch in Kruja
- Souvenir shopping - carpets, jewelry, handmade items
- Admire the city views
Landmarks/POIs Kruja Medieval Old Bazaar Kruja Castle - Day 15
Tiarna to Tirana
You discover Tirana, Albania's capital, with a local companion on a culinary and cultural exploration. Starting with breakfast like a local, you'll try traditional Byrek at a hidden gem. You browse Çam Bazaar and the New Bazaar, explore hidden alleyways with fresh vegetables and fruits, then taste traditional Albanian lunch like Qofte or vegetarian Gjize. After traditional Albanian coffee with locals, you visit the Bicycle Bazaar for second-hand goods and end at BUNKART, a converted Cold War nuclear bunker now a video museum.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Byrek and coffee like a local), Lunch (Traditional Albanian lunch - Qofte (grilled meatballs) with fresh bread, or vegetarian Gjize (cottage cheese))
Included Activities
- Guided local food tour with companion
- Visit Çam Bazaar
- Visit street markets
- Visit New Bazaar
- Visit BUNKART museum
Optional Activities
- Try traditional Byrek for breakfast
- Shop at Çam Bazaar
- Explore Bicycle Bazaar
- Taste traditional Albanian coffee
Landmarks/POIs Çam Bazaar New Bazaar Bicycle Bazaar BUNKART - Day 16
Tirana to Struga to Ohrid
You depart towards North Macedonia with a brief stop in Struga for a drink by the beautiful source of the Drini River, one of the longest in Western Balkans. Continuing to Ohrid, one of the oldest human settlements in Europe, you visit the Church of St. John viewpoint, the Church of St. Nicolas, and the Halveti Hayati Tekke mosque. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an important center of Orthodoxy with 365 Orthodox churches, one for each day of the year, built on hillsides with unique architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Church of St. John viewpoint
- Visit Church of St. Nicolas
- Visit Halveti Hayati Tekke mosque
Optional Activities
- Quick drink by Drini River source in Struga
- Explore Ohrid's 365 Orthodox churches
- See Ohrid Castle
- Visit Ohrid amphitheater
- Shop for Ohrid pearls from the lake
Landmarks/POIs Church of St. John Church of St. Nicolas Halveti Hayati Tekke Mosque Ohrid Lake - Day 17
Ohrid to St Naum to Tushemisht to Drilon to Berat
You visit St Naum Monastery, situated at the source of River Crni Drim which flows through Lake Ohrid. The monastery complex is part of the National Park Galicica with crystal clear spring water reflecting greenery and mountain peaks. Crossing the border to Albania, you stop at Tushemisht, a hidden gem with natural beauty and cultural heritage. Drilon National Park with its beautiful lake surrounded by greenery and weeping willow trees provides tranquility before you continue to Berat.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit St Naum Monastery
- Visit Drilon National Park
Optional Activities
- Stop in Tushemisht
- Explore Drilon National Park's beauty and tranquility
Landmarks/POIs St Naum Monastery River Crni Drim National Park Galicica Drilon National Park - Day 18
Berat to Gjirokaster
You explore Berat, known as the 'town of 1001 windows', a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through narrow stone streets, you view medieval old houses with windows stacked on top of each other. The city originated in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement, later becoming castle city Antipatrea. Residents still live inside the castle walls today. You see the medieval castle, ancient churches, mosques, the lower town with grand old houses on steep hillsides, an old stone bridge, and museums. Later you continue to Gjirokaster.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Berat's narrow stone streets
- Visit Gorica Neighbourhood
Optional Activities
- Explore Berat's medieval castle
- Visit ancient churches and mosques
- Explore lower town with grand old houses
Landmarks/POIs Berat Old Town Berat Castle Gorica Neighbourhood - Day 19
Gjirokaster
You visit Gjirokaster, also known as 'The Stone City', a UNESCO World Heritage site in Southern Albania. This fortified city resembles a small fortress with each house built like a stronghold. Gjirokaster Castle, built in the 4th century A.D., makes it one of the Balkans' best-preserved medieval towns. Wandering through narrow stone-decorated streets, you see handmade crafts from local artisans and visit one of the best-preserved authentic houses. You pass the medieval bazaar before entering the castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Gjirokaster's old town
- Visit medieval bazaar
- Visit preserved traditional house
- Visit Gjirokaster Castle
Optional Activities
- Shop for handmade crafts from local artisans
- Explore the narrow stone streets
Landmarks/POIs Gjirokaster Old Town Gjirokaster Castle Gjirokaster Medieval Bazaar - Day 20
Gjirokaster to Ioannina to Meteora to Kalabaka
You travel to Ioannina, Greece, known for rich history, cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes. Wandering cobbled streets of the old town, you see Byzantine and Ottoman architectural remains with ancient walls and charming houses. Ioannina Castle from the Byzantine era has a labyrinthine network of narrow streets and historic buildings. You enjoy traditional Greek cuisine in charming cafes, then continue to Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 14th-15th centuries. The spectacular rock formations with monasteries built on top create an impressive sight. Watching the magical sunset hours over Meteora is memorable.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cobbled streets exploration in Ioannina old town
- Visit Ioannina Castle
- Sunset viewing at Meteora
Optional Activities
- Savor traditional Greek cuisine in charming cafes
Landmarks/POIs Ioannina Old Town Ioannina Castle Meteora - Day 21
Kalabaka to Athens or Igoumenitsa
Your final day marks the end of this 21-day adventure through 10 Central European and West Balkan countries. Your tour leader drops you off at your hotel in Athens or at Igoumenitsa Port, where ferry tickets to Corfu are included. You head home with memories of rich history, culture, and experiences from this incredible journey through the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Ferry from Igoumenitsa Port to Corfu (if applicable)
