13 DAYS 12 NIGHTS SERBIA - BULGARIA - MACEDONIA - ALBANIA - MONTENEGRO – CROATIA

  Arrival at the airport in Belgrade.Meet, assist and transfer to the hotel.

  Sightseeing tour of Belgrade including Kalemegdan Fortress , Republic Square, Knez Mihajlova street; downtown city parks, Nikola Tesla Museum, Saint Sava Temple, and Tito’s Memorial.

  Departure to Bulgaria. Tour of the Rila Monastery,which is one of the biggest spiritual and cultural monuments in Bulgaria. It has been rebuilt many times after a number of destructions.The first impression, which the Rila Monastery leaves to visitors is that it resembles a fortress. It is the largest monastery on the Balkans and is included in the World Cultural Heritage List. The tour of the monastery includes a visit to the Monastery Church. In the Monastery’s museum you will see the famous wood carved Raphael’s cross. Monk Raphael made the cross for 12 years and has carved on it 140 biblical scenes and 1500 human figures, none larger than a grain of rice. In the afternoon continue to Sofia.

  Full day sightseeing tour including Alexander Nevski Memorial Church, St.George Rotunda, St. Nedelya Square and St. Nedelya Church, St. Petka of the Saddlers, the Synagogue, the Central Baths,the Mosque, the President's Office, Alexander Battenberg Square, the National Theatre, the former Royal Palace, the Russian Church, St. Sophia Church and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.

  Departure to Skopje. Half day sightseeing tour, including the Main Square, Mosque, Old Town and the Fortress of Kale. Continue to Ohrid. Enjoy the wonderful view of Ohrid Lake. Free time for leisure or a shopping tour to the local Bazaars.

  Departure to Tirana - the capital of Albania.Sightseeing tour including Skender Bey Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey and the National Museum, full of historical findings and artefacts.

  Departure for the picturesque town of Kruja. During the 15th century it was the center of Albanian resistance against Ottoman Turks. Visit the Museum named after Skederbeg, a national hero of Albania who leaded the riots against the Ottoman Turks. The street leading up to the castle is built in the style of a Turkish bazaar. Departure to Shkoder, in Illyrian times known as Scodra, one of the oldest cities in Europe and the traditional centre of the Gheg culture. Shkodra is full of historic monuments, including the old Illyrian Rozafa Castle and Mesi Bridge. Departure to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Continue to Lake Skadar and the Montenegrin coast. Arrival in Budva, the most popular tourist resort on the Montenegrin riviera. The old part of the town is filled with narrow streets and stone buildings placed around the main cathedral. This area is a popular tourist place offering many shops and restaurants. Budva also has several popular beaches and hotels.

  Departure to Cetinje, a town founded in 1482 by Ivan Crnojevic. He was the last ruler of the medieval country of Zeta and built a palace and church here. For a long period of time Cetinje has been a central town in Montenegro. Here you will be able to visit the royal palace of King Nikola II, the last King of Montenegro which houses a beautiful museum and the Monastery of St. Peter. You will visit also the World Heritage Site of Kotar - a town museum which was inhabited from the times of the Illyrians and the Romans. Walking through the city will take you back to medieval times, as most of the monuments are from the 14th to 18th century. Visit also the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, St. Luka Church, St. Mihail Church. In the late afternoon continue to Dubrovnik, a popular Croatian resort ,which is often called the “pearl'' of the Adriatic.

  Full day sightseeing tour, including a panoramic ride on the town's newly refurbished "Sky Gondola’. Next you will proceed to explore the town with a walking tour of "Old Dubrovnik" including the Rector's Palace, Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column and the Sponza Palace. You will also see the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy.

  Departure to Split. Arrival and a half day guided tour, including a visit to the Diocletian Palace, Old Town, the Cathedral, Temple of Jupiter, etc. The rest of the day is free for more sightseeing or shopping.
 
  Day 11
  SPLIT - PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK (273km/4h) - ZAGREB (139km3h)
  Departure to Plitvice National Park which is found near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is the most popular Croatian national park and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. This wonderful park is filled with beatiful lakes,waterfalls,forests,caves, flowers and it is also inhabited by many animal species.Guided tour: Plitvice National Park + boat ride. Continue to Zagreb and overnight.
 
  Day 12
  ZAGREB
  Half day sightseeing tour of the city including Upper Town, the city's historical center. Visit St. Mark's Church, Cathedral, the Croatian National Theatre and the University. Free afternoon for leisure and shopping.
 
  Day 13
  ZAGREB
  Transfer to Zagreb airport for your final departure.