| Treasures of the Balkans - Itinerary
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DAY 1 – MON – UK –
BELGRADE
Welcome to the Balkans! According to recent articles, those
in the know are forsaking the crowded beaches of Europe and heading for the necklace of sun-drenched
islands off the coast of Croatia. Well this tour that does exactly that! After your scheduled flight to
Belgrade Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel at 09.00, 12.00 & 15.00hrs.
Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink before dinner. Hotel: Best Western Sumadija. (D) |
DAY
7 – SUN – KORCULA EXCURSIONS
Enjoy a panoramic tour of the island, stopping
to see (and taste) some of the local produce. On your return to the capital you are free to enjoy the
narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town. Tonight
join your Tour Director for a highlight seafood dinner at a local restaurant. (BB,HD |
DAY 2 – TUES – BELGRADE
SIGHTSEEING
Your morning sightseeing
tour with a local guide shows you the city's main attractions:
St Sava Church, the third largest Orthodox Church in Europe,
Terazije Street, the National Museum and National Theatre
in Republic Square. Finish your tour at the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Sava and
Danube Rivers. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner with local live music in a
typical national restaurant in the old bohemian quarter of Skadarlija? (BB) |
DAY
8 – MON – KORCULA SPLIT
After breakfast, head down the sparkling Dalmatian
coast to the historic port of Split. 1700 years ago the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his palace here
and your local guide will lead you through the labyrinth of streets and historical buildings within that
same palace. See St. Duje's one of the oldest cathedrals in the world, the Temple of Jupiter (today, a
baptistery) and the Golden Gate. Hotel: Atrium. (BB) |
DAY
3 – WED – BELGRADE - SARAJEVO
Your route today winds southwards through
the remote villages and spa resorts which nestle in the forested Bosnian mountains. Your destination is
Sarajevo, a city that has attracted its fair share of international attention over the years. In 1914 it was
the site of the assassination that sparked WWI and more recently, it endured the longest siege in modern
military history. On arrival transfer to your hotel and relax before dinner. Hotel: Radon Plaza. (BB,D) |
DAY
9 – TUES – SPLIT - ZAGREB
Today’s route takes you through one of Europe’s natural
wonders – Plitvice National Park; a scenic wonderland of 16 interconnecting lakes flanked by
waterfalls and primeval forest. Continue past Karlovac, an important junction at the confluence of
the Korana and Kupa rivers to Zagreb. Hotel: Westin. (BB,D) |
DAY
4 – THU – SARAJEVO - DIBROVNIK
This morning your city tour shows you the
old town market (Bascarsija) where the city was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century, Gazi
Husrev-beg's Mosque, Olympic Stadium and you visit the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum, revered by
the locals as an inanimate war hero. Now drive through the marvellous gorge of the River Neretva to
Mostar where you can walk across the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), recently reconstructed after
being almost completely destroyed during the war. The cobbled old town stretches on both sides of
the bridge and is filled with shops selling Turkish style souvenirs. Now on to your hotel in Dubrovnik,
beautifully situated alongside the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and pine fresh forest. Hotel: Ariston. (BB,D) |
DAY
10– WED – ZAGREB SIGHTSEEING
Zagreb, Croatia’s proud capital is yours to
discover today. Meet your local guide who unfurls the city’s rich history and culture. See the beautiful
facades of Ban Jelacic Square. Just around the corner lies the Cathedral of the Assumption of the
Virgin Mary, visible from most parts of the city. Now to the medieval core of the Upper Town,
including the Presidential Palace, Stone gate, St Marks Church and Lotrscak Tower. (BB) |
DAY 5 – FRI – DUBROVNIK
SIGHTSEEING
Dubrovnik has to be the most stunning
medieval walled city on the Mediterranean. Your guided sightseeing tour in the old town explores the
stone paved streets inside the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio’s fountain and the Rector’s Palace,
the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The afternoon is at leisure to stroll
with your friends along the ancient city walls. Perhaps conclude the day with a sunset dinner cruise? (BB) |
DAY
11 – THUR – ZAGREB - UK
Bid farewell to your new found friends. After breakfast,
complimentary transfers arrive Zagreb Airport at 06.00 & 08.00hrs. (BB) |
DAY
6 – SAT – DUBROVNIC - KORCULA
After breakfast drive along the beautiful
southern slopes of the Peljesac peninsula. Stop amid the age-old vines to see how wine is produced
and enjoy a taste. Now take the short ferry crossing to Korcula, an island of exceptional grace, history
and culture. Upon arrival, explore Korcula town with its ramparts and well known legends. Your
walking tour takes you to the Cathedral, the town museum and the Bishop’s Palace. The locals also
claim Marco Polo was born here and you see his ruined house next. Hotel: Marco Polo. (BB,D) |
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