Hidden Balkans: Serbia, Macedonia, Albania & Montenegro

Today’s sightseeing tour introduces you to the main sights of Belgrade. A panoramic drive takes you across Branko’s Bridge through New Belgrade and the Dedinje district, past embassies, villas and the Museum of Yugoslavia, to the Temple of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Continue along King Alexander Boulevard, passing the National Assembly and Slavija Square, before reaching the central pedestrian zone.
On a walking tour, explore Republic Square and lively Knez Mihailova Street, then stop in the city’s oldest tavern, the legendary “?” (Question Mark), to taste Serbian coffee and rakija and hear more about local customs and sljivovica. Afterwards, walk through Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress for views over the confluence of the Sava and Danube, where the city’s old and new faces meet. In the evening, round off the day with a relaxed river cruise and see Belgrade’s bridges, skyline and waterfront from the water as the city lights come on.
Overnight in Belgrade.

After breakfast, leave Belgrade and drive through the rolling landscapes of central Serbia to Manasija Monastery. Surrounded by defensive walls and towers, this 15th-century complex with its Church of the Holy Trinity and frescoes is one of the most important monuments of medieval Serbian culture.
Continue to Resava Cave, one of the oldest and best-known caves in Serbia. A guided walk through its chambers reveals impressive stalactites, stalagmites and stone “curtains” – remember to bring an extra layer for the cooler underground temperatures. Back in the open air, head to Lisine Waterfall, one of Serbia’s highest, where you can enjoy a simple lunch in a peaceful mountain setting.
In the afternoon, travel south to Nis, one of Europe’s oldest cities. Visit the Skull Tower, a striking reminder of resistance during Ottoman times, and see Nis Fortress, then take a short orientation walk in the centre. Check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Nis.

In the morning, visit Mediana, an archaeological site linked to Emperor Constantine the Great, who was born in Nis. The remains of villas, mosaics, and baths offer a glimpse of life in the Roman Balkans and highlight the region's importance in the 4th century.
Continue towards North Macedonia. On the way to Skopje, stop at a local winery in the Vardar Valley, the country’s central wine region, for a short tasting and introduction to Macedonian winemaking.
Arrive in Skopje, a city with two millennia of history. A walking tour takes you through the Old Bazaar beneath Kale Fortress, past historic mosques and hamams, and then across the Stone Bridge to Macedonia Square with its fountains and monuments. See also Porta Macedonia, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa and the many statues and bridges that mark the modern city centre.
In the evening, enjoy free time to relax, stroll along the Vardar River or try traditional Macedonian dishes such as tavce gravce in one of the local restaurants.
Overnight in Skopje.

After breakfast, depart for Prizren, a charming town at the foot of the Sar Mountains. Once a medieval Serbian capital, today it is known for its mix of churches, mosques and Ottoman houses. On a walk through the old centre, you see the Church of Ljeviska (UNESCO), Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Old Stone Bridge, and the fortress above the town.
Continue to Pristina to see both older and newer city landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Blessed Mother Teresa, the National Library, Ottoman-era mosques and the Newborn Monument. Later, visit Gracanica Monastery, another UNESCO-listed site, renowned for its beautiful 14th-century frescoes and peaceful setting. In the late afternoon, return to Skopje by coach. Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Skopje.

After check-out, leave Skopje for nearby Matka Canyon, where steep cliffs rise above a narrow lake. Enjoy a short boat ride across the calm water and take in the dramatic canyon scenery.
Then continue towards Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival, a walking tour introduces the old town, with its churches, traditional houses and lakeside promenades. Learn why Ohrid is often called the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” and appreciate its mix of nature and heritage. After the tour, check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening.
Overnight in  Ohrid.

This morning, drive along the lake shore to the Monastery of Saint Naum, set on a headland above the water. Visit the church and grounds, then take a short boat ride on the Black Drim River, where clear water and lush vegetation create a very tranquil scene.
Cross the border into Albania and continue to Berat, a UNESCO-listed town known as the “city of a thousand windows”. On arrival, explore its historic quarters, with their white houses climbing the hillside, and see landmarks such as the Gorica Bridge and churches and mosques that reflect different periods of the town’s past. Berat is also known for its traditional cuisine, which you can sample in one of the local restaurants during your free evening.
Overnight in Berat.

After breakfast, drive from Berat to Durrës, Albania’s main port on the Adriatic. Take a short walk to see parts of the old city walls and amphitheatre and enjoy the seaside atmosphere along the promenade.
Continue to Tirana, the country’s capital. A city tour focuses on Skanderbeg Square and its surroundings, including the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower and the National History Museum. As you walk through the centre, you will notice the colourful facades and street art that have become a symbol of modern Tirana.
Later, check into your hotel. In the evening, you may wish to visit the Blloku district, once a closed area for the political elite and now a lively quarter full of cafés, bars and restaurants.
Overnight in Tirana.

Leave Tirana and travel to Krujë, a historic hill town associated with national hero Skanderbeg. Visit Krujë Castle and its museum, and enjoy views over the surrounding valleys.
Nearby, stop at a traditional artisan workshop to learn how Albanian felt hats (qeleshe or plis) are made, and then continue to a family-run agrotourism estate. Here you experience a farm-to-table lunch of seasonal dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients and hear more about rural life in Albania. In the afternoon, drive north along the coast into Montenegro to reach Budva, the country’s leading seaside resort. After a short orientation walk in the old town, with its stone streets and churches, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening by the sea.
Overnight in Budva.

Today you explore Boka Bay, often described as one of the most beautiful bays in the Adriatic. Your first stop is Perast, a quiet baroque town on the water’s edge. From here, a short boat ride takes you to Our Lady of the Rocks, a small man-made island with a church known for its paintings and votive silver plaques.
Back in Perast, continue by road to Kotor, a UNESCO-listed medieval town surrounded by impressive walls. On a walking tour, see the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint Luke and the main squares, then enjoy some free time for lunch or further exploration. In the late afternoon, return to Budva for a final evening on the Montenegrin coast.
Overnight in Budva.