Balkan Odyssey 2024/2025

Flight to Belgrad

Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting Balkans, starting with the passport and baggage check-in, followed by a flight to the historic city of Belgrade.

Belgrade, with its roots deeply embedded in ancient Greek myths, stands proudly as one of Europe’s oldest cities.

Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of Belgrade’s history and contemporary charm.

Belgrad

Our exploration will commence with a visit to the St. Sava Temple, often referred to as the “Father of the Serbian Nation.”

From the temple, we’ll journey to the city center, witnessing the remnants of the NATO bombings in 1999, including the Parliament building of the former Yugoslavia, now the seat of the Republic of Serbia and the Presidential Palace.

A must-visit in the city is its vibrant heart, featuring attractions such as a leisurely stroll down Prince Michael Street – Belgrade’s main promenade, an authentic Balkan kafana experience at the enigmatically named “?”

We will also venture to the Nikola Tesla Museum, dedicated to the renowned and mysterious Serbian American inventor. Continuing our journey, we’ll head to the Austrian district of Zemun, where we’ll gaze upon the city’s panorama from the Millennium Tower.

The day will conclude in the bohemian quarter of Belgrade, where you’ll immerse yourself in Balkan revelry accompanied by music and wine.

Golubec, Lepenski Vir, Nisz

We will leave Belgrade and head east to the 14th-century Golubac Fortress on the Danube, where the renowned Polish knight, Zawisza Czarny, fell in battle against the Turks.

From there, we will journey to Lepenski Vir, located in one of Serbia’s five national parks. The route follows the border with Romania and is considered one of the most beautiful natural and scenic areas in Serbia.

There, we will explore the archaeological park with a Neolithic site, recognized by researchers as the cradle of the earliest phase of European civilization.

From Lepenski Vir, we will travel to the culinary capital of Serbia, the city of Niš. In Niš, we will savor traditional Serbian cuisine in a local tavern, known as a kafana.

Skopje, Ochryd

Our journey through the Balkans continues as we bid farewell to Belgrade and head east to the 14th-century Golubac Fortress on the banks of the Danube. This historic fortress witnessed the battle where the renowned Polish knight, Zawisza Czarny, fell fighting the Turks.

From Golubac, our route takes us to Lepenski Vir, situated in one of Serbia’s five national parks. Following the border with Romania, this area is recognized as one of the most beautiful and pristine in Serbia, both in terms of nature and landscape.

At Lepenski Vir, we’ll explore the archaeological park with a Neolithic site considered by researchers as the cradle of the earliest European civilization.

After Lepenski Vir, our culinary journey continues to Serbia’s gastronomic capital, Nis. Here, we’ll savor traditional Serbian cuisine in a local tavern (kafana).

the Monastery of St. Naum, Berat.

As our journey continues, we will leave the enchanting landscapes of Lake Ohrid and head towards the 9th-century monastery established by St. Naum, a disciple of the Thessalonian Brothers.

Subsequently, we will cross the border into Albania, making our way to the picturesque “City of a Thousand Windows” and the esteemed capital of Albanian wine and olive oil, Berat.

Our exploration in Berat will encompass key landmarks, including the commanding castle and the Onufri Icon Museum, providing insights into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.

Tirana, Durres

Today, we’ll explore the charming city of Shkodra. This historical city, known for its rich cultural heritage, is situated near the shores of Lake Shkodra.

Our first stop will be at Rozafa Castle, whose ruins stand as a testament to the city’s ancient past. We’ll take a boat trip on Lake Shkodra, immersing ourselves in the scenic beauty surrounding the city.

Later in the day, we’ll visit the hill of Lac, where we’ll explore the church dedicated to Saint Anthony. This serene and picturesque setting offers a glimpse into Albania’s cultural and religious diversity.

We’ll then return to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Old Bar, St. John Vladimir Cathedral, Budva

We will cross the Albanian-Montenegrin border and head to the city of Old Bar. There, we will see the “Montenegrin Pompeii,” the ruins of an unfortunate city destroyed during the 19th-century war for independence from the Ottoman Empire and due to an earthquake.

We will visit the beautiful St. John Vladimir Cathedral, adorned with captivating frescoes, even though it is a work of the 21st century.

Leaving Old Bar, we will drive along the Adriatic coast, observing seaside villages and towns, among which the “Adriatic pearl,” the “hero of Montenegrin postcards” stands out—the entirely built peninsula of Sveti Stefan.

Next, we will head to Budva, the capital of Montenegrin tourism and one of the oldest cities in Europe (according to the legend of its Phoenician founders).

We will discover the baroque charm of the old town, built during the rule of the Republic of Venice.

Njeguszy, Kotor, Perast, Herceg Novi

On this day, prepare to be enchanted as we traverse the breathtaking routes of Lovćen Mountains. A brief stop in the village of Njeguši offers a taste of local meat delicacies and the renowned Montenegrin rakija.

Our journey then leads us to the city of Kotor, where we’ll encounter the symbol of the town, the Romanesque Catholic Church of St. Tryphon, explore the “cat square,” and stroll through the historic streets.

Next on our itinerary is Perast, a town exuding Venetian Baroque charm and renowned for producing exceptional sailors. A boat trip takes us to the artificial island, home to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks.

Later, we’ll visit the charming city of Herceg Novi, known as the “guardian of the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.”

Join us as we uncover the cultural gems and natural wonders of Montenegro, creating lasting memories along the way.

Dubrovnik, Trebinje

Today, we venture to the southernmost reaches of Croatia to explore the city of the former merchant republic – Dubrovnik.

As we stroll through the narrow streets, we’ll try to recognize the locations where scenes from “Game of Thrones” and “Star Wars” were filmed. Departing from Dubrovnik, we head northeast to Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically to the city of Trebinje.

In Trebinje, we’ll witness the Arslangić Bridge and Branković Tower, gaining insights into the significance of “Hercegovina” embedded in the country’s name and why it should not be overlooked. Join us as we unravel the historical and cultural tapestry of these captivating destinations.

Mostar, Sarajewo

In the morning, we bid farewell to Trebinje and head towards the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Along the way, we’ll make a stop in Mostar, where the iconic old bridge over the Neretva River awaits – a favorite spot for romantic couples to capture timeless photographs.

Finally, we’ll reach our last destination on the map – Sarajevo, the capital that seamlessly blends Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences.

It also proudly hosted the Winter Olympic Games in the past. Join us as we explore the rich history and cultural fusion that define this captivating city.

Sarajevo

Today, we’ll take a gondola ride up to Trebević Mountain, offering a magnificent panorama of Sarajevo.

At the Baščaršija Bazaar, we’ll indulge in Sarajevo’s culinary delights, including the famous cevapi. Experience the true cosmopolitan atmosphere of this city, where churches, Orthodox temples, and mosques coexist harmoniously.

We’ll visit the site where World War I began – the bridge where Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Another echo of the war on our journey will be the renowned “Sniper Alley” – the main boulevard of the city.

Departure from Sarajevo

We’ll conclude our Balkan adventure at Sarajevo Airport, where everyone will safely depart for home.

Join us for more exciting journeys with Rek Travel Adventure. Perhaps next time, we’ll explore Malta and Sicily?

Balkan Odyssey 2024/2025