Europe Explorer Grand Tour "Dardania Route"
Overview
Europe Explorer Grand Tour “Dardania Route'' is the best possibility for travelers looking for a special experience of Central and North-East Balkans’ culture, nature, history, traditions, multi-ethnicity, multi-religion, etc. It is a tailor made program, carefully constructed, trying to optimize all “must see'' places for Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia and Kosova. We have intentionally named ‘Dardania Route’ as it has been the main and only way to connect the west part of Europe (Rome) to Durres - Illyrian (Balkan) Peninsula with the Central Balkans via Dardania to Naissus to other inland corridors. This tour is a real mosaic of Balkan multicultural world as the crossroad of all East-West Europe and Mediterranean civilizations.
Important Places to be Visited: Tirana, Lezhe, Shkoder, Podgorica, Niksic, Brod, Sarajevo, Balaton, Budapest, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Nis, Pristine, Prizren, and Durres.
Important Places to be Visited: Tirana, Lezhe, Shkoder, Podgorica, Niksic, Brod, Sarajevo, Balaton, Budapest, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Nis, Pristine, Prizren, and Durres.
Inclusions
- Hotel: Accommodation 3* hotels on double occupancy in good locations of respective cities/places.
- Transportation: Air Conditioned modern van/minibus/bus and other transportation listed in itinerary.
- Breakfast: Daily breakfast. All other meals not listed are at your expense.
- English speaking tour leader/manager
- Accommodation included: 14 nights
What to expect
Itinerary
Day 1: Tirane - Lezhe - Podgorica. (162 km, 2 h 50 min).
Stop At: Lezhe, Lezhe, Lezhe County
After breakfast in the hotel in Tirana, we head to Lezha, one of Albania’s most important ancient Illyrian city states of Albania’s history, and also famous for the war and resistance against the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum Mausoleum at St. Nicholas Cathedral, ancient city wall, atc.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Podgorica, Podgorica, Podgorica Municipality
Then continue to Podgorica via Shkoder. Continue to Montenegro’s capital Podgorica, where we visit the Old Town and show you the most important historical monuments and buildings in town: Doganjska Mosque from 15th century, Skaline (“the stairs”) is probably one of the most historic and picturesque site of Podgorica. It is a place perfectly described as peaceful, quiet and in the middle of the city, Republic Square, St.George church form 11th of century, Millenium Bridge, Russian Bridge, Vladimir Vysotsky Monument, Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ (Orthodox Church), Roman Square, King Nikola's Castle from 19th century and Clock Tower (Sahat Kula) from 17th century.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Podgorica, hotel Kerber 3*, or similar.
Day 2: Niksic - Zabljak (Durmitor National Park). (125 km, 2 h 25 min).
Stop At: Niksic, Niksic, Niksic Municipality
Then continue to Niksic. There are many places worth seeing in the center of Niksic: the Central Square of Liberty, the Royal Palace of King Nikola I Petrović Njegos containing the museum, the Church of St. Basil of Ostrog, who was built in the 19th century in Montenegrin heroes, who gave their lives for the freedom of the country. Near the center there are old Turkish city walls and Hadji-Smajil's mosque.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Zabljak, Zabljak, Durmitor National Park, Zabljak Municipality
Then continue to Zabljak. Durmitor National Park. This breathtaking national park was formed by glaciers and is traversed by rivers and underground streams. Along the Tara river canyon, which has the deepest gorges in Europe, the dense pine forests are interspersed with clear lakes and harbour a wide range of endemic flora.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Durmitor National Park, Durmitor National Park, Zabljak Municipality
We will visit Black Lake. (Black Lake is the best known, and at the same time largest of 18 glacial lakes in The Durmitor National Park. More than 3 km long, the walking path around the lake is the most popular for hiking and recreation.)
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accomodation to hotel (Zlatni bor 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 3: Sarajevo. (215 km, 3 h 55 min).
Stop At: Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Departure to Sarajevo. Cross the border to Bosnia-Herzegovina and have a break at Brod where we enjoy the amazing Drina River valley and surrounding green mountains.
Then travel to Sarajevo. roceed for tour to visit Vrelo Bosne – spring of river Bosnia, Tunnel Museum – the only means of going in and out during the siege of Sarajevo in last war - Walking tour of old town Bascarsija, Latin Bridge, place where the Austro Hungarian Archduke was assassinated, what triggered the 1st World War; Brusa Bezistan – covered market place; Gazi Husref Bey's Mosque- built in 1530 year during the Ottoman era – and Gazi Husref Bey Madras; Morica Han built in 1551 ; Vijecnica – town hall for the Austro-Hungarian era - Lunch at the local restaurant.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accomodation to hotel (Boss 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 4: Tuzla. (119 km, 2 h 15 min).
Stop At: Tuzla, Tuzla, Tuzla Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
After breakfast continue to Tuzla. Tuzla, town, northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated in the Tuzla Basin. Tuzla has long been associated with local deposits of rock salt. In the 10th century it was called Soli (Salts), and its present name is from the Turkish tuz, “salt.” Large quantities of lignite are mined in the basin, and there is a mining institute in the town. Its good rail and road connections make Tuzla a collection point for agricultural produce. It is also the site of thermal-power stations. Visit main square, Turalibegova Dzamija, Tuzla Massacre Memorial - Kapija.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accomodation to hotel (Almira 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 5: Osijek (Croatia). (189 km, 2 h 30 min).
Stop At: Osijek, Osijek, Osijek-Baranja County, Slavonia
After breakfast, continue to Osijek. After arriving, we will have a city tour. The main tourism route will first take you to Tvrđa, a fortified part of the city from the 18th century that hides interesting stories and legends such as those of the general Stephan von Beckers who built the city walls to defend the city from the Ottoman Empire. There you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the most valuable examples of Baroque architecture in Croatia, such as the statue of Holy Trinity. Passing through the large parks and gardens of King Tomislav you will come to the Art Nouveau district with monumental buildings such as the Postal Palace. Parallel road to the main square takes you along the Drava river and walking down the promenade will take you to the St. Peter and Paul Con-Cathedral. Completed in 1898 it's the second highest church in Croatia and with its 90 meter high tower it's the tallest building in Osijek today.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Osijek, Hotel Silver, or similar.
Day 6: Szekszard (Hungary) - Veszprem Balaton Lake. (216 km, 3 h 15 min).
Stop At: Lake Balaton, Lake Balaton
After breakfast continue to Balaton. Lake Balaton is a freshwater lake in western Hungary. It’s a major holiday destination with beaches, volcanic hills, resort towns and high-rise hotels along its 197km shoreline. The hilly north shore is a wine-growing region, with protected wetlands and hiking trails at Balaton Uplands National Park. The town of Veszprém has a walled Castle district, and 13th-century frescoes at the Gizella Chapel. Veszprém, also known as the ‘City of Queens’, is one of Hungary’s hidden treasures. With its winding streets, steep inclines and many romantic corners, it has the feeling of an enchanted town. Also, Lake Balaton and the hills of Bakony are within striking distance for an excursion.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Balaton, Hotel Danubius Anabella, or similar.
Day 7: Budapest. (116 km, 1 h 15 min).
Stop At: Budapest, Budapest, Central Hungary
Budapest. After breakfast we will continue to Budapest. This tour gives you a global view of the city. During the walk you will get a comprehensive knowledge on the history, culture, architecture of the city from the Roman period to the present days. The tour is based on visiting the main sights of the capital: the Saint Stephen Cathedral, the Hungarian Parliament, the famous Andrássy avenue, the Jewish quarter or the Castle District.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Budapest, Eurostar Danube Hotel or similar.
Day 8: Novi Sad. (292 km, 2 h 55 min).
Stop At: Novi Pazar, Novi Pazar, Central Serbia
In the morning we continue to Fruska Gora, a mountain that rises up from the Vojvodina plains in the north of Serbia. Fruska Gora was proclaimed a National Park in 1960. The higher sections of Fruska Gora consist of thick forests, whereas the lower valleys of the mountain contain orchards and centuries-old vineyards. It hides 16 orthodox monasteries famous for their specific architecture. We will visit the most important ones such as Krusedol, Vrdnik, Grgeteg, Beocin and Novo Hopovo. In the afternoon we will continue to Novi Sad – the capital of the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Novi Pazar, Hotel Dragulj or similar.
Day 9: Belgrade. (94 km, 1 h 10 min).
Stop At: Belgrade, Belgrade
Today we will travel to Serbia and Belgrade, arriving in the late afternoon. Belgrade is one of the largest cities in the Balkans, and is an intriguing mix of the traditional and the modern, with its museums, galleries and lively nightlife. Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and one of Europe’s oldest cities. Located where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet, it has also traditionally been a crossroads of East and West. It was also the capital of the former Yugoslavia and is generally considered the centre of historical and modern-day political activity. The architecture is very varied from the old city centre to the modern buildings of New Belgrade. We will explore Belgrade today, taking in the temple of St Sava, the parliament buildings and Republic Square. We then head to Kalemegdan Fortress, the oldest part of Belgrade, where we explore on foot. This afternoon you will have some free time to explore the city on your own.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Belgrade (Capital Hotel Garni or similar).
Day 10: Novi Pazar. (276 km 3h 40 min).
Stop At: Novi Pazar, Novi Pazar, Central Serbia
After breakfast, we will depart for Novi Pazar. Novi Pazar is a city located in the Raška District of southwestern Serbia. This town due to its historical background is a cultural synthesis of Orient and Occident. Here you can hear the church bells playing chords to the muezzin’s call to prayer from one of four dozen mosques in the city. Novi Pazar has always been a hub of cultures, tolerance and peace. This town has great tourist capacity for all ages. It is one of the youngest towns in Europe. Young environment promises vibrant experience and breath-taking adrenaline pumped adventures on the hills surrounding the city. As the Ottomans took over the area, Novi Pazar became one of the most important markets on the road to Istanbul. Many monuments like Turkish baths, mosques and fortifications stand today as the representatives of that time.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Novi Pazar, Hotel Dragulj or similar.
Day 11: Stari Ras (UNESCO) - Peja (Kosovo). (133 km, 3h 05 min).
Stop At: Stari Ras and Sopocani, Novi Pazar Serbia
After breakfast continue to visit Stari Ras fortress (UNESCO) and Sopotami Monastery. The mediaeval town of Ras is 11 km west of Novi Pazar and stands on a hill known as Gradina. It is thought to have been founded during the reign of John II Komnenos (1118-1143). There are three archaeological sites within the old Ras complex: the fortress on Gradina, the cave together with the monastery of the Archangel Michael beneath the fortification and the settlement of Pazarište (formerly Trgovište), the buildings of which evidence an urbanised structure.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Pec, Pec
. Then continue to Peje via Rozaje at the Montenegro border crossing point. Peja lies at the foot of the gigantic Damned Mountains (Bjeshket e Nemuna), on the river Bistrica and the entrance of the Rugova Gorge. Peja is the main economic and cultural center of northern Dukagjin and one of the best known tourist resorts of the region. City tour where we will visit the Tahir Beu Palace and Jashar Pasha house, architecture of the Turkish period. The Sheremet Tower, although built during the Turkish rule, in fact is a true type of an Albanian Dukagjin tower, a stone house with small windows resembling rifle loopholes. In the center of the town is the Old Carshia with shops of various craftsmen and the attractive Bajrakli mosque built in the 15th century ranks among the older structures of Ottoman architecture.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Peja. Semitronix Hotel or similar.
Day 12: Decani Monastery (UNESCO) - Gjakova. (144 km, 2h 55 min).
Stop At: Gjakova, Gjakova
On the way to Gjakova we stop and visit the Monastery of Decani. We will visit Decani Orthodox Monastery, located alongside the Lumbardhi river .The monastery was built between 1327 and 1335 by the Serbian king St. Stephen of Deçan. Afterward, continue to Junik, where we will visit the characteristic houses called “Kulla”. The Junik Ode is infamous for being an important institution exercising the customary right as instructed by the ancient “Kanuni i Leke Dukagjini” – “The code of Leke Dukagjini” which goes back to Illyrian time of more than 3500 years before. The reeve of the village was the chair of the Junik Ode. In the architectural front, the Junik Ode is a typical Dukagjinian tower, encompassing fortification elements. Afterward, continue to Gjakova. Visit the Gjakova Clock Tower, which marks the center of the Old Bazaar. We then will visit the 16th century Mosque of “Hadum Aga, ” a traditional house for a tea break. We also will visit the 16th century inn of “Hani i Haraçisë, ”
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Gjakova. Carshia e Jupave Hotel or similar.
Day 13: Koman Lake (Albania) - Shkoder. (167 km 2h 15 min, +2.5 hrs boat trip).
Stop At: Koman, Koman, Shkoder County
After breakfast we will cross the border to Albania to continue the journey to Shkoder via Koman Lake. The 2 hour trip on Lake Komani was called “One of the Great Boat Trips of the World” by the Bradt Guide, and certainly the scenery is stunning. The Drin River was flooded along part of its most mountainous passage to create the lakes in this region. The journey takes you along glassy clear water, twisting and turning through narrow passes and past silent mountain peaks.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Shkoder, Shkoder, Shkoder County
Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and was once the capital of Illyria before it was conquered by Rome (year 168 BC). It is also considered the “Florence of the Balkans” due to its cultural inheritance and richness. We visit its old bazaar, cathedral and mosque before heading to Rozafa castle for spectacular views of the city, lake and the surrounding mountains.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Shkoder, Hotel Tradita or similar.
Day 14: Kruje-Tirane
Stop At: Kruje, Kruje, Durres County
After breakfast, we will depart for Kruje. We will visit the medieval city of Kruja (visit the castle and the impressive Skanderbeg Museum, Ethnographical Museum and shopping in Old Bazaar, mosques from the time of the ottomans time.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
Then we will continue to Tirana, Albania’s capital. We will visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites. Overnight in your hotel.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Tirana.
Day 1: Tirane - Lezhe - Podgorica. (162 km, 2 h 50 min).
Stop At: Lezhe, Lezhe, Lezhe County
After breakfast in the hotel in Tirana, we head to Lezha, one of Albania’s most important ancient Illyrian city states of Albania’s history, and also famous for the war and resistance against the Ottomans. Visit the Skanderbeg Museum Mausoleum at St. Nicholas Cathedral, ancient city wall, atc.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Podgorica, Podgorica, Podgorica Municipality
Then continue to Podgorica via Shkoder. Continue to Montenegro’s capital Podgorica, where we visit the Old Town and show you the most important historical monuments and buildings in town: Doganjska Mosque from 15th century, Skaline (“the stairs”) is probably one of the most historic and picturesque site of Podgorica. It is a place perfectly described as peaceful, quiet and in the middle of the city, Republic Square, St.George church form 11th of century, Millenium Bridge, Russian Bridge, Vladimir Vysotsky Monument, Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ (Orthodox Church), Roman Square, King Nikola's Castle from 19th century and Clock Tower (Sahat Kula) from 17th century.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Podgorica, hotel Kerber 3*, or similar.
Day 2: Niksic - Zabljak (Durmitor National Park). (125 km, 2 h 25 min).
Stop At: Niksic, Niksic, Niksic Municipality
Then continue to Niksic. There are many places worth seeing in the center of Niksic: the Central Square of Liberty, the Royal Palace of King Nikola I Petrović Njegos containing the museum, the Church of St. Basil of Ostrog, who was built in the 19th century in Montenegrin heroes, who gave their lives for the freedom of the country. Near the center there are old Turkish city walls and Hadji-Smajil's mosque.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Zabljak, Zabljak, Durmitor National Park, Zabljak Municipality
Then continue to Zabljak. Durmitor National Park. This breathtaking national park was formed by glaciers and is traversed by rivers and underground streams. Along the Tara river canyon, which has the deepest gorges in Europe, the dense pine forests are interspersed with clear lakes and harbour a wide range of endemic flora.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Durmitor National Park, Durmitor National Park, Zabljak Municipality
We will visit Black Lake. (Black Lake is the best known, and at the same time largest of 18 glacial lakes in The Durmitor National Park. More than 3 km long, the walking path around the lake is the most popular for hiking and recreation.)
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accomodation to hotel (Zlatni bor 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 3: Sarajevo. (215 km, 3 h 55 min).
Stop At: Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Departure to Sarajevo. Cross the border to Bosnia-Herzegovina and have a break at Brod where we enjoy the amazing Drina River valley and surrounding green mountains.
Then travel to Sarajevo. roceed for tour to visit Vrelo Bosne – spring of river Bosnia, Tunnel Museum – the only means of going in and out during the siege of Sarajevo in last war - Walking tour of old town Bascarsija, Latin Bridge, place where the Austro Hungarian Archduke was assassinated, what triggered the 1st World War; Brusa Bezistan – covered market place; Gazi Husref Bey's Mosque- built in 1530 year during the Ottoman era – and Gazi Husref Bey Madras; Morica Han built in 1551 ; Vijecnica – town hall for the Austro-Hungarian era - Lunch at the local restaurant.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accomodation to hotel (Boss 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 4: Tuzla. (119 km, 2 h 15 min).
Stop At: Tuzla, Tuzla, Tuzla Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
After breakfast continue to Tuzla. Tuzla, town, northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated in the Tuzla Basin. Tuzla has long been associated with local deposits of rock salt. In the 10th century it was called Soli (Salts), and its present name is from the Turkish tuz, “salt.” Large quantities of lignite are mined in the basin, and there is a mining institute in the town. Its good rail and road connections make Tuzla a collection point for agricultural produce. It is also the site of thermal-power stations. Visit main square, Turalibegova Dzamija, Tuzla Massacre Memorial - Kapija.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accomodation to hotel (Almira 3*, or similar) and overnight.
Day 5: Osijek (Croatia). (189 km, 2 h 30 min).
Stop At: Osijek, Osijek, Osijek-Baranja County, Slavonia
After breakfast, continue to Osijek. After arriving, we will have a city tour. The main tourism route will first take you to Tvrđa, a fortified part of the city from the 18th century that hides interesting stories and legends such as those of the general Stephan von Beckers who built the city walls to defend the city from the Ottoman Empire. There you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the most valuable examples of Baroque architecture in Croatia, such as the statue of Holy Trinity. Passing through the large parks and gardens of King Tomislav you will come to the Art Nouveau district with monumental buildings such as the Postal Palace. Parallel road to the main square takes you along the Drava river and walking down the promenade will take you to the St. Peter and Paul Con-Cathedral. Completed in 1898 it's the second highest church in Croatia and with its 90 meter high tower it's the tallest building in Osijek today.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Osijek, Hotel Silver, or similar.
Day 6: Szekszard (Hungary) - Veszprem Balaton Lake. (216 km, 3 h 15 min).
Stop At: Lake Balaton, Lake Balaton
After breakfast continue to Balaton. Lake Balaton is a freshwater lake in western Hungary. It’s a major holiday destination with beaches, volcanic hills, resort towns and high-rise hotels along its 197km shoreline. The hilly north shore is a wine-growing region, with protected wetlands and hiking trails at Balaton Uplands National Park. The town of Veszprém has a walled Castle district, and 13th-century frescoes at the Gizella Chapel. Veszprém, also known as the ‘City of Queens’, is one of Hungary’s hidden treasures. With its winding streets, steep inclines and many romantic corners, it has the feeling of an enchanted town. Also, Lake Balaton and the hills of Bakony are within striking distance for an excursion.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Balaton, Hotel Danubius Anabella, or similar.
Day 7: Budapest. (116 km, 1 h 15 min).
Stop At: Budapest, Budapest, Central Hungary
Budapest. After breakfast we will continue to Budapest. This tour gives you a global view of the city. During the walk you will get a comprehensive knowledge on the history, culture, architecture of the city from the Roman period to the present days. The tour is based on visiting the main sights of the capital: the Saint Stephen Cathedral, the Hungarian Parliament, the famous Andrássy avenue, the Jewish quarter or the Castle District.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Budapest, Eurostar Danube Hotel or similar.
Day 8: Novi Sad. (292 km, 2 h 55 min).
Stop At: Novi Pazar, Novi Pazar, Central Serbia
In the morning we continue to Fruska Gora, a mountain that rises up from the Vojvodina plains in the north of Serbia. Fruska Gora was proclaimed a National Park in 1960. The higher sections of Fruska Gora consist of thick forests, whereas the lower valleys of the mountain contain orchards and centuries-old vineyards. It hides 16 orthodox monasteries famous for their specific architecture. We will visit the most important ones such as Krusedol, Vrdnik, Grgeteg, Beocin and Novo Hopovo. In the afternoon we will continue to Novi Sad – the capital of the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Novi Pazar, Hotel Dragulj or similar.
Day 9: Belgrade. (94 km, 1 h 10 min).
Stop At: Belgrade, Belgrade
Today we will travel to Serbia and Belgrade, arriving in the late afternoon. Belgrade is one of the largest cities in the Balkans, and is an intriguing mix of the traditional and the modern, with its museums, galleries and lively nightlife. Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and one of Europe’s oldest cities. Located where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet, it has also traditionally been a crossroads of East and West. It was also the capital of the former Yugoslavia and is generally considered the centre of historical and modern-day political activity. The architecture is very varied from the old city centre to the modern buildings of New Belgrade. We will explore Belgrade today, taking in the temple of St Sava, the parliament buildings and Republic Square. We then head to Kalemegdan Fortress, the oldest part of Belgrade, where we explore on foot. This afternoon you will have some free time to explore the city on your own.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Belgrade (Capital Hotel Garni or similar).
Day 10: Novi Pazar. (276 km 3h 40 min).
Stop At: Novi Pazar, Novi Pazar, Central Serbia
After breakfast, we will depart for Novi Pazar. Novi Pazar is a city located in the Raška District of southwestern Serbia. This town due to its historical background is a cultural synthesis of Orient and Occident. Here you can hear the church bells playing chords to the muezzin’s call to prayer from one of four dozen mosques in the city. Novi Pazar has always been a hub of cultures, tolerance and peace. This town has great tourist capacity for all ages. It is one of the youngest towns in Europe. Young environment promises vibrant experience and breath-taking adrenaline pumped adventures on the hills surrounding the city. As the Ottomans took over the area, Novi Pazar became one of the most important markets on the road to Istanbul. Many monuments like Turkish baths, mosques and fortifications stand today as the representatives of that time.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Novi Pazar, Hotel Dragulj or similar.
Day 11: Stari Ras (UNESCO) - Peja (Kosovo). (133 km, 3h 05 min).
Stop At: Stari Ras and Sopocani, Novi Pazar Serbia
After breakfast continue to visit Stari Ras fortress (UNESCO) and Sopotami Monastery. The mediaeval town of Ras is 11 km west of Novi Pazar and stands on a hill known as Gradina. It is thought to have been founded during the reign of John II Komnenos (1118-1143). There are three archaeological sites within the old Ras complex: the fortress on Gradina, the cave together with the monastery of the Archangel Michael beneath the fortification and the settlement of Pazarište (formerly Trgovište), the buildings of which evidence an urbanised structure.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Pec, Pec
. Then continue to Peje via Rozaje at the Montenegro border crossing point. Peja lies at the foot of the gigantic Damned Mountains (Bjeshket e Nemuna), on the river Bistrica and the entrance of the Rugova Gorge. Peja is the main economic and cultural center of northern Dukagjin and one of the best known tourist resorts of the region. City tour where we will visit the Tahir Beu Palace and Jashar Pasha house, architecture of the Turkish period. The Sheremet Tower, although built during the Turkish rule, in fact is a true type of an Albanian Dukagjin tower, a stone house with small windows resembling rifle loopholes. In the center of the town is the Old Carshia with shops of various craftsmen and the attractive Bajrakli mosque built in the 15th century ranks among the older structures of Ottoman architecture.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Peja. Semitronix Hotel or similar.
Day 12: Decani Monastery (UNESCO) - Gjakova. (144 km, 2h 55 min).
Stop At: Gjakova, Gjakova
On the way to Gjakova we stop and visit the Monastery of Decani. We will visit Decani Orthodox Monastery, located alongside the Lumbardhi river .The monastery was built between 1327 and 1335 by the Serbian king St. Stephen of Deçan. Afterward, continue to Junik, where we will visit the characteristic houses called “Kulla”. The Junik Ode is infamous for being an important institution exercising the customary right as instructed by the ancient “Kanuni i Leke Dukagjini” – “The code of Leke Dukagjini” which goes back to Illyrian time of more than 3500 years before. The reeve of the village was the chair of the Junik Ode. In the architectural front, the Junik Ode is a typical Dukagjinian tower, encompassing fortification elements. Afterward, continue to Gjakova. Visit the Gjakova Clock Tower, which marks the center of the Old Bazaar. We then will visit the 16th century Mosque of “Hadum Aga, ” a traditional house for a tea break. We also will visit the 16th century inn of “Hani i Haraçisë, ”
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Gjakova. Carshia e Jupave Hotel or similar.
Day 13: Koman Lake (Albania) - Shkoder. (167 km 2h 15 min, +2.5 hrs boat trip).
Stop At: Koman, Koman, Shkoder County
After breakfast we will cross the border to Albania to continue the journey to Shkoder via Koman Lake. The 2 hour trip on Lake Komani was called “One of the Great Boat Trips of the World” by the Bradt Guide, and certainly the scenery is stunning. The Drin River was flooded along part of its most mountainous passage to create the lakes in this region. The journey takes you along glassy clear water, twisting and turning through narrow passes and past silent mountain peaks.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Shkoder, Shkoder, Shkoder County
Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and was once the capital of Illyria before it was conquered by Rome (year 168 BC). It is also considered the “Florence of the Balkans” due to its cultural inheritance and richness. We visit its old bazaar, cathedral and mosque before heading to Rozafa castle for spectacular views of the city, lake and the surrounding mountains.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Shkoder, Hotel Tradita or similar.
Day 14: Kruje-Tirane
Stop At: Kruje, Kruje, Durres County
After breakfast, we will depart for Kruje. We will visit the medieval city of Kruja (visit the castle and the impressive Skanderbeg Museum, Ethnographical Museum and shopping in Old Bazaar, mosques from the time of the ottomans time.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
Then we will continue to Tirana, Albania’s capital. We will visit Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, one of the oldest buildings in Tirana, and the Archaeological Museum among other sites. Overnight in your hotel.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Tirana.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.