THE BALKAN: THE DISCOVERY OF THE BEAUTY OF THE BALKAN – 8D7N
5 COUNTRIES : MACEDONIA – MONTENEGRO – CROATIA – BOSNIA – CROATIA
DAY 01 : Arrival Skopje
Arrival Skopje International Airport
10:00 am : Panoramically city tour in Skopje
Square of Macedonia, Stone Bridge, Statue of Alexander, Castle Of Skopje, Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Murat Pasha Mosque, Yahya Pasha Mosque , House of Mother Theresa , Ristik’s Palace. Square of Macedonia which is the largest and the main one in Skopje, spreading on 18.500 square m. It is famous for the Vardar River crossing by and numerous monuments and statues inside of it. Including many pedestrian streets and shops. Statue of Alexander statue is dedicated to the classical hero Alexander the Great and constructed in 2011.It surveys the capital from the vantage point of Plostad Macedonia, Skopje’s central square. At 22 m. the statue dwarfs its surroundings. Stone Bridge is located on the main square and its link to the Old Pazar/ Ottoman architecture legacy part. The bridge is 214 m long and 6 m wide and from its point it can be taken the perfect view on entire square, Ristic Palace and giant monuments. Mother Terasa Monumental Home, is dedicated to the humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa and is located in her hometown Skopje, in Macedonia, where she lived from 1910 to 1928. The memorial house was built on the popular Macedonia Street in the Center municipality, on the very location of the once Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, where Mother Teresa was baptized. Castle of Skopje commonly referred to as Kale is the all wall construction which wraps up the city and gives the best view on the city. In the historical context, the fortress’s foundations has been there since the Neolith, Bronze, Byzantine, Serbian Tcar Dušan rule over the city and inevitable Ottoman concurred times. Nowadays visitors can spot the Macedonian flag mangling which is another proof of the Natioanl Pride of th country, including the statues of the National Heroes. Mustafa Pasha Mosque stands in the vicinity of the Skopje Fortress. Built by Mustafa Pasha in 1492 during the Golden Age of Ottoman Empire.This mosque is known as one of the most sacral in the Balkans. Once entire complex for all religious services such as Madrasa, Caravansarai, Imaret (charity institution), now it serves only as a mosque with remained tombstone of Umi , who was daughter of Mustafa Pasha. The height of minaret is 47 meters and it’s made out of limestone material.
12:00 pm : Lunch will be in local restaurant
14:00 pm : free time
17:00 pm : Transfer hotel and check in
19:30 pm : Dinner will be in local restaurant
21:30 pm : Accommodation in the hotel
DAY 02 : Skopje – Ohrid
Breakfast in the hotel
09:00 am : Departure for Ohrid
12:00 pm : Arrival Ohrid and lunch in local restaurant
14:00 pm : panoramically city tour in Ohrid
City tour by walking; Cinar Square, Ottoman Homes and Mosques, Ohrid Lake, Amphitheater, Aya sofija Church will be visited. Cinar Square is the famous for its 900 old Cinar tree or a plane tree which is held up by a combination of padded boards and a soda stand. It is epicentrum of Ohrid city which contains many restaurant, churches and similar culture monuments. The Church of St. Sophia was built in the center of Ohrid’s old town, upon the foundations of an old Christian structure. During Tsar Samuel’s reign (976-1 OU) it served as the cathedral temple of the Church that had a patriarchal status. The building was reconstructed in the time of the Ohrid Archbishop Leo (1037-1056), when its broad stone dome and marble altar screen were built. The latter is among the oldest in the Eastern Christian world. The statue of Ciril and Methodius was constructed in honor of these two brothers who were Byzantine Christian theologians and Christian missionaries. Through their work they influenced the cultural development of all Slavs, for which they received the title “Apostles to the Slavs”.
Ohrid Lake is the deepest lake of the Balkans and in Europe with a maximum depth of 288 m and half of it belongs to Macedonia-the rest half to Albania. It if famous for preserving a unique aquatic ecosystem that is of worldwide importance, with more than 200 endemic species. The importance of the lake was further emphasized when it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979 and when, in 2010, NASA decided to name one of Titan’s lakes after Lake Ohrid. Amphitheatre or Ancient theatre of Ohrid of the Hellenistic period is located in Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia. It was built in 200 BC and is the only Hellenistic-type theatre in the country as the other three in Scupi, Stobi and Heraklea Lynkestis are from Roman times. During Roman times, the theater was also used for gladiator fights. Kuloglu Mosque or Nişancı Mehmed Kuloglu ıs 18th c mosque in Ohrid which’s style accompanies the same like the one present in the mosques made during the Ottoman empire in the Balkans.
17:00 pm : free time in Ottoman Bazaar for shopping.
18:00 pm : Transfer hotel for check in and resting
20:00 pm : Dinner will be in local restaurant
22:00 pm : Accommodation in the hotel
DAY 03 : Ohrid – Tirana – Budva
Breakfast in the hotel
08:00 am : Departure for Tirana
11:00 am : Arrival Tirana and panoramically city tour in Tirana
During the city tour the following landmarks will be seen: Iskender Bey Square, Ethem Bey Mosque, Opera Building, and Ministries Buildings… Iskender Bag Square is the main plaza in the city which is dominated by the statue of the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbegu. The total area is about 40.000 square metres. The square was built by Austrians and during the Italian invasion of Albania, the city plan for Tirana was designed by Florestano Di Fausto and Armando Brasini in a Neo- Renaissance style with articulate angular solutions and giant order fascias. Additionally, this is the place at which are situated the major educational, economic and cultural institutions. Ethem Beg Mosque is an 18th- century mosque located in the center of Tirana. After being closes due to the communist rule, the mosque has had reopened as a house of worship in 1991 without permission from the autohorities. As for its looks, decorations outside and in the portico depict trees, waterfalls and bridges – motifs rarely seen in islamic art. Teatri Kombëtar– the State Theater is the largest contrie’s theatre and the head of the artistic development. Located at the Skenderbeg Square, the Opera and Ballet belongs to a network of opera and ballet houses in central and Eastern Europe.
12:00 pm : Lunch in local restaurant
13:30 pm : Departure for Budva
18:00 pm : Arrival Budva and panoramically city tour in Budva
As a part of the city tour the following landmarks will be visited: The Old Town, The Citadell, Ballet Dancer Statue, Saint Ivan Church, and Church of the Holy Trinity, Old Olive Tree and Budva Walls, Museum of Budva, Santa Maria in Punta Church.
About the city: Budvanska rivijera has developed around a small peninsula. There are 35 beaches in Budva. The city is mostly dominated by Russian and Serbian tourists, vivid summer festivals and it belongs to the yu
Old Town is one of the oldest settlements in Europe.Archeological studies suggest that Illyrians were settled before Greek colonization of the Adriatic
Santa Maria in Punta Church A second popular Orthodox church in Old Town which dates back to 840.
Church of the Holy Trinity constructed after the downfall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, after which Austrian Empire allowed based on requests of the orthodox population in Budva. The Citadell is situated on the southern tip of the city. Originally known as Castle of St Mary, fortification was continually rebuilt and expanded through Middle Ages, reaching its final form during the Austro-Hungarian rule. St. Ivan Church according to the oral narrative it was first built in 7th century. The church features several objects of cultural and historical values and among its numerous old icons, the most notable is one of the Virgin Mary with Christ called the Madonna in Punta. The Ballet Dancer Statue is on the way to the famous Mogren beach placed on the rocky rock standing proudly and facing the Old Town. This statue is unofficial symbol of Budva.
20:00 pm : Transfer to hotel and check in
20:30 pm : dinner will be in the hotel
DAY 04 : Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik
Breakfast in the hotel
09:00 am : Departure for Kotor
10:00 am : Arrival to Kotor and panoramic city tour in Kotor
During the city tour; Shame wall, Orthodox Square, Major Building, tourism school, Weapon Square will be visited) About the city: A UNESCO WHS according to some other data, Kotor is 2 millenniums old, and its name stems from the word Dekatera-from the old Greece Katareo-meaning Hot). The rich History of Kotor, is parallel to the rich culture of the town with which many conquerors ruled: the Illyrians, The Venetians, The Austrians and the French. The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period. It is located on the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea. While entering the city first visit the St. John fortress which is situated above the bulwarks of the Kotor’s old, starts with the serpentines from the east part of the Old Kotor, which go to the very top of the fortress on 280 m above sea level. City Walls Kotor is surrounded by massive well-preserved walls that served as city’s last defense system. Measuring almost 5 kilometers in length, were built between 9th and 18th centuries.
11:00 am : free time in Old Town
12:00 pm : Departure for Dubrovnik
14:00 pm : Arrival Dubrovnik and panoramically city tour
During the city tour; Stradun Square, Orlando sculpture, The Palace of Rector, The oldest pharmacy of the Europe, Time Tower, War Museum, and Francis Monastery will be visited. Stradun Square, or Placa is the main street of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The limestone- paved pedestrian street runs some 300 meters through the Old Town, the historic part of the city surrounded by the Walls of Dubrovnik. Orlando sculpture, the column, erected in 1418, features armored Knight Orlando who according to the legend, helped the people of old Dubrovnik (Ragusa) defeat invaders in the middle ages and therefore helped Dubrovnik to remain a free trade city-state. Rector`s Palace, is a palace in the city of Dubrovnik that used to serve as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa between the 14th century and 1808. It was also the seat of the Minor Council and the state administration. Oldest pharmacy of the Europe, originally opened in 1317, the old pharmacy has been in operation for over 700 years. Interested visitors can take a walk through the monastery during the summer time only. Time Tower, is based on two bronze figures, the bell strikers, popular, zelenci, (green twins) are locally called Maro and Baro. The best time to be at Stradun and enjoy the pleasant and well-known tune of Tower`s shimming antique bells is very day at the Noon. War Museum, the museum of Croatian War for Independence is located on the ground floor of the Imperial fort on Srđ Mountain. The museum has four themes: the fall of the Dubrovnik Republic and history of the Fort Imperial, the Serbian-Montenegrins aggression in 1991, days of victory-the liberation actions of the Croatian Army, suffering of the people, civilian buildings and cultural monuments.
16:00 pm : free time in Old Town
19:00 pm : Transfer to hotel and check in
20:00 pm : Dinner will be in the hotel
DAY 05 : Dubrovnik – Mostar – Sarajevo
Breakfast in the hotel
09:00 am : Departure for Mostar
11:30 pm : Arrival Mostar and panoramically city tour
During the city tour; Catholic Cathedral, Old Town, Koski Mehmet Pasa Mosque, Karagozbey Mosque, Mostar Bridge, Ottoman Hammams, Homes and War Museum will be visited.The Old Bridge Introduction: originally in Bosnian, Stari Most, is symbol of the city, and BIH. Built in 16th century by the order of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. With its arched shape, 29 meters total length, the bridge is enscribed in to the UNESCO`s list. Old Bazar Kujundžiluk an Ottoman- era market that maintains its original atmosphere thanks to cobblestone roads, narrow streets lined with artisan shops, and Turkish ornamentation. Colorful houses made of heavy stone and wood are charming part of the city. Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque, is 16th century mosque located on the bank of the river Neretva and 150 meters distanced from the Old Bridge area. Crooked Bridge (Kriva Ćuprija) is another ancient bridge which`s date of construction and the constructer are unknown. By going through destruction during the war in 1993 and reconstructed in the year 2001. Herzegovina Museum, the building constructed during te Austrian-Hungarian period is an example of m mixture of architectural between the Austrian-style dwelling and Oriental Residency. War Photo Exhibition, this collection of around 50 powerful wartime photos is displayed in the western tower guarding Stari Most, above the Bridge Diver`s Clubhouse.
Lunch will be in local restaurant
14:30 pm : Departure for Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia
16:30 pm : Arrival Sarajevo and panoramically city tour
Upon arrival to Sarajevo city tour with; Begova Mosque, Catholic Cathedral, Synagogue, Orthodox Church, Fire of Freedom, Sebil, Old Bazaar… Gazi Husrev -bey Mosque is a 16th century structure located in the main pedestrian Sarači street with a beautiful courtyard and it is the largest historical mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the most representative Ottoman structures in the Balkans. Baščaršija Square in the epicentral of Sarajevo built by the order of Mehmed Pasha Kukavica in 1753. It was relocated by Austrian architect Alexander Wittek in 1891. Sarajevo City Hall, known as Vijećnica is the structure facing the local river Neretva and on the outside of the Baščaršija Square. It was designed in 1891 in the pseudo Maurish style by the Czech architect Karel Parik. By finishing The City Hall proceed to the Franz Ferdinand Museum and assassination spot, and hear the story of the event and the Museum from its external part: FF Museum is one of the most sophisticated museums in Sarajevo in terms of its installation technology and the story behind the museum. The museum exhibits the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sofia by the Gavrilo Princip. Cathedral of Sacred Jesus heart: This is a largest catholic cathedral located in Austrian architecture part of the city. It is the largest cathedral in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This holy structure is functional for the prayer services for the local believers and tourists as well. The building was damaged during the Siege of Sarajevo after which went under the reconstruction. Upon this walking by Eternal Flame a memorial to the military and civilian victims of all Yugoslavian nationalities and religions who were fighting against the fascism during the Second World War in Sarajevo. The memorial was dedicated to the date 6th April 1946.
19:00 pm : Transfer to hotel for check in
20:00 pm : Dinner will be in traditional restaurant
22:00 pm : Accommodation in the hotel
DAY 06 : Sarajevo – Travnik – Plivsko – Bihac
Breakfast in the hotel
08:00 am : Departure to Travnik which was the capital city of Bosnian Area during the Ottoman Empire
09:30 am : upon arrival, visit Castle of Travnik, Ivo Andric’s Museum, Blue Water, Sulejmanije Mosque
11:00 am : afterwards, departure for Jajce
Upon arrival to Jajce, visit Jajce Waterfall and Plivsko Lake
Have a boat trip on Plivsko Lake
12:30 pm : Lunch will be in local restaurant
14:00 pm : later departure to Bihac
18:00 pm : Arrival to Bihac, take a walk in Bihac streets,
20:00 pm : Transfer to hotel, dinner and accommodation
DAY 07 : Bihac – Plitvice – Zagreb
08:00 am : Breakfast in the hotel
08:30 am : Departure to Plitvice Lakes
10:00 am : Arrival to Plitvice Lakes and visit Plitvice National Park
Plitvice National Park is one of the oldest National Park of the Europe and it is the largest National Park of the Croatia with 16 lakes.
13:00 pm : Lunch in Plitvice in local restaurant
14:30 pm : after lunch trip to Rastoke
15:15 pm : Arrival to Rastoke and visit Rastoke National Park
Rastoke is the historic center of the Croatian municipality of Slunj, known for the Slunjčica River, which flows into the river Korana at Rastoke. At Rastoke, similar natural phenomena are occurring as at the Plitvice Lakes. Rastoke is sometimes known as “the Small Lakes of Plitvice”, and is connected to the Plitvice Lakes by the Korana River. Rastoke is a place of autochthonous ecologic and ethnographic significance due to its symbiosis of natural and civilizational features.
17:00 pm : after free time, proceed to Zagreb
19:00 pm : upon arrival to Zagreb, transfer to hotel dinner and accommodation
DAY 08 : Zagreb
08:00 am : Breakfast in the hotel
09:00 am : panoramically city tour in Zagreb
During the city tour; Dolac Bazaar, St. Mark Church, Stone Gate, Pope’s Tower, Ban Josip Jelacic Square, Lotrseak Church, Mirogoj Park Cemetery will be visited
12:00 pm : after city tour, lunch in local restaurant
13:30 pm : free time for shopping
17:00 pm : later, transfer to airport and end of our Perfect Tour.
PRICE:
HOTEL:
| COUNTRY | CITY | HOTEL NAME |
|---|---|---|
| Macedonia | Skopje | Hotel New Star – 5 Star |
| Macedonia | Ohrid | Hotel Belvedere – 4 Star |
| Montenegro | Budva | Hotel Adria – 4 Star |
| Croatia | Dubrovnik | Hotel Adria – 4 Star |
| Bosnia | Sarajevo | Hotel Radon Plaza – 5 Star |
| Bosnia | Bihac | Hotel Emporium – 4 Star |
| Croatia | Zagreb | Hotel Aristos – 4 Star |
Package Includes:
- Hotel based on twin/triple room
- Breakfast at hotel
- All transfers
- Entrance tickets to tourist attractions unless stated otherwise
- English speaking guide
- All city taxes
- Meals as per itinerary
Package Excludes:
- Return air tickets and relevant taxes.
- Other meals not included in the program
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tipping to guide/driver
remarks:
- The coach will be same from 1st day until the last day
- SETRA – TRAVEGO – NEOPLAN 2016 – 2018; 47 – 49 seats coach will be used for 15 – 40 pax
- MERCEDES SPRINTER 2017; 21 seats coach will be used for 6 – 15 pax
- Local meals will be provided as 3 – 4 course menu
- Asian meals will be provided as 6 course menu
- No reservation in hotels yet. After confirmation all rooms will be booked. In the case of non-availability in mentioned hotelm then similar hotel will be provided after getting agent confirmation.
- Children Policy:
- 0-2 years old FOC
- 2-8 years old with bed 50% discount
- 2-8 years old without bed 70% discount
- 8-11 years old with bed 25% discount
- Price quoted exclude peak season surcharge
ISI BORANG TEMPAHAN
HUBUNGI KAMI
