Small Group 2021

036 Zagreb Mosque with the Clock tower, the monument to Mother Teresa and other monuments of the city. Rest of the day free at leisure. Day 11, Wednesday, to Elbasan and Ohrid Today, we travel along the old ‘Egnatica’ road to Elbasan to visit the Castle . We continue to Struga, famous for being the place where you can see the Black Drin river flowing out of Lake Ohrid. Then we continue to Ohrid, the city that has its place on the UNESCO list for its natural, cultural and historical values. Day 12, Thursday, to Skopje In the morning, we visit Ohrid, also known as "the Jerusalem of the Balkans" with its 365 churches. A town of vast history and heritage was honored as UNESCO heritage site in 1980. Nestled between high mountains up to 2,800 m and Lake Ohrid, it is not only a place of historic significance but also of outstanding natural beauty, it is the jewel in North Macedonia's crown. Continue to Skopje where we take a walking tour of the North Macedonian capital city upon arrival. Skopje has been occupied by many different peoples since its foundation. However, the group that left the greatest mark was the Ottomans. The Ottomans ruled North Macedonia for hundreds of years and built a large number of mosques and other buildings. The visit of Skopje includes the Mother Teresa Memorial House , dedicated to the humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa. Day 13, Friday, to Sofia Today, we travel to Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, where you will have free time upon arrival. Day 14, Saturday, in Sofia Today, we enjoy a complete tour of the city of Sofia. Among others, the most emblematic places are the Alexander Nevski Cathedral that dominates the city, the Church of Saint George, considered the best-preserved Byzantine church, the Russian Church of Saint Nicholas, the Banya Bashi mosque and the ruins of the ancient Serdica. In the afternoon, travel to the Rila Mountains to visit one of the most famous places in Bulgaria - the Rila Monastery . This monastery is a sanctuary of Bulgarian literature and spiritual life. Founded in the middle of the 10th century by San Iván de Rila, it played a key role in preserving Bulgarian culture and the language for centuries. After visiting the monastery church with its impressive fresco paintings, return to Sofia. Day 15, Sunday, to Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo Leaving Sofia behind, we head toward the second largest city in Bulgaria - Plovdiv. This is a city with an ancient history. During our city tour we will see the Roman Forum and the stadium, as well as the Roman amphitheater. We will walk through the cobbled streets of the small and ancient city surrounded by houses and beautiful churches. After the visit we will cross the Balkan Mountains through the historic Shipka Pass, which played a key role in the Russian-Turkish War for the Liberation of Bulgaria. Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo - the medieval capital of Bulgaria. Day 16, Monday, to Arbanassi and Baile Govora In the morning, panoramic visit of the city of Veliko Tarnovo with a walk to Tsarevets , where the kings of Bulgaria once lived. We will walk along the oldest street in the city called Samovodska Charshia. We will proceed to Arbanassi, a small village in Bulgaria located 4 km from Veliko Tarnovo, known for its interesting architecture. In the SGK 340 The Great Balkan Adventure from Zagreb FROM ZAGREB TO BUCHAREST (VIA ALBANIA AND BULGARIA) 24 days including Zagreb, Plitvice, Split, Korčula, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Budva, Shkoder, Tirana, Elbasan, Ohrid, Skopje, Sofia, Rila, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi, Baile Govora, Cozia, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Targu Mures, Bucovina Painted Monasteries, Brasov, Bran, Sinaia and Bucharest Day 1, Sunday, arrival to Zagreb Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Day 2, Monday, in Zagreb This morning enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral , Parliament, and the Government Palace. The rest of the day is free to explore the winding streets of the Old Town. Day 3, Tuesday, to Plitvice and Split Travel to spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park . Have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around several of the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. Then we continue our journey to Split. Day 4, Wednesday, in Split Enjoy a city tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace , a UNESCOWorld Cultural Heritage site. Finally, see the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. Day 5, Thursday, to Korčula Today we head to the island of Korčula. Upon arrival free time to enjoy this beautiful island. Day 6, Friday, to Dubrovnik The beautiful medieval town Korčula has streets arranged in the shape of a fish bone, which ensures the flow of fresh air and protects from strong winds. According to legend, the famous adventurer Marco Polo was born here. After the visit, head to Dubrovnik. Day 7, Saturday, in Dubrovnik Start the day with a walking tour of Old Dubrovnik this morning. Visit the Rector's Palace , and see the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column and Sponza Palace. Next, see the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy , one of the oldest in the world. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore on your own, enjoy the picturesque setting, shop or simply relax. Day 8, Sunday, to Kotor and Budva First travel to the Bay of Kotor, the deepest fjord in Southern Europe and stop in the city of Kotor to visit this beautiful town. Stroll the Weapons Square and admire the city bulwarks before continuing the journey to Budva. The Budva riviera is the center of Montenegrin tourism, known for its well preserved medieval walled city, sandy beaches and diverse nightlife. Budva is 2,500 years old, which makes it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. Day 9, Monday, to Shkoder and Tirana Following the Montenegrin coast and its spectacular landscapes we enter Albania and visit Shkoder, a cultural center and one of the oldest cities in Albania. The city tour includes a visit to the Mosque , views of the Rozafa castle, as well as other points of interest in the city. In the afternoon the trip will take us to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Day 10, Tuesday, in Tirana The panoramic city tour of Albania’s capital includes views of 'The Albanians' - the mosaic in front of the Museum of National History, the Statue of Skanderbeg in Skanderbeg Square, the 'Et'hem'