Heart of the Balkans

Adventure around the geographical and allegorical heart of the Balkans: Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia & Herzegovina. This trip will take you through three of the most dynamic capital cities in the region — Belgrade, Prishtina and Sarajevo — as well as to some pretty spectacular and unconventional stop offs along the way. Packed with impressive concrete spomeniks, fascinating World War historical sites, Balkan literary legends, stunning national parks and regions your government might think you should reconsider visiting, it is sure to be one of the best introductions you will have to the region – and a journey not soon to be forgotten.

Duration

Duration

8 Nights/9 Days

Physical Activity

Physical Activity

Mild to Moderate

Group Size

Group Size

8-10 people

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Belgrade

The White City

Dynamic, cosmopolitan and the largest capital in the Balkans, Belgrade is where our journey begins. Layered with history, we’ll enjoy all of the city’s main sights as well as a day trip out into Serbia’s slower-paced Vojvodina region.

  • Guided city tour featuring Republic Square, Knez Mihailova, Kalemegdan Fortress, St. Sava Church, Savamala and more
  • Traditional dinner with live music in the old Bohemian quarter of Skadarlija
  • House of Flowers/Josip Broz Tito’s Mausoleum and Museum of Yugoslav History
  • Day trip to Fruška Gora monasteries & traditional farm-to-table lunch at a salaš in Vojvodina
  • Tour the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad

Priština

Europe’s Youngest Capital

Europe’s youngest capital by both the country’s age and population is the perfect place to start our exploration of Kosovo. We’ll base ourselves here for two nights as we explore the newest country in Europe.

  • Guided city tour featuring Emin Gjiku Ethnological Museum, Mehmet Fatih Mosque, National Library, NEWBORN monument, Bill Clinton statue and more
  • Visit to Gračanica Monastery and Ulpiana Archeological Park
  • Battle of Kosovo sights including Gazimestan and the tomb of Sultan Murad

Southern Kosovo

Kosovo's Scenic Route

We’ll dip down for a day into the country’s southern region where we’ll get to know Prizren, Kosovo’s prettiest city and cultural capital.

  • Scenic drive through the Sharri Mountains
  • Lunch in picturesque Prevalla
  • Guided city tour of Prizren featuring Sinan Pasha Mosque, League of Prizren, Stone Bridge, Shadervan, Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš and more
  • Climb Prizren Fortress

Northern Kosovo

For Intrepid Travelers

Off-the-path and traditionally left out of most guidebooks over internal safety concerns, we’ll get a quick introduction to one of the most beautiful and misunderstood areas of Kosovo while making our way north.

  • Guided city tour featuring South Mitrovica, North Mitrovica, St. Demetrius Church and Miner’s Monument
  • Climb Zvečan Fortress
  • Lunch at a traditional restaurant near Zubin Potok
  • Introduction to Zubin Potok and Gazivoda Lake

Western Serbia

Uvac Canyon & Mokra Gora

You’ll be sure to get your nature fix with a couple of nights spent around some of the most scenic spots in Serbia, Uvac Nature Reserve and Mokra Gora (Wet Mountain). 

  • Boat ride in Uvac Canyon
  • Viewpoint over Uvac meanders
  • Lunch with locals under the famed Griffon vultures
  • Emir Kusturica’s Drvengrad cinematic mountain hideaway
  • Ride on the Šargan 8 narrow-gauge railway
  • Bridge on the Drina across the border in Višegrad

Sarajevo

Where East Meets West

We’ll be spending our last two nights in the capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina which faced the longest siege in recent history between 1992 and 1996. Resilient, ambitious and welcoming, you won’t help but fall in love with what is surely one of the most unique capital cities in Europe.

  • Guided city tour featuring Baščaršija, Yellow Bastion, Sarajevo City Hall, Vječna Vatra (eternal flame), Latin Bridge and more
  • Ride up to Trebavić on the newly reopened cable cars
  • Visit the abandoned bobsled track from the ’84 Olympics
  • Tour the Tunnel of Hope from Sarajevo Siege
  • Traditional Bosnian dinner party with live music