ILLYRIA (BALKAN) EXPLORER – PURPLE ROUTE

After breakfast in the hotel in Tirana, we head to Lezha city. In the ancient period was called Lis (one of the most important Illyrian city states founded more than 1000 years BC, where according to a latest thesis it could possible be the famous Troyan city of Ilion (as everything is in synchrony with the Iliad poem description of battle field and participants)). Visit to Mausoleum of Scanderbeg (Albanian National Hero). Then continue to Shkoder. Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and was once the capital of the Illyria before got conquered by Rome (year 168 BC). It is also considered the “Florece 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. 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. 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 is an old Turkish city walls and Hadji-Smajil's mosque. Overnight in Niksic. 

Cross the border to Bosnia-Herzegovina and travel to Mostar, where we explore on a walking tour through the old town. Mostar is situated on River Neretva and the center of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Federation. Old Bridge which is the oldest single arch stone bridge is built in 16th century and it was one of the biggest monuments of Ottoman Architecture at Balkans. In the 90's the bridge was hit and destroyed. And in 2004, the reconstruction of the Old Bridge was finished and there was a grand opening which was held in Mostar. Nowadays, all people who come to Balkans never leave Balkans without visiting Mostar, especially Old Bridge. At Old Bazaar of Mostar, souvenirs and a lot of different symbols about Mostar can be found, and enjoying your drink while watching Old Bridge and lovely flowing Neretva River are extremely recommended. Then we head to Banja Luka, where we enjoy the amazing surrounding nature of Bosnia-Herzegovina. After arrival in Banja Luka, city tour, where we visit Kastel Fortress, Ferhadija Mosque, Safikada’s grave (the temple of love), etc. Overnight in Banja Luka. 

After breakfast, continue to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. After arrival walking tour, where you will see all the highlights of the city including the Green Horseshoe of Zagreb, the Cathedral, the historical Upper Town and the Museum of Broken Relationships. In addition to hearing about history and the hidden gems of the city, you can also enjoy a snack and a cup of coffee at Zagreb 360° Observation Deck. Overnight in Zagreb. 

After breakfast, continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia is one of its top 3 attractions, and it is a perfect base to enjoy any day trips in Slovenia. Explore its medieval old town and the old Roman ruins, admire the river banks and bridges of the Ljubljanica river, and take the funicular up to Ljubljana castle for great views of the city and the Alps. Relax in Tivoli park and in the numerous restaurants and cafés where people of all ages meet. Marvel in the architectural beauties, marked by influences of neighbouring Italian and Viennese styles of the previous centuries. Then continue to Postojna cave, the largest and arguably the most beautiful cave of the classical Karst. Then continue to Rijeka in Croatia. Rijeka where you will visit the fortress of Trsat, built on the turn of the 12th and 13th century. You will learn about the long and interesting history of the castle which oversees the entire city of Rijeka, the administrative and cultural center of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar county and the third largest city in Croatia by number of inhabitants. Overnight in Rijeka. 

After breakfast, continue to Zadar Walking along Zadar`s streets to show you the entire spectrum of monuments and hidden corners, taking you into the past more than 3000 years. By retelling the stories and legends you will feel the pulse of the town from the past and today`s everyday living to enjoy this city considered one of “the Pearls of the Adriatic”. Then continue to Sibenik. Sibenik is historical town located in the picturesque bay where the Krka River flows into the Adriatic Sea, in Central Dalmatia. We have a walking tour in Sibenik's narrow winding streets, stony houses, many staircases and the remains of the city walls give it a romantic Mediterranean atmosphere. St. Jacob's Cathedral is the most famous building in Sibenik. It was constructed over a period of a century, and is testimony to the determination, sacrifice and belief of the generations of inhabitants of Sibenik. Overnight in Sibenik. 

After breakfast, departure to Split. Split, a town on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, is known for its beaches and the fortresslike complex at its center, Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century. Once home to thousands, its sprawling remains include more than 200 buildings. Within its white stone walls and under its courtyards are a cathedral and numerous shops, bars, cafes, hotels and houses. Split walking tour includes the Roman part of town (Diocletian palace) and the old part of town (City hall, promenade, Fishmarket..) The ruins of the Palace can be found throughout the city. The cathedral locally known as St. Duje church was built in the Middle Ages, reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum. Twelfth- and 13th-century Romanesque churches, medieval fortifications, 15th-century Gothic palaces and other palaces in Renaissance and Baroque style make up the rest of the protected area. Then continue to Dubrovnik. The walking route takes you around the Old Town via Onofrio's Fountain and up Prijeko Street to the Old Port - the key to Dubrovnik's trading and maritime success. Along the way you will pay a visit to St. Saviour's, the grandiose Franciscan and Dominican church, and see wine-producing vines believed to be more than 100 years old. Overnight in Dubrovnik. 

After breakfast drive to Kotor. We visit the Old Town and show you the most important historical monuments and buildings in town: Square of Arms, Byzanti Palace, Beskuca Palace, Pima Palace, St Tryphon Cathedral, Maritime Museum, St Nicholas Church, Blessed Ozana Church as well as the North gate, and the biggest attraction the city ramparts thanks to which Kotor became a part of UNESCO World Heritage. Than departure to Budva (UNESCO). We will visit the capital of Montenegro tourism to enjoy the amazing combination of the wonderful beaches with the history of the ancient, cultural and religious monuments. Visit in the Old City, Sveti Trojica Church, Stanjevici Monastery. Then continue to Tirana and explore Albania’s capital. We 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 Tirana. 

After breakfast depature to onward journey