Italy & Balkans Uncovered

Welcome to Italy! As you arrive, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby at 6pm. Later on, you can get to know your fellow travellers in the optional group dinner.

Step aboard a private boat launch departing directly from Tronchetto to cross the Venetian Lagoon into the historic heart of Venice. Embark on an expert-led city tour weaving through the labyrinth of canals, St. Mark’s Square, the grand Basilica, and the historic Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon for a gondola ride or independent exploring before cruising back to Tronchetto.

Depart the lagoon today and travel south to Florence, the magnificent cradle of the Renaissance. Immerse yourself in the city's unparalleled artistic heritage during an extensive, premium 3-hour guided walking tour showcasing the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria. Late afternoon, transfer to the charming Tuscan spa town of Montecatini for a relaxing evening.

A magnificent day of Tuscan exploration. First, stop in Pisa to marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower in the Field of Miracles. Continue through the rolling hills to the medieval walled city of Siena, exploring its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Lunch & wine tasting stop at a local farmhouse. Conclude your scenic drive through the heart of Tuscany's wine country, checking into your hotel in the relaxing thermal hub of Chianciano Terme.

Bid farewell to Tuscany as we head south into the green province of Umbria. Stop at the spectacular volcanic cliffside town of Orvieto for an orientation walk, taking in its striking Gothic cathedral. From there, continue our journey south down into the eternal city of Rome, checking into your premium hotel for an evening orientation stroll.

Prepare for an extraordinary journey back in time. Today features an elite, ultra-comprehensive 6-hour guided tour of Rome. Alongside an expert historian guide, discover the awe-inspiring Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the grand Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the majestic architectural masterworks of the Vatican.

Today, after a delicious breakfast at the hotel, the Italy leg of your tour comes to an end. Time to move to the Balkans! Upon arrival enjoy some free time to explore the city’s famous landmarks at your own leisure.

After a substantial breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol. Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories.

Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.

Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old čaršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.

Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the “King’s Landing”, the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night’s rest.

Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time. Departure to Albania, which is our final destination for the day. Shkoder is one of the most authentic cities in Albania. Walking tour through the centre. Overnight in Shkoder.

Hit the road after breakfast! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.

Start off the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid hosting hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. In the afternoon travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.

Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where you can explore the shopping streets and the nightlife as you wish.

Early in the morning, join a walking tour of the Sofia town centre and visit all the famous landmarks including the National Library, Sofia University, The Parliament, and continue on to The St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the National Theatre and St. Sofia Church. While your guide fills you in about the diverse history of Bulgaria and the communist era, you’ll get to see the houses of the Council of Ministers, presidency and the former communist party headquarters. As you stroll towards the vibrant shopping streets, feel free to get lost and discover the shops and cafes around. After the city tour, start bidding farewells to your new mates and end the tour.

Eat up at breakfast, you will be discovering Delphi and all its wonders. Built high atop the cliffs with spectacular scenery, the town made its name in ancient Greek mythology. Chosen as the centre of the earth, here is where the famous powerful Oracles of Delphi resided. UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi had a tremendous influence in the ancient world, uniting many city-states under the Hellenic spirit as displayed in rich monuments and ancient stories. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to Athens. As you get your bearings and all the information you need about the capital from your guide, arrive at the hotel to freshen up. Prepare to cap off the amazing tour Greek-style; bring in the mezes, it’s time to do some Sirtaki!

Have your final breakfast on us and start bidding farewells to your travel mates before checking out of the hotel (11:00). Time to start counting days for your next adventure with Travel Talk!