Group │ Escorted Tour │ 12 Days │ From $1,995

Jauntee’s Balkan Treasures is a twelve day tour that starts in Zagreb and ends in Dubrovnik.  This tour is an excellent opportunity to visit hidden countries on the Adriatic such as Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania.  You will experience different cultures and discover small and rarely seen towns such as Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje, Budva, Kolasin, Cetinje, and many others. Choose any of the guaranteed departure dates on the Balkan Treasures escorted tour with Jauntee, and you will have an experience of a life time!

Reserve your Balkan Treasures escorted tour with Jauntee at a discounted rate!

Day 1: Zagreb

Upon arrival at Zagreb, transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight. Overnight in Zagreb. (D)

Day 2: Zagreb/Plitvice

This morning, Zagreb will charm you with its abundance of rich cultural heritage that dates back to the medieval days. We will stroll past baroque-style mansions and baronial residences, and admire the beautifully crafted facades. In the company of your local expert, we will visit the symbol of Zagreb, St. Mark's church in the Upper Town, which houses the remarkable works of Ivan Mestrovic, its most famous sculptor. Come to the Lotrscak Tower and inhale this most beautiful view of the city. The attractions here are plentiful, the culture, quite mesmerizing. There will be enough time for a delicious fresh baked pastry and a cup of excellent coffee in one of the side walk cafes in Gornji Grad. Or dine on some great home-made cheese and wine as you chat with friendly locals at Dolac, the lively open air market. Afternoon transfer to Plitvice.

A very special experience awaits you in Gorski Kotar and Lika. Lovely green landscapes of exceptional ecological value reside in a number of nature parks, which rise a mere dozen feet above the sea. Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park – the unique oasis of rare natural beauty. It is one of Europe’s most dazzling nature reserve parks, and was truly created by nature. The park consists of 16 connecting lakes and sport unique cascades of murmuring waterfalls. Plitvice Lakes National Park was recognized and protected by UNESCO as part of the world’s natural heritage in 1979. We will take a lively walk along the lakes and breathe the fresh mountain air while listening to the captivating sounds of nature. Next, a boat ride across the largest of the lakes, we will experience an unique perspective of nature: the lake is rife with crystal clear emerald water and fringed with bubbly white waterfalls! Overnight in Plitvice. (B & D)

Day 3: Plitvice/Trogir/Split

Morning departure for Trogir where you'll visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. Experience the charm of the southern Mediterranean as we explore Split, the largest city along the Adriatic coast. Its beauty captivated 4th Century Roman Emperor Diocletian, who built his palace here. So we begin our sightseeing tour of Split with a visit to this lofty palace. First, we walk the well-preserved ancient cellars; for here is where one can truly experience this magnificent palace. The Cathedral was built on the remains of an ancient shrine. And across the Cathedral is the Temple of Jupiter, which today is used as a baptistery.  Overnight in Split. (B & D)

Day 4: Split/Dubrovnik

Now it's time to take you on an unforgettable journey to Dubrovnik, the Renaissance Jewel of the Adriatic. It's often been called a classic medieval heartstopper. For it is rife with glorious fountains, palaces and cathedrals. And rich in history and culture, dating all the way back to the 7th century. The limestone bricks of the walled Old City shimmer like marble in the moonlight. Fine detailing and the architecture of its quaint buildings underscore an artistic heritage that both enhances and defines a landscape of sea, sky and hills. It is a playground for those who desire the unspoiled fortune that is the Mediterranean landscape. Dubrovnik is steeped in sunshine and bathed in mild Mediterranean breezes, a lush region of coves, forested islands and idyllic beaches. It is a home to one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, which has been open since 1317. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B & D)

Day 5: Dubrovnik

Day at leisure or optional sightseeing tours. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B & D)

Korčula is considered to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and legend has it that the town of Korčula was founded by the Trojan hero Antenor History and tradition are apparent when you walk along the paved streets and squares of this lovely town. The city tour includes a visit to cultural and historical monuments, including the treasury of the Abbey, the City Museum and the Museum of Icons. The rest of the of leisure before returning to Dubrovnik. Includes lunch. ($100.00 per person)

The village of Čilipi is well-known for its carefully preserved popular customs, rich folk costumes and its famous embroidery. Traditional welcome of this area-dry figs and grape brandy - will be an introduction to a walk through this picturesque village with rural architecture. At the Sunday Fair you will have an opportunity to buy original traditional souvenirs of the area, such as silk embroidery, or attend the Holy Mass at St. Nicholas church, seeing the village people in their traditional folk costumes of an exceptional aesthetic value. After the Mass, there will be a folklore dance performance in front of the church, performed by village people, accompanied by Dalmatian music. Expert guide, local drink and entrance fees included. ($40.00 per person)

Day 6: Dubrovnik/Budva/Shkodra/Tirana

Departure for Tirana; we drive inland to Budva known for its Old City encircled by walls from the Venetian period. Continuation to Shkodra, once the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom (III B.C.). Overnight in Tirana. (B & D)

Day 7: Tirana/Ohrid

Morning sightseeing tour of Tirana, the capital of Albania, including Skenderbey Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey and a visit to the National Museum representing the flow of Albanian history and represents the finds from archeological sites across the country. Afternoon departure for Ohrid, driving via Elbasan and crossing the Macedonian border at Cafasan. Overnight in Ohrid. (B, D)

Day 8: Ohrid

Full day in the lakeside resort of Ohrid, classified as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage site. Through the activity of St. Clement and St. Naum of Ohrid, the first pan-Slavic University in Europe, the famous “Ohrid Literary School” was founded here. Morning sightseeing tour includes the church of St. Sofia (11th century), the most eminent mediaeval monument in Macedonia with magnificent Byzantine fresco paintings and St. Clement Church with its icon of Annunciation. In the afternoon a short drive to visit St. Naum Monastery built on the shores of Ohrid Lake in 900 A.D. and dedicated to the Slavic missionary and educator St. Naum of Ohrid. Overnight in Ohrid. (B)

Day 9: Ohrid/Skopje

Morning departure for Skopje. Sightseeing tour of Skopje, including the Kale Fortress, the Church of the Holy Savior with its iconostas, one of the finest samples of traditional walnut woodcarving, Old Bazaar and Stone Bridge. We drive to the slopes of the Vodno Mountain where we visit the Monastery of St. Panteleimon with its XII century iconostas and frescoes ranking among the highest achievements of Byzantine art of this period. Overnight in Skopje. (B & D)

Day 10: Skopje/Kolašin

Morning departure for Kolašin, driving via Peć and Berane and along the impressive Morača River Canyon. Afternoon arrival at Kolašin, spreading on the left bank of the river Tara, that is full of rapids, situated at the altitude of 954m. The whole area is surrounded by the thick pine forest of the Bjelasica Mountain and is a popular skiing and air spa resort. Overnight in Kolašin. (B & D)

Day 11: Kolašin/Dubrovnik

Morning departure for Cetinje where we visit King Nikola Museum, once the residence of the Montenegrin King Nikola I Petrović. Continuation to Budva and Kotor, classified as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage, where we visit its Romanesque Cathedral dedicated to St. Trifun, the city’s patron saint. We continue to Dubrovnik driving along the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Overnight in Dubrovnik. (B & D)

Day 12: Dubrovnik

Morning transfer to the airport.

• Zagreb, 4* Hotel International or similar
• Plitvice, 3* Hotel Macola or Degenija
• Split, 3* Hotel As or Dalmina
• Dubrovnik, 3* Hotel Ivka or similar
• Tirana, 4* Sky Tower or similar
• Ohrid, 4* Hotel Metropol or similar
• Skopje, 4* Hotel Karpoš or similar
• Kolasin, 4* Hotel Lipka or similar 

INCLUDED

• Hotel accommodations as per the itinerary based on double occupancy
• 12 escorted days
• Experienced English speaking escort throughout the trip as per itinerary
• Comfortable air-conditioned coach at group's disposal as per itinerary
• Tours of Zagreb, Split, Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje & Dubrovnik
• Entrance fees for National Park Plitvice Lakes, Cathedral of St. Lawrence in Trogir,
• Diocletian's Palace and Cathedral in Split
• Entrance fees for Franciscan Monastery and Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik;
• National Museum in Tirana, St. Sofia, St. Clement and St. Naum in Ohrid;
• Church of Holy Savior and Monastery of St. Panteleimon in Skopje;
• Residence of King Nikola I Petrović in Cetinje; St. Trifun Cathedral in Kotor
• Professional English-speaking local guides
• 11 breakfasts & 10 dinners
• All taxes

NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare, tips, drinks, telephone charges and incidentals
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusion