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Venice
Venice to Tirana: Epic Balkans & Central Europe Tour
30240
Overview
The Venice to Tirana: Semi-Private Tour of Central Europe & Balkans is an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe. This small-group tour is perfect for travelers who want to explore the cultural treasures of Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Croatia. It combines the charm of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire with the unique diversity of the Balkans.
Imagine exploring Venice & Trieste, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and the beautiful city of Vienna, including Schönbrunn & Belvedere Palaces, the Historic Center, and Hofburg Palace & Museums. The tour also visits Rust, Bratislava, Győr, and Budapest, known as the Queen of the Danube. Travelers will also experience Subotica, Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci, and Belgrade, offering a rich history and culture.
This 14-day adventure continues through Zvornik, Sarajevo, Mostar, Kotor, Budva, and Sveti Stefan, showcasing the stunning landscapes and historical sites of the Balkans. The journey includes visits to Shkoder, Rozafa Castle, a local Agro-tourism Farm, Prizren, Sinan Pasha Mosque, Prizren Fortress, Gjakova, Monastery of Decan, Rahovec Valley, Kruja, Kruja's Medieval Old Bazaar, Castle of Kruja, Tirana, BUNKART, Struga, Ohrid, St Naum, Tushemisht, and Drilon National Park. This tour includes entry tickets to the sites visited, private transport, a professional tour leader, breakfast, tourist taxes, international car insurance, road taxes, petrol, food tours in Vienna and Tirana, and hotel drop-off in Dubrovnik or Split. Pickup is at Piazzale Roma. 
Highlights
Explore Central Europe & Balkans: Visit Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary & more on one amazing tour.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal tour with a small group of fellow travelers.
See Iconic Landmarks: Discover famous sites in cities like Venice, Vienna, Budapest and Tirana.
Food Tours Included: Taste the local flavors with food tours in Vienna and Tirana.
Sentiment Analysis
Overall, customers enjoyed this tour because they got to see many places. The tour guide and hotels were good, but the long drives and limited free time were drawbacks.
Customers loved seeing many countries in one trip.
They liked the tour guide who was very helpful and friendly.
The hotels were in good locations and comfortable.
The small group size made the tour more personal.
Some customers felt that the long drives between cities could be tiring.
A few people thought there wasn't enough free time to explore on their own.
The Journey
Venice & Trieste
Begin your adventure in Venice, a mesmerizing city of bridges, canals, and gondolas. Transition to Trieste, a captivating city in northeastern Italy, where Italian, Slavic, and Germanic influences converge, creating a unique cultural identity. Discover Piazza Unità d'Italia, the city's majestic main square, and immerse yourself in Trieste's rich history and architectural splendor.
Ljubljana
Explore Ljubljana, the enchanting capital of Slovenia, a harmonious blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Admire the architectural masterpieces of Joze Plecnik, stroll along picturesque bridges and squares, and ascend to the medieval Ljubljana Castle, offering panoramic views of this vibrant city.
Lake Bled
Discover the idyllic beauty of Lake Bled, a jewel of the Slovenian Alps. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the emerald-green waters reflect a postcard-perfect church on an island, a medieval castle perched on a cliff, and the towering peaks of the Alps, creating an unforgettable scenic panorama.
Villach
Journey to Villach, Austria, a charming town with roots in Roman times. Wander through the picturesque Altstadt (old town), one of southern Austria's most captivating historical centers, and explore local shops, bars, and restaurants, immersing yourself in the town's relaxed ambiance.
Graz
Arrive in Graz, Austria, a UNESCO-listed city renowned for its well-preserved historical center and vibrant atmosphere. Explore the Hauptplatz (Main Square), the heart of the city, and wander through the old Market Square, admiring the Rathaus and immersing yourself in Graz's rich cultural heritage.
Graz
Delve deeper into Graz, known as 'Vienna’s little sister,' and discover why it holds two UNESCO titles. Explore the Old Town and Eggenberg Palace, marveling at their architectural grandeur, and feel the city's artistic pulse as a UNESCO City of Design. Experience the lively atmosphere of the Hauptplatz and uncover the layers of Graz's fascinating history.
Vienna: Schönbrunn & Belvedere Palaces
Experience the imperial grandeur of Vienna, starting with Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. Wander through Sisi’s Gardens, admire the Parterre, Orangery Garden, and Neptune Fountain. Then, immerse yourself in the Baroque splendor of Belvedere Palace gardens, a masterpiece of art and landscape design.
Vienna: Historic Center
Explore Vienna's iconic landmarks, beginning with the Vienna State Opera House, a neo-Renaissance masterpiece. Stroll to the Austrian National Library, renowned for its Baroque architecture and vast collection of books and manuscripts, experiencing the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Vienna: Hofburg Palace & Museums
Discover Vienna's imperial heart at Heldenplatz and the Hofburg Palace. Visit the Sisi Museum, dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, and explore Michaelerplatz, a square blending Baroque and modern styles. Conclude at Stephansdom, Vienna's iconic Gothic cathedral, and later, immerse yourself in art history at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Rust
Journey to Rust, in the Burgenland region of Austria, a renowned wine region. Enjoy scenic views over Lake Neusiedl and stroll through the picturesque old town, admiring colorful houses adorned with flowers. Discover unique souvenirs made from natural materials and savor the region's finest wines at vineyards overlooking the lake.
Bratislava
Explore Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a charming city along the Danube. Discover the medieval Old Town Hall, learn about Slovakia's ancient history, and visit Michael's Gate, the only preserved gate from the medieval fortifications. Ascend to Bratislava Castle for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Bratislava
Delve into Bratislava's cultural heart, exploring the churches and institutions of the Old Town. Walk to Michael's Gate and ascend to Bratislava Castle for breathtaking city views. Experience the city's legendary café culture, savoring famous coffee in one of Bratislava's traditional coffee shops.
Győr
Journey to Győr, Hungary, a picturesque "City of Rivers" rich in history and Baroque architecture. Wander through the historic streets, visit the Györ’s Town Hall with its iconic tower, and explore the Cathedral of The Virgin Mary and the Györ Synagogue, immersing yourself in the city's cultural and architectural treasures.
Budapest
Arrive in Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube," known for its stunning blend of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Explore both the traditional "Buddha" and cosmopolitan "Pest," passing by Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the Opera, the Parliament building, Heroes' Square, and the Fisherman's Bastion.
Budapest
Delve into Budapest's cultural heart by visiting Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cross the city's iconic bridges and explore the Baroque-style streets, experiencing the historical and cultural significance of the Hungarian capital.
Subotica
Travel to Subotica, Serbia, a city rich in cultural heritage and Austro-Hungarian architecture. Visit the City Hall, surrounded by parks and fountains, and immerse yourself in the city's relaxed atmosphere, enjoying local cuisine, quality wines, and architectural landmarks like the Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila and the Synagogue.
Novi Sad
Embark on a city tour of Novi Sad, Serbia's cultural capital, where Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman influences blend seamlessly. Explore the Baroque architecture, wander through pedestrian streets, and marvel at the Petrovaradin Fortress, also known as the Gibraltar on the Danube.
Sremski Karlovci
Discover Sremski Karlovci, the center of Serbian culture in the 18th century and famous for its wine cellars. Explore this 'museum town' with its Baroque center, immersing yourself in the region's rich tradition of wine production and high-quality fine wines.
Belgrade
Visit Belgrade, Serbia, and explore the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, built at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Admire the Pobednik monument and wander through Knez Mihailova, the social midpoint of Belgrade locals, experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Zvornik
Arrive in Zvornik, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a captivating town along the Drina River that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Enjoy a peaceful escape, strolling through its charming streets and experiencing the unique ambiance of this serene town.
Sarajevo
Explore Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a city with a complex history and diverse cultural influences. Visit the Ottoman and Austria-Hungarian parts of Sarajevo, discover its markets, bazaars, mosques, churches, and synagogues, and learn about the events that triggered WWI at the Latin Bridge.
Mostar
Discover Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a city where the old meets the new. Visit the iconic Old Bridge (Stari Most), a UNESCO World Heritage site, wander through the Old Bazaar with its colorful streets, and reflect on the city's history, marked by stones commemorating its past.
Kotor
Journey to Kotor, Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled on the Adriatic coast. Wander through the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, visit the Saint Luke’s church, and explore this magnificently preserved historical city.
Budva
Explore Budva, Montenegro, a popular tourist destination renowned for its beaches and historic buildings. Discover the contrast between the modern New Budva and the historical Old Budva, visiting sights like the St. Ivan church, the small church of St. Mary, and the medieval splendors of the old town.
Sveti Stefan
Make a stop near Sveti Stefan, Montenegro, a former fishing town on a small island near the coast. Though the island is now an exclusive resort, admire the picturesque view from the coast, capturing the beauty of this iconic Montenegrin landmark.
Shkoder
Cross the border to Shkoder, Albania, one of the oldest cities in Albania, with a history dating back thousands of years. Explore the city's rich heritage and the ancient walls of the Shkodra castle, dating from the 1st millennium BCE.
Rozafa Castle
Visit Rozafa Castle in Shkoder, Albania, offering stunning views of the lake and the three rivers merging into the Adriatic Sea. Discover the historical significance of this ancient fortress and the breathtaking scenery surrounding it.
Agro-tourism Farm (Unnamed)
Visit one of the best slow food Agro-tourism farms in the Balkans, and take a tour, learn about its story, how it creates jobs, and preserves regional bio fresh local products. Learn how communist buildings became storage for bio products, and then enjoy a traditional lunch or fresh produce.
Prizren
Continue your tour towards Prizren, considered the cultural capital of Kosovo. Appreciate its rich history, incredible nature, religious tolerance and gastronomy. Discover the Illyrian settlement, a crossroad for Byzantine and Ottoman empires, a city where the river flows through the old town and under the many bridges.
Sinan Pasha Mosque
Visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque in Prizren, Kosovo, rich in arabesque color and pattern, to experience the intricate beauty and architectural details of this religious site.
Prizren Fortress
Ascend to the fortress overlooking Prizren, Kosovo, to enjoy a panoramic view of this astonishing town. Take in the scenery and appreciate the strategic importance of this historical landmark.
Gjakova
Explore Gjakova, Kosovo, home to the oldest and largest bazaar in the region. Despite being destroyed during various wars, the bazaar has been rebuilt to its old state, offering a delightful place to enjoy a meal or browse traditional handmade crafts from local artisans.
Monastery of Decan
Visit the Monastery of Decan in Kosovo, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its white color and the fact that Orthodox monks still inhabit the monastery and make fresh organic food. Admire the frescoes portraying 14th-century life and the Palaeologan renaissance that transformed Byzantine painting.
Rahovec Valley
Drive towards Rahovec Valley, Kosovo, known as the capital city of viticulture in Prizren, where grapes have been cultivated since Illyrian times. Visit vineyards positioned on the soft hillocks, ideal for producing high-quality fine wines, and imagine the annual wine festival held every September.
Kruja
Visit Kruja, a historic city symbol of Albanian resistance to the Ottoman Empire, situated on a rocky mountain terrain. Relive the spirit of Skanderbeg and Albanian resilience at this important historic site.
Kruja's Medieval Old Bazaar
Walk through the narrow streets and wooden houses of Kruja's Medieval Old Bazaar, one of the oldest in the Balkans. Shop for souvenirs, from typical items to unique handmade crafts like carpets and jewelers, experiencing the atmosphere of this historic marketplace.
Castle of Kruja
Explore the Castle of Kruja, strategically placed on a rocky hill and built during the 5th century A.D. Discover hidden paths used by locals to leave the castle unnoticed, and enjoy a traditional lunch while admiring the city.
Tirana
Drive towards Tirana, the capital of Albania, preparing to discover its culinary treasures and unique urban experience.
Tirana
Meet your local companion and enjoy a unique culinary experience in Tirana, sampling Byrek for breakfast and exploring Çam bazaar, founded by the Albanian Çam community. Skip past tourist traps and discover the city’s culinary highlights in local neighborhoods.
Tirana
Continue your culinary journey in Tirana, sipping traditional Albanian coffee at a cozy café. Visit the Bicycle bazaar and the New Bazaar, where you will try the traditional Albanian lunch “Qofte” (meatballs) paired with bread.
BUNKART
Visit BUNKART in Tirana, a museum housed in a former nuclear bunker built for the communist leader Enver Hoxha. Explore the video museum exhibition dedicated to the history of the Albanian communist army and the daily lives of Albanians during the regime.
Struga
Depart towards North Macedonia and visit Struga, stopping for a quick drink by the beautiful source of the Drini River, one of the longest in the Western Balkans.
Ohrid
Drive towards Ohrid, one of the most seductive destinations in N. Macedonia, indicated as one of the oldest human settlements in all of Europe and explore the city (UNESCO world heritage). Visit the church of St. John, the church of St. Nicolas and the mosque Halveti Hayati Tekke.
St Naum
Visit St Naum, N. Macedonia, where the monastery carries the name of a holy place, situated at the source of River Crni Drim. Enjoy crystal clear spring water and take in the surrounding greenery and mountain peaks.
Tushemisht
Cross the border towards Albania and stop in Tushemisht, a hidden gem that offers visitors a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
Drilon National Park
Visit the national park of Drilon in Albania, where Drilon waters form a small lake surrounded by greenery. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility created by the weeping willow trees by the lake's shoreline.
Tirana
Return to Tirana, marking the end of this adventure through Central European and Western Balkan Countries. Reflect on the great memories and cherished experiences from this journey.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes entry tickets to the sites visited, private transportation, a professional tour leader, breakfast each day, and all tourist, road, and car insurances and taxes. Food tours in Vienna and Tirana are also included, as well as hotel drop-off in Dubrovnik or Split and pickup at Piazzale Roma. Lunch, dinner, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and personal spending money are not included.
Hot Tip
Customers suggest packing light because you will be moving between different cities. It's also a good idea to bring comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. Bring local currency and be prepared for the long drives in between destinations.
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