| Via Mea Travel

We drive over the romantic Adriatic coast with a well-known Mediterranean lifestyle through the mountainous heart of the Balkan region, undiscovered by the masses. Here in the impressive "Land of Eagles" between stony mountains we discover quiet monasteries, remote villages and lively historic old towns and also the surprising "New Balkans". From south to north we cross the Adriatic on a "mini cruise" from Dürres to Trieste.

INCLUDED SERVICES:

Accommodation in good middle class hotels
1x overnight stay with half board in the Plitvice Lakes area
1x overnight stay with half board on the Makarska Riviera
1x overnight stay with half board in the Dubrovnik area
1x overnight stay with half board in the Budva area
2x overnight stay with half board in Ohrid
1x overnight stay with breakfast in Ohrid
1x overnight stay with half board in Durrës
2 or 1 x overnight stay on the ferry Durrës - Trieste or Ancona with half board
Continuous english-speaking tour guide according to the program from the first to the last day
City tours Mostar, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Shkodra, Ohrid, Tiranë, Durrës
Entrance fees including a boat trip to the Plitvice Lakes National Park
Panoramic trip on Lake Ohrid
Entrance to the Prespansee National Park, Durrës amphitheather, Apollonia site
Dinner with typical grill specialties in Ohrid

PROGRAM SUGGESTION:

DAY 1: Arrival in the Plitwizer Lakes area
Arrival in the Plitvice Lakes area, reception by the tour guide, dinner and overnight in the hotel

DAY 2: Plitvice Lakes - Makarska Riviera
After breakfast we discover why the Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Croatia. During a walk between the fascinating waterfalls, you will learn about this UNESCO World Heritage Site from your guide.
After visiting the national park, we continue south. In the late afternoon we arrive at our hotel on the Makarska Riviera. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

DAY 3: Makarska - Mostar - Dubrovnik
After breakfast we leave the Adriatic coast and drive to Mostar, in the neighboring state of Bosnia and Hercegovina. Between east and west, Mostar has been a meeting point for two different cultures - western and eastern, as well as two different religions - Christian and Islamic for centuries. During a city tour we visit the old bazaar, the Turkish house and one of the mosques and of course the world-famous landmark of the city - Stari Most (Old Bridge). After a break for the traditional “Čevapčići” snack, we visit a unique place where the mystical meets the overwhelming - the dervish monastery near Bunaquelle.
In the late afternoon we reach our next destination - Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic.

Day 4: Dubrovnik - Kotor - Budva
During a city tour we discover why Dubrovnik was also called the Pearl of the Adriatic. The most famous medieval city in Croatia, which is under UNESCO protection, fascinates its visitors with narrow cobbled streets, breathtaking palaces and wonderful views of the old town harbor and the nearby Elafiti Islands. After a stroll in the old town, we continue to the neighboring state of Montenegro - land of the black mountains. At Kotor these facsinienden high, stony mountains meet with the Adriatic Sea in a breathtaking bay with miniature rock islands in reflecting water. Here we visit the city of Kotor - a medieval jewel of the Mediterranean. In the evening we arrive in Budva - the most popular tourist destination in Montenegro.

DAY 5: Budva - Shkodra - Lezhë - Ohrid
After breakfast we leave the Adriatic coast and drive to the land of eagles - Albania. Shkodra is located on the shores of Lake Skadar. It lies between Lake Skadar and the Kir, Drin and Buna rivers and is one of the cultural centers of Albania. After a tour of the city, we visit the famous Rozafaburg and enjoy the view of Lake Skadar. After a break, we continue towards Macedonia. On the way we visit the small town of Lezhë where the mausoleum of the Albanian national hero, Skenderbeu, is located. In the afternoon we reach the city of Ohrid on Lake Ohrid in Macedonia, our next destination.

DAY 6: Ohrid and panoramic trip on Lake Ohrid
The ancient city of Ohrid is located in the southwest of the country and, with its magnificent lake, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in the region - a pearl of ancient architecture with valuable cultural assets and historical monuments. It can also be called a “city museum”, because here the Orient has come to the west and a city with a unique character has developed. After a stroll through the city of 365 Orthodox churches, we relax on a panoramic trip along Lake Ohrid, which is one of the oldest and deepest in the world.

DAY 7: Bitola - Heraclea Lyncestis - Lake Prespan
Today we will learn more about the story of Macedonia and visit the site of Heraclea Lyncestis - the capital of the Upper Macedonian landscape Lynkestis. This ancient city was founded in the 4th century BC. Founded.
After visiting the site with its famous mosaics, we drive to the Prespansee nature reserve. This unique lake is shared by the 3 countries - Macedeonia, Greece and Albania. In a typical local restaurant we taste the world-famous Macedonian grill specialties. Overnight at the hotel in Ohrid.

DAY 8: Ohrid - Tiranë - Durres
After breakfast we leave Macedonia and drive to Durrës in Albania. On the way we visit Tiranë - the capital of Albania. During a city tour we learn about Tirana's past and visit the most important sights: the clock tower, the Ethem Bey mosque and the famous Blloku district. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Durrës.

DAY 9: Durres - Apollonia - departure
Today we say goodbye to Albania and the Balkan Peninsula. After breakfast we visit the city of Fier and the nearby Apollonia site - a ruin site dating back to 588 BC. Was founded as a Doric colony by Corfu. This city, named after the god Apollo, was an important urban center in the region for almost a thousand years. In the afternoon we stroll through the old town of Durres, where we also visit the famous amphitheater. Our journey across the Adriatic begins in the evening. We take the ferry to Trieste or Ancona.

DAY 10: Ferry to Trieste
The whole day we relax on the ferry while cruising across the Adriatic Sea.

DAY 11: Drive home
In the morning we reach the port of Trieste - the northernmost point of the Adriatic.
The journey home follows.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOURNEY: