THE BALKAN MOSAIC
A cultural tour of the Balkans - Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina and Slovenia.

The Balkans is a land of such great diversity and textures that one gets the blown up by the colors, cultures, hospitality, food and landscape. We trace the scene of medieval Europe with nationalities originating from Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina and Slovenia. Not to forget that all these nationalities also had considerable influence from the long reign of the Ottoman Turks. Like many things bottled up, once released, they burst forth with passion and gusto rarely seen. This then is the Balkans. It is this churning energy and passion that will never be forgotten. This is a journey into medieval Europe at its best, relived.

Day 01: (SAT) Arrival Belgrade, SERBIA
Our journey of the bewildering Balkans start at the heart city of Serbia, Belgrade. We find a beautiful romantic and medieval city competing amongst the most charming cities in Eastern Europe as we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Majestik, Belgrade (2 nights) (D)

Day 02: (SUN) Belgrade
The capital city of Serbia since 1403, our Belgrade tour starts with the Republic Square, where we see the architectural wonders in monuments such as the National Theatre, National Museum, Serbian Academy of Science & Arts in the famous Knez Mihajlova Street. At the old town we see 19thC quarters, the 'Question mark sign' Inn, Princess Ljubica's Residence (now housing a permanent exhibition of original furniture), the Patriarchy and the Orthodox Cathedral. No visit to Belgrade is complete without the fortress area which includes well-preserved artillery structures dating from the 18thC, acropolis with original ramparts, gateways, towers, some Turkish monuments and some older, ancient Roman. Evening is a welcome dinner at the local Bohemian quarters of Skadarlija with Serbian cuisine and music. (B, D)

Day 03: (MON) Belgrade / Zlatibor / Sirogojno
Continuing our journey we drive south and ascend Mount Zlatibor National Park known for its beauty and intact nature. It is a mountain of golden pines, after which it got its name (Zlatan - golden Bor – pine three). A short drive through the beautiful countryside gets us into an area where the vegetation changes into a jungle. Here we find flora and fauna such as the Omorica. This is also one of the last refuge areas for Bears. Our final destination for today is the unique and charming ethno village of Sirogojno. It is an open-air museum of traditional architecture, as well as an exhibition of handicrafts and world famous hand-knitted clothes. We walk through the village before checking in at our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Staro Selo, Zlatibor (1 night) (B, D)

Day 04: (TUE) Mokra Gora / Sargan / Studenica / Kopaonik
An interesting 15Kms. train ride on the old narrow gauge steam engine “Sarganska Osmica”. we cross breathtaking scenery through 20 tunnels, 10 bridges and as many viaducts. The trail cut its path through astonishing landscapes of Serbia and Bosnia, on its way from Belgrade to Sarajevo and Dubrovnik. This will be a day for rail and steam buffs, photographers and lovers of nature. We visit the World Heritage Site of Studenica Monastery considered to be the crowning achievement of medieval culture and art in Serbia. After visiting the monastic site including Churches of the Virgin (1183-1196), SS Joachim & Anne (also known as the King's Church) and St. Nicholas, we continue for the final destination of the day - Kapaonik Park. Among Serbian mountains, Kopaonik is unrivalled by its natural beauty and mineral wealth.
Overnight: Hotel Grand /Novi Pazar, Kapaonik (1 night) (B, D)

Day 05: (WED) Kopaonik / Pristina (KOSOVO) / Skopje (MACEDONIA)
A scenic drive as we cross into Kosovo. We drive past Kosovska Mitrovica before reaching the capital city of Pristina where we stroll along its streets and the main square located right in the heart of the town. We then visit the Monastery of Gracania from where we drive to the countryside of Pristina to see the famous Church devoted to Annunciation. The monastery was an endowment of King Milutin and was built in the early 14th century. Its architectural structure represents the apex of Serbian building that followed in the spirit of Byzantine tradition. However, this monastery also stands apart as a work of harmonious proportions and extraordinary beauty. We then cross from Kosovo to the historical country of Macedonia and drive to the capital city, Skopje.
Overnight: Hotel BW Tourist, Skopje (B, D)

Day 06: (THU) Skoplje / Sv Jovan Bigorski / Ohrid
Skopje is not only the capital but also the largest city in the Republic of Macedonia. It is located in a valley, on both sides of River Vardar and traces back to over 2000 years of history when it was known as Skupi. Our exploration of this historical city starts with a walking tour the old part of the town “Charshi”, where lies the Stone Bridge - a symbol of Skopje built by Turks in 15thC. Here we visit some of the marvels which include the Church St. Spas, (famous for its marvelous iconostas from 17thC), the Old Bazaar, Fortress Kale (with walls dating back from the 6thC), Mustapha Pasha Mosque (a marvel of Ottoman architecture erected in 1492 with the earliest wall paintings), Daut Pasa Bath (a masterpiece of Islamic civil architecture from the 15thC). Continuing to Ohrid, we cross the National Park of Mavrovo with its majestic lake, river, gorges and waterfalls and culminate the day with a visit to the
Monastery of Sv. Jovan Bigorski, famous for its iconostasis carved in wood and by its particular nice location on the slope of the mountain.
Overnight: Hotel Millennium / Villa Sofija Ohrid (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07: (FRI) Ohrid
We start the day with a walking tour around the old town-museum of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old part of the town was known in ancient times as Lychnidos, the City of Lights. Slavs gave it the name of Arida in the 10thC, and it became a major center of culture and art for this area. It is the cradle of Slavic written language and literature, from where the alphabet called Cyrillic was created by the two brothers Cyril and Methody. Ohrid is also known as the “City of 365 churches “ and we visit, not all, but the most important ones. Visiting Tsar Smuili fortress from the 10thC, St. Kliment from the 13thC, St. Sophia from the 11th C, and St. Panteleimon from the 9th C., we culminate the tour of Ohrid with a walk through the local bazaar. Afternoon is free to enjoy Ohrid at our own leisure. (B, D)

Day 08: (SAT) Ohrid / Berat (ALBANIA)
Before crossing into Albania, we visit the famous Monastery of Sv. Naum. Continuing our drive we go around Like Ohrid and enter Albanian before arriving Berat. Berat is known as a “city of one thousand windows”, and is a declared as a museum city. The old name of the city was Antipatrea. It is built on the slopes of mountain Timori, with a castle dominating over the city. Within its walls there are dwelling houses and the Onufri Museum, where we see paintings by this outstanding painter from the 16thC, as well as paintings from his son Nikolla. In the old part of the town we visit several Byzantine churches known for their interesting architecture.
Overnight: Hotel Timori, Berat (1 night) (B, D)

Day 09: (SUN) Berat / Durres / Tirana
We drive from Berat to Durres (formerly Durrazzo) Albania’s second largest city and one of its oldest town. Legend has it that Durrazzo was founded by the Illyrian King, Epidamnos, who called it by his own name and named the port after his grandson, Dyrrah It was for centuries the largest port on the Adriatic and got back into world highlights when in 1939, the Italian troops met brief but fierce resistance, and those killed defending it are now regarded as the first martyrs of the War of National Liberation. Our visit here includes the Roman amphitheatre and, time permitting, the archaeological museum. We visit the Roman Baths behind the Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre on the central square. We then drive to the capital city of Tirana relatively a new town, founded in 1614 located on the site of a Byzantine fortress. Tirana has been the capital of Albania since 1920 and lies at the foot of Dajti Mountain. Our visit here includes the Skanderbeg Square in the centre of the town, the 1789 old Mosque of Et’hem Bey, the 1830 Clock Towerand the Palace of Culture housing the Opera.
Overnight: Hotel Tirana International/Villa Tafaj (1 night) (B, D)

Day 10: (MON) Tirana / Kruja / Shodra / Podgorica (MONTENEGRO) / Budva
Another interesting day as we start at the charming little town of Kruja, perched high on the face of a hill. Kruja was the centre of the 15th C. Albanian resistance under Skanderbeg against Ottoman Turks. We visit the museum named after him. The street leading up to the castle is built in the style of a Turkish bazaar. From here we continue to Shkoder, in Illyrian times known as Scodra one of the oldest cities in Europe and the traditional centre of the Gheg cultural. Shkodra is rich with historical monuments, including the old Illyrian Rozafa Castle, Mesi Bridge. After crossing the border to Montenegro, we drive to the capital, Podgorica. We take a scenic drive alongside Lake Skadar to the Montenegrin coast to Budva. Budva is a medieval town and is definitely the most attractive tourist place on the Riviera. The old part of the town is fortified with typical architecture of narrow streets and stone buildings placed around the main cathedral. This area is a popular tourist hang out with now many shops and taverns. Budva also has several attractive beaches and hotels.
Overnight: Hotel Avala / Astoria (1 night) (B, D)

Day 11: (TUE) Budva / Cetinje / Kotor / Dubrovnik (CROATIA)
A scenic drive up the mountain gets us to Cetinje, capital of Montenegro during the Njegos era. It doesn’t have a strong fort like many other important capitals from its time as nature blessed this place with natural stone protections. The town was founded in 1482, when Ivan Crnojevic, the last ruler of the medieval country of Zeta, built here a palace and church. Cetinje remained as the heart and soul of Montenegro up to WW1. We visit the royal palace of King Nikola II, last King of Montenegro which contains both a beautiful small museum as well as the Monastery of St. Petar. Next we visit the World Heritage Site of Kotar - a town museum which was inhabited from the times of the Illyrians and the Romans. Our walk through the city takes us back to medieval times, as most of the monuments we observe are from the 14th to 18th C’s. We vist the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, St. Luka Church, St. Mihail Church, amongst other sites. Late afternoon we continue on a spectacular drive to Dubrovnik. This drive will be witnessing beautiful Boka Kotorska Bay and many old fishing villages, churches, monasteries, marinas and beaches. We cross the border into Croatia before arriving Dubrovnik.
Overnight: Hotel Argentina, Dubrovnik (2 nights) (B)

Day 12: (WED) Dubrovnik
This morning we start with a walking tour through the old walled heart of Dubrovnik. All motor vehicles are banned from the center and our transport drops us outside the Pile Gate where we visit the Franciscan Monastery, housing one of the world's oldest pharmacies, the old harbor, St Laurence Fortress, the Sponza and Rector's Palaces and other points of interest in this best preserved European walled city. Afternoon, we are free to enjoy Dubrovnik’s old city or its popular Adriatic Sea beach. (B)

Day 13: (THU) Dubrovnik / Trebinje / Sarajevo (BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA)
After a leisurely day at Dubrovnik coast, we drive inland up the mountains where we cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina. We pass through the picturesque little town of Trebinje famous for its Old Town and by the church Mausoleum of the very famous poet Jovan Ducic. We proceed through the bare mountains of the area, then through the National Park of Sutjeska, crossing the river Sutjeska and driving through its Canyon before arriving Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Overnight: Hotel Europa Garni / Astra Garni (Sarjevo) (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 14: (FRI) Sarajevo
Enchanting Sarajevo, to some it competes with Isfahan in Iran. We start with a
walking tour of Sarajevo. This magical town with all its charms takes us instantly back to the Ottoman day as we visit beautiful Ottoman mosques, old quarters and the authentic Turkish “carsija”, with its oriental sweets shops, cafes and traditional Bosnian food. Sarajevo is also a town in which for more then 400 years mosques, orthodox churches, roman-catholic churches and synagogues have been standing together.
(B, D)

Day 15: (SAT) Sarajevo – Mostar
No visit of Bosnia & Herzegovina is complete without a visit to Mostar. We start the day with a breathtaking drive along River Neretva and through the Bosnian Mountains before arriving Mostar. Afternoon, we tour Mostar, a picturesque town, more then 5 centuries old and made famous by the old Turkish bridge that once was the only means uniting the city over the emerald waters of the Neretva River. The bridge always played a central role in lives of its inhabitants. The original bridge was wooden, built at the beginning of the 15th century, and it was a very important link of the two parts of Herzegovina, not only strategically but also in respect of trade linking the sea to the interior. This soon brought the urgent need to replace the old unsafe wooden chain bridge with a new which could meet the growing requirements. The construction of the bridge began in 1557 and continued for nine years making it the masterpiece of Hajrudin, and under the close observation of the Caliph, Suleyman The Magnificent (builder). We stroll through the narrow medieval style old bazaar with astounding Ottoman Islamic architecture.
Overnight: Hotel Ero, Mostar (1 night) (B, D)

Day 16: (SUN) Mostar / Mejugorje / Split (CROATIA)
After a short drive through the bare mountains of the area, we reach the pilgrimage site of Medjugorje. It is a small village and a target of many pilgrims from all around the world in the last 24 years. In 1981, several of the local children received the messages of Virgin Mary, and since then, this has been a place of “miracles” which draw many believers. We tour the big local church and the area where the miracle is reputed to have taken place. A picturesque drive through the mount of Biokovo will take us down to the Dalmatian Coast where we make a brief stop at the town of Makarska making our for our final destination of the day to the old town of Split.
Overnight: Hotel President or similar, Split (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 17: (MON) Split
Split is a vibrant city of shouting stall owners, in-transit travelers, and white-suited sailors who give it a noisy, night-on-the-town feel. At the heart of all of this, hemmed in by sprawling estates and a modern harbor, lies Diocletians’ Palace, a crumbling old town, and some of the most outstanding classical architecture in the world which we will enjoy visiting today. It was in 295-A.D., 1700 years ago that the Roman emperor Diocletian started to build his palace in the bay of Aspalathos on the Dalmatian Coast, the land of his birth. After his abdication in 305, the retired emperor left Nicomedia and settled in the palace, intending to spend the rest of his life there. The rectangular palace of Diocletian occupies an area of about 29,000 square meters. The transformation of the palace into the town began in the 7th C when the inhabitants of nearby Salona took refuge in the palace during the invasions of the Avars and Slavs. We visit the impressive cellars of the palace to get an idea of the original structure, Peristyle, Baptistery of St. John, Cathedral of St. Domnius and many more. Afternoon is free to enjoy the markets of Split. (B, D)

Day 18: (TUE) Split / Trogir / Sibenik / Zadar / Plitvice Lakes
Another interesting day ahead as we start with a visit of the medieval town of Trogir, which has changed little over the years and even today is one of the most beautiful towns on this coast. Life here revolves around Narodni Trg, a creamy-white square flanked by the Cathedral, Communal Palace and Loggia. We visit the Venetian Cathedral of St. Lovro, built from the 13th to 15th centuries on the Place of Ivana Pavla, one of the finest architectural works in Croatia. Our next stop is at Sibenik located in an area of several hundred inlets spread out to the open blue sea, forming many channels, bays and droves of rare beauty. Especially lovely are the inlets posted in front to the open sea, with their rocky cliffs and deep abrasions. Sibenik and its beautiful surroundings occupy a unique place in the Dalmatian coast. Our last stop of the day will be at Zadar, the ancient capital of Dalmatia. The town offers a variety of architectures and styles, where lone Corinthian columns stand alongside Romanesque churches. Zadar was part of Italy until 1947, and, though fast diminishing, one still finds Italian influence. We visit the Archaeological Museum, which has a neatly displayed collection of Roman relics, pre-Christian, Roman and medieval finds from nearby Nin, as well as fragments of sculpture from most of the local churches. We also see the Roman Forum from 2ndC. BC, the 9th century pre Romanesque church of St Donatus and St Elias church.
Overnight: Hotel Jezerao Plitvice Lakes area (1 night) (B, D)

Day 19: (WED) Plitvice Lakes / Zagreb
Today we walk on one of the most magnificent sites in Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes. Here sixteen lakes, each at a different level join the other in a series of cascading waterfalls. Surrounded by dense woods, the region, UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site is a natural phenomenon of rare and unique beauty. Wooded paths follow the succession of lakes and waterfalls where streams burst out of rocks creating a unique place. The colors of the pools are reminiscent of Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies. Afternoon, we visit Zagreb, capital of Croatia. It has 770 000 inhabitants and it is a political, cultural and economical center of Croatia. We experience the past and the present of Zagreb by passing through the streets of the Lower and Upper Towns. We visit the Zagreb Cathedral followed by the lively atmosphere of Dolac Market. Our walk will also take us to St. Mark’s Church and the Lotrscak Tower, from where noon time is announced by cannon firing. We culminate the day with a tour of Maksimir, the oldest public cultivated park in Europe. Evening is our send off dinner with local delicates.
Overnight: Hotel Palace, , Zagreb (1 night) (B, D)

Day 20: (THU) Zagreb / departure or continue to SLOVENIA
After an interesting tour of the Balkans, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight or we continue on an optional tour of the last of Yugoslavian territory – SLOVENIA. (B)


SLOVENIA EXTENSION

Day 20: (THU) Zagreb / Lipica Stud Farm / Postojna Cave / Ljubljana (SLOVENIA)
After breakfast we depart Zagreb for Slovenia. Our first stop is to tour Lipica Stud Farm. The impact of Lipica has been far greater than its tiny size would suggest. In 1580, the Austrian Archduke Charles, son of Ferdinand I, established a stud farm (kobilarna) to breed horses for the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. The stud farm remained the property of the court in Vienna until the end of WWI when the Italians took control of Primorska province and herds were moved to Hungary and then to Austria, but the change in climate took its toll on the horses. In 1943, with WWII still raging, the Germans moved more than 200 horses to the Sudetenland in Bohemia (now Czech Republic). When the area was liberated by American forces in 1945, most of the horses and the stud farms’ archives were shipped off to Italy. Sadly, only 11 horses returned to Slovenia when operations resumed in Lipica in 1947. We later visit Postojna. The cave at this scenic town is one of the largest in the world, and is among Slovenia’s most popular attractions. The Postojna Cave (Postojnska Jama) system, a series of caverns, halls and passages some 27 km (17 miles) long and 2,000,000 years old, was hollowed out by the Pivka River, which enters a subterranean tunnel near the caves’ entrance. The river continues its deep passage underground, carving out several more series of caves, and emerges again as the Unica River.
Overnight: Hotel Union, Ljubljana (1 night) (B)

Day 21: (FRI) Ljubljana / Bled
We start the day with a tour of "Bela Ljubjana." This was the nickname given to this delightful city after it was entirely rebuilt in the 16th century following the massive earthquake of 1511. A drive through the streets of this sunny city reminds us of the buildings of both Vienna and Prague. The difference, however, is that the Slovene capital is tiny by comparison, small enough to be easily visited on foot. We go up to the city's highest point to visit the 16th century castle, then descend to the lower city to see Trg Naradnih Herojev, the square housing one of the worlds newest parliaments. Here the Slovene flag was raised for the first time in 1991. We continue on foot to visit the old town with its large university, philharmonic hall, and beautiful square of the three bridges. Across the bridge in the old town we will see the city cathedral. Perhaps the most interesting parts of the building are the brand new bronze doors. Commemorating centuries of struggle towards independence, these doors recount major events in the history of Slovenia. Our walking tour is not complete without time spent wandering through the open air and indoor city market. People come here to buy fresh mountain herbs and flowers, famous forest honey, wild mushrooms, and fresh fruit and vegetables from local farms. Fresh cheeses made each morning for the market are also on display. Our next visit is Lake Bled. Reflecting the high peaks of the Julian Alps, the lake has always been considered sacred to the locals. We start with a visit of the castle perched on a cliff overlooking the town. Offering stunning views over the still morning waters, the castle is also home to a small historical museum with artifacts dating back to the time of the Romans. At the shores of Lake Bled we embark on a boat ride to Slovenia's only island. Legend has it that this little island was originally inhabited by fairies. Today the island is home to a Baroque church dedicated to Our Lady of the Lake. Near the altar of the church hangs a rope attached to the bells in the tower. Legend has it that if you make a wish while ringing the bells the wish will come true.
Overnight: Hotel Park, Bled (1 night) (B)

Day 22: (SAT) Bled departure
Completing the historical trail of the Balkans, of Yugoslavia – the country that has played a major role in the 20th C., we bid farewell to this aspect of history with our transfer to Ljubljana airport for our onward flight. (B)

Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures May 29* & Sep 11 2011 English Speaking Departures May 28 & Sep 10
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes International airfares and Border taxes (approx $15.00 paid locally) Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner) Insurance & Visas (Canadians & Australians require visas for Macedonia) All sightseeing and transfers by AC vehicles Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides  Services of local English speaking guides   Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary   Escort on group size 7 and above
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Main Tour (Days 01 – 20) Tour Size Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement   2010 2011   10 - 14 US $ 5520  US $ 5795 5520 US $ 815 07 - 09 US $ 6655 US $ 6985 6655 US $ 815 04 - 06 US $ 7160 US $ 7495 7160 US $ 815 02 - 03  US $ 8995 7160 US $ 8995 7160 US $ 815 Slovenia Extension (Days 20 - 22) US $ 960 US $ 960 US $ 160
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1200 USA - East Coast US $ 1200
Participants
This tour operates with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 14 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.