The lakeside resort of Ohrid is an important cultural and spiritual center, classified as UNESCO’s World Heritage site. Start morning sightseeing with a walk through the cobblestone streets of the old town. Visit the Cathedral of St. Sofia, containing some magnificent frescoes from the 10th century. This afternoon we travel to Tirana, capital of Albania. (B, D)

On a Morning sightseeing tour, see Sheshi Skenderbej (Skanderbeg Square) the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, and the statue of G.K.  Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero; the Palace of Culture, built with Soviet assistance, and the National History Museum with a mosaic on its façade portraying Albanian history.  Your afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own, shop, or simply just relax. (B)

After breakfast we leave Tirana towards town of Shkodra, nowadays a major cultural center. Shkodra was the center of the Illyrian tribe Labeat and was taken by the Romans in the year 168 B.C. We will see of the Rozafa Castle, magnificently situated on a rocky outcrop of limestone high above the city, before we cross the border to Montenegro and drive to Tivat. Dinner upon arrival. (B, D)

After breakfast, our journey takes us to Dubrovnik. On the way you will see Kotor Bay, the only South European fiord and we stop for an orientation tour of the old town of Kotor, a UNESCO heritage Site. Continue to Dubrovnik. (B, D)

After the breakfast, walking tour of Old Dubrovnik visit the Rector’s Palace, and see the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando’s Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. The rest of the day is free

Optional Excursion: home hosted Dubelj with dinner. (B)

Travel north along the spectacular Adriatic coast, past old fishing villages and new resorts, to the city of Split. (B, D)

n the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Then see the remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. The rest of the day at leisure to stroll through the beautiful streets of Split, enjoy at the beach or join us on an Optional Excursion to Jet Set spot of rich and famous – Island of Hvar. (B)

After breakfast, head to Trogir, the center of artistic activities. Scholars from around the world gather here to study and paint. Then, turn inland and travel to spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. Have your camera ready as you take a walking tour around the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. (B, D)

Return to the coast and travel along the beautiful bay of Kvarner to its popular resort, Opatija. After a bit of free time, journey continue north to Postojna, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. Tour this fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterward, continue to Bled, beautifully set in the Julian Alps. (B, D)

An Alpine Lake surrounded by high peaks, Bled was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19^th century. A sightseeing tour features the charming town and the lakeshore, and visits imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps join an optional excursion visiting the small island in the middle of the lake, browse through the shops and boutiques, or simply enjoy the enchanting scenery. (B)

Leave the mountains and head to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. See the most significant sights of the old city center on a walking tour. Highlights include the picturesque open-air Central Market, the Three Bridges, Baroque Town Hall, and Robba’s Fountain. Then, continue to Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. (B, D)

This morning, enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, Parliament, and Government Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the winding streets of the old town or take an optional excursion to see the countryside. (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

NOTE: Because of the narrow and cobbled streets, walking is the primary way of getting around. Please make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes.

Hotels

■ Athens: Stanley (F)/ Titania (F) or similar
■ Kalambaka: Grand Meteora (F) or similar
■ Ohrid: Hotel Granit (F) or similar
■ Tirana: Colosseo (F) or similar
■ Tivat: Hotel Palma (F) or similar
■ Dubrovnik: Lacroma (F)/ Argosy (F) or similar
■ Split: Hotel Corner (F) or similar
■ Plitvice: Hotel Jezero (F) or similar
■ Bled: Park (F)/ Rikli Balance (F) or similar
■ Zagreb: Sheraton (DLX)/ The Westin (DLX) or similar