Mix & Match: Balkans Express

Welcome to Serbia. On arrival into Belgrade you will be met in the arrivals hall by a local guide for the short transfer into the heart of Belgrade. The rest of the day is at leisure. You might rest after your journey, wander the streets of the old town, or ask the guide for recommendations to try some Serbian cooking. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

After breakfast, we'll set out on a guided tour of Belgrade, exploring some of its most significant landmarks and neighborhoods. We begin at the historic Belgrade Fortress, overlooking the meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers. Spanning centuries of history, the site includes highlights such as the Victor Monument, Saint Petka Chapel, and the Clock Tower. From there, we take a panoramic drive through New Belgrade, known for its striking modernist architecture, before crossing into Zemun—a charming riverside district with cobblestone streets and a relaxed, Mediterranean feel. Continuing on, we pass through the elegant Dedinje neighborhood and arrive at the Saint Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and a powerful symbol of Serbian spirituality and identity. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. You might visit the Nikola Tesla Museum, browse the National Museum, or simply enjoy the energy of Belgrade's city centre. In the evening, there's an option to visit Skadarlija, the city's bohemian quarter. Often likened to Montmartre in Paris, it's a lively spot filled with traditional restaurants, local music, and a warm, artistic atmosphere. Inspiring Highlights Belgrade Fortress Zemun Saint Sava Temple

After breakfast, we'll set off for Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia. On our way, we'll stop in the charming town of Sremski Karlovci, once the cultural centre of Serbia in the 18th century. As we stroll through its cobbled streets, we'll visit the first Serbian high school, which gave rise to many of Serbia's great writers and poets. We'll also explore the Old Patriarch's Court and the theological complex, including the Assembly Church and Theological Lyceum. Situated in the heart of Serbia's renowned wine region, we'll make a stop at a local wine cellar to sample Bermet, a local wine famous for its distinctive flavour. Next, we'll visit Petrovaradin Fortress, perched on the Danube River. Known as the second-largest fortress on the river, it was a key strategic point in the battles between the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires. We'll hear about the fortress's history and explore its underground passages before we head to the City of Novi Sad, often called the ‘Serbian Athens' due to its rich cultural heritage. In Novi Sad, we'll wander through the Zmaj Jovina pedestrian zone, the city's oldest part, and see landmarks such as the monument to Svetozar Miletic, the Novi Sad Cathedral, and the Episcopal Church. After the tour, enjoy some free time for lunch or a drink, or simply explore the vibrant streets of Novi Sad.Return to Belgrade where the evening is at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Sremski Karlovci Petrovaradin Fortress Zmaj Jovina Pedestrian Zone Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, we travel to Sofia with a stop in Niš, one of Serbia's oldest cities. We'll explore the Niš Fortress, an Ottoman-era stronghold, and visit the haunting Skull Tower, built using the skulls of Serbian rebels. A stop at the Red Cross Concentration Camp provides insight into the city's WWII history. On arrival in Sofia, check in and enjoy time to explore independently. Wander Vitosha Boulevard for boutique shopping or a cosy café. In the evening, admire the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral lit up against the night sky, or opt for a guided night tour. Inspiring Highlights Niš Fortress Skull Tower St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

After breakfast we take a walking tour of Sofia, built on the Roman town of Serdica, taking in the St Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the St George Rotunda and the ruins of ancient Serdica. We then travel to Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country's most important spiritual centres. From there we cross into North Macedonia and its capital, Skopje. A guided tour takes in Macedonia Square, the Stone Bridge, the Skopje Fortress and the Ottoman-era Old Bazaar, along with the Mother Teresa Memorial House. The evening is at leisure to enjoy Skopje's restaurants. Inspiring Highlights Rila Monastery Ancient Serdica ruins Skopje Fortress Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast, we depart Skopje and make a stop at the breathtaking Matka Canyon, one of North Macedonia's most beautiful natural wonders. Carved by the Treska River, the canyon is home to caves, and we'll enjoy a scenic boat ride—an unforgettable way to take in the dramatic landscape. We then continue to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town nestled on the shores of Lake Ohrid. With a history stretching back over 2,000 years, Ohrid is often called the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans' for its once-abundant churches. On a walking tour, visit key sites including the clifftop Church of St. John at Kaneo, the 11th-century St. Sophia Cathedral, the Roman amphitheatre, and the hilltop Samuel's Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the lake and old town. Spend your evening exploring Ohrid's Old Town with its cobbled streets and dine at a lakeside restaurant (try the Ohrid trout, a local specialty). For a memorable end to the day, consider a moonlit boat ride on the lake. Inspiring Highlights Matka Canyon boat ride Samuel's Fortress Church of St. John at Kaneo Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, we cross into Albania and make a stop in Elbasan, where we explore the historic Elbasan Castle, the Mosque, and the Clock Tower—remnants of the town's Ottoman heritage. We then continue to Tirana, Albania's capital. On a city tour, admire the beautiful Et'hem Bey Mosque and the intricate Roman Mosaic, which offer a glimpse into the country's ancient past. In the evening, enjoy Tirana's lively atmosphere. For history enthusiasts, a visit to Bunk'Art, a museum housed in a former Cold War bunker, provides a fascinating look into Albania's more recent history. End the evening in Blloku, Tirana's trendiest district, filled with cafes and restaurants. Sample local Albanian dishes such as byrek (a pastry) or fërgesë (a traditional stew). Inspiring Highlights Elbasan Castle and Clock Tower Et'hem Bey Mosque Bunk'Art museum Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to this unforgettable journey and your new tour friends for now! We will transfer to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your incredible Balkan adventure. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.