62 Day 1, Saturday, arrive in Athens You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free before meeting your fellow travelers and Tour Director for a Welcome Taverna Dinner. Dinner will be in the Plaka area, next to the Acropolis. (D) Day 2, Sunday, explore Athens Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Athens, exploring its cosmopolitan and bustling capital city. Amidst the city's reminders of a glorious past, visit graceful temples, centuries- old monasteries, and ornate Byzantine churches. Marvel at the immortal Acropolis, including the Parthenon, known as the most perfectly proportioned building of all time. Admire the Erectheion with its iconic Porch of the Maidens, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Wingless Victory. Below the Acropolis lies the Ancient Agora, the Theaters of Dionysus and Herodus Atticus. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure. (B) Day 3, Monday, to Kalambaka Embark on a journey to Delphi, where the famous Oracle once foretold the destinies of men. Explore the Oth-century B.C. Temple of Apollo, as well as the Sacred Way, Stadium, and Castalian Fountain. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the site, including the beautiful Bronze Charioteer. Continue your trip to Salambaka. (B, D) Day 4, Tuesday, Ohrid After breakfast, marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Meteora, known as the rocks that fell from the sky. These towering rocks were once home to remote monasteries built by monks seeking isolation. Of the original 33 monasteries, only four are active today, with the Megalo (Great) Meteoro being the most important. Its unique architecture, intricate dome, twelve sides, and exquisite frescoes make it a must- see. Cross the border to the Republic of North Macedonia and proceed to Ohrid. (B, D) Day 5, Wednesday, to Tirana Explore Ohrid, an important cultural and spiritual center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a morning sightseeing tour through the cobblestone streets of the old town and visit the Cathedral of St. Sofia, featuring magnificent 1Oth-century frescoes. In the afternoon, travel to Tirana - the capital of Albania. (B, D) Day 6, Thursday, explore Tirana Embark on a morning sightseeing tour of Tirana, where you'll visit notable landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Ethem Bey, the Clock Tower, and the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero. Explore the Palace of Culture, built with Soviet assistance, and the National History Museum, adorned with a mosaic depicting Albanian history on its facade. The afternoon is yours to continue rexploring, shopping, or relaxing. (B) Day 7, Friday, to Tivat After breakfast, depart Tirana and head to Shkodra, a cultural hub with ancient origins. Explore the magnificent Rozafa Castle, perched high on a rocky limestone outcrop overlooking the city. Cross the border into Montenegro and continue to Tivat. Enjoy dinner upon arrival. (B, D) Day 8, Saturday, to Dubrovnik Embark on a journey to Dubrovnik, Croatia stopping en route to admire the scenic Kotor Bay, a South European fjord. Enjoy an orientation tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town of Kotor. Continue to Dubrovnik and arrive before dinner. (B, D) Day 9, Sunday, explore Dubrovnik Embark on a walking tour of Old Dubrovnik after breakfast. Visit notable sites such as the Rector's Palace, the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and the Franciscan Monastery with its ancient Pharmacy. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Consider joining the optional excursion for a home-hosted Dubelj experience with dinner. (B) Day 10, Monday, to Split Travel north along the stunning Adriatic coast, passing old fishing villages and new resorts, until you reach the city of Split. (B, D) Day 11, Tuesday, explore Split Begin the morning with a sightseeing tour of Split. Explore the historic inner city, centered around the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Diocletian's Palace. Discover remnants of Split's Roman heritage, Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle, and the Cathedral. The rest of the day is free to stroll through the beautiful streets of Split, relax on the beach, or join the optional excursion to the glamorous island of Hvar Y a popular spot for the rich and famous. (B) Day 12, Wednesday, Trogir & Plitvice Lakes Afer breakfast, head to Trogir - known for its vibrant artistic scene. Scholars from around the world gather here to study and paint. Next, travel inland to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. Take a walking tour around the lower lakes and capture the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder. Marvel at the sixteen terraced lakes surrounded by lush vegetation and thickly wooded mountains. (B, D) Day 13, Thursday, Opatija, Postojna & Bled Return to the coast and drive along the beautiful bay of Kvarner to the popular resort town of Opatija. Enjoy some free time before continuing north to Postojna, Slovenia - home to one of Europe's largest caves. Explore this fantastic subterranean world on a miniature electric train. Continue to Bled, a picturesque town nestled in the Julian Alps. (B, D) MOSTAR LJUBLJANA Seven countries of the Balkans 20 DAYS IN ATHENS, KALAMBAKA, OHRID, TIRANA, TIVAT, DUBROVNIK, SPLIT, PLITVICE, BLED, ZAGREB, AND BELGRADE. 20DATHBEG
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