Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Lively and colourful, Tirana is now beyond recognition from its grey days of Enver Hoxha. Check in to your hotel before we begin digging into its history and evolution into a dynamic city with a walking tour around Skanderbeg Square.

After breakfast, visit the National Historical Museum and BunkArt, converted from a huge Enver Hoxha Cold War bunker.

We will make an excursion to Kruja (1.5-hour drive) and visit the Skanderbeg Fort, home of Albania’s national hero. Stroll through the charming Ottoman-style Kruja Bazaar which is one of the oldest in Albania.

Embark on a 282 km drive or about 5 hours to Butrint. Devote your afternoon to this well-preserved UNESCO archaeological site unveils rich traces of Greek, Roman and Ottoman heritages.

Next, proceed to Sarande (1.5-hour drive), a popular local resort right by the Adriatic Sea.

Leaving beautiful Sarande, we drive 55km or about 1.5 hour to UNESCO-listed Gjirokaster. Being the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha, his story really comes alive here. Afterward, we will drive 182 km or about 4 hours to Berat, another UNESCO highlight not to be missed.

Embark on a walking tour of the medieval town, where stone-walled houses, cobbled streets, lovely churches and a mighty castle is nestled on a riverside mountain. Make a visit to the Onufri Museum.

Proceed to Cobo winery, where you will gain insight into interesting family tales through the tumultuous times in Albanian history. Thereafter, drive 156km or about 4 hours and cross the border to Ohrid in North Macedonia. Lake Ohrid is one of the most alluring destinations in the Balkan.

In Ohrid, you will be treated to a private choir performance and a private Macedonian Dance performance.

This morning, a guided tour leads us to the picturesque Church of St Jovan and soak in the atmospheric old quarter cascading down a graceful hill of beautiful churches and a medieval fortress.

Drive 173 km or about 3.5 hours to North Macedonian capital Skopje. Before arriving in Skopje, we will visit Canyon Matka.

Skopje holds a unique reputation as the city with the most statues in the world. There are literally hundreds of them adorning the public squares and streets, some as high as 15m!

Enjoy a walking tour of this charming city which bears Greek, Ottoman, Albanian and Serbian influences. We will also visit the Archaeological Museum and the memorial house of Mother Teresa. In the afternoon, make an excursion to Mt Vodno for a panoramic view of Skopje.

Today, drive approximately 3.5 hours and cross the border into Kosovo. Head to Prizren, an Ottoman Old Town oozing with medieval charm for a walking tour.

Then, drive about 84 km or 1.5 hour to Prishtina, capital of the partially recognized country of Kosovo for a walking tour. We will visit 2 sites at the outskirt of Prishtina, the UNESCO-listed Gracanica and Gazimestan, the site of the Kosovo Battle between Turks & Serbs.

After breakfast, we drive 84 km or approximately 2 hours to Peja, where a UNESCO World Heritage site awaits. Admire Pec, the mother church of Serbian Orthodoxy.

Continue another estimated 3.5 hours’ drive, crossing through Montenegro into Novi Pazar in Serbia. Experience the refreshingly strong Turkish vibes as you wander around the streets lined up with bazaars and mosques.

This morning, we drive about 2 hours to the UNESCO-listed Studenica Monastery, the cradle of the Serbian Civilization and an outstanding Eastern Orthodox architecture.

After lunch, another 238 km or about 4 hours takes us to Belgrade, the capital and largest city of Serbia. Emerging from the isolation of communist Yugoslavia and ravages of the Balkan War, Belgrade is filled with renewed energy of vibrant streets, dining scenes and museums.

If time permits, visit the House of Flowers also called Tito Memorial to understand the legacy of this Yugoslavian strongman.

Today, we make an excursion to Novi Sad (about 2-hour drive). Walk along the Art Nouvelles architecture while soaking in its distinct Austro-Hungarian ambience. You will also visit a Serbian winery.

Return to Belgrade, walk around the Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the Belgrade Fortress, beautifully situated at the confluence of Sava and Danube. Later, transfer to airport for your flight out.