{"id":13879,"date":"2020-07-10T09:14:06","date_gmt":"2020-07-10T01:14:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intriqjourney.com\/hk\/?post_type=itinerary&#038;p=13879"},"modified":"2026-08-05T14:00:03","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T06:00:03","slug":"12-days-mosaics-of-balkan","status":"publish","type":"itinerary","link":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/itinerary\/12-days-mosaics-of-balkan\/","title":{"rendered":"12 DAYS MOSAICS OF BALKAN"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The glorious history of the mighty European Habsburg and Ottoman Turks, colourful local medieval heritage and recent dramatic development with the end of Cold War leaves behind not only gorgeous monuments but even more fascinating tales.<\/p>\n<p>And while other Mediterranean and Alpine Balkan countries have embraced tourism, these 4 countries just started to welcome the most curious and well-heeled travellers.<\/p>\n<p>This trip is for those who appreciates unique historical background and cultural heritages revealed through its many stories. And the greatest charm is perhaps being able to explore the many UNESCO World Heritage sites with very few tourists.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The glorious history of the mighty European Habsburg and Ottoman Turks, colourful local medieval heritage and recent dramatic development with the end of Cold War leaves behind not only gorgeous monuments but even more fascinating tales. And while other Mediterranean and Alpine Balkan countries have embraced tourism, these 4 countries just started to welcome the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":13880,"template":"","itinerary-tags":[],"sub-region":[],"region":[85],"experience-level":[],"language":[],"interest":[],"journey-type":[32],"country":[197,214,221,226],"class_list":["post-13879","itinerary","type-itinerary","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","region-europe","journey-type-tailor-made","country-albania","country-kosovo","country-north-macedonia","country-serbia"],"meta_box":{"popularity_score":"","select_brands":[],"hotels_section_title":"","select_hotel":[],"faq_content_block":[],"hotel_tour_tiers_title":"Hotels & Tour Price","tiers":[{"price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"38800","price_unit":"Indicative Cost Per Person (HKD)","hotel_tour_tiers":["13900","13902","45153","13906","13908","13910","13896","13898"]},{"price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"49980","price_unit":"Indicative Cost Per Person (HKD) ","hotel_tour_tiers":["45153","42555","42553","42551","42549","13898","13908","13900"]}],"intriq_note":"<p><em>Please note that all prices provided are indicative and may be adjusted based on your travel dates, party size, and any specific requirements you may have.<\/em><\/p>\n","intriq_inquire_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/contact-us\/","itinerary_banner":[{"width":150,"height":150,"file":"2020\/07\/D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image.jpg","filesize":164392,"sizes":{"medium":{"file":"D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image-300x115.jpg","width":300,"height":115,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":9665,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image-300x115.jpg"},"large":{"file":"D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image-1024x392.jpg","width":1024,"height":392,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":94446,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image-1024x392.jpg"},"thumbnail":{"file":"D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":6493,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image-150x150.jpg"},"medium_large":{"file":"D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image-768x294.jpg","width":768,"height":294,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":54124,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image-768x294.jpg"},"1536x1536":{"file":"D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image-1536x588.jpg","width":1536,"height":588,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":200549,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image-1536x588.jpg"}},"image_meta":{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]},"ID":"13881","name":"D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image.jpg","path":"\/var\/www\/html\/intriq\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image-150x150.jpg","full_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image.jpg","title":"D0-12D-Balkan-Hero-Image","caption":"","description":"","alt":"","srcset":false}],"start_date":"","end_date":"","duration_days":"12","duration_nights":"11","pricing_options":[{"price_label":"Price From","price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"38800","price_unit":"Per Person"}],"promotions_grp":[],"download_itinerary_label":"","download_itinerary_attachment":[],"intro_content":"<p>The glorious history of the mighty European Habsburg and Ottoman Turks, colourful local medieval heritage and recent dramatic development with the end of Cold War leaves behind not only gorgeous monuments but even more fascinating tales.<\/p>\n<p>And while other Mediterranean and Alpine Balkan countries have embraced tourism, these 4 countries just started to welcome the most curious and well-heeled travellers.<\/p>\n<p>This trip is for those who appreciates unique historical background and cultural heritages revealed through its many stories. And the greatest charm is perhaps being able to explore the many UNESCO World Heritage sites with very few tourists.<\/p>\n","itinerary_highlight_title":"Itinerary Highlights","itinerary_highlights":"<ul>\n<li>Visit 4 European states in 1 trip, including its youngest - Kosovo<\/li>\n<li>Breathe in the bustling aroma of Serbian and Albanian grapes at an authentic winery<\/li>\n<li>Insight into the rise and fall of Communism, how it intertwines with ancient European history and current democratic system<\/li>\n<li>Carefully-curated selection of latest hotels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","itinerary_offer_title":"","itinerary_offer_content":"","offer_button_title":"","offer_button_url":"","outline_section_title":"Itinerary Outline","itinerary_outline_image":[{"width":150,"height":150,"file":"2020\/07\/StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan.jpg","filesize":83242,"sizes":{"medium":{"file":"StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan-300x300.jpg","width":300,"height":300,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":16982,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan-300x300.jpg"},"thumbnail":{"file":"StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":5155,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan-150x150.jpg"},"medium_large":{"file":"StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan-768x768.jpg","width":768,"height":768,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":85062,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan-768x768.jpg"}},"image_meta":{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]},"ID":"39125","name":"StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan.jpg","path":"\/var\/www\/html\/intriq\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan-150x150.jpg","full_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan.jpg","title":"StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan","caption":"","description":"","alt":"","srcset":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/StepMap-Map-Mosaics-of-Balkan.jpg 800w"}],"itinerary_note":"","day_by_day_itinerary":[{"itinerary_day_image":["13883"],"day_title":"Arrival in Belgrade","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrive in Belgrade in the morning, where you will be transferred to your hotel.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 great museums. This afternoon, you will visit the <\/span><b>National Museum<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><b>Belgrade Fortress<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, beautifully situated at the confluence of Sava and Danube. Thereafter, you will stroll down the <\/span><b>Republic Square<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Knez Mihailova Street<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>","day_hotel":"13896"},{"itinerary_day_image":["13884"],"day_title":"Belgrade \/ Novi Sad \/ Belgrade ","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, we make an excursion to <\/span><b>Novi Sad<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Walk along the Art Nouvelles architecture while soaking in its distinct Austro-Hungarian ambience.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After lunch, you have the option to visit <\/span><b>Fruska Gora<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the Holy Mount with 17 orthodox monasteries or a <\/span><b>Serbian winery<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Return to Belgrade to visit the <\/span><b>House of Flower<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>Tito Memorial<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to understand the legacy of this Yugoslavian strongman.<\/span>","day_hotel":"13896","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13885"],"day_title":"Belgrade \/ Studenica \/ Novi Pazar","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This morning, we drive 238 km or about 3\u00bd hours to the UNESCO-listed <\/span><b>Studenica Monastery<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the cradle of the Serbian Civilization and an outstanding Eastern Orthodox architecture.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After lunch, we drive another 64 km or about 1h 15m to <\/span><b>Novi Pazar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Experience the refreshingly strong Turkish vibes as you wander around the streets lined up with bazaars and mosques.<\/span>","day_hotel":"13898","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13886"],"day_title":"Novi Pazar \/ Pec \/ Prishtina","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This morning, we drive 108 km or about 3h, crossing through Montenegro into Peja in Kosov, where another UNESCO World Heritage site awaits. Admire <\/span><b>Pec<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the mother church of Serbian Orthodoxy.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue for another 84 km or about 1\u00bd hour to arrive at <\/span><b>Prishtina<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, capital of the partially-recognized country of Kosovo for a <\/span><b>walking tour<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>","day_hotel":"13900","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13888"],"day_title":"Prishtina \/ Prizren \/ Skopje","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We visit 2 sites at the outskirt of Prishtina, visiting the UNESCO-listed <\/span><b>Gracanica<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Gazimestan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the site of the Kosovo Battle between Turks &amp; Serbs. Then, drive about 84 km or 1\u00bc hr to <\/span><b>Prizren<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an Ottoman Old Town oozing with medieval charm for a <\/span><b>walking tour<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the end of the day, drive 99 km or about 1\u00bd hours back and cross the border into North Macedonian capital of <\/span><b>Skopje<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>","day_hotel":"13902","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13889"],"day_title":"Skopje","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><b>walking tour<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of this charming city which bears Greek, Ottoman, Albanian and Serbian influences. We will also visit the <\/span><b>Archaeological Museum<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><b>memorial house of Mother Teresa. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the afternoon, make an excursion to <\/span><b>Mt Vodno<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a panoramic view of Skopje and enjoy the beautiful <\/span><b>Matka Canyon.<\/b>","day_hotel":"13902","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13890"],"day_title":"Skopje \/ Ohrid","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This morning, we drive 173 km or about 2\u00bd hours to <\/span><b>Lake Ohrid<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, one of the most alluring destinations in the Balkan. A guided tour leads us to the picturesque <\/span><b>Church of St Jovan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and soak in the atmospheric <\/span><b>old quarter<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cascading down a graceful hill of beautiful churches and a medieval fortress.<\/span>","day_hotel":"45153","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13891"],"day_title":"Ohrid \/ Berat","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, we cross the border into Albania, once one of the world\u2019s most secluded countries. The story of dictator Enver Hoxha makes Kim or Stalin sounds moderate and still permeates in the Albanian lives today.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We drive 156km or about 3\u00bd hours to Berat. En route, stop at <\/span><b>Cobo winery<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where you will gain insight into interesting family tales through the tumultuous times in Albanian history.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<b>Berat<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is another UNESCO highlight not to be missed. Enjoy a <\/span><b>walking tour of the medieval town<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where stone-walled houses, cobbled streets, lovely churches and a mighty castle is nestled on a riverside mountain. Conclude the day with a visit to the <\/span><b>Onufri Museum<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>","day_hotel":"13906","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13892"],"day_title":"Berat \/ Gjirokaster \/ Saranda","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leaving beautiful Berat, we drive 182 km or about 3 hours to <\/span><b>Gjirokaster<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (UNESCO). As the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha, his story really comes alive here.Thereafter, we drive 55km or 1h 15m to <\/span><b>\u00a0Saranda<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a popular local resort right by the Adriatic sea.<\/span>","day_hotel":"13908","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13893"],"day_title":"Saranda \/ Butrint \/ Tirana","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Devote the morning to another highlight of the trip, <\/span><b>Butrint<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This very well-preserved UNESCO archaeological site unveils rich traces of Greek, Roman and Ottoman heritages. In the afternoon, drive 282 km or about 4\u00bd hours back to Tirana, the capital of Albania.<\/span>","day_hotel":"13910","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13894"],"day_title":"Tirana","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lively and colourful, Tirana is now beyond recognition from its grey days of Enver Hoxha. We enjoy a full day here digging into its history and evolution into a dynamic city. Start the morning with an excursion to <\/span><b>Kruja<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0and visit the <\/span><b>Skanderbeg Fort<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, home of Albania\u2019s national hero.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enjoy a walking tour around <\/span><b>Skanderbeg Square,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the <\/span><b>National Museum<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>BunkArt<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, converted from a huge Enver Hoxha Cold War bunker.<\/span>","day_hotel":"13910","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["13895"],"day_title":"Departure from Tirana","itinerary_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free at leisure until transfer to airport for your flight out.<\/span>","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]}],"promo_pay_terms":"","book_now_url":"","inquire_now_url":"","includes_title":"Includes","excludes_title":"Excludes","includes_content":"<ul>\n<li>Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotel as stated on bed &amp; breakfast basis<\/li>\n<li>All transportation &amp; transfer on an air-conditioned minivan<\/li>\n<li>Throughout English-speaking driver guide<\/li>\n<li>All entrance fees in sights stated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","excludes_content":"<ul>\n<li>International Airfare<\/li>\n<li>Lunches &amp; dinners<\/li>\n<li>Beverages in restaurants where meals are included<\/li>\n<li>Gratuities<\/li>\n<li>Personal expenses e.g. telephone bill &amp; laundry<\/li>\n<li>Visa<\/li>\n<li>Travel insurance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","tour_price_section_title":"","date":"","duration":"","price":"10180","traveller_type":"per_person","pre_post_countries_extensions":[],"featured_transport_group":[],"partner_showcase":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary\/13879","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/itinerary"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary\/13879\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63300,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary\/13879\/revisions\/63300"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13880"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13879"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"itinerary-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/itinerary-tags?post=13879"},{"taxonomy":"sub-region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sub-region?post=13879"},{"taxonomy":"region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/region?post=13879"},{"taxonomy":"experience-level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/experience-level?post=13879"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=13879"},{"taxonomy":"interest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/interest?post=13879"},{"taxonomy":"journey-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/journey-type?post=13879"},{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=13879"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}