Sep 7–20, 2027
OPTIONAL SERBIA EXTENSION
Sep 20–22, 2027
Discover Ottoman splendors, Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox Monasteries, ancient sites and dramatic landscapes on this 14-day Balkan tour from Skopje, Macedonia to Sarajevo, Albania. Bordered by the Adriatic, Mediterranean and the rugged Dinaric Mountains, diverse cultures have jostled and left their legacy across the Balkan Peninsula, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited land.
Countries Visited:
North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Starts/Ends:
Skopje (SKP), Macedonia / Sarajevo (SJJ), Bosnia-Herzegovina
Duration:
12 days/10 nights
Activity Level:
Moderate
Accommodation:
Deluxe 4-star | ★★★★
Luxury 5-star | ★★★★★
International Air Route:
USA → Skopje (SKP) | Sarajevo (SJJ) → USA
Group Size:
Min 10, Max 18
Experiences:
Culture, History, Cuisine
Coda Tours signature small group size
Coda Tours signature inclusive meal plan
Coda Tours signature comprehensive sightseeing programs
Coda Tours signature deluxe accommodations
Skopje’s Monumental Whimsy – Encounter the city’s bold and unexpected statuary, a striking expression of North Macedonia’s evolving national identity.
Timeless Lake Ohrid – Cruise the luminous waters of Lake Ohrid and discover ancient monasteries set amid one of Europe’s oldest cultural landscapes.
Kotor’s Island Sanctuary – Visit Our Lady of the Rocks, the storied island church set within Montenegro’s breathtaking Bay of Kotor.
Albania’s Culinary Soul – Savor fresh, farm-to-table cuisine that reflects Albania’s rich agricultural traditions and warm hospitality.
Echoes of the Hoxha Era – Explore Albania’s remarkable Cold War legacy through the bunkers that still dot the country’s landscape.
Cold War Secrets Revealed – Step inside extraordinary nuclear-era bunkers in Tirana and Sarajevo, powerful reminders of the region’s recent past.
Berat’s Ottoman Grace – Wander the stunning UNESCO-listed village of Berat, famed for its hillside houses, cobbled lanes, and timeless beauty.
Mostar’s Symbol of Resilience – Admire the rebuilt Stari Most, Bosnia-Herzegovina’s iconic bridge and a moving emblem of reconciliation.
Fortified Kotor – Explore Montenegro’s magnificent walled city of Kotor, where medieval lanes and Venetian architecture meet the dramatic Adriatic coast.
CODA can help design a tailor made tour to suit you!
Depart the United States on your overnight flight to Skopje, gateway to the fascinating and little-explored Balkans.
Arrive in Skopje, the vibrant capital of North Macedonia, where East and West have intersected for centuries. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your centrally located hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and settle into your surroundings. Perhaps enjoy a stroll through the city's lively pedestrian streets or simply unwind after your journey.
Hotel: Skopje Marriott Hotel ★★★★★
Discover Skopje, a city where Ottoman heritage, Byzantine traditions, and contemporary ambitions coexist. Explore the city's grand squares, monuments, and historic landmarks, including the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, who was born here.
Visit the beautifully preserved Church of the Holy Savior and wander through the atmospheric Old Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest marketplaces in the Balkans. Gain insight into the city's evolving identity through the perspectives of local residents and artists.
This evening, gather for a welcome dinner showcasing the flavors and hospitality of North Macedonia. (B,D)
Hotel: Skopje Marriott Hotel ★★★★★
Cross into neighboring Kosovo for an excursion to Prizren, one of the most charming towns in the Balkans. Framed by rolling hills and traversed by a picturesque river, Prizren is renowned for its elegant Ottoman architecture, historic mosques, medieval churches, and lively café culture.
Explore the beautifully preserved old town and learn about Kosovo's rich cultural mosaic before returning to Skopje.
The evening is at leisure. (B,L)
Hotel: Skopje Marriott Hotel ★★★★★
Depart Skopje and journey southwest to the shores of magnificent Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Monastery of St. Naum, dramatically positioned above crystal-clear waters and natural springs. Then board a private boat to cruise across the lake, taking in breathtaking scenery and centuries of history.
Long regarded as a center of Slavic learning and Orthodox Christianity, Ohrid is home to remarkable churches, monasteries, and priceless Byzantine treasures. Arrive at your lakeside resort and enjoy dinner overlooking the tranquil waters. (B,L,D)
Hotel: Unique Resort & Spa ★★★★
Cross into Albania and travel to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat, often called the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Set against a dramatic hillside, its white Ottoman-era houses and historic citadel create one of the country's most iconic landscapes.
After exploring Berat's atmospheric streets and monuments, enjoy a tasting at the acclaimed Çobo Winery, sampling wines produced from indigenous Albanian grape varieties.
Continue to the coastal city of Vlorë, where Albania declared its independence in 1912. (B,L,D)
Hotel: Priam by Meliá ★★★★
Travel through southern Albania's spectacular mountain landscapes, including the dramatic Nivica Canyon.
Arrive in Gjirokastër, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Balkans' most captivating historic towns. Known as the “City of Stone,” it is celebrated for its distinctive slate-roofed houses, cobblestone lanes, and commanding hilltop fortress.
Explore the medieval citadel and traditional tower houses that offer fascinating insights into Albanian life through the centuries. (B,L,D)
Hotel: Kerculli Hotel, Uji Ftohtë (or similar) ★★★★
Journey north through Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, Albania's largest protected wetland and an important sanctuary for migratory birds, including the rare Dalmatian pelican.
Enjoy a scenic walk amid lagoons, pine forests, and coastal landscapes before continuing to Tirana, Albania's dynamic capital.
The evening is yours to explore at leisure. (B,L)
Hotel: Tirana Marriott Hotel ★★★★★
Explore Tirana's fascinating blend of Ottoman, Italian, and communist-era influences. Highlights include Skanderbeg Square, the House of Leaves Museum, and the remarkable Bunk'Art complex.
Continue to historic Krujë, home to Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg. Visit the medieval castle and browse the traditional bazaar, where artisans continue centuries-old crafts.
This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Tirana's celebrated restaurants. (B,L,D)
Hotel: Tirana Marriott Hotel ★★★★★
Depart Albania for Montenegro, stopping in Shkodër, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Balkans. Dominating the landscape is Rozafa Fortress, whose history stretches back to Illyrian times.
Continue along the Adriatic coast to Budva, a charming seaside town renowned for its medieval walls, stone lanes, and picturesque waterfront.
The evening is at leisure to enjoy the town's vibrant dining scene. (B,L)
Hotel: Hotel Avala Resort & Villas (or similar) ★★★★
Begin the day with a guided walk through Budva's atmospheric old town before continuing to Kotor, one of the Adriatic's most enchanting destinations.
Explore Kotor's UNESCO-listed old town, where Venetian palaces, churches, and winding lanes reveal centuries of maritime history.
After lunch, travel inland through spectacular mountain scenery into Bosnia & Herzegovina, arriving in the historic city of Mostar. (B,L)
Hotel: Hotel Mepas (or similar) ★★★★★
Explore Mostar, beautifully situated along the emerald waters of the Neretva River. Stroll through its cobblestone streets and admire the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), meticulously reconstructed after the conflicts of the 1990s.
Visit the elegant Muslibegović House, one of the finest surviving examples of Ottoman residential architecture in the Balkans.
Following lunch, continue to Sarajevo, a city whose rich history reflects centuries of cultural exchange between East and West. (B,L)
Hotel: Swissôtel Sarajevo (or similar) ★★★★★
Today uncover the many layers of Sarajevo, one of Europe's most fascinating capitals.
Explore Baščaršija, the city's historic Ottoman quarter, where copper artisans, mosques, cafés, and markets create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Europe. Visit the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, offering powerful insight into the city's resilience during the siege of the 1990s.
Additional highlights include the site associated with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Tito's remarkable Cold War-era bunker.
This evening, gather for a farewell dinner celebrating the cultures and experiences of the Balkans. (B,D)
Hotel: Swissôtel Sarajevo (or similar) ★★★★★
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, or continue to Belgrade for an optional post-tour extension to Serbia. (B)
Serbia occupies a fascinating crossroads between Central Europe and the Balkans, where centuries of Ottoman, Habsburg, and Slavic influences have shaped a culture rich in history, architecture, and tradition. From the vibrant boulevards and riverside fortresses of Belgrade to the elegant squares of Novi Sad, Serbia offers an engaging blend of old-world charm, contemporary energy, and renowned hospitality.
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Sarajevo before transferring to the airport for your flight to Belgrade, Serbia's dynamic capital.
Situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers, Belgrade has stood at the crossroads of empires for more than two millennia. Upon arrival, transfer to your elegant hotel in the heart of the city.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or begin exploring this vibrant destination independently. This evening, gather for dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant, introducing the rich culinary traditions of Serbia. (B,D)
Hotel: Saint Ten Hotel ★★★★★
Discover Belgrade's remarkable history and enduring spirit on a guided exploration of the city. Visit the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically positioned above the meeting point of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Wander through Kalemegdan Park and enjoy sweeping views over the waterways that have shaped the city's strategic importance for centuries.
Continue to the magnificent Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, before strolling along elegant Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade's lively pedestrian boulevard lined with cafés, boutiques, and historic buildings.
Following lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps explore the city's thriving arts scene, visit one of its excellent museums, or simply relax at a riverside café. (B,L,D)
Hotel: Saint Ten Hotel ★★★★★
Travel north through the fertile plains of Vojvodina to Novi Sad, Serbia's graceful second city and a cultural center renowned for its Austro-Hungarian architecture and relaxed atmosphere.
Explore the charming Old Town, where colorful façades, elegant squares, and grand civic buildings reflect the city's rich multicultural heritage. Visit the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress, a vast 17th-century stronghold overlooking the Danube and often referred to as the “Gibraltar of the Danube.”
Enjoy lunch in Novi Sad before returning to Belgrade in the late afternoon.
This evening, gather for a farewell dinner celebrating your journey through the Balkans and Serbia's warm traditions of hospitality. (B,L,D)
Hotel: Saint Ten Hotel ★★★★★
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
Sep 7–20, 2027
| Per Person | Double occupancy | Single occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| The Undiscovered Balkans | $6295 | $7495 |
Sep 20–22, 2027
| Per Person | Double occupancy | Single occupancy | Sarajevo→Belgrade air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extension to Serbia | $2395 | $2695 | $TBA |
Per Person
The Undiscovered Balkans
Double occupancy: $6295
Single occupancy: $7495
Sep 20–22, 2027
Per Person
Extension to Serbia
Double occupancy: $2395
Single occupancy: $2695
Sarajevo→Belgrade air: $TBA
Note: Rates are in USD and subject to change. Rates are based on 10 participants. For fewer than 10, a surcharge will apply.
11-nights' accommodation in 4★ & 5★ hotels as described in the itinerary. Standard room category is reserved unless otherwise specified. Upgrades at the hotels may be available for additional cost. Please inquire.
Breakfast daily in the hotels.
9 lunches & 6 dinners
Complete program of tours as described in the itinerary
Private arrival and departure transfers
Deluxe motor coach throughout the trip.
Professional English-speaking tour leader/guide from Albania who will accompany the group throughout the tour
Professional English-speaking Coda Tour Leader to accompany the group throughout the tour.
Professional English-speaking guides where required.
Complete pre-departure assistance and information
Final document portfolio
Baggage handling in hotels
3-nights' accommodation in 5★ hotels as described in the itinerary.
Breakfast daily; 2 lunches & 2 dinners
Complete program of tours as described in the itinerary
Private arrival and departure transfers
Deluxe transportation throughout the trip.
Professional English-speaking guide from Serbia.
Professional English-speaking Coda Tour Leader to accompany the group throughout.
Baggage handling in hotels
International airfare
Visa and passport fees (if applicable. None required for American/Canadian passports)
Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (recommended)
Meals and beverages other than those specified in the itinerary
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, WiFi, Internet)
Gratuities to guides, drivers and Coda tour leader
You will fly from the USA on Sep 07 to Skopje (SKP) Macedonia, arriving Sep 8, and return to the USA from Sarajevo (SJJ), Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sep 20 – if you are taking the program as written. Turkish Airways has easy connections through Istanbul and can be the best rate for your airfare. You can also fly several European carriers through major European cities. Coda Tours will be happy to assist you with your international airfare in Business or Economy class (First Class is rare nowadays on international flights, but if available, we can quote it.) Please ask us for a price quote, we often have favorable rates. There is a standard $35 per ticket ticketing for this service.
There are no internal flights in the main itinerary. For those taking the extension, an additional airfare for Sarajevo → Belgrade will be required. Price to be determined closer to the fly date.
No visas are required for American passport holders. If you overnight in Istanbul en route, a visa is required for Turkey and can be obtained online prior to departure.
No special vaccinations or medications are required or recommended for this trip. Please check with your physician for his/her personal recommendations for you.
Below is a chart of average temperatures in selected cities on this tour.
| Average September Temperature | Skopje | Tirana | Budva | Sarajevo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 79° | 78° | 76° | 70° |
| Low | 53° | 61° | 64° | 52° |
| Precipitation | 1.4” | 2.6” | 4” | 2.5” |
The trip is casual at all times. There is no need to bring a sports jacket or other formal wear. Polo shirts, jeans, khakis, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for the evening will serve you well. A fuller list of recommended items to bring with you will be sent with final documents.
Please refer to Inclusions to determine the number of meals included in the program cost. Meals not included are at your own expense. Drinks at meals, apart from water, are not usually included. Tipping to the guides, drivers are additional. Suggested tipping amounts are provided in Final Documents.
US dollars or Euros will be your currency of choice on this tour. Where necessary you can change smaller amounts into local currencies as you need it. ATM machines are readily available throughout these countries.
Wi-Fi will be available in all hotels. Sometimes there is a fee. If you have T-Mobile, you will have free web browsing and cheap texts and phone calls.
All departures and rates are guaranteed on a minimum number of participants. A Coda Tour Manager will accompany a tour also based on a minimum number of participants. This tour can be operated as a Private Tour or customized and repriced based on a final itinerary.
A complete portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed to you approximately three weeks prior to departure.
You will fly from the USA on Sep 07 to Skopje (SKP) Macedonia, arriving Sep 8, and return to the USA from Sarajevo (SJJ), Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sep 20 – if you are taking the program as written. Turkish Airways has easy connections through Istanbul and can be the best rate for your airfare. You can also fly several European carriers through major European cities. Coda Tours will be happy to assist you with your international airfare in Business or Economy class (First Class is rare nowadays on international flights, but if available, we can quote it.) Please ask us for a price quote, we often have favorable rates. There is a standard $35 per ticket ticketing for this service.
