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Balkans and Beaches
36 days Budapest to Santorini
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Experience the Roman Balkans at Petrovaradin Fortress, Be heartened to see Mostar rebuilt after wartime destruction, Stay overnight with humble pilgrims at the remote Ostrog Monastery, Gaze over the Adriatic from Dubrovnik's city walls, Wander the medieval castle in Berat, Look out over the azure waters of the Blue Eye Spring, Uncover a millennia of civilisation in Corfu and Athens, Frolic with Europe's partygoers in Mykonos, Experience a fabled Oia sunset
Travel through the heart of Europe, the fascinating Balkans. Over thousands of years, conquest and warfare have left their mark on these lands, but they remain as gorgeous as ever and offer a rich mix of cultural heritage and a lively, forward-looking spirit. From Budapest's graceful buildings lining the Danube to the sparkling Aegean Sea, this journey takes in remote monasteries, classical Greek and Roman ruins, tempting sandy beaches and medieval cobbled streets. Take 36 days to enjoy a cavalcade of experiences that will live on forever in your memories.
Physical Rating: 2
Culture Shock Rating: 2
Accommodation: Hotels/basic hotels (31 nts), private rooms (3 nts), monastery (1 nt)
Transportation: Train, coach, ferry, minibus, local bus, tram, metro, walking
Trip Style: Intrepid Original
Group Size: Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Departure: Departure is guaranteed
Budget: Allow EUR €1020 for meals not included.
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| Call (954) 748-6881 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7479362 | | Intrepid Travel | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Days 1-2 | Budapest | Begin the adventure on the Danube's banks, admiring the graceful architecture of Budapest from the iconic Chain Bridge. | | Days 3-4 | Novi Sad | Across the border in Serbia lies a city that's been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries. Enjoy panoramic views from the Roman-era Petrovaradin Fortress, and sip local wines in the surrounding vineyards. | | Days 5-6 | Belgrade | One of Europe's oldest cities, Belgrade is exciting and progressive without losing sight of tradition. Stroll the bohemian quarter for a taste of history, marvel at Orthodox churches or vie for space in hip nightclubs. | | Days 7-9 | Sarajevo/Mostar | Travel through serene countryside to the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Take a day trip to Mostar for an inspiring opportunity to see how the town and bridge, famously reduced to rubble during the Yugoslav wars, have been rebuilt and now symbolise the new Balkans. | | Day 10 | Ostrog Monastery | Heading into Montenegro, follow Orthodox Christian pilgrims up a rocky mountain path and spend a night in humble quarters at a monastery. | | Days 11-12 | Budva | Live it up in Montenegro's answer to Miami, known for its pristine coastline and vibrant nightlife. Climb the town walls for spectacular views, or hit the beach to soak up some sun. | | Day 13 | Kotor | Hop aboard a boat bound for a perfectly preserved medieval town with charming crooked alleyways to explore. | | Days 14-16 | Dubrovnik | Charming Dubrovnik has been restored to its original glory after wartime damage. Enjoy Adriatic Sea panoramas from the city walls or climb Mt Srd for a bird's eye view of the town. | | Day 17 | Ulcinj | Long, sandy beaches and sparkling seas border the southernmost city on the Montenegrin coast, Ulcinj. The sands of Velika Plaza, or Big Beach, are said to hold potent healing powers - a great excuse to lie back and relax. | | Days 18-19 | Tirana | The architecture in Albania's compact capital is full of Turkish and Italian flourishes. Don't miss a chance to appraise the intricate frescoes at the exquisite Et'hem Bey Mosque. | | Days 20-21 | Berat | Thought to be one of the oldest cities in the country, Berat is better known to Albanians as the City of a Thousand Windows. Head off to explore its magnificent fortress, medieval citadel and mosque. | | Days 22-23 | Gjirokastra | Wander this perfectly preserved Ottoman town and unravel its tumultuous history starting with a visit to the central 13th century citadel, now the Museum of Armaments. | | Days 24-25 | Saranda | Gateway to the beautiful Albanian Riviera, seaside Saranda is full of Mediterranean-flavoured cafes and bars. Travel out of town to the ruins of Butrint, hidden until recently beneath dense vegetation. Stop by the unbelievably clear waters of the Blue Eye Spring. | | Days 26-27 | Corfu | One of the most beautiful of Greece's Ionian Islands, Corfu has a pretty harbour, World Heritage-listed Old Town and miles of stunning coastline. Perhaps stroll along the elegant Liston or delve into the myths of ancient Greece at the Archaeological Museum. | | Days 28-29 | Athens | Greece's 3,000-year-old capital is a striking mix of ancient heritage and modern metropolis. Sample scrumptious Greek cuisine and don't miss the city views from the ancient Parthenon. | | Days 30-31 | Syros | Hit a stone-paved track and crisscross this scenic Aegean island to discover abandoned windmills, ancient ruins and charming villages. Cool off with a dip at one of the inviting beaches dotted around the coast. | | Days 32-33 | Mykonos | Island-hop in the charming Cyclades to bask in the sun and splash in clear waters along the unspoilt coastlines. Visit Mykonos for some of the greatest, and craziest, nightlife in Europe. | | Days 34-36 | Santorini | The journey ends in the southern archipelago of Santorini. Renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and iconic white buildings, there are plenty of ways to unwind in this tourist hotspot. Work up a tan on a beach of black sand, see the ruins of ancient Thira and Akrotiri or cruise the coastal roads on a scooter. In the evening, rub shoulders with friendly locals in packed pubs and cafes while waiting to witness a magnificent Oia sunset. |
| | * The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the time of pricing. Intrepid reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. For trips departing between 01 January 2008 and 31 December 2008, the land price of your trip is guaranteed when you have paid in full. For trips departing beyond 31 December 2008, prices are indicative only. The itineraries and dates are applicable from 01 January 2008 until 31 December 2008. Beyond 31 December 2008 dates and itineraries are indicative only and are subject to change. All information in this brochure is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing, but please note that changes to our trips (which can be significant) can and do occur. Intrepid will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to Intrepid group trips only. Variations may apply for Intrepid Independent trips.
Loss of monies paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by Intrepid.
Please ask your Travel Agent about our full Booking and Cancellation
Conditions. |
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