World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
FROM GREECE & MACEDONIA TO BLED VIA THE DALMATIAN COAST
Countries visited: Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Croatia & Slovenia
A spectacular journey that takes us into Europe - it’s history, archaeology, incredible architecture and vivid culture. This is a journey that covers that part of Europe that can best lay claim to, “where it all began….” Enjoying also the spectacular urban and rural scenery, we go into bygone days dating back to the times of Alexander to medieval Europe and to the Balkans where history has always been in the making.


Tour Summary
Map
Day

Place
01
Depart North America
02
Arrive Athens
03 Athens
04
Athens / Delphi and Kalambaka
05
Kalambaka / Ohrid
06
Ohrid / Tirana
07
Tirana
08
Tirana / Dubrovnik
09
Dubrovnik
10
Dubrovnik
11 Dubrovnik / Split
12 Split / Trogir and Plitvice Lakes
13 Plitvice Lakes / Opatija
14 Bled
15 Bled / Ljubjlana and Zagreb
16 Zagreb
17 Zagreb / Depart

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites in: Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Croatia & Slovenia covered in this tour
Acropolis, Athens (1987) Illustrating the civilizations, myths and religions that flourished in Greece over a period of more than 1,000 years, the Acropolis, the site of four of the greatest masterpieces of classical Greek art – the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheum and the Temple of Athena Nike – can be seen as symbolizing the idea of world heritage.
Temple of Apollo, Delphi (1986) This famous temple to the god of healing and the sun was built towards the middle of the 5th century B.C. in the lonely heights of the Arcadian mountains. The temple, which has the oldest Corinthian capital yet found, combines the Archaic style and the serenity of the Doric style with some daring architectural features.
Meteora, Kalambaka (1988) In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these 'columns of the sky' from the 11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremetic ideal in the 15th century. Their 16th-century frescoes mark a key stage in the development of post-Byzantine painting.
Lakeside resort of Ohrid Ohrid , Ochrida, or Okhrida , town (1981 est. pop, 64,200), in Macedonia, on a rock above Lake Ohrid, on the Albanian border. Macedonia's chief resort, it is a tourist and commercial center, as well as a railroad terminus. Fishing and farming are the chief occupations. Ohrid stands on or near the site of the Greek colony of Lychnidos, founded in the 3d cent. BC It was captured by the Romans in AD 168 and became a major trade center and an early episcopal see. In the 9th cent. Ohrid was incorporated into the first Bulgarian empire, and in the 10th cent. it became the seat of the Bulgarian patriarchate and flourished as the political and cultural center of Bulgaria. Traditionally a Slavic cultural center, Ohrid served as a conduit of Christianity into other Slav-inhabited areas. After Ohrid's reconquest in 1018 by the Byzantine Empire, the patriarchate was abolished; but the town remained a metropolitan see. Ohrid was captured by the Serbs in 1334 and fell to the Turks in 1394. It was briefly reconquered by the Albanian hero Scanderbeg in the 15th cent. During World War I, Ohrid was taken by Serbian troops; after the war, it was joined to Yugoslavia. Bulgarian forces held the town during World War II, but it was then restored to Yugoslavia and incorporated into the constituent republic of Macedonia. Ohrid's numerous ancient churches and other historical relics include the cathedrals of St. Sophia (9th cent.) and St. Clement (1299), both with medieval frescoes; two 14th-century churches; and the walls and towers of the former Turkish citadel. The town is also noted for its museums, galleries, fishing institute, and other educational facilities.
Old city of Dubrovnik (1979, 1994) The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Damaged again in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO.
Historic complex of Split with Diocletian’s Palace (1979) The ruins of Diocletian's Palace, built between the late 3rd and the early 4th centuries A.D., can be found throughout the city. The cathedral was built in the Middle Ages, reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum. Twelfth- and 13th-century Romanesque churches, medieval fortifications, 15th-century Gothic palaces and other palaces in Renaissance and Baroque style make up the rest of the protected area.
Plitvice Lakes National Park (1979, 2000) The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years, deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. These geological processes continue today. The forests in the park are home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species.
Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 Fri: Depart North America
Our 17-day journey starts today as we take our flight to Athens.

Day 02 Sat: Arrive Athens
Welcome to Athens the capital of Greece. We are warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner in a traditional Greek tavern in Plaka, the old part of Athens.
Overnight: Divani Palace Acropolis, Athens (2 days) (D)

Day 03 Sun: Athens
Our morning’s sightseeing takes us across Athen’s highlights. This cosmopolitan and bustling capital city is set amidst reminders of a long and glorious past: graceful temples, centuries-old monasteries, and ornate Byzantine churches. Later we visit the immortal Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Erectheion with the Porch of the Maidens, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Wingless Victory. Below the Acropolis lie the ancient Agora and the Theaters of Dionysus and Herodus Atticus. (B)

Day 04 Mon: Athens / Delphi and Kalambaka
Our first stop this morning is Delphi, where the famous oracle foretold the destiny of men. The Temple of Apollo, in which the oracle functioned, was built in the 6th century B.C. Also see the Sacred Way, the Stadium and the Castilian Fountain, where pilgrims cleansed themselves in preparation for consulting the oracle. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, which contains an impressive collection of finds from the site, including the beautiful "Bronze Charioteer," before continuing on to Kalambaka.
Overnight: Hotel Divani, Kalambaka (1 night) (B, D)

Day 05 Tue: Kalambaka / Ohrid
After breakfast, admire the fantastic landscapes of Meteora, known as "the rocks that fell from the sky." Here monks built their rock-top monasteries, far away from civilization. Of the 13 large and 20 small monasteries and hermit’s cells, only 4 are now active. The most important is Megalo or Great Meteoro, of peculiar architecture with its tall and intricate dome, 12 sides and fine frescoes. Continue across the border to Macedonia, and on to Ohrid.
Overnight: Hotel Metropol, Ohrid (1 night) (B, D)

Day 06 Wed: Ohrid / Tirana
The lakeside resort of Ohrid is an important cultural and spiritual center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start our morning sightseeing tour with a walk through the cobblestone streets of the old town. Visit the Cathedral of St. Sofia, containing some magnificent frescoes from the 10th century. In the early afternoon, travel to Tirana, the capital of Albania.
Overnight: Hotel Sheraton, Tirana (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07 Thu: Tirana

On a morning sightseeing tour, see the Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Et’hem Bey, the Clock Tower, and the statue of G.K. Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero; the Palace of Culture, built with Soviet assistance; and the National History Museum, with a mosaic on its facade portraying Albanian history. Our afternoon is free to continue exploring on your own, shop, or just relax. (B)

Day 08 Fri: Tirana / Dubrovnik
After breakfast, depart Tirana and travel to the town of Shkodra, a cultural center and one of Albania’s oldest cities. See the ruins of Rozafa Castle, set on a hill high above the city, then cross the border into Montenegro and on to Croatia and beautiful Dubrovnik. Overnight: Hotel Tirena or Argosy, Dubrovnik (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 09 Sat: Dubrovnik
There is a walking tour of "Old Dubrovnik" this morning; the Rector's Palace, Bell Tower Clock, Orlando's Column and the Sponza Palace.
You will also see the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery with its Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. Balance of the day is free to enjoy in the resort city of Dubrovnik. (B)

Day 10 Sun: Dubrovnik

Today, full day is at leisure to relax, shop or explore on our own. (B)

Day 11 Mon: Dubrovnik / Split
We travel north along the spectacular Adriatic coast, past old fishing villages and new resorts, to Split. Enjoy a city tour featuring the historic inner city, built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. See the remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter's Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral.
Overnight: Hotel President, Split (1 night) (B, D)

Day 12 Tue: Split / Trogir and Plitvice Lakes
After breakfast, head to Trogir, the center of artistic activities. Scholars from around the world gather to study and paint here. Then, turn inland and travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Upon arrival we take a walking tour around several of the lower lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation.
Overnight: Hotel Jezero, Plitvice (1 night) (B, D)


Day 13 Wed: Plitvice Lakes / Opatija, Postonja & Bled
Return to the coast and travel along the beautiful bay of Kvarner to its popular resort, Opatija. After some free time, journey north to Postonja, home to one of the largest caves in Europe. Tour the fantastic subterranean World by miniature electric train. Afterwards, continue to Bled, beautifully set amidst the Julian Alps
Overnight: Hotel Park or Golf, Bled (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 14 Thu: Bled
A sightseeing tour of Bled features the charming town with the lakeshore, and imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. The balance of the day is at leisure for optional activities, such as visiting the small island in the middle of the lake. (B)

Day 15 Fri: Bled / Ljubjlana and Zagreb
Our day starts with a walking tour of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Visit the most significant sights of the old city centre: the picturesque Central open-air Market and the Three Bridges, both designed by famous architect Joze Plecnik, Baroque Town Hall and Robba's Fountain. Then, continue to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia.
Overnight: Hotel Regent Esplanada, Zagreb (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 16 Sat: Zagreb
This morning, enjoy a city tour featuring the historic Upper Town, St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, the Parliament and the Government Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the winding streets of the old town or to take an optional excursion with dinner into the surrounding countryside. (B)

Day 17 depart Zagreb, Sunday

After an interesting journey through Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Croatia and Slovenia - 5 Balkan countries we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. (B)

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

Back to top



Departure Dates

2008
May 16, Jun 13* & 27*, Jul 11*, Aug 22*, Sep 05 & 19, Oct 03


Prices
Season Tour Price US$ / CA$ Single Sup US$ / CA$
2008 3780 825
* High season surcharge add $155.
** For West Coast departures add $ 165 on the low season and high season surcharge, if applicable.
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include:
  • Airfares from Eastern gateway cities of USA & Canada
  • Accommodation as mentioned or similar
  • Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner)
  • All transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Services of local English speaking guides
  • Entrance fees to sites
  • Airport taxes
  • Travel Insurances
  • Visa Fees
  • Tips / Gratuities

Estimated International Airfare( INCLUDED in tour price )
East Coast US $ / CA $ N/A
West Coast US $ / CA $ N/A
Please note: This tour operates with a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 20 participants.

Other Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your individual needs.

Customized tours can be conducted in English, French, German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted in the designated language only.

Contact Information
Bestway Tours & Safaris
Fax: +1-604-264-7774
206–8678 Greenall Ave Phone: +1-604-264-7378
Burnaby B.C., Canada Toll Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844
V5J 3M6 Email: bestway@bestway.com
30 years in small group journeys

Back to top

photographs © Peter Langer
Site updated April 04, 2008
World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Americas World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Middle East World Heritage Tours - Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia