Greek Islands & Balkans Uncovered Luxury Tour

Meet the unparalleled cultural heritage of ancient Greece on an epic adventure in comfort and style. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a Ciconia representative at the airport. In the afternoon, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Greet the sophisticated and delicious Greek cuisine tonight on a group dinner, make sure to leave room for amazing desserts.

Journey to the depths of ancient Greece as we embark on a comprehensive city tour of the cradle of western civilization with our expert guide. Soak in unique sights such as the world-famous Acropolis and the Parthenon Temple and follow the footsteps of Socrates and Plato. On the way to Acropolis, we will have a scenic drive & photo stops where you will be seeing the Acropolis Museum, the Royal Palace, Temple of Zeus and Agora. We will also stop for photos at historic sites as Hadrian’s Arch and commemorate the first ever modern Olympics of 1896. You will have personal leisure time in the afternoon to continue your in-depth discovery until our exciting dinner plans. Gather for dinner at a local restaurant to experience the authentic Greek cuisine and culture with a folklore show, together with complimentary house wine!

Wake up to the beautiful view of Acropolis overlooking Athens and transfer to the bustling port of Piraeus for your ferry to Mykonos. Sailing the open seas on a comfortable Aegean ferry, approach the charming windmills and whitewashed houses covering the slopes surrounding the port. The famous island offers gorgeous towns of narrow cobbled streets, lively beach clubs, exquisite authentic dining and an endless nightlife. Checking into your hotel in the late afternoon, launch your discovery through the mazes of streets filled with stalls, shops, cafes and bars. In the evening, we have special dinner plans at the well-known Platis Gialos beach where you can try out fine samples of Greek cuisine.

You have a full day to make the best of Mykonos, enjoy one of its stylish seaside clubs or colourful party beaches, lose yourself purposefully among the labyrinthine streets uncovering its hidden gems. Start with an orientation walk with your guide around the main port to get your bearings – as navigating the narrow maze-like streets is no small feat. Our boat trip today to Delos island presents incredible ancient ruins at the ‘birthplace’ of the gods Apollo and Artemis. Inhabited since 3rd millennium BC, it is one of the most prized mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in all of Greece. In the evening, taste delicious local seafood and view the most stunning sunset over Little Venice. As you finish your tasteful wine, feel free to discover the rich nightlife of Mykonos.

Soak in the Aegean sun and the energizing beat at one of Mykonos’ famous beaches. Start learning your way around town and discover beautiful quaint villages scattered around the island. Hire a ride to create your personal itinerary and discover the diverse range of attractions in Mykonos. Find your favourite ice cream store and view a stunning sunset at Little Venice with the waves ascending beside colourful houses lined by the sea. Enjoy delicious seafood and a trendy bar at the seaside.

Bid farewell to the beautiful and crazy Mykonos and ferry to the gorgeous Santorini. Comfortably cruising the Aegean, approach the breath-taking view of steep cliffs and terraces of whitewashed houses. Santorini is blessed with a unique geology and nature, colourful beaches of volcanic sand, immense historical and cultural treasures, and a world-famous sunset. Stroll the vibrant town and soak in a scenery of a lifetime as blue churches and white houses unfold before you. In the evening, get to savour the delicious seafood and local recipes at a select restaurant in Oia with incredible views over the sea.

Journey through the heart of the town on a walking tour with your guide. Uncover the bustling town centre, famous landmarks and the popular hotspots for the best views. Take a short boat trip to the crater and hot springs part of the volcano that gave Santorini its unique shape and features. In the afternoon at Oia village, watch the sun disappear in the blurred horizon between the sky and the sea from a pool atop the cliffs. Discover the diverse nightlife of Santorini with plentiful restaurants, lounges, bars and clubs.

Freely discover the myriad of beautiful sights at Santorini that you couldn’t make the time for. You can hire quadbikes or motorcycles from a local provider to make it to the black or white beach in the South, then the Archaeological Museum of Thera before a refreshing stop; shape your journey as per your wishes. Visit prehistoric settlements; beaches of colourful sand and water sports; quaint villages, wineries and more. Sample the fine Greek cuisine and delightful local wine with astounding views over the village to cement your memories of Santorini.

Wake up to the beautiful Santorini for a final breakfast on the island. Transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to Belgrade (via Athens). Upon arrival in Belgrade, a Ciconia representative will meet you at the airport & drive you to the hotel.

The day is yours to soak in all the beauty Belgrade offers. Launch your adventure with a comprehensive guided tour of the city at the bustling shopping street Knez Mihailova. Roam the Belgrade Fortress overlooking a merge of Danube and Sava Rivers with feudal cannons in display – declared a Monument of Culture of Great Importance. Uncover the marvellous blend of medieval and modern through a myriad of impressive sites at the heart of the city. You will have plentiful personal leisure time in the afternoon to shop around, continue your cultural discovery and sip delicious cocktails at a contemporary local bar. Your dinner seat is reserved at our hotel's impressive restaurant.

Bidding farewell to the buzzing Belgrade, we embark on a journey through green forests to meet the multi-coloured fabric of Bosnia & Herzegovina at Sarajevo. Home to people of various religions, ethnic and cultural background, the diverse architectural and cultural landscape is reflected all around the town. Witnessing the start of World War 1, splitting of the Eastern and Western Roman Empire, and the devastating Yugoslav War in recent history; the marks of history are hidden around every corner. As your Travel Director and local expert guide you through the charming old town and the Bascarsija, learn all about the rich history of the country. Sarajevo is well known for its various delicious meat dishes and desserts. Make sure to try traditional Turkish coffee for the best finish to your dinner.

Drive through lush fields and valleys towards the adorable village of Mostar. Famously known for the gorgeous stone bridge in the old town, a prime example of Islamic architecture in the Balkans, designed by a student of the Great Ottoman architect, Sinan. Join your guide for a walking tour through the Stari Most and the old carsija (market), still presenting the authentic style of 15th century in its splendid architecture. Sample the delicious cuisine over lunch at one of the lovely venues and complete your discovery. In the afternoon, we depart for Trebinje, located by the border with Croatia. We arrive just in time for dinner at our hotel, where we will spend two nights.

Ready your cameras and sunscreen as we head out to the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik. Crossing into Croatia with a short ride, soak in the unique sight of terra-cotta tiled roofs encircled by might medieval walls, preserved in incredible condition. Stop for an amazing view of the old town from the overlooking hills, and meet your local expert at the gates to launch your guided tour of Dubrovnik. Learn about the intriguing history of the once-great city state, thriving through its maritime connections and protected by its gigantic ramparts. As we cover the must-see highlights, relax at a breezy restaurant over a delicious seafood lunch. You will have personal leisure time in the afternoon for your preferred activities, whether strolling on the walls, taking an optional boat trip, discovering the quaint streets and pedestrian avenues, or taking a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea. We drive back to Trebinje for dinner at our hotel.

Our adventure continues to a less crowded, but just as impressive location. Driving along the skirts of mountains along the coast, we reach Kotor surrounded by monumental walls. Join a walking tour in the old town fortress with your expert local guide and Travel Director, wandering the labyrinthine narrow streets. Enjoy a refreshing lunch at a local restaurant and pace your adventure with personal leisure time in the afternoon. You can hike to the top of the incredible fortress for spectacular views over Kotor Bay or capture the prettiest pictures of the remarkable medieval village. Travel to one of the oldest cities in the Balkans as we cross into Albania, Shkodra, for dinner and a relaxing stay at our hotel.

Starting our journey into Albanian culture, we embark on a walking tour of Shkodra witnessing the influence of Romans, Byzantine, Greek and Ottomans reflected in the town's fabric. Continue towards the centre of culture, religion, arts and entertainment, the charming capital of Tirana. With a panoramic city tour, savour the finest samples of Albanian architecture portraying the influence of various cultures. After a sightseeing tour of the popular sights and the bustling Skenderbeg Square, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Our journey resumes into Macedoni, Ohrid. Enjoy your dinner and a relaxing rest at the hotel.

Ohrid is home to the dazzling Ohrid Lake at the backdrop of a charming village ascending towards the hills, up to the marvellous castle – an immense site of UNESCO World Heritage. Join the optional experience of a calming boat trip on the Lake Ohrid, one of the deepest and oldest lakes of Europe, presenting splendid views of the village and monasteries along the coast. Disembark at the old town to launch your guided tour. Join your expert guide as we discover the hidden chapels, ancient crafts and all the stunning sights scattered along the narrow cobble-stone streets. We then depart for the gorgeous St. Naum Monastery complex and natural wonderland. Perched on the hills with astounding views of the lake, the incredibly well-preserved Eastern Orthodox monastery stood for more than a thousand years. After discovering the charming monastery, savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, surrounded by astounding nature, floating above natural pools maintained by the lake. Blessed with lakes, waterfalls and a beach to Lake Ohrid, we will enjoy our afternoon relaxing at St. Naum, never wanting to leave. We return to our hotel in Ohrid in time for dinner.

Following breakfast, we part with the marvelous Lake Ohrid and drive to the stunning Matka Canyon. Home to diverse endemic life, wonderful lakes, medieval monasteries, caves, valleys and trekking routes, the canyon offers a myriad of unique experiences. You can join an optional boat trip in Matka Lake, visiting the fascinating caves only accessible via water, and have lunch with spectacular views after trekking through the canyon on a nature adventure. In the afternoon we make our way to the Macedonian capital. With a scenic ride through lush fields, hills and mountains, we arrive in Skopje and check-in to our hotel late in the afternoon.

Enjoy a filling breakfast at our stylish hotel, it is time to join a guided tour with our local expert and follow the footsteps of Alexander the Great. Discover the immense cultural heritage with countless monuments and samples of fine architecture scattered all around the vibrant town. Later we drive through the beautiful Balkans landscape and arrive to Sofia. Embark on an adventure through the streets of Sofia with our expert local guide visiting a myriad of impressive sights such as National Library, Sofia University, The Parliament, and continue on to The St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, the National Theatre and St. Sofia Church. Your guide will provide insightful commentary about the diverse history of Bulgaria and the communist era as you visit the houses of the Council of Ministers, presidency and the former communist party headquarters. In the evening, join a heart-warming farewell dinner with your fellow travelers, the perfect end to your discovery of the colorful Balkans.

Our incredible Balkans adventure comes to an end following breakfast. Make sure to bid farewell to your newfound friends and exchange numbers before checking-out of the hotel (at 11:00). Complementary airport transfers are available