Balkan | FindPenguins

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Trip start
August 10, 2019
Balkan Traveler
Belgrade
August 11, 2019 in Serbia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
A long drive today to Djokovic hometown Belgrade, Serbia. By the time we have lunch,
it was around 3.30pm, by which time I can eat a horse! The restaurant is situated in a garden with live music. I enjoy my soup, kebab and local meat.

After lunch, we walk up the old city cobble street and are welcomed with the stunning view over the Danube river. Lots of party boats are waiting for us to come later in the evening.

The hotel is located in the residential area with not much around. Because tobacco is so cheap in Serbia, everyone smokes, regardless indoor or outdoor. I have to sit outside, at least I can breath in fresh airs instead of the circulating smoky air. After a cheese steak dinner, we call it a day.

Sofia, Belgrade
After a substantial breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol. Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories.Read more
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Balkan Traveler
Bosnia
August 12, 2019 in Bosnia and Herzegovina ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Today’s stop at Sarajevo is brief. The first stop is lunch at a restaurant opened by a former pop singer. We waited for a long time for the lunch to come and only have 15min to finish off our plates. The lamb I have is average and tough, while Kenny’s lamb in a pot is delicious. I am glad we have diversified to try different meat.

The city walking tour is good. We walk around the idle bazaar and manage to take the cable car up to have a panoramic view over the old city. The most impressive history about this city is this is where World War I was started - the Heir apparent to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophia were killed.

Belgrade, Sarajevo
Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.
Included Activities: Sarajevo City TourRead more
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Balkan Traveler
Mostar
August 13, 2019 in Bosnia and Herzegovina ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C
On the way to Mostar, we stopped at this roasting lamb restaurant to try its juicy lamb sandwich specialty - it sucks to be a vegetarian when things like this come!

Mostar is famous for its stone Old Bridge. A local diving club member would jump off the 28m high bridge when enough money is collected. A fellow traveller goes for a few practise jumps and is brave enough to sign his name into the record book for jumping off the bridge.

We walk around the old town, have ice cream, followed by a nice sumptuous lunch by the river. To cool down even more, we go for a quick dip into the fresh (i.e. cold water).

We stay at Central Park hotel in this small town called Trebinje. In the evening, we go to the cultural centre for a classical music concert. The concert is performed by American students who are studying or are going to study at music conservatory. After the concert, we all go upstairs for the cocktail reception where we meet a local who explains to us the history of Balkan. The residents of this region basically are the same race. When Yugoslavia fell apart, it is like If Australia falls apart, NSW, VIC, and SA want to be independent. They don’t agree with each other and they fight, not knowing exactly why. Now everyone in this region speaks the same language that is called by different name - Serbian.

I like this small town. Kids come out to play at night, live music and street fairs on the weekend. It is a quiet and simple life here.

Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje
Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old čaršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.
Included Activities: Mostar Walking TourRead more
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Balkan Traveler
Dubrovnik
August 14, 2019 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
Dubrovnik is the highlight of this tour. The city is where Game of Thrones is filmed and is truly amazing. The walk on the city wall is filled with breathtaking views over red rooftop tiles.

In the afternoon, we go on a boat trip to an idealic island called Luptug. A medieval fortress welcomes us to the island where we jump into the warm Adriatic Sea.

Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje
Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic"! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the "King’s Landing", the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night's rest.
Included Activities: Guided Dubrovnik City TourRead more
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Balkan Traveler
Montenegro
August 15, 2019 in Montenegro ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
The most impressive part of Kotor is the climb up to its almighty Fortress. I feel completely fine going up the 1,400 steps under the scorching sun. I pace myself and drink small but frequently to keep myself hydrated. While Kenny is struggling a bit (haha). The view at the top is spectacular - medieval town with clear green water in the background.

Lunch is local delicacy of fresh mussels from the lake - tender and tasted.

The evening is spent swimming in a freezing cold man made lake. It is the best way to cool down from a long day of heat.

Trebinje, Kotor, Budva
Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time, make your way to the popular touristic hub of the region, Budva. Your guide will take you on a brief walking tour of the vibrant summer town with great food, impressive views and lively nightlife.
Included Activities: Guided Kotor City Tour, Budva Walking TourRead more
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Budva -> Tirana -> Ohrid
August 16, 2019 in North Macedonia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
Today is another looong day of driving. We crossed three countries (Montenegro -> Albania -> Northern Macedonia). Massive traffic jam going into Tirana, a former communist capital now has inhabitant of over 1 million residents. The city itself is quite boring with the standard communist monumental architecture. We had a short walking tour around the main square before indulging ourselves into a delicious local cuisine.

Lunch is the highlight - we have lamb on yogurt and mixed meat in a pot cover with ricotta cheese. The best meal in this trip.

I was dripping in and out of sleep on the bus. Trying to read and comprehend The Prince is fairly difficult when I am in between being drowsy and windy road.

Ohrid is a very relaxing lakeside holiday resort. The hotel is only 20m from the beach where I dip my toes in and watch the sunset. The place feels like back in the Kinnert. A crystal clear lake is surrounding by mountains with a tranquil energy.

I didn’t feel like going into the fresh water Ohrid lake at sunset time. Half due to I worry about too much stimulation to mini. Perhaps I will jump in after my run tomorrow morning.

The evening is the standard Balkan cultural performance. The real fun starts when we hit Cuban Libra. Five Cuban dancers come out as soon as we arrive and dance solid for two hours to modern Latin music. I have so much fun following their moves and dancing to musics I love! We leave at around 1am - I will pay for it the next day though I know!

Budva, Tirana, Ohrid
Hit the road after breakfast, next stop Albania! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.
Included Activities: Panoramic City Tour of Tirana, Ohrid Walking Tour
Optional Activities: Balkan Night with DinnerRead more
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Balkan Traveler
Montenegro -> Albania -> Macedonia
August 16, 2019 in Albania ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Tirana is quite a boring former communist city with chaotic traffic driving into city Center.

Lunch is the highlight - we have lamb on yogurt and mixed meat in a pot cover with ricotta cheese. The best meal in this trip.

Ohrid is a very relaxing lakeside holiday resort. The hotel is only 20m from the beach where I dip my toes in and watch the sunset. The place feels like back in the Kinnert. A crystal clear lake is surrounding by mountains with a tranquil energy.

The evening is the standard Balkan cultural performance. The real fun starts when we hit Cuban Libra. Five Cuban dancers come out as soon as we arrive and dance solid for two hours to modern Latin music. I have so much fun following their moves and dancing to musics I love! We leave at around 1am - I will pay for it the next day though I know!

Budva, Tirana, Ohrid
Hit the road after breakfast, next stop Albania! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.
Included Activities: Panoramic City Tour of Tirana, Ohrid Walking Tour
Optional Activities: Balkan Night with DinnerRead more
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Balkan Traveler
St Naum, Ohrid
August 17, 2019 in North Macedonia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
The Monastery of St Naum is a perfect place for monks to recluse. Who would not do so in such a beautiful monastery overlooking a clear blue lake?

After walking ups and downs of the ancient city where churches can be found on every corner, we spend the afternoon swimming in the lake and have lunch by the water. We are chilled! This is my favourite place in this trip.

We spend the night in Skopje. I am so tired for dinner but still manage to go to the main square to experience the night life. We can not find any good places to eat and end up eating 3 corns and some freshly fried donuts. Lots of people come out to the statues filled square. I have a good time people watching.

Skopje is like any other Eastern European cities with older buildings. I have a special affection to the city because of Betty and Peter. I am surprised to see there are more mosques than churches in this traditionally orthodox city.

Ohrid, St.Naum, Skopje
Start off the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid hosting hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. Afterwards drive for the heavenly Monastery of Saint Naum built on a high rocky cliff overlooking the vast Ohrid Lake. Surrounded by incredible nature, get some free time to discover the complex, have lunch and even swim in the lake! In the afternoon travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.
Included Activities: Guided Ohrid City Tour, St.Naum visit
Optional Activities: Ohrid Boat TripRead more
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Balkan Traveler
Skopje
August 18, 2019 in Bulgaria ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
Skopje, Sofia
Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where our trip ends and we say goodbye to our new friends. You can explore the shopping streets, highlights and the nightlife as you wish.
Included Activities: Skopje Guided City tourRead more
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Trip end
August 18, 2019