Complete Adriatic and Balkans private history tour - 6 countries in 15 days

There’s a rich history here with Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslavian influences still deeply felt in the region. Take the time to understand the complicated story and to appreciate the complexity of the featuring countries, their presence and tumultuous past. Of course, this experience may be different from Western Europe, but travelling in the region is rewarding because of the history, culture and relatively affordable travel costs. You’ll quickly fall in love with the region.

Visit a little-known corner of the Balkans such as Albania, where you’ll experience hilltop fortresses, high alpine meadows and traditional rural life. In North Macedonia, the buzzing street life of Skopje awaits, as well as the soothing tranquillity of Lake Ohrid and the Church of Jovan Kaneo.

What can be said about Croatia? Try living the Croatian way and make memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll discover the mesmerising nature, the azure waters of the Adriatic, medieval architecture and sumptuous local dishes.

Take a few minutes to learn some basics about the six countries you are about to visit.

Croatia

With approximately 1,200 islands, azure waters and colourful villages rich in history, Croatia is drawing more and more travellers to its shores. Croatia is Mediterranean’s fastest-growing destination, luring travellers with its pristine national parks, adventure sports and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik. Croatia entered the European Union in summer 2013 as the 28th member state.

The mere mention of Croatia conjures up images of colourful landscapes, sparkling waters and fortified towns furnished with quaint outdoor cafés. Many of Europe's greatest empires including the Romans, Venetians, Ottoman Turks and Habsburgs, left their mark on Croatia in the form of architecture, language, art and food. Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Central Europe and the Balkans, Croatia has it all, from beautifully preserved medieval cities to stunning natural wonders.

Its capital city is the charming city of Zagreb, which forms one of the country's primary subdivisions, along with its twenty counties. Croatia has a population of 4.28 million, most of whom are Roman Catholics.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is an almost landlocked country – it has a narrow coast at the Adriatic Sea, about 20 kilometres long surrounding the town of Neum. It is bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south; Serbia to the east; and Montenegro to the southeast. In the central and eastern interior of the country, the geography is mountainous, in the northwest it is moderately hilly, and the northeast is predominantly flatlands. The inland Bosnia is a geographically larger region and has a moderate continental climate, with hot summers and cold and snowy winters. The region's climate has given Bosnia and Herzegovina a wealth of diverse flora and fauna. Approximately 50% of the land is forested.

The capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, is located near the centre of the country.

The country's population is 3.84 million, most of whom are Bosnians, then Serbs and the least of all are Croats and all three languages are spoken in the country. Islam is the majority religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the remaining population identifies as Christians. There is a small Jewish community as well.

Serbia

The Republic of Serbia is one of the former Yugoslav Republics that kept the name of the federation. Serbia is a sovereign state situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe in the southern Pannonian Plain and the central Balkans. It borders Hungary to the north; Romania and Bulgaria to the east; Macedonia to the south; Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro to the west and claims a border with Albania through the disputed territory of Kosovo. Serbia numbers around 7 million residents. Its capital, Belgrade, ranks among the oldest, the largest and the most eventful cities in Southeastern Europe.

Archaeological sites across Serbia showcase the remains of the different great civilisations that once ruled this region, starting from the Neolithic culture of Lepenski Vir (dating back more than 9,000 years) and the Starčevo culture to artefacts left behind by ancient Romans to medieval Serbian, Turkish and Austro-Hungarian fortresses.

Northern Macedonia

Five hundred years of Ottoman rule, followed by a tug of war over its territory and being part of Yugoslavia, have left the Republic of Macedonia and its capital seeking an identity. But, for the visitor, it is all part of the fascination of land that is a melting pot of Christians and Muslims, old and new. The capital is Skopje, its most famous “daughter” is Mother Teresa. A reconstruction of her home houses a commemorative museum.

Back in 1963, a major earthquake struck Skopje just before dawn, destroying around 80% of its buildings; the replacements were typically concrete and Communist in style. However, that is gradually changing thanks to the controversial Skopje 2014 project. Hundreds of millions of euros have been spent on constructing or makeovers of buildings in a Neoclassical style as well as building new monuments and features.

Less than three hours from Skopje, there is lovely Ohrid and the lake of the same name, both part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Albania

Albania, on the Southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, is a small country with Adriatic and Ionian coastlines and an interior crossed by the Albanian Alps. The country has many castles and archaeological sites. Capital Tirana centres on sprawling Skanderbeg Square, site of the National History Museum, with exhibits spanning antiquity to post-communism, and frescoed Et’hem Bey Mosque.

After World War II, Albania became a Stalinist state under Enver Hoxha and remained staunchly isolated until it transitioned to democracy after 1990. The 1992 elections ended 47 years of communist rule, but the latter half of the decade saw a quick turnover of presidents and prime ministers. In 2014 the European Commission recommended Albania as a candidate for European Union membership.

Montenegro

Montenegro or the „Black Mountain“ is a small and beautiful country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea and it is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east and Albania to the southeast. The official name of the country is Crna Gora with the largest city which is also the administrative and economic centre, Podgorica that counts 173 000 inhabitants.

The old Royal Capital is Cetinje and in the present days, this is the historical and the cultural centre. Up to the middle of the year 2006, the country had been a part of the Confederate State Union of Serbia and Montenegro but on 3 June of the same year, it declared its independence.

The country of Montenegro has a huge array of both natural and man-made wonders. This land of fairytales will take your breath away with its gorgeous mountains, beautiful beaches, clear sea and remains of its long history.