Valter and Tito Tour through ex Yugoslavia

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Tour description:

Day 1, Nikola Tesla Airport – Belgrade (D), approx. 30 km

Fly to Belgrade Airport Nikola Tesla where you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to the hotel in Belgrade. We will start this tour in old, boehemian part of the city, Skadarlija, in Tito’s favorite restaurant. Delicious traditional food and tamburitza orchestra which will fullfil your experience. Overnight at 4* hotel in the center of the city.

Day 2, Belgrade (BD) approx. 25 km

After the breakfast, we set off to a full day’s sightseeing tout of Belgrade. We then continue into leafy Kalemegdan parkand the Kalemegdan fortress, which affords us an opportunity to enjoy some of the best view of the city and the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. The fortress, which not only boasts monumental proportions, is also an important cultural and historic complex in Belgrade. Continue walking to the old city of Belgrade (pedestrian zone) and Knez Mihailova Street all the way to Republic square up next to the National Museum and Theatre, where the group will take a bus and continue to Tito’s House of Flowers.

The House of Flowers is a resting place of former Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito and it is a part of the Museum of Yugoslav History Complex. In addition, complex includes 25th May Museum and Old Museum. This is the most visited museum, an important symbol of a time and ideology, which ruled in the region for almost 50 years. While visiting House of Flowers, we will see collections of Tito’s army uniforms and batons used to transefer birthday greetings from all part of Yugoslavia.

In the evening, dinner in a nice restaurant on the river shore with a breathtaking view. Overnight at 4 * hotel in Belgrade.

Day 3, Belgrade – Sremski Karlovci – Petrovaradin – Novi Sad – Belgrade (BD) approx 195 km

After the breakfast, we depart to Sremski Karlovci, small baroque city on Fruška Gora slopes and the bank of the Danube, one of the most important spiritual and cultural centers of Serbia. During the rule of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries was the religious and cultural center of the Serbian nation. In the city which is the seat of Serbian metropolis, famous for good wine-houses, wine cellars and high quality wines that have a long history of 17 centuries, we will try best wines of this area and continue our visit to the Patriarchy, Orthodox Church and The Chapel of Piece, the exceptional monument where famous Karlovci Peace had been signed between the countries of the Christian Alliance and Turkey in 1699.

Stop at great Petrovaradin Fortress, located on the right bank of the Danube River, the most famous and most visited historic monument in Novi Sad. During World War II in Austro-Hungarian army, Tito was arrested and briefly imprisoned in the Petrovaradin Fortress for distributing anti-war propaganda. It was added to Spatial Cultural-Historical Units of Great Importance list, and it is protected by Republic of Serbia.

Follows Novi Sad, the city which is declared as European Capital of Culture for 2021, sightseeing walking tour where you will see Liberty square, The Name of Mary Church, The Church of Saint George, Zmaj Jovina street, pedestrian area of Novi Sad, Patriarch’s Palace, the Dunavska Street and the Dunavski Park.

Return to Belgrade at evening hours. Dinner on a boat during evening cruise across Danube and Sava Rivers. Overnight at the 4* hotel in Belgrade.

Day 4, Belgrade – Topola Oplenac– Zlatibor (BD), approx 255 km

Before leaving this amazing city, one more thing that is an absolutely “must-do” is the underground tour of the city. The tour will take you to the most important historic parts of Belgrade, which is  attracted since it hides more than one hundered caves, canals, tunnels, passages and incredible stories. We will hear interesting stories about Tito’s political games and spy secrets from the time of Communist information Bureau. During this tour, we will travel into earlier centuries when Turk and Austrians ruled in this area. At the end of the tour, we will enter one of the underground canals form the time when Serbia finally became independent state and have a wine tasting to round up this adventurous journey through Belgrade past.

On a way to Zlatibor, we stop to the village of Topola to see the Serbian Royal Residence at Oplenac Hill, where the stunning St. George’s Church and the Mausoleum of the Karađorđević royal family stand proudly overlooking serene landscapes. We start with a homage to the site of the First Serbian uprising against the Otoomans lead by local hero Karađorđe Petrović, who was later to became the patriarch and founder of the Karađorđević royal dynasty.  Moving onto a hilltop situated natural memorial park, royal quarters and five-domed church will reveal a fascinating blend of Serbian and Byzantine architecture and impressive interior mosaic work. Some of the Europe’s best secret wines are produces by the Royal Winery, so our tour in Oplenac completes with an on-site wine tasting. Arrival at Zlatibor in the evening hours. Dinner in a nice restaurant.  Overnight at the 4* hotel at Zlatibor.

Day 5, Zlatibor –Užice –  Kadinjača – Sirogojno – Zlatibor (BD), approx 80 km

After the breakfast, we depart to Užice, the city which gained attention during World War II, when it was the first city liberated by the Partisan resistance forces from the Nazi occupation. Within the former Yugoslavia, after the World War II, Užice was renamed in “Tito’s Užice”, and it was one of eight towns renamed Tito’s town in Yugoslavia.  For a few months, Josip Broz Tito created an independent state called the Republic of Užice.

Today, the remnants from the Republic of Užice are housed in the city museum. Visit The National Museum of Užice, which has two separate buildings, built just before the World War II as a National Bank, founded in 1947 with the mission off collecting and studying the cultural and political history of the town. In front of the museum we will have a chance to see five meters high statue of this former leader.

Also we will visit The Kadinjača memorial complex,  dedicated to the soldiers of the Workers Battalion, officially opened by Josip Broz Tito and it was declared for immovable cultural property of outstanding value. This complex consists of three parts: Užice Republic amphitheatre, Workers Battalion Alley and Square of freedom.

Continuing to Sirogojno village to see authentic 19th century Serbian homestands originating from the region of Staro Selo/ Old Village. This village is a fully operational open-air museum, also renowned for producing quality knitwear like jumpers and coats. Traditional early dinner featuring exclusively organic, homemade produce from the area is served on-site prior to the return to Zlatibor. Overnight at 4* hotel in Zlatibor.

Day 6, Zlatibor – Mokra Gora – Mećavnik – Andrićgrad (BD) approx. 80 km

After the breakfast, we depart the hotel for a scenic ride on the Šargan Eight, narrow gauge railway which once linked Belgrade and Dubrovnik. Experience breathtaking landscapes of Mokra Gora mountain from this vintage train that is quite unusual in yet another way: in order to make a rapid accent, the train passes through 22 tunnels in just over 15 km making a figure eight – hence its name. Our jounery ends in Mećavnik village (a.k.a. Drvengrad), initially built as a movie set by the renowned film director Emir Kusturica for the movie “Life is a miracle”. Today it operates as a holiday resort featuring traditional timber built Serbian houses. Film festivals are also hosted here. The visit includes fresco lunch (weather permitting). Continue to Andrićgrad, a tourist, cultural, administrative and educational complex situated on a peninsula between the rivers Drina and Rzav, at some 300 meters from the Višegrad bridge. Check in at the 4* hotel. Free afternoon for the individual activities. Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overnight in the 3* hotel in Višegrad.

Day 7, Andrićgrad – Sarajevo (BD), approx. 125 km

After the breakfast, sightseeing tour of Andrićgrad, which was created as an idea of director Emir Kusturica about medieval city made of stone, inspired by writing and characters of Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić. It is in fact a vision of how the city of Višegrad might have looked like if it hasn’t been changed through history. We will have a chance to see a mixture of different styles and periods that were changing through history of this area: Byzantine style, Ottoman period, renaissance, classicism…

Time at leisure for the individual activities until departure to Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Check in at 4* hotel in this fascinating city. Dinner in a traditional restaurant in Baščaršiija where we will taste the most famous specialties from this part of Balkan. Overnight at the 4* hotel in Sarajevo.

Day 8, Sarajevo – Tjentište – Trebinje  (BD), approx. 315 km

After the early breakfast, the group will take sightseeing city tour – Marshal Tito barracs, Avaz Business and visit the most famous places from World War II in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Later walking tour and visit to City hall, Spote house, Streets of hancrafts, Bascarsija square with Sebijl fountain, Karavan Seray that used to be a resting place for tradeseman that traveled in caravans, Gazi Husrev bey’s mosques and Madresa – islamic school. Visit of Bay’s mosque, the biggest Islamic structure in this part of the world.

Driving to Sutjeska National Park, the oldest national park in Bosnia, which played a significant role in the history of Yugoslavia and Partisan movement, because this occurred Battle of Sutjeska – one of the greatest battles of the World War II. Visit The Battle of Sutjeska memorial monument in the Valley of Heroes near the Bosnian village of Tjentište and the grave of Sava Kovačević, one of the  main commanders of this battle.  Visiting the place where the supreme commander Josip Broz Tito was wounded.

Departure to Trebinje, the city which lies in the Trebišnjica  river valley, at the foot of Leotar, in southeastern Herzegovina, some 30 km (19 mi) by road from Dubrovnik, Croatia, on the Adriatic coast. Check in at 4* hotel in Trebinje. Some time at leisure. Sightseeing tour of this wonderful city. There are several mills along the river, as well as several bridges, including three in the city of Trebinje itself, as well as a historic Ottoman Arslanagic bridge nearby. For Trebinje is said that it is “the city of the sun and platan trees”, and it is one of the most beautiful cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dinner in one of the most popular vineries in this area. Overnight at 4* hotel in Trebinje.

Day 9, Trebinje – Dubrovnik – Mostar  (BD), approx. 175 km

After the breakfast, departure to Dubrovnik, a stunningly intact walled city on the Adriatic Sea coast of the extreme south of Croatia. Sightseeing tour of the city, one of the most prominent tourist resorts of the Mediterranean and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Dubrovnik is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, museums, and fountains. Free afternoon for individual activities. Departure to Mostar. Dinner in the traditional restaurant. Overnight at 4* hotel in Mostar.

Day 10, Mostar – Jablanica – Konjić – Jajce (BD), approx. 215 km

After the breakfast, checking out from the hotel and sightseeing tour of the city of Mostar. This city which used to be a real pearl of multi-ethnic architecture and culture. The Old Bridge, built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most recognizable landmarks, and is considered one of the most exemplary pieces of Islamic architecture in the Balkans.

Way to Jablanica, where you will have a chance to hear about Battle on the Neretva River, a battle to save over 4,000 wounded partisans against the joint German, Italian, Ustasha and Chetnik forces in February and March 1943. Commander of the partisan forces Josip Broz Tito, in these difficult times ordered the destruction of bridges. The breakthrough of the partisans were not performed in direction that German commanders expected, but is carried over the river Neretva in Jablanica. This battle is entered in a military textbooks the world.

Leaving Jablanica, all the way to Konjić, to visit Tito’s bunker. This 6500 square meter bunker was one of the most expensive structures in the former Yugoslavia. It took 26 years to build (from 1953 to 1979) and it was designed to withstand nuclear war and shelter communist leaders and army, which first was built in the 14th century and served as the capital of the independent Kingdom od Bosnia during its time. Some time at leisure.

Departure to Jajce, a vividly town in north-western Bosnia, where was created the Socialist Yugoslav Republic in November 1943, which is a potential list of UNESCO cultural heritage. Check in at 3* hotel in Jajce. Sightseeing walk tour around the walls of this ancient city. Dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight.

Day 11, Jajce – Drvar– Plitvice Lakes – Otočac (BD), approx. 310 km

After an early breakfast, checking out from the hotel in Jajce and departure to Drvar to visit Tito’s cave, located on the slope of the hill Gradina at about 23 meters above the river bed Unac. Tito used this cave during the time of the attack on Drvar by German paratroopers on May 25th 1944.

Some time at leisure until departure to Croatia. Visit to Plitivice Lakes National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Southeast Europe and the largest national park in Croatia. In 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage register. The national park was founded in 1949 and is situated in the mountainous karst area of central Croatia, at the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The national park is world-famous for its lakes arranged in cascades. Currently, 14 lakes can be seen from the surface. These lakes are a result of the confluence of several small rivers and subterranean karst rivers. Departure to Otočac, a town in Croatia, former bishopric and present Latin Catholic titular see. Check in at 4* hotel in Otočac, dinner in the hotel restaurant. Overnight.

Day 12, Otočac – Pula (BD), approx. 275 km

After the breakfast, departure to Pula, the largest city in Istria Country, in Croatia, situated at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula. Transfer to The Brijuni Islands, one of the true jewels of Istria, situated almost at the North-Western outskirts of Pula’s port. The Group of Islands consists of two larger islands, Veli and Mali Brijun, and 12 islets. From Istrian coast divides them only 3 km wide Fažana channel. Inhabited in the prehistoric period, are particularly valued as a wonderful space in Roman times, when, as well as in the whole of southern Istria, are popping up mainly large country estate with luxury villas. Since 1947. year, the Islands became the official summer residence of Josip Broz Tito, and it remains until his death in 1980. In this period they built new luxury objects, and are renewed and rich parks, glades and forests. In this period the Brijuni Islands are visited by the most prominent statesmen, and there were held and some of the historical political meetings. Way back to Pula, check in at 4* hotel. Dinner in a nice restaurant in the city. Overnight.

Day 13, Pula – Kumrovec – Zagreb (BD), approx.385 km

After the breakfast, departure to Kumrovec, the birth place of the former Yugoslavian President Josip Broz Tito, and his house of birth is in the center of the village and has been arranged as it was in the time of Tito’s childhood, together with the interior of the Old school that Tito once attended. Time at leisure until departure to Zagreb, the capital city if Croatia, the city which combines a vibrant, modern energy with plenty of old-world charm and graciousness. The town center is full of elegant Austro-Hungarian buildings housing fashionable boutiques, renowned restaurants, rowdy pubs and scruffy beer halls. Sightseeing tour of the city on which we will get to see all the most important cultural and historical places. Check in at 4* hotel in Zagreb. Dinner in one of the traditional restaurants in the center of the city. Overnight.

Day 14, Zagreb –  Zagreb Airport (B), approx. 25 km

After the breakfast, checking out from the hotel. Transfer to Zagreb Airport.