Moto Touring στα Βαλκάνια & την Αδριατική, 8ημ.

About the destination: Vlorë (en albanés Vlora, en italiano Valona, en griego Αυλών) es una ciudad portuaria y municipio de Albania, capital del condado de Vlorë. Situada en la bahía de Vlorë (con la famosa isla de Sazan o Saseno en la entrada), es uno de los puertos importantes de la conocida ribera albanesa y el segundo del país después de Durrës, con 93.812 habitantes (datos del 2006). Vlorë es el punto más cercano al puerto italiano de Bari y de la costa de Salento, de la que está separada por el canal de Otranto. El municipio comprende, desde la reforma territorial de 2015, las unidades administrativas de Novoselë, Orikum, Qendër Vlorë, Shushicë y la capital Vlorë. Anteriormente Vlorë fue capital del desaparecido distrito de Vlorë.

About the destination: Durres (alb. Durrës), the second largest city of Albania (161,800 inhabitants, 2008 estimate), is the most ancient city and one of the most economically important as the biggest port city. The beaches of Durrës are local hotspots for many Albanians and are an important part of tourism in Albania. The city was colonized by the colonists from Corinth and Korkyra in 627 B.C. It was named Epidamnus, which later became Dyrrachium. Between the 1st and 3rd centuries Durres was an important port and trading centre on the Via Egnatia trading route, between Rome and Byzantium (Istanbul). After a great number of earthquakes, much of ancient Durres sank into the sea or collapsed and was subsequently built over. The most important object is the amphitheatre with 15,000 seats, dating back to the 2nd century AD. In the middle ages was Durres coveted by many different intruders from all over Europe. The fact that this city has been inhabited throughout its history, means that very little of the ancient city has been excavated, as it exists under the newer buildings. However the archeological museum is well stocked and presented. The famous Roman orator, Cicero called Durres an admirable city, while the poet Catullus called it the tavern of the Adriatic. Today the city is well known for the beach resort of Durres with sandy beaches and warm sea waters. It is about 10.5 km long and is frequented by Albanian and foreign tourists from May until October

About the destination: Budva is a Montenegrin town on theAdriatic Sea and it is the centre of Budva Municipality. The coastal area around Budva, called the Budva riviera, is the center of Montenegrin tourism, known for its well preserved medieval walled city, sandy beaches and diverse nightlife. Budva is 2,500 years old, which makes it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Stari Grad (Old Town). The old town of Budva lies on a little island that was linked to the land by a sandbar and in time turned into a peninsula. • Budva Citadel. • Dancing Girl Statue. A statue of a topless girl doing the dancer's pose. Some people say that this is a statue of a young girl who drowned here but others say that this is just an ordinary statue. • Museum of the Town of Budva / Archaeology Museum • Mogren Beach,

About the destination: "Mostar is a city and municipality in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Inhabited by 113,169 people, it is the most important city in the Herzegovina region, its cultural capital, and the center of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton of the Federation. Mostar is situated on the Neretva River and is the fifth-largest city in the country. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Stari Most - The Old Bridge. Originally built by the Turks in 1566, it was destroyed in 1993, but rebuilt in 2004. The bridge is the highlight of Mostar and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. • Old Bridge Museum. Includes exhibits on the history of the bridge, a panoramic view from the top, and entrance into the excavations below, along with a video detailing the reconstruction of the bridge. • Muslibegovica House. Constructed 300 years ago, it is considered the most beautiful house from Ottoman period in the Balkans. The house is comprised of separate quarters for women and men. Unlike earlier architectural styles, this house resembled a four-storey house built around the centre. • History Museum of Herzegovina. Has a small collection of photographs from various phases of Mostar history, including a small exhibit on a native son who appeared to have served as Tito's former Foreign Minister for a space. Also shows an excellent video on the recent history of the Old Bridge. • Koski Mehmed Pasina Dzamija. Small but simply pretty Ottoman mosque built in 1618. Climb to the minaret to see a great view over the town. • Karadozbegova Dzamija. A modest Ottoman mosque built in 1557. • Biscevica House. An Ottoman house, where you only can see the few rooms in upstairs."

About the destination: Žabljak, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Montenegro's Durmitor National Park, is a premier destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Situated at an altitude of 1,456 meters, it is the highest town in the Balkans, offering stunning panoramic views and a cool mountain climate. Known for its proximity to the majestic Durmitor Mountain and the Tara River Canyon, Žabljak provides access to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and white-water rafting. The town itself boasts charming accommodations, cozy restaurants serving local cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich natural heritage, Žabljak is the perfect gateway to explore Montenegro's rugged beauty and outdoor adventures.

About the destination: Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania, is a fascinating mix of Ottoman heritage, Italian architecture, and bold Communist-era planning, all wrapped in a fresh coat of color and creativity. Once a gray, austere city, it has reinvented itself with lively murals, pastel façades, and a youthful energy that’s hard to miss. Skanderbeg Square, the monumental heart of Tirana, is the ideal starting point: from here you can visit the National History Museum, recognizable by its grand socialist-realist mosaic, and stroll toward the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the Clock Tower, which recall the city’s Ottoman past. One of Tirana’s most distinctive attractions is its Communist legacy. Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2—underground bunkers turned museums—offer immersive exhibits on daily life under Enver Hoxha’s regime, with chilling corridors and preserved rooms that make history feel close and personal. Nearby, the “Pyramid,” once a museum dedicated to Hoxha and now an urban playground and cultural venue, symbolizes Tirana’s transition from dictatorship to a more open, creative society. Tirana’s modern personality shines in its neighborhoods and public spaces. The trendy Blloku district, once reserved for the Communist elite, is now full of cafés, cocktail bars, and restaurants where locals linger late into the night. The Grand Park and Artificial Lake provide a green escape, perfect for jogging, cycling, or a relaxed picnic. For a panoramic view, take the Dajti Express cable car up Mount Dajti, where you’ll find hiking trails, restaurants, and sweeping vistas over the city and the Adriatic coast beyond.

About the destination: Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Bitola, Macedonia's second-largest city. Nestled in the heart of the southern part of the country, this city is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Bitola, known as the "city of consuls," is a blend of ancient history and modern charm. Once an important strategic location in the Roman Empire, today it's a bustling city filled with cozy cafes, art galleries, and museums. Start your journey at Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient Greek city founded by Philip II of Macedon. Walk along the beautifully preserved Roman mosaics and marvel at the ancient theater. This archaeological site offers a glimpse into the region's rich past and is a must-visit for history buffs. Next, visit the Old Bazaar, a lively market that's been the heart of Bitola since the 16th century. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, lined with shops selling everything from local crafts to delicious Macedonian cuisine. Don't forget to stop by the Clock Tower, a city landmark that offers stunning panoramic views. Bitola is also home to the magnificent Sveti Dimitrija Church, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes. Just a short walk away is the Bitola Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Macedonia's history. For nature lovers, Bitola doesn't disappoint. The city is just a stone's throw away from Pelister National Park, a beautiful natural paradise with towering pine forests and diverse wildlife. Hike along the trails, enjoy a picnic by the lake, or simply soak in the breathtaking views. In the evening, head to Shirok Sokak Street, the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare. Here, you can unwind at one of the many cafes or restaurants, enjoy local wines, and immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, or a nature explorer, Bitola is a destination that promises an unforgettable travel experience. Come and discover the warmth and charm of this Macedonian city.

About the destination: Thessaloniki, one of the oldest big cities in Europe and the second largest city in Greece. It stretches over twelve kilometres in a bowl formed by low hills facing a bay that opens into Thermaikos Gulf. It is a thriving city and one of the most important trade and communications centres in the Mediterranean. The great fire of 1917 destroyed a large part of the city's historic centre, and further damaged was caused by a large earthquake in 1968. Nevertheless, there are countless examples of the city's rich history and many cultures, albeit hidden among the post-1917 development. This patchwork of building has produced an incredible blend of styles that are very unique to Thessaloniki. Roman monuments abut modern university campuses, modernist buildings face mediaeval churches and Ottoman structures will soon cap the tunnels of Thessaloniki's newest addition, the subway. The city authorities have done much to preserve the condition of the cultural heritage and one can only imagine that more will be done to ensure that it is not only a permanent part of the city's landscape but also that it is well explained and accessible to locals and visitors alike. Thessaloniki's greatness, however, is not just in its standing structure. This city is truly alive and not just in the sense of massive traffic or lots of construction. The people here like to express themselves out in the open and it is hard to spend time here without seeing some of the authentic and indigenous culture of the city. Plateia Aristotelou has some open air concerts during the summer, but there are also spontaneous gatherings that give visitors insight into the lives of ordinary Salonicans. Students spend time in front of the Rotunda strumming their guitars at night and the Roman Agora is sometimes the site of plays or shows organized by various groups in the city. Every two years this cultural flourishing takes the form of the biennale of contemporary art, the highlight of the city's artistic community's calendar. Byzantine churches, Roman constructions, Muslim buildings, modern architecture, intensive nightlife and stunning beaches are the essence of Thessaloniki. Being the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki combines more than 2,300 years of history with every facility and excitement that a modern European city can offer a visitor.