Classic Balkans: Croatia to Albania
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 28-day journey through the heart of the Balkans, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant streets of Zagreb to the serene landscapes of Albania, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, indulge in local culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. With expert guidance and comfortable accommodations, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure filled with exploration, relaxation, and discovery.
Included
27 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Private vehicle, boat, walking.
Hotels (25 nts), Eco Lodge (2 nts).
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Your G for Good Moment: DEŠA Women's Centre Visit, Dubrovnik
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Zadar Walking Food Tour, Zadar
Your Foodie Moment: Oyster Farm Food and Wine Experience with Lunch, Uvala Bistrina
Your Foodie Moment: Trebinje Market Tour, Trebinje
Your Local Living Moment: Apiary Visit, Trebinje
Your Local Living Moment: Cheese Making Farm Visit, Trebinje
Your Foodie Moment: Sarajevo Food Tour, Sarajevo
Your Local Living Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas
Your Foodie Moment: Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner, Gjirokastër. Orientation walks in Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hike in Krka Lakes National Park. Full-day excursion to the islands of Prvic and Zlarin from Šibenik. Walk along the old city wall of Ston. Tvrdoš Monastery Visit and Wine Tasting. Orientation walk in Trebinje. Visit the town of Stolac and the necropolis tombstones. See Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls. Dinner and wine pairing at a winery in Čitluk. Visit the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town. Hike to the Blagaj Fortress. Visit the Dervish Monastery. Guided walking tour of Mostar. Turkish House coffee experience in Mostar. Guided tour of Tito's Bunker. Kotor orientation walk. Boat tour from Kotor to Perast. Budva Old Town walk. Visit Ostrog Monastery. Full-day excursion to Biogradska Gora National Park. Kolašin 4x4 Off-Road Excursion. Orientaion walk of Podgorica. Theth National Park visit. Walking tour of Shkoder. Walking tour of Kruje. Evening orientaion walk of Tirana. Tour of the Durrës archaeological site. Orientation walk of Vlorë. Visit Himare. Entrance to the Ali Pasha Castle. Visit Butrint National Archaeological Park. Walking tour of Gjirokastër. Walking tour of Berat. Farewell Dinner. Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb
- Zagreb - Arrival day
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- Bandićeve Fontane
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Welcome to the vibrant city of Zagreb, where your adventure begins. Arrive at any time and meet your CEO and fellow travelers for a warm welcome. Embark on an orientation walk through the city, marveling at the vibrant street art and getting a feel for the local culture. Conclude your day with an optional group dinner, setting the stage for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Explore Plitvice Lakes
- Zagreb
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- Plitvice Lakes National Park
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Journey south to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its cascading waterfalls and lush forests. Spend the day exploring the park's stunning landscapes with your CEO, capturing unforgettable moments. In the evening, unwind at your hotel and savor a delightful dinner.
Day 3 – Day 3: Zadar to Šibenik
- Zadar
- Šibenik
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- Krka National Park
- Captain's tower
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Depart for the coastal city of Zadar and indulge in a walking food tour, sampling local delicacies and exploring historic landmarks. Continue to Krka National Park for a scenic hike through lush forests and past stunning waterfalls. End your day in Šibenik, where you can enjoy a leisurely evening.
Day 4 – Day 4: Island Excursion
- Šibenik
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- Plaža Soline
- Zlarin
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Embark on a full-day island adventure, starting with a ferry ride to Prvic. Explore the charming old town before heading to Zlarin, where ancient monuments and breathtaking views await. Return to Šibenik for a stroll through the old town and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 5 – Day 5: Split to Makarska
- Šibenik
- Makarska
- Split
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- Diocletian's Cellars
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Travel along the coast to Split, where you'll explore the city's iconic landmarks, including the ancient Diocletian's Palace. Enjoy free time to wander the Riva promenade before continuing to Makarska for a relaxing evening.
Day 6 – Day 6: Free Day in Makarska
- Makarska
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Take advantage of a free day in Makarska to explore optional activities. Whether you choose to ferry to Brač, zip-line in Tucepi, or simply relax on the beach, the day is yours to enjoy.
Day 7 – Day 7: Ston to Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik
- Makarska
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- Stonske zidine
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Discover the local oyster farming in Uvala Bistrina and savor fresh oysters paired with wine. Explore the historic Ston City Wall for panoramic views before heading to Dubrovnik, where you'll have the evening to explore at your leisure.
Day 8 – Day 8: Discover Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik
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- Dominican Monastery
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Embark on an orientation walk through Dubrovnik's enchanting old town, visiting iconic landmarks. Engage with the community at the Deša Women's Centre, then enjoy free time to explore further or relax at a café.
Day 9 – Day 9: Dubrovnik to Trebinje
- Trebinje
- Dubrovnik
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- Zavala Monastery
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Cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping at Tvrdoš Monastery for a wine tasting. Continue to Trebinje for an orientation walk along the river and into the old town, setting the stage for an optional group dinner.
Day 10 – Day 10: Taste of Trebinje
- Trebinje
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- Trebišnjica
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Immerse yourself in local flavors and traditions with a visit to Trebinje's organic market, a women-run apiary, and a cheese-making farm. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch and free time to explore the city.
Day 11 – Day 11: Stolac to Čitluk
- Trebinje
- Stolac
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- Kravica
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Visit the town of Stolac and its UNESCO-listed necropolis tombstones, then marvel at the Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls. Conclude your day in Čitluk with a winery dinner, savoring local wines.
Day 12 – Day 12: Počitelj to Mostar
- Mostar
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- Dervish House
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Explore the Ottoman stone town of Počitelj and hike to the Blagaj Fortress. Visit the Dervish Monastery before heading to Mostar for a guided walking tour and a free evening.
Day 13 – Day 13: Mostar to Sarajevo
- Mostar
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- Goat's Bridge
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Journey to Sarajevo, stopping at Tito's Bunker to delve into Cold War history. Arrive in the vibrant city of Sarajevo and embark on a culinary history tour, savoring local flavors.
Day 14 – Day 14: Free Day in Sarajevo
Day 14: Free Day in Sarajevo
Enjoy a day of exploration in Sarajevo, delving into its rich history through museums and cultural sites. Alternatively, relax in a café and soak in the local atmosphere.
Day 15 – Day 15: Sarajevo to Kotor
- Kotor
- Bileća
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Travel to Montenegro, stopping in Bileća for a break. Arrive in Kotor and explore the old town with your CEO, setting the stage for an optional group dinner.
Day 16 – Day 16: Bay of Kotor Boat Tour
- Kotor
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- Muzej grada Perasta
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Set sail from Kotor on a scenic boat tour, visiting small islands and historical sites before arriving in Perast. Explore the charming town before returning to Kotor for a free afternoon.
Day 17 – Day 17: Budva to Zabljak
- Kotor
- Žabljak
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- Ostrog Orthodox Monastery
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Explore Budva's old town before visiting the awe-inspiring Ostrog Monastery. Continue to the serene town of Zabljak, nestled in nature's embrace, for an overnight stay.
Day 18 – Day 18: Biogradska Gora Adventure
- Žabljak
- Kolašin
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Discover the untouched beauty of Biogradska Gora National Park, walking around the lake and enjoying the pristine scenery. After lunch, explore further with optional activities before heading to Kolasin for the night.
Day 19 – Day 19: Off-Road Adventure to Podgorica
- Podgorica
- Kolašin
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- Fortress Old Bar
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Embark on a thrilling 4x4 off-road excursion through Montenegro's rugged landscapes. After lunch, travel to Podgorica for a walking tour of the old town and an optional final dinner.
Day 20 – Day 20: Podgorica to Shkodër
- Podgorica
- Shkoder
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Cross into Albania and explore Theth National Park, marveling at the Grunasi Waterfall. Continue to Shkodër for a relaxing evening in this charming city.
Day 21 – Day 21: Discover Shkodër
- Shkoder
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- Shkodra Castle
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Set off on a guided walking tour of Shkodër, visiting the Ottoman-era Mesi bridge and Rozafa Castle. Enjoy free time to explore the city's cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.
Day 22 – Day 22: Shkodër to Tirana
- Tirana
- Shkoder
- Kruje
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Travel south to the historic town of Kruje, exploring its rich history and significance. Continue to Tirana, Albania's capital, for an evening of relaxation.
Day 23 – Day 23: Tirana to Vlorë
- Tirana
- Vlora
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- Durres Amphitheatre
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Explore the ancient Roman remains of Durrës, including the impressive amphitheatre. Continue to Vlorë for an orientation walk through the old town and a relaxing evening by the Adriatic Sea.
Day 24 – Day 24: Mountain Hike and Shepherd Experience
- Vlora
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Embark on a hike from Tragjas to a shepherd outpost in the mountains. Learn about traditional life and enjoy a typical lunch before returning to Vlorë for a free afternoon.
Day 25 – Day 25: Vlorë to Gjirokastër
- Vlora
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- Butrint National Park
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Travel along the Albanian Riviera, stopping in Himarë and visiting Ali Pasha Castle. Explore the ancient ruins of Butrint before arriving in Gjirokastër for the evening.
Day 26 – Day 26: Explore Gjirokastër
Day 26: Explore Gjirokastër
- Himara Castle
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Discover the historic sites of Gjirokastër, including the imposing castle. Visit a local winery for a tour and wine tasting, accompanied by traditional Albanian polyphonic singing.
Day 27 – Day 27: Gjirokastër to Berat
Day 27: Gjirokastër to Berat
- Berat Castle
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Travel to Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses. Explore the city's historic sites, including the castle and traditional neighborhoods, before enjoying a farewell dinner.
Day 28 – Day 28: Farewell in Tirana
- Tirana - Departure day
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Conclude your journey with a drive back to Tirana, where the tour ends upon arrival. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories made during this incredible adventure.
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