Classic Balkans: Zagreb to Tirana
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 22-day journey through the heart of the Balkans, exploring Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultures. From the bustling streets of Zagreb to the serene landscapes of Theth National Park, each day is filled with unique experiences and breathtaking sights. Discover the iconic Plitvice Lakes, wander through the historic streets of Dubrovnik, and savor local flavors in Sarajevo. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Montenegro's national parks and explore the cultural heritage of Albania's charming towns. With a mix of guided tours, leisure time, and optional activities, this adventure promises to be a memorable exploration of the Balkans' hidden gems.
Included
21 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Private vehicle, ferry, boat, walking.
Hotels (19 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. 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. Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Zagreb
- Zagreb - Arrival day
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- Bandićeve Fontane
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Arrive at your leisure in the vibrant city of Zagreb. After settling in, join your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) for a welcome briefing and embark on an orientation walk. Discover the city's unique street art and get a feel for the local atmosphere. Conclude your day with an optional group dinner to mingle with fellow travelers.
Day 2 – Day 2: Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Zagreb
- Plitvica Selo
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- Plitvice Lakes National Park
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Journey south from Zagreb to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park. Immerse yourself in the park's lush forests, shimmering lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Capture stunning photos and enjoy the natural beauty with your CEO. In the evening, check into your hotel and savor a delightful dinner.
Day 3 – Day 3: Zadar to Šibenik
- Plitvica Selo
- Zadar
- Šibenik
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- Krka National Park
- Captain's tower
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After breakfast, travel to the coastal city of Zadar. Embark on a walking food tour with a local guide, exploring the historic city center and savoring local delicacies. Continue to Krka National Park for a scenic hike through lush forests and stunning waterfalls. End your day in Šibenik, where you can enjoy a free evening.
Day 4 – Day 4: Islands of Prvic and Zlarin
- Šibenik
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- Plaža Soline
- Zlarin
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Embark on a full-day island excursion, starting with a ferry ride to Prvic. Explore the charming old town and scenic landscapes. Next, visit Zlarin, known for its historical monuments and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Return to Šibenik in the afternoon and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the old town.
Day 5 – Day 5: Split to Makarska
- Šibenik
- Makarska
- Split
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- Trogir Promenade
- Diocletian's Cellars
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Travel to the bustling port city of Split and join your CEO for an orientation walk. Discover the city's main attractions, including Diocletian's Palace and the Riva Promenade. Enjoy free time for lunch and further exploration. In the late afternoon, continue to Makarska for an overnight stay.
Day 6 – Day 6: Free Day in Makarska
- Makarska
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Enjoy a day of leisure in Makarska. Choose from a variety of optional activities, such as a ferry trip to the island of Brač, a tuk-tuk tour, zip-lining in Tucepi, or simply relaxing on the beach. The day is yours to explore and unwind at your own pace.
Day 7 – Day 7: Makarska to Dubrovnik
- Makarska
- Dubrovnik
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- Stonske zidine
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Depart Makarska and visit the picturesque bay of Uvala Bistrina. Learn about local oyster farming and enjoy a tasting experience. Continue to the town of Ston, where you can explore the historic city wall and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon, travel to Dubrovnik, Croatia's capital, and spend the evening at your leisure.
Day 8 – Day 8: Discover Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik
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- Dominican Monastery
- Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik
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Explore the enchanting old town of Dubrovnik with your CEO. Visit iconic landmarks and learn about the city's rich history. Stop by the Deša Women's Centre, a non-profit organization supporting local women. Spend the rest of the day exploring independently or join an optional kayak excursion. In the evening, consider an optional group dinner.
Day 9 – Day 9: Dubrovnik to Trebinje
- Dubrovnik
- Trebinje
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- Dominican Monastery
- Franjo Tuđman Bridge
- Sea Kayaking Cavtat
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Enjoy a leisurely morning in Dubrovnik before departing for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit the Tvrdoš Monastery for a wine tasting, then continue to the Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple for stunning city views. Explore the historic Arslanagić Bridge before arriving in Trebinje. In the evening, take an orientation walk along the river and through the old town.
Day 10 – Day 10: Culinary Delights in Trebinje
- Trebinje
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- Trebišnjica
- Herzegovina Museum
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Delve into local flavors and traditions in Trebinje. Visit the organic market to sample regional specialties, then tour a women-run apiary to learn about beekeeping. Continue to a historic cheese-making farm for a farm-to-table lunch with the family. Immerse yourself in the culture through its cuisine, with the afternoon free for exploration.
Day 11 – Day 11: Trebinje to Čitluk
- Trebinje
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- Walled town of Vidoški
- Kravica
- Koćuša
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Embark on a day of exploration, starting with a visit to Stolac to see the town center and UNESCO-listed necropolis tombstones. Continue to the stunning Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and have lunch. Travel to Čitluk for the night, with dinner at a local winery.
Day 12 – Day 12: Čitluk to Mostar
- Mostar
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- Dervish House
- Most Musala
- Zavala Monastery
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Immerse yourself in history with visits to the Počitelj Ottoman stone town and art colony, a hike to Blagaj Fortress, and the serene Dervish Monastery. Continue to Mostar for a guided walking tour, then enjoy the rest of the evening exploring at your leisure.
Day 13 – Day 13: Mostar to Sarajevo
- Mostar
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- Goat's Bridge
- Sarajevo City Hall
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Travel from Mostar to Sarajevo, stopping at Tito's Bunker to uncover Cold War-era history. Upon arrival in Sarajevo, dive into the local culinary scene with a history and food tour, offering a delicious introduction to the city. Enjoy a flavorful dinner and explore the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 14 – Day 14: Free Day in Sarajevo
Day 14: Free Day in Sarajevo
Take advantage of a free day to explore Sarajevo at your own pace. Delve into the city's history with visits to museums and monuments, embark on a graffiti art tour, or simply relax and enjoy local flavors at a café. The day is yours to discover the city's unique charm.
Day 15 – Day 15: Sarajevo to Kotor
- Kotor
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- Trebišnjica
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Depart Sarajevo and journey into Montenegro, stopping in Bileća for a break and a bite to eat. Arrive in Kotor in the afternoon and settle into your hotel. In the evening, join your CEO for an orientation walk through Kotor's old town, getting acquainted with the area before an optional group dinner.
Day 16 – Day 16: Kotor and Perast
- Kotor
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- Kampana Tower
- Muzej grada Perasta
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Set sail from Kotor's port on a scenic boat ride through the Bay of Kotor, visiting small islands and historical sites. Arrive in the charming town of Perast, where you can explore the old town before returning to Kotor. The afternoon is free for personal exploration or optional activities like museum visits or sea kayaking.
Day 17 – Day 17: Kotor to Zabljak
- Kotor
- Žabljak
- Budva
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- Budva Riviera
- Ostrog Orthodox Monastery
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Travel south to Budva, where you'll explore the old town with your CEO. Continue to the awe-inspiring Ostrog Monastery, perched on a mountain cliff. After lunch, journey to the serene town of Zabljak, surrounded by diverse terrain and forest shade, for an overnight stay.
Day 18 – Day 18: Zabljak to Kolasin
- Žabljak
- Kolašin
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- Biogradska gora National Park
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Discover the natural beauty of Biogradska Gora National Park. Spend the day walking around the lake and enjoying the pristine forest and mountain scenery. After lunch, enjoy free time to rent a boat, bike, or kayak. In the late afternoon, travel to Kolasin for the night, with dinner included at your accommodation.
Day 19 – Day 19: Kolasin to Podgorica
- Kolašin
- Podgorica
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- Fortress Old Bar
- Kolašin 1450
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Embark on an adventurous 4x4 off-road excursion through Montenegro's rugged backcountry. After lunch, travel to Podgorica, the capital city, and explore the old town on a walking tour. Enjoy an optional final dinner with the group in the old town or near the hotel.
Day 20 – Day 20: Podgorica to Shkodër
- Podgorica
- Shkoder
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Cross into Albania and explore the stunning Theth National Park. Walk through meadows filled with wildflowers and admire the Grunasi Waterfall. In the afternoon, continue to the city of Shkodër and check into your hotel. The evening is free to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Day 21 – Day 21: Explore Shkodër
- Shkoder
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- Shkodra Castle
- Mesi Bridge
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Join a guided walking tour of Shkodër, starting at the Ottoman-era Mesi Bridge. Walk to the old town and enjoy panoramic views from Rozafa Castle. Discover the city's rich cultural heritage through its historic architecture and monuments. The rest of the day is free for exploration or relaxation.
Day 22 – Day 22: Shkodër to Tirana
- Tirana
- Shkoder - Departure day
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- Castle of Kruja
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Travel south from Shkodër to the mountain town of Kruje. Explore the town on foot and learn about its historical significance. After lunch, continue to Tirana, Albania's capital, where the tour concludes upon arrival in the late afternoon.
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