Essential Southern Balkans

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Description

Summary

Starts
Dubrovnik
Duration
9 days
Languages
English
Minimum age
18 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Adriatic region. From the sun-drenched shores of Dubrovnik to the charming towns of Montenegro and Albania, each day offers a new adventure. Explore ancient castles, wander through medieval streets, and relax on pristine beaches. Discover the vibrant cities of Tirana and Corfu, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. With a perfect balance of guided tours and free time, this journey promises an immersive experience filled with unforgettable memories.

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Included

6 breakfasts

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All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

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The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid 18-35 style of travel. Our first accommodation choice is always as close to the main attraction of the destination as possible, however, sometimes we are not in the right centre of action, which means you may need to hop on a public transport to get to the city centre. Please note that service and accommodation in Europe may be different to the standards you are used to. Your accommodation will not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges and in particular destinations, rooms may be rather small.

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

ROOMING ALLOCATION:

Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with other travellers of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT:

Please note that on our 18-35 trips in Europe we do not provide a single room supplement option.

CHECK-IN TIME:

Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:

If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights), Hostel (1 night)

hotel: 4 night(s), hostel: 1 night(s), guesthouse: 3 night(s);

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Tirana - Bunk'Art Bunker Exhibition Visit

Himare - Local Boat Tour

Gjirokaster - Zekate Tower House

Gjirokaster - Local Guide

Gjirokaster - Turkish Coffee 'on the Stone'

Gjirokaster - Gjirokaster Fortress

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TRANSPORT IN EUROPE:

Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.

LONG TRAVEL DAYS:

As we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.

Private vehicle , Ferry , Bus

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Destinations

Kruje - town in AlbaniaKruje
The aerial view of Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea, Europe.Dubrovnik
Tirana County - region in AlbaniaTirana
Photo of aerial spring cityscape of capital of Corfu island, Greece.Corfu
Photo of aerial view of Ulcinj, famous resort town in Montenegro.Ulcinj
Sarandë - town in AlbaniaSarandë
Kotor -  in MontenegroKotor

Map

Attractions

Pulëbardha Beach, Sarandë, Bashkia Sarandë, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaPulëbardha Beach
Pasjača, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, CroatiaPasjača
Photo of Gjipe beach, Clear waters of the Ionian Sea, impressive canyon, best beach in Albania.Gjipe Beach
Himara Castle, Himarë, Bashkia Himarë, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaHimara Castle
Photo of Kruje Castle and its fortress with the walls and mountains in the background, Albania.Castle of Kruja
Palasa Beach, Himarë, Bashkia Himarë, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaPalasa Beach
Vrata od Buže, Grad Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, CroatiaVrata od Buže
Kastio Castle
Plaža Sveti Jakov, Grad Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, CroatiaPlaža Sveti Jakov
Kampana Tower, Kotor Municipality, MontenegroKampana Tower
Butrint National Park, Xarrë, Bashkia Konispol, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaButrint National Park
Krorëza Beach, Lukovë, Bashkia Himarë, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaKrorëza Beach
BUNK'ART, Dajt, Tirana Municipally, Tirana County, Central Albania, AlbaniaBunk’Art
Photo of stunning Blue Turquoise Water of Bellevue Beach, Dubrovnik, Croatia.Bellevue Beach
Lori Beach, Ksamil, Bashkia Sarandë, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaLori Beach

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Dubrovnik

  • Dubrovnik - Arrival day
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  • Pasjača
  • Vrata od Buže
  • Plaža Sveti Jakov
  • Bellevue Beach
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Begin your Croatian adventure in the enchanting city of Dubrovnik. As the sun sets, join your fellow travelers for a welcome meeting. Explore the city's iconic Old City Walls and enter through the historic Pile Gate. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, savoring the vibrant atmosphere. For a refreshing dip, venture to the nearby Suluci or Banje Beach, where the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea await.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Montenegro's Charms

  • Ulcinj
  • Kotor
  • Dubrovnik
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  • Kastio Castle
  • Kampana Tower
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Embark on a scenic drive to Kotor, Montenegro, where medieval charm meets breathtaking landscapes. Wander through the town's terracotta-lined streets and ascend Kampana Tower for panoramic views. Continue to Ulcinj, a coastal gem with a rich history and lively nightlife. Explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Town and visit the majestic Ulcinj Castle. As the day ends, relax on the beach and watch the sunset over the Adriatic.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Explore Albania's Capital

  • Tirana
  • Ulcinj
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  • Bunk’Art
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Cross the border into Albania and arrive in Tirana, a city brimming with history and culture. Join a guided orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the vibrant surroundings. Visit Bunk'Art, a unique museum housed in a former bunker, showcasing Albania's modern history and contemporary art. Spend the afternoon exploring Tirana at your leisure, perhaps visiting the trendy Block area for drinks and mingling with locals.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Free Day in Tirana

  • Kruje
  • Tirana
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  • Castle of Kruja
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Enjoy a leisurely day in Tirana, with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Dive into the local culture by visiting colorful street markets or sampling traditional Albanian cuisine. For a taste of history, take a short trip to Kruja, an ancient city just outside Tirana. In the evening, gather with fellow travelers in the Blloku neighborhood for pre-dinner drinks, followed by a delightful meal at Tirana Castle.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Discover Himare's Hidden Gems

  • Tirana
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  • Himara Castle
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Journey to the picturesque town of Himare, nestled between the Ionian Sea and the Ceraunian Mountains. Immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the Old Town, perched on a rocky hill with stunning sea views. Visit the ancient ruins of Himare Castle, a testament to the town's rich history. Spend the afternoon relaxing at a local café or unwinding on one of the secluded beach coves.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Coastal Adventures in Himare

  • Drymades
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  • Pulëbardha Beach
  • Gjipe Beach
  • Palasa Beach
  • Krorëza Beach
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Embark on an exhilarating speed boat tour along the stunning Albanian coast. Discover hidden gems like Pigeon's Cave, Crystal Bay, and the breathtaking Gjipe Beach. Explore the mysterious Pirate's Cave, accessible only by boat. Take refreshing swims in the crystal-clear waters and soak up the sun on pristine beaches. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore Himare or savor a meal at a seaside restaurant.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Step Back in Time in Gjirokaster

  • Gjirokastra
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  • Butrint National Park
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Travel to Gjirokaster, a beautifully preserved Ottoman town in southern Albania. Visit a traditional tower house with a local guide, who will share fascinating insights into the town's history. Experience the unique tradition of coffee 'on the stone,' roasted over an open fire. Spend the night in Gjirokaster, where you can savor local delicacies like speca me glize (stuffed peppers) for dinner.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: From Saranda to Corfu

  • Sarandë
  • Corfu
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  • Lori Beach
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Head south to Saranda, a charming coastal town near the Albania-Greece border. From here, take a hydrofoil ferry to the enchanting island of Corfu, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Join your group leader for an orientation walk to discover the island's hidden treasures. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and perhaps indulge in sunset drinks at a local restaurant.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Farewell to Corfu

  • Corfu - Departure day
  • More

Enjoy a leisurely morning on the beautiful island of Corfu. With no planned activities, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax on the beach, savor delicious Greek cuisine, or continue your adventure, the choice is yours. If you'd like to extend your stay, speak to your booking agent for arrangements.

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Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
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Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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