The Eastern Discovery (Small Groups, 14 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of the Balkans and Greece, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. From the vibrant streets of Zagreb to the ancient ruins of Athens, this journey offers a captivating blend of experiences. Discover the cascading lakes of Plitvice, the medieval charm of Dubrovnik, and the serene beauty of Corfu. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of traditions that define this region. With expert guides and comfortable accommodations, each day promises new adventures and lasting memories. Whether you're wandering through ancient cities or relaxing on idyllic islands, this tour is designed to inspire and delight every traveler.
Included
2 nights: Sheraton Zagreb Hotel
1 night: Hotel Lyra, Ličko Petrovo Selo
1 night: Hotel President Solin, Split
2 nights: Hotel Croatia Cavtat
1 night: Hotel Budva
1 night: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana
2 nights: Divani Palace Hotel Corfu
1 night: Amalia Hotel Delphi
1 night: Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens
6 Dinner (D)
13 Breakfast (B)
Zagreb: Indulge in a traditional cuisine at a local restaurant for dinner
Dubrovnik: Enjoy a traditional Dalmatian Coast meal at a local restaurant, accompanied with wine and grappa.
Athens: Toast the culmination of your travels with dinner in true Greek style at a local restaurant.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park. Learn about the studies taking place to monitor and protect the natural habitat, and education initiatives on the marine environment and best practices for a low-impact experience. The site participates in habitat restoration and is constantly working to protect the parks natural ecosystems and animal population. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land. Alternatively, meet the industrious women of the Tara Community Center.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens’ Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience. The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to explore Plitvice National Park.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Zagreb: Your Local Expert guides you this two-tiered capital. Explore Donji Grad, the Lower Town, and see the Mimara Art Museum in Roosevelt Square, Ban Josip Jelačić Square and the cathedral.
Zagreb: Ride the funicular to Gornji Grad, the medieval Upper Town, to view the former Presidential Palace, Stone Gate, St. Mark's Church and the Lotrščak Tower.
Kotor: Visit the Stari Grad, also referred to as the Old Town, perfectly positioned on a beautiful bay.
Budva: Explore the medieval old town of Budva, home to religious sites such as the 9th century Church of Santa Maria in Punta.
Split: Explore above and below the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace. A Local Expert guides you through labyrinthine streets to see St. Duje's, the Temple of Jupiter, the Golden Gate and the Cellars.
Split: Sightseeing with your Local Expert continues through the old town. Walk through the Jewish Quarter to reach Narodni Trg, the centre of Old Split. Continue to Trg Brace Radic, translated as the Square of the Radic brothers, but better known to the locals as Vocni Trg, or the Fruit Square.
Dubrovnik: As the sun descends and should the weather be favourable, enjoy a relaxing cruise around the fabled bay of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Expert. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls. Admire the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Tirana: Meet a local resident who will show you Skanderbeg Square and walk you through their home city as they explain what it's like to live in the Albanian capital.
Corfu: Escape to this idyllic island by cruise, enjoying leisure time on the beach or insightful exploration.
Corfu: Return to the mainland by cruise and continue your journey through Greece.
Delphi: Ascend the Sacred Way, once lined with offertory temples.
Delphi: With your Local Expert, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where the people would seek divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.C. Steps away you'll see the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Trogir: See the cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace during an orientation with your Travel Director.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb
- Zagreb - Arrival day
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- Strossmayer Promenade
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Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Zagreb. Settle into your accommodation, such as the Hilton (or similar), and unwind after your journey. For a romantic start, stroll along the chestnut-lined Strossmayer Promenade, offering breathtaking views of the city. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy fine wine and engaging conversation.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Zagreb's Charms
- Zagreb
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- Stone Gate
- Samobor Castle
- Church of St Anastasia
- Lotrščak Tower
- Art Pavilion in Zagreb
- Rudnik Zrinski
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Embark on a guided exploration of Zagreb, Croatia's captivating capital. Your local expert will lead you through the city's highlights, including the Art Pavilion and the Academy of Sciences and Arts. Wander through Zrinjevac Park and take a funicular ride to St. Mark's Church and Lotrščak Tower. Stroll back through the historic Stone Gate to the main square. The afternoon is yours to relax at your hotel or explore further at your leisure.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Plitvice Lakes
- Zagreb
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- Plitvice Lakes National Park
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Spend a leisurely morning in Zagreb, enjoying your hotel's amenities or opting for an excursion to the Zagorje region to delve into local traditions. In the afternoon, travel to your next accommodation nestled within the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the park's lush forests, grasslands, and the mesmerizing series of cascading lakes.
Day 4 – Day 4: Explore Plitvice and Trogir
- Trogir
- Split
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- Trogir Ciovo
- Church of St. Peter
- Diocletian's Cellars
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Choose your adventure in Plitvice Lakes National Park: join a local expert to learn about the park's conservation efforts or visit the Tara Community Centre to support local artisans. Later, travel along the picturesque coast to Trogir, a town with a rich Greek heritage and stunning architecture, including the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and Cipiko Palace. Continue to the historic port city of Split for your overnight stay.
Day 5 – Day 5: Discover Split and Dubrovnik
- Split
- Dubrovnik
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- Golden Gate
- Saint Domnius Cathedral
- Church of St. Peter
- Diocletian's Cellars
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Explore the ancient heart of Split, where Diocletian's Palace stands as a testament to Roman grandeur. Your local guide will lead you through the palace's cellars, St. Duje's Cathedral, the Temple of Jupiter, and the Golden Gate. In the afternoon, travel along the scenic Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik. Weather permitting, enjoy a magical evening cruise around the bay, savoring local specialties and wine.
Day 6 – Day 6: Enchanting Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik
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- Dominican Monastery
- Clocktower
- Vrata od Buže
- Franciscan Church and Monastery
- Onofrio's Large Fountain
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Step into the enchanting world of Dubrovnik, often referred to as 'paradise on Earth.' With a local expert, explore the stone-paved streets of the Old Town, enclosed by 16th-century bastions. Discover Onofrio's Fountain, the Old Jewish Quarter, and the magnificent cathedral. Visit the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, each a testament to the city's rich history and culture.
Day 7 – Day 7: Discover Kotor and Budva
- Kotor
- Budva
- Dubrovnik
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- The Church of Sveti Ivan (St John)
- Kampana Tower
- Old Town
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Venture to the old town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the stunning bay with its azure waters. Continue along the Adriatic Sea to Budva, where you can explore the medieval old town at your own pace. Visit the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, a religious site dating back to the 9th century, and soak in the rich history of this coastal gem.
Day 8 – Day 8: Journey to Tirana
- Tirana
- Budva
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- Tirana Park
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Travel through the breathtaking landscapes of Montenegro and Albania, arriving in Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital. With a local expert, explore the city's eclectic mix of Ottoman, Italian, and communist influences. Discover the relics of its diverse past and experience the warmth and color of this fascinating city.
Day 9 – Day 9: Sail to Corfu
- Tirana
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- Lori Beach
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Embark on a scenic journey across Albania, taking in its unique landscapes before setting sail for the enchanting island of Corfu. Known for its natural beauty and strategic location, Corfu has captivated visitors since the time of Odysseus. Enjoy the island's charm and prepare for a relaxing stay.
Day 10 – Day 10: Leisure in Corfu
- Corfu
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- Old Fortress of Corfu
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Enjoy a day of leisure on the beautiful island of Corfu. Explore the Old Town, where a blend of Roman, Venetian, French, and British architectural styles tell the story of the island's past. Alternatively, relax by the hotel pool and soak up the sun in this idyllic setting.
Day 11 – Day 11: From Corfu to Delphi
- Delfoi
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- Delphi Archaeological Museum
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Depart from Corfu and journey to Delphi, a site steeped in history and mythology. Perched on a cliffside, Delphi was once considered the center of the ancient world. Explore the archaeological wonders and imagine the rituals that took place here thousands of years ago.
Day 12 – Day 12: Sacred Delphi to Athens
- Athens
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- Ancient Stadium of Delphi
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Ascend the Sacred Way of Delphi with your local expert, passing the Parian marble Treasury of the Athenians and the Polygonal Wall. Visit the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi once prophesied. Continue your journey to Athens, Greece's modern capital, where ancient history and vibrant city life coexist.
Day 13 – Day 13: Athens - A Journey Through Time
- Athens
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- Acropolis Museum
- Temple of Athena Nike
- Church of Agia Marina
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Parthenon
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Join a local expert for a morning tour of Athens, where you'll witness the glory of ancient Greece. Visit the Acropolis, home to the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. Marvel at the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian. Spend the afternoon exploring Athens at your own pace, soaking in the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
Day 14 – Day 14: Farewell to Greece
- Athens - Departure day
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As your incredible journey comes to an end, bid farewell to Greece and its enchanting islands. Enjoy a final breakfast before being transferred to Athens airport for your onward travels. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you've gathered during this extraordinary tour.
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