Day 1: Dubrovnik
Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Croatia. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and a transfer will bring you to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm, but if you arrive early, you might like to head out and explore Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town. It’s a very walkable city, so maybe take a stroll over to the 15th century Rector’s Palace and the baroque churches, or go check out the Game of Thrones filming locations. After your meeting, get to know your fellow travellers and group leader over dinner at one of the Old Town’s local restaurants for some traditional Croatian cuisine.
Day 2: Kotor
Leave Dubrovnik behind this morning and head to Kotor – a 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage site on a secluded bay. You’ll cross the border from Croatia into Montenegro and make a pit stop in Perast for a short walk and coffee break. Then, hop on a boat to take in the scenic Bay of Kotor from the water. Make a stop at the Lady of Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) island which was created in 1452 around a rock where an image of the Madonna was found. After the boat trip, head out into Kotor’s Old Town with your leader and check out its cobblestone alleyways and charming stone buildings. Once you check into the hotel, the evening is free for you to explore at your own leisure.
Day 3: Kotor
After breakfast, head outside of Kotor for some adventures in the mountainous town of Cetinje. Swing by Lovcen National Park to see its beautiful landscapes and trails. If you’re able to handle stairs, head up to Njegos Mausoleum for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains at the summit of Jezerski Vrh (1647 m/5403 ft). The mausoleum was constructed in 1974 and houses a monument statue of a ruler and poet – Petar II Petrovic-Njegos. On a clear day, you can see as afar as Albania from the top. After you take in the views, head to the Cetinje Monastery to explore its history and architecture, and admire Orthodox Christian relics, including the right hand of St. John the Baptist. Then, try some local prosciutto and cheese at a tasting at Njegusi – a place known for its meat, cheese and honey. You’ll return to Kotor after for a free afternoon and a chance to climb the city walls to get a great view over the city and bay.
Day 4: Berat
Wake up early today to cross the border into Albania. It may be a long journey, but you’ll make some stops along the way like a wine tasting and farm-to-table lunch. Your winery visit and tasting in Fishte will be a great opportunity to try some local wines in the Albanian countryside. Sit back, relax and take in the scenery with local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared onsite with the freshest ingredients. After, you’ll arrive in Berat in time to have lunch with the group, then your late afternoon and evening are free to enjoy at your own pace.
Day 5: Gjirokaster
Start your day with a walk around Berat while a local guide fills you in on its history and highlights. Learn about this remote city before climbing up to the still inhabited fortress for views over town then enjoy some free time, maybe walking through the parks or relaxing at a cafe. Then, meet back up with your group and head to the village of Gjirokaster to learn how to make traditional Albanian food with locals in a garden. Help your hosts prepare the meals then sit back and relax as you enjoy the flavours of Albania over conversation with those who call this unique place home.
Day 6: Gjirokaster
Have yourself a leisurely morning and maybe visit one of the many cafes before heading out on a tour of Gjirokaster today. You'll quickly see why it's often referred to as “Stone City” with its unique stone buildings and cobblestone streets. Learn about this UNESCO World Heritage Site from a local guide before visiting the Monasteries of the Drino Valley set against a backdrop of the mountains. These Orthodox monasteries – built in the 16th and 17th centuries – were once vital to Albania’s social fabric and rich culture and provide an opportunity for sustainable tourism development. The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please – maybe eat some sweet treats in the old town, explore the Cold War tunnel or relax in a park with a good book – it's up to you!
Day 7: Albanian Riviera
Wave goodbye to Gjirokaster today and drive to Butrint National Park. Surrounded by wetlands and the Vivari channel, this national park is famous for its well-preserved ancient Greek and Roman ruins within a stunning natural setting. Explore the Greek theatre, Roman baptistery, Venetian castle and more while taking in the views then head to your Feature Stay on the Albanian Riviera. The rolling hills and clear, blue water make for the perfect backdrop to relax after an afternoon filled with rich history and ancient ruins.
Day 8: Albanian Riviera
Today is free for you to explore the Albanian Riviera at your own leisure! After breakfast, you can relax at the Feature Stay or maybe head out into town and explore the surrounding area. You’ve got plenty of beaches to choose from, whether you want to sit back with a book or swim in the clear water. For the history lovers, maybe head to Himare Castle perched on a hill with panoramic views of the coast or take a day tour through Pirate Cave. For lunch, there are plenty of local restaurants to choose from and your leader can give you the best recommendations for where to eat and what to do in the area – you may want to try some fresh seafood while you’re on the coast!
Day 9: Tirana
Wrap up your adventure in the Albanian Riviera today and head to Tirana – the capital of Albania. On the way, stop by the ancient Greek site of Apollonia for a leader-led exploration through the ruins. The Greek and Roman archaeological site features well-preserved ruins like a theatre, temples and a triumphal arch, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Then, continue to Tirana for a guided tour around the city to learn about its unique mixture of cultures and customs, filled with mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture and the medieval atmosphere of the Balkans. The compact city is ideal to explore on foot and filled with architectural influences from Italy and Turkey. End your day with traditional Albanian food at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner with your group.
Day 10: Tirana
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your trip, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
