This journey takes you along the stunning Adriatic coastline, where you will discover charming medieval towns, celebrated cities, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in three different countries. You will be amazed by the loving preservation of Eastern Europe’s most important castles and monasteries, a testament to the respect and admiration held for this amazing legacy.
Itinerary Highlights
Explore Croatia, Montenegro & Albania
Learn about the regions rich history
Journey through majestic national parks
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Localised Food Tours
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
9
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Dubrovnik
Day 2
Dubrovnik
After having breakfast at the hotel, you’ll depart for Dubrovnik Old Town. You’ll have a full-day walking tour of the Old Town, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. During the tour, you’ll visit various attractions, including the old harbour, Franciscan monastery, St. Laurence Fortress, Sponza and Rector’s Palaces, Bell Tower Clock, and Orlando’s Column. You will have free time to enjoy lunch in many local dining venues and snack bars within the old quarter. In the afternoon, you can explore the STRADUM to the Old Port. You will also have the option to go on an optional excursion to LOKRUM island. Please note that dinner is not included, but the guide will give indications of the dining venues to choose from. You’ll spend the night in Dubrovnik.
Day 3
Kotor and Budva
After breakfast at the hotel and checking out, you’ll meet your guide and depart for Kotor. You’ll start with a walking tour of Kotor’s old town. This urbanization was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and is well-preserved, featuring medieval architecture and numerous cultural heritage monuments. Kotor is a UNESCO-listed “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site.” The city is crisscrossed with narrow streets and squares, with the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Sveti Tripun) being one of the city’s most recognisable symbols and a monument of Roman culture.
You’ll then transfer to Budva and visit Budva Old Town, which lies on a small peninsula and is a treasure chest of cultural heritage. The Old Town is famous for its narrow streets, squares, and buildings like the Church Sv. Trojica, the Churches of Sv. Ivan, Sv. Bogorodica, and Sv. Sava. You can also visit many shops, cafés, restaurants, and galleries in the Stari Grad (Old Town).
After the visit, you’ll check in at the hotel in Budva and prepare for dinner. Please note that the tour does not include dinner, but the guide will indicate the dining venues to choose from. You will have the evening free to explore Budva or have dinner at your chosen venue.
You’ll spend the night in Budva.
Day 4
Shkoder and Kruja
After having breakfast, you will check out from your current location and begin your journey towards Albania through the SUKOBIN-MURIQAN Border. Once the border procedures are completed, you will head towards Shkoder for a city tour. Shkoder, or Skadar, is an ancient city with a rich history. During the tour, you will observe the old characteristic houses that use wood and other traditional motifs. The tour will also cover the Leaden Mosque, Catholic Cathedral, and a walking tour of Rozafa Castle, the city’s main attractions.
Afterwards, you will proceed towards Kruja, where you can have lunch in one of the local restaurants. We also recommend watching a folklore show, which will include songs and dances accompanied by a band of musical instruments. The program will comprise typical songs of the region. At the same time, the dancers in their local folk costumes will make the event an excellent opportunity for photo sessions and interaction with the artists. Your local guide will assist you in making this event a learning experience about the rich folklore of northern Albania.
Finally, you will visit Kruja, where the walking tour will take you through the cobblestone pathway of the Ottoman bazaar, which has wooden shops and displays of various gifts and antique household items. You will then visit the historical museum within the castle’s walls, dedicated to Skanderbeg and his resistance against the Ottoman invasion. Additionally, an old house turned into an ethnographic museum will invite you to a unique cultural aspect of life in northern Albania.
Day 5
Explore Tirana and Durres
You’ll begin the day with breakfast at the hotel and then proceed to Tirana. In Tirana, you’ll explore the capital city of Albania, including some of the historical highlights such as the city centre, Skanderbeg Statue, Et’hembey mosque, Clock tower, Italian buildings, and Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard. You’ll also visit the ex-communist buildings painted with vibrant colours and look at how the city has expanded. After the tour, you’ll have free time for lunch in Tirana.
Next, you’ll continue to Durres and visit the city. You’ll explore the ruins of the town forum, Roman baths, city centre, town hall, Roman Amphitheatre, Byzantine walls, Venetian tower, and archaeological museum. This will give us a panoramic display of the discoveries and urban planning of this once-important city.
Day 6
Berat and Vlore
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel and then check out before meeting the guide. Afterwards, head to Berat city, where you’ll explore the ancient fortress, main gates, towers, orthodox churches, and typical architecture of the dwelling sites. This tour will take you through 2500 years of heritage and end with a visit to the Onufri Museum within St. Mary’s Church. Once the tour concludes, board the bus and continue to the Berat city centre. Enjoy refreshments or an optional lunch before embarking on a panoramic tour of Berat’s old town.
Visit the Mangalem quarter, known as the “City of windows one over another.” This area still preserves some elements of Ottoman architecture in the dwelling places and narrow pathways with cobblestones. You’ll also visit unique mosques, a monastery, and a newly built Orthodox Church. Then, depart for the archaeological park of Apollonia, driving through the city centre of Fier.
Once you arrive at the park, take a walking tour of the ancient Apollonian site, which includes the encircling wall, monuments of Agonothetes, the Library, the Odeon, the Portico, the house with mosaics, the Archaeological Museum, and the Church of St. Mary. Afterwards, continue your journey to Vlora. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour that includes the old town, Independence Square, and Muradie Mosque.
Day 7
ALBANIAN rIVIERA
After having breakfast at the hotel, you will meet up with your guide and depart along the Albanian Riviera. You will drive along the high mountain and enjoy the fascinating view of Albanian beauty. Then, you will arrive at LLogara National Park, where you can stop for refreshments before continuing southward to Albanian Riviera. You will pass by the villages of Dhermi, Himara, and Porto Palermo Bay, which have a long history ranging from the Mediterranean pirates to the stronghold of Ali Pasha.
Upon arrival in Saranda, you will continue to Butrinti National Park. This impressive walking tour will stir your imagination about the ancient world during the peak of the Roman power and classical Greek mythology. You will start with the Asclepius temple, theatre, Roman portico and baths, early Christian baptistery, byzantine basilica, defensive walls, and impressive gates.
Once you arrive in Saranda, you will check in at the hotel and prepare for dinner.
Day 8
eXPLORE gJIROKASTA
After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide and head towards Gjirokastra city. Our first stop will be at the Antigonea Archaeological Park. King Pyrrhus constructed it and later destroyed by the Romans. The site is known for its remains of city stone walls, a fortified acropolis, and evidence of an important city that relied on agriculture, weaving, and metalworking.
We will then head back to Gjirokastra city for an afternoon city tour. This UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE is famous for its unique architecture and offers something interesting for everyone. The tour will include visiting the castle and its weapons museum and taking in the breathtaking views. We will also visit the bazaar area and the ethnographic museum.
After the tour, we will check in to our hotel.
Day 9
eXPLORE iOANNINA
After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide and travel to the Border with Greece/Kakavije. You’ll then continue to Ioannina, enjoying a panoramic city tour. Ioannina is the capital of Epirus and is situated around the beautiful Lake Pamvotida. The city has a historic feel, with plenty of secret places and legends that are still alive today. There are many beautiful buildings to explore, including the House Matei Hussein, the Ottoman Mosque of Veli Pasha, and the entire historic centre of the town. Ioannina has always been a multicultural city, strongly influenced by Christian, Islamic, and Jewish cultures. You can see evidence of this coexistence of cultural influences throughout the historic city centre. Finally, you’ll transfer to Igoumenitsa port and depart for our onward journey.
Day 10
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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Albania is a beautiful country to visit all year round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you love warm weather and swimming, then the best time to visit Albania is during the summer months from June to August. The temperatures can get quite hot, but you can cool off by swimming in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, the spring and fall seasons are the best times to visit. April, May, September, and October offer pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower prices. You can enjoy hiking, biking, and sightseeing without the summer crowds. Winter in Albania is cold and snowy, but it can be a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports. The Albanian Alps offer skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and the cities are less crowded during this time of year. Overall, Albania is a great destination to visit any time of year, but the best time to visit depends on your interests and preferences.
Albania experienced chilly weather in January, with average temperatures ranging from 1°C to 10°C. The country's northern parts are usually the coldest, while the coastal areas are relatively milder. The weather is generally cloudy, and there is a chance of rain or snowfall, particularly in the mountainous regions. It's advisable to wear warm clothing, especially if you plan to visit the country this month.
February in Albania is still chilly, with average temperatures ranging between 2°C to 12°C. The country's northern parts remain the coldest, while the coastal areas still experience relatively milder temperatures. The weather can be cloudy, and there is still a chance of rain or snowfall, especially in the mountainous regions. Carrying warm clothing is essential to ensure you stay comfortable during your visit.
In March, the weather in Albania starts to warm up, but temperatures still range between 4°C to 14°C on average. The northern regions may experience colder temperatures, while the coastal areas remain milder. The weather can still be cloudy, and occasional rain or snowfall may occur in the mountainous regions. Packing layers of clothing to stay comfortable during your visit is advisable.
In April, the weather in Albania continues to warm up, with average temperatures ranging between 8°C to 19°C. The coastal areas remain mild, while the northern regions may still experience colder temperatures. However, the weather is generally sunny, with occasional rain showers. Packing layers of clothing to stay comfortable during your visit is still recommended.
The weather in Albania during May is generally warm, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 24°C. The coastal areas can be slightly cooler, while the interior regions may experience hotter temperatures. Packing light clothing and sunscreen to stay comfortable during your visit is advisable. However, occasional rain showers are still possible, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat's always a good idea.
In June, the weather in Albania tends to get warmer, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 28°C. Like May, the coastal areas can be slightly cooler, while the interior regions may experience hotter temperatures. Packaging light clothing and sunscreen to stay comfortable during your visit is recommended. However, occasional rain showers are still possible, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat is always a good idea. Overall, the weather in Albania during June is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
July is typically the hottest month in Albania, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C. Coastal areas may be slightly more relaxed, while the interior regions may experience higher temperatures. Packing light, breathable clothing and sunscreen is recommended to stay comfortable during your visit. Occasional rain showers are still possible, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat is always a good idea. Despite the potential for rain, July is a great time to visit Albania and enjoy outdoor activities in the warm weather.
August is also a warm month in Albania, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 34°C. The coastal areas may be slightly more relaxed, while the interior regions may experience higher temperatures. Packing light, breathable clothing and sunscreen is recommended to stay comfortable during your visit. Occasional rain showers are still possible, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat is always a good idea. Despite the potential for rain, August is also a great time to visit Albania and enjoy outdoor activities in the warm weather.
Albania experienced cooler temperatures in September, with an average high of 27°C and a low of 16°C. The coastal areas may be slightly warmer, while the interior regions may be cooler. It's recommended to bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. Occasional rain showers are still possible, so getting an umbrella or raincoat is always a good idea. September is a great time to visit Albania for those who prefer milder weather and fewer crowds.
The average temperature in Albania during October is cooler than the previous month, with an average high of 22°C and a low of 11°C. The coastal areas may still have slightly warmer temperatures, while the interior regions may be cooler. It's recommended to bring warmer clothing, such as a sweater or light jacket, for the cooler evenings and early mornings. Occasional rain showers are still possible, so it's always a good idea to pack an umbrella or raincoat. October can be a great time to visit Albania for those who enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds.
In November, the weather in Albania begins to cool down even further. The average high temperature is around 16°C, while the average low is 6°C. Packaging warmer clothing such as a coat, hat, and gloves is essential for the colder temperatures. Rainfall is still possible, so it's also a good idea to bring an umbrella or raincoat. Despite the cooler weather, November can still be a great time to visit Albania for those who prefer fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere.
In December, Albania experiences even cooler weather than in November. The average high temperature is around 13°C, while the average low is 3°C. Packaging warm clothing such as a coat, scarf, and gloves is vital to stay comfortable in the chilly temperatures. Rainfall is also possible, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat is a good idea. Despite the colder temperatures, December can still be an excellent time to visit Albania for those who enjoy winter activities and fewer crowds.
Add on’s
This Balkan itinerary has many add-on holiday options; for example, consider adding Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia to your itinerary. These countries offer stunning natural beauty, rich history, delicious food, and welcoming locals.
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