Adriatic to Aegean Coastal Wonders - 8 Days

Upon your arrival in Dubrovnik, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Later in the evening, our guide will connect with you to discuss the details of the upcoming days. A delightful dinner is included, allowing you to settle in and relax after your journey. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On day two, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Dubrovnik is perched on a cliff, encircled by ancient walls, and caressed by the Adriatic Sea. Its impeccably preserved historic centre is a veritable gem of world architectural heritage. From a scenic viewpoint along the road, we'll take in a breathtaking view of the city below. Our tour includes a visit to the Franciscan Monastery, which houses the oldest pharmacy in Europe, and the majestic Assumption Cathedral. We will also enjoy a short boat trip to Lokrum, a tranquil island just a 15-minute journey away, which features the ruins of an eleventh-century Benedictine monastery and served as a filming location for the popular series Game of Thrones. After the tour, you'll have free time to further explore the city's charms at your own pace before we make our way back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be provided. Please note, during the months of November to March, the boat service to Lokrum is unavailable, so we will not visit the island during this period. In some instances, accommodation may be arranged in the coastal town of Cavtat, near Dubrovnik.

We begin our day with an early departure for Montenegro, making our way through stunning coastal landscapes towards the Bay of Kotor. After completing border formalities, we’ll cross the bay by ferry to reach the enchanting town of Kotor, where its well-preserved Venetian architecture invites you to explore at your own pace. Our journey continues with a visit to Budva, a charming village renowned for its lovely sea views and ancient walls, where we'll take a break for lunch. Later, we head towards Albania, passing through customs to reach Tirana, the bustling capital. Here, you'll have free time to discover the city's vibrant streets. Dinner is included this evening, ensuring a delightful end to our day's travels.

We will begin our day with a panoramic tour of Tirana, the capital city of Albania. As we explore, you'll have the chance to see some of the city's key landmarks, including its historic mosques, the Clock Tower, and the governmental ministries. By midday, we'll set out towards the interior, traversing Albania's scenic mountain landscapes and passing quaint little villages. Enjoy views of the stunning countryside as we approach Lake Ohrid, which forms the natural border with North Macedonia.

After completing the necessary border procedures, we'll stop for lunch in Struga, a charming town located on the lake's shores. Our journey then continues towards Ohrid, a city renowned for its rich Ottoman heritage and a prestigious World Heritage Site designation. In the afternoon, you'll have time to explore at your leisure, with options including a visit to the Plaosnik Monastery or the ancient university founded in the ninth century. Dinner will be provided, rounding off an exciting day of discovery.

Today, our scenic journey takes us from Ohrid through the heart of Macedonia and into Greece. Our first stop is Bitola, a city steeped in history and renowned for its blend of Ottoman and neoclassical architecture. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along Širok Sokak, a vibrant street brimming with cafés, restaurants, and shops. Once we’ve completed the border formalities, we’ll enter the northern region of Greece. This area is known for its striking landscapes and cultural influences of Slavic and Ottoman heritage. Our route takes us towards the Meteora region, and just outside the town of Kalambaka, we’ll pause in the charming village of Kastraki. This picturesque spot offers stunning valley views, making it an ideal location for a leisurely lunch.

Following lunch, our journey continues into the Meteora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its dramatic rock formations and cliffside monasteries. We will drive through the valley, including entrance to one of the iconic monasteries perched high on the cliffs. As the day concludes, we arrive in Kalambaka, where we’ll enjoy an included dinner to round off our day’s adventure.

Today, we set off southwards through the stunning Thessaly region, known for its beautiful landscapes, until we arrive in Delphi. Here, you'll have the chance to explore the magnificent archaeological site, which offers breathtaking views across the Gulf of Corinth. Following some time for lunch, we'll visit the Hosios Loukas Monastery, celebrated as one of Greece's most beautiful Byzantine monasteries and recognised as a World Heritage Site. The monastery's exceptional 11th-century mosaics are a sight to behold. Our journey then continues as we head towards Athens, where we'll arrive in the evening.

Today, we will embark on an engaging city tour of Athens with a knowledgeable local guide. Our exploration will begin with visits to iconic sites such as the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium, where the inaugural modern Olympic Games took place. We'll continue to the National Library and the lively squares in the city centre. Our journey will also take us through the modern neighbourhoods that emerged following the 2004 Olympic Games, offering a blend of ancient and contemporary Athens. The tour will culminate at the renowned Acropolis—though please note that entry is not included. In the evening, a transfer will take us to Plaka, a historic district known for its delightful Greek tavernas and vibrant folklore, providing the perfect opportunity to savour the authentic atmosphere of Athens.

Following breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with cherished memories to take home. Safe travels and we hope to see you on another adventure soon.