Classic Balkans: Croatia to Albania - 28 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• What are the age requirements for this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a the tour operator tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 12 travellers.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work - check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at the tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What are the main modes of transportation on this trip?

  We will use private vehicles, trains, ferries, and boats, and there will be walking tours.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Your CEO can also show you where you can get your laundry done.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  We will stay in Hotels for 25 nights and an Eco Lodge for 2 nights.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead throughout the trip, supported by local guides.

• Will I get my own room if traveling solo?

  If you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops. Please be aware that single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our the tour operator Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. Our emergency contact number for the Berlin office is +441858378000. If you are unable to contact our local office, you can call our Sales team at: Toll-free from North America: 1 888 800 4100; from UK: 0344 272 0000; from Germany: 0800 365 1000; from Australia: 1 300 796 618; from New Zealand: 0800 333 307; and outside these regions: +1 416 260 0999.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  This trip includes 27 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 4 dinners.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into the tour operator’ itineraries globally. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. You can contribute to the Dollar-a-day Program to support Planeterra projects.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving?

  If you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel as soon as possible, requesting to speak to or leave a message for your CEO. If you cannot reach your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

• What do I need to know about safety and security on my trip?

  We recommend checking your government's advice for the latest travel information before departure. It is strongly advised to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. Your group leader (CEO) has the authority to amend or cancel parts of the itinerary due to safety concerns and will accompany you on all included activities. During free time, use your own judgment for optional activities, as they are not part of the itinerary, and we make no representations about their safety or the operators. While cities are generally safe during the day, consider staying in small groups and taking taxis at night. Water-based activities have inherent risks; only participate when accompanied by a guide(s). Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include exploring Plitvice and Krka National Parks, wandering through historic sites in Split and Dubrovnik, delving into Bosnia and Herzegovina's history in Mostar and Sarajevo, hiking to a shepherd outpost in Albania, and driving along the Albanian Riviera to visit Ali Pasha Castle.

• What are the joining instructions?

  For details of your joining hotel, refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the tour operator App, or contact your travel agent. From Zagreb airport (ZAG), you can reach the city centre via the Pleso Prijevoz bus. We recommend booking arrival and departure transfers in advance through Welcome Pickups, providing flight details, passenger names, and contact information. Day 1 is an arrival day with no planned activities. Upon arrival at your hotel, check for a note from your CEO regarding the Welcome Meeting (usually between 5pm and 7pm). If you miss it, your CEO will leave a note with necessary information and next-day instructions at reception.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include: In Split - Mestrovic Gallery (30HRK per person), Bacvice Beach Visit (Free), Diocletian's Palace, St Duje Cathedral Visit (15-40HRK per person); In Otok Brač - Brač Island Excursion; In Makarska - Tuk Tuk Tour to Skywalk (60-70EUR per person); In Sarajevo - National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (10-30BAM per person), Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum (54BAM per person), Gallery 11/07/95 (12-15BAM per person); In Kotor - Kotor Maritime Museum (5EUR per person), Sea Kayaking (20EUR per person), Kotor City Exploration (Free); In Shkodër - Site of Memory and Memorial Museum, Venice Art Mask Factory (3EUR per person).

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers. Tipping local guides is recommended, ranging from €3-5 per day, which can be done individually or as a group through your CEO. Tipping your tour operator CEO is also expected and appreciated, with €6-8 per person, per day as a guideline.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. You will not be permitted to join without evidence of travel insurance. Minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, is required. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage/personal effects are strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers all included adventure activities. If using credit card insurance, proof of trip purchase with a credit card in your name is required.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel, so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. If you opt for the "My Own Room" option, an extra cost will apply for a single room.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  Please make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

• Are there any specific itinerary notes or changes to be aware of?

  For 2026 departures: Due to the seasonality, in the colder months, many local shops/cafes/restaurants are closed on island of Prvic, and activities there are limited, thus, instead of visiting 2 islands, you will be visiting only Zlarin, before arriving back to Sibenik for walking tour of the city with a local guide.

• What is included in this trip?

  Your G for Good Moment: Maritimo Recycling, Dubrovnik. Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Your Foodie Moment: Zadar Walking Food Tour, Zadar. Your Foodie Moment: Oyster Farm Food and Wine Experience with Lunch, Uvala Bistrina. Your Foodie Moment: Trebinje Market Tour, Trebinje. Your Foodie Moment: Cheese Making Farm and Lunch, Trebinje. Your Foodie Moment: Apiary Visit, Trebinje. Your Foodie Moment: Three-Course Wine Pairing Dinner, Čitluk. Your Foodie Moment: Sarajevo Food Tour, Sarajevo. Your Local Living Moment: Hike to a Shepherd Outpost with Lunch, Tragjas. Your Foodie Moment: Gjirokastër Winery Visit and Light Dinner, Gjirokastër. Orientation walks in Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hike in Krka Lakes National Park. Full-day excursion to the islands of Prvic and Zlarin from Šibenik. Walk along the old city wall of Ston. Tvrdoš Monastery Visit and Wine Tasting. Orientation walk in Trebinje. Visit the town of Stolac and the necropolis tombstones. See Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls. Dinner and wine pairing at a winery in Čitluk. Visit the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town. Hike to the Blagaj Fortress. Visit the Dervish Monastery. Guided walking tour of Mostar. Turkish House coffee experience in Mostar. Sarajevo Cable Car and Bobsled Track. Kotor orientation walk. Boat tour from Kotor to Perast. Budva Old Town walk. Visit Ostrog Monastery. Full-day excursion to Biogradska Gora National Park. Kolašin 4x4 Off-Road Excursion. Orientaion walk of Podgorica. Theth National Park visit. Walking tour of Shkoder. Walking tour of Kruje. Evening orientaion walk of Tirana. Tour of the Durrës archaeological site. Orientation walk of Vlorë. Visit Himare. Entrance to the Ali Pasha Castle. Visit Butrint National Archaeological Park. Walking tour of Gjirokastër. Walking tour of Berat. Farewell Dinner. Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  It is important to note that accommodation in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Downtown hotels in Europe were not built to be hotels but rich owners houses, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather "thin" walls. Reception areas, rooms and bathrooms tend to be very small as they were often added into an existing room, and may have a hand nozzle rather than a conventional shower head. On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations. Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.