Premium Croatia, Montenegro and Albania - 17 Days

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Split – located on the Adriatic coast, this is Croatia’s second-largest city. You’ll be met by a local representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel when you arrive, ready for your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Mestrovic Gallery, which displays the remarkable work of one of Croatia’s greatest sculptors. After the meeting, get to know your fellow travellers and group leader over dinner at one of Split’s local restaurants and maybe try some brudet (a rustic seafood stew) and rozata (a creamy custard pudding). Tonight, you’ll stay at Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel in the heart of Split – your Feature Stay, with a history dating back to the 18th century as the first cafe in the city.

This morning, head out on a walking tour with a local guide to see the highlights of this historic city. Led by a licensed heritage interpreter, you’ll stroll through the streets of Split, discover some of the city's less-visited spots, including parts of the ancient Diocletian's Palace, and get a glimpse into local life. Wander through cobblestoned streets in the footsteps of past emperors and kings and learn about how Split has evolved over the centuries. Explore the workshops of local artisans and witness the skill and passion of their creations. Round off your tour with a stop to try soparnik, a traditional Dalmatian savoury pie that was Croatia’s first street food. This afternoon is free for you to explore this seaside city at your own pace – maybe find a seafood restaurant with sweeping views of the coast and tuck into some fresh catches over a glass of wine. Or, head back to your Feature Stay and chill on the la luce terrace or in the secret garden.

Take a private transfer to Imotski – a quiet, lesser-known town in the Dalmatian Hinterland where you’ll get an insight into authentic Croatian life away from the crowds. When you arrive, go on a walking tour with your leader. Learn about the town’s history and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue and Red Lakes. This evening, you’ll visit Topana Fortress. Built in the 13th century, the fortress is perched on a cliff, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Take in the scenery as the sun sets while you sip on a glass of local wine and snack on some local produce like prosciutto – all accompanied by live music – and revel in the laidback atmosphere as the day fades into night.

Today is a free day for you to explore Imotski at your own pace. You might like to stroll through the narrow streets in the town centre or visit the Blue Lake for a glimpse of the blue-green water and maybe even a scenic swim. In the afternoon, join your group for a traditional dinner of Peka – a Croatian meal of meat or seafood with potatoes and veggies, cooked under a clay or cast-iron lid placed on hot coals. Experience warm local hospitality and sample the flavours of this region, paired with locally produced wine.

Travel to the seaside town of Orebic by private vehicle, swapping inland karst landscapes for views of the shimmering Adriatic. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Bacina Lakes, where you’ll board a small boat for a leisurely sail through this string of freshwater lakes set between the mountains and the coast. Then, continue south along the Peljesac Peninsula to Mali Ston. This village is known for having some of the best oysters in Europe. Hop aboard another boat and head to an oyster farm that has been run by generations of shellfish farmers who have perfected their craft. Learn how oysters and mussels are cultivated in these nutrient-rich waters, then taste them straight from the sea—briny, fresh and perfectly paired with a glass of local wine. This afternoon, you’ll continue to Orebic. Start to settle into the slower pace of life here in the quieter side of Croatia with a walk along the waterfront or perhaps wind down the day with a swim.

Visit the island of Korcula, located just off the Dalmatian Coast and known for its rich folkloric traditions. Begin your daytrip by taking the short boat ride to the island, then go on a walking tour of the town centre with a local guide. Visit the main sites of this relaxed seaside town and learn about the history of the island. You’ll also see some of the traditional costumes used in local celebrations. Head to the Vela Luka promenade, on the west of the island, to take part in a project aimed at creating the longest mosaic in the world. Learn about the craft of mosaics, then have a go yourself! After, head to the village of Blato for lunch and a wine tasting at a small, family-run winery in the hills. Return to Orebic later this evening.

Journey to Dubrovnik today, stopping at Trsteno along the way. In this small village just outside of Dubrovnik, you’ll tuck into a brunch made using fresh, local produce from a family-run farm, surrounded by a vibrant garden. Then, take part in an olive oil tasting (a bottle of this locally produced kitchen necessity makes for the perfect souvenir!). Visit the Trsteno Arboretum next door for an Signature Experience – this is the oldest monument of garden architecture and the only arboretum in Croatia that dates back to the 15th century. This is also a Game of Thrones filming location, but is far less crowded compared to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Spot locations you recognise from the show with natural scenery surrounding you rather than crowds. Take in the views of the Elaphiti Islands and the Adriatic Sea below. Continue to Dubrovnik for a tour of the medieval city walls, then join your group at a restaurant in the city’s Old Town for a farewell dinner – here’s to a trip well-travelled!

You’ll have a second welcome meeting with the new members of your group at 6 pm tonight. Before then, the day is yours. Perhaps take the cable car up Mt Srd for Adriatic views or head to Gruz Market and the harbour for a glimpse of local life beyond the Old Town. Maybe pop into the Red History Museum for a look at everyday life in socialist Yugoslavia. After the meeting tonight, maybe get a group together to head out for dinner and get to know each other before the next leg of your trip.

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.

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. After, 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.

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, including 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 while sampling 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.

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. After, head to the village of Lazarat to learn how to make traditional Albanian food with locals in a garden. Help your hosts prepare the meals, then sit back and enjoy the flavours of Albania over conversation with those who call this unique place home. Follow this up with a tea experience hosted by local village women. Learn how wild herbs are chosen and gathered from the surrounding countryside for their wellbeing properties, then help handle the herbs and practice ancestral brewing methods. Tonight, check into your Feature Stay in the historical centre of town just steps from Maestral Beach. The building had been abandoned for some time, then was rescued and transformed into a hotel, retaining many original features.

Have yourself a leisurely morning and maybe visit one of the many cafes before heading out on a local-led tour of Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll quickly see why it’s often referred to as ’Stone City’ with its unique stone buildings and cobblestone streets. Then, set out into the Drino Valley for some off-road exploration near Doftia reservoir and along traces of medieval roads. Continue towards seldom-visited Melan Tekke, stopping first at the medieval church of Vraho-Goranxi to see preserved frescoes attributed to Onufer Kiprioti. Wrap up your day’s adventure at the entrance to Karjan village in the Odrie area, where you’ll meet a local beekeeper, see the hives, learn about honey production and taste some fresh honey.

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 the Albanian Riviera, where the rolling hills and clear, blue water make for the perfect backdrop to relax after an afternoon filled with rich history and ancient ruins.

Today is free for you to explore the Albanian Riviera at your own leisure! After breakfast, you can relax at your hotel 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!

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.

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.