Premium Croatia, Montenegro and Albania - 17 Days

Dobro dosli! Welcome to Croatia. Your adventure begins in Split – right on the Adriatic coast, this is Croatia’s second-largest city. You’ll be collected from 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 in your Feature Stay – Santa Lucia Heritage Hotel in the Pjaca (the most beautiful square in Split).

This morning, head out on a sustainable Urban Adventure – ‘Unveiling Split’s Living History’. Led by a licensed heritage interpreter, you’ll stroll through the historic streets of Split, discover some of the city's hidden gems and get a glimpse into the lives of the locals. Wander through cobblestoned streets in the footsteps of past emperors and kings and learn about how Split has evolved over the centuries, now embracing eco-friendly initiatives like solar power and waste management. Explore the workshops of local artisans and witness the skill and passion of their creations. This afternoon is free to explore the seaside city at your own pace – maybe find the perfect seafood restaurant with sweeping views of the coast and tuck into some fresh cuisine 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 morning ferry to Korcula – a gorgeous island off the Dalmatian Coast. When you arrive in the afternoon, head out on a walking tour of Korcula Town with a local guide. See the main sites of this seaside spot and learn about the history of this island, whose population is almost entirely made up of ethnic Croats. Korcula is famed for its folkloric traditions and you’ll get special access to the see the traditional costumes used in local celebrations. After, maybe hit one of the hidden beaches like Vela Przina or Proizd, wander the orange-topped architecture in the Old City or soak up some of the local wine culture among the olive groves.

Today you’ll head out on a custom-made half-day tour around Korcula. Explore the rich history of the island and visit places that are less impacted by tourism, supporting the local community. First, visit the Ethnographic Museum Barilo in Blato and explore the impressive collection, which includes agricultural tools, ceremonial clothes, traditional costumes, kitchen utensils and handicrafts that give a unique insight into the daily lives of the owners' ancestors. Wander the house and garden, then join your hosts for a tasting of local liqueurs, brandies, arancini, fried almonds and dried figs, prepared according to traditional recipes. After, head to Vela Luka to see the 20,000-year-old Vela Spila archaeological site and cave. Take a short walk over the cave for panoramic views of the archipelago and the bay below, then head to a local village for lunch and a wine tasting of local drops at a small family winery in the hills. 

Today is a free day in Korcula. You might like to spend the day lazing at one of the hidden beaches and soak up the sun, taking a dip in the bay. Alternatively, maybe head to another local winery and support the local community by induling in some local cuisine and a glass of wine (or three). Perhaps continue your explorations of the Old Town tonight, taking in the stocky Revelin Tower and impressive defensive walls before stopping for dinner in one of the island’s many restaurants.

You’ll begin the journey to Dubrovnik today, stopping at Trsteno along the way – a small village just 20 km away from Dubrovnik. Here, you’ll tuck into a delicious brunch of local products made by a local family on their farm and presented by the famous Croatian chef Katija Paseta. Soak in the garden views and morning sun and then be treated to an olive oil tasting (a bottle of this locally produced kitchen necessity makes for the perfect souvenir!). Visit the arboretum next door – 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 with fans than Dubrovnik’s Old Town. As you spot locations you recognise from the show (well away from the tourist crowds), take in the views of the Elaphiti Islands and the Adriatic Sea below. Continue to the medieval walls of Dubrovnik, where you’ll have a free evening to find the best spot for dinner.

Today is free to explore Dubrovnik at your own pace. Maybe visit Rector's Palace to see the ornate Venetian-Gothic architecture or sip a beer on the terrace of one of the city’s cliff bars. Take a Game of Thrones walking tour to a few more filming locations or just people-watch over an espresso. Tonight, you'll be treated to a sunset sail on the Adriatic. On a private boat, sail to the Elafiti Islands, taking in the coastal scenery during golden hour. Go for a couple of swims off the boat, then hit land and visit the fisherman's village of Lopud. Here, you can share your favourite moments from your trip with the group over a farewell dinner of local cuisine. Sail back to Dubrovnik just in time to enjoy the view of Old Town from the sea during sunset and toast to an unforgettable memory with some local wine.

The day is yours to enjoy Dubrovnik and all it has to offer at your own leisure. Maybe head back to the spots you visited with the group and spend more time at your favorites or ask your leader for new recommendations. Since this adventure is a combination of trips, a meeting will take place at your hotel at 6 pm tonight to meet your new leader and welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your journey. Then step out into the Old Town for dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new companions.

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 Kotor for some adventures in the mountainous town of Cetinje. Swing by Lovcen National Park to see its surreal 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 far as Albania from the top. After, head to the Cetinje Monastery to explore its history, architecture and Orthodox Christian relics, including the right hand of St. John the Baptist. Then, try some local prosciutto and cheese at a tasting at Njegusi – known for its meat, cheese and honey. You’ll return to Kotor 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, like a wine tasting and a farm-to-table lunch. Your winery visit and tasting in Fishte will be a great opportunity to try 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. You’ll continue your journey to Berat and arrive in time to have lunch with the group. Then, you'll be free to enjoy your late afternoon and evening 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 the town. Then, enjoy some free time, maybe walking through the parks or relaxing at a cafe. You'll meet back up with your group later on 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.

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!

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.

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!

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.