Essential Southern Balkans

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Essential Southern Balkans
Essential Southern Balkans
Essential Southern Balkans
Essential Southern Balkans
Essential Southern Balkans
Essential Southern Balkans
Essential Southern Balkans
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Description

Summary

Starts
Dubrovnik
Duration
9 days
Languages
English
Minimum age
18 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of the Adriatic and Ionian regions, weaving together the rich cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece. This immersive journey invites you to stroll through ancient walled cities, bask on sun-drenched beaches, and discover hidden gems along the coast. Each day brings new adventures, from exploring medieval fortresses and vibrant markets to savoring local delicacies and experiencing authentic traditions. Comfortable accommodations in centrally located hotels (such as Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, Hotel Mediteran Ulcinj, Hotel Mondial Tirana, Hotel Rondos Himare, Hotel Kalemi Gjirokaster, and Corfu Palace Hotel or similar) ensure restful nights, while guided activities and free time strike the perfect balance for discovery and relaxation. Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik, cruising the Albanian Riviera, or soaking up the island charm of Corfu, this tour promises a tapestry of unforgettable moments and cultural treasures.

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Included

6 breakfasts

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All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

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The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

, We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid 18-35 style of travel. Our first accommodation choice is always as close to the main attraction of the destination as possible, however, sometimes we are not in the right centre of action, which means you may need to hop on a public transport to get to the city centre. Please note that service and accommodation in Europe may be different to the standards you are used to. Your accommodation will not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges and in particular destinations, rooms may be rather small.

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

ROOMING ALLOCATION:

Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with other travellers of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT:

Please note that on our 18-35 trips in Europe we do not provide a single room supplement option.

CHECK-IN TIME:

Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:

If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights), Hostel (1 night)

hotel: 4 night(s), hostel: 1 night(s), guesthouse: 3 night(s);

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Tirana - Bunk'Art Bunker Exhibition Visit

Himare - Local Boat Tour

Gjirokaster - Zekate Tower House

Gjirokaster - Local Guide

Gjirokaster - Turkish Coffee 'on the Stone'

Gjirokaster - Gjirokaster Fortress

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TRANSPORT IN EUROPE:

Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.,

LONG TRAVEL DAYS:

As we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.

Private vehicle, Ferry, Bus

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Destinations

Kruje - town in AlbaniaKruje
The aerial view of Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea, Europe.Dubrovnik
Himarë
Tirana County - region in AlbaniaTirana
Photo of aerial spring cityscape of capital of Corfu island, Greece.Corfu
Photo of aerial view of Ulcinj, famous resort town in Montenegro.Ulcinj
Sarandë - town in AlbaniaSarandë
Kotor -  in MontenegroKotor

Map

Attractions

Pulëbardha Beach, Sarandë, Bashkia Sarandë, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaPulëbardha Beach
Allegra Photo Point
Pasjača, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, CroatiaPasjača
Photo of Gjipe beach, Clear waters of the Ionian Sea, impressive canyon, best beach in Albania.Gjipe Beach
Himara Castle, Himarë, Bashkia Himarë, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaHimara Castle
Photo of Kruje Castle and its fortress with the walls and mountains in the background, Albania.Castle of Kruja
Palasa Beach, Himarë, Bashkia Himarë, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaPalasa Beach
Vrata od Buže, Grad Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, CroatiaVrata od Buže
Kastio Castle
Plaža Sveti Jakov, Grad Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, CroatiaPlaža Sveti Jakov
Kampana Tower, Kotor Municipality, MontenegroKampana Tower
Butrint National Park, Xarrë, Bashkia Konispol, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaButrint National Park
Krorëza Beach, Lukovë, Bashkia Himarë, Vlorë County, Southern Albania, AlbaniaKrorëza Beach
BUNK'ART, Dajt, Tirana Municipally, Tirana County, Central Albania, AlbaniaBunk’Art
Photo of grand park in Tirana viewed behind a fountain on an artificial lake, Albania.Tirana Park
Photo of stunning Blue Turquoise Water of Bellevue Beach, Dubrovnik, Croatia.Bellevue Beach

Daily Itinerary

Day1

Day 1
Day 1: Dubrovnik

  • Dubrovnik - Arrival day
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  • Pasjača
  • Vrata od Buže
  • Plaža Sveti Jakov
  • Bellevue Beach
  • More

Your journey begins in the radiant city of Dubrovnik, where you'll be welcomed in the early evening. Settle into your hotel (Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik or similar) and, if you arrive ahead of schedule, immerse yourself in the city's enchanting atmosphere. Wander the iconic Old City Walls, enter through the historic Pile Gate, and perhaps enjoy a refreshing drink with panoramic views. Savor fresh seafood at a local eatery or relax by the Adriatic at Suluci or Banje Beach, where the crystal-clear waters invite you for a swim. Accommodation tonight is in Dubrovnik, ensuring a restful start to your adventure.

Day2

Day 2
Day 2: Dubrovnik – Kotor – Ulcinj

  • Dubrovnik
  • Kotor
  • Ulcinj
  • More
  • Allegra Photo Point
  • Kastio Castle
  • Kampana Tower
  • More

Depart Dubrovnik and journey south along the Adriatic to the medieval town of Kotor in Montenegro. Enjoy free time to explore its charming squares, ascend Kampana Tower for breathtaking views, or discover its many historic churches. The adventure continues to Ulcinj, a vibrant coastal town renowned for its lively beaches and ancient city walls. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Ulcinj Old Town, explore the storied Ulcinj Castle, and unwind as the sun sets over the Adriatic. Your accommodation tonight is in Ulcinj (Hotel Mediteran Ulcinj or similar), offering a perfect blend of comfort and local flair.

Day3

Day 3
Day 3: Ulcinj – Tirana

  • Tirana
  • Ulcinj
  • More
  • Bunk’Art
  • More

After breakfast, cross into Albania and arrive in Tirana, the nation's lively capital. Join your guide for an orientation walk, gaining insight into the city’s eclectic blend of old and new. Delve into Albania’s past at Bunk’Art, a unique museum set within a vast underground bunker, now filled with contemporary art and historical exhibits. The afternoon is yours to explore Tirana’s vibrant neighborhoods, perhaps sampling local cuisine or enjoying a drink in the trendy Block area. Tonight, relax at your centrally located hotel (Hotel Mondial or similar) in Tirana.

Day4

Day 4
Day 4: Tirana – Kruja (Optional)

  • Tirana
  • Kruje
  • More
  • Castle of Kruja
  • Tirana Park
  • More

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Tirana, with the option to explore the bustling local markets or sample traditional Albanian dishes. For those seeking adventure, a short trip to the ancient town of Kruja offers a glimpse into Albania’s storied past. As evening falls, gather with fellow travelers in the lively Blloku district for pre-dinner drinks, then indulge in a memorable meal at Tirana Castle, where history meets modern dining. Accommodation remains in Tirana, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Day5

Day 5
Day 5: Tirana – Himare

  • Himarë
  • Tirana
  • More
  • Himara Castle
  • More

Set off for the Albanian Riviera and arrive in the picturesque town of Himare, nestled between the Ionian Sea and the Ceraunian Mountains. Spend your day exploring the atmospheric Old Town perched on a rocky hill, marvel at the ancient ruins of Himare Castle, or unwind at a seaside café with local treats. Secluded coves beckon for a swim or a quiet afternoon with a good book. Tonight, rest at a charming local guesthouse or hotel (Hotel Rondos or similar) in Himare.

Day6

Day 6
Day 6: Himare – Coastal Adventure

  • Himarë
  • More
  • Pulëbardha Beach
  • Gjipe Beach
  • Palasa Beach
  • Krorëza Beach
  • More

Embark on a thrilling speedboat tour along the Albanian coast, discovering hidden gems such as Pigeon's Cave, the sparkling waters of Crystal Bay, the pristine sands of Gjipe Beach, and the mysterious Pirate's Cave. Swim in secluded spots near the dramatic Gjipe Canyon, soaking up the sun and sea. The afternoon is yours to relax in Himare, perhaps enjoying a meal at a seaside restaurant with stunning sunset views. Accommodation tonight is again in Himare, offering another night of coastal tranquility.

Day7

Day 7
Day 7: Himare – Gjirokaster

  • Himarë
  • More
  • Butrint National Park
  • More

Leave the coast behind and travel to Gjirokaster, a beautifully preserved Ottoman town in southern Albania. Upon arrival, visit a traditional tower house with a knowledgeable local guide, where you’ll experience the art of Albanian coffee making and perhaps have your fortune told. The evening is free to explore Gjirokaster’s atmospheric streets and sample authentic dishes such as speca me glize. Accommodation is in Gjirokaster (Hotel Kalemi or similar), offering a blend of history and comfort.

Day8

Day 8
Day 8: Gjirokaster – Saranda – Corfu

  • Sarandë
  • Corfu
  • More
  • Lori Beach
  • More

Journey south to Saranda, a lively resort town on Albania’s Ionian coast. From here, board a hydrofoil ferry to the Greek island of Corfu, famed for its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage shaped by Venetian, French, and British influences. Your guide will lead an orientation walk to help you discover the best of Corfu’s vibrant neighborhoods. The evening is yours to enjoy local cuisine and perhaps toast your journey with sunset drinks. Accommodation tonight is in Corfu (Corfu Palace Hotel or similar), offering a relaxing end to your day.

Day9

Day 9
Day 9: Corfu – Departure

  • Corfu - Departure day
  • More

Your adventure concludes on the beautiful island of Corfu. With no scheduled activities today, you are free to depart at your leisure or extend your stay to further explore the island’s stunning beaches and vibrant culinary scene. Should you wish to remain longer, your booking agent can assist with arrangements.

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From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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