Classic Balkans: Zagreb to Tirana Tour with 1 Review by G Adventures

22 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Zagreb, Croatia

Ends

Tirana, Albania

Highlights

Enjoy the stunning lakes and waterfalls at Plitvice and Krka National Parks.

Wander past historic churches and monuments in Split and Dubrovnik.

See the spectacular Kravica and Koćuša Waterfalls.

Be immersed in Bosnia and Herzegovina's history in Mostar and Sarajevo.

Set off on a boat tour of the Bay of Kotor and visit the old town of Perast.

Spend 2 nights at eco-lodges in the mountains of Montenegro

Itinerary

If you’re looking for an adventure where every day brings a new marvel, "Classic Balkans: Zagreb to Tirana" is a 22-day odyssey through Croatia and Albania’s dazzling landscapes and rich history. From the fairytale lakes of Plitvice National Park to UNESCO treasures and vibrant art colonies, every moment is curated for awe and discovery. The unique selling point here is the tour’s in-depth exploration—delving into the heart of the Balkans for a transformative, memory-making experience.

day 1 - Zagreb

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a orientation walk to get your bearings of the area and to see some of the street graffiti art on the way to an optional group dinner.

Accomodation:Hotel Central Zagreb (or similar)

Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Zagreb Orientation Walk Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

day 2 - Zagreb/Plitvička Jezera

Travel south from Zagreb to the stunning and iconic Plitvice Lakes National Park. Explore the park’s forests, crystal waters, and cascading falls with our CEO for incredible scenery, natural beauty and photo opportunities. Continue to the hotel in the evening, check in and relax before a delicious dinner.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Big House Hotel Plitvička Jezera (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr Distance : 132 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 20 km

Included Activity:Plitvice Lakes National Park Visit Duration : 3.0 hr

day 3 - Plitvička Jezera/Šibenik

Depart the hotel after breakfast and drive to the coastal city of Zadar. Discover the city on a walking food tour with a local guide, exploring the historic city centre and important landmarks and culminating in a secluded garden for lunch and wine tasting. Continue to Krka National Park for a hike through the lush forest along the river to a series of spectacular waterfalls. Finish the Day in the nearby city of Šibenik and enjoy a free evening.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Hotel Jadran Šibenik (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 120 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 76 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 50 km

Included Activities:Zadar Walking Food Tour Duration : 2.5 hr - 3.0 hr, Krka National Park Hike Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 4 km

day 4 - Šibenik

Set off on a full-day excursion to explore the nearby islands of Prvic and Zlarin. Take the ferry first to Prvic and explore the old town and other parts of this small island with your CEO then hop on the next ferry to the nearby island of Zlarin. Populated since ancient times, Zlarin has many historical monuments worth exploring and and offers incredible views over the islands natural vistas towards the Adriatic Sea. Return to Šibenik in the afternoon and take a stroll through the old town with your CEO before enjoying the rest of the Day and evening at leisure.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Jadran Šibenik (or similar)

Included Activity:Excursion to Prvic and Zlarin Islands Duration : 6.0 hr - 7.0 hr

day 5 - Šibenik/Makarska

Travel south along the coast today to the port city of Split. Explore the city with your CEO on an orientation walk to see some of the main sights and landmarks then enjoy free time for lunch and to continue exploring on your own with the chance to visit the Diocletian's Palace and the Riva promenade. In the late afternoon continue by bus to the city of Makarska to check into the hotel and enjoy a free evening.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Biokovo Makarska (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr Distance : 85 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr Distance : 88 km

Included Activity:Orientation Walk of Split Duration : 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:St Duje Cathedral Visit The Cathedral of St Duje is said to be the oldest cathedral in the world, built around 305 AD. Climb up the bell tower for excellent views of Split and the surrounding port area., Mestrovic Gallery Filled with the incredible sculptures of Croatian artist and architect Ivan Meštrović, this gallery is beautiful inside and out. The gallery is housed in a villa designed by Meštrović as a summer home which overlooks a wonderful garden where you can view more sculptures and enjoy the breeze from the sea. , Bacvice Beach Visit Head to this local hot spot to soak up some rays or play in the calm waters. The sandy shores are often packed with rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas, but it's still a great place to spend some time if you’re looking to cool off. Visit some of the cafes along the waterfront, wade out into the shallow water, or rent a lounge chair and relax. , Diocletian's Palace

day 6 - Makarska

Enjoy a full free Day to take advantage of the many optional activities available in and around Makarska. Perhaps take a ferry to the island of Brač to explore on your own, take a tuk tuk tour, go zip-lining in the nearby town of Tucepi or just relax on the local beach.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Biokovo Makarska (or similar)

Optional Activities:Brač Island Excursion Head to Brač Island to explore its coastline and beaches, and play in crystal clear waters. Have a barbeque lunch on a deserted beach, visit local vineyards, or go for a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to visit the island's well-known Zlanti Rat beach, where the tides, currents, and wind are constantly shifting the shape of the beach., Tuk Tuk Tour to Skywalk

day 7 - Makarska/Dubrovnik

Set off from Makarska along the coast and make a stop at a small bay called Uvala Bistrina to learn all about the local oyster farming and to sample some fresh ones and with wine and lunch from local ingredients. Take some free time to wander the town of Ston and to walk along the massive and historic Ston City wall which rewards those who climb it incredible views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Continue driving in the afternoon to Croatia's capital city, Dubrovnik and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Akademis Hotel Dubrovnik (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 120 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 60 km

Included Activities:Oyster Farm Food and Wine Experience with Lunch Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr, Visit Ston and Wall Walk Duration : 2.0 hr

day 8 - Dubrovnik

Discover Dubrovnik today on an orientation walk with your CEO through the old part of the city and seeing some of the city's most iconic buildings and landmarks. Make a stop at the G Adventures-supported Maritimo Recycling, where artists are creatively working to clean up the Adriatic Sea. Then, take the rest of the Day to continue exploring on your own, take an optional kayak excursion or relax in one of the many cafés and watch the world go by. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner out on the town.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Akademis Hotel Dubrovnik (or similar)

Included Activities:Dubrovnik Orientation Walk With CEO, Maritimo Recycling

day 9 - Dubrovnik/Trebinje

Enjoy a free morning in Dubrovnik for further exploration or for some last-minute shopping before departing around midday for Bosnia and Herzegovina. After driving across the border, make a stop at the Tvrdoš Monastery and sample some of the local wine then continue to a view point at the Hercegovačka Gračanica Temple to enjoy a great view of the city of Trebinje. Make a final stop at Arslanagić bridge before arriving to the hotel. In the evening, set off with your CEO on an orientation walk along the river and into the old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Integra (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 50 km

Included Activity:Tvrdoš Monastery and Wine Tasting

day 10 - Trebinje

Today is all about local flavours, culture and long-standing traditions.. Explore the organic market to sample some options and learn of the local specialties before transferring to a women run apiary and see how they manage the hives. Continue to a farm that has specialized in cheese making for more than 5 generations. Visit the farm and share a delicious farm-to-table lunch with the family. Understanding the local culture is made easier by immersing yourself in the cuisine, and there is no better way than this. The rest of the Day is free after returning to Trebinje in the aftenroon.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Hotel Integra (or similar)

Included Activities:Trebinje Market Tour Duration : 1.5 hr, Cheese Making Farm and Lunch Duration : 3.0 hr, Apiary Visit Duration : 2.0 hr

day 11 - Trebinje/Čitluk

Head out of Trebinje in the morning by bus for a Day of highlights. First, stop in Stolac to see the town centre then visit a UNESCO-listed site with ornamented necropolis tombstones to get a glimpse into how people lived in the Middle Ages. Continue to the spectacular Kravica waterfall and carry on to the lesser-visited Koćuša Waterfall to enjoy the scenery and have time for lunch. Later, travel to the town of Čitluk for the night and cap off the Day with dinner at a winery, paired with their locally produced wines.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Villa and Winecellar Ostojic (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 80 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 42 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 20 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 24 km

Included Activities:Stolac Visit and Necropolis Tombstones Duration : 1.5 hr, Kravica Waterfall, Koćuša Waterfall Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr

day 12 - Čitluk/Mostar

Immerse yourself in history today by visiting the Pocitelj Ottoman stone town and art colony, taking a short hike to the Blagaj Fortress, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Dervish Monastery, built on cliffs by the water at the mouth of the Buna River. Later, continue to the city of Mostar and set off on a guided walking tour before spending the rest of the evening at leisure.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Almira (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 24 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 20 km

Included Activities:Počitelj Fortress Visit Duration : 1.0 hr, Blagaj Fortress Hike Duration : 1.0 hr, Dervish Monastery Visit Duration : 1.0 hr, Guided Walking Tour of Mostar Duration : 1.5 hr

day 13 - Mostar/Sarajevo

Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo today. Ascend the Mount Trebević for the best views of the city and visit the Abandoned Bobsled track which provides a glimpse into the city’s complex history. Explore the vibrant Sarajevo and be immersed in the local culinary scene on a history and food tour that will serve as a delicious dinner this evening and a great introduction to the city.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Cosmopolit (or similar)

Transport:Local Train

Included Activities:Sarajevo Cable Car and Bobsled Track, Sarajevo Food Tour Duration : 4.0 hr - 5.0 hr

day 14 - Sarajevo

Take advantage of a free Day to get the most out of the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Dive into the history and tragic past with countless museums and culturally significant monuments, take a graffiti art tour or just relax and sample local flavours at one of the many cafes.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Cosmopolit (or similar)

Optional Activities:National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Founded in 1888, the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the oldest cultural and scientific institutions in the country., Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum Walk in the footsteps of Sarajevans who endured the Siege (1992-1995). Visit many historical sights including a stunning viewpoint over the city, a cemetery were the defenders of Sarajevo are buried, and Sniper Ally. Learn about the Siege and absorb interesting stories about daily life., Gallery 11/07/95 This gallery space aims to preserve the memory on Srebrenica tragedy and 8372 persons who tragically lost their lives during the genocide through photography, video and interactive documentary.

day 15 - Sarajevo/Kotor

Depart from Sarajevo after breakfast for the drive into Montenegro with a stop at Bileća to stretch the legs and have a bite to eat. Arrive to Kotor in the afternoon and check into the hotel. In the evening, set off with your CEO on an orientation walk of Kotor's old town. Get your bearings of the area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Splendido Kotor (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle

Included Activity:Kotor Old Town Orientation Walk Duration : 1.0 hr

day 16 - Kotor

Hop on a boat from Kotor's port area and set off on a scenic ride in the Bay of Kotor, seeing a number of small islands and historical sites before arriving to the town of Perast. Spend some time exploring and wandering Perast's old town before returning to Kotor around midday. The rest of the Day is free for individual exploration or for optional activities like museum visits or sea kayaking.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Splendido Kotor (or similar)

Included Activity:Kotor Boat Tour Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr

Optional Activities:Kotor Maritime Museum , Sea Kayaking Kayaks are for two people. Lifejackets and briefing provided. , Kotor City Exploration Take some time to explore this picturesque town surrounded by a walled fortress built by the Republic of Venice. Kotor has a Mediterranean feel to it and the bay offers a stunning backdrop for photographs.

day 17 - Kotor/Žabljak

Travel south from Kotor to the coastal seaport town of Budva. Visit the old town on a walk with your CEO then continue inland to visit the striking Ostrog Monasteray, perched high on a mountain cliff face, offering great views from the top. After lunch, drive towards Zabljak, a serene natural haven with diverse terrain and forest shade - our stop for the night.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Enigma Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr Distance : 110 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 107 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr Distance : 23 km

Included Activities:Ostrog Monastery Visit Duration : 0.5 hr, Budva Old Town Walk Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr

day 18 - Žabljak/Kolašin

Head out after breakfast and drive to a hidden gem of natural beauty in Montenegro, Biogradska Gora National Park. Spend most of the Day in the park, walking with the CEO around the lake and taking in the pristine forest and mountain scenery. After lunch in the park enjoy a bit of free time to rent a boat, a bike or a kayak to further explore the area. In the late afternoon, drive to the nearby town of Kolasin for the night, with an included dinner at our accommodation.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Serdar (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr Distance : 100 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 25 km

Included Activity:Biogradska Gora National Park Visit Duration : 5.0 hr

day 19 - Kolašin/Podgorica

Get picked up at the hotel in the morning by 4x4 vehicles for an unforgettable adventure. Head off-road and explore Montenegro's incredibly beautiful back country while traversing rugged terrain through mountains and forest. After lunch, take a bus south to the capital city of Podgorica and set off on a a walking exploration of the old town, once a medieval stronghold. Enjoy an optional final dinner out with the group in the old town or near the hotel.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Hotel Kerber (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 60 km

Included Activities:Kolašin 4x4 Off-Road Excursion Duration : 4.0 hr, Podgorica Old Town Orientation Walk Duration : 1.0 hr

day 20 - Podgorica/Shkodër

Depart Podgorica and cross into Albania, reaching the beautiful natural scenery of Theth National Park. Explore the area with your CEO, walking through meadows full of wildflowers surrounded by mountain peaks, and marvel at the 25m high Grunasi Waterfall, cascading from a limestone cliff. In the afternoon continue to the city of Shkodër and check into the hotel, with the rest of the evening free to relax.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Treva (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 92 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 77 km

Included Activity:Theth National Park Visit Duration : 2.0 hr

day 21 - Shkodër

Set off this morning on a guided walking tour of Shkodër to see some of the main sights and to learn a bit about the city's history. Starting from the Ottoman-era Mesi bridge, walk to the old town and take in the panoramic views from Rozafa castle. Shkodër's cultural heritage is on full display through its historic architecture and monuments. The rest of the Day is free to explore, visit museums or relax at a cafe or at the hotel.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Treva (or similar)

Included Activity:Guided Walking Tour of Shkodër Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr

Optional Activities:Site of Memory and Memorial Museum , Venice Art Mask Factory

day 22 - Shkodër/Tirana

Travel south from Shkodër this morning and stop in the small mountain town of Kruje. Explore the city on foot learn a bit about its fascinating history and significance since Roman times. After time for lunch, continue driving south to the city of Tirana, Albania's capital, where the tour ends on arrival at approximately 5pm.

Meal:Breakfast

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 85 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 40 km

Included Activity:Kruje Entrance Fees Duration : 1.5 hr

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (19 nts), Eco Lodge (2 nts).

Meals

21 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Note: Allow USD520-680 for meals not included.

Transport

Private vehicle, ferry, boat, walking.

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: Maritimo Recycling, DubrovnikYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Foodie Moment: Zadar Walking Food Tour, ZadarYour Foodie Moment: Oyster Farm Food and Wine Experience with Lunch, Uvala BistrinaYour Foodie Moment: Trebinje Market Tour, TrebinjeYour Foodie Moment: Cheese Making Farm and Lunch, TrebinjeYour Foodie Moment: Apiary Visit, TrebinjeYour Foodie Moment: Sarajevo Food Tour, SarajevoOrientation walks in Zagreb, Split and DubrovnikExplore Plitvice Lakes National ParkHike in Krka Lakes National ParkFull-day excursion to the islands of Prvic and Zlarin from ŠibenikWalk along the old city wall of StonTvrdoš Monastery Visit and Wine TastingOrientation walk in TrebinjeVisit the town of Stolac and the necropolis tombstonesSee Kravica and Koćuša WaterfallsDinner and wine pairing at a winery in ČitlukVisit the Pocitelj Ottoman stone townHike to the Blagaj FortressVisit the Dervish MonasteryGuided walking tour of MostarTurkish House coffee experience in MostarGuided tour of Tito's BunkerKotor orientation walkBoat tour from Kotor to PerastBudva Old Town walkVisit Ostrog MonasteryFull-day excursion to Biogradska Gora National ParkKolašin 4x4 Off-Road ExcursionOrientaion walk of PodgoricaTheth National Park visitWalking tour of ShkoderWalking tour of KrujeTransport to/from all included activities and between all destinations

What's Excluded

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Anonymous

Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

2 days ago

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Zagreb

day 2 - Zagreb/Plitvička Jezera

day 3 - Plitvička Jezera/Šibenik

day 4 - Šibenik

day 5 - Šibenik/Makarska

day 6 - Makarska

day 7 - Makarska/Dubrovnik

day 8 - Dubrovnik

day 9 - Dubrovnik/Trebinje

day 10 - Trebinje

day 11 - Trebinje/Čitluk

day 12 - Čitluk/Mostar

day 13 - Mostar/Sarajevo

day 14 - Sarajevo

day 15 - Sarajevo/Kotor

day 16 - Kotor

day 17 - Kotor/Žabljak

day 18 - Žabljak/Kolašin

day 19 - Kolašin/Podgorica

day 20 - Podgorica/Shkodër

day 21 - Shkodër

day 22 - Shkodër/Tirana

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

What's Included

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

5.0

Tour Availability

Monthly Price Comparison

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Itinerary

day 1 - Zagreb

day 2 - Zagreb/Plitvička Jezera

day 3 - Plitvička Jezera/Šibenik

day 4 - Šibenik

day 5 - Šibenik/Makarska

day 6 - Makarska

day 7 - Makarska/Dubrovnik

day 8 - Dubrovnik

day 9 - Dubrovnik/Trebinje

day 10 - Trebinje

day 11 - Trebinje/Čitluk

day 12 - Čitluk/Mostar