Essential Southern Balkans

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Carbon neutral

9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 35 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

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

Starts

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Ends

Corfu, Greece

Highlights

Visit the seldom-visited Gjirokaster in Albania and get your caffeine fix with a taste of the local Turkish coffee made ‘on the stone’ with a local guide.

Head to the Albanian Riviera and float in the sparkling waters of Himare’s hidden coves. Go on a speed boat tour to Pirate’s Cave and take refreshing swims in the coastal waters. Then, kick back in Corfu – one of Greece’s famed islands.

Discover the walled cities of Kotor and the coastal town of Ulcinj, teeming with history from a bygone era. With a local leader who knows all the hotspots and heaps of free time to wander on your own, you’re bound to find all the best bits!

Descend into one of the world’s most peculiar contemporary art museums in Tirana – housed in an underground bunker built for the Albanian political elite.

Walk the walls of the Old City of medieval Dubrovnik and spot the film locations that have been used in worldwide blockbusters (if you loved Game of Thrones, this place might look a little familiar).

Itinerary

From the medieval streets of Dubrovnik to the sun-drenched shores of Corfu, the Essential Southern Balkans tour is a nine-day whirlwind crafted for young adults seeking both discovery and camaraderie. Explore Montenegro’s ancient towns, Albania’s vibrant capital Tirana, and the laid-back beaches of the Albanian Riviera. Along the way, delve into history in Stari Bar, sip coffee in Gjirokaster, and soak in the island vibes of Corfu. With a perfect mix of cultural immersion and relaxed beach time, this adventure tour stands out for its dynamic itinerary and spirited group atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to group trips, this journey guarantees a blend of bucket-list sights and spontaneous memories.

day 1 - Dubrovnik

Dobro Dosli! Welcome to Dubrovnik. Your adventure begins in sun-kissed Croatia with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, maybe head to the walled Old City through the Pile Gate drawbridge – the best way to explore Dubrovnik is on foot, so walk the walls and take your time. There’s a bar on the wall to grab a drink and admire the view too. In town, there are plenty of cool eateries to grab a quick lunch of fresh seafood or take a leisurely afternoon to people-watch. If a swim is on the cards, maybe head outside the walls to a cove and dive into the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea that surround you – Suluci or Banje Beach are great for a dip.

accommodation:Hostel

day 2 - Dubrovnik / Kotor / Ulcinj

This morning, hit the road to Kotor in Montenegro. Spend some free time exploring this terracotta-lined medieval town, maybe walking up Kampana Tower to see the surrounding turquoise waters and limestone cliffs or finding one of the many churches dotted around this relatively small town. Continue to Ulcinj – sitting on the Adriatic Coast, this town is home to scenic beaches, medieval city walls and thriving nightlife. When you arrive, maybe wander through the Old Town’s cobblestone streets and see Ulcinj Castle. Later, maybe watch the sunset on the beach.

accommodation:Guesthouse

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Tirana

This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive across the border into Albania to your next stop in Tirana. When you arrive, take a leader-led orientation walk around the city to get your bearings. Visit Bunk’Art 2 – a history and contemporary art museum located in the heart of Tirana. Step inside a vast underground bunker built during the communist era to protect Albania’s political elite. Beneath the city streets, explore a maze of concrete corridors and rooms spanning thousands of square meters, now transformed into powerful exhibitions on Albania’s modern history alongside thought provoking contemporary art installations. This afternoon, you’ll have time to explore this eclectic city at your own pace – maybe head out to the Block for drinks and swap stories with your fellow travellers.

included:Tirana - Bunk'Art 2 Bunker Exhibition Visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Tirana

Wake up without an alarm today – you’ve got a free day. Maybe make like the locals at the colourful street markets, explore the city’s traditional cuisine or jump on public transport to Kruja – this ancient Albanian city is just 32 km out of Tirana. Tonight, you might like to gather your newfound travel buds and head to the Blloku neighbourhood – a hotspot for pre-dinner drinks. Then, why not treat yourself to dinner at Tirana Castle – a Byzantine time castle transformed into a trendy outdoor shopping area with plenty of restaurant options to take your fancy.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Himare

After breakfast today, set your sights on the Riviera and make your way to Himare. Sitting between the Ionian Sea and Ceraunian Mountains, this town is a less-touristed part of Albania and is home to a great local food scene! When you arrive, you have a free day to soak up the scenic town – maybe explore the Old Town on the rocky hill for views of the sea and see the ruins of Himare Castle, over 3500 years old. After, head to a local cafe for coffee and cake or make your way to one of the secluded beach coves, perfect for having a dip in the sea and getting stuck into a good book.

accommodation:Guesthouse

meals:1 Breakfast

day 6 - Himare

Head out on a speed boat tour this morning, taking in the coastal sights from a different perspective. Take to the water and visit Pigeon’s Cave, Crystal Bay, Gjipe Beach and Pirate's Cave – one of the most spectacular caves in the country and only accessible by boat. Along the way, you’ll stop for swims in the caves and on the beaches near the Gjipe Canyon, giving you the ultimate chance to refresh under the sun. Later, enjoy a free afternoon to find a local restaurant with sea and sunset views – your leader will know some great spots!

included:Himare - Local Boat Tour

accommodation:Guesthouse

day 7 - Gjirokaster

Leave the sparkling Adriatic shores behind and head to Gjirokaster – a well-preserved Ottoman town in Albania’s south. When you arrive, visit one of the traditional tower houses with a local guide who has all the insights and taste the traditional coffee 'on the stone', roasted on the fire right in front of you! If you’re lucky, you might even get your fortune read. You’ll spend the night here, so maybe find some speca me glize (stuffed peppers) for dinner.

included:Gjirokaster - Zekate Tower House, Gjirokaster - Local Guide, Gjirokaster - Turkish Coffee 'on the Stone', Gjirokaster - Gjirokaster Fortress

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 8 - Corfu

Today you’ll head south to Saranda – a coastal resort town near the Albania and Greece border. From here, take a hydrofoil ferry to Corfu – an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea. Corfu is known for its mountainous landscapes that extend to the shores and its cultural heritage, spent under rule from Venetian, French and British influences. Your group leader will take you on an orientation walk near where you’re staying, so you can find all the best spots and get your bearings for later. Tonight is all yours – maybe round up your group and head out for sunset drinks at one of the local restaurants.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 9 - Corfu

With no planned activities today, you’re free to leave anytime. If shorelines and souvlakis are still on the cards, you don’t have to leave just yet! If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

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

Meals

6 Breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry, Bus

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Tirana - Bunk'Art 2 Bunker Exhibition VisitHimare - Local Boat TourGjirokaster - Zekate Tower HouseGjirokaster - Local GuideGjirokaster - Turkish Coffee 'on the Stone'Gjirokaster - Gjirokaster Fortress

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.6 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 163 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

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4.67/5

Excellent based on 817 customer reviews from

RJ

Booking was simple and intuitive. Customer Service contacted us upon our initial inquiry and offered their assistance with any additional travel arrangements we may require.

1 week ago

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