Gems of the Balkans with coastal cruise

14 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Time travel on this 7-day escorted tour of the beautiful Balkans from Tirana to Dubrovnik and discover how the past stands still and the future is in full play. From the seemingly unchanged villages and natural landscapes to the languid lakes and legendary seascapes of Albania and Croatia, you’ll find the vibrant life of artisans, ancient architecture, and fo...
From$5,670
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

What's this trip about?

    Time travel on this 7-day escorted tour of the beautiful Balkans from Tirana to Dubrovnik and discover how the past stands still and the future is in full play. From the seemingly unchanged villages and natural landscapes to the languid lakes and legendary seascapes of Albania and Croatia, you’ll find the vibrant life of artisans, ancient architecture, and fortresses that hold the secrets of wars past, and freedom won. Capture the beauty of the Balkans on the pink-paved streets and markets mixed with the Byzantine and Venetian architecture of Kotor, Montenegro; the legends of sea stories in Perast; and the massive fortress walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia. On a clear day, you can see forever with a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car, as well as the most beautiful panoramic views from the Srd mountain. Take in the red rooftops below that glow in the sun beside the glittering Adriatic Sea. Board your Adriatic cruise in Croatia along the islands of the Dubrovnik Riviera and onward to Split!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City TIRANA, ALBANIA
End CitySPLIT (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Albania
  • Croatia
  • Montenegro

Attractions

  • Budva
  • Croatia
  • Dubrovnik
  • Kotor
  • Montenegro
  • Split
  • Tirana

Activities

  • Culture

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN TIRANA, ALBANIA

Welcome to Tirana! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)

TIRANA-CLOCK-TOWER.jpg

Day 2: TIRANA

Art Covers Rock TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Bunk’Art (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE The architecture of this city has aspects of all periods of time. From the Tirana mosaic (Ancient Roman) to the Clock Tower...

Day 3: TIRANA–VIRPAZAR, MONTENEGRO–BUDVA

A Shore Thing VIRPAZAR Guided boat trip on Skadar Lake. (Breakfast) 137 mi / 220 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Skadar lake is the largest lake in the Balkans, surrounded by karst mountains and rocky shores. When it formed millions of years ago it was just ...

Day 4: BUDVA EXCURSION TO CETINJE AND KOTOR

Former Capitals & Coastal Towns CETINJE Guided tour of the town includes visit to King Nicola's Museum. Free time for lunch. KOTOR Guided visit of the old town. BUDVA Dinner at local restaurant (Breakfast,Dinner) 106mi / 170 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPO...

Day 5: BUDVA–PERAST–DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Jewel of the Mediterranean PERAST [LF] Visit "Our Lady of the Rocks" Church perched on an man-made tiny Island on the way to Kotor city for a guided walking tour that includes all the famous sights of this little town. Free time for lunch. (Breakfast) 71 mi / 115km

Day 6: DUBROVNIK–KONAVLE–DUBROVNIK

A King’s Landing DUBROVNIK Walking tour with a Local Guide. KONAVLE Walking tour and farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner) 37 mi / 60 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE It isn’t hard to see why the city of Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl o...

Day 7: DUBROVNIK (EMBARKATION)

Above the Gates DUBROVNIK Embark on your coastal cruise. Transfer to the city gate and take the cable car from the Old Town to the Srd mountain to enjoy scenic views of the Elaphiti Islands. return transfer to the vessel to meet the crew and enjoy cocktails and dinner...

Day 8: CRUISING: DUBROVNIK–SLANO

Safe Harbor Cruise around Dubrovnik city walls, then continue to one of the Elaphiti islands for a swimming stop. SLANO Explore the town’s long medieval ramparts, then learn more about oysters which made this village famous for and taste this delicacy. Free time befor...

Day 9: CRUISING: SLANO–MIJET

Myths & Marvels MIJET Stroll to the famous salt lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOTS The legend has it that the Greek hero Odysseus...

Day 10: CRUISING: MIJET–KORCULA

Marco Polo Found KORCULA Guided walking tour of this enchanting town surrounded by walls. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & LEGENDS Rumor has it that the island of Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and one of the best-preserved medieval citie...

Day 11: CRUISING: KORCULA–VIS

On the Waterfront VIS: Free time to explore the island. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT FREE TIME TIP In the 4th-century B.C., The island of Vis was one of the main Greek coloniesand ultimately used as a Yugoslavian army base–until 1991. As a result, the cultur...

Day 12: CRUISING: VIS–BISEVO–HVAR

Island Beauties BISEV Visit the Blue Cave (weather permitting) HVAR Guided tour of the island includes visit of the Renaissance Cathedral and the oldest community theater in Europe (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT SPECTACULAR SIGHTS Hvar is the longest and sunni...

Day 13: CRUISING: HVAR–BOL–SPLIT

Blue Heaven BOL Stop for a swim in one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia- Zlatni Rat SPLIT Guided tour of the city (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Zlatni rat beach in Croatia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, and th...

Day 14: SPLIT (DISEMBARKATION)

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

SPLIT-STREET-SCENE.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,670
Price per day$405
Last Updated: 4/17/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
05 May 2024
18 May 2024
$4,700
Sold Out
19 May 2024
01 Jun 2024
$5,300
Sold Out
02 Jun 2024
15 Jun 2024
$5,930
Sold Out
16 Jun 2024
29 Jun 2024
$5,470
Sold Out
30 Jun 2024
13 Jul 2024
$5,580
Sold Out
08 Sep 2024
21 Sep 2024
$5,870
Available
15 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024
$5,670
Available

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Globus Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
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1,726
Average
341
Disappointing
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Other Globus Reviews

k

kit

Mar 2024

Written on

guide Sites are amazing, but tour ruins it

This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the exper...

m

mike

Feb 2024

Written on

Never Again

Just returned from Italy. Guides were very informative. Hotels went downhill with each city. Dinners which were included were absolutely horrible - vegetable lasagna...

I

In country help

Jan 2024

Written on

Tour company help is most needed in-country

This is an upcoming trip that I haven't taken yet - the Sicilian Escape. I booked my own international flights for round trip to the launch point in Palermo. My erro...

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Tour Operator

Globus

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Why Travel with Globus?

Perfectly Planned. Seriously Stress Free.

After 90-plus years of sharing the world with travelers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. Our global network of premiere travel partners, operations experts, and hospitality pros share one goal in mind—an exceptional travel experience no matter where we travel together.

Beyond the Guidebooks.

While Italy is synonymous with spectacular food, it is the close family connection that brings generations of tradition to the table. Globus goes beyond typical tours to introduce you to local legends and local experiences not found on just any map. Meet the Bonajuto family at Antica Dolceria—the oldest confectionery in Sicily. More than 150 years after the dolceria was founded by Francesco Bonajuto, the family still serves its heavenly chocolates in the same spot, while also serving as international ambassadors of Sicilian cuisine. Che dolce!

Don’t Miss the Must Sees.

Why stand in line to catch a fleeting glimpse of ancient ruins and remarkable historic sites? Globus gives you VIP access with an expert Local Guide to go deeper, get closer, and soak it all in. From the Parthenon to the Vatican museums, you’ll explore Europe’s most beloved locations without getting lost in a crowd or waiting in line. Don’t just file past masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or get only a hurried look at the Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle. Experience Europe’s extraordinary sights—and historic sites—with the VIP access you deserve.

Dreams Realized.

The Colosseum. The Prado. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each Globus tour always includes the legendary landmarks, the major attractions, and the must-see sites. Going beyond the iconic exteriors, we lead you to the front of the line, straight through the door, and inside the walls of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places for an exclusive look behind the scenes. With priority access, we ensure you behold the sights you’ve long dreamed of—without waiting any longer!

Do as the Locals Do.

When in Rome—or London, Paris, or Barcelona—we arrange for you to do as the locals do, not just what the tourists do. In every itinerary, we include hands-on, authentic experiences for a true taste of a day in the life. Board a private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, bake scones in an Irish farmhouse, or sample Geysir Schnapps in Iceland. By striking a golf ball at St. Andrews or dancing the Sirtaki while sipping ouzo, you truly get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the world from an insider’s perspective.

Adventure, a la Carte

While Globus vacations get you up close and personal to the world's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences, we also know the value of spending time on your own to explore as you please. After all, travel is meant to be filled with memorable moments of your own with serendipitous surprises that can’t be planned or scheduled. We build free time into every itinerary so you can leisurely explore the beckoning bookstore, tempting café table, or whimsical window shopping that's schedule free. Don’t wait a lifetime for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting just around the corner!

Pick your Passion.

Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

A Friend in Every City.

Join us and a few of our friends in your next dream destination. After all, we’ve spent over 90 years making friends in virtually every city and country in the world who let us in on local secrets, like where to find the best scone, stein, or spumoni; the best people-watching table; or the best view of wide-open spaces. Every Globus vacation includes local experts who share the stories behind the sights and Local Favorites you won’t find in the guidebooks. Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides hail from the region through which you’re traveling. No one is more familiar, passionate, or eager to share insider knowledge than our local pros!


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Logistics

Accommodation

Hilton Garden Inn TiranaThis trendy 143-room hotel is perfectly positioned for discovering the secrets of Albania's capital city. The spacious guest rooms are equipped with amenities to maximise comfort, including air conditioning, toiletries and cable TV. Guests can enjoy a unique dining experience at the on-site restaurant that serves high-quality international cuisine, There is also a fitness center and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. TiranaAlbania146 Bulevardi Gjergj FishtaHotel BudvaHotel Budva is a 4-star hotel located in the center of Budva, Montenegro, right on the seaside promenade and just steps away from the sandy Slovenska Beach and Marina. It features an on-site restaurant, bar and a wellness center. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The hotel has 157 rooms, all of which are equipped with air conditioning, TV, minibar and private bathroom. The hotel restaurant offers a variety of local and international dishes, while the bar serves refreshing drinks and cocktails. There is also a wellness center with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and massage treatments. BudvaMontenegroSlovenska ObalaLapadThis former Grand Hotel is set in a historic building surrounded by a large outdoor pool and palm trees, overlooking the famous Dubrovnik's Gruz Harbour. Clear lines are combined with luxurious fabrics in the modern guestrooms, all of which are air-conditioned and feature flat-screen satellite TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and bathrooms with shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Free Wi-Fi internet connection is available throughout the entire hotel. DubrovnikCroatiaLapadska obala 37,
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Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
globus-RIE

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