Duration: 9 Days
Discover a world of beauty, history, and rich tradition on your escorted tour of Croatia, Montenegro and Albania without the higher prices and crowded sites of the busy travel season. Escape for nine days in the affordable and less-crowded off season to explore these countries rich in proud tradition.
Begin your vacation in Croatia to explore the sights of capital Zagreb— a guided tour of this extraordinary city. Take a scenic drive along the stunning coast to Zadar, where you’ll enjoy the magical sounds and lights of the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun installations. Take breathtaking views of the lake and waterfalls in Krka National Park. Another highlight is a special lunch at a local restaurant. You’ll travel through the ruggedly beautiful Neretva Valley to 16th-century Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina on your way to Split, Croatia—ancient Spalato—to tour the Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, and see the Mausoleum, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the incredible Temple of Jupiter. You’ll visit the dramatic setting of Dubrovnik, an ancient maritime republic poised above the Adriatic Sea. Explore the impressive ramparts of the walled city, see its Franciscan and Dominican monasteries.
Travel to Montenegro and explore Kotor, the “Jewel of the Mediterranean” before continuing on to Albania. Explore Albania’s capital city- Tirana and visit the Old Mosque and enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your Balkans Escape.
Welcome to Zagreb! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
A City Split into Two
ZAGREB Guided Sightseeing includes sights of important landmarks of the Lower and medieval Upper Town, such as the Parliament, Stone Gate, the Archbishop's Palace, and the majestic cathedral. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Explore the historic city of Zagreb, one of the oldest in Europe. Ride on the shortest funicular in the world and see stunning views of the city and its lovely red rooftops from the top but also take pictures of the colourful glazed tile roofing on St. Mark's Church.
Sea Sounds and Sunsets
ZADAR A guided walking tour includes the main square and Nikola Basic's amazing Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun installations. (B,D) 180 mi/ 290 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Designed by architect Nikola Basic and opened in April 2005, the Sea Organ captures the movement of the waves and transforms it into music - or something like it. Next to it the Greeting to the Sun was built. a 22-metre diameter circle with photovoltaic solar modules underneath. The solar-powered cells under the glass start generating electricity around dawn, which allows the disc to glow and light the shoreline.
Natural Wonders
KRKA [LF] Take In breathtaking views of the lake and waterfalls In Krka National Park. Afterwards enjoy a light lunch with local specialties. (B,L) 121 mi / 195 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
NATURAL GEM Explore this natural wonder that features awe-inspiring waterfalls and a huge range of natural flora and fauna. Take a look at the Jaruga, the second oldest hydroelectric power plant in the entire world, having opened only two days after the world` s first - Tesla hydroelectric power plant on Niagara Falls.
Lucky Sculpture and The Black Sphynx
SPLIT Follow your Local Guide for a walk through the labyrinth of medieval streets within the walls of Emperor Diocletian's Palace. (B) 149 mi / 240 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Stroll through the maze of streets within the famed Palace that is more like a city in and of itself! Also, it resembles a fortress with 220 buildings and more than 3.000 people living inside its walls. For 10 years of good luck, don't forget to rub the toe of the giant sculpture of Grgur Ninski located in from of the Golden Gate!
Time Stands Still
DUBROVNIK Walking tour with your Local Guide includes sights of the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, and the impressive ramparts, erected during the Crusades to protect the town against land attacks. Spend the rest of the day exploring the town at your own pace. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Apart from the obvious things, like electricity and WIFI, Dubrovnik's old city is a time warp. When you enter the city walls you could be entering a time zone from a mere 50 to a huge 500 years ago. Dubrovnik is a living, breathing museum that hides real gems like the Old Pharmacy, inside the Franciscan Monastery, the third oldest in Europe and the oldest pharmacy still in use on the continent today.
Jewel of the Mediterranean
KOTOR 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. (B) 183 mi / 295 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGEND & FAITH The legend has it that on a summery evening in July 1452, two fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary on the sea-cliff. They brought it home with them but the following morning it was gone and appeared back on the same sea-cliff. The same thing happened over and over so they understood this as a Virgin's wish to stay there forever so they build a church. A small island was then made by people from Perast who were throwing rocks and stones around the cliff.
Good Bye, Tirana
TIRANA Guided walking tour of the city features a visit to the Old Mosque and the main square. Farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
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 (Kulla e Sahatit), a symbol of ottoman architecture, Italian buildings, and the style of construction during the dictatorship tell a vibrant story of this city.
SAFE TRAVELS UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
